August 6, 2020 Brown Mamas Teach, Brown Mamas Earn Are you or your child interested in exploring topics such as photography, urban agriculture, mentoring, African American history, and more? Join Brown Mamas during the 2020-21 school year for their new program, Brown Mamas Teach, Brown Mamas Earn. About The mission of Brown Mamas’ family-centered learning project is to empower parents to confidently teach, support, and advocate for their children by utilizing the collective knowledge of Pittsburgh’s Black parenting community. This knowledge will guide participants in being effective and supportive members of their child’s learning team. This learning cooperative is intended for children ages five to 18 years old. Black parents and Black young people are encouraged to apply. Brown Mamas hopes to begin guided learning experiences in September 2020. Registration If you or your child is interested in participating, visit the Brown Mamas website to complete the online signup form. The form is available at the bottom of the page, below the Session Guide Recruitment Form. Become a Session Guide Brown Mamas is looking for parents, caregivers, young people, educators, and other Black community members to act as session guides in providing enrichment activities. If you are interested in becoming a session guide, visit the Brown Mamas website to complete the online signup form. More Information This information was provided by Brown Mamas. For more information, visit the Brown Mamas website.
August 5, 2020 Virtual Community of Practice Meetings Are you interested in discussing topics of interest and current trends with fellow professionals in the early childhood field? Join ELRC Region 5 for their virtual Community of Practice sessions! About Community of Practice sessions provide early learning professionals with opportunities to discuss topics of interest, current trends in the early childhood field, and offer insight and inspiration to their fellow professionals. In August, these virtual sessions will provide an overview of using the Pennsylvania Professional Development (PD) Registry. Participants will learn how to use the PD Registry as a tool to organize staff and will receive support and clear instruction on renewal requirements for the Keystone STARS program. Available Sessions Saturday, August 8 10 a.m. | Zoom Meetings | Register Thursday, August 20 10 a.m. | Zoom Meetings | Register 1 p.m. | Zoom Meetings | Register More Information Information about the meetings will be sent to participants following registration. For questions, contact ELRC Region 5 at elrc5@alleghenycounty.us or 412.350.3577. Share this flyer with your network.
August 4, 2020 Supporting Children’s Emotional Wellness with Digital Technologies More than ever before, early childhood practitioners play a critical role in supporting children’s social and emotional wellness. When used intentionally, digital technologies can serve as tools to help children navigate emotions and express thoughts and feelings. Join Trying Together on September 2 for a conversation on promoting children’s communication skills and emotional development through the use of technology and media. Participants will engage in discussion and reflection on their current practice and the impact of COVID-19. About Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants will engage in virtual discussions via Zoom with child development experts while interacting with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. For questions, contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org. Session Details Session Date: Wednesday, September 2 | 6 – 7 p.m. Instructor: Katie Gullone CKC: K1.4 C2 Registrations must be submitted by Monday, August 31. Space is limited. Sessions will be offered biweekly and will offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be offered. Learning Objectives Identify strategies to address children’s social and emotional development through the use of technology and media. Reflect on current practice and the role of technology tools in early childhood environments. Registration To register for this session, complete our online registration form. Session Rules and Guidelines These virtual discussions are designed to provide educators the opportunity to grow professionally and share knowledge on early childhood topics. During the meeting, participants should follow the guidelines below to ensure a successful virtual meeting for all participants. Please allow all participants a chance to speak. Listen respectfully and actively. Commit to learning about each other, not to debating the topic. Embrace differences of opinion as healthy and support each person’s authentic self-expression. Participants will be muted for the beginning portion of the session. Participants may use the “Raise Hand” feature in Zoom to request an opportunity to comment or ask a question. Individuals will be temporarily unmuted by the moderator. Participants may type a comment or question in the Chat or may send comments or questions directly to the moderator for them to share. To receive PQAS credit, you must complete an evaluation at the end of the session and include your PD Registry number. Have fun, make connections, and engage in the conversations! More Information For questions or more information, please contact Rosie Hogan at rosie@tryingtogether.org.
