The Value of PA’s Early Learning System

OCDEL promotes opportunities for all Pennsylvania children and families by building systems and providing supports that help ensure access to high quality child and family services.

The PA Keys to Quality works to create a quality improvement system in which all early learning programs and professionals are encouraged and supported to improve child outcomes.

PA’s Early Learning System What does it look like to you?

PA’s Early Learning System What happens if a piece falls behind or out of line?

PA’s Early Learning System Implements standards for higher quality & greater accountability Targets children & families who are most in need and/or at risk Engages families, schools, and communities to promote quality early learning opportunities

PA’s Early Learning System 1) Implements standards for higher quality & greater accountability

Standards for Higher Quality Learning Standards Professional Development Standards Program Standards Reflect evidence and research-based best practices!

Standards for Higher Quality PA Learning Standards for Early Childhood from birth through Grade 2 Used by all OCDEL programs Aligned with 3 rd -12 th grade academic standards Guides instructional practice Supports learning in class & at home

Standards for Higher Quality Professional Development Standards Career Track for Professionals Early Learning Career Lattice PA Quality Assurance System (PQAS) Teacher Certification / Act 48

Standards for Higher Quality

Program Standards Keystone STARS PA Pre-K Counts Head Start Certification Nurse-Family Partnership

Greater Accountability Early learning data management & reporting system Use data to improve classroom instruction Use data to identify special needs Use data to talk to families Increases program efficiency Reduces fraud, waste, abuse

Greater Accountability Early Learning Outcomes Reporting via approved vendor tool for online assessments Aligns to standards, reported in early learning data management & reporting system Programs can share findings with community organizations & schools

Accountability = Results Figure presents all available ECERS-R scores, including Keystone STARS, PA Pre-K Counts, and Head Start facilities. Assessments are made at the classroom level. Each data point is a single assessment of a classroom.

Accountability = Results Keystone STARS

Accountability = Results Head Start Supplemental

Accountability = Results PA Pre-K Counts

PA’s Early Learning System 2) Targets children & families who are most in need and/or at risk

Focus on At-Risk Reducing special education needs

Focus on At-Risk More families of at-risk children choose regulated care

Focus on At-Risk Rising STARS Incentives to move to high quality STAR 3 & 4 levels Increased minimum enrollment of CCW subsidy children to 10% for STARS grants/awards Adjusted tiered reimbursement for STAR 3 & 4 programs provides greater flexibility to use funds

PA’s Early Learning System 3) Engages families, schools & communities to promote quality early learning opportunities

Engages Families Provides more quality early learning choices to families Available at many locations Expanded access via CCW Services unified under CCIS COMPASS online system Quality programs available in every county Family surveys

Engages Schools Partner with schools for smooth transitions to Kindergarten Early Learning Standards aligned with 3 rd -12 th grade Standards Aligned System (SAS): Professional Learning Communities (PLC) Title I funds for school pre-k Early Childhood Education Leadership Institute

Engages Communities Maximizes impact of public resources via OCDEL No duplication of staff, systems, or processes Quality and accountability of ECE programs are well-aligned Reach and Risk Report LEARN Partners

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