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).
OCDEL Receives Recognition For Equitable, Data-Driven Investing In Quality Early Learning Programs

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), a collaborative effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), was included in Pennsylvania’s Honor Roll designation by the Results for America’s Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence. The recognition highlighted OCDEL’s Keystone STARS use of equitable and data-based investments in early education. Read more.
Options for Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR Training
 
The Announcement C-22-01 Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Requirements and Access to Free Training through Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organizations (ECE PDOs) from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development and Bureau of Certification clarifies the updated guidance on the federal requirements for Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), health and safety training requirements that all child care providers must complete pediatric first aid and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. It also clarifies that pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR training must be completed before child care staff can care for children unsupervised, as well as inform child care providers about the Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organizations (ECE PDOs) role for providing access to free, Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) approved, Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR training.
 
Curriculum will continue to be reviewed for approval by the Pennsylvania Key and if others are approved, an updated listing will be provided. See the list of the currently approved Pediatric First Aid and Pediatric CPR providers and curriculums. Those who would like to become PQAS approved for Pediatric CPR/First Aid can click here for requirements and instructions.
Online Fire Safety Trainings for Child Care Centers

Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) maintains that trainings in an in-person setting for fire safety are most valuable. In person trainings allow the fire safety professional to respond to questions from the staff and give guidance specific to the facility. To find fire safety trainings, individuals should first reach out to their local municipality, fire chief or other fire protection specialist to see if there are any in-person trainings available that meet the regulatory requirements relating to fire safety training.

In the event the child care provider and staff cannot schedule in-person fire safety training, OCDEL will accept any approved fire safety online training that is in the PD Registry. Child care providers and staff may access the fire safety trainings through the PD Registry at www.papdregistry.org and searching for Fire Safety Training.
One Week Remains to Apply for ARPA Stabilization Grant

Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, is the final day to apply for the ARPA Stabilization Grant. Funds can be used for past, current and future expenses in the following categories:
  • Personnel Costs;
  • Rent/Mortgage and Utilities;
  • Facilities Maintenance and Insurance (excluding major renovations);
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Cleaning and other Health and Safety Practices;
  • Equipment and Supplies;
  • Goods and Services; and
  • Mental Health Supports for Employees and Children.
Don't wait until the last minute--apply now.
Upcoming Deadlines