February 2024 Edition

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There are two weeks remaining to submit your application for the Office of Child Development and Early Learning's (OCDEL) Third Annual Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Awards. The award recognizes the work of the early childhood education (ECE) programs and professionals on behalf of Pennsylvania children and their families through embracing diversity and full inclusion as strengths, upholding fundamental principles of fairness and justice, and working to eliminate structural inequities that limit equitable learning opportunities. 

Applications are accepted to acknowledge an individual, or program/organization for the work around equity in the early childhood education, afterschool, or organization which supports Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Education programs and individuals.

All programs must be physically located and operating within Pennsylvania and providing early childhood education services or supports relating to Pennsylvania’s families/children. Those who were 2022 or 2023 awardees in the Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories are not eligible for submission for the 2024 Pennsylvania Equity in Early Childhood Education Champion Award. Application deadline is 11:59 pm, Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Applications are submitted online only and can be submitted in English or Spanish. Applications must be completed in one sitting, as incomplete applications cannot be edited. To learn more, including how to apply, click here. Questions about the application process can be directed to Mary Hall at marhal@pakeys.org. 

Tammy Korczyk Receives DHS Secretary Award for Excellence

Congratulations to Tammy Korczyk who was a recent recipient of the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary's Award for Excellence.

The DHS Secretary’s Awards for Excellence recognize DHS employees for exemplary job performance that reflected leadership, innovation, commitment to DHS’ mission, and outstanding public service.

Tammy received five separate nominations for her tireless dedication and impressive work ethic. For 10 months Tammy held two positions – Early Learning Program Certification Supervisor and Acting Western Region Manager. During that time she continued to inspire cohesion amongst her staff. She truly exhibits and models hard work, compassion, and attention to detail. It is clear from the five separate nominations that her commitment and continued support are invaluable to the agency. 

Photo: OCDEL Deputy Secretary, Shante' Brown, Tamm Korczyk, and DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh

In November 2023, the Pennsylvania Key, on behalf of the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), awarded 18 Rapid Response Team mini-grants for $200,000 to begin a 6-month Planning with six months Implementation or a 1-year implementation grant starting January 2024. The work will support a grassroots and collaborative approach which emerged in several Pennsylvania communities to provide a cross-sector Rapid Response Team (RRT) deployed to early childhood education (ECE) programs when an ECE program is struggling with the challenging behavior of a child who is at immediate risk of expulsion.

The development of this collaborative service at the local level has been in response to the increase in challenging behaviors in ECE settings, combined with historically long waiting lists for the statewide Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECMHC) program. Locally developed RRTs typically include, but are not limited to, behavioral health professionals, Early Intervention (EI) professionals and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) staff.

Early childhood programs should work with their ELRCs to explore existing programmatic needs to determine what supports or services would best fit the circumstances. The RRT is meant to enhance the system of supports available within Pennsylvania’s early childhood system and is a piloted, short-term triaging support to enhance the early childhood system of support in each ELRC region throughout Pennsylvania, which also include quality coaching, IECMH and School-Age Child Care, focused mental health consultation, Early Intervention Services and Supports, and Home Visiting. Learn more.

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) series of no-cost webinars on language and literacy development including information on structured literacy begin this month! The webinars will provide resources to share with families and use in classrooms and centers and are offered for FREE from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on the dates listed below:

• Feb. 16, 2024: Let’s Chat About: Bringing the Read Aloud to Life
• March 1, 2024: Let’s Chat About: Sounds Abound – Phonological Fun!
• March 15, 2024: Let’s Chat About: Emergent Writing and Print All Around Us

PQAS credit hours, Infant Toddler hours, and ACT48 hours available for these webinars. Get additional information on topics, credits and registration. 

Credit-bearing, no-cost professional development online courses from the Pyramid Model Consortium are now available for a limited time for Pennsylvania professionals and partners! Participants can earn between two and 18 hours credits per completed course, and learn how to enhance social-emotional development in young children, without ever leaving the classroom. The courses are evidence-based and promote nurturing relationships between staff and children. Each course is on-demand so you can learn at your own pace. Learn more.

The winter season has challenges for children, families and staff remaining healthy. Check out the tips from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) to keep children, families and early childhood education (ECE) staff healthy this winter season. The printable flyers for families and for ECE staff are available in English and Spanish.

The first event of the virtual CDA Office Hour event for CDA candidates is happening on February 14! Office Hours are a place to bring questions about requirements and completion about the CDA in Pennsylvania. Participation is free, but registration is required.

• Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2024, 1-2 PM
• Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 1-2 PM

Any questions can be directed to Amy Barrett at amybar@pakeys.org.

