Programs

To provide the youngest Pennsylvanians with the very best start on their educational and developmental journey, it's imperative that we support early childhood workers with career training and advancement opportunities as to retain these skilled employees.

With that in mind, we partner with regional Institutions of Higher Education to meet the following goals:

• Increase access to ECE-specific credentials and degrees;
• Increase student completion rates of credentials and degrees;
• Provide equitable supports and resources to students.

Participant Eligibility

To receive PDO funding, participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Be a Pennsylvania resident
• Be a current employee at a PA DHS certified child care program or a state-funded PA 
  PKC program for 3 months or more or demonstrate employment history of 6 months in 
  PA DHS certified child career a state-funded PA PKC program, if newly hired. 
  • Participants actively enrolled in PDO activities will not be impacted by change of 
    employer if the new employer is a certified child care program or a state-funded 
    PA PKC program. 
  • Child Care employment may be verified through the participant’s PD Registry 
    account with a status of “verified by program”.
• Work a minimum average of 25 hours per week directly in a PA DHS certified child care 
  program or a state-funded PA PKC program or a combination of both. 
• For child care directors/assistant directors make no more than $30.00 per hour; for child 
  care teachers, assistant teachers and aides make no more than $25.00 per hour
• Have a GPA and course grades that meet transfer requirements; a watch plan will be 
  developed for participants not meeting transfer requirements
• Sign a Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Commitment Form (Appendix D) 

How to Apply

If you have reviewed the eligibility and are ready to apply for PDO funding, CLICK HERE to complete the PDO Eligibility Application.

If you are a first-time applicant, please note you will need to create a profile before submitting your funding application.  If you help with completing the application, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

CLICK HERE for an Application Readiness tip sheet, to help you prepare for a successful submission.

CLICK HERE for step-by-step instruction guide for using the application Document Management System (DMS).

If you are unsure of your next steps on the Career Pathway, CLICK HERE to visit our Career Advising page for information on how the ECE PDO at PHMC can provide resources to support your journey. 

Need support?  Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions!

PDO Programs

Philadelphia Workforce

Southeast (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery Counties)