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The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports families and their children from prenatal through school age by using data, research and stakeholder guidance to assure high quality services.
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Early Education in Pennsylvania
Message from Suzann Morris, Deputy Secretary
In the spirit of the season, I want to share how grateful I am to be a part of this amazing community. Thank you for all the work you do to improve the lives of children, families, and early learning professionals. The role you play in the complex system of early learning is more important than ever - your commitment is meaningful and appreciated.
As I come into my new role, I spent much of the last month connecting with leaders at all levels. I was able to join Secretaries Dallas and Rivera in speaking to the business leaders of the Governor's Early Learning Investment Commission at their fall meeting where they set their agenda for the coming year. These business leaders use their voice to raise the issues of working families in need of high quality child care and other early learning programs. I also enjoyed participating in the Keystone STARS Re-visioning Think Tank with approximately 100 diverse stakeholders to discuss the future structure of Keystone STARS. I spent some time with our emerging leaders at the first meeting of the OCDEL Early Learning Policy Fellows, a dynamic group of mid-career professionals, as well as the established board members of the Pennsylvania Child Care Association, an important voice for our field.
During these meetings I found that, although our roles are different, we share the same vision--providing more children with high-quality early learning opportunities. I'm delighted to see so many leaders at all levels and look forward to seeing, meeting, and discussing new ideas with many more in the coming year.
Keystone STARS Re-visioning Update: Public webinars January 19
More than 600 stakeholders participated in the orientation webinars for the three STARS Revisioning Workgroups: Quality Indicators and Program Alignment; PD/Coaching/Cross-Systems Partnerships; and Communication/STARS Ambassadors Workgroups. These workgroups will begin work in December and early 2017.
On November 10, more than 60 members of the Keystone STARS Think Tank met to discuss and review the current Keystone STARS performance indicators to start thinking about what are the few and powerful standards that best measure quality, and can be measured. Next step is for the members of the Quality Indicators and Program Alignment Workgroup to conduct their own assessment using the criteria of evidence-based/high value, achievability and feasibility for objective measurement and merge that with the results of the Think Tank.
All stakeholders are invited to participate on one of two public webinars on January 19, 2017 for an update on the Keystone STARS Re-visioning work. Sign up via the links below:
Pennsylvania Has Your Back
Governor Wolf's office recently released a response plan to end incidents of racism and religious intolerance in Pennsylvania schools and prevent future occurances. The plan includes outreach from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Safe Schools office and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC).
- Contact with the Office of Safe Schools by school district staff
- Monitoring of threats and taking action on part of the PA State Police
- The Office for Safe Schools' Bullying Prevention Consultation Line (toll-free) 1-866-716-0424
- Hate Crimes Hotline at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 1-800-552-6843.
1,000 T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships Available
Do you want to earn your Child Development Associate (CDA)? Do your goals include receiving an Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood? Have you wanted to work on your Pennsylvania Certification in early childhood education, but just haven't had the resources?
The Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA), in partnership with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) have available more than 1,000 T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) scholarships for eligible professionals in DHS-certified Keystone STARS programs. Scholarships are available for CDA Credentials, CDA Assessment Fees, Associate's and Bachelor's degrees as well as PA Teacher Certification in early childhood education.
Get more information or download an application at PACCA's website at www.pacca.org. Questions? Contact a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Counselor at 717-657-9000.
Reminder: Share your thoughts on ESSA at public events
There is still time to share your thoughts on ESSA! The PA Department of Education (PDE) is hosting a series of public meetings to get feedback on Pennsylvania's state plan for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). A senior leader from PDE will provide background on the law and discuss the ongoing development of Pennsylvania's State Plan for its implementation, which will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education in 2017. -There are several areas in the law that reference or may have a direct impac t on early learning such as Title I funding for preschools, Preschool Development Grants , P-3 alignment, professional development, and serving special populations. Find a date and location that works for you where you can provide your feedback!
