 |
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.
|
|
Early Education in Pennsylvania
Message from Suzann Morris, Deputy Secretary
Happy Month of the Young Child and PA One Book, Every Young Child!
There are many opportunities in this issue to share your feedback on OCDEL's policies and systems. Please share your voice with us and with leaders in your community so we can continue to celebrate our young children and the families, teachers, and leaders that help them reach their promise!
Keystone STARS Re-visioning Update: April
The Keystone STARS Think Tank Team met on March 27 to continue their work on revising the Keystone STARS system. Keystone STARS is an initiative of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) with three primary goals:
- To improve the quality of early care and education;
- To support early care and education providers in meeting their quality improvement goals; and
- To recognize programs for continuous quality improvement and meeting higher quality standards.
The Think Tank Team reviewed the recommendations of the three workgroups: PD/Coaching/Cross-Systems Partnerships; Quality Indicators/Program Alignment, Communications/STARS Ambassadors. These workgroups completed a review of the current system to identify the strengths and challenges and to offer new ideas.
The Think Tank Team also provided feedback on the new proposed performance standards for Keystone STARS. The standards were reviewed for alignment with the Keystone STARS Guiding Principles, with the recommendations of An Inquiry into Pennsylvania's Keystone STARS (validation study of the STARS), and with OCDEL's goals to increase access to high quality programs, engage stakeholders, and use key data and research to improve policies and practices.
Based on feedback from more than 2,000 stakeholders throughout the process, the new Keystone STARS indicators will
- align with the core principles;
- recognize child care certification as the foundation of quality by awarding all certified child care programs in full compliance with a STAR 1 rating, making them eligible for quality improvement supports.
- reduce the number of indicators programs need to meet by approximately 50 percent;
- provide multiple pathways to meet indicators;
- streamline reciprocity with other program types (Head Start, Montessori, etc); and
- provide STAR 3 and 4 programs with greater flexibility in choosing their quality improvement efforts to meet indicators.
As per the timeline, the indicators will be piloted in May, with release in late May/June. Programs will have a "hold harmless" year in 2017-18 to become familiar with the new system. Programs may earn higher STARS but will not lose STARS due to the new indicators.
Visit the PA Key website for more information and updates.
April FAQ: If I am an accredited Program or a Head Start Program how will my quality be assessed?
- Head Start Providers and Providers who have demonstrated high levels of quality through a different monitoring process will have an alternate pathway to support their movement up the quality continuum. This alternate methodology will be determined based on a crosswalk of the new STARS Indicators and various accreditation models. The goal is to reduce any duplicative work on the providers part.
This initiative is in part by Pennsylvania's Race to the Top - Early Learning Challenge grant. For more information on other initiatives funded by this grant, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.
 Changes to higher education financial assistance for child care directors and staff
T.E.A.C.H.-eligible providers must select T.E.A.C.H. effective July 1, 2017
In order to maximize financial assistance resources for early childhood education professionals, effective July 1, 2017, any child care professional who is eligible to receive a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood ® Pennsylvania Scholarship must select that option.
Who is eligible for T.E.A.C.H.?
- PA Resident working a minimum of 25 hours per week in a DHS-certified Keystone STARS child care program.
- Earn $19 or less an hour ($25 or less per hour for Directors).
- Be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college or university (at least 9 credits per year) toward a degree or credential in early childhood education.
- Applicant may apply for scholarships for a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; CDA Assessment, Associate's degree; Bachelor's degree; or PA Teacher Certification.
- Agree to continue working for a sponsoring employer for an additional year after each scholarship year.
All DHS-certified child care providers participating in Keystone STARS are strongly encouraged to participate in T.E.A.C.H. if you have staff that are interested in accessing financial assistance for higher education.
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.
- College and University enrollment for summer and fall semesters are starting now.
Visit the PA Keys website for more information on financial assistance options to earn credentials and degrees.
