July 12, 2023 DHS Requests Feedback on Corrective Action Process Resources The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is requesting feedback from child care providers on recently developed corrective action process (CAP) resources through a new survey. About Corrective Action Process Resources & CAP Resources Survey In recognizing the importance of corrective action processes in human services licensing, DHS released its, “Developing a Plan of Correction,” webinar in 2019. That same year, they released a corresponding, “Plan of Correction Quick Reference Guide,” (available as a PowerPoint presentation and PDF). The webinar aimed to assist providers with the successful development and implementation of acceptable plans of correction. The guide, consequently, was issued as a tool to assist providers with this process. Now the department seeks to understand the efficacy of these tools. Survey results will provide needed insight and help determine additionally needed resources. Access and Take the Survey Utilize the following link to access and take the survey: Corrective Action Process Resources Survey The survey closes Wednesday, July 26. DHS must receive all responses on or before that date. Learn More To learn more, visit the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) webpage. Source Trying Together took the information in this post directly from the Department of Human Services announcement. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Content & Resources PA DHS Accepting Applications for Children’s Trust Fund Grants State Budget Fails to Significantly Invest in Early Care and Education Amid Historic Labor Shortage New Nationwide Report Ranks Pennsylvania 22nd in Child Well-Being ELRC Region 5 Requesting Feedback from Families on Evening Phone Hours OCDEL Releases 2022 Market Rate Survey Report OCDEL Extends Deadline to Order Two Free Carbon Monoxide Detectors
April 23, 2020 Supporting Your Child’s Learning in Everyday Activities Are you interested in learning how to support your child’s learning in everyday activities? Join Autism Navigator on April 28 for their webinar, “How-To Guide for Families: Supporting Your Child’s Learning in Everyday Activities.” About Autism Navigator is collaborating with the Autism Science Foundation to host a webinar that will review what it takes to learn to talk – the gestures, sounds, and actions; how to support children’s learning in everyday activities; and how Autism Navigator and Baby Navigator online resources can support families. Specifically, this webinar will explore their How-To Guide for Families and ways that families can use this resource to help develop their child’s social communication skills. In celebration of Autism Awareness Month, the hosts will offer enrollment in their How-To Guide for free to all families of children ages one to six years old who join this webinar. Registration To register, visit the event webpage.
April 16, 2020 COVID-19: Resources for Early Learning Programs If you work for or operate an early learning program in Pennsylvania, including public and private schools; child care centers; group child care homes; family child care homes; family, friend, and neighbor care, it’s important to remain calm, prepare, and take precautionary measures. By doing so, you will help to maintain the health and wellbeing of yourself, other staff, and the communities you serve. For up-to-date recommendations and COVID-19 Resources for Early Learning programs, please visit the ELRC Region 5 website. Continue reading below for a brief overview of COVID-19; information about waivers and enrollment capacity; and a list of resources. An Overview of COVID-19 COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus not previously seen in humans. Because the virus impacts the respiratory system, common symptoms of infection include fever, dry cough, tiredness, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing. However, WHO states that some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and diarrhea. After being infected with COVID-19, individuals generally display mild symptoms that begin gradually, but some people who become infected may not develop any symptoms at all and may feel healthy. To learn more about COVID-19 and the steps you can take to reduce your family’s risk of infection, read our recent news post. This post also includes information about what to do after infection, information on how it spreads, and links to several other organizations and entities that can provide more information. National Sex Offender Registry Clearances According to the Department of Human Services Office Child Development & Early Learning Bureau of Certification Services, no exceptions will be made for expired or late National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) clearances after regular child care operations resume. Once regular child care operations resume statewide, staff will not be permitted to return to early learning programs if any of their clearances are expired. For this reason, it is recommended that all staff who require new or renewed finger-print checks should do so as soon as possible at one of the following available facilities. To learn more about NSOR changes in the last 12 months, please visit ELRC Region 5’s news post. COVID-19 Resources for Early Learning Programs Information