The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) announced the creation of regional Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) to improve the quality of and access to early learning services in the state.Important information regarding Pennsylvania’s new Early Learning Resource Centers

Beginning July 1, 2018, ELRCs will provide a single point-of-contact for families, early learning service providers, and communities to gain information and access services that support high-quality child care and early learning programs. ELRCs will administer over $680 million in child care subsidy and supports. This state and federal investment in Pennsylvania’s working families enables parents to maintain employment while creating opportunities for the commonwealth’s children to develop and learn to their fullest potential.

Through the ELRC, child care professionals can obtain support in building quality outcomes for children by working with quality coaches to achieve Keystone STAR 3 and 4 status, building connections with community partners, and supporting children and families in accessing additional services, such as PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start, home-visiting, and Early Intervention.

All ELRCs will have a primary location in their designated region and will partner with community organizations to meet families’ needs where they naturally congregate.

ELRC Region 19 (Chester County):

Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) is the lead agency for Early Learning Resource Center 19, delivering Keystone STARS supports to early care and education providers, including quality coaching and support in processing grants.

PHMC has partnered with the Chester County Intermediate Unit to administer Child Care Works (PA’s subsidized child care program) and to offer enhanced child care resource and referral services for all PA families. These services were formerly offered through Child Care Information Services (CCIS) of Chester County.

The PHMC Professional Development Organization will coordinate all Technical Assistance and Professional Development activities for early care and education providers (STARS TA, ECMH, Infant/Toddler TA, CCHC, needs-based PD, etc.).

Announcements

September Provider Network Meeting

ELRC Region 19 Quarter 1 Provider Network Meeting

This meeting will provide an opportunity for early care and education (ECE) professionals in Chester County to access information related to quality improvement and subsidized child care, to discuss and make suggestions about a variety of issues related to Keystone STARS and Child Care Works, and to network with ELRC Region 19 staff, community partners, and one another. CLICK HERE to RSVP.

Date: Monday September 30, 2019
Time: 1-2:45 PM
Place: CCIU, Conference Room 401
455 Boot Road, Downingtown

You must register to attend, but you are not required to bring your ticket on the day of the meeting.

Changes to Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is making some changes to the Rising STAR Tuition Assistance program. Rising STARS helps cover a portion of tuition costs for early learning professionals. Funding has been secured through June 30, 2019.

Beginning immediately, degree waivers for programs outside of the approved degree list (PDF) will no longer be accepted. If you are already enrolled in a program with a previously approved degree waiver, your funding will continue until your program is completed.

Applications for out-of-state institutions will also no longer be accepted. If you are enrolled in a program at an out-of-state institution, your funding will continue until your program is completed.

To learn more, visit the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance.

Child Care Reimbursement Rates Increased and Rate Freeze Lifted!

The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has announced that effective August 1, 2018, the Child Care Works (CCW) program will both lift the base rate freeze for STAR 1 and STAR 2 providers, as well as, apply a general Maximum Child Care Allowance (MCCA) base rate increase of 2.5% across all counties, provider types, STAR levels, and care levels.

Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) will contact providers in July or August to both gather their program’s current private pay rates and to sign updated provider agreements. If a program serves children in Philadelphia or Allegheny County, they will receive this information through their Child Care Information Service Office. OCDEL is requesting that early learning providers be responsive to the ELRCs when they outreach around the provider agreements.

CLICK HERE for more information about Early Learning Resource Centers.

All Past Announcements

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