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 PennAEYC
UPDATE
Newsletter
October 2009
Our vision is that every child in Pennsylvania has the equal opportunity to be a successful, responsible, and productive member of society as a result of early childhood experiences. |
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Greetings!
Welcome to the on-line version of the Fall 2009 PennAEYC Update Newsletter. For our members who do not have current email addresses on file with NAEYC, the paper verion will be mailed out next week. Also, our new and improved website launches TODAY at www.pennaeyc.org. The paper version of this newsletter will be available for download or print from the Publications section. |
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 Executive Director's Message
As a result of the state budget impasse this year, many in our early learning community have been forced into a negative spotlight that was unprovoked and undesired. In response, many have now become involved for the first time publically advocating for children, for their staff, their programs, their organization and the funds that support them. We have seen communities ban together and witnessed individuals fighting beyond the physical limits of their bodies and mental limits of their minds doing whatever to took to keep children safe, cared for and educated, while for some, their own world crashed in around them.
The amazing strength and commitment that has been so clearly demonstrated in the past few months by those directly or indirectly serving children and families has brought tears to many eyes (mine included) time and time again. I can't adequately express the admiration I have for those who have done all they could in this extremely difficult situation. To those who have lost their jobs, homes, businesses or worse because of the budget impasse, I do not know the right words, but for what it is worth your sacrifice will not be forgotten.
We have an opportunity now to use this very difficult and unique situation, to build from these challenging experiences and to continue to tell our stories. However, we cannot allow the pain; the tears and the hardship to be the only story that is remembered. Why will the early learning community endure? Certainly part of the story is about economics, but it is not simply because we have to make a living or that our business allows others to make a living. Instead, those that care for, educate and advocate for children will endure because we believe in building a better future, because we know the work we do makes a difference and because our children now and in the years to come deserve to get the very best start possible in life.
--Jodi Askins, Executive Director
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PennAEYC On-Line
--PennAEYC's new and improved website launches TODAY at www.pennaeyc.org. Read Jodi's Executive Director Blog, and check out our featured member, featured accredited center, and featured affiliated chapter!
--Become a Facebook Fan of PennAEYC. Just log-in and search for "PennAEYC." See you there!
--PennAEYC's e-newsletters keep you up to date on PennAEYC's activities and advocacy actions.
--PennAEYC will begin an advocacy e-news listserv in October. To sign up, email a request to kjohnson@pennaeyc.org.
--Higher Ed faculty are invited to join our discussion listserv to discuss all matters related to teaching and recruiting early childhood college students. Email kjohnson@pennaeyc.org to be added to the list. |
 Upcoming Activities
October 24-25: PennAEYC Annual Board Retreat, Penn Stater Conference Center, State College
November 14: Monroe County AEYC Conference; "Healthy Child, Whole Child;" Brodheadsville; mielejd@ptd.net
November 18-21: NAEYC Annual Conference, Washington DC, www.naeyc.org
April 8-10: 2010 Delaware Valley AEYC Conference; "Delight in Discovery;" Philadelphia; www.dvaeyc.org
May 14-15: 2010 Pittsburgh AEYC Conference; "Creativity: Where the Future Begins" www.pghaeyc.orgMay 24-25: Higher Education Diversity Institute co-sponsored by PennAEYC, Penn Stater, State College
June 7: Early Childhood Public Policy Forum, Harrisburg
June 8: Early Childhood Action Day, Harrisburg |
 Professional Development
PennAEYC Offers DAP Training
During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, PennAEYC will be offering 3 different sessions on Developmentally Appropriate Practice throughout the South Central, Northwest and Northeast Regional Keys. For details, log-on to www.pakeys.org.
1.NAEYC Updates - Developmentally Appropriate Practices working with Infants and Toddlers - This session is focused specifically on working with infants and toddlers. Participants will learn the most current information from NAEYC's New 3rd edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practices, from Birth through Age 8 and how to apply that information in day-to-day classroom operations and interactions with infants and toddlers.
2.NAEYC Updates and Helping Your Staff Understand Developmentally Appropriate Practice (K2, C2) - Using NAEYC's New 3rd edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practices, from Birth through Age 8, participants will learn how to work with their classroom staff to better understand developmentally appropriate practice and how it translates into their day-to-day activities and interactions. Nov. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Gettysburg
3.NAEYC Updates - Developmentally Appropriate Practices working with Preschool Children (K2, C2) - Participants will learn the most current information from NAEYCs New 3rd edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practices, from Birth through Age 8 and how to apply that information in day-to-day classroom operations and interactions with preschool children.