Pennsylvania Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program Request for Applications Announced
Letters of Intent due April 21, 2017
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), is releasing a competitive Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) Request for Application (RFA). This RFA process is a full competitive rebid for HSSAP funding, and will include the Governor's proposed $10 million in expansion funds. OCDEL encourages all eligible Head Start providers to apply.
Current HSSAP grantees MUST re-apply as part of this full competitive rebid process. Failure to reapply for funding will result in the re-appropriation of funds to those who have applied and been selected to receive funds.
PDE is issuing this Request for Applications now in order to support providers in preparing to serve children and to assist in being ready for enrollment by September. We recognize that providers need to conduct outreach to families; recruit, hire and train staff; and do all of the planning necessary to successfully implement the program pending approval of proposed funding.
This competitive opportunity will select eligible grantees for a five-year grant period beginning this year. The following entities are eligible to apply in the competitive process for FY 2017-18:
- Head Start grantees
- Early Head Start grantees
Please visit the PA Key website for additional details, including Program Requirements, Letters of Intent, Pre-Application webinar, and important requirements for application.
Action Required: Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Request for Applications Announced
Letters of Intent due May 5, 2017
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is seeking applicants for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts was enacted into law by Act 45 of 2007 (and amended in 2008 and 2010) amending the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P.S. §§ 15- 1511-D-15-1516-D). Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides children with the opportunity to experience a high quality pre-kindergarten program. The program standards ensure a high return on the investment in the preparation of young children for school and will help to close the achievement gap. Early education through Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts can open the doors of opportunity for every child to do well in school, in the workforce, and in life.
PDE is issuing this Request for Applications now in order to support providers in preparing to serve children and to assist in being ready for enrollment by September. We recognize that providers need to conduct outreach to families; recruit, hire and train staff; and do all of the planning necessary to successfully implement the program pending approval of proposed funding. Please note that funding is contingent upon approval by the Pennsylvania legislature.
This competitive opportunity will select eligible grantees for a one-year grant period beginning in FY 2017-18. Please note, a full competition for funding will occur in FY 2018-19.
Please visit the PA Key website for additional details, including Program Requirements, Letters of Intent, Pre-Application webinar, and important requirements for application.
Assessing the Risk and Meeting the Needs of Pennsylvania's Children
The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released the Reach and Risk Assessment State Fiscal Year 2015-16.
Findings include:
- Children in 38 counties (57 percent) are at moderate-high or high-risk of low academic performance.
- One-third (33 percent) of children under age five participate in state and/or federally funded quality early care and education programs in Pennsylvania.
- Across Pennsylvania, the three programs that impact the most children are Keystone STARS (14 percent), Early Intervention (9 percent), and Head Start (4 percent).
- Approximately one-fourth (23 percent) of Pennsylvania's infants and toddlers (birth to age two) participate in publicly-funded quality early care and education programs.
- Almost half (46 percent) of Pennsylvania's preschoolers (three- and four-year olds) are served in state and/or federally funded quality early care and education programs.
For more information, including the full report, and data analysis by county and school district, please visit the PA Key website.
Public Comments Requested on OCDEL Draft Announcements
Comment deadline April 28, 2017
The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) recently released two draft announcements aimed at increasing inclusion, and reducing suspension and expulsion in early learning settings. The deadline to submit comments is April 28, 2017. The final Policy Statements will take effect July 1, 2017. Read the policy statements and how to submit comments on the PA Key website.
Mini-grants available to higher education institutions to align coursework addressing needs of infants and toddlers
Applications due April 14
The Pennsylvania Key on behalf of OCDEL is offering Institutions of Higher Education the opportunity to apply for mini-grants to align courses for early learning professionals working with infants and toddlers to Pennsylvania's Core Knowledge Competencies.
Institutes may apply for up to $15,000 to complete this work. Eligible applicants include accredited institutions of higher education that offer infant/ toddler specific coursework. Institutions of Higher Education with Early Childhood Education (ECE), Child Development and or ECE Equivalent programs of study at the associate, baccalaureate or graduate levels and certificate programs.
