This email newsletter update provides helpful information from the Bureau of Certification.
Please do not reply to this email, as this account is not monitored.
Early Learning Resource Centers Are Up and Running!
As of July 2, 2018, the Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) are open for business! Serving families and providers in all Pennsylvania counties, the ELRCs have 22 primary office locations and multiple satellite offices with both fixed and flexible hours, making it easy for families and providers to access services. ELRCs are responsible for managing the subsidized child care program, Child Care Works and the early learning quality rating improvement system Keystone STARS.
For more information about the ELRCs, visit the PA Key website at www.pakeys.org.
Improving Subsidized Child Care Payment Rates
For the first time in 10 years, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is improving payment rates to child care providers serving children in subsidized care. OCDEL is doing this two ways:
By lifting the rate freeze for STAR 1 and STAR 2 providers. OCDEL lifted the rate freeze for STAR 3 and STAR 4 providers in January 2018.
By increasing the Maximum Child Care Allowances (MCCAs) by 2.5% across the board for all providers, including relative providers. The MCCAs are based on the provider type, the age of the child, the county where care occurs and the unit of care, full-time versus part-time.
All changes are effective August 1, 2018.
To support these changes, Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) are in the process of gathering updated agreements and rates information from providers. It is critical that all providers return their signed agreements and updated rate information to the ELRC as soon as possible but no later than August 17, 2018. Returning the signed agreement and the rates information by this date will insure that providers get paid timely and accurately.
Providers should contact their local ELRC if they have questions.
The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports families
and their children, from prenatal through school age, by using data, research and
stakeholder guidance to assure high quality services.
