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January Message from OCDEL Deputy Secretary, Michelle Figlar
Thank you to everyone who attended the Opening Session and policy track sessions during the Early Childhood Summit, December 2-4, 2015. A special thanks to Secretary of Education Rivera for stopping by for an impromptu discussion about the role of quality early education in a child's future and the development of the early childhood education workforce. We were delighted in the engagement of early childhood education professionals in helping Pennsylvania move forward on critical initiatives, like CCDBG reauthorization, re-visioning Keystone STARS, and Integrated Services.
We are starting to move forward on the Integrated Services work. Our co-leads, Terry Shaner Wade from OCDEL and Kelly Hoffman from Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children have started gathering feedback from providers and others to help inform this work. Our new Director of External Relations, Suzann Morris, will be staffing the Steering Committee and work groups as well.
I would also like to thank everyone who attended the hearings on Pennsylvania's draft State Plan on December 17 and January 5. There is still time to submit comments on the plan; the deadline is January 8. Please visit the Department of Human Services website for a copy of the plan and template to submit comments. This plan impacts the direction of Pennsylvania's early educations system through 2018.
As we embark on a New Year, I am invigorated and ready to work together to Pennsylvania forward!
Governor signs stopgap budget, presses for adequate education funding
On December 29, 2015 Governor Wolf signed into law part of the state budget, ensuring critical payments are made to early education agencies including home visiting programs, Keystone STARS, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program, and Early Intervention grantees.
The budget included a $25 million increase for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and $5 million increase for Head Start Supplemental. Details on the expansions grants and additional investments in high quality child care will be released when available.
The partial budget includes only a quarter of the funding increases the Governor requested for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental in his proposed budget. With more than two-thirds of eligible preschoolers in Pennsylvania not having access to publicly-funded high quality early education services, Governor Wolf will make the greater expansion of Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Program a priority during continued budget negotiations. His commitment and your continued advocacy could make additional funding opportunities a reality for this year.
There is still much work that needs to be done to get a financially responsible budget that meets the needs of Pennsylvania. To read Governor Wolf's comments about the budget and to see the line item appropriations, please click here. For more information on showing support for continued investment in early education, visit www.prekforpa.org.
Deadline Approaching for Comments to Draft State Plan for CCDBG
Deadline January 8
Comments for Pennsylvania's draft State Plan for the Child Care Development Fund's (CCDF) Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG) are due January 8, 2016. The Child Care Development Block Grant is one of the primary federal funding sources for monitoring regulated child care programs, child care subsidy through Child Care Works, and child care quality improvement through Keystone STARS.
To submit comments, download and complete the Response Form by January 8, 2016 and email or mail to:
The Office of Child Development and Early Learning
333 Market Street, Sixth Floor
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17126
ATTN: State Plan
 Important Changes for Family Child Care Homes
On December 28, 2015, Governor Wolf signed a law that requires family child care homes to become certified or licensed. A family child care homes' current certificate of registration is valid until replaced by a certificate of compliance or license.
Under the new law:
- Family child care homes will no longer become registered.
- All family child care homes must be inspected by the Department of Human Services (DHS) prior to receiving a certificate of compliance.
All current family child care operators are strongly encouraged to submit their renewal applications as soon as possible, but must submit no later than 30 days prior to the expiration date of their certificate of registration. If the Department does not receive a renewal application within 30 days of the expiration date on the current certificate of registration, regional staff will contact the provider to determine if the provider intends to renew their certificate. Click here for more information.
Apply now for the 2016 P-3 Governor's Institute
Application deadline February 26
OCDEL has released the application for the 2016 P-3 Governor's Institute: P-3 Collaboration Working Together for Student Success, Supporting Prenatal Through Third Grade Connections. The Pennsylvania's P-3 Governor's Institute will help participating school districts, early learning providers, and community organizations throughout the commonwealth make the vital connections and collaborations necessary for student success from birth through grade 3. The Institutes will be held at four different locations during the summer. Participation in the 2016 Institute is limited. Applications are accepted through February 26, 2016. Click here for more information.Public Review & Comments Open for PA's application for FFY 2016 under Part C of the IDEA
Comment deadline February 28
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Office of Child Development and Early Learning is inviting public review and comment on the state's proposed grant application for Federal Fiscal Year 2016 under Part C of the Individuals with  Disabilities Education Act (Pub. L. No 108-446) as amended in 2004.
Click here to review the proposed grant application. Hard copies may also be requested by emailing ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov or by calling 717-346-9320. Written comments regarding the proposed grant application can be directed to Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Intervention Services, ATTN: Public Comments for Part C Grant Application 2015, 333 Market Street, 6th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 or ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov.
