•  Education & Development Resources 

    • Office of Developmental Programs (ODP)
       ODP makes resources related to intellectual disabilities and autism available through the myODP website. While most of the trainings, resources, and communications hosted on this site have been developed for professionals who support participants within ODP’s programs, anyone can review the information, including individuals and families.
    • Autism Service, Education, Resources and Training (ASERT)
       ASERT is a partnership of medical centers, centers of autism research and services, universities, and other providers involved in the treatment and care of individuals of all ages with autism and their families. ASERT was developed to bring together resources locally, regionally, and statewide.
    • Aid In PA
       AID in PA is home to resources designed to support individuals with autism and/or an intellectual or developmental disability, their parents and caregivers, professionals and the communities across Pennsylvania.
    • Head Start
       Head Start is a national program administered by the Office of Head Start within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS) Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Head Start programs provide comprehensive developmental services for low-income children from birth to elementary school.

    Medical/Health Care Resources

    • School Vaccinations
       Vaccinations are required for children to attend school in Pennsylvania. On the first day of school, unless the child has a medical or religious/philosophical exemption, a child must have at least one dose of specified vaccinations or risk exclusion.
    • 988
       Call, text, or chat with a trained counselor 24/7.
      988 is the new, easier way to connect callers directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. People who contact 988 via phone, text, or chat will be directly connected to trained counselors located at 13 PA crisis call centers who can immediately provide phone-based support and connections to local resources, if necessary.

    Keeping Children Safe

    • Safe2Say Something
       Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
    • Report Child Abuse
       Call ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313
       Mandatory Reporters: Report online through the Child Welfare Portal
       If you suspect child abuse, report it! ChildLine is available 24/7 to anyone wishing to report suspected child abuse and neglect. Anyone can make a report to ChildLine. All reports are anonymous. ChildLine supervisors are constantly monitoring calls and assuring proper response. Reports of suspected abuse are referred to appropriate agencies (i.e., law enforcement, child welfare offices) for investigation. Every allegation of child abuse reported to ChildLine is investigated.
    • Get Clearances
       The Child Protective Services Law (CPSL) requires certain individuals to obtain clearances in order to be employed, be a resource parent (foster or adoptive), or be a volunteer with children. The purpose for requiring clearances is to provide employers and those selecting volunteers with information to use as a part of a larger decision-making process when determining whether to hire someone as an employee or select them as a volunteer.

    Food Assistance

    Child Care

    • Find Child Care Near You
       You have options when it comes to the care your child receives. DHS can help you find child care, early learning programs, and financial assistance to pay for care.
    • Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs)
       ELRCs provide a single point-of-contact for families, early learning service providers, and communities to gain information and access services that support high-quality child care and early learning programs. ELRCs administer child care subsidies and supports through the Child Care Works program to help low-income families pay their child care fees. This state and federal investment in PA’s working families enables parents to maintain employment while creating opportunities for the commonwealth’s children to develop and learn to their fullest potential.

    Other Back-to-School Resources: