HARRISBURG – Recognizing the important role that quality child care plays in giving children a safe, healthy and successful start in life, Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman praised the positive impact of new child care regulations.
“These new regulations further our commitment to protect the health and safety of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians,” said Richman. “These new regulations provide peace of mind for parents everywhere.”
The new regulations were developed over a three year period with the input of industry providers, advocates and members of the General Assembly. The new regulations took effect on Sept. 22 and do the following:
· Update health and safety requirements to reflect best practices and research;
· Provide for the inclusion of children with special needs;
· Improve opportunities for facility compliance;
· Require mandatory training for new providers;
· Increase communication between parents and providers regarding growth and development of children in care; and
· Provide increased access to regulation information for parents and providers.
Joined by acting Secretary of Health Everette James and Secretary of Education Gerald Zahorchak, Richman praised the hard work and dedication of those who were central to the passage and implementation of the new regulations on behalf of the more than 350,000 children currently in care.
“We know that quality early childhood programs are a critical building block for future student achievement,” Zahorchak said. “These new regulations mark another important step forward in establishing a world-class, early childhood education system in Pennsylvania.”
“The Department of Health is pleased to see the updated regulations bring the immunization requirements at child care facilities in line with the national standards,” said James. “Protecting the health of Pennsylvania’s children protects the future of the commonwealth.”
Earlier this year, Pennsylvania was recognized by the National Governors Association as being one of the strongest in the nation in promoting and developing high-quality, accessible early childhood education programs.
The Department of Public Welfare licenses and registers more than 9,000 child care facilities statewide, which provide care to more than 350,000 children. For more information on early childhood education, locating a child care facility or to learn more about child care subsidies, visit here.