Pediatric First Aid: Know What Counts!!!
Approved Pediatric First Aid Curriculums: American Academy of Pediatrics (Ped Facts), American Heart Association, Medic First, National Safety Council
A Pediatric First Aid course is approved by Keystone STARS if the instructor uses an approved curriculum and/or is PQAS approved for Pediatric First Aid. Organizations that have received Specialty Discipline Organization PQAS approval are the American Heart Association, the National Safety Council, and the Erie County Chapter of the American Red Cross using the Ped Facts curriculum. The instructor should have a current certification as an instructor from one of these three approved organizations and be able to provide cards to participants from that organization. Instructors using the American Academy of Pediatrics curriculum (Ped Facts), and Medic First curriculum should have their own Specialty Discipline number and provide cards to participants from one of those organizations. The instructor should have a PQAS number that begins with an SD-. A practitioner can check on a PQAS instructor's qualifications by searching on the PA Keys website to see if the instructor is approved in topic code 80 (Pediatric First Aid). Check to make sure you will receive a card from one of the approved agencies at the completion of the course. Early Learning Network Update from OCDEL - STAR 3 & 4 Providers
Due to the continued work on the Early Learning Network database and the uncertainty that programs are experiencing due to the budget impasse, the collection of child outcome data in Work Sampling and Ounce Online will NOT be due on October 1, 2009. You will receive the new deadline for reporting child outcomes as soon as it has been determined. It is recommend that during this time, you continue to work on collecting the data needed to enter program, staff and child/family information in ELN. You should also be continuing to observe the infants, toddler and preschoolers in your program so that you will have all the information you need to complete the WSS Checklist or Ounce Scale Developmental Profile when the new deadline is set. When the ELN system becomes available, you will receive your administrative usernames/passwords for Work Sampling and Ounce Online. You will also receive information on how to provide passwords to teachers. If you have any policy questions, please send them to earlylearningnetwork@pattan.net. For any computer or systems questions, please call the ELN Help Desk at 1-877-491-3818. The College Tuition Reimbursement VoucherThe College Tuition Reimbursement Voucher makes credit coursework and credentials accessible to Keystone STARS practitioners who need financial assistance. This Voucher provides partial reimbursement funding for those who have completed an ECE, El Ed, Director Credential or credit-bearing CDA/SAPC course and received a "B" grade or better. Request for reimbursement must be sent prior to the completion of the course. The CDA assessment fee voucher is available to all KS CDA students, to be completed at the halfway point in the CDA coursework and, if they qualify, will pay the CDA Council directly the $325 assessment fee. Request forms are available on the PA Keys website under Professional Development, then Financial Support. |
 AEYC Chapter News
To submit your chapter news, email kjohnson@pennaeyc.org.
Bucks County AEYC Report
The Bucks County AEYC will sponsor its Annual Fall Early Childhood Conference at the Bucks County Community College on October 3. The Keynote speaker, Madeline Axelrod, will focus on "How to Stay Sane as an Early Childhood Professional." This year there will be 48 workshops to choose from, with a variety of topics on infant/toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and school-age. For registration information, contact XXXXXX.
BCAEYC is also looking forward to an Educator's Gathering luncheon this fall called "Ask the Doctor." Last year, a local pediatrician presented a similar workshop at the BCAEYC Early Childhood Conference, which filled up quickly. Participants had the opportunity to discuss the issues of sick children in child care. This event also offers educators a professional development opportunity and a chance to network with other professionals.
We plan to take advantage of PennAEYC's technical assistance to set up an e-news to our members who may want to receive the BCAEYC quarterly newsletter online. This work is in progress, and we look forward to cutting down on paper and going green! --Dawn Stempien, President
dstempien@comcast.net
Delaware Valley AEYC Report
DVAEYC will hold its annual conference April 8-10, 2010 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. Focused on "Delight in Discovery," attendees will enjoy sessions that embrace inquiry learning, hands-on activities, and instructional strategies that optimize learner engagement. Educators can again select among Infant/Toddler, Pre-school, Kindergarten, School Age tracks for content best suited for their classrooms. There will also be specialized tracks for Parents, Administrators, Emerging Leaders/Public Policy advocates. The 2010 Pre-Conference Day will center on inclusion strategies for young children with special needs, and a second track will feature science presentations hosted at The Franklin Institute. The conference is approved for PA Act 48, PA Keystone STARS, plus Social Work credit hours. For conference details, visit www.dvaeyc.org. Monroe County AEYC ReportMCAEYC welcomes all to join them in their annual conference "Healthy Child, Whole Child" on November 14, 2009 at Pleasant Valley High School, Route 209, Brodheadsville, PA. The Keynote speaker is William Christine and he will present a workshop on Storytelling. Topics of other workshops being presented include health and safety, special needs, infant/toddler, multicultural, communication, preschool, and school-age. For more information, contact Debbie Miele at mielejd@ptd.net. See you there!
