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April 3, 2009
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Early Learning Investment Commission & Deputy Secretary Guests at WKOK for Investing in ECE - Nominations Sought for Keystone STARS Advisory Committee
- Early childhood education saves millions, officials say
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Participate in the Oral Health Survey of Pennsylvania Early Learning Programs -
Resources to Assist Teachers Locate Professional Development Funding -
Work Group to Focus on College Students & Involvement with Professional Organizations -
Books for Children Grant Opportunity -
Jordan Fundamentals Innovation/Inspiration Educational Grant Opportunity -
Downloadable Video Series on Early Childhood Assessment
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Director of Philanthropic Gifts and Grants - Friends of The Children's Trust Fund -
Center Director - Hillstreet Children's Center
Trends and Reports
Highlights of The Governor's Forum Series Includes Pennsylvania's Work
The W.K. Kellogg Foundation released their report, Linking Ready Kids to Ready Schools (pdf), which highlights policy insights from the Governor's Forum Series and the work being done in five states, including Pennsylvania, around benefits to providing quality early childhood education. As policymakers look for ways to improve student outcomes by creating “seamless” systems of education starting at preschool, communities have been getting it done. SPARK (Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids), a five year initiative funded by the Kellogg Foundation, has contributed a unique, community-based perspective to the national conversation on what it takes to effectively link learning systems. In particular, SPARK examines what it takes at the beginning of the education pipeline to link early learning to the early grades. The goal is to make sure that children are ready for school and that schools are ready for them — a formula critical for a lifetime of successful learning.
Despite the hurdles, a handful of governors and hundreds of educators, education experts, community leaders and policymakers gathered in five states to share experiences and map out strategies to reform education for the youngest learners in their districts and their states, and to generate models that might be adopted in the nation as a whole. The report conveys the steps those states are taking to ensure a strong education start for its' children.
Resources for Policymakers
The Center for the Study of Social Policy, with major funding from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, has launched a website that offers policymakers an array of proven resources, tools and strategies for making a difference in children's lives. PolicyForResults.org is a one-stop shop for information on the most effective approaches states and localities can use to help families succeed economically, ensure children are reading at grade level, and for families in crisis, ensure that children live safely in permanent homes rather than in foster care and that costly and unnecessary juvenile detention is reduced. This site also provides helpful information in terms of framing policy recommendations in a way that will appeal to legislators
The website features:
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A step-by-step guide to making effective policy decisions -
Data on the status of children and families in each state -
Successful examples of "what works" to improve the well-being of children and families -
Numerous tools for self-assessment, results-based budgeting and other valuable purposes -
A blog where state and local officials can share their own experiences and good ideas with their peers
Camille Catlett, Natural Resources
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OCDEL Corner
Early Learning Investment Commission & Deputy Secretary Guests at WKOK for Investing in ECE
Lloyd Lamm, member of the Early Learning Investment Commission, and Harriet Dichter, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, appeared as guests at WKOK for a pre-recorded 1-hour Leaders and Lawmakers Roundtable program on March 16 to promote the investment in quality early learning. The program will be aired on Sunday, April 22 on WKOK, Sunbury, PA. It is currently available online by clicking the radio show link at WKOK's website. The show is listed under "3-22-09: The critical need for more investments in early childhood education".
Nominations Sought for Keystone STARS Advisory Committee
OCDEL is currently seeking interested people to serve on its Keystone STARS Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to advise OCDEL about the Keystone STARS program including performance standards, operations, and program design. The Advisory Committee makes recommendations by providing feedback and representing Keystone STARS provider concerns and assists in the development of program protocols, tools, and resources to strengthen the quality of learning programs in the Commonwealth. The Advisory Committee membership brings unique knowledge and skills, which complement those key individuals and departmental staff engaged in this work. The Advisory Committee does not have formal authority and cannot issue directives that must be followed. Members appointed to the Advisory Committee serve at the pleasure of OCDEL.
Individuals appointed to the STARS Advisory Committee serve a three-year term of service. Terms of service coincide with the start of the state fiscal year in July. Individuals, whose names are put forth for consideration to serve on the Committee, shall possess practical program content knowledge and skills that will strengthen and advance the Keystone STARS Initiative.
If interested in being considered for appointment to this committee, please return the Keystone STARS Advisory Committee Application (pdf) to OCDEL (address listed on application) by April 30, 2009.
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In the Community
Early childhood education saves millions, officials say
A recent article in The Daily Item, Sunbury, reports investing now in early childhood education would pay off big later, state and Valley officials say. Indeed, the state ultimately would save hundreds of millions of dollars on special education, public assistance and crime prevention, they contend. According to the state Department of Public Welfare, because children who have access to pre-kindergarten programs tend to do better in school, and better-educated people are more likely to get higher-paying jobs, investment in early education has the potential to inject millions into the economy.
For the complete article, please visit The Daily Item website.
