OCDEL
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.
February 2017 Top News
Early Education in Pennsylvania

Message from Suzann Morris, Deputy Secretary

We had a lot of new starts this January - A new year, a new federal administration, and new federal and state legislative sessions. Watch Governor Wolf's statement on Inauguration Day

Last week, I had the honor of representing the Administration and the early childhood field at a press conference with Pittsburgh Steelers legend Franco Harris, four-time Olympic medalist wrestler Bruce Baumgartner, co-chairs of the Early Childhood Education Caucus and advocates to reinforce the importance of quality early education. Watch the entire event here



The press event announced the new report, High-Quality Early Education Can Help Kids Win the Academic 'Medal Race', released by Champions for America's Future. The report references statistics that show where the United States falls internationally in terms of academic proficiency. While we top the lists in sports achievements and gold medals, the U.S. is an unimpressive 35th out of 64 countries in math and 27th in science based on the 2012 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test.  

This is why our work is so important, to continue to improve our systems, policies, programs and be ambassadors for quality early learning in every venue. Now is a critical time to stay informed of policy and other developments so you can be a part of the process and continue to be ambassadors for quality early learning. OCDEL has made stakeholder engagement a priority, and continue to do so. We will do our best to keep you informed of OCDEL's progress through this newsletter and our other communications and we encourage you to give each one a review when they come across your inbox.

There are several calls to action in this edition, take time to respond! We are moving full steam ahead with Keystone STARS Re-visioning, finalizing our statements on supporting inclusion and reducing suspensions and expulsions in early childhood settings, and inviting school district - early learning teams to attend the 2017 Governor's Institutes.  

Together, we can fulfill our mission to provide families access to high-quality services to prepare children for school and life success.

Thank you,
Suzann Morris

STARSKeystone STARS Re-visioning Update: 
January 19 webinar reveals new STARS structure, opportunities to participate  

Did you miss the January Keystone STARS Revisioning Webinar? Watch the recording or download the PowerPoint to view at your convenience. Pennsylvania's Quality Rating and Improvement System, Keystone STARS, is one of the most mature systems in the country to improve quality in child care / early learning programs. As Pennsylvania strives to increase access to high-quality services, now is the time to refine Keystone STARS so that it is more efficient for providers to participate and more effective at improving child outcomes. Revisions to the Keystone STARS system will begin roll-out for the 2017-18 program year. The webinar highlights the movement in this process.

February FAQ: Should I be trying to increase my STAR level now or wait until 2017-18?
  • If you increase your STAR level this fiscal year, you can maintain that increased STAR in 2017-18. You may also receive the benefits of increased tiered reimbursement and grants and awards by increasing your STAR level now.
Visit the Keystone STARS Re-visioning web page for answers to other frequently-asked questions. 

There is still time to participate in the Re-visioning process! Get up to speed on the work of the Indicators, Professional Development, and Communications workgroups, and submit any comments or questions to RA-OCDEarlyLearning@pa.gov

Change Impacts ERS Visits for STARS Providers 

An upcoming change for ERS visits means that only sites intending to move up a STAR level will schedule  ERS visits so they can lock in their increased STAR level before next year. When the revised Keystone STARS program launches on July 1, 2017, currently designated programs will be able to maintain their 2016-17 STAR level through 2017-18. Effective February 1, 2017, OCDEL will prioritize scheduling of Environment Rating Scale (ERS) visits to programs moving to a higher STAR level before June 30, 2017. 

Due to this prioritization, all types of STAR level maintenance ERS visits will be postponed until further notice, and will resume after the move-up ERS visits are complete. Currect ERS scores will be extended for two years for programs renewing their STARS Designation. For more information, visit the PA Key website or contact your  Regional Key

Apply Now for Blended Pennsylvania Framework for Leadership Course
Application deadlines vary 

To expand the opportunities for professional development within the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership (PIL) Program, a series of blended courses aligned to the Pennsylvania Framework for Leadership is being offered. This course is focused on effective P-3 (prenatal-grade 3) planning and implementation, which is designed to help all children succeed. This coursework focuses on communication and effective strategies between all stakeholders in a P-3 system where the 0-5 and K-3 administrators lead in modeling the process. School leaders will delve deeply into issues relevant to leading P-3 initiatives in collaboration with other programs and school leaders. The course is appropriate for early education and school staff, including superintendents, principals, executive directors, early childhood administrators and more. The 2017 course is being offered in four different regions. See the flyer for dates, application process, and additional information.