July 31, 2020 New Process to Prevent Suspensions and Expulsions Effective August 1, a new process to request support for a child with unique needs or challenging behaviors to prevent suspension and/or expulsion from early learning programs is available for families and early learning professionals. How to Request Support To request assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), early learning professionals and families can complete a new online form entitled, “PA Key Expulsion/Suspension Support Request.” Circumstances for Alternative Support If a family has an established relationship with their local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC), the family or case provider can reach out directly to their ELRC to receive program support. If the child is already receiving Early Intervention (EI) Services, providers can reach out to the child’s local EI program to request assistance with parent permission. If the child has not previously been evaluated and the family and/or early learning provider believes the child may be eligible for EI Services, call the CONNECT Helpline at 1.800.692.7288. If the child has been evaluated and does not qualify for EI Services, request assistance from the local ELRC to receive appropriate supports. More Information For more information, view the Developing Suspension and Expulsion Policies document.
July 21, 2020 Child Care Works Payment Practice Changes Effective 9/1 On July 17, the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) issued an announcement stating that starting September 1, 2020, Child Care Works (CCW) payments will return to payment practices and policies based on attendance and invoicing for all children. This will remain true regardless of when a child was enrolled with the provider. Additional Policy Changes In addition, the following policies will again be effective starting September 1: absences will be tracked and counted towards the 40 days of absences for all children; children’s enrollment after five days of absence will be suspended until the child returns to care; all Adverse Action notices will be sent to families per policy; dual enrollments, the practice implemented under COVID-19 to support both a closed provider and families who need care, will end; and collection of family co-pays will resume. The announcement is intended to provide advance notice to child care providers, allowing them to plan for the use of final CARES Act funding which will be issued in August. Providers should communicate the resumption of absence policies (effective September 1) to the families they serve. More Information For more information, view OCDEL’s full announcement or contact your local ELRC.
July 16, 2020 COVID-19 Supplies Distribution Event for Child Care Providers About Trying Together, Global Links, and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 are partnering to ensure that 650 licensed child care operators in Allegheny County are fully equipped with the protective and cleaning supplies they need to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and employees. All licensed child care providers in Allegheny County are eligible to receive cleaning supplies and safety equipment. Providers must have their tax identification (EIN) numbers read for staff at the distribution site. What’s Included Child care operators are invited to visit a distribution location to receive: an infrared, no-touch thermometer; gloves for diaper changes and cleaning; hand sanitizer; disinfectant; reusable cloth masks; reusable clear plastic face shield; and one case of tissues. Available Dates and Locations Distribution at Global Links | Register Wednesday, July 22 | 1 – 3 p.m. 700 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Distribution at LaRoche University | Register Thursday, July 23 | 1 – 3 p.m. 9000 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Distribution at Edgewood Town Centre | Register Friday, July 24 | 1 – 3 p.m. 1763 South Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218 See a map of each distribution location. Registration To ensure enough supplies are available, please register for the date and location of your choice via the PPE Supply Pickup Form. Each provider must sign up separately. Providers with multiple locations should sign up for each program, specifying the program name on each form. More Information The purchase and distribution of supplies are made possible through the generous support of local foundations. For more information, call 412.350.3577 or visit elrc5.alleghenycounty.us.
COVID-19 Supplies Distribution Event for Child Care Providers About Trying Together, Global Links, and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 are partnering to ensure that 650 licensed child care operators in Allegheny County are fully equipped with the protective and cleaning supplies they need to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and employees. All licensed child care providers in Allegheny County are eligible to receive cleaning supplies and safety equipment. Providers must have their tax identification (EIN) numbers read for staff at the distribution site. What’s Included Child care operators are invited to visit a distribution location to receive: an infrared, no-touch thermometer; gloves for diaper changes and cleaning; hand sanitizer; disinfectant; reusable cloth masks; reusable clear plastic face shield; and one case of tissues. Available Dates and Locations Distribution at Global Links | Register Wednesday, July 22 | 1 – 3 p.m. 700 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Distribution at LaRoche University | Register Thursday, July 23 | 1 – 3 p.m. 9000 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Distribution at Edgewood Town Centre | Register Friday, July 24 | 1 – 3 p.m. 1763 South Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218 See a map of each distribution location. Registration To ensure enough supplies are available, please register for the date and location of your choice via the PPE Supply Pickup Form. Each provider must sign up separately. Providers with multiple locations should sign up for each program, specifying the program name on each form. More Information The purchase and distribution of supplies are made possible through the generous support of local foundations. For more information, call 412.350.3577 or visit elrc5.alleghenycounty.us.
