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News

November 19, 2020

ECE Job Openings: 11/19 – 11/25

Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below.

Featured Jobs

Part-Time School Age Teacher

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a part-time Assistant Teacher to help coordinate enrichment activities for a small classroom of school-age children who are participating in distance learning. Candidates should have a minimum of a high school diploma and at least two years’ documented experience working with children.

To apply, complete the online application. For questions, contact chcc@carriagehouse.org.

Early Childhood Education Teacher

Angel’s Place is seeking an Infant/Toddler Teacher. An ideal candidate would have a Bachelor’s Degree and experience working with at-risk families. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to angelsplacepittsburgh@gmail.com. For more information, visit their website.

Lead Educator

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh is seeking Lead Educators for their Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms at their Squirrel Hill and South Hills locations. Lead Educators would be responsible for classroom oversight and the implementation of approved curriculum in the Early Childhood team.

Interested applicants should have knowledge of the Pennsylvania STARS program, the Reggio Emilia approach, and constructivist social learning theory, or have a willingness to learn! Ideal applicants would have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood with 30 Early Childhood credits. Individuals with non-related Bachelor’s Degrees may also apply. However, they must be enrolled in an accredited Early Childhood program have the willingness to earn a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood.

To apply, complete the online application.

Assistant Educator

The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh is seeking Assistant Educators for their Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten classrooms at their Squirrel Hill and South Hills locations. Assistant Educators would be responsible for assisting the Lead Educator in classroom oversight and the implementation of approved curriculum in the Early Childhood team.

Interested applicants should have knowledge of the Pennsylvania STARS program, the Reggio Emilia approach, and constructivist social learning theory, or have a willingness to learn! Ideal applicants would have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood with 30 Early Childhood credits. Individuals with non-related Bachelor’s Degrees may also apply. However, they must be enrolled in an accredited Early Childhood program have the willingness to earn a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood.

To apply, complete the online application.

Weekend Daytime Therapeutic Child Care Staff

Jeremiah’s Place, Pittsburgh’s ONLY Crisis Nursery, is seeking Therapeutic Child Care Staff for their weekend overnight shift (Friday – Sunday; 7 p.m. – 7 a.m.). Staff are responsible for caring for the children at the 24-hour center during these shifts as well as completing housekeeping tasks. If you are a responsible employee who has experience working professionally with children, apply to join Jeremiah’s Place as they strive to maintain the safety of all children in this region!

To apply, submit your resume to Jordan Shoenberger at apply@jeremiahsplace.org.

Weekend Overnight Therapeutic Child Care Staff

Jeremiah’s Place, Pittsburgh’s ONLY Crisis Nursery, is seeking Therapeutic Child Care Staff for their weekend daytime shift (Friday – Sunday; 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.). Staff are responsible for caring for the children at the 24-hour center during the weekends, providing enriching activities and structure for them. If you are a responsible employee who has experience working professionally with children, apply to join Jeremiah’s Place as they strive to maintain the safety of all children in this region!

To apply, submit your resume to Jordan Shoenberger at apply@jeremiahsplace.org.

Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher

Heritage Community Initiatives is seeking a Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher to provide high-quality programming within their assigned classroom of three- to five-year-olds. This professional must be committed to best practices according to Pre-K Counts regulations and guidelines, and must be passionate about the early care and education field and working with children. The Pre-K Counts Lead Teacher must be able to develop and facilitate developmentally, individually, and culturally appropriate practices and intentional teaching. All lesson plans must be based on each individual child’s goals that come from the GOLD assessments and daily observations.

To apply, send a cover letter and a copy of your resume to humanresources@heritageserves.org. For additional information about Heritage Community Initiatives, visit their website.

Lead Toddler Teacher

Crafton Children’s Corner is seeking a Lead Toddler Teacher who is able to work full-time, Monday through Friday. The Lead Toddler Teacher will be responsible for coordinating the curriculum and managing a fun classroom. Interested applicants must have a Childhood Development Associate (CDA) Credential or better. Experience is a plus.

