March 21, 2023 2023-24 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) recently announced its 2023-24 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications (RFA). This is a full, competitive rebid opportunity to disperse all available funding to select, eligible grantees for a five-year grant period beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2023-24, and is intended to support providers in preparing to serve and enroll children by September 2023. All FY 2022-23 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grantees wishing to serve children in FY 2023-2024 must apply as part of this competitive rebid process. Those seeking to become new Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grantees may also apply. About Pre-K Counts Grants The ceiling or limit on the potential number of slots that may be awarded to any applicant will depend upon a county’s unmet need percentages and the amount of funding available. Funding is contingent upon approval by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Grants are funded via state dollars, therefore, carryover funds are not permitted. All grant dollars identified in this FY 2023-24 application must be encumbered or spent by June 30, 2024. Eligibility Eligible applicants include: existing PA PKC grantees new applicants from: school districts PDE-licensed nursery schools Head Start grantees child care centers and group child care homes designated at Keystone STAR 3 or STAR 4, and third-party entities applying for PA PKC funding to administer the lead agency responsibilities for entities that are eligible to provide the classroom services under the categories listed above Eligible applicants must: provide assurance that they operate in full compliance with Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Statute, Regulations, and Guidance submit a Letter of Intent possess a: vendor number (SAP#) administrative unit number (AUN) master provider index number (MPI) federal ID number or tax ID number, and MyPDESuite login ID Eligible applicants are encouraged, but not required to: thoroughly review: Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Statute, Regulations, and Guidance Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications (RFA) Guidance view the “Getting to Know PA PKC Rebid Webinar Series,” found under “Quick Links” on the Pre-K Counts How to Apply webpage Applicants should view this series prior to submission of a Letter of Intent to ensure an understanding of the program requirements and expectations of compliance if an application is successful. The application review process will include evaluation of the extent to which the applicant demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the PA PKC statute and regulations Letter of Intent Interested applicants must submit Letters of Intent to RA-PAPreKCounts@pa.gov by 3 p.m. on March 28, 2023. Because of the need to establish access to the eGrants procurement system, applicants must submit a completed Letter of Intent to apply for funds using the template posted at PKC How to Apply. The Letter of Intent represents the applicant’s intent to apply for PA PKC funding and must include: the legal name of the eligible entity that will apply the AUN associated with the applying legal entity’s proposed PA PKC provider type preliminary information about requested funding program model provider type, and area to be served. Except for the legal entity and AUN, information submitted in the Letter of Intent may be modified in the final eGrants application. Programs that do not submit the Letter of Intent will not be able to access or submit a funding application in eGrants. Late submissions will not be accepted. Applicants submitting a fully complete Letter of Intent to RA-PAPreKCounts@pa.gov by 3 p.m. on March 28, 2023 will be notified when the PA PKC application is open in eGrants. Learn More To learn more, consult the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications (RFA) Guidelines or visit the Pennsylvania Keys website. Any questions should be sent to RA-PAPreKCounts@pa.gov.
February 22, 2023 ELPA Poll Shows Strong Support for Investments into Early Childhood A new poll, commissioned by the Early Learning PA Coalition and conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research from February 1 – 7, 2023, found that 98% of PA voters believe that early childhood education is important. The poll also showed strong voter support for increased investment for early care and education programs like pre-k, high-quality child care and home visiting services. There has been significant growth in voter’s overall support from a June 2022 poll, where 90% of voters said they found early childhood education to be important. Poll Details Partners of the Early Learning PA Coalition released the new polling data on voter support for early childhood care and education programs during a press conference held on Tuesday, February, 21, 2023 at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg, PA. According to the poll: 78% of PA voters support increasing state funding to serve more eligible children in pre-k programs, which is an increase from 65% in 2022; 78% of PA voters also support increasing state funding to help more low-income working families afford high-quality child care, up from 67% in 2022; 68% of PA voters support increasing state funding to provide voluntary home visiting services to eligible families , up from 60% in 2022; and 81% of PA voters favor allocating state funding to increase wages of child care workers. “As we start budget season here in Harrisburg, the partners of the Early Learning PA Coalition urge Governor Shapiro and all members of the General Assembly to respond to this level of voter support for growing the Commonwealth’s investments in early care and education,” said Kristen Rotz, President of the United Way of Pennsylvania and principal partner in the Early Learning PA Coalition. “Pennsylvania must make these programs more accessible to children and families that qualify and further stabilize and strengthen the system by addressing historic teacher shortages caused by low wages.” said Rotz. Visit the Pre-K for PA Facebook page to watch the February 21, 2023 press conference in full.
