Action required for providers. The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has announced it is increasing payment rates to child care providers serving children in subsidized care. Effective August 1, 2018, the Child Care Works (CCW) program will 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. STAR 1 and STAR 2 providers being paid below the MCCA will be paid the lower of their private-pay rates or… read more »
Child care allows families to work
Child care allows parents to work and employs thousands of York County residents. It is a critical component of the York County economy. More importantly, it is the foundation for future learning. Countless research shows the best way to ensure that a child will succeed in school, graduate from high school and become a productive member of society is to start them out on the right path. The research of James Heckman, Nobel Laureate economist from the University of Chicago, concluded that the greatest return on investment is from programs that are focused on young children. The 40-year High Scope Preschool studyfound for every $1 invested in high-quality early childhood education we can save $7 on costs associated with special education, teen pregnancy, high school dropouts, juvenile delinquency, welfare dependency and prison.
Community Connections for Children selected as Early Learning Resource Center
Community Connections for Children in York was selected by the PA Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to be the regional Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) for Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry and Lebanon Counties (Region 9) and York, Adams, Lancaster Counties (Region 10). The ELRCs were created to improve the quality of and access to early learning services and help families identify the best child care options that meet the needs of their children. The ELRCs will also provide connections to other organizations providing services to families with young children. Beginning July 1, 2018… read more »
Wolf Administration Announces Selection for New Regional Centers to Support Child Care Services
Department expands access to high-quality child care services On April 24, 2018, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) announced the selection of regional Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs), created to improve the quality of and access to early learning services in the state and help families identify the best child care options that meets the needs of the child(ren) while offering connections to additional services, such as a child care subsidy. “The Wolf administration believes that all children and families should have access to high-quality child care,” said DHS Secretary Teresa Miller…. read more »