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PennAEYC Newsletter
May 2010
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!
I am fortunate to work for an organization with a mission dedicated to positively impacting the citizens of our Commonwealth. Each day items on my "to do" list are focused on making a difference for and improving the lives of children and families across the state. I realize that not everyone gets those same opportunities every day. However, whatever your day to day work responsibilities are, there is something right around the corner that will give you the an opportunity to affect not only your own circumstance but the lives of children and families across the state as well. The Primary election is May 18, 2010. You can VOTE and have that vote make our children a priority!
Why does your vote matter? In Pennsylvania, those of us working day and night to give children the best possible start in school and life should know that it matters a lot. We have moved from a state that did not have early learning as a priority - to a state that others look to as a model. But that can change in an instant....in an election.
You can learn for yourself what position our gubernatorial candidates are taking and their level of support for quality early learning through the two links directly below. Check out their websites and the websites of everyone running for public office in your local community.
Each one of us has the opportunity to elect candidates that make children a priority. Make the biggest difference you can this year and give children a voice through your vote on May 18.
Jodi Askins
Executive Director
Two New On-Line Resources for
Gubernatorial Candidates Positions on Early Education
PCN has created an Election Central section of its website where it is posting all the candidates' forums that they broadcast. They have posted the Early Learning Investment Commission's gubernatorial candidate panel on early education as well. Go to http://www.pcntv.com/election2010/index.html and click on Econ Summit Gub Forum 4/19/10. Also, DVAEYC, in partnership with PAEYC and PennAEYC, produced a video in which five of the six candidates state their positions on early education. That video is available on the DVAEYC website at http://www.dvaeyc.org/Advocacy/index.php. |
PennAEYC News
PA Public Policy Forum, June 7, 2010: On-line registration is now open. Help spread the word - click here for a Public Policy Forum flyer that you can print or email.
Comments from 2009 Public Policy Forum Attendees
The sessions I attended were all amazing!
I was able to take what I learned back to my center to share with parents and staff.
The budget and legislative perspectives are new to me. It is an invaluable piece of the puzzle. Very empowering info.
For the first time in years, I got intelligent, fresh information relative to the early childhood education field. THANK YOU!!
The workshops helped me feel better prepared for my visits on May 12th. I have also been empowered to help others increase their advocacy skills using the information I learned.
PA Early Childhood
Public Policy Forum
Monday, June 7
· DEVELOP and HONE your abilities to be a strong public voice for children.
· STRENGTHEN your understanding of and commitment to the process of change in the ECE system.
· BUILD relationships with others from across the state who are passionate about quality early education.
Crowne Plaza, Harrisburg
11:00 - 12:00 Registration and Buffet Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 Keynote Address - Pennsylvania's Early Learning Community in the Next Administration - sustaining in a time of transition and change
1:15 - 6:00 Leadership and Advocacy Workshops
6:30 - 8:00 Dinner with special guest Representative Patrick Harkins - Co-chair of the Early Childhood Education Caucus
Cost: $75, $65 for AEYC and PACCA members, scholarships available. Lunch and Dinner are included. (If you need scholarship help, please contact us before registering.)
To Register Click Here.
Overnight accommodations are available at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 23 S. 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101 Reservations can be made by calling Toll Free Reservations @ 1-800-2CROWNE or the hotel direct @ 717-234-5021 (ask for the PennAEYC room block Code ENN).
For more information: Jodi Askins, PennAEYC, jaskins@pennaeyc.org |
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Upcoming Activities
May 21: WorkshopNAEYC Updates and Helping Your Staff Understand Developmentally Appropriate Practice, CAECTI, Harrisburg, PA, 12:30 - 3:30 pm. Register on-line at www.pakeys.org, or contact Amber Ruch at aruch@pennaeyc.org or 717-599-0026.
