program Archives

News

August 19, 2019

2020 Gro More Good Garden Grants Now Open

If you’re a Head Start program looking to integrate gardening into your curriculum, apply today for a Gro More Good Garden Grant!

About

Studies show that many children from at-risk backgrounds don’t have access to fresh produce on a daily basis. However, research also shows that children who grow fresh food eat more fresh food and are healthier as a result. That’s why the National Head Start Association and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation are joining forces to address this critical issue facing young children.

Through the Gro More Good Garden Grants initiative, both partners will work with Head Start programs across the country to teach children, families, and communities how to grow their own fresh produce. Their multi-year initiative will make garden grants, garden kits, educational curriculum, and garden training available to all Head Start programs with the goal of creating more edible gardens for young children and their families.

Grant Details

$5,000 grants, garden kits, and product donations will be awarded to the 10 highest scoring applicants. The Garden Grants are a three-year program with an opportunity to apply again in the fall of 2020 for the 2021 grant cycle.

Expectations

As a part of the grant award, Head Start programs will be expected to host a Community Build Day, bringing together Head Start students and families, community partners, and Scotts Miracle-Gro associates in a day of community service to build and celebrate the garden. Community Build Days should be held during the March through June timeframe.

Application

To apply for a Gro More Good Garden Grant, visit the application page.

Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 11, 2019.

Learn More

For more information, visit the National Head Start Association website or the grant FAQ page.

For direct questions, email gardens@nhsa.org.

*Information provided by the National Head Start Association

News

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.

News

August 2, 2019

National Immunization Awareness Month

Immunizations (also called shots or vaccinations) help keep us healthy and safe from serious diseases. As August is National Immunization Awareness Month, take this time to check in on which shots you or your child needs and when to get them.

About

Vaccinations can prevent serious diseases like the flu, measles, and pneumonia. As an example, at age 6 months and older, everyone is highly encouraged to get a flu shot every year. However, many other shots work best when they are administered at certain ages.

Talk to your doctor or nurse to make sure that everyone in your family gets the shots they need and use the resources below for access to more information:

- Do you have a child age six or younger? Find out what shots your child needs.
- Checking in for yourself as an adult? Use this chart to see if you’re up-to-date on your shots.
- Are you pregnant? Check out this recommended immunization schedule.

Assistance

If you can’t afford vaccinations for your child, the PA Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) provides vaccinations at no cost to children who might not otherwise receive them. You can also apply for the PA Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) which includes coverage of vaccinations.

For information on the VFC program, call 1.888.646.6864.

For information on CHIP, call 1.800.986.5437.

Information provided by The Pennsylvania Key

News

2019-20 PA NAP SACC Mini-Grant

The Pennsylvania Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (PA NAP SACC) program is seeking licensed child care providers for their 2019-20 Mini-Grant Project!

About the Program

PA NAP SACC is a continuous quality improvement process focused on nutrition and physical activity practices and policies within early care and education settings. The program utilizes Go NAP SACC, an online, evidence-based tool to guide providers through self-assessment action planning, implementation, policy development, re-self-assessment, and reflection. The process empowers program leadership and includes individualized technical assistance to increase knowledge and improve the quality of practice and policy.

With this, a limited number of programs will receive onsite, targeted technical assistance from a Child Care Health Consultant (CCHS) at no cost to the site. The CCHC reviews current practices and policies, assisting with developing sustainable policies and offering guidance for continuous quality improvement.

Program Participation

Beyond the reward of making a difference in the health of children in your care, those who participate and complete project requirements will receive a $500 mini-grant to support their action steps and enhance their nutrition and physical activity practices and policies.

For STAR 3 and 4 programs, and STAR 2 programs moving to STAR 3, participation in all components of the program satisfies the performance standards and/or bonus point requirements related to utilizing a health care consultant to establish and maintain health policies above those required by certification. In addition to this, the program ensures participation in an organized effort to promote nutritional health for children.

Technical support and policy consultation will be available to all participating programs.

Timeline

The PA NAP SACC Mini-Grant Project will follow the following timeline:

- Applications Due: August 27, 2019
- Notification of Acceptance: September 12, 2019
- Orientation & Kick-Off: October 2019
- Implementation: Period of 8 to 9 months
- Reflection & Wrap Up: June 2020

How to Apply

If you’re interested in participating, complete and submit the electronic application. All applications must be submitted by August 27, 2019.

More Information

For questions or more information, contact Lori McMonigal at 717.248.4942, x 112 or lmcmonigal@tiu11.org.

*Information provided by PA NAP SACC

News

August 1, 2019

5th Annual Back to School Giveaway

Join Pennsylvania State Representative Ed Gainey on Saturday, August 17 at Destiny International Ministry for the 5th Annual Back to School Giveaway!

About

Pittsburgh students should start the 2019 school year off right! Students in grades K through 5 who stop by on August 17 will receive a backpack and school supplies. In addition, families will enjoy helpful information on state programs for kids, safety information, food, and music.

Students must be present to receive a backpack. All are welcome.

Questions

For questions, contact 412.665.5502.

Donate Supplies

If you or your business is interested in donating supplies, backpacks, or food, contact Representative Gainey’s office at 412.665.5502.

