February 14, 2024 OST Summer Staffing Survey A+ Schools is working in partnership with the United Way to intentionally support out-of-school-time (OST) providers in summer staffing and recruitment. To that end, they are asking providers to fill out the survey about how to approach summer staffing. Learn More OST providers and Untied Way grantees can submit their input on summer staffing – particularly about when and how they engage candidates for summer staffing positions. A+ Schools aims to amplify the region’s OST providers by creating an internal model that can support staffing, advertising, and retention of summer staff. To ask questions or provide additional information, reach out to Will & Tyler at plc@aplusschools.org.
September 19, 2023 Poll Reveals Increases in Child Communication Disorders and Need for Early Intervention Services A national poll of audiologists and speech-language pathologists recently revealed an increase in child medical referrals for parental concerns about hearing, speech, and language delays or disorders. Conducted by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), the survey investigated early detection, early warning signs, and caregiver knowledge and awareness of communication disorders, and demonstrated a need for early intervention education and services. About the Survey ASHA conducted this survey in February and March of 2023, sending an email invitation to 5,460 ASHA-certified audiologists and 5,534 ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists in the U.S. who are employed as clinical service providers and regularly serve at least one of the following age groups: six months or younger, seven months to two years of age, and three to five years of age The invitation included a link to the survey, which 858 recipients completed. Demographically: 43% of respondents work in schools. 29% work in nonresidential health care facilities. 21% work in hospitals. 79% regularly serve age groups three to five years. 54% regularly serve age groups seven months to two years. 32% regularly serve age groups six months or less. Key Findings Pandemic-Related Trends Backlogs of children who weren’t referred to audiologists and speech-language pathologists during stay-at-home periods, or whose families waited to seek help due to concerns about coronavirus exposure, were a major factor in the increase of referrals. Three-quarters (75%) of audiologists and 62% of speech-language pathologists reported such backlogs. Post-pandemic: 34% of audiologists reported seeing more children with a delayed diagnosis of hearing loss; 36% of audiologists reported seeing more children with untreated ear infections that could interfere with communication development; 84% of speech-language pathologists reported seeing more children with emotional or behavioral difficulties; 79% of speech-language pathologists reported seeing more children with delayed language or diagnosed language disorders, and 78% reported seeing more children with social communication difficulties than before the pandemic. When it comes to factors contributing to increases in referrals beyond backlogs, audiologists and speech-language pathologists point to: limited opportunities for social interaction and play with peers (59%); limited formal pre-K and daycare or interaction with outside adults (57%) such as child care providers, preschool teachers, and extended family; and young children (51%) spending more time using screens and technology such as tablets and smartphones compared with pre-pandemic years. Caregiver Awareness and Need for Early Intervention Services Positive Trends 67% of audiologists and speech-language pathologists said parental awareness of the early warning signs of communication disorders has improved during the past decade. A majority (71%) said that most families with young children are at least “somewhat” aware of the importance of early detection of speech, language, and hearing difficulties when families first see them. Negative Trends Lack of awareness of the early signs of disorders remains the leading factor hindering parents and caregivers from taking action on communication disorders in young children. Less than one quarter (21%) of audiologists said that most parents know the early warning signs of hearing disorders. Only 28% of speech-language pathologists said that most parents know the early warning signs of speech-language disorders. About 40% of audiologists indicated that, on average, symptoms of hearing loss in young children go unrecognized by parents/caregivers for 6 months to 1 year. Similarly, about 41% of speech-language pathologists indicated that, on average, symptoms of a speech-language delay or disorder in young children go unrecognized by parents/caregivers for 1–2 years. Nearly half (48%) of audiologists indicated that, on average, parents/caregivers wait 6 months to 1 year after observing symptoms of hearing loss in their children before acting. Accordingly, 48% of speech-language pathologists indicated that, on average, parents/caregivers wait 6 months to 1 year after observing symptoms of a speech-language delay or disorder to get help. ASHA Recommendations for Families Learn the signs of communication disorders. Connect with early intervention or a private clinician if you have concerns. Find contacts by state at this link: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/states.html. Access a searchable database of private providers at www.asha.org/profind. Additionally, focus on daily interactions with your child. Learn More Visit www.IdentifytheSigns.org to learn more about communication disorders. To find additional information, visit the ASHA website. Source Information for this post was taken directly from the ASHA “Identify the Signs Campaign Survey Results” and ASHA Press Release. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Content & Resources Developmentally Appropriate Parenting Series: Early Intervention (EI) Family Guide for Early Intervention and Inclusion in Allegheny County Family Guide for Navigating Early Intervention Services Tracking Your Child’s Developmental Milestones When Should a Parent Consider Early Intervention for Their Child? Early Intervention FAQ About the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers
