News

January 28, 2020

Study Opportunity: Parents Promoting Early Learning

Parents of four-year-old children are invited to participate in a new University of Pittsburgh study named, “Parents Promoting Early Learning.” Compensation provided.

About

Parents Promoting Early Learning studies how parents and their four-year-old children interact and how such interactions help prepare the child for school. Study participants will be compensated and must complete:

    • two visits, hosted at the participant’s home or at a University of Pittsburgh office, where the parent and child complete games and assessments,
    • questionnaires and interviews about the child’s development and activities, and
    • a one-year follow-up visit for more games and assessments.

Requirements

    • Child is age four (or almost four)
    • Parent must participate
    • Both parent and child identify as either African American or White
    • Both parent and child are fluent in English
    • Child has never been diagnosed with a disability

More Information

For more information, call 412.204.6845, email ppel@pitt.edu, or visit the research study webpage.

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News

August 8, 2019

Applications Open | Building Capacity for Coaching Initiative

In collaboration with The Pennsylvania Key, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) recently announced the “Building Capacity for Coaching Initiative” in support of developing internal coaches in STAR 3 and STAR 4 facilities.

About

The purpose of this initiative is to leverage coaching supports from Penn State Better Kid Care (BKC) and other professional growth activities to develop internal coaches in STAR 3 and STAR 4 facilities. Selected applicants will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of early childhood practices and must have the approval of their administrator or director as this will require a time commitment.

Family Child Care providers can apply if they are able to support other family child care providers in their coaching efforts and commit the time necessary to complete the program.

Benefits

Facilities
    • will develop the internal capacity to offer coaching to other staff to ensure continuous quality improvement;
    • receive exceptional professional development opportunities at no cost as well as access to the Learning Community;
    • and gain valuable insight as OCDEL works to learn about needed coaching supports for ECE providers.
Coaching & Staff
    • coaches receive a one-time stipend of $2,500
    • and teachers receive supports and coaching on areas of practice that can strengthen or improve child experiences in their classroom.

What Will Be Expected

Facilities participating in this program must meet the following expectations:

Facility
    • identify a coach (lead teacher, director, assistant director, or another instructional leader);
    • have two teachers, identified by the coach, complete four free modules;
    • have coach-staff teams select one coaching guide as a framework for coaching;
    • and complete additional recommended professional development supports as needed.
Coach
    • attend a one-day in-person coach training;
    • complete two free BKC online modules;
    • observe and then facilitate bi-weekly coaching sessions with selected teachers;
    • complete a coaching log;
    • participate in monthly learning community webinars;
    • and participate in two touchpoints per month.

Applications

To apply for this program, visit their online form.

All applications must be submitted by Friday, September 20, 2019.

Learn More

To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website.

Questions

For more information or questions, contact Barbara Willier at barwil@pakeys.org.

News

July 2, 2019

Buzzword: Talk & Play Series 4

Join Buzzword Pittsburgh every Wednesday from July 10 to August 7 for Talk & Play Series 4! All events are free for learners ages five and under, with their caregivers, and will include activities that enhance vocabulary and literacy skills.  A light dinner will be provided.

Program Schedule

The schedule of events is as follows:

    • Wednesday, July 10 • Word of the Day: SECRET

      with Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Festival Opera

    • Wednesday, July 17 • Word of the Day: INFESTED

      with Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

    • Wednesday, July 24 • Word of the Day: PROTECT

      with Carnegie Science Center and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

    • Wednesday, July 31 • Word of the Day: ERUPT

      with Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

    • Wednesday, August 7 • Word of the Day: SOAR

      with Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

More Information

For more information, contact Jan Jones at jan@tryingtogether.org.

Click here to view the Facebook event page.

News

May 8, 2019

Behaviors: Ours & Theirs | WCCC Mini-Conference

On behalf of OCDEL and hosted by WCCC’s Early Childhood Education/Pre-K – Grade 4 Program, the “Behaviors: Ours & Theirs” mini-conference will focus on improving practitioners’ knowledge and skill to support children’s social and emotional development through culturally relevant practices, as well as exploring how to apply these skills to practitioners’ CQI plans.

About

Early childhood professionals are invited to attend a personalized mini-conference experience. Attendees will split into two groups and presenters will offer each session two times so that each group will have an opportunity to participate in both sessions. Participants will be provided with a continental breakfast, welcome and introduction, two educational sessions (each including a bound notebook of instructional materials), and a tour of WCCC’s NAEYC accredited Campus Children’s center.

This event includes 3 credit hours; PQAS approved. Participants should be familiar with the ECERS and other Keystone STARS CQI tools such as CLASS, PAS, and Good, Better Best.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will be able to:

  • Discuss and recognize positive observation and interactions with children and families,
  • Examine and organize their understanding of culture and how positive interactions can lead to solid  relationships with children and families,
  • Review commonly used Keystone STARS CQI tools to determine areas where changes or improvements can be made in their programs,
  • Explain why these changes will enhance the positive social and emotional development of children, and
  • Discuss how these changes will also help them recognize and value cultural diversity.

Registration

To register for this event, visit the registration document!

Registration is required and is $15 for the first 50 registrants! This fee is due (paid by check) on the day of the event, June 1, 2019. To learn more about the event, visit the PD Registry website.

Questions

For questions, contact Vicki Hricik at hricikv@westmoreland.edu or 724.925.4023.

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News

May 7, 2019

Volunteer at the Polls: School Board Elections

Being a School Board member is one of the most important elected positions in Pittsburgh. They play a vital role in our community property, including setting tax rates, negotiating the work rules and pay for all school staff, hiring key school administrators, and enacting policies that govern the district and budget. However, only one in five registered voters cast their votes during school board elections.

How Can You Help?

On May 21, 2019, community members will vote in the primary elections for Districts 2, 4, 6 and 8. You can help make sure voters are informed about the upcoming School Board elections by signing up to volunteer today and talking with your friends and neighbors. Interested volunteers can sign up for varying types of opportunities, including:

  • Door Knocking,
  • Phone Banking, and
  • Giving Voters Information on Election Day.

Volunteer Sign Up

Support your local community by signing up to volunteer at the polls on election day!