If accommodations or assistance to review the proposed grant application or to submit comments is needed, please contact ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov or 717-346-9320. The proposed grant application will be available for review through February 28, 2016. Comments will be accepted through February 28, 2016.
All comments will be reviewed and considered by the Department before submitting the final grant application.
When to call 911 in an emergency
Emergencies in a child care/early learning setting can happen at any time, and time is usually not on your side when staff or children's lives are in danger.
 Regulated child care programs are required to have an emergency plan in place. It's important that staff, volunteers and families understand the plan. It's also vital that they know when to call 911 first. After calling 911, call the child's legal guardian.
Call 911 if:
- There is a medical emergency:
- The child is unconscious OR skin or lips look blue, purple or gray
- The child is less and less responsive
- You believe the child is at risk of death or permanent injury
- The child is acting strangely, withdrawn or much less alert than usual
- The child has difficulty breathing; is vomiting blood; or having a seizure
- The child is confused, headache, vomiting, or having difficulty walking after a head injury
- There is a threat to staff and children by an individual:
- You see a suspicious person or vehicle loitering in or near the child care facility
- There is an assault on a child or staff person, accidental death or homicide
- An individual brings a weapon into the child care facility
- You suspect a parent/guardian who arrives at your facility to pick up a child may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- You are concerned about a fire or safety hazard during a power outage or hazardous material accident
- When in doubt, call 911
Download a template flyer that you can customize and post in every room in your facility and share with staff, volunteers and families. You can post next to the Emergency Preparedness poster. The Caring for Our Children guide has additional information on situations that require medical attention right away. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency has a toolkit to help child care/early learning programs develop an effective emergency planning guide.
Get the latest Certification information
Want the latest info relating to child care providers and programs? Sign up to receive the PA Child Care Certification news and get the latest certification information delivered to your inbox. Click here to access back issues and sign up for the Certification Listserv.
Extension of Child Care Works eligibility period for working families
As of December 2015, Pennsylvania families receiving help paying for child care through Child Care Works began re-determine their eligibility for the program every 12 months  rather than six months. Through Child Care Works, eligible families who meet income and work requirements can receive assistance to pay for child care while they work or attend job training.
The changes support new requirements of the federal Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG). The CCDBG was reauthorized in November 2014 for the first time in nearly 20 years. The requirement to provide families with 12 months of eligibility is intended to provide not only support for working families but to afford their children a more seamless, stable and safe experience in child care.
High quality pre-kindergarten helps close the achievement gap
Studies show that the gap in vocabularies of children from different socioeconomic backgrounds emerges as early as 18 months of age. Research also shows that quality early education can help close the achievement gap for at-risk children. This one-pager shows that in 2013-14, a higher  percentage of children who participated in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts were proficient or advanced on their 3rd grade PSSA Reading than their peers who are also economically disadvantaged, closing the gap between their peers from higher income families. In school districts with the highest percentage of economically disadvantaged children, greater progress was made on closing the gap. Visit the Department of Education website for more information. Calling Early Childhood Experts: Be a guest on the Quality Early Learning Radio and Web Program
The Northwest Institute of Research is seeking Early Childhood professionals who would like to be guests on the bi-  weekly 25-minute Quality Early Learning radio program. John Pozza, Community Innovation Zone Specialist with the PA Key, and co-host Joe Taylor, pre-recorded shows from the studios of Connect Radio.FM in DuBois. The interviews with each guest are done by phone on their subject of expertise. Listen online to past programs at nwregionalkey.org, papromiseforchildren.com or connectradio.fm. You can also email questions for guests in advance of each show via text or voice memo. For more information, contact John Pozza at 484-269-1297 or at johpoz@berksiu.org.
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Every Student Succeeds Act
On December 10, President Obama signed into law the Every Student Succeeds Act, largely replacing the No Child Left Behind Act. The new law provides states a more flexible  approach to student testing and accountability. It also includes initiatives to establish or expand access to high-quality, state-funded preschool for children from low- and moderate-income families, building from the Administration's Preschool Development Grants program. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.
2016 Federal budget includes $1b new funding for early childhood education
On December 18, President Obama signed into law a $1.1 trillion spending bill for federal fiscal year 2016, which includes nearly $1 billion in new money for early childhood education. The bill includes a $326 million increase for the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), $570 million increase for Early Head Start and Head Start, and continues funding for the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) and Preschool Development Grants, which support states who are leading the way in early childhood education. Read the First Five Years Fund summary.
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Keystone STARS Core Series on-line professional developmentOne goal of Pennsylvania's Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant is to expand access to high-quality  technology-based professional development, with an initial focus on supporting Keystone STARS participating providers. To address this goal, Pennsylvania developed content, customized for Pennsylvania. The result is seven Keystone STARS Core Series on-line self-paced professional development courses, launched in the Professional Development Registry and available in an on-line format. Click here for more info!