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® PENNSYLVANIA Scholarships Available for Keystone STARS Directors and Staff for 2017

T.E.A.C.H. scholarships are a partnership between the sponsoring child care program, scholarship recipient, and OCDEL so that:
  • Scholarship recipients receive funding for tuition, books, travel, paid release time (from their sponsoring early childhood education program) and a bonus or raise after each successful scholarship year.
  • Sponsoring early childhood education programs receive funding for substitutes so the student can attend class or study, and a commitment from the student to stay at the program for an additional year after each scholarship year. Sponsoring programs agree to cover the cost of the bonus or raise.
  • The early childhood field gains higher retention and higher compensation for a more educated workforce.
Eligible applicants:
  • work approximately 25-30 hours per week directly with children in a DHS-certified child care program participating in Keystone STARS;
  • make $19 or less an hour ($25 or less per hour for directors); and
  • are interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college (at least 9 credits per year) toward a degree or credential in early childhood education. 
Applicants may apply for scholarships for a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; CDA Assessment, Associate's degree; Bachelor's degree; or PA Teacher Certification (Level I and II.) Scholarships are available to retroactively reimburse students enrolled for the Fall 2016 & Spring 2017 semesters! Additionally, PACCA is accepting applications for late start Spring and Summer 2017 semesters. Contact a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Counselor at (717) 657-9000 for more details.  For more information and to apply, visit   PACCA's website.

Request for Nominations for the 2016 Ron Cowell Award 
Deadline February 17 

The State Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention is looking for nominations for the 2016 Ron Cowell Award For Excellence in Service to Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families. Those e ligible for nominations include an individual who has a significant impact on Early Intervention public policy development, Early Intervention practices or staff development such as: parents, providers of Early Intervention services, higher education personnel, public policy makers, philanthropists, and others dedicated to Early Intervention. 

The following documentation should be submitted for each nominee: 
    • Nomination form 
    • A short essay explaining why the individual is deserving of the recognition 
    • Three letters of recommendation 
    • Other forms of substantiation of accomplishments 
Nomination information and/or questions should be sent to: Ms. Kim Koteles at kkoteles@pattan.net by Friday, February 17, 2017.

P3P-3 Governor's Institute Invitation to Apply 
Application deadline February 28, 2017 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Child Development and Early Learning announces the 2017 Prenatal to Grade 3 (P-3) Governor's Institute: P-3 Collaboration - Working Together for Student Success. The Pennsylvania's 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 are being offered regionally: 
  • June 27-29 Marriott in Cranberry; 
  • July 11-13 Sky Top Lodge in the Poconos; 
  • July 31- August 2 Hershey Lodge in Hershey. 
School districts, birth-5 early learning programs, and community organizations may submit an application. Find additional details and how your team can apply to participate.

Applications Open for the 2017 PHSA Scholarships and Awards 
Application deadline March 1 

The Pennsylvania Head Start Association (PHSA) is accepting nominations for the 2017 PHSA Head Start Alumni Scholarship, and the 2017 Francine Bunch Memorial Parent and Staff Awards. The PHSA Head Start Alumni Scholarship winner will receive funds to be used for their post-secondary education. The Francine Bunch Memorial Award is presented to a parent and a staff person from a PHSA member organization who has exemplified many of the characteristics of Francine Bunch. For more information and applications, please visit the PHSA website.

readerRegister to be a PA One Book Guest Reader or Host Site 
Registration through March 8

Woman reading to preschooler
Help support early literacy during April through Pennsylvania's One Book Every Young Child! Individuals are invited to be a PA One Book reader during the month of April at an early learning program in your community. Registration is also open for early learning programs to host a guest reader during April. The PA One Book, Every Young Child is Pennsylvania's collaborative project using the vehicle of "One Book, One State" program to highlight the importance of early literacy development. 

This year's selection, Daniel Finds a Poem, written and illustrated by Micha Archer, is a story about a boy who goes on an adventure through a park trying to find answers to his question, "What is poetry?" 

Reading events will take place during April. Guest readers are provided with a copy of the book and can select a time and date during April that works best with their schedule. Register to be a guest reader by completing the Guest Reader Online Registration. Register to be a host site by completing the Host Site Online Registration.

