December 20, 2018 PA Wins Brandon Hall Group Excellence Bronze Award In August 2018, the PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) and PA Key course, Assessment: Beyond the Basics of Observation and Data Utilization, won the prestigious Brandon Hall Group Excellence Bronze Award for best in Custom Content. The Excellence Awards The Excellence Awards recognize the best organizations that have successfully deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that have achieved measurable results. Award entries were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts, and executives based upon the following criteria: Fit the need Design of the program Functionality Innovation Overall measurable benefits. See the full list awardees. About the Course The winning self-paced online course for early learning teachers provides an overview of classroom assessments of young children and how information from assessments can be used to inform instruction. The course was developed in collaboration with CyperhWorx, Inc. and was made possible through Pennsylvania’s Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant. Professional Development To register for the winning course (and others), visit the PA Professional Development Registry. *Information provided by the PA Early Ed News
November 12, 2018 PSAYDN Annual Partners’ Retreat Focusing on policy development, coordination of quality initiatives, and sustainability, the PSAYDN Annual Partners’ Retreat provides professional development opportunities for OST professionals, school administrators, teachers, nonprofits, policymakers, and more. Register here to attend. PSAYDN Retreat and PENN SACCA Conference For the first time, the PSAYDN Retreat and PENN SACCA Conference will run consecutively to provide additional opportunities for OST advocates and professionals to receive professional development and participate in networking activities. National and State Experts Will Discuss: STEM and Advocacy Career Pathways Social-Emotional Learning Behavioral Development Substance Abuse Prevention Sustainability and Partnerships Leadership Development Act 48 credits available.
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.
August 14, 2018 P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series – Reimagining Early Childhood: Being Intentional About Race and Young Children This event is currently sold out. Join Trying Together for an evening of engaging dialogue on Thursday, September 27 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Frick Art and Historical Center. The P.R.I.D.E. Program Speaker Series will welcome Dr. Erin N. Winkler, professor of African & African Diaspora Studies and Urban Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, to discuss how adults can be intentional in discussing race with young children. P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series Event Schedule: 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Networking and Registration 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. Keynote by Dr. Erin Winkler, followed by Q&A Please contact UnConference Director Yu-Ling Cheng at conference@tryingtogether.org or call 412-421-3889. About Dr. Erin Winkler Erin N. Winkler is associate professor of African & African Diaspora Studies and Urban Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She earned her Ph.D. in African American Studies at the University of California-Berkeley and was a postdoctoral fellow in African American Studies at Northwestern University. She is author of the book, Learning Race, Learning Place: Shaping Racial Identities and Ideas in African American Childhoods. She has recently consulted for the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, working to train museum staff to have productive conversations about race and racism with visitors of all ages and backgrounds (2016), and serving as an instructor in the Museum’s week-long workshop for K-12 teachers, “Let’s Talk: Teaching Race in the Classroom” (2017). About P.R.I.D.E. The P.R.I.D.E. Program is part of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development within the School of Education. At P.R.I.D.E. our focus is on helping young Black children, aged 3 to 8, develop a positive racial identity. Studies have shown that when children are socialized to embrace their race, ethnicity, and heritage, it can lead to numerous positive outcomes. This event is part of the P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series, which invites parents, caregivers, educators, and the community at-large to learn about and engage in discussions about race, education, and young children. P.R.I.D.E is part of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development within the School of Education. Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners A huge thank you to our: co-hosts, P.R.I.D.E., Trying Together and Frick Art and Historical Center, UnConference series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and sponsors Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)*, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Hillman Family Foundation! *Funding for this conference was made possible (in part) by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of OCDEL; nor does mention by trade names, commercial practice or organization imply endorsement by the Commonwealth.