 Save the Date: 2017 P-3 Governor's Institute
The Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Child Development and Early Learning has announced the 2017 Prenatal to Grade 3 (P-3) Governor's Institute: P-3 Collaboration - Working Together for Student Success. The P-3 Governor's Institute aims to help school districts, early learning providers, and community organizations throughout the commonwealth make the vital connections and collaborations necessary for student success from prenatal through grade 3. The 2017 P-3 Governor's Institutes will be offered regionally:
- June 27-29 at the Marriott in Cranberry
- July 11-13 at the Sky Top Lodge in the Poconos
- July 31- August 2 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey
Early Learning Policy Fellows Explore PA's Early Childhood System
With generous support from the Grable Foundation, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is excited to welcome our first cohort of Early Learning Policy Fellows: Sherlyn Michie, Tyrone Scott, Christa Rossi, Aaron Miller, William Tolliver, Heather Kaufmann, Shimira Williams, Christy Nevel, and Corey Whitesell. This group of nine emerging leaders will explore the many components of Pennsylvania's comprehensive early childhood system, including placement within OCDEL's bureaus and partner agencies. The Fellowship will develop a talent pool in Pennsylvania with a deep understanding of the complex mechanisms that comprise an integrated, quality early learning system, with particular knowledge of the role of state government. Fellows represent the diversity of the early learning professional field, specifically from the perspectives of racial, gender, and geographic representation.
12 Years in the Making: PA One Book Classic Countdown
Do you remember Inside Mouse, Outside Mouse by Lindsay Barrett George or A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Susan Stockdale? They were the first two PA One Book selections! Starting January, Pennsylvania's One Book Every Young Child will host the PA One Book Classic Countdown, highlighting the past 11 years of PA One Book classics. The Countdown will lead up to the kick off of the 12th PA One Book selection, Daniel Finds a Poem by author Micha Archer. Each week, check the PA One Book social media (Facebook and Instagram) for the announcement of the that week's book, activities around the book, a special video activity (like a special guest reader!), and a Flashback Friday where families and professionals can share their experiences with past PA One Book classics. Do you have a story to share about a past PA One Book? Send it to Mary at marhal@pakeys.org so we can highlight it during the PA One Book Classic Countdown!
PA Key Seeks Pre-school Program Specialist
Application deadline December 19
The Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) and PA Key seeks a dynamic individual with experience in the early childhood profession to provide monitoring and technical assistance to PA Pre-K Counts and Head Start State Supplemental Assistance programs in a variety of early learning settings in Southeastern Pennsylvania including Head Start agencies, School Districts and Child Care programs. This position requires strong computer skills and an ability to work with an online ECE reporting system (PELICAN). Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills are also necessary. An understanding of Head Start performance standards is important.
Master's degree in early education, child development or administration and a PQAS certificate preferred. Minimum of 5 years of high level work in the field of early learning with experience in partnership work and administration. Position is home office based in Southeast PA with travel within Lower Bucks and Philadelphia Counties at a minimum with periodic overnight travel to Harrisburg.
Send cover letter and resume to Kelly Hollenbach, BCIU, 1111 Commons Blvd., P.O. Box 16050, Reading, PA 19612-6050 or email to kelhol@berksiu.org. Online application available at www.berksiu.org. EOE
PA Key Seeks Fiscal/Data Specialist
Application deadline December 31
The BCIU and PA Key are seeking a dynamic individual with experience in budget analysis, and/or accounting to provide monitoring and technical assistance to PA Pre-K Counts, Head Start State Supplemental Assistance programs and other Early Childhood Initiatives as assigned by the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). This position works within the Operations & Logistics team and has direct contact with Early Childhood programs. The successful candidate should have great problem solving skills and be able to work well in a team with a variety of communication platforms. This position requires strong computer skills, especially with Microsoft Excel and an ability to work with an online early childhood education reporting system (PELICAN). Strong leadership, communication and collaboration skills are also necessary. Experience within early childhood education programs preferred. Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and/or Accounting preferred.
Send cover letter and resume to Kelly Hollenbach, BCIU, 1111 Commons Blvd., P.O. Box 16050, Reading, PA 19612-6050 or email to kelhol@berksiu.org. Online application available at www.berksiu.org. Deadline: Friday December 31, 2016. EOE
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Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge
The Impact of the Community Innovation Zones
Family engagement and preparing children for the transition into kindergarten are two primary components of the Community Innovation Zone grant, and the efforts of two grantees are highlighted in the
December Impact of the Community Innovation Zones. The Marion Center School Districts shares the efforts with the their Summer SPLASH (Students Play And Study Hard) Camp that provides a research-based English language arts and math camp to K-4 students in the summer to aid struggling learners. Another grantee, the Mount Union Area School District is building personal relationships with the families, while providing parenting support, school readiness tools and literacy activities to help with their child's school success.
