The Pennsylvania Key (PA Key) was created in 2007 to support the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and is administered by Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU). The PA Key works collaboratively with partners and community organizations to deliver educational, professional, and administrative services to early childhood educators and leaders to support the enhancement of early learning experiences for young children in Pennsylvania.
Announcements from OCDEL
Stay informed with updates directly from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).
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About
Mission
The Pennsylvania Key works collaboratively with partners and community organizations to deliver educational, professional, and administrative services to early childhood educators and leaders to support the enhancement of early learning experiences for young children in Pennsylvania.
Vision
Every early childhood educator and leader has unbiased access to the social, emotional and intellectual supports needed to feel successful, healthy and happy so they may bring those same successes to the young children they work with every day.
Values
Built on a solid foundation of trust and respect, the Pennsylvania Key strives to provide reflective and responsible services across the Commonwealth. We are committed to developing and maintaining collaborative relationships that are valued with open minds and appreciation for growth.
OCDEL PROGRAMS & SUPPORTS
CDA Voucher
Certification
Child Care Works (CCW)
Coaching
Contracted Slots (CS)
Early Intervention (EI)
Head Start
Head Start Collab Office
Home Visiting
IECMH
International Education
Keystone STARS
PA Pre-K Counts
PQA
Rising STARS Tuition
Special Initiatives
Health Trends in ECEMonthly health updates on issues affecting young children, with practical information, impacts, and resources for families, caregivers, and providers.Visit Health Trends in ECE Page
P-3 ApproachLearn about Pennsylvania’s P3 approach, which supports children from before birth through third grade by aligning education, family, health, and community systems.Visit P3 Approach Page
Transition to KindergartenResources and guidance to help families, early learning programs, and schools support successful kindergarten transitions and early school success.Visit Transition Toolkit Page
2026 STARS CQI AwardsKeystone STARS CQI Awards provide funding to eligible STAR 2-4 child care programs to support quality improvements, staff development, and family engagement.Visit 2026 Awards Page
Bright StartThe information on this webpage will help you understand how to nurture a child’s mental health by supporting their social-emotional development.Visit Bright Start Page
Certification Regulations Re-WriteOCDEL is working with providers and stakeholders to update child care regulations, improving quality, fairness, and reducing administrative burden.Visit Impact Project page
Dual Language Learners (DLL)A dual language learner (DLL) is a child birth to age 5 learning 2 or more languages. OCDEL partners with WIDA to provide resources and training to support educators and families.Visit Dual Language Learners (DLL) Page
Healthy Minds @WorkA science-based app program offering short daily meditations, lessons, and tools to build well-being, reduce stress and burnout, and improve mental health.Visit Healthy Minds Page