Applications are due April 14, 2017.
Download the application and appendix from the
PA Key website
.
PA One Book Kick Off and Resources
The PA One Book, Every Young Child held the 2017 PA One Book Kick Off event at Benjamin Olewine III Nature Center in Harrisburg on March 28, 2017. PA Department of Education, Pedro Rivera and State Library Deputy Secretary, Glenn Miller, welcomed the visiting Head Start students, families and staff. PA One Book author, Micha Arthur, provided a book reading of
Daniel Finds a Poem, then shared how she created the unique artwork featured in the book.
Several resources are available to help families and early learning staff use the 2017 selection,
Daniel Finds A Poem
, to help children learn concepts related to language, literacy, math and other concepts. Find:
PA Child Care Educators Among Those Selected as 2017 National Child Care Teacher Winners
Eight Pennsylvania child care educators are among the 50 who have been selected as this year's National Child Care Teacher Award Recipients from the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation. The award honors child care educators nationally for their valuable work and innovative thinking. Congratulations to those who were selected.
- Josie Collazo, Green Byrne Child Care Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Erin Guzikowski, Samuel Paley ELC, Philadelphia, PA
- Laura Halley, Tender Care Learning Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Dana Kraus, Tender Care Learning Center, Bethel Park, PA
- Victoria Murray, Tender Care Learning Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Jaimie Rice, Tender Care Learning Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Nicole Savage, Tender Care Learning Center Jefferson, Clairton, PA
- Noelle Woytko, Childrens Village Child Care Center, Philadelphia, PA
For more information and a listing of all selected, visit the
Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation website.
Online Training Available to Help Child Care Staff to Meet Requirements
Free online training is available for nine of the 10 required topics for child care staff to help them meet the new health and safety training requirement. This is one of the new requirement of the federal Child Care Development Block Grant, that all child care directors and staff are to complete training on 10 health and safety topics by September 30, 2017. Please see OCDEL's Announcement for more information.
- Take a free, six-hour "Health & Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification" course online through Better Kid Care or in person through their Regional Key or Provide transcript of courses you've taken that meet the requirements
AND
- Take face-to-face Pediatric First Aid and CPR training.
Child care certification representatives are checking professional development records for these topics as part of inspections and new providers must complete pre-service training on the 10 topics before submitting an application. Visit the PA Key website or contact your Regional Certification Office for more details.
New Address for OCDEL Central Region
OCDEL's Central Region, Bureau of Certification office has moved. Please note the new address, effective immediately.
Central Region OCDEL
P. O. Box 2675
Forum Place, 6th floor
Harrisburg, PA 17105
717-772-7078 or (800) 222-2117
Families Invited to Attend Event
Registration for families is open for the event, Families Coming Together: Promoting Inclusion for All Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers, to be held on May 24 in Harrisburg.
As one voice, families can promote communities where all children can play, learn, and grow together!
Families can strengthen inclusive approaches and beliefs by identifying common ground, sharing joint experiences, and learning new information.
Now is an exciting time for families to work together. National and state policies support inclusion and research affirms that inclusion benefits everyone. Families have a vital role in this process. Let's explore more during this event!
|
|
Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge
Community Innovation Zone Update - April 2017
As the end of funding of the first 12 Community Innovation Zone (CIZ) grantees draws near, the efforts and accomplishments of a three grantees are highlighted. The
April 2017 Update shares the lessons learned, community impacts and changes as a result of the grant. Read about Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children's established Homewood Early Learning Hub, Pittsburgh Public Schools' partnerships between early learning programs and the school district, and how Community Action Southwest is working in partnership with Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School.
|
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
OSERS Blog wants your input on the new IDEA website
The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is seeking input from users of the IDEA.ed.gov website as part of effort to provide updated, easy-to-navigate IDEA resources to children with disabilities and their families, teachers, administrators, advocates, and other stakeholders. Visit the
OSERS website
to provide your feedback.
