May 3, 2023 ELRC Requiring All Subsidized Child Care Providers to Submit Closed Days Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRC) are requiring all in- and out-of-state child care providers participating in the Child Care Works (CCW) Subsidized Child Care Program to provide their Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 closed days. CCW is managed by local ELRC offices, and closed days must be provided to them by May 15. About Closed Days The ELRC pays subsidized child care providers for a limited number of days that their facilities are closed, when those providers also charge private-pay clients for their closed days. During FY 2023-24 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024), CCW will pay up to 15 closed days. However, these closed days must be provided to ELRC by the May 15 deadline. In no case will the ELRC pay for more than 15 closed days per year. In-state and out-of-state providers using Provider Self-Service (PSS) have more flexibility to manage closed days than those not using PSS. Providers with PSS access may add, delete, or change closed days that occur in the current month, are planned for a future month, or that occurred in a prior month (even if the day is not an emergency closure), if the change is entered before the 6th of the current month. Requirements for changing closed days by providers not using PSS are described below. Child care providers can register for PSS at pelican.state.pa.us/provider. If you have questions when registering for or using PSS, call the PELICAN Help Desk at 1-877-491-3818. Providing Closed Days to the ELRC Providers Using PSS Providers using PSS must update closed days online. The ELRC will NOT enter the closed days for you. After accessing your PSS account: Click “Provider Profile,” then “Manage Closed Days.” On the “Location Closed Days Summary” page, select “2023.” Large, state-observed holidays will be prepopulated. Please indicate whether private-pay parents pay you for these closed days. If you are open on a prepopulated closed day, delete that day. Enter the remainder of your closed days by clicking the “Add Closed Day” button, and indicate whether private-pay parents pay you for the closed days you enter. Closed days must be entered into PSS by May 15. Providers Not Using PPS Providers not using PSS must complete Provider Agreement Appendix B and return their completed appendix to the ELRC by May 15. To find your local ELRC, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services website. Please note: Once providers not using PPS identify their closed days, they may not change them. Since providers not using PPS cannot change their closed days once submitted, you may want to limit the number of closed days you declare at the beginning of the year, in case you need to add closures later in the year. If you initially choose fewer than 15 closed days and need to increase closed days at a future date, you may only do so by: Notifying the ELRC at least two weeks prior to adding closed days. Notifying the ELRC within three (3) days of reopening your facility following an emergency closure, such as a snow day. If you do not return Provider Agreement Appendix B by May 15, all the commonwealth holidays will be entered as paid closures and will not be changed if you are open for business. Learn More Provider Profile Providers located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania who use PSS are encouraged to update their provider profile information through PSS. This information about your facility includes rates you charge your private-pay families, closed days, hours of operation, and activities offered. It is presented to the public through internet searches in Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS). In-state providers who do not use PSS can contact the ELRC to update their profile information. Out-of-state child care providers do not have a provider profile. Additional Information If you have any questions, please contact your ELRC at 412-350-3577.
February 26, 2020 Making the Census Count for All PA Kids | Webinar Did you know there is an official 2020 Census song? Or that Sesame Street’s Count von Count is sharing the message about the importance of responding to the Census? Do you know how much federal funding Pennsylvania missed over the past 10 years because of undercounting in the last Census? Join the Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) for their webinar on March 11 to learn about all of these topics and more! About The federal government uses census data to help allocate over $800 billion a year in federal funds to key programs that serve children and families. When we miss young children in the census, our communities miss out on funding for public programs for much of their childhood. During this webinar, you will learn more about what you can do to encourage families in your early learning program to participate in the 2020 Census. Registration Registrations must be submitted by noon on March 10, 2020. To register, please visit the event webpage. More Information For questions, contact Maureen Murphy at 717.657.9000, extension 107. *Information provided by PACCA
July 15, 2019 Cliff Effect Public Service Announcement Seeks Focus Group Circles Greater Pittsburgh and the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Child Development are seeking individuals who are willing to be interviewed and recorded for a Public Service Announcement that will raise awareness on the Cliff Effect. Participants selected will be compensated. About The Cliff Effect impacts individuals who are: working, but still eligible for certain subsidies such as Section 8 or public housing, Child Care Assistance, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and more at risk of losing benefits because of an increase in income faced with choosing between a raise/increased income or receiving benefits Available Sessions There are two available session dates: Thursday, July 18, 6 – 8 p.m. Carnegie Library East Liberty | 130 S. Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Gallery on Penn | 5937 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 Registration To register for the Cliff Effect groups, complete this form. Share this flyer with your network.