• February 19: UnConference: Mental Health in Early Childhood Education, Pittsburgh
• March 9: 2024 Capital Area Chapter of PennAEYC Early Childhood Conference, Harrisburg
• March 15-18: Growing School Gardens Summit, San Diego
• March 25-26: OCDEL Early Childhood Conference, Stable and Secure: Supporting Children Through Trauma Sensitive Approaches, Hershey, PA
• April 9-11: 16th National Conference for Immunization Coalitions and Partnerships, Philadelphia
• April 15-18: National Head Start Conference, Portland, Oregon
• April 22-24: 21st Children’s Interagency Conference, State College
• May 7-9: Save the date: 2024 PA Strengthening Families Conference, State College
• May 21-23: 2024 National SEL Conference, Building Community Cultivating Change, King of Prussia
• June 24-29: National Research Conference on Early Childhood 2024, Arlington, VA
• Sept. 17-20: Save the date: DEC2024 Conference, New Orleans
• Nov. 6-9: National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference, Anaheim, CA

The Pennsylvania Farm to Child Nutrition Summit will be held June 18, 2024, at the Chatham University, Eden Hall campus in Gibsonia, PA. This summit is being coordinated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Division of Food and Nutrition and Project PA (Penn State University) with the support of the Pennsylvania Farm to School Network. Funding is provided by a USDA Farm to School Formula grant.

The summit planning committee seeks breakout session speakers who have a farm to child nutrition or local food educational experience to share or who want to engage the audience in discussion around a farm to child nutrition topic. 

For more information and to complete a Call for Presenters form, click here.

Pennsylvania recently expanded the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit. The expansion of this credit will be a major help to working families with children in child care and other people in the Commonwealth who are caring for a family member.

The Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit that is available to Pennsylvanians is based on the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. That means taxpayers must receive the federal credit to also be eligible for the state credit in Pennsylvania. The state credit is equal to 100 percent of the federal credit, meaning: 

• The maximum credit will be $1,050 (one child) or $2,100 (two or more children)
• The credit cap phases down as income levels increase.
• The minimum credit will be $600 (one child) or $1,200 (two or more children).

Learn more about the tax credit and how to apply.

Join the Remake Learning Days across Pennsylvania! This hands-on learning festival showcases the many places where kids can learn across their community, such as early childhood programs, museums, schools, libraries, parks, community centers, tech companies, and more. These events give families and caregivers a chance to learn alongside their children and for kids to experience new learning opportunities. The mission of Remake Learning Days is to spark joy, encourage curiosity and create wonder for kids of all ages and their families. Read more in these EdWeek and EdPost articles. 

Be a part of Remake Learning Days by hosting an event. Submit your event here by Feb. 23, 2024. Organizations may participate in one of seven regional festivals across Pennsylvania held from May 2-22, 2024. Funding to support your event may be available, check your regional website or reach out to your regional leads to learn more about mini-awards for event hosts.

Northwestern PA

North Central PA

Northeastern PA

Central PA

Southwestern PA

South Central PA

Southeastern PA

If you have questions or would like to learn more about Remake Learning Days, please reach out to Miriam Krause, Remake Learning Days Across PA Coordinator at miriam@remakelearning.org.

The Bureau of Family Health requests your voice to help identify the seven to ten priorities that will drive Pennsylvania’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant program. Pennsylvania’s Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant serves to improve the health and well-being of the nation’s mothers, infants, children and youth, including children and youth with special health care needs, and their families.

Parents and caregivers, families with special needs, birthing people and their partners, and youth are all welcome to participate. Maternal and child healthcare and other professionals, and organizations serving this population, in Pennsylvania, are also welcome to share their thoughts! Sessions are taking place throughout Pennsylvania--register for a session in your area! This is a family friendly event, and a meal will be provided. Select participants may be eligible to receive a gift card. Learn more and share the flyer.

Winter is still here for Pennsylvania, and many families may struggle to pay for heating their homes. The 2023-2024 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is available to help families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants.

The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. This is a grant and does not have to be repaid. 

Share with families information on how to apply.

Pennsylvania recently launched PA Navigate, a new website that connects residents to community organizations, government agencies and health care providers for access to resources for basic needs, such as food, housing and child care.

PA Navigate is designed to address health and social care needs of residents by bridging the gap between health care systems and social services organizations. It allows residents to search and connect to supports for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care and other free or reduced-cost help in times of need. Individuals can refer themselves for services through PA Navigate, or connect with health care providers and organizations.

The website was created through work by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, several health information organizations, state agencies, counties, local nonprofits, community organizations, health care entities and social services providers.