To apply, submit your resume to childrenscorner3@verizon.net. For more information about open positions, visit their website.

Infant-Pre-Toddler Caregiver

Crafton Children’s Corner is seeking an Infant-Pre-Toddler Caregiver who is able to work full-time, Monday through Friday. The Infant-Pre-Toddler Caregiver will assist the Lead Teacher with the curriculum, as well as daily activities and routines of the room.

To apply, submit your resume to childrenscorner3@verizon.net. For more information about open positions, visit their website.

Toddler Teacher Assistant

Mount Washington Children’s Center is seeking a Toddler Teacher Assistant who will share the responsibility of carrying out lesson planning, diaper changing, and helping to prepare a socially, emotionally well-developed toddler. This professional will work with a Toddler Teacher. This position is 40 hours per week and includes benefits.

To apply, submit your resume to mwcc15@yahoo.com.

Assistant Group Supervisor

Fifth Avenue Family Child Care is looking for a dynamic Assistant Group Supervisor with experience working with infants to preschool-aged children to join their team full time, starting in January 2021. They value creativity, child-led exploration, reliability, patience, and building an inclusive community. Providing a safe and enriching environment for play-based learning is a vital aspect of the position. Also included in the responsibilities for this role are: following COVID-19 mitigation protocols, changing diapers, assistance with toilet learning, light food prep, meal assistance, and day to day communication with parents.

To apply, email your cover letter and resume to Leah Thompson at thompsonl@theellisschool.org.

 

Submit a Job Description

Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Tuesday, November 24.

This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after November 24 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that news post publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org.

Search Additional Jobs

Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.

News

November 13, 2020

2021 Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards: Apply

Do you know an exceptional child care professional or are you one yourself? Apply for the 2021 Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards to nominate that person for a chance to win the Helene Marks Award, a $1,000 cash prize, and more!

About

In collaboration with the Terri Lynne Lokoff Child Care Foundation (TLLCCF), First Up is hosting the 2021 Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards to honor exceptional child care professionals. In 1987, Kay and Fred Lokoff formed the TLLCCF to honor the memory of their daughter. Terri was a passionate child care teacher who knew the incredible value of Early Childhood Education and was committed to making a difference by giving children a strong start in their lives.

Applications for the 2021 Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards are now available. Child care teachers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and on U.S. Military bases and installations around the world are invited to apply. Fifty awards are presented each year.

What Will Recipients Win?

Every award recipient receives:

    • a $1,000 cash prize,
    • a trip to Philadelphia for the award ceremony (COVID permitting), and
    • a chance to win the Helene Marks Award with the additional honor of being named the National Child Care Teacher of the Year.

Application

To apply, complete the online application. For those who would like to print and mail their completed application, a downloadable PDF version is available. Applications are due by January 29, 2021.

More Information

For more information, please contact Sharon Bell at Sharon.Bell@firstup.org.

News

November 12, 2020

Educators: Join the Leap into Science National Network

Are you an educator in Pennsylvania who is interested in receiving training and materials to lead science and literacy workshops for children and families? Join the Leap into Science National Network! Applications must be submitted by December 14, 2020.

About

Leap into Science is a nationwide program developed by The Franklin Institute Science Museum that integrates open-ended science activities with children’s books, designed for children ages three through 10-years-old and their families. The program empowers educators to offer workshops in community settings like libraries, museums, and out-of-school time programs to engage underserved audiences in accessible and familiar settings.

Leap into Science provides workshops on a science theme for three possible audiences: early childhood, elementary, and/or family groups. If your organization was already trained in the Leap into Science Wind curricula, you are NOT eligible to attend this training.

Organization Benefits

Each organization that participates in Leap into Science will receive:

    • a two-hour virtual training on high-quality science and literacy curriculum and facilitation strategies for two or more educators;
    • ongoing support during program implementation as part of a Leap into Science National Network;
    • access to the national Leap into Science leadership team and online resources; and
    • a curriculum and materials kit (valued at $300).

