December 10, 2019 Personal Bias in the Multicultural and Multilingual Child Care Setting “WIDA Examining Personal Bias in the Multicultural and Multilingual Child Care Setting” will define multiculturalism and multilingual learning and bring participants to a level of awareness about bias in society. It will expose ways in which our culture contains subtle and obvious biases. Participants will reflect on their own level of awareness and how it changed due to classroom activities. Part I: This workshop will define multiculturalism and help participants understand how to incorporate and celebrate true multiculturalism within the classroom. Participants will identify the parts of their curriculum that need work and change in order to remain anti-biased. Participants will develop an action plan for each area of their curriculum that will allow them to implement changes immediately. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to: examine personal bias about their community, cultures, and personal lives; recognize how to embrace a variety of cultural and linguistic backgrounds from a strengths-based approach; and plan changes in curriculum and practice to reflect learning experiences from the training. Registration To register and learn more, visit the PD Registry website. PD Registry Event ID: 308123 More Information For questions, please contact Annie Skamangas-Scaros at 412.608.2594 or ecetacademy@gmail.com. For more educational courses like this, please visit our Course page. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Key
The Basics of Creative Curriculum By attending “The Basics of Creative Curriculum,” participants will explore how the environment, teacher, and family work together to provide a solid foundation for early learning experiences. Additionally, participants will learn how to manage their classrooms, create lesson plans, and systematically observe children using the Creative Curriculum Framework. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to: understand the role of the environment, teacher, and parent have in a Creative Curriculum classroom; evaluate their classroom management skills and tools using the Creative Curriculum framework; and develop lesson plans based on children’s interests and developmental needs. Available Dates February 17, 2020 | 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Event ID: 308108 April 16, 2020 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Event ID: 308109 June 10, 2020 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Event ID: 308110 To register and learn more, visit the PD Registry website. More Information For questions, please contact Annie Skamangas-Scaros at 412.608.2594 or ecetacademy@gmail.com. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Key
December 9, 2019 Introduction to the ASQ3 and the ASQ:SE 2 By attending “An Introduction to the ASQ3 and the ASQ:SE 2,” participants will learn how to use the ASQ3 and ASQ:SE 2 as screening tools for children ages 3 months to 5 years. This session will provide information on how to administer and score the screener and share results of the screener with families. Resources for making referrals to additional services will be included if needed. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to: define and discuss the benefits of developmental screening; describe features of ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2; score ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2; understand the importance of sensitive communication of screening results; and discuss the process for referring children to appropriate agencies. Available Dates To access this course, use the links below or enter the event ID on the Pennsylvania PD Registry website. January 20, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Event ID: 308094 February 17, 2020 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Event ID: 308095 March 5, 2020 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Event ID: 308096 April 2, 2020 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Event ID: 308097 May 13, 2020 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Event ID: 308098 June 24, 2020 | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Event ID: 308099 More Information For questions, please contact Annie Skamangas-Scaros at 412.608.2594 or ecetacademy@gmail.com. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Key
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 December 16, 2019 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 306488 January 20, 2020 | 12:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Event ID: 308100 February 3, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 308101 March 16, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 308102 April 30, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 308103 May 27, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 308106 June 29, 2020 | 6 – 10 p.m. | Event ID: 308107 To register and learn more, visit the PD Registry website. More Information For questions, please contact Karen Rucker at 717.314.8368 or krucker@respectingchildren.com. *Information provided by the Pennsylvania Key
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
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
Project WET: Getting Little Feet WET This Project WET workshop will provide early childhood educators with developmentally appropriate water-based curriculum and activities for their early childhood classrooms. PQAS hours offered. Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to: properly utilize the Project WET: Getting Little Feet 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. Registration To register and learn more, visit the Pennsylvania PD Registry website. PD Registry Event ID: 306821 More Information Please visit the Allegheny Land Trust website to schedule this workshop for your center or location and for pricing. Email Julie Travaglini at 412.741.2750 or jtravaglini@alleghenylandtrust.org for more information. For more courses like this, please click here. *Information provided by The Pennsylvania Key
