ELRC Region 5

The ELRC Region 5 weekly newsletter for early learning providers is delivered to subscribers every Friday afternoon. Each weekly issue contains useful news updates, resources, and tips for providers. Here is last week's newsletter from 7/10: https://mailchi.mp/alleghenycounty/elrc-providers-07102026

This week's Provider Tip of the Week reminds providers to slow down and take notice. Summer is the perfect time to follow children's curiosity instead of rushing to the next activity. If they become fascinated by a butterfly, a puddle, or an ant hill, pause the schedule for a few minutes. Some of the richest learning occurs when adults are willing to explore alongside children!

Looking to subscribe and receive each newsletter straight to your inbox? Sign up on our website: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/enewsletter-sign-up

In case you missed it: CitiParks is offering free breakfast, lunch, and snacks at eight Pittsburgh rec centers and more than 40 partner locations throughout the summer.

Children under age 18 - or those with intellectual disabilities up to age 21 - can receive a free meal. The programs wrap up for the summer at various times in August, with the latest closing down on August 14.

Visit our website for a full list of participating locations and to download a printable summer food program:

City Program Offering Free Meals for Children Returns for Summer — Early Learning Resource Center Region 5 A city program that offers free breakfast, lunch, and snacks for any child under age 18 will return through mid-August.

Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned leader, the PA School-Age Child Care Alliance Conference and Annual Meeting has something for everyone!

Join in person at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit in Homestead from Thursday, November 5 to Saturday, November 7 and enjoy learning, connection, and inspiration designed to strengthen and elevate out-of-school time programs across Pennsylvania.

Read more and access registration: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/events/out-of-school-time-pa-statewide-conference-and-annual-meeting

Out-of-School Time PA Statewide Conference and Annual Meeting — Early Learning Resource Center Region 5 Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned leader, the PA School-Age Child Care Alliance Conference and Annual Meeting has something for everyone.

Attention providers: earlier this month, Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s (OCDEL) Bureau of Policy and Professional Development has announced changes in requirements for programs using an OCDEL-approved Keystone STARS - Alternate Pathways.

Learn more and access the full announcement: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/news/ocdel-makes-announcement-on-keystone-stars-alternate-pathways-requirements

OCDEL Makes Announcement on Keystone STARS - Alternate Pathways Requirements — Early Learning Resource Center Region 5 Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s (OCDEL) Bureau of Policy and Professional Development has announced changes in requirements for programs using an OCDEL-approved Keystone STARS - Alternate Pathways.

This week's Provider Tip of the Week features tips for taking a mid-year refresher.

As we reach the midpoint of the year, now is a good time to reflect on your progress as a team and refocus on shared goals. The mid-year point offers an opportunity to review routines, strengthen communication, and identify areas where small adjustments can improve efficiency and teamwork.

Ready to move forward together into the rest of the year? Subscribe to the ELRC Region 5 provider newsletter for a new tip each week: https://www.elrc5.alleghenycounty.us/enewsletter-sign-up