December 31, 2024 December Recalls on Children’s Products Parents and caregivers should be aware of several child-related product recalls. Learn More Here is a list of December recalls collected from the following major federal agencies: the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Frito-Lay issued a recall of a limited number of 13 oz. bags of Lay’s Classic Potato Chips that may contain undeclared milk, after being alerted through a consumer contact. Those with an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product. Lidl US is recalling all lots of its Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables 10 oz. box due to undeclared milk allergen. The recall was issued due to undeclared milk in the products. Melii Baby Inc. has recalled its silicone spoons for babies due to choking hazard. The silicone spoon can break apart while in use, posing a choking hazard to babies. Magnetic Building Sticks have been recalled due to a violation of federal regulations for toy magnets. When the high-powered magnets are swallowed, the ingested magnets can attract each other or another metal object and can become lodged in the digestive system, which can result in perforations, twisting or blockage of the intestines, infection, blood poisoning, or death. Yoto reannounced its recall of Yoto mini speakers for children due to burn and fire hazards. A new full battery replacement kit is now available.
Resources for January Observances Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them. Here is a list of resources of January observances. Month-Long Observances International Creativity Month Art Activities That Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together Supporting Social-Emotional Development Through Play: A Guide for Families, Trying Together How Bluey Showcases Play, Creativity, and Emotional Learning for Children… and Adults, Playful Pittsburgh The Relationship Between Learning Through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh “Sound” Activities, Buzzword National Mentoring Month Youth Mentoring, Boys & Girls Clubs of America An Enhanced Mentoring Model’s Impact on Youth in Boys and Girls Clubs, National Institute of Justice Professional Development: Coaching & Mentoring, Trying Together Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Trying Together National Hobby Month 5 Reasons Why You Should Revisit Your Childhood Hobby As An Adult, Fortune Well 5 Advantages That Hobbies Bring to a Child’s Development, City Magazine Ways to Play During Winter, Playful Pittsburgh The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh Why Hobbies May Help Kids Avoid Dangerous Situations, Psychology Today Self-Love Month Self-Care Resources for Parents and Caregivers, Trying Together Navigating Difficult Emotions as Caregivers: A Guide for Families, Trying Together 50 Resources to Support the Mental Health of Teachers and School Staff, Trying Together The Power of Self-Love, Psychology Today Week-Long Observances National Storytelling Week Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Celebrate National Storytelling Week at Home, National Literacy Trust Day Observances January 2 is Motivation and Inspiration Day “Brave” Activities, Buzzword Encouraging Positive Racial Identity in Young Children, Trying Together Growing Self-Esteem: Positive Affirmations for Children, Bright Horizons The Cheer, Lindsey Gurk January 3 is International Mind-Body Wellness Day Mindfulness for Children, Trying Together Big Body and Physical Play: Benefits and Activities for All Ages, Playful Pittsburgh Social-Emotional Learning and Play Intersecting, Playful Pittsburgh Using Play to Support Children’s Physical Health, Playful Pittsburgh The Relationship Between Learning Through Play and Holistic Skills, Playful Pittsburgh January 15 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day Children’s Books on Race and Equity, Trying Together Anti-Racism Tools, Trying Together Taking Personal and Professional Responsibility for Anti-Racism Work, Trying Together Martin Luther King Jr. Day for Preschoolers, Kids Care Club King Holiday 2025, The King Center January 17 is Kid Inventors’ Day The Impact and Importance of STEM Education: Preparing Future Innovators, Bricks 4 Kidz “Plan” Activities, Buzzword “Geometric” Activities, Buzzword January 21 is National Hugging Day The Importance of Hugging Your Child & 7 Amazing Benefits, Parenting for Brain Respecting Your Child’s Boundaries, Trying Together January 24 is International Day of Education Supporting the Work of Early Childhood, Trying Together Early Learning PA, Trying Together Roadmap to Understanding Child Development, Trying Together Supporting Early Literacy Development, Buzzword January 24 is National Compliment Day 6 Essential Tips for Raising Complimentary Children, Baby Steps “Thankful” Activities, Buzzword “Welcome” Activities, Buzzword January 26 is International Environmental Education Day Community and Family Programs, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy “Metamorphosis” Activities, Buzzword “Migrate” Activities, Buzzword “Bloom” Activities, Buzzword January 28 is National Lego Day 10 Incredible Benefits of Playing with Lego®, Children’s Wellness Centre Let’s Talk Loose Parts Play, Playful Pittsburgh “Plan” Activities, Buzzword January 29 is National Puzzle Day 10 Puzzle Activities for Toddlers, Preschoolers, and Babies That Promote Learning, Speak.Play.Love Indoor Play and Why It’s Fun for Everyone, Playful Pittsburgh The Transformative Power of Games, Playful Pittsburgh January 31 is Inspire Your Heart with Art Day Art Activities That Encourage Social-Emotional Development, Trying Together “Sound Activities, Buzzword Benefits of Art & Art History for Early Childhood Learning, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
WQED Writing Contest for Children to Kick Off in New Year WQED’s writing contest for grade school children to submit stories and illustrations will begin in early January. Learn More Students in kindergarten through third grade will be able to submit original stories and illustrations to encourage literacy, reading, writing, and career exploration. The theme of the contest promotes them to write about their future. Resources provided for children and teachers include: Classroom activities for teacher’s guide Narrative story writing guide A booklist for inspiration A fill-in-the-blank for children on various topics More information can be found on WQED’s website.
