OCDEL to Release Updated Edition of PA Learning Standards for Early Childhood

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) will release an updated version of the Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood. 

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The soon-to-be-released update includes changes to Science Standards to ensure alignment with newly adopted Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) Standards. The STEELS Standards were adopted by the state’s Board of Education in January 2022. Implementation of the standards in all Pennsylvania schools begins in the 2025-26 school year.

Revisions include updates to the state’s Early Childhood Learning Standards for:

  • Infant/toddler

  • Prekindergarten

  • Kindergarten

  • Grades 1 and 2

  • Early Learning Standards Continuum

“Approaches to Learning Through Play” and “Social/Emotional Development” domains are listed first in the standards, as these skills help children to develop competencies that are essential for success in school, life, and careers.

The 2024 Learning Standards for Early Childhood no longer include the “Partnerships for Learning” section. Starting in September, providers will be required to adopt The Pennsylvania Family Engagement Birth through College, Career, Community Ready Framework.

All licensed child care facilities - including PA Pre-K Counts, HSSAP, and Migrant Education programs - will receive one complimentary copy of the following:

  • 2024 Infant, Toddler Learning Standards for Early Childhood

  • 2024 Pre-Kindergarten Learning Standards for Early Childhood

  • 2024 Early Learning Standards Continuum

Eligible providers are expected to receive their complimentary copies delivered between April and May. Early intervention agencies and state PQAS instructors and organizations will receive an email with the opportunity to request a complimentary set of the standards. Responses will be due by May 31.

Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood will be available for viewing, download, and printing on The Pennsylvania Key website. Physical copies will also be available for purchase.

In late April, an asynchronous training titled “2024 Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood Revisions Overview” on the transition to the new standards will be accessible on the PD Registry.

Any questions about the new standards should be emailed to ra-pwpaels@pa.gov. 

Providers, NewsNathan DukeOCDEL, Pennsylvania Learning Standards for Early Childhood, PA Pre-K Counts, Early Learning Standards Continuum, The Pennsylvania Key