Participation Commitments

As a Leap into Science partner organization, participants commit to:

    • scheduling and leading at least three Leap into Science workshops for children and/or families living in underserved rural or urban communities by September 2021, including an event during National Leap into Science Week (June 7 – 13, 2021);
    • posting each workshop to The Connectory, a searchable directory for STEM programs across the country;
    • completing a workshop report following each workshop; and
    • participating in quarterly calls with other trained educators in your state.

Available Workshops

The Pennsylvania Leap into Science Team is hosting a free two-hour virtual training on the Leap into Science Light & Shadow workshops at the following times:

    • Friday, January 29, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
    • Thursday, May 13, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Submit An Application

To participate in the national network and attend one of the trainings listed above, please complete this brief application form by December 14, 2020.

Priority will be given to organizations that can send at least two educators to the training and who serve traditionally underrepresented audiences. If selected, you will receive an email notification of your acceptance by the end of December with details about the training you will attend.

More Information

For questions, contact Betsy O. Saatman at betsaa@pakeys.org or 484.955.5909.

News

ECE Job Openings: 11/12 – 11/18

Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below.

Featured Jobs

Preschool Specialist

Kids Kademy II L.L.C. is looking to hire a reliable, nurturing, and dedicated individual to lead their Preschool Program. An ideal candidate would be knowledgeable about Keystone STARS. To apply, email your resume to erinc62301@yahoo.com.

Infant/Toddler Room Assistant Teachers

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking Infant/Toddler Room Assistant Teachers who will be responsible in assisting with children’s daily activities under the guidance of a teacher. If you have previous experience working with young children and are interested in joining their inclusive learning community where all families, children, and staff feel welcome and respected, please apply.

To apply, complete the online application. For questions, contact chcc@carriagehouse.org.

Preschool Teachers

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking highly-motivated Preschool Teachers who value the importance of building strong relationships with children, understand how young children learn and develop, and are dedicated to creating a nurturing learning environment for every child. If you have previous experience working with young children and are interested in joining their inclusive learning community where all families, children, and staff feel welcome and respected, please apply.

To apply, complete the online application. For questions, contact chcc@carriagehouse.org.

Lead Young Toddler Room Teacher

Carriage House Children’s Center is seeking a full-time Lead Young Toddler Room Teacher for their Infant/Toddler Program. If you have previous experience working with young children and are interested in joining their inclusive learning community where all families, children, and staff feel welcome and respected, please apply.

To apply, complete the online application. For questions, contact chcc@carriagehouse.org.

 

Submit a Job Description

Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Wednesday, November 18.

This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after November 18 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that news post publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org.

Search Additional Jobs

Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.

News

November 6, 2020

GivingTuesday 2020

Join Trying Together, your neighbors, and the global community on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, in celebrating kindness, collaboration, and generosity. Join us in #GivingTogether this #GivingTuesday.

What Is GivingTuesday?

First established in 2012, GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. It’s also an opportunity for people to stand together in unity—to use their individual power of generosity to support and champion the organizations and causes they care about.

Why Should You Participate?

2020 has been a difficult year, and it has been especially difficult for our nation’s families. Due to job loss, financial strain, education challenges, and limited access to child care, families have been working tirelessly to make ends meet and support the learning and development of their children. However, they cannot do it alone.

That’s why Trying Together’s mission to reinforce the work of early childhood is more important than ever before. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Trying Together has:

    • mobilized our advocates to ensure child care businesses receive the emergency funds they need to stay in business and provide services to families;
    • distributed critical health and safety supplies to early learning programs that serve essential workers and their families;
    • developed an online search tool to assist essential workers and families with quickly finding and choosing early learning programs that meet their needs;
    • created an online community for families to connect, discuss, and support one another in their care and education planning for the 2020-21 school year; and
    • curated comprehensive COVID-19 resource lists online, one of which is for families and caregivers and the other for early care and education professionals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and after, Trying Together will continue to develop our programs, resources, and services to meet the needs of our communities. Will you join us in this work by showing your support on GivingTuesday?

