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 19, 2020

Using Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a Screening Tool

This event is full. Additional Ages and Stages courses will be offered in January 2021. 

Are you interested in learning how to use Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years? Join Trying Together on November 7 for our virtual course, “Using Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a Screening Tool.”

About

During this course, participants will learn how to use the ASQ® and ASQ:SE® as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years. The session will provide information on how to administer and score the screener and share results of the screener with families. Information about additional resources for making referrals to services will be included if needed.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Saturday, November 7, 2020  |  9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
    • Instructor: Pamela Zimmerman
    • Core Knowledge Area: Assessment
    • CDA Content Area: Observing & Recording Behavior
    • Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 5, 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.

More Information

For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

Using Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a Screening Tool

This event is full. Additional Ages and Stages courses will be offered in January 2021. 

Are you interested in learning how to use Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years? Join Trying Together on November 14 for our virtual course, “Using Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a Screening Tool.”

About

During this course, participants will learn how to use the ASQ® and ASQ:SE® as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years. The session will provide information on how to administer and score the screener and share results of the screener with families. Information about additional resources for making referrals to services will be included if needed.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Saturday, November 14, 2020  |  9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
    • Instructor: Pamela Zimmerman
    • Core Knowledge Area: Assessment
    • CDA Content Area: Observing & Recording Behavior
    • Registration Deadline: Thursday, November 12, 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.

More Information

For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

Using Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a Screening Tool

This event is full. Additional Ages and Stages courses will be offered in January 2021. 

Are you interested in learning how to use Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years? Join Trying Together on November 17 for our virtual course, “Using Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a Screening Tool.”

About

During this course, participants will learn how to use the ASQ® and ASQ:SE® as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years. The session will provide information on how to administer and score the screener and share results of the screener with families. Information about additional resources for making referrals to services will be included if needed.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Saturday, November 17, 2020  |  6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
    • Instructor: Pamela Zimmerman
    • Core Knowledge Area: Assessment
    • CDA Content Area: Observing & Recording Behavior
    • Registration Deadline: Sunday, November 15, 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.

More Information

For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

Using Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a Screening Tool

This event is full. Additional Ages and Stages courses will be offered in January 2021. 

Are you interested in learning how to use Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years? Join Trying Together on November 20 for our virtual course, “Using Ages and Stages Questionnaires® as a Screening Tool.”

About

During this course, participants will learn how to use the ASQ® and ASQ:SE® as a screening tool for children ages three months to five years. The session will provide information on how to administer and score the screener and share results of the screener with families. Information about additional resources for making referrals to services will be included if needed.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Saturday, November 20, 2020  |  6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
    • Instructor: Pamela Zimmerman
    • Core Knowledge Area: Assessment
    • CDA Content Area: Observing & Recording Behavior
    • Registration Deadline: Wednesday, November 18, 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.

More Information

For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

October 14, 2020

Receive A School-Age Professional Credential

Are you interested in receiving a School-Age Professional Credential? A School-Age Professional Credential Course will be available online from October 20, 2020 to May 18, 2021. This course is free to those who qualify. Textbooks are provided.

About

The Pennsylvania School-Age Professional Credential (SAPC) is a competency-based program modeled after the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential. It provides individuals working in school-age programs the opportunity to examine their work in relation to the Pennsylvania School-Age Competency Standards.

A School-Age Professional Credential Course will be available online from October 20, 2020 to May 18, 2021. Course participants will digitally meet on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and there will be a self-paced weekly assignment that will take approximately two hours to complete.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this course, professionals must:

    • be working in a Department of Human Service regulated program that serves school-age children (age five to 12-years-old);
    • have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED credential;
    • complete an individual professional development plan; and
    • have worked at least 480 hours with school-age children.

Apply

This course is free to those who qualify. Textbooks are provided. Technology and child care supports are available. To apply, visit the PDO at PASSHE webpage.

More Information

For questions or more information, call 814.836.9295 or email chuck.lytle@nwirelrc.org.

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News

September 30, 2020

Digital Media Literacy: A Deeper Look

Are you interested in exploring guidance on technology and digital media use with young children? Join Trying Together on October 8 for our virtual session, “Digital Media Literacy: A Deeper Look: NAEYC/Fred Rogers Center Position Statement.”

About

This professional development course is designed for educators and administrators to critically examine and develop a deep understanding of the intentions and guidance of the NAEYC Fred Rogers Center position statement. The course will encourage reflective practices to positively influence teaching, policy development, and dialogue about young children and technology.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Thursday, October 8, 2020  |  6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
    • Instructor: Katherine Gullone
    • Core Knowledge Area: Professional and Leadership
    • CDA Content Area: Maintaining Professionalism
    • Registration Deadline: Tuesday, October 6, 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 Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org for more information.

More Information

For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

September 22, 2020

ECE Advocacy 101

Are you interested in learning how to use your experience and knowledge to advocate for early childhood? Join Trying Together on October 6 for our free virtual workshop, “ECE Advocacy 101.”

About

The ECE Advocacy 101 workshop is designed to break down the Pennsylvania budget cycle. Participants will receive an overview of the Early Learning PA (ELPA) campaigns, how Early Childhood Education programs are impacted by the budget process, and ways professionals and families can use their experience and knowledge to advocate. Participants will leave with foundational knowledge of the Pennsylvania budget, ELPA campaigns, and various advocacy actions they participate in or lead.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2020  |  1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
    • Instructors: Cristina Codario, Emily Neff, and Lindsey Ramsey
    • Core Knowledge Area: Professional and Leadership
    • CDA Content Area: Maintaining Professionalism
    • Registration Deadline: Sunday, October 4, 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 Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org for more information.

More Information

For questions or more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org.

News

September 21, 2020

Transitions and How Using Them Helps

Are you interested in learning about strategies that help make transitions easier for children, families, and educators? Join Trying Together on October 14 for our online session, “Connections and Conversations: Transitions and How Using Them Helps.”

About

Connections and Conversations Virtual Check-Ins are interactive sessions that highlight topics of interest to the field of early childhood education. Participants engage in virtual discussions with child development experts and interact with early learning practitioners to share questions, experiences, and expertise about the highlighted topic. Sessions offer one hour of PQAS credit. Act 48 credit not provided.

This session will highlight best practices that help make transitions easier for children, families, and educators. The course instructor will share strategies and suggestions and provide opportunities to analyze scenarios and share expertise.

Session Details

    • Session Date: Wednesday, October 14  |  6 – 7 p.m.
    • Instructor: Jasmine Davis
    • CKC: Curriculum and Learning Experiences
    • CDA Subject Area: Social & Emotional Development
    • Registration Deadline: Monday, October 12

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 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 Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.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.