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This initiative is a part of Pennsylvania's Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge grant. For more information on other initiatives funded by this grant, visit the
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Federal News
Latest Review of the Evidence of Effectiveness for Home Visiting Programs
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Service's Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness (HomVEE) review released its annual review results, an updated Executive Summary, and a brief on the HomVEE project as a whole. The executive summary provides detailed information on all 45 home visiting models reviewed by HomVEE and the summary brief describes the review process, review results, and the 19 program models determined to meet criteria for an "evidence-based early childhood home visiting service delivery model.
New Report from the Early Learning Interagency Policy Board on the Integration of Data from Early Childhood Programs and Services
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Education (ED) recently released a joint report, The Integration of Early Childhood Data, to help states refine their capacity to use existing data from early childhood programs to improve services for young children and families. The report covers key considerations when states integrate data and highlights progress in eight states that are actively developing and using early childhood integrated data systems (ECIDS). It also discusses technical assistance, includes resources available to states for ECIDS development, and reflects on lessons learned from additional states when approaching this work.
Head Start Expulsion and Suspension Policy Statement
A recent Information Memorandum from the Office of Head Start highlights new requirements in the Head Start Program Performance Standards related to expulsion and suspension. It also encourages Head Start grantees and delegates to adopt practices set forth in the Policy Statement on Expulsion and Suspension in Early Childhood Settings issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED).
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Of Interest
Triclosan Ban: Liquid Soaps & Body Wash
In September, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned most antibacterial soaps and body washes from being sold in stores. According to the FDA, antibacterial cleaners are no more effective than regular soap options and the antibacterial products pose health risks. Manufacturers have a year to take triclosan, triclocarban, and 17 other chemicals out of their products. Currently, about 93% of liquid soaps include triclosan which can be found in about 2,000 liquid products labeled "antibacterial" or "antimicrobial." Eco-Healthy Child Care has info on what is triclosan, its dangers, where it can be found, and the steps to take to lessen the impact to children in your care.
BUILD Initiative Call for Proposals
Deadline December 22
The BUILD Initiative has opened the call for proposals for the 2017 QRIS National Meeting to be held June 27-29, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. This meeting will share the latest research, effective practices,innovations and big ideas in the development, implementation and revision of quality rating and improvement systems (QRIS). The structure of the meeting is designed to foster cross-state discussion and peer exchange. If you have an interest in sharing innovations and research related to the work you are doing, please consider submitting a proposal. See the announcement for information on key points for submitting a proposal, different types of sessions, and FAQ.
Call for Artwork for Children's Mental Health Awareness Day 2017: Digital Art Exhibition
Deadline February 6, 2017
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day 2017 will be observed by more than 150 national organizations and 1,100 communities across the country on May 4, 2017. Awareness Day 2017 will focus on the importance of integrating children's mental, emotional, and physical health. During the event, best practices in communication between behavioral health providers, primary care, youth, and families, as well as evidence-based community programs, will be showcased.
In support of Awareness Day 2017, the Office of Head Start (OHS), the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), and Youth M.O.V.E. (Motivating Others Through Voices of Experience) National are reaching out through their networks to children, youth, and young adults ages 3-25 and inviting them to create artwork addressing the theme: "I am a work of art." The digital art exhibition will celebrate the important role of art and creativity in mental health and wellness. It also emphasizes a holistic view of children's health. See the announcement for information on criteria and how to submit art.
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Trends and Reports
Align and Coordinate Birth to Third Grade Programs
Imagine if every child from birth experienced high-quality programs and education, every day and every year, at least until third grade. This is the vision a growing number of states are
embracing, through a Birth to Grade 3 framework, to implement a seamless continuum of highly effective learning. The Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes' Policy Report,
Building State P-3 Systems: Learning from Leading States, tells the story of how Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Oregon are leading the way, and provides other states with an evidence base to guide their ESSA planning.
Pennsylvania's efforts highlighted within the report include statewide P-3 Policy Initiative which include standards alignment and the
Kindergarten Entry Inventory (KEI), PA Governor's Institutes, and the Community Innovation Zone Grants. These efforts were made possible as part of the Pennsylvania's Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge grant.