Public Review and Comment on Part C of IDEA 
Comment deadline March 15 

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Education (PDE), and the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) invite public review and comment on Pennsylvania's proposed grant application for Federal Fiscal Year 2017 under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (Pub. L. No 108-446) as amended in 2004. Part C of IDEA refers to  a federal grant program that assists states in operating a comprehensive statewide program of early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities , ages birth through age 2 years, and their families. Comments will be accepted through March 15, 2017. 

Those who would like to review the proposed grant application can find the document on the PDE or DHS websites. Hard copies can also be requested by emailing ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov or by calling 717-346-9320. Written comments regarding the proposed grant application can be directed to Office of Child Development and Early Learning, Bureau of Early Intervention Services, ATTN: Public Comments for Part C Grant Application 2017, 333 Market Street, 6th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17126-0333 or ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov

Those needing an accommodation or assistance to review the proposed grant application or to submit comments can contact ra-ocdintervention@pa.gov or call 717-346-9320. Comments will be accepted through March 15, 2017. All comments will be reviewed and considered by the Department before submitting the final grant application.

Conferences to Support Early Learning Professionals

Searching for an opportunity to network, share ideas and learn new skills? The PA Key website offers a collection of conferences that focus on early learning, advocacy, and other areas related to strengthening those in the early learning field. Browse scheduled conferences, or submit your own. For local or regional professional development events, check out the Professional Development Registry.

Are you doing the PA One Book #ClassicCountdown?

February welcomes the PA One Book Classic Countdown with the 2011-2014 selections. The countdown highlights 11 books in 11 weeks, leading up to the launch of the 12th PA One Book selection, Daniel Finds a Poem by author Micha Archer. Each week a past PA One Book is highlighted with activities, traveling trunks, readings, and recollections of the book. Follow the PA One Book on Facebook or Instagram for updates. Not into social media? PA's Promise for Children highlights each week. 
Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge

The Impact of the Community Innovation Zones - February 2017 

Community Innovation Zone grantees are making strides reaching families around early learning opportunities. In the Southeast region, discover how the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC) has been working innovation for the way professional development is delivered; the ways Drexel University has continued to develop and expand their Action for Early Learning (AFEL) project; and more. Read the February 2017 update.


Grantees Share the Keys to Success 

Did you know interviews with CIZ grantees on Quality Early Learning Radio highlight many of the successful efforts under the Community Innovation Zone (CIZ) grant? Now you can listen to the interviews with grantees and hear what they have to say about their efforts. Interviews include: 
  • Kelly Compton and Kim Engstrom discuss the Bradford Area School District's Ticket to Success Community Innovation Zone project. 
  • Amy Wible and Angela Moore from Cen-Clear Child Services, Inc. discuss their Project PLACE Community Innovation Zone project. 
  • Heather Brooks of the Union City Family Support Center discusses the Erie Area United Way's Community Innovation Zone project involving Supported Play Groups.
  • And more! 
Interviews are recorded so you can listen any time. You can listen to future releases on Connect FM at 96.7 and 107.9 in the DuBois area and is simulcast on www.connectradio.fm.
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
Federal News

collaborationNew Report Shows Interagency Collaboration Improves Efficiency of Early Learning 

A new report to the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services details the Early Learning Interagency Policy Board (IPB) successes and challenges in improving the quality of early learning and development across federal agencies from 2010 to the present. The report summarizes the accomplishments and suggests future plans for the IPB through the transition to a new Administration. Accomplishments include: 
  • Establishing two workgroups which tackled the issues identified by the board and developed strategies for addressing these issues; 
  • The development of a number of joint policy statements to drive attention to key issues that states and communities are struggling with in the early childhood space, make recommendations and provide resources to support states and communities in addressing these challenges, and highlight the policy consistency between agencies; and
  • The collaboration of four National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine consensus studies on key early childhood issues.

New Child Care Resource for Post-Disaster Support 

The Office of Child Care (OCC) Child Care Resources for Disasters and Emergencies web page now includes a link to a new resource that can support those seeking help after a disaster. The resource, Post-Disaster Child Care Needs and Resources, is designed to address the challenges that families and child care providers (including centers, in-home providers, and family child care providers) might experience following a disaster. 

