Serving Region 3: Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana & Lawrence Counties
BECOMING A Certified CHILD CARE Provider
Who to Contact
If you are interested in opening a certified child care provider, please:
- Contact The Department of Human Services Licensing office for Western Region for more information at (800) 222-2149
- Visit the PA Key website for information and first steps on becoming a certified child care provider.
Definitions of Care Settings
- CENTER: A child care center is a facility in which seven or more children unrelated to the operator receive child care services. A child day care center must have a certificate of compliance (license) from DHS in order to operate.
- GROUP: A group care home is a facility in which seven to 12 children unrelated to the operator receive child care services. A group child care home must have a certificate of compliance (license) from DHS in order to operate.
- FAMILY: A family child care home is a facility in which four, five or six children unrelated to the operator receive child care services. A family care home must be located in a home and must have a certificate of compliance (license) from DHS in order to operate.
Great news! Rapid Response Team (RRT) services extended
OCDEL has awarded Early Learning Connections a one-year extension to continue providing Rapid Response Team (RRT) services to licensed child care providers in Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Indiana and Lawerence Counties. Jenn Lohr will remain the RRT Coordinator. Referrals will continue to be accepted via email at RRTRegion3@earlylearningconnections.org or 724-287-2761 ext. 316 through December 2026.