Prepare now for upcoming PA Pre-K Counts competitive grant process
On February 6, 2014, Governor Corbett proposed an additional $10 million for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts programming. 
Pending enactment by the General Assembly these additional funds would result in a competitive application process projected for announcement in July 2014. In anticipation of this funding, the Pennsylvania Department of Education's (PDE) Office of Child Development and Early Learning encourages interested applicants to ensure they are eligible to apply.
The following entities will be eligible to apply in the competitive process for the 2014-15 school year:
- Existing Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts grantees
- New applicants from one of the five eligible entity categories:
- School districts
- Licensed nursery schools
- Head Start grantees
- Child care centers and group child care homes designated at Keystone STAR 3 or STAR 4
- A third party entity may apply for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts funding and administer the lead agency responsibilities for entities that are eligible to provide the classroom services under the categories listed above.
All applicants and locations that will serve PA Pre-K Counts children must meet at least one of these eligibility categories at the time of the application process. Applicants must also have the following in place in order complete an application: a vendor number (SAP #), an administrative unit number (AUN), a master provider index number (MPI), and a federal ID number or tax ID number.
For additional details, please visit the PA Keys website.
American Red Cross offering customized water safety curriculum for child care providers
The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning's Bureau of Certification Services recently released a memo-supplement to the Announcement C-14#01 Water Safety Training for Child Care Providers and Lifeguard Requirements, which clarifies the person certified as a lifeguard must be a staff person and confirms what information the child care program must have for the staff person to be certified as a lifeguard. In addition, the Bureau has collaborated with the American Red Cross to develop a water safety training specifically for child care providers which includes suggestions and guidance on how facilities can comply with the requirement for the certified lifeguard. Providers may contact the American Red Cross Harrisburg office directly for session dates and information.
For additional details, please see the memo-supplement.
LiveHealthyPA: $500 mini-grants available to improve nutrition and physical activity of children served
Deadline June 6
Through LiveHealthyPA, the PA Department of Health will partner with regulated child care centers and homes to create supportive nutrition environments and implement comprehensive physical education and activity programs through the PA Nutrition and Physical Activity Self Assessment for Child Care (PA NAP SACC). $500 mini-grants are available to regulated child care centers and homes who participate in this flexible, web-based continuous quality improvement process.
Participants will:
- Complete a self-assessment designed to highlight successes and identify areas for improvement;
- Develop and implement an action plan to improve health and wellness programs;
- Create or update and implement the center's wellness policies;
- Promote healthy behaviors among children and staff; and
- Improve center and community connectedness.
To apply, please visit the LiveHealthyPA Application. Contact Cindy Wilson at 717-248-4942, x143 with questions. Deadline to apply is June 6.
LiveHealthyPA is designed to share the exciting contributions of partners occurring across Pennsylvania in the fight to eliminate chronic disease and raise awareness about chronic disease prevention. For more information, visit www.livehealthypa.com.
PA Early Learning Investment Commission Announces New Director Appointment
The Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission (ELIC) recently announced the appointment of Nancy Fishman 
as the Director of Business Partnerships, effective June 27, 2014. Ms. Fishman previously served as Program Coordinator of Business Partnerships with ELIC. She will replace Diane Halstead, who will be relocating to Nashville, TN.
ELIC builds public-private partnerships of business leaders across Pennsylvania who advocate for quality early childhood investment, through identifying and creating opportunities for Pennsylvania business leaders to inform the public, opinion leaders, and government officials about the critical importance of preparing all children with the knowledge and skills required for success in the 21st century.
In addition, Gretchen Dlugolecki was recently selected as Program Coordinator of Business Partnerships. Ms. Dlugolecki formerly held the position of Research Analyst to House Democratic Finance Chairman, Phyllis Mundy.
For additional information, please visit the ELIC website.
Pottstown School District families invited to participate in Community Conversations, May 27-29
Families of children under the age of 10 in the Pottstown School District in Montgomery County are invited to participate in Community Conversations. There are four opportunities planned May 27-29 for parents & caregivers to come and share their thoughts, needs and wants for their children to succeed. What is learned from these conversations will be shared with other community agencies and used in (re)designing School District programs.
Get more information on how families can participate.
Pittsburgh Pirates Community Champion Award
Nomination deadline June 6
The Pittsburgh Pirates are asking for nominations for the Pittsburgh Pirates Community Champion Award. This award will be given to six Pittsburgh area individuals who are 'champions' in their community and have positively contributed to the betterment of the diverse community in the Pittsburgh region. Anyone who has been a champion of the greater Pittsburgh diverse community and has had a positive impact can be nominated.
Winners will be recognized during the annual Heritage Weekend Celebration held on June 27 in a special pregame, on-field ceremony, to publicly celebrate their accomplishments and community contributions.
For more information, please see the nomination form.
as they expand early learning. A preschool resource: IDEA Section 619 Part B Section 619 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or the Preschool Grants Program, helps states to provide special education and related services to all preschool-aged children with disabilities. 
fun learning activities in your neighborhood with your baby, toddler, preschooler or kindergartner. Get tips on how you can keep your family safe during June's National Safety Month, and print the awesome list of books about neighborhoods you can read with your child.
Early Childhood Education Teaching Videos
to nature and scientific knowledge helps develop language, inquiry skills, self-esteem and confidence, and will motivate them to engage in activities that help the world stay clean and beautiful. Visit Sesame Street Explores National Parks to find lots of activities and resources.