November 2, 2022 Call for Presenters for 2023 Annual PA Pre-K Counts and Head Start Meeting The Pennsylvania Key in support of Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is calling for presenters for its annual Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Grantee Meeting. The meeting will be held March 8 – 9, 2023 at the Kalahari Resorts and Conventions in Poconos, PA. This event is in-person; however, a web-based option will be offered should health/safety restrictions prohibit attendance at the in-person event. Those interested are asked to submit a proposal that aligns with the theme, Building Bridges that Support Growth, Development and Connections. Attendees will be able to earn professional development credits including Act 48 and PA ECE Registry hours. The deadline to submit your proposal is Friday, November 18, 2022. Presentation Topics Presentation topics should align with the following topics/areas of interest. Topics for Teachers: Project Approach MyTeachstone Peer Learning Circles Creative Curriculum LearnERS Authentic Assessment Trauma Informed Care Developmental Appropriateness Transitions and Parent Engagement Inclusive Practices Purposeful Play and Conversations Child Data, Outcomes and Implementation Topics for Administrators: Fiscal Responsibilities Homelessness Unique Collaborations/Community Partnerships Business Practices – What’s the Purple Cow? Inclusive Policies Recruitment, Retention and Teacher Support Developmental Appropriateness – What to look for in Pre-K classrooms Community Needs Assessment & Enrollment Practices Presenters will be notified of acceptance, including additional details about the event, by no later than Friday, December 16, 2022. For questions or more information, contact a team member at conferencehelp@pakeys.org. For more information and to access the online proposal submission form, visit the PA Key website.
New Opportunities Available to Families to Help Impact Early Learning in PA Two new exciting opportunities are available for families to share their experiences and make an impact in Pennsylvania’s early learning. P3D/PDO Family Voices Parents as Partners in Professional Development (P3D), with the Pennsylvania Professional Development Organizations (PDO), are recruiting a cohort of families to participate in P3D/PDO Family Voices. Family members of young children who attend an early childhood program in Pennsylvania are invited to apply. P3D/PDO Family Voices seeks a diverse group of families who have experiences with many aspects of early childhood services in Pennsylvania like child care, PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start, Early Intervention, Home Visiting, etc. Reimbursement for travel and child care costs are provided to participants. Learn More about P3D/PDO. Applications are due Friday, November 18, 2022 and all applicants must agree to attending the full day virtual training on December 6, 2022. Access the P3D/PDO application. Interstate Family Engagement Leadership Collaborative Families are invited to serve on the Collaborative Action for Family Engagement (CAFE)’s Interstate Family Engagement Leadership Collaborative. As a critical partner in the early childhood field, families are invited to serve in a leadership capacity on CAFE’s Advisory Board to share their expertise to implement high-impact school, family, and community engagement strategies. Family Leaders will commit to an estimated two hours a month for meetings, and compensation/reimbursement is provided for a stipend and mileage. Reimbursement for mileage will be offered for any in-person meetings or training. Please direct any questions to Jessica Webster (Pennsylvania Advisory Council). Learn more about CAFE Interstate Family Engagement Leadership Collaborative. Applications are due Friday, November 11, 2022. Access the CAFE application.