Recent efforts demonstrate how professionals are working from one end of the country to the other to support our nation’s young children and the professionals who work so hard in supporting their littlest learners. We all know and love the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s (OCDEL) Learning is Everywhere Activity Guide, right? But have you ever thought about how this brilliant approach to supporting learning and development in everyday settings and scenarios could inspire current or future early childhood educators?

Kyoka Hashimoto and Donnachris Macaspac, faculty members at Miramar College in San Diego, California, had an idea as part of their work on the PIPELINES project. What if they used the activities in Learning is Everywhere to inspire ways in which their students could help families to support math learning? They thought using these activities could encourage students to find creative ways to incorporate math learning in real-world scenarios and make math learning more relevant. Learn more.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that 35 states, all five U.S. territories, and four tribes plan to be the first to launch the new, permanent summer grocery benefits program for children – known as Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer – in summer 2024. Pennsylvania is one of the 35 states.

Through this new program, states will provide families with $120 per eligible child for the summer to buy food at grocery stores, farmers markets or other authorized retailers – similar to how SNAP benefits are used. Participating tribes will provide a benefit of the same amount that can be used to buy food at WIC-authorized retailers.

The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) recently released a joint policy statement on the inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs. This policy statement builds upon the earlier 2015 policy statement with renewed commitment and urgency as children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers accessing and participating in inclusive early childhood programs. All young children with disabilities should have access to inclusive, high-quality early childhood programs that provide individualized and appropriate support so they can fully participate alongside their peers without disabilities. 

A new study, The influence of early-life adversity on the coupling of structural and functional brain connectivity across childhood, published in Nature Mental Health, reveals that early childhood adversity, tied to factors like maternal health challenges during pregnancy, accelerates brain development in preschool-aged children.

The research, using neuroimaging data from the GUSTO initiative, identifies this acceleration through structure-function coupling, indicating potential long-term implications for cognitive and mental health. The study highlights a critical window between ages 4.5 and 6 years as a period for early intervention to improve outcomes for children exposed to early-life challenges.

Lead author Tan Ai Peng suggests developing screening tools to detect accelerated brain development, enabling timely interventions and preventing cascading consequences for mental health.

The February releases of family-friendly newsletters for families and providers of children, ages birth to Kindergarten are now available. The newsletters feature fun early learning activities that align with the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, resources and information to help families as their child's first and most important teacher.

Take a look and share with families and friends, then subscribe to get the next release directly into your inbox.

• Learning is Everywhere
• Kindergarten Here I Come
• Kindergarten Here I Am

During February, celebrate Black History Month to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States, and check out the February Calendar of Activities for Early Learning Providers with activities and information to help prepare children and their families for school success. 

For additional resources, check out this information on ways you can celebrate with and teach children about Black History Month.

• (article) 7 Amazing African American Leaders Who Changed the Way Our Children Are Educated (Parents Together)
• (book recommendations) PA’s Promise for Children has book recommendations to celebrate Black History Month with your child. Check out this list, then contact your local library to read a favorite or find a new one! 
• (resource) Talking About Race: Positive identity development, including racialized identity, begins at birth. Visit Talking About Race to guide your journey to support children in developing a healthy sense of self and understanding of others.

Read more!

Check Out the EITA Mobile App

The EITA Mobile app is full of quick tools & tips to be used in the moment by families and professionals. These resources include:

• Tools to support professionals in their work with families.
• Tools for parents to use in everyday activities and routines with their child.
• Tools that professionals can review with families to support activities and talk about Early Intervention services.

It's never too early to teach children how to take care of their teeth. During February's National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM) learn how you can help children practice good dental health.

The NCDHM Program Planning Guide offers resources to promote the benefits of good oral health to children. The guide includes easy-to-do activities, program planning timetable tips, a sample NCDHM proclamation and much more. Watch this video for tips on how to encourage children to brush their teeth. Visit PA's Promise for Children to find out how to start a healthy smile early.

Where can your school, library, or community group find free or low-cost books for kids? There are a number of national organizations as well as local programs you can turn to for help filling the shelves of your library, classroom, or literacy program and putting books into the hands and homes of young readers. Learn more from Reading Rockets.

The printable, family-friendly resource, Eating Healthy for Preschoolers from the USDA is a great resource on healthy eating for preschoolers with the families early learning providers serve to help encourage healthy eating at home.

The January resources from Camille Catlett are now available. The January release of Natural Resources includes information on Policy Statement on Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs, International Inclusion Institute: A Source for the Latest Inclusion Resources, and more. The January release of Baby Talk features Research Finds Infants and Toddlers Can Engage in Imaginary Play, Early Learning Activities and Visual Supports, and more.

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