December 9, 2024 OCDEL Announces CCW Base Payment Rate Increase for DHS Certified Providers The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s (OCDEL) Bureau of Policy and Professional Development has released an announcement on an increase to Child Care Works (CCW) base payment rates for Department of Human Services (DHS) certified providers. Learn More Effective January 1, the subsidy base rates – also known as the Maximum Child Care Allowance (MCCA) – will be increased to the 75th percentile. The base payment rate increase applies to: All DHS certified child care providers Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) OCDEL Early Learning Resource Center program representatives The announcement replaces ELRC Announcement 23 #01 – Increase to Child Care Works Base Payment Rates. Background The CCDBG Act requires lead agencies to certify that rates are sufficient to ensure eligible children have equal access to child care services. The benchmark for equal access established by the Administration for Children and Families Office of Child Care (ACF OCC) is the 75th percentile of the current child care market. OCC considers payment rates set at the 75th percentile or higher as providing equal access. Increasing the CCW base rate incentivizes additional provider participation in CCW. It also helps child care providers who participate in the program enhance services, invest in staff development, compensation, and promote overall quality in child care programs. Next Steps The next steps for DHS certified child care providers on updating pay rates include: Updating and communicating private rate pay changes on family agreements or contracts, website, and handbooks as applicable Completing Appendix C-1 ELRC Subsidized Child Care Provider Reported Rates Sending the completed Appendix C-1 along with verification of the DHS certified child care provider’s published rates to your ELRC by January 31 to receive the update rate Directing any questions to your ELRC The next step for ELRCs include: Reviewing and sharing this information with appropriate staff For any DHS certified child care providers returning completed Appendix C-1 and their published rates, entering updated rates into PELICAN CCW and converting rates for all DHS certified child care providers with an effective date of January 1 if verification is received by January 31. Generating and sending all DHS certified child care providers Appendix C-2 ELRC Subsidized Child Care Provider Payment Rates Directing any questions to your program representative More information on the increased rates can be found on The Pennsylvania Key website. Information on Pennsylvania’s Maximum Child Care Allowance daily rates are also available on that website.
October 8, 2024 Winter Coats Available for Pennsylvania Children Beginning Oct. 7, families may visit Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) 5 to receive winter coats for children. Learn More The coats are available for families while supplies last as part of a partnership between ELRC 5 and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Children and their families can pick up their coats at: The Early Learning Resource Center 304 Wood Street Suite 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. It will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14 for Columbus Day. For more information, call the office at 412-350-3577.
September 23, 2024 Safety Tips for Keeping Children Safe on the School Bus With school back in session, Early Learning Resource Centers 1 and 2 are offering some tips for school bus safety. Learn More Students, parents, teachers, administrators, transportation personnel, and drivers across the state all play a role in keeping children safe when they ride a school bus. While preparing to ride the bus, children should: Get to the bus stop five minutes early so you don’t have to run across the road to catch the bus Stay away from traffic while waiting for the bus and line up at least five large steps away from the curb Never run after the school bus if it has already left the stop Always walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing, so the bus driver can see you Cross with care; wait until the bus has stopped all traffic before stepping into the road While on the school bus, children should: Never push when getting on or off the bus Stay in your seat while the bus is moving and never put your head, arms, or hands out of the window Talk quietly so as not to distract the driver Be calm and quiet when the bus is crossing railroad tracks, so the driver can listen for a train Always obey the bus driver’s instructions, so they can make safe decisions Never play with the emergency exits; backpacks, band instruments, or sports equipment should not block the aisle or emergency exits Listen to the driver and follow instructions in the case of an emergency When getting off the school bus, children should: Make sure all drawstrings and other loose objects are secure, so they don’t get caught on the handrail or door Never cross the street behind the school bus Never go back for an item left on the bus or dropped outside of it; the driver may not see you and begin moving the bus Never speak to strangers at the bus stop or get into a car with a stranger