July 12, 2023 Hill District Conducting Survey on Parent Engagement in Child Literacy The Hill District Early Literacy Initiative (HDELI), supported by the Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center (FACE), is conducting a survey on parent engagement in child literacy. About the Survey Entitled, “Hill District Early Literacy Initiative Survey,” the poll aims to discover strategies caregivers use to engage their children in reading comprehension, and establish what resources and supports parents need to assist in that engagement. Just seven questions, the survey is brief and takes only five minutes to complete. HDELI encourages parents and caregivers of young children in the Hill District to complete it. Take the Survey Individuals interested in taking the survey can do so by either: printing, completing, and returning the physical survey to Macedonia FACE at info@macedoniaface.org or 5001 Baum Boulevard, Suite 400, Pittsburgh, PA 15213. complete the digital form online. Learn More Survey results are confidential. Please contact Macedonia FACE to learn more. Source Information for this post was taken directly from the Hill District Early Literacy Initiative Survey and Macedonia FACE website. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Content & Resources 2023 Summer Reading Programs for Young Readers Toolkit: Families and Schools Partnering for Children’s Literacy Success Allegheny County Family Resource Map Highlights Supports for Locals Restaurants Add Books to the Menu with Summer Reading Programs LDA of PA Offering Free Reading Tutoring to Children in Hill District 2023 Virtual Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip
DHS Requests Feedback on Corrective Action Process Resources The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is requesting feedback from child care providers on recently developed corrective action process (CAP) resources through a new survey. About Corrective Action Process Resources & CAP Resources Survey In recognizing the importance of corrective action processes in human services licensing, DHS released its, “Developing a Plan of Correction,” webinar in 2019. That same year, they released a corresponding, “Plan of Correction Quick Reference Guide,” (available as a PowerPoint presentation and PDF). The webinar aimed to assist providers with the successful development and implementation of acceptable plans of correction. The guide, consequently, was issued as a tool to assist providers with this process. Now the department seeks to understand the efficacy of these tools. Survey results will provide needed insight and help determine additionally needed resources. Access and Take the Survey Utilize the following link to access and take the survey: Corrective Action Process Resources Survey The survey closes Wednesday, July 26. DHS must receive all responses on or before that date. Learn More To learn more, visit the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) webpage. Source Trying Together took the information in this post directly from the Department of Human Services announcement. Some text may have been added, paraphrased, or adapted for readability and comprehension. Related Content & Resources PA DHS Accepting Applications for Children’s Trust Fund Grants State Budget Fails to Significantly Invest in Early Care and Education Amid Historic Labor Shortage New Nationwide Report Ranks Pennsylvania 22nd in Child Well-Being ELRC Region 5 Requesting Feedback from Families on Evening Phone Hours OCDEL Releases 2022 Market Rate Survey Report OCDEL Extends Deadline to Order Two Free Carbon Monoxide Detectors
State Departments Extend Insurance Survey Deadline, Add Spanish Option The Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) have extended the deadline for child care providers to complete their survey on health insurance in the child care industry. Entitled, “Child Care Liability Insurance Survey,” the questionnaire is aimed at improving state understanding of the insurance market, and will now close on Friday, August 4. (Trying Together updated this article on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 to reflect the extended deadline and addition of the Spanish survey option). About the Child Care Liability Insurance Survey PID and DHS have become aware of difficulties child care providers now face in securing health insurance for themselves and their employees, given the rising cost of care. Though PID previously sent out a similar survey, the limited response inhibited the department’s ability to fully understand the scope of the insurance market. Because of this, they have partnered with DHS to release the Child Care Liability Insurance Survey. This survey will help PID and DHS understand availability and affordability of insurance and assist in determining next steps. Responses are confidential. Also, DIP and DHS will only share general, aggregated results. Access and Take the Survey Utilize the links below to access and take the survey: Child Care Liability Insurance Survey (English) Child Care Liability Insurance Survey (Spanish) The survey closes on Friday, August 4. Please complete the survey on or before that date. Learn More To learn more, visit the Pennsylvania Key website. Please contact Caolinn Martin at caolmartin@pa.gov or Jameekia Barnett at jamebarnet@pa.gov with questions.