December 30, 2024 Registration Open for NAEYC’s 2025 Public Policy Forum Registration is now open for the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) 2025 Public Policy Forum. Learn More The annual forum will be held in Washington, D.C. from Sunday, February 23 to Tuesday, February 25. The forum is expected to bring together hundreds of early childhood educators and stakeholders. The event aims to strengthen advocacy skills, expand policy knowledge, deepen relationships with congressional offices, and build a movement across states and communities. Each state will have a state team lead who will coordinate congressional meetings with state team members. After registering, keep an eye out for emails from state team leads with more information about meetings and opportunities to engage. The forum will begin at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday, February 23. Registration is now open. The registration fee for the forum is $150 per registrant, and the cutoff date to register is Friday, January 24. Any questions should be directed to naeycppfsupport@cmrus.com or 800-450-5185.
December 23, 2024 Pittsburgh Debuts Its First Accessible Tennis Court Pittsburgh has debuted its first re-fitted accessible tennis court in Highland Park. The redesigned, high-visibility court is part of Mayor Ed Gainey’s plans to make the city accessible for all residents. Learn More The refitted tennis court will benefit those with vision impairments who may require higher contrast lining in order to play tennis. “Recreation is sometimes an area that’s not considered when thinking of ensuring inclusive spaces in cities,” Gainey said. “When I sought out to increase accessibility across all services, I knew we had to double-down on our efforts to make this city a place where everyone has the accommodations and tools they need to thrive.” The Department of Public Works is looking to expand accessible recreation options for city residents in the future. The tennis court is reserveable for programming. Those interested in reserving the space should email CitiParks at citiparkstennis@pittsburghpa.gov or call 412-255-2349.
Child Mind Institute Releases List of Best Books for Children on Mental Health The Child Mind Institute has compiled a list of books about mental health and learning challenges for children that has been broken down by topic. Learn More The Best Kids’ Books on Mental Health of 2024 features 20 books with imaginative and sympathetic takes on emotional issues. The books on the list vary from picture books for young children to a graphic novel for middle schoolers. Topics in the book include everything from difficult experiences – such as losing a friend or moving to a new place – to demystifying mental health and such developmental disorders as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism. Many of the books tackle how to handle big emotions and examine how to help children to learn to talk about them, cope with them, and feel assured that they will still be loved when they are sad, mad, or cranky. This Year’s Selections The 20 books on the list are broken down by topic. They include: Anxiety o The Worry Monster (Dr. Catherine Cook-Cottone) o What to Do When You Worry Too Much (Dawn Huebner, PhD) o Invisible Isabel (Sally J. Pla) o Unstuck (Barbara Dee) Mindfulness o A Tiny Difference (June Tate) o Today (Gabi Snyder) Feelings o Bea’s Bad Day (Tom Percival) o The Hare-Shaped Hole (John Dougherty) o My Thoughts Have Wings (Maggie Smith) o Cranky (Phuc Tran) o A Terrible Place for a Nest (Sara Levine) Sadness and Depression o The Cat Who Couldn’t Be Bothered (Jack Kurland) o Gray (Laura Dockrill) o A Voice in the Storm (Dawn Huebner) OCD o The Very Best Me (Marin Canaday) o Puzzled (Pan Cooke) ADHD o That Always Happens Sometimes (Kiley Frank) Autism o Henry and the Something New (Jenn Bailey) Eating Disorders o Louder Than Hunger (John Schu) A Parent’s Addiction o Breaking Into Sunlight (John Cochran) To view the entire list, visit the Child Mind Institute’s website.
PA Promise for Children Releases Booklist on Riding in the Car or Bus Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children has released a list of 10 books for children that revolve around riding in a car or bus. Learn More As part of its Learning is Everywhere Calendar, PA Promise for Children has unveiled a list of books that infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarteners, and kindergarteners can enjoy. Included in the list 10 Books for in the Car or on the Bus are: Cars and Trucks and Things That Go – Richard Scarry The Wheels on the Bus – Paul O. Zelinsky The School Bus Driver from the Black Lagoon – Mike Thaler Wee Sing in the Car – Wee Sing Riding in My Car – Woody Guthrie Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus – Mo Willem Follow That Bus! – Pat Hutchins Rattletrap Car – Phyllis Root My Car – Byron Barton The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Car Trip – Stan and Jan Berenstain PA Promise for Children’s website also lists additional activities for children if they become bored or restless when traveling.