The workgroup on Post-Disaster Recovery of Child Care identified several concerns and issues that adversely impact child care services following disasters as well as Federal and nongovernmental organization support that can provide relief in those instances. This document serves to catalog those resources by the identified gaps for (1) families in need of child care and (2) child care providers and communities.

New Guide for Providing a Trauma-Informed Approach   

The Administration for Children and Families, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the Administration for Community Living and the Offices of the Assistant Secretary for Health and the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at HHS have developed a
Guide to Trauma-Informed Human Services. The Guide is intended to provide an introduction to the topic of trauma, a discussion of why understanding and addressing trauma is important for human services programs, and a "road map" to find relevant resources. Although this guide is focused towards human service programs, the information may be relevant to professionals in an early learning or school setting.

General trauma resources in the guide include: 
  • What is Trauma? 
  • What are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES)? How are they different from trauma experienced at other times during the life course? 
  • What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? 
  • How does exposure to trauma affect brain development? 
  • What do we mean by trauma-informed services and why is such an approach important?
Other trauma resources for specific human services programs or populations include topics such as aging populations, child welfare agencies, domestic violence programs, victims of human trafficking and victims of abuse. 
Of Interest

Gov. Wolf Moves to Consolidate Four State Agencies 

On January 30, Governor Wolf announced his plan to create a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in his 2017-18 budget in order to promote more effective collaboration and service delivery, enhance program effectiveness, and eliminate duplicative processes. 

"This new department will streamline government and allow the commonwealth to deliver more effective services to seniors, individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, and those suffering from a substance use disorder as well as promote the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians," said Governor Tom Wolf. "The creation of a new, unified Department of Health and Human Services will not result in any program cuts for Pennsylvanians, but will dramatically improve our ability to deliver services that will improve lives." 

Through a combined Department of Health and Human Services, Pennsylvanians who access public benefits will no longer need to apply to separate agencies for SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP, WIC, health care, and housing assistance. 

The unified Health and Human Services Department will include the Departments of Aging (PDA), Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), Health (DOH), and Human Services (DHS). "Consolidation puts the focus where it always should be - on the consumer," said Secretary of Human Services Ted Dallas. "The Governor's plan to create HHS will result in a more streamlined and cost-effective agency that delivers better services for Pennsylvania." 

The consolidation will require approval from the Legislature. For more information, visit Governor Wolf's website

Share Your Thoughts on Early Childhood Education 

The Council for Professional Recognition has a brief three question survey to gather your thoughts about early childhood education. Feedback will help the Council gain further insights on the early childhood field. Click here to take the survey.

OAE Hearing Screening and Follow-up: A Four-Session Interactive Web Class

The Early Childhood Hearing Outreach (ECHO) Initiative is offering a new interactive web class series to help prepare Head Start and Early Head Start staff to provide quality Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) hearing screening to young children. This series consists of four live, web-based sessions and each session will run about an hour. Each session also includes skill-based assignments that allow participants to practice the concepts covered during the session presentations. The sessions are scheduled for Feb. 6, 9, 13 and 16. Registration is required. Visit the ECHO website for more information and how to register

Reducing Poverty Through Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit

Although the National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day was January 27, the resources are still available to share with potentially eligible taxpayers (like families!) who are about to file their federal income tax returns and those who are getting ready to file. The Internal Revenue Service estimates four of five eligible taxpayers claim and get the EITC. Best of all, EITC and the child tax credit (CTC) can be a financial boost for working people and your local economy, and can greatly reduce poverty for working families. These working family credits lifted an estimated 9.4 million people out of poverty, including 5 million or more than half of them children. Visit the IRS website to find information and resources to share.
Trends and Reports

The Evidence for Inclusion 

What is the definition of inclusion and what documentation is available as to the benefits of inclusion for young children? A recent resource, Resources within Reason, The Evidence for Inclusion, from the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children helps to quickly access and share definitions, research findings, and access essential examples of the evidence for inclusion. These materials may be used to raise awareness, support planning, offer strategies, and hopefully, change attitudes.

Building Leadership for Supportive Communities

In the recorded webinar, Building Leadership for Supportive Communities, leaders from the BUILD Initiative, Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Bezos Family Foundation, Denver Children's Museum, and the Louisiana Children's Museum discuss leadership opportunities to promote early learning within community institutions and family-serving programs and services. View this presentation's recording and slide deck to learn about current efforts to increase early learning and development opportunities for high-needs children through collaborative leadership; a toolkit to strengthen alignment between organizations and state, regional, and community early-learning and development efforts; and an effort to use developmental research and cognitive neuroscience to promote engaged learning and executive-function-based life skills in children and adults.