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News

July 25, 2019

Changes Made to Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program

For Fiscal Year 2019-20, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning’s Rising STARS Tuition Assistance (RSTA) program has undergone several important changes. Administered by The Pennsylvania Key, RSTA helps cover a portion of tuition costs for early childhood professionals.

Fiscal Year 2019-20 Changes

The following changes have been implemented for FY 2019-20:

- “Grandfathered” applicants seeking an AA, BA, or PreK-4 Teacher Certification will continue to receive 95% of tuition costs with a maximum benefit of $6,000 per individual. These applicants will need to transition to T.E.A.C.H. or another financial aid resource by Fiscal Year 2020-2021.
- For new applicants for approved CDA or Credential Coursework, individuals will receive 95% of tuition costs and fees net of other funding sources for approved credential or CDA coursework up to eighteen (18) credits.
- Additionally, new applicants for approved CDA or Credential Coursework can submit a request form (including receipt) for reimbursement for books after purchase.

More Information

To learn more about the RSTA program, visit the Pennsylvania Key website.

For questions, call 1.800.284.6031 or email pakeyvoucherprogram@pakeys.org.

*Information provided by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning

News

July 22, 2019

Family Check-Up Helps Families Build & Grow Together

The day-to-day challenges of raising children aren’t easy, but families don’t have to do it alone. At the Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center, Family Check-Up offers an opportunity for all families to take a seat, talk about their challenges, and move forward with strategies to solve them.

About Family Check-Up

In family support centers across the nation, the Family Check-Up (FCU) model aims to promote child and family well-being by providing parents and caregivers with new skills and tools to strengthen family relationships. The program starts off with an initial interview and an assessment of the family’s strengths and needs, followed by creating tailored goals to meet the unique needs of each family. A final feedback session provides an opportunity to continue building parenting skills through the “Everyday Parenting Curriculum” and information on possible follow-up services.

All services are free and confidential.

Benefits of Participation

For more than 20 years, research has shown that participating in FCU:

- increases parent and caregiver confidence,
- reduces family stress and conflict,
- and reduces challenging behaviors displayed by preschoolers, school-aged children, and teens.

Schedule an Appointment

Interested in signing up? Schedule an appointment by contacting Family Coach, Adriana Chung, at 412.727.6649. See our interview with Adriana to learn more.

News

July 16, 2019

Pittsburgh Children Receive First Round of Free Books

In July 2019, Pittsburgh preschoolers received their first round of free books from the City of Pittsburgh’s partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

About

The free book program – in conjunction with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the Benter Foundation, and the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania – mails all eligible children an age-appropriate book every month up until their fifth birthday. In February, legislation was introduced to Pittsburgh City Council to accept $250,000 from the Benter Foundation to establish the Pittsburgh program.

In early July, the first shipment of books was sent out to 1,402 children who were enrolled in the program at the beginning of June. Another 400 children have been added to the program since then and will receive their first books in coming weeks. All children receive “The Little Engine That Could” as their first book, as it is Dolly Parton’s favorite.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, preschoolers must:

Be a resident of the City of Pittsburgh
Have a parent or guardian fill out an official registration form
Notify the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania of any address changes

Sign Up

To sign up for this program, visit the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library website.

More Information

For instructions, frequently asked questions, and more, visit the City of Pittsburgh’s website.

*Information provided by the City of Pittsburgh

News

July 5, 2019

Storymobile at Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center

Families and caregivers with young children are invited to join Reading is Fundamental (RIF) Pittsburgh at the Homewood-Brushton Family Support Center for their Storymobile visits!

About the Storymobile

Storymobiles are libraries-on-wheels; taking stories, activities, books, and literacy resources to early childcare centers, pre-k and kindergarten classrooms, afterschool programs, public housing communities, and community events across Pittsburgh.

Focused on kindergarten readiness, Storymobile programming is designed to introduce young students to the joy of reading; expose them to challenging subject matter, including math and science themes, in a way that they embrace and enjoy; and reinforce skills recommended by state and federal curricula.

All children that participate with Storymobile will be signed up for the Books for Keeps program, enabling them to select a book to take home and keep four times throughout the year.

Learn More

To learn more, contact RIF Pittsburgh at 412.321.8022 or email info@rifpittsburgh.org.

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*Information provided by Reading is Fundamental Pittsburgh

News

General Assistance Program Ending August 1, 2019

As required by Act 12 of 2019, which amended 62 P.S. § 403.2(a), the General Assistance program will end on August 1, 2019. No General Assistance cash assistance will be dispersed after July 31, 2019.

Additional Benefits Information

Current General Assistance recipients were notified of this change via mail. If they are currently receiving other benefits like Medical Assistance or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), those benefits will continue. The Department of Human Services (DHS) will notify clients before making changes to other benefits for any reason.

This change will likely result in an additional need for resources from charitable and social service organizations around the commonwealth. DHS is working closely with their partners to identify potential resources for people affected by this change.

Receiving Benefits

If you, someone you know, or someone you work with currently receives or thinks they qualify for General Assistance, they may qualify for other benefits. Individuals can contact their local County Assistance Office or apply online via COMPASS at www.compass.state.pa.us.

More Information

For more information, contact the DHS Helpline at 1-800-692-7462.

TDD Services are available at 1-800-451-5886.

*Information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services