August 14, 2019 Working With Diverse Families: Supporting Dual Language Learners (Online) In this online course, participants will engage in an interactive professional development session to build and strengthen knowledge in working with diverse children ages birth to five and families. To support early childhood practitioners serving this population, this session will focus on current research strategies when teaching dual language learners, and techniques to engage families. Three PQAS and Act 48 hours will be awarded. Course Timeline This course will be available online from September 16 through October 4, 2019. More Information For more information, contact Jasmine Davis at 412.567.3933 or jasmine@tryingtogether.org. Registration To participate in this course, complete the registration process below.
July 23, 2019 East End CDA Credential Course: Registration Deadline Are you an early educator working with young children in a center, home, or school setting? Are you looking to advance your career? Join Trying Together for a nine-month Child Development Associate (CDA) course that will meet in a classroom setting and include online coursework, both supported by an instructor throughout. Course Timeline This course runs from September 6, 2019 through May 18, 2020. More Information For questions or more information, contact Theresa Hetler at 412.567.3329 or theresa@tryingtogether.org. Share this flyer with your network. Registration To participate in this course, complete the registration process below. Registration closes on August 21, 2019.
December 20, 2018 Inclusion Course Series Available on EITA Portal The Early Intervention Technical Assistance Online Learning Portal now features a five-course professional development session on Collaborating for Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood. These courses, designed for professionals working across all Pennsylvania Early Childhood and Early Intervention programs, will lead participants through activities and assignments that support the application of learning directly to the early childhood environment. Courses The Inclusion Course Series consists of the following courses: Working Together This online course provides a framework for successful collaboration to provide quality inclusive opportunities for every child. Focus on Attitudes & Beliefs This online course looks at how our actions are shaped by our attitudes and beliefs, and how societal attitudes and beliefs have shaped service systems. Building Relationships to Support All Children This session focuses on establishing, building, and maintaining positive relationships to support children in inclusive classroom settings. Universal Design for Learning in Early Childhood Settings This session provides early childhood educators with information, insights, and opportunities for practice related to the implementation of universal design in early childhood settings. Individualizing for Meaningful Inclusion Participants will be provided with information, tools, and resources to guide them through the process of making adaptations to the classroom environment, routines, and/or activities that support individuals or groups of children who are experiencing challenges. This session requires the completion of activities in an early childhood classroom environment. Learn More To learn more about each course and register, visit the Professional Development page of the EITA Portal. These courses are listed under the Collaborating for Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood section.
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.