Building Bridges: How to Share Research about Children and Youth with Policymakers

Research influences early childhood policymakers, legislation, and investments. The brief, Building Bridges: How to Share Research about Children and Youth with Policymakers from Child Trends, addresses how to bring attention to research as well as the conditions that policymakers may find helpful.

Resources

When You Need Kindergarten Registration Information

Are families in your community searching for Kindergarten registration information? PA's Promise for Children provides the states only
comprehensive listing of schools with information on how, when and where to register for Kindergarten. Searching for information to support transition practices in your early learning program or school? OCDEL provides the Transition Toolkit with resources, tools, and templates that early learning programs and schools can use before, during, and after the transition process.

Now Available: Updated Learning is Everywhere 

Learning is Everywhere cover
The updated version is now available of the popular OCDEL resource, Learning is Everywhere. This guide provides everyday learning activities that align with the PA Early Learning Standards to do with young children ages birth to five years. The updated version provides information about the Early Learning GPS, findchildcare.pa.gov, Be Your Child's Champion, and more. Print a copy from PA's Promise for Children or order hard copies.

Interactive Map Provides Info About Publicly Funded, High-Quality Pre-K 

A new interactive map from PA Partnerships for Children helps users learn more about publicly funded, high-quality pre-k in their local area. Information on the website is available for interactive review at the Pennsylvania House, Senate and school district levels and includes local data on children served, unmet need, the number of high-quality providers, current capacity and more. Not sure where your legislative districts or school district are on the maps? No problem! Use the convenient search functionality on each map to look up your legislators or school district. 

February 4 is the Annual Take Your Child to the Library Day 

Take a child to the library and feed their imagination. A love of reading and books starts with pictures, stories and rhymes which even the youngest child can enjoy. February 4 is the Annual Take Your Child To The Library Day and is a great time to build upon that love of reading and learning! Share with families the location of their local library and visit PA's Promise for Children Facebook or Instagram on February 4 to help increase awareness via social media.

toolkitFostering Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Young Children Toolkit 

Building on prior successful partnerships to promote early brain and language development and early STEM education, the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have joined with Too Small to Fail to release a Fostering Healthy Social and Emotional Development in Young Children Toolkit on social and emotional development. All of the resources feature examples of simple actions to take, some of which caregivers might be doing already, such as maintaining consistent routines for young children.

Vermont Early Childhood Suspension - Expulsion Resources: An Annotated Collection of Free Materials 

This annotated collection of free resources for addressing issues of suspension and expulsion in children from birth through Grade 3, compiled by Camille Catlett and Erin E. Barton of the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, includes resources for use outside Vermont. Access evidence sources, print materials, audiovisual sources, online resources, and more.

Helping Families Achieve Goals

In 2016, the Office of Head Start renewed its focus on supporting family financial security and economic well-being with year-long efforts that included the Building Foundations for Economic Mobility (BFEM) webinar series. Over the course of 11 webinars, Head Start and Early Head Start grantees learned about effective strategies for ensuring that families have the knowledge, skills, and access to services to achieve their financial, education, and employment goals. Check out webinars on-demand with webinar handouts and links.

NCSL Podcast 

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has a new podcast, Our American States, where listeners can hear compelling conversations that tell the story of America's state legislatures, the people in them, the politics that drive them, and the important work of democracy. The first two episodes are now available: State of the State Legislatures and Education: No Time to Lose.

Help PreK Students Build Social-Emotional Skills with PBS' Daniel Tiger

Learning to manage feelings, regulate behavior, and feel confident in trying new things are all key elements in helping young children build social emotional skills. Daniel Tiger at PSB Kids can help preschoolers build these important competencies with a curated collection of activities, songs, and stories.

Resource Helps Butler County Families 

A new program in Butler County is helping families currently enrolled or interested in attending Butler County Community College and receiving TANF Cash Assistance or Food Stamps. The KEYS is a program of the PA Department of Human Services in collaboration with the PA Commission for Community Colleges. Students may be eligible to receive child care assistance, transportation reimbursement, money for books and supplies, and more. See the flyer for more info and to print and distribute

Calendar of Events


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. 
  
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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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