Providers Should Update Staff Registry to Apply for 2026-27 Recruitment and Retention Award

Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is asking qualified providers planning to apply for the 2026-27 Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Award to update their staff registry information as soon as possible.

The award is set to be released in mid-October and, as part of the application process, providers must submit an updated staff registry report to their local ELRC.

The recruitment program is a funding opportunity for certified child care programs that maintains a Child Care Works (CCW) Certified Provider Agreement. The intent of the program is to support existing child care staff and recruitment within the field. It was first included in the 2025-26 Pennsylvania state budget.

Providers are not required to change their employees’ start dates or position titles and can start updating their staff registry information on The Pennsylvania Key.

Any questions about the process can be emailed to registry@pakeys.org.