Pennsylvania

Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) – Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)

Website: https://www.dhs.pa.gov

Description: The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) licenses and regulates child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and school-age programs throughout Pennsylvania. The office provides licensing regulations, inspections, provider resources, forms, and compliance guidance.

Program: Keystone STARS

Website: https://www.pakeys.org/keystone-stars

Description: Keystone STARS is Pennsylvania's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS), supporting continuous quality improvement through coaching, professional development, technical assistance, and quality recognition.

Registry: Pennsylvania Keys Registry (PD Registry)

Website: https://www.pakeys.org

Description: Pennsylvania's professional development registry allows early childhood professionals to document education, credentials, training, and career advancement while accessing approved professional development opportunities.

Organization: Pennsylvania Child Care Resource & Referral (PA CCR&R)

Website: https://www.pakeys.org

Description: Pennsylvania's Child Care Resource & Referral network provides referrals, coaching, technical assistance, professional development, and business support for child care providers and families.

Organization: Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC)

Website: https://pennaeyc.org

Description: Supports early childhood professionals through advocacy, conferences, networking, leadership development, and professional learning opportunities.

Organization: Pennsylvania Department of Education – Division of Food and Nutrition

Website: https://www.education.pa.gov

Description: Administers Pennsylvania's Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), providing reimbursement, nutrition guidance, training, and technical assistance.

Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services

Website: https://www.dhs.pa.gov

Description: Child care providers and employees must complete fingerprint-based criminal background checks and required child abuse clearances before working in licensed child care settings.

Program: Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

Website: https://www.education.pa.gov

Description: Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides high-quality, state-funded preschool opportunities for eligible three- and four-year-old children through schools and community-based providers.

Program: Pennsylvania Early Intervention Program

Website: https://www.dhs.pa.gov

Description: Pennsylvania's Early Intervention Program provides coordinated services for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities while supporting families.

Organization: Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)

Website: https://www.dhs.pa.gov

Description: Provides workforce initiatives, scholarships, quality improvement supports, grants, and professional development opportunities for Pennsylvania's early childhood professionals.

Training requirements include pediatric CPR and First Aid, health and safety, child abuse recognition and reporting, safe sleep practices, emergency preparedness, and ongoing professional development. Training records are maintained through the Pennsylvania Keys Registry.

Website: https://www.dhs.pa.gov

Description: Access licensing applications, provider forms, inspection reports, regulations, background check information, and additional child care resources.