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Upcoming Events
2009 Events
April 2-3 PHSA Spring 2009 Conference, Harrisburg, PA
April 2-4 National Afterschool Association's 21st Annual Convention, New Orleans, LA
April 14-15 2009 PA Special Needs Conference, Grantville, PA, contact 1-800-CARBELT
April 16-18 DVAEYC Annual Conference on ECE, Philadelphia, PA
April 19 Philadelphia Phillies PA Promise for Children, Philadelphia
April 19-25 Week of the Young Child
April 19-25 Fourth Annual "One Book, Every Young Child"
April 25 Berks County Care for Kids Coalition Special Needs Conference, 610-236-4804
May 12 Early Childhood Action Day in Harrisburg
May 31 Pittsburgh Pirates PA Promise for Children Day, Pittsburgh
May 31-June 3 Second Annual Higher Education Institute, Grantville, PA
June/July Early Childhood Governor's Institutes, Statewide PA
June 14-17 NAEYC’s 18th National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development
July 12-15 CAYL's National Conference for Elementary School Principals Cambridge, MA
November 8-11 2009 Annual Parents as Teachers Conference, St. Louis, MO
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Resources for Early Learning Professionals
Participate in the Oral Health Survey of Pennsylvania Early Learning Programs
ECELS-Healthy Child Care Pennsylvania is working with the membership organizations of early learning and child care practitioners in Pennsylvania to improve the oral health of young children. With funding from the PA Department of Health, ECELS conducted a pilot survey about oral health in early education centers in 2008. There is now the need for broader input from early educators across the state. Interested early educators may take a brief online survey to convey what they are doing and thinking related to oral health practices for young children.
Resources to Assist Teachers Locate Professional Development Funding
Successful education grant writers offer advice on how to access a wealth of teacher-learning funds. How can educational professionals focus on what works best when it comes to applying for professional development money? What is the best way to sell oneself? According to successful education grant writers, thinking creatively about the grant-application process and being on the lookout for funding can lead to a wealth of professional-learning opportunities.
For the complete article, please visit the edweek.org website.
Work Group to Focus on College Students & Involvement with Professional Organizations
The Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) has convened a work group focusing on issues involving college students and their involvement in professional organizations and had developed surveys for students and faculty. PennAEYC is requesting responses from college students and faculty in early childhood programs throughout the state. Deadline for completion is April 9. The surveys should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Faculty is requested for the Faculty survey, while college students are requested for the Student survey.
For more information, contact Kelly Johnson at kjohnson@pennaeyc.org or call PennAEYC at 888-272-9267.
Books for Children Grant Opportunity
The Libri Foundation supports the concept that children who learn to enjoy reading at an early age continue to read throughout their lives. In order to develop a love of reading, children must have access to books that stretch their imaginations, touch their emotions, and expand their horizons. The Foundation works with the library's Friends of the Library or other local organizations to encourage community involvement and want to encourage and reward local support of libraries. The Friends, or other local sponsors, can contribute from $50 to $350, which the Foundation matches on a 2-to-1 ratio. Thus, a school or public library can receive up to $1,050 worth of new, quality, hardcover children's books through the Foundation's "Books for Children" program.
For additional details, please visit The Libri Foundation website.
Jordan Fundamentals Innovation/Inspiration Educational Grant Opportunity
The Jordan Fundamentals Innovation/Inspiration Educational Grant awards recognize outstanding teaching and instructional creativity in U.S. public schools that serve economically disadvantaged students. Innovation Grants: A minimum of 200 small grants, averaging $2,500 each, will be awarded to individual teachers or paraprofessionals to support the development of more effective approaches or implementation of traditional strategies to engage students and foster improved outcomes at the classroom level. Inspiration Grants: These grants average $10,000 each, and may be awarded to teams of teachers to support scaling-up the implementation of approaches developed with Innovation Grants that hold promise for scalability and being replicated.
For additional information, please visit the The Jordan Fundamentals Innovation/Inspiration Educational Grant website.
Downloadable Video Series on Early Childhood Assessment
The Colorado Department of Education’s Results Matter Program is pleased to share a collection of videos that help providers better understand ways to use observation, documentation, and assessment to inform practice. Two styles of videos are provided: 1) practitioners discussing and illustrating their exemplary practices; and 2) clips for practicing observation, documentation and assessment skills, showing children participating in typical routines and activities. Those interested can watch the videos online or download the free clips for use in educational and professional development activities. Additional clips are will be added periodically. The clips currently available include:
Focus on Early Care and Education:
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Connecting Learning Opportunities -
Linking Documentation and Curriculum -
Sharing Documentation with Families -
Sharing Video Documentation with Families -
The Essential Role of Observation and Documentation -
Using Documentation to Become a Better Teacher
Focus on Early Intervention:
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Employment Opportunities
Director of Philanthropic Gifts and Grants - Friends of the Children's Trust Fund
Director of Philanthropic Gifts and Grants wanted to secure supplemental funding on behalf of the Friends of the Children’s Trust Fund to support child abuse and neglect prevention efforts through the active and successful pursuit of corporate and community philanthropic gifts, as well as researching, writing, and applying for grants on behalf of the PA Children’s Trust Fund (CTF). Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in finance, business administration, or marketing; minimum of five (5) years of high level work in the field of philanthropic gifts and fundraising; successfully raising money from the corporate community; minimum of three (3) years of successful experience in grant writing for the corporate community; demonstrated experience working with non-profit organizations with regard to program development, including program budgeting and resource development.
Send cover letter and resume to Kelly Hollenbach, BCIU, 1111 Commons Blvd., P.O. Box 16050, Reading, PA 19612-6050 or email to kelhol@berksiu.org. Online application available at Berks County Intermediate Unit website. EOE. Harrisburg based position.
Center Director - Hillstreet Children's Center
Hillstreet Children's Center in Walnutport PA, (capacity: 130, infants to school age), is currently seeking a Center Director. Preferred candidate will have a minimum of 3 years experience as Center Director or Assistant Director and experience with infants to school age children. Must have Center Director Credential or intentions to obtain same, minimum of Degree in Early Childhood Education, or related field with 18 credits in ECE. Bachelors degree preferred. Grant writing experience preferred. FBI, PA State Criminal, and Child Abuse Clearance.
For additional information, please contact Shannon at 610-767-4102.
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