Deadline Tomorrow: Letter of Intent for 2023-24 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications Full Competitive Rebid

Tomorrow is the deadline for the Letter of Intent (LOI) for the competitive 2023-24 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (PA PKC) Request for Applications (RFA). Applicants must submit Letters of Intent to [email protected] by 3 PM on Tuesday, March 28, 2023. Only applicants that submit a complete LOI by the deadline may apply for funding.

This is a full, competitive rebid opportunity to disperse all available funding to select, eligible grantees for a five-year grant period beginning in FY 2023-24. All FY 2022-23 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grantees wishing to serve children in FY 2023-2024 MUST apply as part of this competitive rebid process. In addition, applications from those seeking to become new Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grantees will be reviewed. Learn more.

OCDEL Releases Two Announcements Relating to Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System

On March 21, 2023, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) released the Announcements ELRC 23-02: Ending Option for Director Instructor- Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) and ELRC 23-03: Requirements for Instructors Applying for Professional Development Instructor Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) Approval.

Announcement ELRC 23-02: Ending Option for Director Instructor- Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) provides information regarding the end date for the option for individuals to apply for and become Director Instructor (DI)- Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) who offer training as a “Director Instructor.”

Announcement ELRC 23-03: Requirements for Instructors Applying for Professional Development Instructor Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) Approval provides clarification on the required Professional Development (PD) Registry trainings for those interested in becoming Professional Development Instructor Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) instructors, including the addition of a new required course “Submitting PQAS Courses in the PD Registry.” This does not apply to Standardized Professional Development Instructor PQAS instructors.

On July 1, 2023, the PD Registry self-paced course “Submitting PQAS Courses in the PD Registry,” will be added to the list of required PD Registry Self-Paced courses as part of the PQAS application requirements for all new PD Instructor PQAS instructors. This PD Registry self-paced course is currently available as an optional resource for new instructors wishing to fulfill this requirement before July 1, 2023.

Important Message for Those Receiving Medicaid or CHIP

Do you or a loved one get Medicaid or CHIP coverage through the state? As of April 1, 2023, changes to federal law mean you MUST renew your coverage every year or risk losing your coverage.

You will not lose your state health coverage without a chance to complete a renewal or update your information. When you complete your renewal, if you are no longer eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, you will automatically get connected to low- or no-cost health coverage so you can choose another health plan that's right for you.

Take these steps right now to make your renewal easier:

1. Update your contact information with the Department of Human Services. Having the correct address makes it easier to send you timely information in the mail.
2. Sign up for email and text alerts so you get important information about your health coverage and your renewal.
3. Check your renewal date then complete your renewal on time so you do not risk your coverage.

You can do all these things online or on the phone:

• Going online to www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS
• Using the free myCOMPASS PA Mobile App
• Calling 1-866-550-4355 (215-560-7226 if you live in Philadelphia)

Complete your renewal and stay covered!

Certified Child Care Providers: Don't delay in ordering two free Carbon Monoxide Detectors

If you're a Pennsylvania certified child care provider, you are eligible to receive two complimentary Carbon Monoxide Detectors. The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is making these detectors available to certified child care providers, but the ordering and placement of detectors is not a regulatory requirement. Certified child care providers should have received an email from School Health on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, with directions. See the original release for more details.