December 5, 2019 Trying Together Releases Professional Development Catalog Focusing on early childhood professionals working in home-, center-, and school-based settings, Trying Together offers existing and customized growth opportunities targeted to individual or group goals, interests, and needs. To increase awareness of these opportunities, Trying Together developed an online, printable 2019-2020 Professional Development Catalog that features course titles, descriptions, Core Knowledge Competency (CKC) alignments, and more. About For more than 55 years, Trying Together has supported the work of early childhood with a dedication to making sure every caregiver feels valued. In pursuit of this vision, Trying Together not only offers courses that always provide Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) and Act 48 credits, but also offers a plethora of professional growth opportunities, resources, and services. With this, Trying Together partnered with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services in summer 2019 to manage quality support for all Allegheny County early learning programs serviced by Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5. As part of this work, we are continuing and enhancing our commitment to providing quality services and supports that meet the unique needs of our region’s early care and education professionals. This work includes making our course catalog available publicly. With the year almost over, we are working to update and add more course offerings to ensure we are meeting the demands of both the field and new quality ratings and standards set by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s (OCDEL) Keystone STARS Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS). In early 2020, we plan to release a comprehensive update to this catalog. In the interim, we look forward to working together with you to support your goals and improve quality at your early learning program. View the 2019-2020 Professional Development Catalog. Core Knowledge Competencies (CKCs) Trying Together’s courses align with the following Pennsylvania Core Knowledge Competencies: K1: Child Growth and Development K2: Curriculum and Learning Experiences K3: Family, School, and Community Collaborations and Partnerships K4: Assessment K5: Communication K6: Professionalism and Leadership K8: Program Organization and Administration Featured Focus Areas To assist professionals in identifying relevant courses, the Catalog sorts listings into the following focus areas: Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Diversity & Inclusion Interactions Leadership Play All Trying Together courses provide PQAS and Act 48 credit. Request Professional Services To request professional services, please submit our online request form or contact Professional Development Manager Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org or 412.567.3933. More Information For more information, contact Jasmine Davis at jasmine@tryingtogether.org or 412.567.3933.
November 26, 2019 2020 Early Childhood Education Advocacy Fellowship Trying Together invites early care and education professionals to apply to its 2020 Early Childhood Education (ECE) Advocacy Fellowship to strengthen their voice as an early childhood advocate. Online applications are being accepted now through Tuesday, December 31 at 11:59 p.m. About In this nine-month program, ECE Advocacy Fellows: develop their role as a “change-maker”; harness their leadership skills; learn to use research-based communication strategies to build positive impact; gain knowledge of public policy processes and key players, and their effect on their work; and receive a stipend (along with their employer) for their time. At this time, Trying Together offers the fellowship program at no cost to the participant and will provide lunch and snacks at each session. Travel stipends are available on a case-by-case basis. Intended Audience Trying Together’s ECE Advocacy Fellowship has been designed for professionals working in the early care and education field, including: center administrators and teachers; family child care providers; school-age child care providers; Head Start teachers; pre-k teachers; PK-4 teachers and principals; home visitors; trainers; professors of higher education; and child care resource and referral professionals. Session Details From January–September 2020, Fellows will meet as a group on the last Tuesday of each month (tentatively) from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Dates are subject to change but will be finalized in January 2020. Participants should expect an additional two to four hours of work every month. We recognize that conflicts may arise unexpectedly, but each participant should plan to participate in all program activities if accepted into the Fellowship. At each workshop, an informed early childhood, public policy, or community leader will facilitate, drawing on information from regional or national experts to share the latest news, research, and strategies to improve early childhood public policy. Workshops will include opportunities for networking, professional growth, and community development. Application Details Online applications are being accepted now through Tuesday, December 31 at 11:59 p.m. Our selection committee seeks to admit an evenly balanced cohort with regard to geography, diversity, experience, interest, etc. All participants will be notified by the first week of January 2020. To apply, visit the ECE Advocacy Fellowship page. More Information For more information about our public policy efforts at Trying Together, contact Cristina Codario by email at cristina@tryingtogether.org or by calling 412.567.3673.
