Happening Today: Public Comment Session for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C Application 

Today, April 17, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:00 am EST is the public comment session for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C Application. During this time, the Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports will be available to receive comment regarding the application. The Public Comment session will be held via Zoom using the following participation information:

• https://paiu.zoom.us/j/95889985301
• (877) 369-0926 (US Toll Free)
• Meeting ID: 958 8998 5301

If you need an accommodation or assistance to review the proposed grant application or to submit comments, please contact [email protected] or by calling 717-346-9320. 

Anyone who would like to review the proposed grant application can find the document at Early Intervention (pa.gov) or Early Intervention Services (pa.gov) on the right side menu of the webpages. Hard copies can also be requested by emailing [email protected] or by calling 717-346-9320. Learn more.

April 18: 2023 Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award Event

Tomorrow, April 18, 2023, is the event to highlight the 2023 Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award winners and bring awareness to the efforts of equity in Pennsylvania's early learning settings. The event will take place at the Capitol Rotunda, Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex, 501 N 3rd St, Harrisburg, PA 17120, at 10 am, and is open to the public. All are invited to attend. Learn more about the 2023 Award winners.

Final-form Rulemaking: 14-545. Subsidized Child Care Eligibility Regulations

In regards to the Department’s final-form rulemaking, 14-545, Subsidized Child Care Eligibility, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) has scheduled its meeting to consider the final-form rulemaking for Thursday, May 18, 2023, beginning at 10 AM, as listed in its Public Meeting Agenda, which can be viewed at this link. Please note, the IRRC will have a link to view the hearing on its website, which can be viewed here. 

For a list of some FAQs, please click here.

New Podcast for Professionals Serving Youth and Families Experiencing Homelessness

More than 30,000 children and youth experience homelessness in Pennsylvania, posing a significant barrier to success in school.

In partnership with Pennsylvania Education for Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness (ECYEH), join Center for Schools and Communities staff Melissa Turnpaugh and Matthew Butensky as they interview state and national experts, homeless liaisons, service providers, and those experiencing homelessness. These conversations will dive deeper into resources, partnerships and best practices that help these children and youth thrive in school and life. Along the way, guests will share untold stories to amplify the voices and stories of students experiencing homelessness across Pennsylvania and beyond. Introduction and Episode 1 are now available. Listen now.

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.