July 11, 2024 Brown Clarifies Provider Agreements in Video Announcement Shante’ A. Brown, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s deputy secretary, has released an announcement regarding updated provider agreements for certified child care providers. Learn More The video message, which can be viewed below, clarifies the agreements for all regulated child care providers as well as Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC), and OCDEL Early Learning Resource Center Program representatives. In the video, Brown discusses guidance that aims to provide clarity about suspension and expulsion practices. The agreements require that providers contact ELRCs before suspending or expelling a child. This is aimed to ensure that families still have access to resources provided by ELRCs, which can also help families to find alternative care. Another topic covered by Brown is providers charging the difference between private pay and subsidy rates. She said that OCDEL has received numerous questions about how Keystone STARS and nontraditional add-on rates impact charges. With the passage of new child care subsidy regulations, OCDEL wants to hear feedback from providers. This fall, it will ask providers and families to participate in discussions on the matter. Deadlines Certified child care providers will have to complete and sign new provider agreements, which will be effective August 1. The provider agreement establishes the terms of participation and payment between the payer and a certified child care provider who provides care to children who participate in the state’s subsidized child care program, Child Care Works. To be in compliance with the Child Care Development Block Grant and 55 pa. Code Chapter 3042 Subsidized Child Care Eligibility, OCDEL must update the certified child care provider agreements. ELRCs mailed the agreements and appendices to providers in June. Providers must read and sign the updated agreement indicating that they agree to follow all rules and return the signed agreement to the ELRC by July 31.
June 4, 2024 Provider Agreements for Certified Child Care Providers Updated The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released updated provider agreements for certified child care providers. Learn More OCDEL’s Bureau of Early Learning Policy and Professional Development released the provider agreements (ELRC 24-01). Certified child care providers would have to complete and sign the new agreements, which will be effective August 1, 2024. The agreement establishes the terms of participation and payment between the payer and a certified child care provider that provides care to children who participate in the state’s subsidized child care program, Child Care Works (CCW). Changes made to the provider agreement and appendices include: Changes for terms of the agreement Changes for Article III conditions of the agreement Changes for Article IV ending the agreement Appendices Signature page More Details Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC) have sent all certified provider agreements via DocuSign or mailed them if requested by the certified child care provider. Providers who participate in CCW must read and sign the updated agreement, indicating that they agree to follow all rules within the agreement and appendices. They must return the signed agreement to the ELRC by Wednesday, July 31. Additional information on the provider agreement can be found on the Pennsylvania Key website. Additional Assistance If you need assistance completing your provider agreement, you can visit any of the addresses below: ELRC 5 Main Office 304 Wood Street Suite 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15222 Tuesday, July 2, 2024 – open until 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July, 16, 2024 – open until 6:30 p.m. M-F 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. 412-350-3577 Kingsley Association 6435 Frankstown Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15206 MWF 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Parking Available Buses: 77, 82, 86 Hosanna House 807 Wallace Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15221 M-F 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Parking Available Carnegie Library 1230 Federal Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Tuesday, July 9, 2024 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2024 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Street Parking Available Buses: 8, 11, 13, 16 Human Services Center Mon Valley 519 Pen Avenue Turtle Creek, PA 15145 M-F 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Parking Available Buses: 61A, 71D, P1 The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 Parking Available Dates: Friday, June 28, 2024 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, July 1, 2024 – 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2024 – 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. Street Parking Available Buses: 71 D, 86B, busway P1 Duquesne EARN Center 2 Duquesne Plaza 99 Duquesne Blvd. Duquesne, PA 15110 Dates: First and third Tuesday of the month, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
October 4, 2023 Capturing Moments: Planning For and Conducting Classroom Observations The ELRC Region 5 is offering a professional development opportunity for your early learning educators. This session will introduce early education professionals to the importance and value of purposeful observation. Through whole and small group discussions and activities, attendees will understand what observation is and identify various types of observation used in the classroom. They will also learn how observations can be linked directly to observation-based child assessments, and discuss how to identify their own biases to prevent them from affecting their objective observations. Session Details Tuesday, October 24 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Virtual via Zoom Instructors: Shawna Preston and Elizabeth Foreman Standards: Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment Cost: $10 Register Learn More This session is eligible for 2 hours of PQAS and Act 48 credit. For questions about the course or credit, contact Paige Kizior at paige@tryingtogether.org.
