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Let's Welcome the new PA Office of Child Development! On 9/7/04 Pennsylvania Secretary of Public Welfare Estelle B. Richman announced the creation of the Office of Child Development within the Department of Public Welfare, a new initiative linked with the Department of Education to ensure coordinated leadership on children's issues and to raise the priority level concerning issues of child development, early care, and education. Philadelphia-area child advocate Harriet Dichter has been selected to lead the new office. This is a major victory for early childhood education in Pennsylvania. We have struggled for years with oversight of early care and education divided among so many different state entities. We now, for the first time, have a single Commonwealth office devoted exclusively to the educational needs of young children. Thanks to everyone who has put time and energy into advocating for the improvement of our early childhood system. We look forward to active engagement with the Office of Child Development as we work together to improve the field and the lives of our youngest children. Be part of the conversation right from the start. You are encouraged to invite directors, teachers, providers and parents to send a message to the new Deputy Director, Harriet Dichter, welcoming the office and sharing hopes and dreams for what it might accomplish. The "Welcome Campaign" serves the dual purpose of educating our field about this exciting new development, and letting the Office know how many people are eager to see the fruits of its work. You may shape the campaign in whatever way best meets your local conditions and needs—in terms of who you focus on (staff, parents, etc.), whether you encourage people to send cards directly or gather them to send yourself, if you want to combine it with other elements such as educational outreach to legislators. Whatever you do, please let us know! Download Campaign Outreach Materials - TODAY!
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