Kindergarten Readiness Camps Bring Significant Learning Gains
A report, Kindergarten Readiness Camps Bring Significant Learning Gains, from the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute shares that students in a Kindergarten Readiness Camp have shown significant gains in fundamental cognitive and literacy skills. The summer program for low-income children focuses on developing the skills that help students improve their transitions into school. These skills can enable children to start school on a more equitable playing field with their more affluent counterparts, helping to close "the achievement gap." Read the report for additional details.
Latino children's participation in early care and education
Three new reports from the National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families suggest that investments in early care and education programs appear to be paying off: long-observed gaps in participation between low-income Hispanic children and their black and white peers may be closing. Early care and education, if it's high-quality, can make a difference when it comes to kindergarten readiness and later academic success. Learn more at the
National Research Center on Hispanic Children & Families website.
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Resources
Top Five Gifts to Give a Child This Holiday Season
With the holiday season fast approaching, PA's Promise has a quick one-page printable of the top five gifts to give a child this holiday season. There's no breaking the bank with these suggestions--they're five of the best that we all can give, but will last a life time.
Supporting Breastfeeding Families
The Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health division of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has created brand new toolkits for child care providers who want to be breastfeeding-friendly! The toolkits provide information on the importance of breastfeeding, how to store and handle pumped breastmilk and how to feed breastfed infants, a sample 10 Steps policy to breastfeeding-friendly and various county resources. While the toolkits are geared toward child care providers, they can also be very helpful resources for parents who want to advocate for their day care centers or homes to become more breastfeeding-friendly. Available in
English or
Spanish.
Baby Talk, November 2016
The
November 2016 edition Camille Catlett's Baby Talk is now available. In this edition, explore what's happening in fine motor development, how a brain activity map reveals the development of infant vision, five ways to build babies' language and communication skills from birth, and more.
Updated Infant Safe-Sleep Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released
updated recommendations for a safe infant sleeping environment, published in the October issue of
Pediatrics. AAP encourages a safe-sleep environment that can reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths. The updated recommendations also include the role of child care providers in endorsing and modeling the SIDS risk-reduction recommendations.
Parent, Family and Community Engagement Resource Catalog 2.0
Use
this catalog from the National Center on Parent, Family and Community Engagement to find research, tools, guides, and multimedia resources. The catalog is intended for those who are involved in early childhood programs - the families, administrators, and early childhood program staff. Early childhood programs include Head Start and Early Head Start programs, child care centers, home-based family child care, and home visiting programs. These materials will help individuals set ambitious, yet realistic goals. They also can help in developing meaningful and effective plans for parent, family, and community engagement (PFCE) work.
Food Buying Guide and Calculator
A new resource,
Food Buying Guide, from the University of Mississippi helps child care providers create customizable healthy shopping lists for child care programs. Choose food groups, such as Fruits and Vegetables, or enter a keyword or food item in the search field. For added convenience, print the shopping list directly from a computer! Food items listed in the Food Buying Guide Calculator, including their item descriptions, purchase units, serving descriptions, notes and serving units, are based on food items listed in the USDA's official Food Buying Guide for Child Nutrition Programs.
Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge and Preschool Development Grant Webinar Recordings
The webinar recordings were prepared in response to a request for information from a Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge (RTT-ELC) State about the innovative work with family child care (FCC) providers that is being done in RTT-ELC Phase 2 and 3 States. (Pennsylvania is a Phase 3 grantee.) This information will be helpful to others as they consider how to continue to enhance the quality of early learning in FCC homes. Available are the webinar recordings for:
Local Parks Finder
The Good for You, Good for All campaign, in partnership with Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), launched a
Customized Local Park Finder. The Customized Local Parks Finder is powered by
ExplorePALocalParks.com and enables a user to search and view parks in your area. You can create a custom link that pre-sorts the map to start off centered on your geographic area featuring park locations of your county or municipality, then share it on your website or social media. It's an easy, totally free, and powerful way to connect you or others in finding parks in your area.
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Higher Education
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The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success.
Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania
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The Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education News is a project of the Pennsylvania Build Initiative and the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Human Services to inform early learning professionals, the early childhood community, policymakers, community leaders and the public on developments in early childhood education and care in Pennsylvania.
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