May 3, 2022 Pre-K Counts and Head Start Enrollment The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is enrolling for Pre-K Counts and Head Start programs, which provide high-quality pre-kindergarten education for children who are three to five years old and not eligible for kindergarten. About Pre-K Counts The Allegheny Intermediate Unit Pre-K Counts Program provides high quality pre-kindergarten classroom education for children. Eligibility Preference given to children eligible for kindergarten the following school year Households that meet income guidelines (up to 300% of the federal poverty level) Call 412-394-5863 for more information, classroom locations, or to enroll. Head Start The Head Start program provides eligible preschool children with high quality, comprehensive, in-home or classroom programming designed to support school readiness skills. The program offers services that include health and wellness, education, social services, and family engagement. Eligibility Households currently receiving TANF cash, SSI, are homeless, or a foster parent for children ages 3-5 Households that meet income guidelines (up to 100% of the federal poverty level) Call 412-394-4594 for more information and classroom locations or complete the online pre-application form. Find Other Pre-K Counts and Head Start Programs Families can find Head Start program in their community through the Head Start Provider Locator and Pre-K Counts programs on the COMPASS website. For assistance from the ELRC Region 5, call 412.350.3577 or email elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.
April 20, 2022 2022-23 Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will use a competitive Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts (PA PKC) Request for Applications (RFA) process to award expansion funds beginning in fiscal year 2022-23. Governor Tom Wolf’s proposed 2022-23 state budget includes an additional $60 million for PA PKC. With this expansion funding, the state will be able to increase the current cost per child and increase the number of children served in high-quality pre-kindergarten. About OCDEL will use a competitive application process to disperse available state expansion funding to select eligible grantees beginning in FY 2022-23. The RFA is released in advance to give providers time to conduct outreach to families; recruit, hire and train staff; and plan for implementing the program pending grant approval. The ceiling or limit on the potential number of slots that may be awarded to any applicant will depend upon a county’s unmet need percentages and the amount of funding available. Funding is contingent upon approval by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Grants are funded via state dollars; therefore, carryover funds are not permitted. All grant dollars identified in this FY 2022-23 application must be encumbered or spent by June 30, 2023. Eligibility Pennsylvania continues to be committed to a mixed delivery system. As such, eligible applicants include existing Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grantees and new applicants from these five eligible entity categories: School districts; PDE Licensed nursery schools; Head Start grantees; Child care centers and group child care homes designated at Keystone STAR 3 or STAR 4; and A third-party entity applying for Pennsylvania Pre‐K Counts funding to administer the lead agency responsibilities for entities that are eligible to provide the classroom services under the categories listed above. How to Apply Because of the need to establish access to eGrants procurement system, applicants must submit a completed Letter of Intent to apply for funds. The template posted at PKC How to Apply must be used. The Letter of Intent represents the applicant’s intent to apply for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts funding and includes the legal name of the eligible agency that will apply, the AUN associated with the applying legal entity, preliminary information about requested funding, program model, provider type, and area to be served. Except for the legal entity and AUN, information submitted in the Letter of Intent may be modified in the final eGrants application. Eligible applicants must provide assurance that they operate in full compliance with Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Statute, Regulations, and Guidance and should thoroughly review that document prior to submitting a Letter of Intent. The application review process will include evaluation of the extent to which the applicant demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Statute and Regulations. Programs interested in applying must submit a fully completed Letter of Intent by 3 p.m. on May 11, 2022, to RA-PAPreKCounts@pa.gov. Programs that do not submit the Letter of Intent will not be able to access or submit a funding application. Late submissions will not be accepted. Agencies submitting a fully complete Letter of Intent by the due date will be notified when the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts application is open in eGrants. Details For more details, read Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications (RFA) Guidance and see the PA Keys website.