What You Can Do

We all have gifts to give, and thanks to social media, online giving, mail, and phones, there are limitless ways to use your generosity to reinforce the early childhood field. For examples of how you can give this giving season, see the list below!

Submit A Donation

If you would like to support Trying Together’s work directly, consider submitting a financial donation! We appreciate donations of any size. However, for those looking for recommended amounts, Trying Together has identified the following tiers:

    • Early Childhood Supporter ($60)
    • Early Childhood Sustainer ($120)
    • Early Childhood Champion ($1,000)

Thanks to the generosity of Trying Together’s Board of Directors, all donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to $2,000. Help us secure these matched dollars by donating!

Share Your Story

When you think of a good teacher, who do you think of? Take time this GivingTuesday to thank that person via social media, phone, or email and let them know how their work has positively impacted your life or the life of your child.

SOCIAL MEDIA

1. Join the larger community in celebrating gratitude by posting your thank you message, picture, or video on social media using #GiveThanks or #GivingTogether.

    • Example: I’d like to say thank you to @amymiller for the wonderful work she’s been doing to support my child’s learning and healthy development! Ashton still can’t stop talking about the caterpillar craft he did last month! 🐛🦋 #GiveThanks #GivingTuesday

2. Set a goal for how many educators you’d like to thank this giving season and share it out on social media using #GiveThanks or #GivingTogether!

    • Example: This #GivingTuesday, I’m celebrating gratitude by thanking three early learning professionals who have had a positive impact on my life and child. Will you join me? #GiveThanks 📞💌

#GivingTuesday is on December 1 this year and to celebrate, I’d like to #GiveThanks to the early learning professionals who work tirelessly to make sure my child is safe, supported, and cared for. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you!CLICK TO TWEET

PHONE OR EMAIL

If you have their phone number or email, contact your early learning professional and let them know how much you appreciate the work they do to support your family.

Share Our Fundraising Page

Another great way to support Trying Together is by sharing our fundraising page with your network. To help get you started, we have created a GivingTuesday Social Media Toolkit that features sample social media posts and more!

More Information

For questions, please contact Trying Together at info@tryingtogether.org.

News

November 5, 2020

Early Childhood Job Openings: 11/5 – 11/11

Are you looking to start or transition your career in the early childhood field? You’re in luck! Early learning programs in Pennsylvania are currently looking to fill positions. To view this week’s featured job descriptions, see the list below.

Featured Jobs

Lead Pre-K Teacher

Hilltop Children’s Center is looking to hire a Pennsylvania-licensed early childhood educator for their pre-k classroom. This is a year-round position. Interested professionals must be nurturing, empathetic, and dependable. Excellent classroom management skills desired.

To apply for this position, please contact lisazappa@hilltopccc.org or submit the online application.

Teacher/Assistant Teacher

Beulah Christian Preschool and Child Care is looking to hire an experienced, positive educator to successfully lead a team or to work with an established team in providing engaging, developmentally appropriate activities based on the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards within NAEYC high-quality criteria. Successful candidates should be comfortable with all ages and available for an eight-hour shift from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round.

To apply for this position, please email Tracy Belmonte at tbelmonte@beulahpresby.org.

Young Toddler Teacher

Helping Hands Childcare is looking to hire a passionate teacher to work with one- and two-year-old children. Applicants should have two or more years of experience working with children and/or an early childhood degree. Applicants must be able to work between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., and must have or be able to obtain clearances for working with children. This position will start in November.

To apply for this position, call 724.695.9200 or email helpinghands001@verizon.net. Please ask for Lori or Melissa.

Assistant Group Supervisor

Stubblefield’s Childcare and Early Head Start is looking to hire an Assistant Group Supervisor to supervise children ages six months to 12-years-old. To apply for this position, please email  stubblefielddaycare@yahoo.com.

Metropolitan Preschool and Nursery

Metropolitan Preschool and Nursery is looking to hire Group Supervisors and Assistant Group Supervisors to ensure that all children are actively supervised and that their individual needs are met. To apply for this position, contact Dawn Fowler at 412.281.8315 or info@pghchild.care.

