News

April 26, 2022

New PA Standards & Competencies Effective July 1

Pennsylvania is adopting a new set of professional standards and competencies for early childhood educators. The Pennsylvania Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (PA PSCECE) will replace the current PA Core Knowledge Competencies (CKC), effective July 1.

About the PA PSCECE

The PA PSCECE will list the general knowledge and skills educators need to know and demonstrate. However, they are not the specific standards and competencies needed for individual professions and occupations within the early childhood field.

The PA PSCECE will include seven areas, six of which were adopted directly from the national Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. The seventh standard is Pennsylvania-specific. These areas include:

  • Child Development and Learning in Context;
  • Family–Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections;
  • Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment;
  • Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices;
  • Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum;
  • Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator; and
  • Health and Safety, which includes Nutrition and Mental Health.

Transition

In order for early learning providers to familiarize themselves with the PA PSECEC and changes coming with it, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) encourages staff to take the PA Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators course in the PD Registry. This course explores the new set of PA PSCECE while helping learners:

  • Understand why a new set of standards for early childhood educators is being implemented and how they were developed
  • Understand the main aspects and components of the PA Professional Standards
  • Understand the key shifts found throughout the PA Professional Standards

Take the course.

More Information

For details, read OCDEL’s full announcement or direct any questions to the PD Registry Team at registry@pakeys.org.

News

August 17, 2020

CDA Credential Course (North Side): Registration Deadline

About

Are you an early educator in the North Side of Pittsburgh who is working with young children? Are you looking to take the first step in advancing your career? Join your peers and Trying Together for this nine-month online CDA course where you will:

  • focus on Competency Standards and Best Practices that support healthy early development in young children;
  • complete online coursework;
  • receive support from an experienced instructor; and
  • receive a nationally recognized credential upon completion.

Session Details

  • Course Timeline: September 14, 2020 – May 31, 2021
  • Delivery: Online (Schoology and Zoom)
  • Course Instructor: Theresa Hetler
  • CDA Orientation Date: September 2, 2020
  • Registration closes on September 2, 2020. Space is limited.

Registration

To register, complete our online form.

Please note that this listing is not a one-day, in-person event. This online course runs from September 14, 2020 to May 31, 2020. More information will be provided after registration.

More Information

For questions or more information, please contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org.

Share this flyer with your network.

News

CDA Credential Course: Registration Deadline

Important Note: This course is full. If you are an early learning professional in the North Side of Pittsburgh, please register for our other CDA course that will run from September 14, 2020 – May 31, 2021.

About

Are you an early educator who is working with young children? Are you looking to take the first step in advancing your career? Join your peers and Trying Together for this nine-month online CDA course where you will:

  • focus on Competency Standards and Best Practices that support healthy early development in young children;
  • complete online coursework;
  • receive support from an experienced instructor; and
  • receive a nationally recognized credential upon completion.

Session Details

  • Course Timeline: September 8, 2020 – May 31, 2021
  • Delivery: Online (Schoology and Zoom)
  • Course Instructor: Theresa Hetler
  • CDA Orientation Date: August 31, 2020
  • Registration closes on August 31, 2020. Space is limited.

Registration

This course is currently full. To stay up-to-date on available courses, sign up to receive the Trying Together newsletter and/or follow Trying Together on Facebook and Twitter.

Please note that this listing is not a one-day, in-person event. This online course runs from September 8, 2020 to May 31, 2020. More information will be provided after registration.

More Information

For questions or more information, please contact Theresa Hetler at theresa@tryingtogether.org.

Share this flyer with your network.

News

April 27, 2020

Learning to Play, Playing to Learn: Encouraging Play Within Early Childhood Classrooms

“Play acts as a mechanism into courageous, creative, and rigorous thinking in adulthood.” (T. Bruce,., 2013)

The benefits of children’s play can be life-lasting, as long as the experiences are developmentally appropriate, positive, and engaging. This free online course focuses on children’s play and the role of play in early education settings. Participants will take part in varied individual and group activities that pertain to the definitions, developmental mechanics, and functions of play as well as new strategies for encouraging play within children’s earliest classrooms.

Course Information

    • Timeline: May 1 – 22, 2020
    • Trainers: Rachelle Duffy and Jasmine Davis
    • CKC: K2.14.C1
    • Keystone STARS Alignment: EC.3.4.1
    • CDA Subject Area: Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development.
    • Three PQAS and Act 48 hours available.

Registration

To register for this course, please visit the event registration page. All registrations must be submitted by April 29 at 5 p.m. Limited spaces are available.

More Information

For more information, contact Jasmine Davis at 412.567.3933 or jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

Share this flyer with your network.

News

Exploring the Outdoor World Through Our Senses

The outside world shapes children’s development through everyday, hands-on experiences. In this free online session, participants will explore ways to facilitate sensory experiences in outdoor play including natural materials in the outdoor environment, reusable loose parts, and classroom materials. Participants will discover the benefits of learning through the five senses and explore meaningful ways to encourage sensory learning with young children.

Course Information

    • Timeline: May 4 – 24, 2020
    • Trainer: Katie Gullone
    • CKC: K2.4C2
    • Keystone STARS Alignment: SQ. 3.4.9
    • CDA Subject Area: Planning a safe and healthy learning environment.
    • Three PQAS and Act 48 hours available.

Registration

To register for this course, please visit the event registration page. All registrations must be submitted by May 1, 2020 at 5 p.m. Limited spots are available.

More Information

For more information, contact Jasmine Davis at 412.567.3933 or jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

Share this flyer with your network.