October is Pennsylvania's Promise for Children Month

• listing of local events
• articles published in honor of PA Promise month
• press room

Did you know that what children learn before kindergarten affects their success in school and in life? The first five years are absolutely essential to brain development and shaping literacy, their mathematical skills, and their social skills – we cannot recreate this opportunity later in life. When it comes to early learning, there are no “do-overs.”

This October, help us celebrate quality early education and the families, teachers and leaders that help our young children reach their promise every day.

• Read the Pennsylvania House and Senate Resolutions recognizing October as PA's Promise Month! Thanks to Representative Phyllis Mundy, Senator Pat Browne and the Early Childhood Education Caucus for their support!

Join members of your community during Pennsylvania's Promise for Children Month to show your support for quality early learning and supporting our young children.

Want to get involved? Contact your county's Early Childhood LEARN team coordinator.

Articles published in honor of PA's Promise Month

Below are some articles and opinion pieces that have been published recognizing PA's Promise for Children Month 2011 across the state. If you know of other articles, please send a PDF or the link to kelswa@berksiu.org.

Sign the PA's Promise Declaration

• Join more than 16,000 Pennsylvanians who have signed on to show that you believe our young children should have access to quality early learning opportunities. Sign the Declaration!

Add the PA Promise Month logo to your website

• you can right-click and select "save picture as" on one of the logos below to save to your computer
• hyperlink to www.papromiseforchildren.com
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Send a PA's Promise Month e-card

Let your friends know about events happening in your community, or send a quick thank you to a teacher, parent, friend, family member or colleague for their work helping children reach their promise. Send a quick PA Promise Month e-card. Several cards to choose from. Send as many as you want!

• Send an eCard

Share the PA's Promise Month Public Service Announcement

• Visit our YouTube page to watch our 30 and 60 second PSAs; Share on your facebook and web pages, send the link to friends, colleagues, school leaders and legislators.
• Visit the press room for details on broadcast over TV and radio stations 

Add a PA's Promise month article to your website, newsletter

• Article for families - tips for helping your young child learn and choosing a quality child care/ early learning program - Longer version
• Download our sample article - you can customize with local events and other services for children and families

Send a letter to the editor

Share your thanks for Pennsylvania's investment in early education and the benefits you've seen with quality early education. Download the sample letters and personalize with your own stories. For help, contact your local LEARN team.

• for everyone
• for parents
• for early learning program teachers
• for early learning program directors
• for kindergarten teachers

Send a letter to Governor, legislators

Invite Governor Corbett, your state senator and state representatives to help celebrate Pennsylvania's Promise for Children month and share with them why you feel quality early education is so important.

• Download and customize our sample letter; find contact information for your legislators
• Customize and send our PA Promise email to all three

Teachers -

"We are Pennsylvania's Promise" classroom project

• You can use our "We are Pennsylvania's Promise" 18x24" posters. Have children attach their or draw their photo and write what they want to be when they grow up.
• You can display the posters in your classroom during the Month or give them to your local leaders (council people, county commissioners, state legislators)
• You can get copies of the posters from your local LEARN team
• You can also download our letter-sized "I am Pennsylvania's Promise" flyers and have children complete individually.  PDF  |  Word with text box

"Every child is Pennsylvania's future" placemats

• children can color in what they've learned in school this week or what they want to be when they grow up.
• Display placemats in classroom, use for parent nights, or share with local leaders
• You can get hard copies of the placemats from your local LEARN team.
• You can also download the letter-sized version (PDF)