News
PA Head Start Report Finds Children Experiencing Homelessness on the Rise
The Pennsylvania Head Start Collaboration Office has released a new report that found a 4% increase in homelessness for children from birth through kindergarten over a period of a year.
Messy Play Helps Children with Creativity and Facing Challenges
Children stomping into the house covered in mud or dirt stains may not be ideal for caregivers - but an article by The Genius of Play argues that messy play is beneficial for young people.
OCDEL to Offer Infant Mental Health Certificate to ECE Professionals
Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will again offer the opportunity for early childhood education professionals in the state to participate in the University of Pittsburgh’s Infant Mental Health professional development certificate for free.
Child Mind Institute Shares Resources on Behavioral Issues for Children with Autism
Children on the autism spectrum often struggle with behavioral issues that can present challenges for them at school and with their families and be difficult for caregivers to manage.
OCDEL Confluence Podcast Focuses on Transfers Between Child Care Facilities and Schools
Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released a new Confluence podcast that covers policies for transferring between child care facilities and school.
PA Dept. of Health Announces Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to Formula
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a health alert network announcement regarding an infant botulism outbreak that is linked to infant formula.
Toy Drives Ramp Up in Pittsburgh Region for Holiday Season
As the holiday season nears, toy drives in southwestern Pennsylvania are ramping up to provide families in need of help with toys and gift cards.
PA One Book Initiative Names Its 2026 Selection
The Pennsylvania One Book initiative has announced that its 2026 PA One Book selection is “The Great Cookie Kerfuffle.”
PA Promise for Children November Booklist Includes 8 Selections for Children
PA Promise for Children has released a list of eight books for children in November in its Kindergarten Here I Come newsletter.