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Submit a workshop proposal for the 2016 Pennsylvania Head Start Association Conference
Submission deadline: January 8, 2016
A new link to submit a workshop proposal for the 2016 PA  Head Start Association Conference is now available. The conference will be held April 6-7, 2016. Additional details about the conference coming soon. Deadline to submit a workshop proposal is January 8, 2016.
Are You a Head Start or Child Care Provider in Need of Health Insurance?
Now's your chance to sign up for affordable health insurance. Open Enrollment happens once each year. This year's Open Enrollment is currently running through January 31. Health  insurance can help you stay healthy so that you can take good care of yourself, your family, and the children who are counting on you.
The Marketplace helps uninsured people find affordable health coverage. Every year, the process of signing up for coverage gets simpler, and financial help is available. You may qualify for:
- Private insurance plans. Most people can find health insurance plans available for $75 or less per month. You may qualify for lower costs based on your household size and income.
- Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs cover millions of families with limited income, disabilities, and other circumstances.
Go to www.HealthCare.gov to learn how the Marketplace works and how to get insurance. If you already have health insurance and want to choose a new plan based on your needs and budget, you have until January 31, 2016, to enroll for new coverage.
Free help is available. Get answers to your questions by contacting trained professionals for free and confidential assistance. Call 1-800-318-2596 or find free in-person help in your community by visiting LocalHelp.HealthCare.gov.
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Including Infant & Toddler Content in ECE Degree ProgramsThe Early Educator Central recently published a new resource, Challenges and Opportunities for Including Coursework on Infants and Toddlers in Higher Education Degree Programs. This paper explores the  inclusion of infant and toddler focus in early childhood higher education programs based on findings from the Early Childhood Higher Education Inventory. It explores gaps in early childhood teacher preparation and faculty expertise that have implications for the infant-toddler workforce, and offers strategies to strengthen infant-toddler preparation in higher education.
Lessening the achievement gap and improve reading outcomes for all children
EdCentral has released a report From Crawling to Walking: Ranking States on Birth- 3rd Grade Policies that Support Strong Readers, outlining progress in reading education and rating states on their policies supporting  reading. The report finds that most states are not taking a comprehensive approach when it comes to developing children's literacy skills. Accompanying the report are a series interactive maps of state progress displayed on New America's data visualization and policy analysis tool, Atlas. Pennsylvania ranks as 'toddling,' meaning showing progress in some areas, but clearly lacking in others. More Trends and Reports
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Kindergarten Registration: Winter may be here, but it's a  time when many school districts are hosting kindergarten registration for fall 2016. PA's Promise for Children shares kindergarten registration information for school districts throughout Pennsylvania. Submit information for your school!
Make early childhood classrooms buzz with engaging activities: The PNC Grow Up Great Lesson Center offers high quality lesson plans organized by common preschool  themes such as Winter, Community Helpers, and Habitats, and easily adapt to existing curricula. All lessons have been designed and tested by national science and arts organizations and include a learning objective, easy to follow directions, vocabulary, a book list, and more. Bi-lingual home/school connections letters are printable to keep families in touch with what their children are learning. New lessons are added regularly, so check back often!
Enter to win Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! : Winter is an ideal  time to sit down with a child and read a favorite book. PA's Promise for Children has the perfect book to get you started. Promoting the importance of early literacy, every day throughout January 2016, PA's Promise for Children will select one winner at random to win a copy of Sleep, Big Bear, Sleep! by Maureen Wright.
December Edition of Baby Talk: Camille Catlett's December edition of Baby Talk shares resources for cooking with a tiny helper, singing to babies to calm them longer than talking, helping toddlers understand emotions, and more.
What's Cooking? Nutritious family meals can be made  easier with the USDA's What's Cooking? Search by ingredient, cuisine, cost, and even limit the search by available cooking equipment. For many recipes, receive a variety of nutrition information that is very easy to use. With the advanced search features, browse recipes based on the amount of calories, saturated fat and sodium.
The Raising of America Video Series: The Raising of America is the first national, fully integrated media/public engagement project that aims to reframe the way Americans  look at early child health and development. A five-part documentary series explores the questions: Why are so many children in America faring so poorly? What are the consequences for the nation's future? How might we, as a nation, do better? The series investigates these questions through different lenses.
Sesame Street for Military Families: Young children are not immune to the stresses of military family life.  Relocations and deployments can be hard on the little ones. The new Sesame Street for Military Families site can help youngsters through these times. With videos and activities for the kids and tips for the parents, the site and mobile apps take on the challenges--including injury and even death of a parent--with the special comfort that Elmo and Friends provide.
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Employment Opportunities
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Looking for Kindergarten Registration info? Click here.
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