UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - Pennsylvania - post

Pennsylvania Approved Child Care Training

ChildCareEd is a PQAS-Approved Training Organization (#58015) recognized by The Pennsylvania Key and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). Our online, self-paced courses are approved to support Pennsylvania’s annual professional development requirements, Keystone STARS training, and CDA credential competencies.

As an IACET Accredited Provider, ChildCareEd also ensures your continuing education hours (and eligible CEUs) are recognized statewide and nationwide.

What Pennsylvania Approved Training Does ChildCareEd Provide?

ChildCareEd offers 200+ online, self-paced PQAS-approved courses to help Pennsylvania child care professionals meet required ongoing training and professional development goals.

Our approved courses support professionals working in:

• Child Care Centers
• Group Child Care Homes
• Family Child Care Homes
• Directors & Administrators
• Group Supervisors & Assistant Group Supervisors
• Primary & Secondary Staff Persons
• Aides & Caregivers
• CDA Candidates

Important Notice About Pennsylvania Pre-Service Training

Pennsylvania requires a specific, state-designated 6-Hour Pre-Service Health and Safety Training (Part 1 and Part 2) approved directly by OCDEL/The Pennsylvania Key.

ChildCareEd courses may NOT be used to fulfill Pennsylvania’s required 6-hour Pre-Service Health & Safety Training. Only the official OCDEL/PA Key–approved modules listed on The Pennsylvania Key website may be used to satisfy this requirement.

Annual Training Requirements – 12 Hours for All Staff

Pennsylvania requires a minimum of 12 clock hours of annual training for all facility staff working in:

• Child Care Centers
• Group Child Care Homes
• Family Child Care Homes

Registry Information

Pennsylvania Key Professional Development (PD) Registry Credit

ChildCareEd can upload completed professional development hours directly into the Pennsylvania Key PD Registry when your Registry ID is attached to your ChildCareEd account.

To receive registry credit:

1. Add your Pennsylvania Key PD Registry ID to your ChildCareEd profile
2. Complete your online ChildCareEd course
3. ChildCareEd uploads your attendance weekly to the PD Registry
4. Allow at least 5 business days for the completion to appear in your Registry record

This streamlined process helps ensure timely credit for annual training hours, Keystone STARS, and ongoing professional development requirements.

CDA Credential Training

Pennsylvania recognizes the Child Development Associate (CDA) as equivalent to 9 college credit hours in early childhood education or child development and 1 year of experience.

ChildCareEd offers the full suite of CDA trainings, including:

• Birth to Five CDA Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Infant/Toddler Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Preschool Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Family Child Care Credential with Portfolio Review
• CDA Home Visitor Credential Birth to 5
• CDA Infant/Toddler Renewal
• CDA Preschool Renewal
• CDA Family Child Care Renewal

These programs support Keystone STARS, staff qualification pathways, and career advancement across Pennsylvania.

Licensing Contact Information

For the most current Pennsylvania training rules and licensing guidance, contact:

Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) & Pennsylvania Department of Education

Address: 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126
Phone: (717) 787-8691
General DHS Contact Center: 1-800-222-0989
Email: RA-PWOCDELREG@pa.gov (regional licensing offices vary)
Website: https://www.pakeys.org/