June 29, 2023 ELRC Region 5 Requesting Feedback on Evening Phone Hours The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 is asking Allegheny County families and child care providers to complete a brief survey on evening phone hour offerings. ELRC Region 5 currently offers evening phone hours from 5 – 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. However, center leaders seek to find the best day and time to offer evening service to county families and child care providers. By completing the survey, respondents allow ELRC Region 5 to better serve the community. The survey is just five questions. All responses are confidential and will not be shared. Access and Take the Survey Access and take the survey on SurveyMonkey. Learn More To learn more, visit the ELRC Region 5 website or call 1.888.340.3572 or 412.350.3577 for assistance.
May 11, 2023 Child Care Providers Invited to Complete Environmental Health Survey The Healthy Childcare Partnership (HCP), a statewide group of child care organizations, is asking child care providers in Pennsylvania to complete their Childcare Programs Environmental Health Survey. The survey aims to gauge interest in, and need for, training and policies that keep children and staff healthy. Participating providers must submit their surveys by Friday, May 19. About The Healthy Childcare Partnership The Healthy Childcare Partnership was founded by Women for a Healthy Environment (WHE) in 2022 as part of a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Funds for the grant were provided by the American Rescue Plan (ARP). These funds aimed to support children’s environmental health by building capacity through activities that identify and address disproportionate environmental or public health harms and risks in underserved communities. WHE was one of four organizations to receive a grant. In receiving one, the organization committed to developing HCP. Additionally, it agreed to complete over 200 eco-healthy assessments aimed at mitigating environmental risks in child care centers. Complete the Survey Interested individuals must complete the survey on the University of Pennsylvania website, or via the link on the PD Registry Facebook page. The survey closes Friday, May 19. Learn More To learn more about the Healthy Childcare Partnership or EPA grant, visit the EPA website. For more information about the survey, contact the Pennsylvania Key.
October 10, 2022 Fall 2022 NAEYC Survey of the Field Available The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is conducting a new survey to gather current data from the field to inform federal and state actions on child care. (This article was updated on October 18 to reflect a new deadline). About the Survey From the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, NAEYC has been surveying child care programs to convey the challenges they are facing across states and settings. Early childhood educators can answer the questions about how their programs are currently doing, regardless of what kind of child care program they work in or what role they have there. The survey will close on Sunday, October 23, 2022. Child Care Survey in English Child Care Survey in Spanish See results from past NAEYC surveys.
September 14, 2022 Participate in Early Childhood Wage Survey Trying Together’s statewide partners — Children First and Reinvestment Fund with Start Strong PA — are conducting a survey to determine the wages of early childhood educators across Pennsylvania. Child Wage Survey Providers of early childhood education have struggled with low wages for some time. These unlivable wages have contributed to the current staffing shortages affecting the entire profession. In order to effectively advocate on behalf of educators, legislators need to know the current wages that early childhood professionals are being paid in real time. To effectively gather this information, teachers in early childhood classrooms are encouraged to participate in this ongoing wage survey. Information will be confidential and any data collected will only be reported in the aggregate. Participants will also have the option to enter a drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card. Please direct all questions to Mai Miksic, maim@childrenfirstpa.org, early childhood education policy director at Children First.
June 14, 2022 Survey: Marketing Needs for Child Care Providers The PA Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is asking child care providers for input on their marketing needs. About OCDEL is conducting a survey to understand the marketing needs and challenges of licensed child care providers in Pennsylvania. Survey responses will help OCDEL inform future decisions and programs. The deadline to complete the survey is Friday, June 24, 2022. Take the survey.
