April 3, 2019 PAsmart Announces Grant Awardees In February 2019, Governor Tom Wolf announced funding for PAsmart Apprenticeship and Next Generation Industry Partnerships grants which will connect Pennsylvanians with the information needed to succeed in our evolving economy. About PAsmart PAsmart is focused on ensuring Pennsylvania students and workers have the skills and abilities to meet the economic needs of the 21st century. This initiative aims to do this by expanding access to STEM education in Pennsylvania schools, embracing the Next Generation Industry Partnership model, and creating the Apprenticeship and Training Office to increase apprenticeship opportunities within a variety of industries. OCDEL’s Role The Office of Child Development and Early Learning supports the efforts of PA’s Department of Labor and Industry and is working with them to professionalize the early education field. Efforts include increasing access to a career pathway that results in stackable, portable credentials, and providing relevant, developmentally and culturally appropriate content to support educators working with young children to advance their individual career and education progression. Organization Grantees The following organizations will be supported through PAsmart funds: 1100c Training and Upgrading Fund: Will expand their apprenticeship model in Southeastern Pennsylvania Partner4Work: Will establish a regional hub for Early Childhood Education registered apprenticeships in the Pittsburgh Metro Area Keystone University: Will partner with Lackawanna Trail High School, Luzerne County Community College, and Wilkes University to build an Early Childhood Education (ECE) pipeline through a competency-based apprenticeship that leads to an entry-level ECE credential Shippensburg University: Will design curriculum and develop advanced competencies to expand the Philadelphia ECE apprenticeship to four-year programs Arcadia University: Will expand their RA program for ECE First Up and its partners: Will expand upon apprenticeship supports and program to provide career paths in ECE Learn More For more information, visit pasmart.gov. * Information provided by OCDEL’s PA Early Ed Newsletter
August 20, 2018 CDA Renewal Available at WCCC This Fall In partnership with the PA Key, Westmoreland County Community College is offering a series of courses that will fulfill the educational training requirements for the infant/toddler, preschool, or renewal CDA credentials. The additional work experience, portfolio, and professional requirements required by the CDA Council must be completed independently by the candidates. Based on the CDA pursued, students may choose from the following courses, which will be offered at the Youngwood campus beginning in October 2018: ECE 190-CDA – Child Health, Safety & Nutrition – October 3, 2018 —May 1, 2019 (every other week) ECE 191-CDA – Observation & Assessment – January 15 —April 30, 2019 Choose one: ECE 179-CDA – Infant & Toddler Development – April 15—July 29, 2019 ECE 180-CDA – Child Growth & Development – April 4—July 25, 2019 Each course is 3 college credits and can be applied towards an Associate degree at Westmoreland. The initial certifications require 3 courses, while renewal requires 1 course. Tuition is $210 per course and $100 for textbook. Rising STARS Tuition Assistance and the TEACH Scholarship are both accepted at Westmoreland and can be used towards the cost of the courses. Questions should be directed to Dr. Brandi Weekley at 724.925.6715 or Vicki Hricik at 724.925.4013. For more information, download this flyer. Call 1-800-262-2103 ext. 4204 to register. An orientation and welcome session will be held on September 29, 2018 @ 9:30 a.m. for all CDA candidates and their directors on the Youngwood Campus. The welcome session will include an orientation to the process and a time to meet fellow cohort members. Refreshments will be served.