Free Winter Coats For Children Update: As of October 12, 2023, winter coats are no longer available. The Center for Community Resources, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, is providing free winter coats for children. Learn More Beginning Wednesday, October 4, families can visit the ELRC Region 5 main office (304 Wood Street Suite 400 Pittsburgh, PA 15222) during normal business hours to receive winter coats for their families while supplies last. For details, view this flyer (PDF).
June 29, 2023 ELRC Region 5 Requesting Feedback on Evening Phone Hours The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 is asking Allegheny County families and child care providers to complete a brief survey on evening phone hour offerings. ELRC Region 5 currently offers evening phone hours from 5 – 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. However, center leaders seek to find the best day and time to offer evening service to county families and child care providers. By completing the survey, respondents allow ELRC Region 5 to better serve the community. The survey is just five questions. All responses are confidential and will not be shared. Access and Take the Survey Access and take the survey on SurveyMonkey. Learn More To learn more, visit the ELRC Region 5 website or call 1.888.340.3572 or 412.350.3577 for assistance.
June 28, 2023 Allegheny County Family Resource Map Highlights Supports for Locals Did you know the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 offers an interactive, online tool to help families navigate area programs and services? The Allegheny County Family Resource Map provides caregivers of young children and other residents in Allegheny County the opportunity to locate available supports closest to them. About the Allegheny County Family Resource Map Launched in 2020, the map highlights the addresses, phone numbers, and websites of a variety of family supports, including those on: aging care and education employment family activities food health housing new parents outdoors and recreation transportation, and wi-fi locations Through the map, families can find countywide resources and services closest to them, such as senior community centers, family centers, early learning programs, public schools, WIC offices, parks, libraries, food pantries, diaper banks, clinics, public housing, Port Authority bus stops, and more. Access the Map Access the map here or visit the ELRC Region 5 website. Learn More For questions or to submit a map suggestion, please contact ELRC Region 5 at 412.350.3577 or elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.
June 23, 2023 ELRC Region 5 Now an Infant Formula Bank The main office of the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 in Downtown Pittsburgh is now an infant formula bank location of the Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank. About the Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank Managed by Beverly’s Birthdays and their baby division, Beverly’s Babies, the Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank is a resource to support families in need of baby formula during a personal, situational, or financial emergency/crisis. A baby can receive up to 12 cans of formula or the liquid (RTF) equivalent in his/her first year. There are seven formula banks available for the public to directly access for support: Allegheny County Locations ELRC Region 5 (Main Office) 304 Wood St, 4th Floor Pittsburgh, PA 15222 412.350.3577 The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center 7219 Kelly Street Pittsburgh, PA 15208 412.545.5039 McKeesport Family Center 339 5th Avenue McKeesport, PA 15132 412.672.6970 Hilltop Family Center 1630 Arlington Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15210 412.432.1635 Westmoreland County Locations Beverly’s Birthdays 11065 Parker Drive North Huntingdon, PA 15642 724.590.5106 Highland’s Family Center 415 Fourth Avenue Tarentum, PA 15084 724-224-9006 Monessen Family Center 412 Reed Avenue Monessen, PA 15062 724.684.4370 Find location hours and details on the Beverly’s Birthdays website. Learn More Details about the program are available online. Families in need can call 724-590-5106 or text pghformula to 844-511-1544. To learn more, visit the Beverly’s Birthday’s website.