Central Region PennAEYC: Blair, Cambria, Centre, Huntingdon, Juniata & Mifflin Counties
If you live or work in Blair, Cambria, Centre, Huntingdon, Juniata, or Mifflin County, we'd like you to know about the new Central Region AEYC group of PennAEYC. We will hold a kick-off event at the Early Childhood Summit later this month; details are being finalized. Over the next several months we plan to hold meetings in each county in the Region, and we hope you can join us. We are specifically interested in having our meetings hosted by NAEYC accredited centers or programs that are interested in the accreditation process. To receive updates about the Summit activity and other upcoming events in the Central Region counties, join our email list by sending a request to kjohnson@pennaeyc.org. |
 Early Childhood Summit
Early Childhood Summit, October 26-28 Don't miss the PennAEYC sessions at the Early Childhood Summit! You can register on-line at www.earlychildhoodsummit.org.
Monday, October 26th: NAEYC Updates - Developmentally Appropriate Practices working with Infants and Toddlers; How to Help Your Staff Understand Developmentally Appropriate Practice; NAEYC Updates - Developmentally Appropriate Practices working with Preschool Children
Tuesday, October 27th: NAEYC Accreditation Panel Discussion; Tips and Tools to Addressing Overlap in Keystone STARS and NAEYC Requirements; Practical Accreditation Tips for Administrators
Wednesday, October 28th: Take Your Legislator on an Educational Early Learning Tour; The Basics of Media Relations: Yes You Can!; Conversation with a Lobbyist: Building Long Term Relationships with Legislators |
 President's Message
We have come to the end of summer, almost, and are looking at the Fall, which generally means getting back to "regular routines." It seems that there is nothing regular about where we are right now regarding the field of early care and education in Pennsylvania. There is a political "stand-off" regarding the annual budget, and it is creating a firestorm in our profession. What to do?
Advocacy seems to be the answer, but what does that mean? The large early childhood organizations are actively providing opportunities to connect to our legislators, which creates one level of connection. Based on other sources, EC programs are also making efforts to connect to them as well - bringing stories of how this all impacts children, families, staff and the programs who provide care and support to them. Rallies and public forums have been another way to demonstrate our need to get the word out to move pass the impasse and make this budget happen, but is all of this working?
There is no budget yet, but the level of advocacy and networking that is taking place is phenomenal. I am sure that in the very near future there will be a budget and that it will include the money necessary to take care of the children and families that we are involved with on a daily basis. I believe this because there is no possible way that, with this much contact to legislators and the Governor, we will be ignored. In my 35 years in the field of EC, I have never seen such a strong, well-organized, advocacy networking effort. We should be extremely proud of the job we are doing to make a difference. When this hurdle is cleared, we need to keep up the momentum by working on other issues that our advocacy can address. The strength of our profession comes from our organization and tight network; we need to continue to work on this at all levels. The only way to make a difference in what we believe and stand for is to be involved.
To all who have been working tirelessly--keep on going. For those who have been meaning to get involved--now is the time! Be an advocate for what you believe in and success will come!
--Terry Thomas, PennAEYC President |
Pennsylvania Public Policy
In early September, amid the state budget crisis, growing feelings of the uncertainty of tomorrow and for some, a sense of desperation; there was a room full of both state and national researchers, foundations, advocates and some of the most knowledgeable and informed people in the field of Early Care and Education all working together in support of Pennsylvania's early learning community. As a participant that day, I thought about all of the people working with children in those same hours at their home, in schools, in churches, in settings all across Pennsylvania and I wanted to be sure to tell the story of the room I was in, the room of early education supporters of whose role many aren't aware.
I don't bring up the conversations of that day or the work they will do tomorrow, to pat those people on the back, but instead, to emphasize that there are many people fighting for quality early care and education every day that most likely do not teach in a classroom but whose work very much impacts those that do.