New Resources From the State Capacity Building Center
Several new resources are available from the Child Care State Capacity Building Center (SCBC). SCBC works with State and Territory leaders and their partners to create innovative early childhood systems and programs that improve results for children and families. Its priorities are enhancing the effectiveness of programs implemented under the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, improving the quality and supply of infant-toddler services, and advancing the development of early childhood systems.
Resources include those that promote children's development, learning environments, supporting children with disabilities, and more.
|
|
Of Interest
Apply now for Parent Scholarships to NAC
Applications due April 28
Do you know a family who would like to attend the
National Autism Conference (NAC), July 31 - August 3, 2017 in State College? For Pennsylvania parents of children with autism enrolled in Early Intervention, scholarship applications are available to ALL who want to attend, not just those who are first-time attendees. Parent scholarships will cover the following:
- complimentary conference registration for up to two parent(s)/guardian(s)
- lodging reimbursement during the conference (receipts required) if live at least 30 miles from the conference location
- mileage to be reimbursed at $.53/mile and tolls (receipts required)
- meals up to per diem expense during reasonable travel periods that are NOT provided as part of the National Autism Conference
Interested? Check out the conference website Opportunities tab. Applications are available and due by Friday, April 28th.
Spread the word to all parents/guardians who have children on the autism spectrum and let them know that Mon-Wed are especially good days for early childhood sessions.
Funding opportunity promotes quality early learning opportunities in South Central PA
Letter of Intent deadline April 15
The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has announced that Letter of Intent Guidelines are now available for a NEW grant opportunity, The Greater Harrisburg Foundation Early Childhood Strategic Initiative: Phase Two. Phase One consisted of grantmaking to fund pilot research to determine programmatic priorities. Phase Two is a new four year grant that will serve to connect families to early childhood services and resources. Through these initiatives, TFEC seeks to leverage this effort to ultimately improve access to quality early learning opportunities for all children in South Central Pennsylvania. To apply, eligible organizations must submit a Letter of Intent by April 15, 2017. Visit
TFEC website
for details.
Tax Credits and Free Tax Preparation Services for Low-Income Families
The
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and
Child Tax Credit (CTC) are among the largest Internal Revenue Service (IRS) public benefits for low-income households. Ensure that families participating in the subsidized child care program are informed about these credits and know how to find free tax preparation services for which they might be eligible.
EITC is a refundable tax credit that lifts more than six million people out of poverty each year, half of whom are children. It helps low-to-moderate income working individuals and families keep more of the money that they earn. People can claim the EITC if they are U.S. citizens or resident aliens with a social security number valid for employment and if they meet the income limits for their filing status.
The
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their tax returns. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offers free tax help for all taxpayers regardless of age or income, but TCE counselors specialize in pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors ages 60 or older. VITA and TCE sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations across the country. To locate the nearest VITA or TCE site, use the
VITA and TCE Locator Tool or call (800) 906-9887.
|
|
Trends and Reports
Well-Being of Young Children Experiencing Homelessness
New analysis of data from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Options Study shows that 20 months after staying in an emergency shelter with their families, young children scored worse in pre-reading skills and had higher rates of overall behavior problems and early development delays compared to national norms for children their age. However, they displayed only small disadvantages in pre-math skills, and for some types of behavioral challenges their rates were similar to national norms. Additional findings included:
- Unstable housing arrangements remained common during the 20 months following a stay in emergency shelter, with children who had more stable recent living situations and more stable child care arrangements displaying fewer behavior problems 20 months after a shelter stay than those who did not.
- Enrollment in early education and center-based care was lower for families who had experienced housing instability in the past six months compared to those who had been stably re-housed.
- Housing instability did not appear to be associated with lower enrollment in Head Start programs. Children ages three and four who were enrolled in Head Start or other early education and center-based care displayed stronger pre-math and pre-reading skills than those who were only in parental care.