about COVID-19 Daily Updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, PAcast How COVID-19 Spreads, CDC Coronavirus, Social Distancing, and Self-Quarantine, Johns Hopkins Medicine Informational Videos about COVID-19, CDC Why are people wearing masks? Why are people covering their faces?, ZERO TO THREE CDC Report: Coronavirus Strikes All Ages, AARP Stress, Resilience, and the Role of Science: Responding to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Harvard University, Center on the Developing Child People who are at a higher risk of severe illness, CDC 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), AAP COVID-19 and Children: FAQ, CDC Coronavirus Information for Education, PA Department of Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources for Schools and School Personnel, U.S. Department of Education How Schools Should Respond to State Laws Regarding COVID-19, Child Trends A Message on COVID-19 From the Children’s Bureau, Children’s Bureau Guidance for Providers Revised Interim Guidance for Certified Child Care Facilities Operating During the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic, Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning Health & Safety Guidance for Open Early Learning Programs, ELRC Region 5 Guidance for Operating a Child Care Center, OCDEL Guidance for Operating a Family Child Care Center, OCDEL Guidance for Schools and Child Care Programs, CDC Guidance for Schools and Child Cares, The Pennsylvania Key Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), U.S. Small Bussiness Administration Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans Immediately Available to Child Care Providers, First Five Years Fund Coronavirus Emergency Loans: Small Business Guide and Checklist (English) (Spanish), U.S. Chamber of Commerce Best Practices for Child Care Programs Operating During COVID-19, ELRC Region 5 and Trying Together COVID-19: Updates for Early Educators & Families in Allegheny County, ELRC Region 5 Staffed Family Child Care Networks Can Navigate A New World Order, Opportunities Exchange Coronavirus Information for Education: Pre-K, K-12 Schools, and Higher Education, PA Department of Health Interim Guidance for Administrators of US K-12 Schools and Childcare Programs, CDC Coronavirus Prevention and Response, Office of Head Start (OHS) Ensuring Students with Disabilities Continue to Receive Services, U.S. Department of Education Office of Child Care COVID-19 Resources, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Child Care As COVID-19 spreads, most states have laws that address how schools should respond to pandemics, Child Trends Scholastic Learn at Home: Free Resources for School Closures, Scholastic Coronavirus News & Resources for Child Care Professionals, Families and Policymakers, Child Care Aware of America Child Care for Essential Workers during Coronavirus Outbreak, Child Care Aware of America Questions and Answers on Providing Services to Children with Disabilities During the Coronavirus Outbreak, U.S. Department of Education Small Business Survival Guide to Combat COVID-19, FINIMPACT Online Learning: Education in Isolation, Digital Trends Considerations for Schools, CDC COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness Plan for Child Care Providers, HiMama Early Learning Early Learning Resources During COVID-19, ELRC Region 5 A Trauma-Informed Approach to Teaching Through Coronavirus, Teaching Tolerance Can Virtual Preschool Be Developmentally Appropriate?, Child Care Lounge Amid coronavirus, Comcast makes Wi-Fi network free, expands unlimited data to all, TRIB Live Spectrum to offer free internet to students during Coronavirus outbreak, WECT 6 News Zoom CEO Eric Yuan Is Giving K-12 Schools His Videoconferencing Tools For Free, Forbes 3 Ways to Turn Your Classroom Remote in a Hurry, KQED Information for teachers during COVID-19 school closures, School Closures Schools Are Hosting Virtual Theme Weeks to Cheer Up Quarantined Kids, We Are Teachers Creative Ways Teachers Are Building Classroom Community Online, We Are Teachers Our Favorite Virtual P.E. Resources to Keep Kids Moving at Home, We Are Teachers 161 Science Documentaries You Can Watch Right Now (No Membership Required), PBS SOCAL 121 Tools for Distance Learning & Strategies for Student Engagement, Albert Bringing the Zoo to You, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Request a Library Card to Access E-Books & More, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Free Distance Learning Plans for K–2 Students and Their Families, Common Sense Media History at Home, Senator John Heinz History Center A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development, Harvard University Early Learning Resource Center, DHS Creative Curriculums, Trust Arts Education NASA at Home – For Kids and Families, NASA Wonderschool Learn-at-Home Ideas, Wonderschool 5 Things To Help Prepare Your Kiddo For School During COVID, LazyOne Home Learning Support, Twinkl Preschool During the Pandemic: Early Childhood Education in Extraordinary Times, ECTA Talking with Children Caring for Each Other, Sesame Street Responding to Children’s Emotional Needs During Times of Crisis, Healthy Children, AAP Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope with COVID-19, NCTSN Are your kids anxious about Coronavirus? Dr. G is here to help, Kidsburgh How