Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)

Created in January 2007, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) brings together all aspects of early learning and development for children ages birth through five years old in the departments of Education and Public Welfare. This new office incorporates the Department of Education’s early childhood programs, Head Start, school pre-kindergarten, full-day kindergarten and preschool Early Intervention program, as well as the child care, early intervention and family support programs currently associated with the Office of Child Development in the Department of Public Welfare.

 Download OCDEL's annual report (PDF)

OCDEL oversees many of Pennsylvania's programs to help families and communities promote early learning opportunities for our young children.

• Child Care Certification
• Child Care Works
• Children's Trust Fund
• Early Intervention, birth - five
• Full Day Kindergarten
• Head Start Supplemental
• Keystone STARS/ Early Learning Keys to Quality
• Parent-Child Home Program
• Pennsylvania Nurse-Family Partnership
• Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

 Share with school leaders and our elected officials how early learning programs make a difference for you, your children, and children and families in your communities - help build the case to make quality early education a priority for Pennsylvania.