Early Learning Program Certification Representative

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services is looking to hire an Early Learning Program Certification Representative to conduct inspections of child care facilities and assess compliance with regulations that are in place to ensure the health and safety of children in regulated child care settings. This is a full-time position. This professional must be willing to travel.

To qualify, applicants must meet a Pennsylvania residency requirement and have at least two years of professional experience providing direct services to children and youth and a bachelor’s degree that includes 24 semester hours of college-level courses related to early childhood, or have an equivalent combination of professional experience and training.

Before you apply, please read the full job description. If you qualify, please contact Abigail O’Shura at 717.772.2219 or aoshura@pa.gov to apply.

Submit a Job Description

Each week, Trying Together publishes a news post that features employer-submitted job positions from early learning programs across Pennsylvania. Trying Together shares these posts online through our website, social media channels, and newsletter. To make it into next week’s post, please submit the Child Care Provider Job Post Submission Form no later than Wednesday, November 11.

This form is intended for positions in the early childhood field. Job descriptions not related to the early childhood field will not be included. All job descriptions submitted after November 11 will be published in the next week’s news post. Please note that news post publication dates may vary due to state and federal holidays. For questions, contact Lainey Yockey at lainey@tryingtogether.org.

Search Additional Jobs

Are you interested in starting or shifting your career in early childhood care and education? Visit the ECE Hire website or sign up for their weekly newsletter for current job listings and helpful tips on interviewing, resumes, and more. To stay up to date on our featured positions and more, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter.

News

October 30, 2020

Strategies to Support DLLs and Their Families

Are you interested in learning strategies to support dual language learners (DLLs) and their families? Join presenters Lea Ann Christenson, Ph.D., and Nadia J. Jones, Ed.D., on November 10 for “Strength in Diversity: Practical Theory and Strategies to Support DLLs and Their Families.”

About

This webinar will cover practical theory, easy-to-use advice, and strategies to support dual language learners and their families. In addition, participants will learn how to cultivate empathy, perspective, and high expectations for all children. The content of this webinar can also benefit English-only (EO) young children and their families. Time for questions will be provided.

Featured Topics

Participants will walk away with the conceptual understanding of the content which they can put to use in their classrooms, schools, and centers immediately. Educators will learn:

    • demographics of young DLLs in classrooms today,
    • the basics of second-language acquisition theory,
    • effective teaching strategies and principles of instruction,
    • how and why honoring the home language supports English acquisition, and
    • tips for engaging the families of DLLs.

Registration

This webinar is best suited for anyone in the early childhood field, including teachers, instructional aides, administrators, and district office personnel. To register, visit the EdWeb website.

News

October 21, 2020

Benefits of Having a PD Registry Profile

Do you have a Pennsylvania PD Registry profile? If not, you are missing out on features that could help you schedule professional development, request financial assistance, and more.

What is the PD Registry?

The Pennsylvania Professional Development (PD) Registry is an online system that functions as a “workforce registry” by tracking the professional accomplishments of registered individuals, providing important data about the early childhood workforce, and highlighting a consolidated list of available professional development opportunities.

Data collected through the PD Registry—including data such as length of time in the field, education level, and wages—is also used to advocate for better education opportunities and higher wages for professionals in Pennsylvania.

Benefits

Early Learning and School-Age Professionals

Through the PD Registry, early learning and school-age professionals can:

    • track their employment, education, and training history;
    • complete a professional development self-assessment to plan upcoming training;
    • register for in-person and online professional training that offers PQAS and Act 48 credit;
    • begin an application for financial assistance if eligible;
    • keep track of CPR, First Aid, and Fire Safety expiration dates;
    • and more.
Program Directors

Through the PD Registry, Program Directors can:

    • track staff completion of Bureau of Certification and Keystone STARS training requirements;
    • access verified staff qualifications for meeting Certification and Keystone STARS requirements;
    • support staff with professional development planning; and
    • register staff members for training using the statewide training calendar.

