May 1, 2023 EITA Offering Professional Development Opportunity on the Growing Brain Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) is offering early childhood professionals a professional development opportunity to learn about brain growth in children from birth to five years of age. Aptly named, “The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old,” this virtual series details child brain development and shares ways to encourage healthy growth in young children. About “The Growing Brain” Decades of research indicate that the early years of life are a period of exponential brain development, characterized by great opportunity and vulnerability dependent on child relationships and environment. In this series, participants will develop skills and strategies to: understand the architecture and neurobiology of brain development support language, cognition, prosocial behavior, and social-emotional development and reduce toxic stress that can negatively influence brain development in very young children Session Details “The Growing Brain” is offered in several, progressive sessions. Each session is offered twice, and interested individuals can register and attend as many or as few sessions as they like. One PQAS credit is available for each session. Sessions include: Factors Affecting Brain Growth & Development In this session, participants will identify factors that negatively impact brain development, understand the impact of stress on the developing brain, and learn about strategies for supporting healthy brain growth and development. Offered: Thursday April 27 | 12 – 1 p.m. Friday April 28 | 8 – 9 a.m. Communication & Language Development In this session, participants will understand communication milestones, learn strategies for supporting early communication skills, and understand multi-language learning. Offered: Thursday May 4 | 12 – 1 p.m. Friday, May 5 | 8 – 9 a.m. Cognition & Executive Function In this session, participants will review and summarize key cognitive milestones in brain development, as well as explore the layers of executive function and its importance in child development. Offered: Thursday, May 18 | 12 – 1 p.m. Friday, May 19 | 8 – 9 a.m. Social-Emotional Development In this session, participants will review key social emotional development milestones in children, as well as connect which areas of the brain are involved in social interactions and examine the role that relationships and attachment play in social-emotional development. Offered: Thursday, May 25 | 12 – 1 p.m. Friday, May 26 | 8 – 9 a.m. Understanding Behavior In this module, session leaders will discuss approaches for identifying the root cause of young children’s behavior and demonstrate effective strategies to address challenging behaviors in very young children. Offered: Thursday, June 1 | 12 – 1 p.m. Friday, June 2 | 8 – 9 a.m. Everyday Play In this session, participants will learn to understand the stages and types of play that unfold in early childhood, the role of the brain in this process, and how to maximize children’s learning through play. Offered: Thursday, June 8 | 12 – 1 p.m. Friday, June 9 | 8 – 9 a.m. Register for any or all sessions on the PD Registry. Learn More This series is presented by EITA Consultants certified in “The Growing Brain” curriculum, which was developed by Zero to Three Professional Development and Workforce Innovations (PDWI). PDWI aims to elevate the knowledge skills and abilities of early childhood professionals. For additional information on this offering, view the flyer. For additional information on “The Growing Brain,” visit www.zerotothree.org/growingbrain or the PD Registry.
December 4, 2020 Let’s Chat About Early Language and Literacy Join the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) from January through March 2021 for their 30-minute “Let’s Chat About Early Language and Literacy” webinars. About These 30-minute webinars will be offered at no cost to participants. Each session will be offered at 8:30 a.m. and repeated at 1:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. This series runs from January through March 2021. Chat topics will include the following: Connecting with Children: No Wi-Fi Needed January 8, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Using Assistive Technology to Support Literacy Development January 22, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Building Vocabulary and Supporting Emergent Talkers February 12, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Supporting Children to Understand Language Around Them February 26, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Sounds, Sounds Everywhere! March 12, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Dual Language Learners Through the Equity Lens March 26, 2021 | 8:30 – 9 a.m. OR 1:30 – 2 p.m. Registration To register, visit the event webpage. Registration closes the Wednesday prior to each session at 4:30 p.m. More Information PQAS, Infant/Toddler, and Act 48 hours are available. Participants must attend two sessions in order to get one credit hour. For questions, contact Jodie Holmberg at jholmberg@pattan.net.
May 6, 2020 Navigating Transitions During COVID-19 for Infant/Toddler Families We would like to invite you to join us for a live informational webinar from the Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports. This live web series is about what families can expect during the closure of face-to-face Early Intervention Services. These sessions will assist in navigating transitions during COVID-19 for infant/toddler families. The live informational webinars will be recorded and posted on the EITA (Early Intervention Technical Assistance Portal) Portal for those who are unable to join live. Registration There is no need to register for this event because this is a public webinar to help families maneuver through this difficult time. To attend, you can very simply join from PC, Mac, iOS, or Android on May 13 at 2 p.m. Attendees can also join us by phone if they choose. Attendees can also join us by phone if they choose. When dialing in, callers can access the webinar by entering 855.880.1246 on your keypad and using the following Meeting ID: 988 8060 8928 More For Infant/Toddler Families During COVID-19 For more information on this live webinar series or on Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA), contact Sarah Holland at saholland@pa.gov. To find resources that support early intervention (EI) work during COVID-19, click here. Share this flyer with your network.
