Volume 04 | May 2019
Welcome to the PD Registry Buzz!
Complete Your PD Registry Profile Today!
As Pennsylvania’s online professional development and workforce registry, the PD Registry captures important data on Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood workforce including education and
professional achievements.

A completed profile with verified information will allow Pennsylvania to participate in national workforce data sets and more. Beginning Spring 2019, the PD Registry team will begin verifying education and credential documents. They will be needed to complete a PD Registry profile. Individuals can upload these documents to their profile.

What a Completed Profile with Verified Education Means for You

A completed PD Registry profile creates a snapshot of a your professional data and work history.

This includes:

  • Verified education, certificates, and professional accomplishments stored in one place for easy access;
  • Tracks past and current employment; and
  • Self-Assessment and Professional Development Plan help to identify next steps for career progression.


How to Complete Your PD Registry Profile

  1. Login to your PD Registry profile at www.papdregistry.org.
  2. To complete your profile, follow tipsheets available at bit.ly/pakeyregistry.

How can data collected in the PD Registry impact Pennsylvania?

Data collected from the system influences decision and policy making. Individual demographics on length of time in the field, education level, and wages advocates for better education opportunities and higher wages for professionals to better serve children and families in Pennsylvania. Data on training identifies gaps in the workforce’s training needs. The PD Registry also highlights professional accomplishment throughout Pennsylvania.
Early Childhood Professionals
Are You Ready for A Security Update to The PD Registry?
The PD Registry values the privacy of personal data and information and recognizes how important it is for users to feel safe while using the site.

On June 17, 2019, the PD Registry is launching new and improved security measures for the site and its users. This security update requires the most recent operating system or browser for all computers, tablets, and smart phones.

An operating system is software that supports a computer or mobile device’s basic function.

A browser is a program on a computer or mobile device used to access the internet.

The PD Registry team has compiled a list of supported operating systems and browsers and how to make sure each is updated.

Operating Systems:

  • Android OS – Most commonly used with Android devices. | How to Update
  • Chrome OS – Most commonly used with Google devices. | How to Update
  • iOS – Most commonly used with iPhones, iPads, and iPods. | How to Update
  • OS X – Most commonly used with Mac computers. | How to Update
  • Windows – Most commonly used with Windows computers and tablets. | How to Update

Browsers*:


* For best user experience in the PD Registry we recommend using Google Chrome and/or Mozilla Firefox . Both are free for download on most computers, tablets, and smart phones. Browsers such as Internet Explorer, Internet Edge, Safari, and Opera may not be able to access the full site functionality on The PD Registry.

Questions? Call 1-800-284-6031 or email registry@pakeys.org for assistance.
Changes to the Director Credential
Beginning July 1, 2019, applicants will apply for or renew the Director Credential through the PD Registry and the application fee for Initial, Renewal, and Alternative Pathway will become one fee of $25.

There will be a black out period which will run from June 1, 2019, through June 30, 2019, to prepare for the transition. During this time, all Director Credential applications submitted will be returned to the applicant. Applicants will need to apply for the Director Credential through the PA Workforce Registry beginning July 1, 2019. Instructions will become available on the PA Key website and PD Registry.

More information will follow. For current information on the Director Credential, visit The Pennsylvania Key website (www.pakeys.org).

Questions? Email dircred@pakeys.org .
Changes to Rising STARS Tuition Assistance
Beginning Fall 2019, applicants will apply for the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program through the PD Registry.
 
During the transition, The Pennsylvania Key is still currently accepting applications for the 2018-19 fiscal year and summer classes. Early learning professionals taking coursework beginning before fall semester are welcome to apply using the current process in the Portal.   At this time, applications will not be reviewed for fall semester.

Stay tuned for more information regarding the new application process.
 
For new eligibility requirements and to stay up-to-date on the ongoing changes, visit the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance page on The Pennsylvania Key website.
Welcoming New Members to the PD Registry Team!
We would like to welcome Makenzie Gammon, Lisa Hagelston, Lakia Taylor, and Janae Wright--the newest additions to the PD Registry team! They have been working hard reviewing transcripts and credentials which have been uploaded to individual profiles. If you haven’t already uploaded your education documents to complete your profile, a tipsheet is available on the Pennsylvania Key website (www.pakeys.org).
Online Professional Development Opportunities
Health and Safety Basics (CCDBG) and STARS 101 & 102 Courses Reminder
We have made it easier to find the required courses on the Registry. After you log in and click on “Training Calendar” on the left-hand menu, you will notice at the top of the page “Health and Safety Basics” (H&S) and “STARS 101 and 102”. 
There are both face-to-face and online options for STAR 101 and STARS 102 courses. Click on “View Events” to get the specific information for that course.  Find one that meets your needs. 

Under the Health and Safety link you will see CCDBG and Health & Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification.  You can click on either title, which takes you to the; Better Kid Care online courses. Click on “View Course Detail”. You will be directed to follow this link to the BKC website.  Sign in to On Demand and follow their directions. This 10- hour course meets H & S requirements for certification as well as orientation for STARS. Make sure you choose the correct course: Get Started with Center-Based Care: Building Blocks for Quality (PA residents only) or Get Started with Home-Based Care: Building Blocks for Quality (PA residents only)

Did you know there are many other Health and Safety online courses which may be of interest to you if you want more, in-depth information on certain topics? Such as:

  • Infectious Diseases in Early Care and Education Environments: Prevention and Control
  • Food Allergies: Basics and Emergency Response
  • Asthma Basics and The Use of an Asthma Action Plan
  • Safe Infant Sleep: Promoting Best Practice and Reducing the Risk of SIDS

Check off “E-learning “ when searching the calendar. 
Instructors
New Policies and Procedures Document Available Now!
The Pennsylvania Key has released a policy and procedure document for Instructors and PDOs. This document contains the policies and procedures for developing, deploying, and reporting on learning content in The PD Registry. The application of these policies and procedures will ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for all users.

Need Assistance?
The Registry team wants you to be supported as you use the PD Registry. There are several ways to receive assistance:

  1. Visit the PA Key website for a variety of tip sheets from basic information on creating an account to more in-depth topics such as submitting a course for Instructors.
  2. Email registry@pakeys.org and a PD Registry team member will get back to you as soon as possible.
  3. Call 1-800-284-6031 and select extension 1 to connect with one of the PD team members.
  4. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest PD Registry news.
 
The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. When contacting the PD Registry team, please have your name, contact information (including email), organization (employer) information, and your Registry ID number. If you do not have this information, one of the PD Registry team members can help you find it.
You are receiving this email because you have a registered email address on The PD Re gistry . If you think you are receiving this email by mistake or you would like to unsubscribe, please email registry@pakeys.org or call 1-800-284-6031.

Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania 
The Pennsylvania Key | 200 N. 3rd St. | Harrisburg, PA 17101
1-800-284-6031 | registry@pakeys.org | www.pakeys.org