News
Reduction in Document Requirements for PA Director Credential to Take Effect in January
A reduction in the number of documents required for the Pennsylvania Director Credential will take effect in the new year, Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) said.
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.
Families, Providers Can Send OCDEL Family Engagement Stories by October 23
Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is asking for families and early childhood educators to share a short story or video about meaningful family engagement by Friday, October 23 for the chance to have it featured by OCDEL during National Family Engagement Month.
Application Process Open for APOST’s 2026-27 Managers Cohort Through October 20
The process to submit an application for Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time’s (APOST) 2026-27 managers cohort is open until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20.
Application Process Open for Trying Together’s 2027 Home-Based Child Care Course
For those interested in opening a home-based child care business, Trying Together is offering a course starting in January that includes information about best business practices, opening a small business, child care licensing, Keystone STARS, and developmentally appropriate practices.
Tip of the Week: Encourage Children to Explore Outside as Seasons Change
As autumn arrives in Pennsylvania, early childhood educators should use the changing of the seasons to create meaningful learning experiences for children, said Kathy Wolfe, the STARS designator for ELRC Region 5.
Majority of Allegheny County Caregivers Say Their Child’s Afterschool Programs Offer STEM Learning, Report Finds
A total 92% of Allegheny County caregivers with students in afterschool programs said their child’s program offers STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning, according to a recent report by Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) and the Afterschool Alliance.
ECE Professionals Asked to Take Survey on Resources for Children Experiencing Homelessness
The Pennsylvania Youth Homelessness Coalition is asking early childhood education professionals to take part in a survey to help the organization better understand which services and resources are helping children and youth experiencing homelessness to succeed in school. The survey also aims to collect information on where additional support is needed.
Confluence Podcast Provides Tips on How ECE Programs Can Prevent Falsified Documents
A new episode of the Confluence podcast discusses how early childhood education providers can protect their programs from falsified documents.