COVID-19 Supplies Distribution Event for Child Care Providers About Trying Together, Global Links, and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 are partnering to ensure that 650 licensed child care operators in Allegheny County are fully equipped with the protective and cleaning supplies they need to maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment for children and employees. All licensed child care providers in Allegheny County are eligible to receive cleaning supplies and safety equipment. Providers must have their tax identification (EIN) numbers read for staff at the distribution site. What’s Included Child care operators are invited to visit a distribution location to receive: an infrared, no-touch thermometer; gloves for diaper changes and cleaning; hand sanitizer; disinfectant; reusable cloth masks; reusable clear plastic face shield; and one case of tissues. Available Dates and Locations Distribution at Global Links | Register Wednesday, July 22 | 1 – 3 p.m. 700 Trumbull Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Distribution at LaRoche University | Register Thursday, July 23 | 1 – 3 p.m. 9000 Babcock Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Distribution at Edgewood Town Centre | Register Friday, July 24 | 1 – 3 p.m. 1763 South Braddock Avenue, Swissvale, PA 15218 See a map of each distribution location. Registration To ensure enough supplies are available, please register for the date and location of your choice via the PPE Supply Pickup Form. Each provider must sign up separately. Providers with multiple locations should sign up for each program, specifying the program name on each form. More Information The purchase and distribution of supplies are made possible through the generous support of local foundations. For more information, call 412.350.3577 or visit elrc5.alleghenycounty.us.
July 15, 2020 T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Fall 2020 Deadline Early childhood education professionals interested in attending college for the fall semester can submit applications to receive a T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) Scholarship. Eligibility The Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) offers a variety of T.E.A.C.H. scholarships to meet the needs of the early care and education workforce in center and home-based settings. Eligible applicants must: work a minimum of 25-30 hours per week directly with children in a DHS-certified child care program; make $19 or less an hour ($25 or less per hour for directors); and be interested in pursuing coursework at a participating college toward a degree or credential in early childhood. Scholarship awards are dependent upon the availability of funds and priorities of funders. Other eligibility criteria may apply are subject to change without notice. See the brochure. Application Details To be considered for the Fall 2020 semester, T.E.A.C.H. applications must be completed and submitted with all required documentation by Friday, August 7, 2020. PACCA will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis, however, incomplete applications and applications received after this date will not receive priority for consideration. New scholarship awards for the Fall 2020 semester will be dependent upon funding availability at that time. Interested applicants should also begin the college admissions process now and contact an early childhood education (ECE) advisor at their intended college/university. This helps to ensure that scholarship applicants are admitted to their college/university and can register for courses if/when they receive a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship. T.E.A.C.H. can provide contact information for early childhood education advisors at partnering institutions if needed. Submit an Application To download a scholarship application, visit the PACCA website. Completed applications must be submitted to PACCA by Friday, August 7 through one of the following methods: Email: teachinfo@pacca.org Fax: 717.657.0959 Mail: 20 Erford Road, Suite 302 Lemoyne, PA 17043 More Information For questions about scholarship eligibility and requirements, contact a T.E.A.C.H. Counselor at 717.657.9000.
July 10, 2020 Remote Learning for Early Learners with Autism Are you interested in learning how to help early learners with autism engage with remote instruction through evidence-based practices? Attend the webinar “Remote Learning for Early Learners with Autism” on July 16. About While remote learning allows students to continue their education, it can be challenging for young students with autism and other developmental disabilities to attend to the screen and engage with the curriculum. In this webinar, STAR Autism Support Training Specialist Elizabeth Curtin will discuss strategies to help early learners with autism engage with synchronous remote instruction through evidence-based practices. A focus of this presentation will be on teaching skills in receptive language, expressive language, social and play, and pre-academics. This webinar will include video examples of teachers coaching caregivers to provide consistent instruction to their students. Participants will also learn strategies on teaching students to be more independent in daily functional routines. This webinar is best suited for pre-k through elementary teachers and school leaders. Time for questions will be provided. Registration To register and learn more, visit the event webpage. Registration to attend the live presentation is limited to 2,000 people. A recording of the session will be available to those who sign up to receive it via email and to those who attend the live event.
