Information from the PA Department of Human Services
Posted over 5 years ago by Lori Kelley
PA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES • AUGUST 15, 2018
BACK TO SCHOOL
Let's ensure PA kids are healthy
and ready for this school year
We can hear the collective groans from here — summer is ending. Back-to-school commercials are beginning to air, and before long, Pennsylvania children will be strapping on their backpacks and heading off to another year full of learning new things.
Governor Tom Wolf's administration wants all Pennsylvania students to have a healthy and happy school year. Here are some state resources that can help make that happen:
Early learning
- HOW TO SELECT AN EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM
Looking for a quality early learning program in Pennsylvania? Start with the commonwealth's Find Child Care search engine. Find a facility's hours, state safety record, and more with the click of a button. Once you've narrowed down your selections, experts suggest visiting the facility in person to get a feel for the place. Here are some helpful things to ask:
- How is the program regulated? Are there complaints or violations?
- What is the staff's education level and experience with young kids?
- How long have the teachers been at the program?
- How do the teachers use Pennsylvania early learning standards in their curriculum and learning activities?
- 5 PROMISES FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCHOOL YEAR
Pennsylvania's Promise for Children suggests five promises parents can make to young learners for a successful school year.
- GET HELPFUL INFO ALL YEAR LONG
Pennsylvania's Promise for Children regularly publishes early learning updates and tips via their newsletters. Subscribe today!
SafetyGet even more school safety tips from Ready PA.
- RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS
Kids should play it SAFE when it comes to buses:
- Stay five steps away from the curb
- Always wait for the bus driver to tell you to board
- Face forward after finding a seat on the bus
- Exit the bus when it stops, look left-right-left, and take five steps away from the bus toward the curb.
- REPORT SUSPECTED NEGLECT/ABUSE
People in young Pennsylvanians' lives need to be alert for signs of abuse/neglect this school year. If you suspect a young person is being abused, or if you are a young person experiencing abuse, call ChildLine at 1-800-932-0313.
- BULLYING PREVENTION CONSULTATION LINE
The Pennsylvania Department of Education provides a toll-free number for individuals experiencing chronic, unresolved bullying. Messages can be left 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-866-716-0424.
- PROVIDE SCHOOL SAFETY FEEDBACK
Governor Tom Wolf and Auditor General DePasquale recently announced the creation of a School Safety Task Force in Pennsylvania. The task force focuses on ways to improve safety and security in schools.Pennsylvanians are invited to provide their input.
Health
- APPLY FOR QUALITY HEALTH CARE COVERAGE
Kids who do not have health care coverage can get CHIP or Medicaidthrough the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Apply online or at your county assistance office.
- GET THEM UP-TO-DATE ON VACCINES
The Pennsylvania Department of Health has all the information parents and guardians need to ensure their children have received their required vaccinations for the upcoming school year.
- MAKING SURE KIDS AREN'T GOING HUNGRY
Pennsylvania parents can apply for free/reduced-price school lunches online. Learn more about food and nutrition in Pennsylvania schools through the Department of Education.
- DON'T FORGET ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH
The Office of Mental Health And Substance Abuse Services reminds Pennsylvanians to check in regularly with students about their mental health. The Prevent Suicide PA website is a resource for everyone, with important tips to recognize and act upon crisis warning signs in fellow Pennsylvanians. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis is encouraged to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, or text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
— SECRETARY TERESA MILLER