April 9, 2020 Navigating Early Intervention Services During COVID-19 Families are invited to join a live informational webinar from the Bureau of Early Intervention Services and Family Supports about what families can expect during the closure of face-to-face Early Intervention services. There is no need to register. A recording of the event will be available on the Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) portal after the event for individuals who are unable to attend. Professionals may be asked to sign off if participant levels get close to capacity. Available Sessions The following sessions will be available: For Families fo Children Receiving Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Services | 12 – 1 p.m. Join from PC, Mac, iOS, or Android: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/904942246 Join by Phone: 312.626.6799, Meeting ID: 904 942 246 For Families of Children Receiving Preschool Early Intervention Services | 2 – 3 p.m. Join from PC, Mac, iOS, or Android: https://paiu.zoom.us/j/380197977 Join by Phone: 312.626.6799, Meeting ID: 380 197 977
March 23, 2020 Mindfulness in Early Childhood: Practical Strategies for Immediate Use Join the Office of Childhood Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) for their webinar “Mindfulness in Early Childhood: An Overview with Practical Strategies for Immediate Use” to learn about key phrases and techniques that reduce stress and increase awareness in early childhood education. About This webinar will provide a general overview of mindfulness with a strong focus on how you can use key phrases and techniques in your professional life and in working with families to support stress reduction and an increase in awareness. In addition, the intent is to provide access to these same tools to reduce the burdens and stressors faced by the families with whom you work. The key component will be to focus on “attention” and “the now” as it pertains to the space between what is happening in the moment and your response. The ability to become aware of our emotions and regulate the manner in which we respond will support the work that you do on a daily basis. Opportunities will be afforded for self-reflection and the application of these tools in the future. You will leave this webinar with practical strategies and resources that you can implement immediately. Additional resources will also be shared that will enable you to move forward in your own journey of exploring mindfulness. Registration Interested individuals can register to attend the live webinar on the following dates: Tuesday, April 21, 2020 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2020 | 1 – 3 p.m. To register and learn more, visit the event webpage. Both webinars will be recorded and made available for viewing on the Pennsylvania Family Support Programs website.
December 18, 2019 Online Resource: Supporting Children with Hearing Loss To support families and professionals who interact with children with hearing loss, Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) developed an online resource titled, “Getting Started: Supporting Children with Hearing Loss.” About In the first section of their free course, EITA says that “families who have just received word that their child is deaf or hard of hearing can display a wide range of reactions,” with most wondering what caused the hearing loss in the first place. To increase family and professional knowledge and awareness about hearing, hearing loss, and available supports in Pennsylvania, EITA created the “Getting Started: Supporting Children with Hearing Loss” course. In it, EITA highlights important information and resources, including first steps, communication and language resources, best practices, and more. Click here to view the resource. More Information For more information and to access the resource, visit the EITA website.
December 11, 2019 Early Language and Literacy Chats | Winter Sessions Join the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) this winter to discuss hot topics around early language and literacy development. From January through March 2020, 3o-minute chat sessions will be hosted on the second and fourth Friday at 8:30 a.m and repeated at 1:30 p.m. Participants will gain access to resources to share with families and use in their classrooms and centers. PQAS credit hours and infant/toddler hours available. Available Dates January 10, 2020: Those First Words January 24, 2020: Conversations with Kids February 7, 2020: Books, Books, Books! February 21, 2020: Print is Everywhere March 6, 2020: Sounds All Around! March 20, 2020: Celebrating Dual Language Learners More Information For more information, visit the event Padlet page. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Key
December 10, 2019 Early Language and Literacy Chat Join the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) this winter to discuss hot topics around early language and literacy development. From January through March 2020, 3o-minute chat sessions will be hosted on the second and fourth Friday at 8:30 a.m and repeated at 1:30 p.m. Participants will gain access to resources to share with families and use in their classrooms and centers. PQAS credit hours and infant/toddler hours available. Available Dates January 10, 2020: Those First Words January 24, 2020: Conversations with Kids February 7, 2020: Books, Books, Books! February 21, 2020: Print is Everywhere March 6, 2020: Sounds All Around! March 20, 2020: Celebrating Dual Language Learners More Information For more information, visit the event Padlet page.
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.
Let’s Chat About Early Language and Literacy The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) are hosting chat sessions during the winter months to discuss early language and literacy development topics. Join these 30-minute online chat sessions, offered at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., to discover resources to share with families and implement in your classroom or center. These sessions will take place on the second and fourth Friday of every month from January through March 2019. Chat Sessions Disconnecting to Connect | January 11, 2019 Building Vocabulary | January 25, 2019 Storybook Reading | February 8, 2019 Print in the Environment | February 22, 2019 Playing with Sounds | March 8, 2019 Supporting Dual Language Learners | March 22, 2019 More Information Visit their event website to learn more about the topics, credits, and registration. PQAS credit hours and Infant/Toddler hours available.