The fight that day was about creating a plan for sustainability. How do we make sure that the great work being done in the field of early care and education continues to move forward? How do we make sure that we have a system that supports and adequately compensates teachers and directors? How do we bring families a voice? How do we build awareness so that it is no longer a question of why we should, but instead a question of how we can make certain that we have state funding that best serves our children?
Researchers talked about better ways to gather data. Advocates talked about better ways to tell the story. Foundations talked about better ways to leverage resources. State administrators talked about better ways to connect programs. While the content of these conversations wouldn't necessarily be helpful the moment a toddler decides to bite, as the preschooler struggles to sit quietly during circle time or when there are not enough staff to cover classrooms, make lunch and pick up the children on the bus, I think it is important that those working directly with children know about the many people, also passionate about children and families, working in other ways to positively impact children lives through public policy.
How can you get involved?
Whether it is for the first time, or the hundredth time, connect with your state and national legislators. The best way to advocate is to communicate your message in a personal yet professional way. Our individual stories have a great impact and can be communicated through phone calls, letters, e-mails, personal visits or community events.
--Jodi Askins,
Executive Director To find out your state representative's contact information log on to www.legis.state.pa.us. To help better connect interested readers in federal and state public policy information and advocacy efforts, PennAEYC will begin a separate advocacy e-news listserv in October. To sign up, please contact Kelly Johnson at kjohnson@pennaeyc.org. |
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Elections: Slate and Ballot
Members Only Vote
PennAEYC's Nominations Committee is pleased to present the following slate for the 2009 Board Elections. Current PennAEYC members only: please email your responses to kjohnson@pennaeyc.org. Elected officers will serve two-year terms beginning on January 1, 2010. PRESIDENT-ELECT: Amber Ruch. Amber has a BS in Child Life and Psychology from Juniata College. She is currently the Program Specialist at Hildebrandt Learning Center and formerly was the owner/operator of Valley Preschool Learning and Care Center (two sites) for approximately 8 years. In addition to her work at Hildebrandt, Amber is the President of the Capital Area Association for the Education of Young Children, the President-Elect for the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children and an instructor at Harrisburg Area Community College. Her vision is for PennAEYC to represent the voice of early childhood professionals across the state and collaborate with other interest groups to increase the availability of quality early childhood experiences for PA's children and families. TREASURER: Michelle Zitsch. I am the Director of the Child Care Information Services (CCIS) of Blair County. I have been involved with PennAEYC for almost 14 years as Vice President of Organizational Development for 4 years, then Treasurer for 2 years. I am currently running for a second term as Treasurer. I am on various committees such as Keystone STARS Advisory, Children and Youth Advisory Board, Chamber Foundation Board, First Book of Blair County, LICC, CEECET, and Health and Welfare Council. My vision for PennAEYC is for PennAEYC to continue to be a visible voice for the Early Childhood Community and hire an Executive Director. The following two positions are OPEN for 2-year terms starting January 1, 2010, and we are entertaining suggestions for nominees. If you or someone you know would be interested in being considered for either position, please submit name, email, and phone number below. VICE-PRESIDENT for chapter support: OPEN General requirements include PennAEYC membership, commitment to attend quarterly board meetings and fulfill executive committee responsibilities, knowledge/background in AEYC board structure and responsibilities for chapter support. VICE-PRESIDENT for public policy: OPEN General requirements include PennAEYC membership, commitment to attend quarterly board meetings and fulfill executive committee responsibilities, knowledge/background in advocacy. PennAEYC Ballot
Current PennAEYC members only: Please email your vote to kjohnson@pennaeyc.org. President-Elect: Amber Ruch [YES] [NO] Treasurer: Michelle Zitsch [YES] [NO] Nomination Suggestion for Vice President for Advocacy: Name, Email, Phone Nomination Suggestion for Vice President for Chapter Support: Name, Email, Phone |
| United States Public Policy
The Federal Early Learning Challenge Grant: What's In It for Child Care Providers?
Reproduced with permission from The Early Care and Education Consortium www.ececonsortium.org
The Early Learning Challenge Fund takes a giant step forward in acknowledging the importance of - and investing in - the quality of care. The Challenge Fund, if it became law, would help states to direct additional resources toward efforts to support the early childhood field. And, importantly, the proposal seeks to support children birth to five in all early childhood program settings.
