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).
ARPA Stabilization Grant Update

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Stabilization Grant application is now available to eligible child care providers in the Professional Development (PD) Registry.
 
Learn how to apply by viewing the tutorial video or the tip sheet. Additional information, including instructions, FAQs and previous announcements can be found on the ARPA Stabilization Grants Page on Pennsylvania Key website. Eligible providers are encouraged to review these materials thoroughly BEFORE submitting an application. In addition, your ELRC is prepared to help you think about the best use of the funds in your program.

PLEASE NOTE: If at any time during the application process you disagree with information that is 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. 
In the PD Registry, for Directors/Owners/Admins, the option will appear in their ORGANIZATIONS profile under the Keystone STARS/Grants tab.

Click here to apply. The application will be available in the PD Registry until Jan. 31, 2022. There is a robust amount of funding, but as with all things, grants are based on the availability of funds.
Announcement 21 #07

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development has released the Announcement 21 #07 Change in Policy Regarding Eligibility for Owners/Operators of a Child Care Facility.
Supporting Children with Disabilities or Other Special Health Care Needs In ECE Programs

All children have the right to equitable learning opportunities that help them achieve their full potential as engaged learners and valued members of society (from the NAEYC position statement on equity). Young children learn best through every day experiences and interactions with nurturing people in familiar contexts. Child care providers and other early childhood education (ECE) programs create settings in which children have many natural opportunities to practice and learn through every day activities and routines. Early Intervention (EI) professionals coach and support family members, caregivers and child care and other ECE professionals in a child’s life through embedding meaningful and functional outcomes within familiar learning opportunities that exist in the child’s typical routines, in home and ECE programs as described in the child’s IFSP/IEP. EI professionals can help child care and other ECE programs in making accommodations and modifications, as well as individualized planning, and services to support children with disabilities or other special health care needs.

As detailed in the CDC COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs (cdc.gov), when implementing COVID-19 safety protocols, child care providers and ECE programs should remain accessible to children with disabilities by helping provide access to direct service providers (DSPs) which includes: Early Intervention professionals, paraprofessionals, therapists, mental health and healthcare consultants, and others.

This requirement is also found in child care regulations § 3270.17. Service to a child with special needs:
(a)  The operator shall make reasonable accommodation to include a child with special needs in accordance with applicable Federal and State laws.
(b)  The operator shall permit an adult individual who provides specialized services to a child with special needs to provide those services on the facility premises as specified in the child’s IEP, IFSP or written behavioral plan.

EI professionals who experience access issues to ECE programs while providing coaching and support to children with disabilities or special needs as per their IFSP/IEP should contact their Regional Child Development Offices.
Thursday is the Final Day to Apply for Early Learning Council Executive or Subcommittees

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, is the final day to apply to serve on the Early Learning Council Executive or subcommittees. Click here to learn more about the ELC, its member’s responsibilities and how to apply. All questions may be directed to Karen Grimm-Thomas, OCDEL Director of External Relations, at [email protected].
Upcoming Deadlines