December 9, 2019 STARS 101 & 102 STARS 101 & 102 is a web-based course that meets the requirement for STAR 2 SQ.2.1 Part 1 and Part 2. It is an introduction to the idea of Continuous Quality Improvement which is the basic premise for the Keystone STARS Quality Rating System. In addition to the philosophy of CQI, the process of change and how to begin your journey through the Keystone STARS system will be discussed. About The following elements of assessing and building quality will be covered: Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies and Big Ideas Framework, Continuous Quality Improvement, PA Early Learning Standards, and Caring for Our Children Basics (CFOCB) as a resource and supporting interactions with children and families. This is a live, interactive webinar. PQAS hours offered. Participants are expected to fully participate; this is not a log-in and leave event. Arriving 15 minutes late may result in no credit for the session. Please note, no refunds will be provided for cancellation or no show. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to: identify the benefits of continuous quality improvement through Keystone STARS, for children families and programs; identify what determines STAR Designation; describe Program Observation Instruments (POI) used for STARS designation; identify and implement the Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies/Big Ideas Framework; identify and implement PA Early Learning Standards; identify and implement Caring for our Children Basics practices; identify and implement assessment tools that support program quality; and identify and implement interactions with children and families. Available Dates To access this course, use the links below or enter the event ID on the Pennsylvania PD Registry website. April 25, 2020 | 2 – 6 p.m. | Event ID: 310927 April 28, 2020 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Event ID: 312525 April 30, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 308103 May 4, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 312528 May 11, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 312532 May 22, 2020 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Event ID: 312533 May 27, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 308106 May 30, 2020 | 1:15 – 5:15 p.m. | Event ID: 311278 June 3, 2020 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Event ID: 312725 June 29, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 308107 More Information For questions, please contact Karen Rucker at 717.314.8368 or krucker@respectingchildren.com. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Key
Project WET: Getting Little Feet WET Project WET: Getting Little Feet WET is a workshop that provides early childhood educators with developmentally appropriate water-based curriculum and activities for their early childhood classrooms. This Project WET course is led by an approved professional development instructor and offers Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) hours. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to: Properly utilize the Project WET educator guide as a curriculum reference; Participate in four Project WET activities that can be utilized in an early childhood classroom; and Walk away with at least 10 new ways to incorporate water into the early childhood classroom. Register For Project WET: Getting Little Feet WET To register and learn more, visit the Pennsylvania PD Registry website. A C2 level course, this Project WET workshop offers the following PQAS hours: Principles of Child Growth & Development (1 Hour) Social & Emotional Development (5 Hours) Child Growth and Development (1 Hour) Curriculum and Learning Experiences (5 Hours) PD Registry Event ID: 306839 More Information Please visit the Allegheny Land Trust website to schedule this workshop for your center or location and obtain pricing. Email Julie Travaglini at 412.741.2750 or jtravaglini@alleghenylandtrust.org for more information. For more events like this, click here. *Information provided by The Pennsylvania Key
Environment Rating Scale (ERS) 101 This 2-hour seminar is part of the Keystone STARS Core training series an is a pre-requisite for the ITERS-R, ECERS-R, or SACERS seminars. Participants will learn how the Environment Rating Scale (ERS) measures quality; how the ERS scales are used in PA; and how to accurately score the ERS. Upon completion of this seminar, participants will be properly prepared for the specific scale PD seminars: 201 ITERS-R; 202 ECERS-R; 203 SACERS. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to: describe the purpose and intent of the ERS; identify how the scales measure quality; identify how to use the scales to conduct a self-assessment; and prepare participants for specific ERS professional development. This session was developed by the PA Key Program Quality Assessment team and includes content used with the permission of the ERS authors. The session is facilitated by a PA Key Program Quality Assessor reliable in the ERS instruments. If you have taken an ITERS-R, ECERS-R, and/or a SACERS prior to July 2007, this course is not required. PQAS hours provided. Registration To register and learn more, visit the Pennsylvania PD Registry website. PD Registry Event ID: 309219 More Information For questions, contact Michelle Long at miclon@pakeys.org. *Information provided by The Pennsylvania Key
August 8, 2019 Applications Open | Building Capacity for Coaching Initiative In collaboration with The Pennsylvania Key, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) recently announced the “Building Capacity for Coaching Initiative” in support of developing internal coaches in STAR 3 and STAR 4 facilities. About The purpose of this initiative is to leverage coaching supports from Penn State Better Kid Care (BKC) and other professional growth activities to develop internal coaches in STAR 3 and STAR 4 facilities. Selected applicants will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of early childhood practices and must have the approval of their administrator or director as this will require a time commitment. Family Child Care providers can apply if they are able to support other family child care providers in their coaching efforts and commit the time necessary to complete the program. Benefits Facilities will develop the internal capacity to offer coaching to other staff to ensure continuous quality improvement; receive exceptional professional development opportunities at no cost as well as access to the Learning Community; and gain valuable insight as OCDEL works to learn about needed coaching supports for ECE providers. Coaching & Staff coaches receive a one-time stipend of $2,500 and teachers receive supports and coaching on areas of practice that can strengthen or improve child experiences in their classroom. What Will Be Expected Facilities participating in this program must meet the following expectations: Facility identify a coach (lead teacher, director, assistant director, or another instructional leader); have two teachers, identified by the coach, complete four free modules; have coach-staff teams select one coaching guide as a framework for coaching; and complete additional recommended professional development supports as needed. Coach attend a one-day in-person coach training; complete two free BKC online modules; observe and then facilitate bi-weekly coaching sessions with selected teachers; complete a coaching log; participate in monthly learning community webinars; and participate in two touchpoints per month. Applications To apply for this program, visit their online form. All applications must be submitted by Friday, September 20, 2019. Learn More To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. Questions For more information or questions, contact Barbara Willier at barwil@pakeys.org.