Creating an Account

If you don’t have an account, visit the PD Registry website to create one. For assistance, view this step-by-step tip sheet on how to create an account or contact pdregistry@pakeys.org.

More Information

Additional tip sheets and resources are available for new users, existing users, and program directors. For more information, view this document or visit the Pennsylvania Key website.

News

October 20, 2020

The Ins and Outs of the PD Registry

Want to use the PD Registry to maximize your professional growth? Join Trying Together on October 28 for our free virtual workshop, “Connections and Conversations: The Ins and Outs of the PD Registry.”

About

In this Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-In session, participants will engage in virtual discussions with an Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 Quality Coach and interact with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the Pennsylvania Professional Development (PD) Registry. This session will offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit will not be provided.

Join us to learn how to use the PD Registry as an asset for individual growth and as a springboard for collaborative discussion on professionals development between practitioners and leadership. This course will overview the general use of navigating an individual account, as well as the benefits leadership members can utilize as an organization administrator.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2020  |  6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
    • Instructor: Katie Streiff
    • Core Knowledge Area: Organization and Administration
    • CDA Content Area: Effective Program Operation
    • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Registration

To register, visit the course PD Registry page. Space is limited. Participants will receive the course Zoom link via email within 24 hours before the start date for the course. PQAS and Act 48 credit available.

If you do not have a PD Registry account, please complete this online form to create one. If you are unable to create an account, please contact pdregistry@pakeys.org for more information.

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, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

October 6, 2020

Promoting Inclusion in ECE Programs

On September 30, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) released guidance on strategies early learning programs should use to ensure all young children with disabilities and their families have access to high-quality, inclusive programming.

About

OCDEL issued this announcement to provide guidance on strategies that promote inclusion for all students, set an expectation for high-quality programs to be inclusive of children with disabilities, and identify resources available to local early learning programs.

Who Does This Apply To?

Effective October 1, 2020, this announcement applies to both federally- and state-funded programs, including Child Care Works, Child Care Certification, Early Head Start, Head Start, Early Intervention, Home Visiting programs, Keystone STARS, Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, and Family Centers.

Next Steps

To promote inclusion, local early learning programs must complete the following actions:

1. In collaboration with program staff and families:

    • develop and implement a written program policy that focuses on actively including young children with disabilities in your early learning program;
    • review and modify existing policies, practices, and procedures to ensure barriers are removed that would prevent children with disabilities from accessing or participating in your early learning program; and
    • develop resources for effective communication between families and program staff to ensure families know the benefits of and their rights related to inclusion.

2. Assess staff competencies and implement professional development, which includes family perspectives, related to inclusion based on the needs of staff and families.

3. Seek assistance from your local Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) to identify examples of inclusive program policies, structures, and activities to provide models of dissemination and replication throughout Pennsylvania.

4. Develop and strengthen partnerships between your program and Early Intervention programs so that supports and services for children with disabilities can be provided within the daily routines and activities of high-quality early learning programs.

5. Participate in ongoing opportunities for stakeholder input and professional development opportunities on additional OCDEL guidance related to the inclusion of all children.

6. Implement this policy in conjunction with the Announcement, Reduction of Expulsion and Suspension in Early Childhood Programs in Pennsylvania and any additional guidance related to the inclusion of all children.

OCDEL’s Support

To promote practices that support the inclusion of all young children in early learning programs, OCDEL will complete the following actions:

1. In collaboration with and input from stakeholders and families, OCDEL will:

2. OCDEL will provide individualized support, including on-site coaching and consultation, to OCDEL-funded programs.

3. Through the ELRCs, OCDEL will:

    • identify opportunities for community partnerships to promote inclusion, including partnerships for providing individualized support, professional development, and other capacity-building resources;
    • provide support and guidance to assist child care programs to progress in their Keystone STAR level rating; and
    • support child care programs to understand their vital role in supporting inclusion.

More Information

For more information, read the full announcement.