May 14-15: Pittsburgh AEYC Conference; "Creativity: Where the Future Begins" www.pghaeyc.org May 24-25: Higher Education Diversity Institute co-sponsored by PennAEYC, Penn Stater, State College June 6-9: NAEYC Professional Development Institute; Pheonix, AZ June 7: Early Childhood Public Policy Forum, Harrisburg
June 8: Early Childhood Action Day, Harrisburg |
State Public Policy News
Thomas Gluck nominated as Pennsylvania secretary of education Gov. Ed Rendell has nominated Thomas Gluck, executive deputy secretary in the state Department of Education, to be the next education secretary. He would replace Gerald Zahorchak, who is leaving to become the next superintendent at Allentown School District. Gluck, 52, of Hampden Twp., would serve in the post for the remainder of Rendell's term, which expires in January. Prior to working in the department, Gluck served as the Democratic executive director of the Senate Education Committee and also held posts at the Milton S. Hershey School and Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education's chancellor's office. In his prior role, Gluck led the team that compiled the state's application for $400 million in the federal Race to the Top grant competition for school reform. That application failed to win an award in the first round but the department is refining its roadmap to reform and plans to resubmit the application for Round 2 in June, he said. Gluck is married to Joan Benso, president and CEO of Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a Harrisburg-based children's advocacy group and one of the state's leading proponents for early childhood education. His nomination will be forwarded to the state Senate for confirmation. |
 Professional Development
The Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Office of Child Development and Early Learning, the Pennsylvania Key, and PennAEYC invite you to the 3rd Annual Higher Education Institute on Diversity.
The purpose of the institute is to provide faculty, administrators, and other professional development providers with methods, research, and instructional strategies associated with meeting the unique educational needs of all learners in Pre-K through Grade 4. A specific focus will be on racially, ethnically, linguistically, ability, and socio-economically diverse learners and their families.
Registration deadline has been extended!! Please include email address, as we will confirm registration by email in the beginning of May. $100 per day or $150 for both days. PennAEYC Members - The first 40 registration forms received from PennAEYC members can take advantage of a $25 discount! Please include a copy of your membership card with your registration. $100 per day or $150 for both days.
For questions or more information please e-mail Amy Lerner at the PA Key amyler@berksiu.org. |
AEYC Chapter News To submit your chapter news, email kjohnson@pennaeyc.org.
"Creativity: Where the Future Begins" May 14 - 15, 44th Pittsburgh AEYC Conference
Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. ~Fred Rogers
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Federal Public Policy News
The Obama Administration's budget proposal for next year includes important increases in funding for child care, Head Start, and child nutrition programs. These programs serve our most disadvantaged children, enable parents to get and keep a job, and promote good nutrition early in life.
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Early Childhood News
Child Care Works waiting list cleared; encourage eligible families to apply
Yesterday, OCDEL and the CCIS agencies were able to provide Child Care Works subsidy to every family on the waiting list. With the help of the federal stimulus ARRA funds, the Child Care Works waiting list was cleared for the first time since 2003.
Now is the time to encourage eligible families who may have been deterred by the long waiting lists last year to sign up for Child Care Works assistance as we expect immediate service or short waiting time.
Families can apply online or visit their local CCIS agency. A listing of CCIS agencies is available on the DPW website. |
Resources
The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) recently launched a new topic area at www.whatworks.ed.gov: Early Childhood Education for Children with Disabilities. This topic area reviews the research on existing interventions that aim to improve the school readiness of 3- to 5-year-old children with disabilities. If you have any questions or would like more information, email info@whatworks.ed.gov or visit the site at www.whatworks.ed.gov.
Governor for Kids website. Please visit www.governforkids.org/2010 to find gubernatorial candidates' positions on education and early education, including position papers, listing of upcoming events where the candidates will appear, and some social media. |
NAEYC News
NAEYC is proud to announce the re-launch of The Right Choice for Kids Web site at www.rightchoiceforkids.org. The Right Choice for Kids is NAEYC's campaign to promote NAEYC Accreditation of Programs for Young Children to families and the public. The new site features: Information about what NAEYC Accreditation is and why it is important A brand new NAEYC Accreditation of Programs for Young Children search feature New updated articles for families (new ones will be available on a bi-monthly basis) Videos for viewing regarding the promotion of NAEYC Accreditation Resources for families and the field Incorporation of NAEYC's Early Learning News to keep families informed about the field and accreditation Later in 2010 - a newsletter for parents and families
Visit The Right Choice for Kids today and don't forget to comment on NAEYC's Facebook page about the new site!
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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. | |
Your Membership Status
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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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