Welcome to the ECE Recap where you can find the
most recent and important information from the
Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).
Maximum Child Care Allowance Rates Now Available

The current Maximum Child Care Allowance (MCCA) rates (effective March 1, 2021) and the new MCCA rates (effective Jan. 1, 2022) are now available on the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website. The MCCA is the ceiling set by the Department for payment of child care services to budget groups eligible for child care payment.
RFA Open for Children's Trust Fund Grants

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has posted the Solicitation RFA 17-21 for the Children’s Trust Fund (CTF) grants, to promote primary and secondary child abuse and neglect prevention programs in community-based settings to prevent abuse and neglect of children in the Commonwealth. Any organization located and operating in Pennsylvania that provides direct services and meets the criteria in this Request for Applications (RFA) is eligible to apply for a CTF grant on eMarketplace. Solicitation due date is Jan. 12, 2022.
Upcoming Compliance Announcements

The reauthorized Child Care Development Block Grant Fund (CCDF) requires Lead Agencies to maintain compliance with all provisions of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act (CCDBG), regulations, and the state’s approved CCDF Plan during the administration of their program. The monitoring cycle for FY2019-FY2021 focused on 34 regulations within 11 topical areas of the CCDF regulations. Based on the information gathered during Pennsylvania‘s monitoring visit, OCC has determined that Pennsylvania is in compliance with 28 of 34 regulations.
 
As part of Pennsylvania’s response to the areas of possible non-compliance regulations, OCDEL will be releasing several policy announcements that pertain to the child care regulations for certified child care facilities so that child care providers understand what is required to be in compliance with the established CCDF regulations and the Pennsylvania Child Care Regulations.
 
OCDEL will release the following policy announcements in the coming weeks:
  • Health and Safety Training and Professional Development Requirements
  • Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Requirements and Access to Free Training through Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organizations (ECE PDOs)
  • Updated Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning Regulations and Requirements for Child Care Facilities
  • Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome, Abusive Head Trauma, and Child Maltreatment
 
OCDEL plans to release a prerecorded/on-demand webinar for certified child care providers to offer an overview of all the policy announcements. Please contact your certification regional child care office for any questions regarding this communication.
  • Central Region 800-222-2117
  • Northeast Region 800-222-2108
  • Western Region 800-222-2149
  • Southeast North and Southeast South Region 800-346-2929
Wednesday is the Deadline for Family, Group and School Age Providers to Apply for ELC Subcommittee for Child Care Certification Regulation Rewrites 

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, is the deadline for FCC, GCC and SAC providers ONLY to apply for the ELC Subcommittee for Child Care Certification Regulation Rewrites. Interested FCC, GCC and SAC providers can apply now. Please contact Karen Grimm-Thomas (c-kgrimmth@pa.gov) with any questions.
Applications Being Accepted for the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship for Leadership Connections 2022

Applications are now being accepted for the Paula Jorde Bloom Scholarship Fund, to support emerging early childhood leaders who are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education for children and families. Recipients of the scholarships will receive complimentary, full-conference registration to Leadership Connections™ National Virtual Conference, April 27-29, 2022, valued at $455. Application deadline is Jan. 6, 2022. 
ARPA Stabilization Grant

Did you know if at any time during the application process for the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stabilization Grant, you disagree with information listed for your location, you should STOP and contact your regional ELRC. Stop the application process and contact your ELRC immediately if you disagree with any of the following information entered by the system in each provider’s application:
  • The licensed capacity listed in the application under the “Licensing & Affiliations” section as “capacity.” This should be the same number as your CER issued by Certification.
  • The Keystone STAR designation in the application listed under the “STARS Add-on” section.
  • The CCW enrollment counts for March 13, 2020, and/or March 11, 2021, listed under the “Child Care Works Add-on” section.

Ready to apply? Get started today!
Upcoming Deadlines