October 20, 2021 Child Care Career Openings in the Pittsburgh Area Are you looking for open child care positions? Early learning programs in the Greater Pittsburgh Area are hiring! See this week’s featured jobs. Child Care Positions in Pittsburgh Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher to provide high quality programming within their assigned classroom of 3-5 year old children. All lesson plans must be based on each individual child’s goals that come from the GOLD assessments and daily observations. The Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher must also be consistent and intentional with helping children learn and develop through play. Apply: To apply, email your resume to nhill@heritageserves.org Pre-K Counts Assistant Teacher Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher to provide high quality programming within their assigned classroom of 3-5 year old children. All lesson plans must be based on each individual child’s goals that come from the GOLD assessments and daily observations. Apply: To apply, email your resume to nhill@heritageserves.org Director – University of Pittsburgh Child Development Center The University of Pittsburgh is seeking a Director of the Child Development Center. The position will plan, organize, and direct quality early childhood education programs for up to 100 children and their families. The successful candidate will respond to the University’s academic needs by providing laboratory, research, and practicum experiences to University students, faculty. Apply: To apply, please visit the University of Pittsburgh employment website. Submit a Job Each week, Trying Together highlights employer-submitted jobs on our website, social media, and in our newsletter. Submit a Job: To make it into next week’s post, submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form. All jobs submitted after Tuesday each week will be published in the following week’s news post. Publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. Unrelated jobs will not be included. For questions, contact Kara Bayer at kara@tryingtogether.org. Other Jobs in Early Childhood ECE Hire Visit the ECE Hire website to view early childhood education job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. Submit a Job to PACCA Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a Job Board for its members to post jobs for free and sends out submitted jobs via their Facebook page and e-newsletter. PACCA members can submit jobs online after signing into their membership account. For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at maureen.murphy@pacca.org. Receive Jobs in Your Inbox To receive the latest job opportunities, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook.
March 8, 2021 New Pre-k Report Highlights Needs for Pre-K Counts and Head Start Rate Increase In the last five years, Pennsylvania’s spending on pre-k has increased by $145 million for state-funded, high-quality pre-k programs including Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP). As the Commonwealth continues to increase public dollars for early childhood education, it is imperative that investments go towards increasing rates for publicly-funded programs to pay providers closer to what high-quality pre-k costs. Trying Together, in its role as a partner of the Pre-K for PA statewide advocacy campaign, released the report Invest in Quality: A Case for Paying Closer to What High-Quality Pre-K Costs in early March 2021. In this new report the campaign recommends maintaining the rate increase provided to Pre-K Counts and HSSAP in fiscal year 2020-21. According to the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), Pennsylvania ranks 19 out of 28 in per capita investments of pre-k programs. Pre-k rates have not kept pace with inflation. Investing in quality through rate adjustments ensures pre-k programs can maintain high-quality and safe early learning experiences for children and families. According to the report, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the existing problem of the underfunded early childhood infrastructure. Early care and education is a critical piece to economic recovery. Pre-k will not only be essential to supporting the growth of our youngest learners who have missed out on months of learning opportunities, it will also serve as part of the infrastructure for getting families back to work. In addition to the typical personnel and operations costs, COVID-19 health protocol have presented a new set of costs for the PPE and sanitation materials to ensure the safety of children, staff, and families. The report maintains that Pennsylvania should allocate $9 million — consistent with the rate increase provided through the federal CARES Act funding — to specifically go toward a rate adjustment for both Pre-K Counts and HSSAP. The following allocations should be directly passed through to providers in order to meet the current needs: A $7 million allocation to provide rate adjustments of Pre-K Counts current base rate from $8,750 to $9,025. A $2 million allocation to provide rate adjustments of HSSAP current average base rate from $10,500 to $10,805. Read the full report: Invest in Quality: A Case for Paying Closer to What High-Quality Pre-K Costs
February 2, 2021 Pre-K is Working in PA Early Childhood Education providers are invited to join Pre-K for PA on February 11 for a special webinar that will present results from a new research study on the impacts of the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Program. About During this webinar, Pre-K for PA will present results from a new research study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the impacts of the PA Pre-K Counts Program. Presenters will review data showing the impact on children’s early learning and kindergarten readiness, as well as local variations in how providers implemented the Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program and potential areas for improvement. Featured Presenters The webinar will feature the following presenters: Elliot Weinbaum, Program Director, William Penn Foundation Ellen S. Peisner-Feinberg, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist & Research Professor, School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tracey Campanini, Deputy-Secretary, Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning Registration Online registration is required. To register, complete the online registration form.
January 6, 2021 ECE Job Openings: January 6 – 13, 2021 Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below. Featured Jobs Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher Brightside Academy is looking to hire a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher. Interested professionals must have a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education (or a related field) and a Pennsylvania Prek-4 or N-3 certification. To apply, email your resume to cjuth@brightsideacademy.com. In your email, please reference “Trying Together.” Submit a Job Description Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, January 12. This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after January 12 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org. Search Additional Jobs Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.