Status of the Legislation
On September 17, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act." The bill, which seeks to reform the college loan system, includes the language and funding for an Early Learning Challenge Fund program and part of the estimated savings from the bill's reforms will go to pay for the Fund. The proposal was developed jointly with the Obama Administration, which had first mentioned the Early Learning Challenge Grants during the 2008 presidential campaign. The U.S. Senate has not yet introduced their version of the legislation. The Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will have to "mark up" the bill and then send it to the full Senate for debate and a vote. If it passes the Senate, then a group of members of the House and Senate will come together to smooth out any differences between the House and Senate versions of the bills, and prepare one bill to send to President Obama for his signature.
About the Early Learning Challenge Fund
The House version of the proposal makes a significant new investment in early childhood development programs: $1 billion per year over 8 years. It places an all-new focus on the development of state early learning systems, and a commitment to increasing the number of low-income children from birth to age five in high-quality programs.
The initiative is focused on improving the quality of early education experiences of disadvantaged chidlren, enhancing their school readiness, and ultimately reducing the achievement gap. State applications for "Quality Pathways Grants" must show how the state has in place or will implement key components of a comprehensive early childhood system that helps disadvantaged children. "Development Grants" are for states not as far along in their efforts to build a comprehensive system.
PA State Senators (For contact information, go to www.senate.gov.) Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. Senator Arlen Specter PA members of the US House of Representatives (www.house.gov.)
Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski Congressman Tim Holden Congressman Patrick J. Murphy Congressman Tim Murphy Congressman John Murtha Congressman Joseph R. Pitts Congressman Todd Platts Congresswoman Allyson Y. Schwartz Congressman Joe Sestak Congressman Bill Shuster Congressman Glenn W. Thompson Congressman Jason Altmire Congressman Robert Brady Congressman Christopher P. Carney Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper Congressman Charles W. Dent Congressman Mike Doyle Congressman Chaka Fattah Congressman Jim Gerlach | |
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Disclaimer: PennAEYC provides a forum for discussion of major issues and ideas in our field. We hope to provoke thought and promote professional growth.
The views expressed or implied are not necessarily those of the Association. Acceptance of advertising, announcements, and postings does not represent PennAEYC's endorsement of any product or service, nor is PennAEYC responsible for representations made by advertisers. | |
PennAEYC Membership Information
Members join NAEYC through their State and Local Affiliate Chapter. You can choose a comprehensive, regular or student membership. For renewals or first time memberships choosing your local affiliate is important and can help keep you better connected with local activities, events, programs and networking opportunities with other members in your area. The 13 chapters in Pennsylvania provide a wide range of services, such as networking and social events, conferences, websites, newsletters, student groups, and accreditation support. The chapters also work together to support the goals of PennAEYC. Below is a listing of the local affiliate chapters and the counties they serve in Pennsylvania. In addition, PennAEYC is currently working with a steering committee in Central PA to create a six-county regional group including Cambria, Blair, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin and Centre Counties.
Comprehensive Members ($105.00): Your best buy for staying up-to-date with professional resources in early childhood education.
Regular ($70.00): Basic membership resources to meet your professional needs.
Student ($50.00): Available only to students currently enrolled in professional preparation programs (CDA, associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree) only.
Affiliate Name (Affiliate Id #) Areas Served
Bucks County AEYC (338) Bucks County
Capital Area AEYC (132) Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, Franklin and Fulton Counties
Central Susquehanna AEYC (546) Columbia, Clinton, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties
Delaware Valley AEYC (61) Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia Counties
Eastern Pennsylvania AEYC (274) Berks and Schuylkill Counties
Lancaster AEYC (89) Lancaster County
Lebanon Valley AEYC (275) Lebanon County
Lehigh and Northampton AEYC (133) Lehigh and Northampton Counties
Monroe County AEYC (440) Monroe, Carbon and Pike Counties
Northeast Pennsylvania AEYC (292) Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna ,Wayne and Wyoming Counties
Northwest Pennsylvania AEYC (526) Erie, Crawford, Mercer and Venango Counties
Pennsylvania at-large
(50001) At-large is a local option provided for members within the state that are not served by a local affiliate. The state affiliate provides the local services for these members.
Pittsburgh AEYC (81) Allegheny, Armstrong Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties
York Area AEYC (455) York and Adams Counties
To become a member or renew your membership, go to www.naeyc.org/membership or call NAEYC at 1-800-424-2460. | |
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