AUTHOR: Ann Walker
EMAIL: aew@elrc8.org
PHONE: 814-231-1352
TAG LINE: Executive Administrator
AGENCY: Early Learning Resource Center Region 8
Early Learning Resource Center Region 8 (ELRC 8) is one of 19 Statewide regional programs funded through the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) that serves families, early learning providers and the general community to provide and offer information about quality child care services for children ages birth to 13 years of age. Now in our fourth year of serving six counties- Centre, Juniata, Mifflin, Northumberland, Snyder and Union –our ELRC8 combines the continuous quality improvement of our Keystone STARS Quality system for early learning providers through coaching and technical assistance with offering Subsidized Child Care Assistance to income eligible families residing in one of our six counties through Child Care Works. In addition to working with our early learning community and helping families find affordable, accessible, quality certified child care programs, we offer enhanced resource and referral services to anyone who needs information, help and guidance towards needed services.
We have two offices, one in State College and one in Northumberland. Each office is accessible by phone (see below), email (elrc@elrc8.org ) and physical location. Each office has a resource library which includes educational materials on topics such as how to deal with temper tantrums, positive discipline practices, healthy eating habits, biting and toileting. While we are not open to the public at this time during Covid, interested people can access us and our information by phone, mail, email and drop slot. We can also talk with people at each location using appropriate measures to insure everyone’s safety.
To qualify for financial assistance, each child needing day care must be a US citizen; each adult must work at least 20 hours or more per week; the child must need day care in order for the parent/caretaker to work; meet income guidelines. Once a household is determined eligible, the ELRC will also determine a copayment – the amount you are expected to pay towards the cost of child care. At this time there is no waiting list for care, however this could change in the future.
Information about our services are also available online at www.compass.state.pa.us. Parents/caretakers can request a list of early care and education programs by scrolling to the bottom of the web page and selecting “Early Learning Programs and Providers” under the Helpful Links section. To apply for financial services through COMPASS select “Apply for Any Benefits, selecting Child Care Works. ELRC staff can offer assistance in navigating the COMPASS web site to make application for Child Care Works financial assistance or help you with a list of appropriate providers based on your needs. The ELRC will follow-up with you if additional information is needed.
For more information about the ELRC: Email elrc@elrc8.org or www.elrc8.org
For State College, call 814-231-1352 or 888-440-2247
For Northumberland, call 570-988-4452 or 866-698-2247
2565 Park Center Blvd. STE 100
State College, PA 16801
65 Queen Street STE 100
Northumberland, PA 17857