Early Learning

Welcome to the section of the DPW Web site with information about Early Learning for providers. If you cannot find the information you need, please Contact DPW. If you are interested in opening a child care center, view the provider requirements. If you need a form, you can download a child care form.

New Child Care Regulations

The new child care facility regulations for Child Care Centers, Group Child Care Homes and Family Child Care Homes became effective on Sept. 22, 2008. Learn more about the new regulations.

Child Care Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions

New FBI Clearance Required

Effective July 1, 2008, individuals are now required to submit Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history background checks in addition to child abuse and Pennsylvania State Police background checks as a condition of employment/approval. Learn more.

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• Get Email Updates from the Bureau of Certification Services
• Child Care Forms
• Keystone STARS Child Care Quality Initiative
• Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards
• Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts
• Pennsylvania's Children's Trust Fund
• Integrated Children's Services Plan
• Resources for the Business Community
• Resources for Early Education and Care Providers
• Provider Requirements
• Get Help with Support Services
• Child Care Provider's Guide to Early Intervention
• Early Intervention Forms
• Trends for Children in Subsidized Care 2000-2005
• Human Services Provider Online Directory

Other Resources

Early Intervention Services (PDF download)

Keystone STARS Year End Report (PDF download)

Report of the Build Taskforce on Quality in Regulations Exempt Care Settings (PDF download)

OCDEL Annual Report 2006-2007 (PDF download)