to Talk to Your Kids About Coronavirus, PBS KIDS for Parents Talking with Your Children about COVID-19, the CDC Online Interactive Game that Teaches Children about Germs and Handwashing, Luma One A guide to keeping your child safe and reassured as coronavirus spreads, CNN Health Washing Your Hands, CDC How to Wash Hands, Sesame Street Hand Washing for Kids: 5 Easy Steps to Teach Hand Hygiene, Moms Against Cooties Kick Germs to The Curb While Singing This Daniel Tiger Song!, Fred Rogers Productions A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Development, Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University Healthy at Home (Toolkit), Ready Rosie, The Creative Curriculum, and Teaching Strategies Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to Talk to Your Child, KidsHealth Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus, Child Mind Institute Are Your Kids Anxious About Coronavirus? Dr. G is Here to Help, Kidsburgh Helping Kids Who Are Worried About Coronavirus, Counselor Keri Supporting Individuals with Autism through Uncertain Times, UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Autism Team Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs in Emergencies, CDC Prevention COVID-19 Self-Checker, CDC Checklists for Teachers and Parents, CDC FAQs for Administrators, Teachers, and Parents, CDC Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide, Ready PA Parents: Get Your Children Ready for COVID-19, CDC Recommendations for Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Environment, CDC Three ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, MIT Medical Practices to Stay Healthy, U.S. Department of Education Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist, CDC After Infection What to do if you are sick or suspect that you’re sick with COVID-19, CDC Recommended precautions for household members, intimate partners, and caregivers, CDC What You Should Do If Caring for Someone with Coronavirus, American Red Cross Employee Rights, United States Department of Labor Impacts on Child Care, School, and Work U.S. Department of Education Releases “COVID-19 Handbook, Volume 2: Roadmap to Reopening Safely and Meeting All Students’ Needs” Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19, Office of Unemployment Compensation Coronavirus & Paid Family Leave, Single Mom Defined Create a Backup Child Care Plan, Child Care Aware of North Dakota Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Coronavirus Information for Education: Pre-K, K-12 Schools, and Higher Education, PA Department of Health Ensuring Students with Disabilities Continue to Receive Services, U.S. Department of Education To Close or Not? How Superintendents Decide to Shut Down Schools, Education Week Updates from the Port Authority Unemployed and quarantined Pittsburghers can receive unemployment money faster, with fewer requirements, Public Source Map: Coronavirus and School Closures, Education Week Governor Wolf Extends School Closure for Remainder of Academic Year, Governor Wolf Exception of Directive to Temporairly Close, PAKEYS Child Care Works Payment Modifications Due to Impacts Related to Corona Virus, OCDEL Schools and Child Care Programs: Plan, Prepare, and Respond, CDC Fact Sheets What You Need to Know about COVID-19 (English) (Spanish) (Simplified Chinese), CDC Fact Sheet from the Allegheny County Health Department Fact Sheet from the Pennsylvania Department of Health Informational Flyers Stop the Spread of Germs, Allegheny County Department of Health Keeping Your Home, School, and Workplace Safe, CDC Helping Children and Families Cope, NCPMI Resources Especially Helpful During the COVID-19 Response, ACDHS OID Mental Health Toll-Free 24-Hour Emotional Support Help Line (866.342.6892), Optum National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1.800.273.8255) Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19, CDC Seven Ways to Cope With Anxiety During the Coronavirus Outbreak, AARP Boxed In: COVID-19 and Your Mental Health, Everyday Health Stress and Coping, CDC Receiving Support Support for Helpers During Coronavirus, Fred Rogers Center Comcast’s Internet Essentials (offering two free months to new customers) PWSA Extends, Expands Shut Off Moratorium in Response to COVID-19, Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority Neighbors Support – COVID-19 Resources, Representative Sara Innamorato Pittsburgh Mutual Aid: Resource Library Many Homeowners Eligible for Temporary Relief From Mortgage Payments, AARP COVID-19 & Family Resources, Family Centers Network Shared Services Central, Opportunities Exchange Child Care Centers, DHS Information for Pennsylvania Employees Impacted by COVID-19, Office of Unemployment Compensation Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheets, Center for Parent Information & Resources Multilingual Resources A Round-Up of Multilingual Resources on COVID-19, Switchboard COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions, UPMC CDC Prevention Flyer, RCUSA Additional Resources in Spanish ChildCare Aware of America: Quédese actualizado con las noticias y los recursos más recientes sobre el Coronavirus, Child Care Aware of America COVID-19 Info in Other Languages, CPIR Curated Lists Resources on COVID-19 in PA for ECE Programs and Professionals, The Pennsylvania Key COVID-19 Resource Page, PEAL Center COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information and Resources, NAMI Coping with COVID-19, NAEYC Resources for Early Childhood Policymakers on Preventing and Preparing for COVID-19, NIEER Rapid Response Resources: COVID-19, PIE Network The Social Care Network, Auntbertha Stay-at-Home Resource Page, Tickets for Kids Coronavirus Suite Landing Page, CPIR COVID-19 Resources From Every Hour Counts, Every Hour Counts Free Stuff for Teachers: Tools for a Unique 2020–2021 School Year, Coupon Chief Blog Online COVID-19 Resources for Kids, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Distance Learning Resources, Inclusive Schools Network Recorded Webinars Caring for Each Other, Brazelton Touchpoints and Sesame Workshop Don’t Look Away: Embracing Anti-Bias Classrooms, EdWeb Contacts and Information Commonwealth of Pennsylvania www.pa.gov Pennsylvania Department of Health www.health.pa.gov 1.877.72.432584 | 1.877.PA.HEALTH Allegheny County Health Department www.alleghenycouty.us 412.687.2243 Allegheny County Alerts (COVID-19 Alerts) www.alleghenycounty.us/alerts United Way www.pa211sw.org Dial 2.1.1 | Text Your Zip Code to 898-211 (Text Alerts) United States Department of Education www.ed.gov/coronavirus Email: covid-19@ed.gov Optum (Free Emotional Support Helpline) 866.342.6892 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline suicidepreventionlifeline.org 1.800.273.8255 (English) | 1.888.628.9454 (Spanish) | 1.800.799.4889 (Deaf or Hard of Hearing) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline 1.800.985.5990 | Text (English): TalkWithUs to 66746 | Text (Spanish): Hablanos to 66746 More Information For more information about COVID-19, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
November 19, 2018 2019 Changes to the PA One Book Program In 2019, the Pennsylvania One Book Program will adapt to meet the increasing need to support early literacy to Pennsylvania’s youngest learners. These changes include a shift in focus to get more books into the hands and homes of more children. Available Books There will be two books available for purchase: “Barnyard Banter” by Denise Fleming For infants and toddlers (available in English). “Not a Box” by Antoinette Portis For children ages three to five (available in English and Spanish). There are no minimum or fixed quantities required. Early learning providers, library staff, and community partners can purchase the exact number of books needed. To keep costs more affordable, paperback options are the only available option. Purchasing Details Purchasing of the two titles are through Scholastic Publishing Family and Community Engagement (FACE) program. If your organization already participates in the FACE or Scholastic Literacy Partners Program, you will just need to complete the order form available from Scholastic Publishing. Click here for the order form. A two-page Family Fun Guide for both titles will be available on the PA One Book website (www.paonebook.org) by January 2019. Other guides aligned with the Pennsylvania Standards for Early Childhood will also be available with activities for use by early childhood educators and families. With this change, copies of the One Book titles will no longer be mailed to early learning programs, however, anyone may purchase and donate copies to child care homes and centers, as well as families. *Information provided by NAEYC*
2018 Child Passenger Safety Recommendations Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for children four years and older. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated the Child Passenger Safety policy statement and technical report based on new evidence gathered over the past 10 years. The documents will be published in the November issue of Pediatrics. The updated guidance advises children to ride rear-facing as long as possible. Two years of age is no longer a specific age criterion when a child changes from a rear- to a forward-facing car safety seat. View the AAP New article. Recommendations Angela Osterhuber, Ed.M., Director, PA Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics, PA Traffic Injury Prevention Project (TIPP) offers this advice: Secure infants and toddlers in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by the manufacturer of the car seat. In Pennsylvania, children younger than two years must be secured in a rear-facing car seat. Never place a rear-facing car seat in the front seat that has an active passenger-side front airbag. If the airbag inflates, it will hit the back of the car seat, right where the baby’s headrests, and could cause serious injury or death. Traveling rear-facing is safer than forward-facing. Call TIPP at 800/CAR-BELT x24 (in PA) for help with questions about the new recommendations. Additional Tips Car seats must be used correctly to properly protect your child in a crash. The AAP’s parent magazine, HealthyChildren.org, has an article titled Car Seat Checkup with other car seat tips for families, such as: The safest place for all children younger than 13 years to ride is in the back seat regardless of weight and height. If an older child must ride in the front seat, putting the child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness may be the best choice. Be sure you move the vehicle seat as far back from the dashboard (and airbag) as possible. Information provided by NAEYC.
