December 20, 2018 PA Wins Brandon Hall Group Excellence Bronze Award In August 2018, the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and PA Key course, Assessment: Beyond the Basics of Observation and Data Utilization, won the prestigious Brandon Hall Group Excellence Bronze Award for best in Custom Content. The Excellence Awards The Excellence Awards recognize the best organizations that have successfully deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that have achieved measurable results. Award entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and executives based upon the following criteria: Fit the need Design of the program Functionality Innovation Overall measurable benefits. See the full list awardees. About the Course The winning self-paced online course for early learning teachers provides an overview of classroom assessments of young children and how information from assessments can be used to inform instruction. The course was developed in collaboration with CyperhWorx, Inc. and was made possible through Pennsylvania’s Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant. Professional Development To register for the winning course (and others), visit the PA Professional Development Registry. *Information provided by the PA Early Ed News
December 12, 2018 Child Development Associate Courses Available In partnership with the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) is offering a series of courses that fulfill the educational training requirements for the infant-toddler, preschool, or renewal Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials. Additionally, a series of professional development courses are available that can be taken individually for required DHS training hours or as a full 3-hour college credit course. Available Courses Child Development Associate Based on the CDA pursued, students may choose from the following courses, which will be offered at the Youngwood campus and by Web Conferencing (video conference) to all WCCC education centers: Child Health, Safety & Nutrition – ECE 190-CDA May 13 – July 29, 2019, Web Conference Observation & Assessment – ECE 191-CDA January 15 —April 30, 2019 Choose one: Infant & Toddler Development – ECE 179-CDA April 15—July 29, 2019 Child Growth & Development – ECE 180-CDA April 4—July 25, 2019 For more information, see this flyer. Early Childhood Professional Development Child Health, Safety & Nutrition – ECE 190-KU January 16 – May 1, 2019, Westmoreland-New Kensington For a listing of all available courses, see this flyer. Certification and Costs Each course is three college credits and can be applied towards an Associate degree at Westmoreland County Community College. The initial certifications require three courses, while renewal requires one course. The additional work experience, portfolio, and professional requirements required by the CDA Council must be completed independently by the candidates. Tuition is $210 per course (or $14 per class) and $100 for the textbook. Rising STARS Tuition Assistance and the TEACH Scholarship are both accepted. Registration To register, call 1.800.262.2103, ext. 4204. Questions Questions should be directed to: Dr. Brandi Weekley at 724.925.6715 or weekleyb@westmoreland.edu. Vicki Hricik at 724.925.4013 or hricikv@westmoreland.edu.
May 9, 2018 Creating Bright Futures: A Vision for Including Young Children with Disabilities in Your Classroom This course “sets the tone” for teachers who are planning inclusive early educational programming for young children and their families in an infant/toddler classroom. Through interactive discussions and varied activities, course participants will consider their vision for including children with special considerations and/or disabilities in their classrooms as well as explore the importance of effectively communicating and working collaboratively with teaching teams, families, service professionals and professionals, and community resources to enhance children’s earliest educational experience. Creating Bright Futures: A Vision for Including Young Children with Disabilities in Your Infant/Toddler Classroom Monday, June 4 – Monday, June 18, 2018 Three Hours Online Register by Friday, June 1 at Noon. For more information and to register for credit, visit pakeys.org. Download the complete list of Trying Together professional development course offerings for May and June 2018 here.
Digital Media Literacy & Technology Tools for Early Learning This course will focus on how to communicate with and build relationships with families using technology tools and digital media. Participants will be asked to consider implications and benefits of using digital communication to bring families into the early education environment. Participants will also be encouraged to reflect on current practices and policies regarding technology in the early education classroom. The pre-requisite foundation for this course is: Digital Media Literacy & Technology Tools for Early Learning: What Educators Need to Know. Digital Media Literacy & Technology Tools for Early Learning: Engaging Families in Today’s Media and Technology Landscape Monday, June 11 – Monday, June 25, 2018 Two Hours Online Register by Friday, June 8 at Noon. For more information and to register for credit, visit pakeys.org. Download the complete list of Trying Together professional development course offerings for May and June 2018 here.
What is Autism? A Discussion About Autism Spectrum Disorders This course has been developed to raise awareness and dispel myths about Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Course participants will discuss the features, related behaviors, and special needs of children with an ASD diagnosis. By learning to first recognize and relate such characteristics to your programming, early childhood professionals are taking the first steps towards helping all children feel comfortable, welcome and safe within your classroom. What is Autism? A Discussion About Autism Spectrum Disorders Monday, June 4 – Monday, June 18, 2018 Three Hours Online Register by Friday, June 1 at Noon. For more information and to register for credit, visit pakeys.org. Download the complete list of Trying Together professional development course offerings for May and June 2018 here.