ECE PDO Encourages Applying for Winter and Spring Coursework Opportunities The Early Childhood Education Professional Development Organization (ECE PDO) is encouraging those seeking funded credit and credential coursework to apply for winter and spring coursework opportunities. Learn More The ECE PDO at the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) will connect those interested with partners offering a variety of funded credit and credential coursework through Child Development Associate (CDA), associates’ degree, or bachelor’s degree pathways. Those working toward those degrees can find information about more than 20 programs in which they might be eligible for PDO funding. They can also learn how to apply to participate in a degree or credential program on the ECE PDO website. The ECE PDO partners with regional institutions of higher education to meet the following goals: Increase overall BA, AA, and CDA completion rates in the ECE workforce Increase overall BA, AA, CDA participation rates for the ECE workforce Increase the number of teachers who transition to the next degree after graduation Address equity-based gaps in the credentialing system There are numerous criteria for eligibility, including: Being a Pennsylvania resident Being a current employee at a certified child care program for three months or more or have history of employment for six months in child care Work a minimum of 25 hours per week in a certified child care program Making no more than $25 per hour as a child care director or $21.63 per hour as a child care teacher, assistant teacher, or aide Be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward an AA or BA degree or CDA credential GPA and course grades meet transfer requirements Sign a Pennsylvania Early Childhood Education Commitment Form For more information on how to apply, visit the ECE PDO’s website. An application is also available online.
Professional Development Institute to Offer Series on Awe in Nature for Early Childhood Settings Early childhood professionals can take part in an upcoming seven-part series offered by the Professional Development Institute (PDII) program focused on exploring awe in nature in the early childhood setting. Learn More The free class will examine awe and its relationship to nature. Participants will learn about the benefits of awe in nature for staff, families, and children. They will also learn ways to incorporate awe and nature into the early learning classroom setting. Accepted participants will be asked to complete at least one series offering for the greater early childhood professionals in their community. The seven-session series takes approximately eight hours to complete. A two-day Professional Development Institute will take place at Berks Nature, located at 575 Bernardine St. in Reading, on April 3 and 4. Attendances is required for those participating in the series. For those who participate: Hotel rooms will be provided for trainers. Lunch will be provided on both days of the training. A one-time stipend of $350 will be provided to trainers. Transportation is the responsibility of each trainer. Application Requirements Those who apply must currently hold approval as a Professional Development instructor in the Pennsylvania Registry. During the application process, applicants must: Describe their experience with instructing nature in early childhood education and include specific programs and methods they’ve used (300 words max) Share examples of how they have incorporated reflective practices into their teaching (300 words max) Describe why they are interested in the Professional Development Institute opportunity, including what motivates them to focus on awe in nature for early childhood education (300 words max) Provide two letters of professional reference that speak about their qualifications and experience in this area of focus Those interested should apply now. Applications are due by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 24.
December 20, 2024 OCDEL Announces Update to Health and Safety Pre-Service Training and PD Requirements The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has announced updates to health and safety pre-service training and professional development requirements. Learn More The announcement provides a new two-part Health and Safety Training that must be completed by all child care providers hired on or after January 1, 2025 who have not previously completed an acceptable health and safety training. This announcement replaces Announcements C-22-02, relating to Updates to Health and Safety Training and Professional Development Requirements, and C-22-06, relating to Updated Health and Safety Pre-Service and One-Hour Training. Both parts of the new health and safety training will be available in Spanish. More Details The update applies to all DHS certified child care facilities, early learning resource centers, and OCDEL and Early Learning staff. All current child care staff who completed the following Health and Safety Pre-Service training modules currently meet this training requirement and will not need to take the new health and safety training: Get Started with Center-Based Care – Revised 2022/Get Started with Home-Based Care – Revised 2022 (10 hours) Pennsylvania Health and Safety Update (1 hour), and any of the following courses: Health and Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification (6 hours), Get Started with Center-Based Care: Building Blocks for Quality (10 hours), Get Started with Home-Based Care: Building Blocks for Quality (10 hours) The last day to enroll in Get Started with Center-Based Care – Revised 2022/ Get Started with Home-Based Care – Revised 2022 will be December 31. After this date, individuals who enrolled in the course prior to the deadline will have until March 31 to complete the course, as it will no longer be available after that date. Next Steps All DHS certified child care providers must: Develop, communicate, and implement policies and procedures to adhere to regulations regarding professional development in health and safety topics Ensure all staff have completed and documented pre-service trainings within 90 days of employment and prior to caring for children unsupervised Ensure all staff have completed and documented updated Pediatric First Aid and CPR training and Mandated Reporter training prior to expiration For all staff, appropriate documentation and verification of pre-service and ongoing professional development training of all child care staff is retained in the facility person’s file or maintained in an electronic PD Registry For information, read the announcement on the Pennsylvania Key website.