Implementing Effective Social Emotional Learning
The Institute of Education Sciences' Mid-Atlantic Regional Educational Laboratory Program (REL) recently released the
four-part Report Series on Implementing Effective Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Programs, which (1) summarizes what is currently known about SEL for students ages 3 through 8, and (2) identifies effective SEL program characteristics. The reports contain information about federal, state, and district policies that support the implementation of SEL programs, teacher and classroom strategies that contribute to SEL, and how SEL outcomes can vary by student population.
The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-11
The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-11 (ECLS-K:2011) is a longitudinal study that followed a nationally representative sample of students from their kindergarten year to the spring of 2016, when most of the students were in fifth grade. The public-use kindergarten through second-grade data file includes information collected during the fall and spring of the 2010-11 school year (when the students were in kindergarten), the fall and spring of the 2011-12 school year (when most of the students were in first grade), and the fall and spring of the 2012-13 school year (when most of the students were in second grade).
The study provides information on students' status at entry to school, their transition into school, and their progression through the elementary grades. The longitudinal nature of the ECLS-K:2011 data enables researchers to study how a wide range of family, school, community, and individual factors are associated with educational, socio-emotional, and physical development over time.
Defining and Measuring Access to High-Quality Early Care and Education (ECE): A Guidebook for Policymakers and Researchers
Federal, state and local initiatives promoting access to early care and education are supported by research demonstrating that participation in high-quality early care and education (ECE) can improve children's developmental outcomes and their readiness for school, particularly for children from economically disadvantaged families. Yet, historically, access has had a variety of meanings making it difficult for states to gauge the reach and effectiveness of their policy initiatives aimed at expanding ECE access. The
Access Guidebook from Child Trends offers the field a common working definition of ECE access, and a set of common indicators for measuring access.
|
|
Resources
Book Recommendations to Celebrate Spring
Spring has finally arrived and PA's Promise has an easy to print, one-page list of 12 wet, muddy, happy books about spring that is perfect to share with families to encourage reading to their child. These books can be found in most libraries and are good for children birth to kindergarten. Print the list and provide to families or post near classrooms or where families gather.
Speak Up at School: How to Respond to Everyday Prejudice, Bias and Stereotypes
The printable booklet from Teaching Tolerance helps educators seeking advice about how to respond when someone-a student, a colleague, even a parent-uses biased language or stereotypes in school. It's for educators who want to develop the skills to speak up themselves and who want to help their students find the courage to speak up too.
Baby Talk: March Edition
The March issue of Baby Talk from Camille Catlett features articles and resources focusing on tips for raising a compassionate infant or toddler, calm down tools and strategies to use, how professional development can enhancing caregiver's interactions with young children, and more.
Science Snacks
Hungry for fresh, exciting science activities based in amazing phenomena? Science Snacks from Exploratorium are hands-on, teacher tested and use cheap, available materials.
Home Visiting Coalition Campaign Launched
The Home Visiting Coalition launched its campaign to support the reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV). MIECHV is a key source of federal funding that allows the important work of home visiting to reach even more families. Visit the website to find stories from real moms who have benefitted from home visiting; information about the proven outcomes of MIECHV, and tangible action to take to ensure MIECHV continues.
Resources for Disasters and Emergencies
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.
Website Provides TA to Improve Literacy Outcomes for Children
A new website was recently launched by the National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL) to provide technical assistance services to families to improve literacy outcomes for children and youths in pre-K through grade 12 with, or at risk for, literacy-related disabilities, including dyslexia. Family-focused activities will include a repository of evidence-based products and assessments; the online Kids Zone, which facilitates effective child-adult interactions for literacy development; the Ask-an-Expert tool; and NCIL's text messaging plug-in to receive text messages alerting users to new resources, events, or literacy tips.
|
Higher Education
Did you receive this enews from a friend? Click here to subscribe and get the PA Early Ed News directly to your email.
|
|
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
|
|
|
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.
Please feel free to forward this email to friends, family, and colleagues.
You may access archived copies at
the
PA Key website
.
|
|
|
|
|