UnConference: Being Intentional About Race and Young Children In partnership with The P.R.I.D.E. Program (part of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development within the School of Education) and Frick Pittsburgh, join Trying Together for a day of professional development on Saturday, September 29, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at The Frick Art and Historical Center. Attendees will explore how we as early childhood educators, afterschool providers, and families, can create a positive environment to discuss race with young children. The day will also feature Dr. Erin N. Winkler, professor of African & African Diaspora Studies and Urban Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This event is currently sold-out. You may add your name to the waitlist below. Tickets for The P.R.I.D.E. Speaker Series event on Thursday, September 27 with Dr. Winkler are now available. The UnConference series is made possible by:
P.R.I.D.E.-Themed UnConference Trying Together will launch the 2018 UnConference series at the end of September to explore how caregivers can be intentional about race and young children. In partnership with The P.R.I.D.E. Program (part of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Child Development within the School of Education) and Frick Pittsburgh, join Trying Together for a day of professional development on Saturday, September 29, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at The Frick Art and Historical Center. Attendees will explore how we as early childhood educators, afterschool providers, and families, can create a positive environment to discuss race with young children. The day will also feature Dr. Erin N. Winkler, professor of African & African Diaspora Studies and Urban Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This event is currently sold-out. Those interested may add their name to the waitlist. In advance of the UnConference, The P.R.I.D.E. Program Speaker Series will welcome Dr. Erin N. Winkler on Thursday, September 27 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Frick Art and Historical Center to discuss how adults can be intentional in discussing race with young children. Child care services will be provided by Sweet Dreams Childcare during the event from 5 – 7 p.m. If interested, please indicate during registration. There are limited spots for child care and it is first come, first serve. There is no cost for this service (it is free).
June 11, 2018 Pilot Begins for Professional Development Verification Program The PA Key and Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Certification are partnering to pilot verifying professional development currently coordinated by the Registry and are choosing several programs to test this process beginning July 1, 2018. To ensure one’s PD Registry profile is ready for the DHS Certification, the following steps should be taken: Directors/Administrators: Create an organization profile. If you already have an active profile, it will appear and allow you to update any information. Login and complete your profile. Your profile is a representation of your professional career. You can add your education and past work history. Add your employment. To add your employment, click the “Employment” tab on the top navigation bar. Your director will verify that you are employed by your current center. Locate your Professional Development Learning Record. Certificates are a thing of the past in the new PD Registry. Your Professional Development Learning Record will replace individual certificates and serves as one place for all your completed professional development to live. For tip sheets, visit the PA Key website.
Digital Media Literacy & Technology Tools for Early Learning This two-hour, online professional development course from Trying Together will focus on how to communicate and build relationships with families using technology tools and digital media and is open July 30 – August 13, 2018. Participants will be asked to consider implications and benefits of using digital communication to bring families into the early education environment. Participants will also be encouraged to reflect on current practices and policies regarding technology in the early education classroom. The pre-requisite foundation for this course is, “Digital Media Literacy & Technology Tools for Early Learning: What Educators Need to Know.” Registration closes at Noon on Friday, July 27, is $20, and may be made below or for credit at pakeys.org.
May 31, 2018 Free Safety Training for Pittsburgh ECE Professionals In partnership with Trying Together the City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office, and Department of Public Safety will host a FREE professional development opportunity for early care and education professionals who live or work in Pittsburgh as part of the City’s commitment to young children. The training will be held at NOVA Place in the Northside at CoLab18 in Suite 100. Lunch will be provided and certification cards provided for FREE. Street parking at paid meters and in an adjacent paid garage is available. The training will include: Pediatric CPR / First Aid & AED: Six Hours (6) (9-3pm) Fire Safety: One Hour (1) (3-4pm) Space is limited and only 50 registrants will be accepted. Questions? Contact Kim Zimmerman at kim@tryingtogether.org.
Safety Training for Early Care & Education Professionals In partnership with Trying Together the City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office & Department of Public Safety will host a FREE professional development opportunity for early care and education professionals who live or work in Pittsburgh as part of the City’s commitment to young children. The training will be held at NOVA Place in the Northside at CoLab18 in Suite 100. Lunch will be provided and certification cards provided for FREE. Street parking at paid meters and in an adjacent paid garage is available. The training will include: Pediatric CPR / First Aid & AED: Six Hours (6) (9-3pm) Fire Safety: One Hour (1) (3-4pm) Space is limited and only 50 registrants will be accepted. Questions? Contact Kim Zimmerman at kim@tryingtogether.org.
