walkingConnected for Kids
Smart Start-Centre County
Monthly News
IN THIS ISSUE
Volunteer Opportunities
State Legislators
Committee Report Forms
Healthy Minds, Happy Kids Fair
Upcoming Events
Member Article: Discovery Space Museum
Advocacy this Month: Gas Tax Rally Planned
Local News
Committee Activities
Smart Start
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Smart Start Is ...
Smart Start-Centre County is a network of early care and education professionals, parents, and community leaders committed to giving children in Centre County the best possible start in life through education, information, activities, and outreach.
 
Staff and Interns
Eileen Wise, Executive Director
Kelly Johnson, Project Manager
 
Action Committees
 Communications & Outreach
Early Care & Education
Early Childhood Mental Health
Parenting & Literacy
 
Board of Directors
Charlene Friedman, Chair
 Rebecca Ardoline, Secretary
Patricia Best, Ph.D. 
Doug Coatsworth, Ph.D.
Doug Erickson, Treasurer
Jack Raykovitz, Ph.D.
Robert Sunday
Joseph Webber
 
 
Board Member Profile

Coatsworth

Name: Doug Coatsworth


Professional position:  Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State

Educational background:  I graduated in 1983 from Harvard College with an A.B. in Psychology and Social Relations and then went on to graduate school at the University of Minnesota where I received a Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology (1991).

Why am I involved in Smart Start:   First, I believe very strongly in the mission of the organization - to help ALL children start school ready to learn.  Over the past 20 years I have been involved in research and training related to early childhood development and education.  I have been fortunate to see Smart Start programs in action both on campus and in the community and have seen their value first hand.  It is a great opportunity for me to participate in Smart Start . 

My favorite Smart Start projects:   I am particularly interested in the initiatives that reach out to parents and help build strong parenting skills that translate to children's social emotional skills, like offering parenting classes such as "Tuning into Kids."

My goals for Smart Start in the future:  Continue to promote and help build the parenting classes across Centre County and to help ensure that Smart Start is offering the highest quality programs that work.

Where I live:  I live in State College

Family: My wife Aimee is a former Investment Banker and currently is finishing her Ph.D. in Organization and Management at Penn State. We have two sons: Carter who is 9 years old and Keegan who is 6 years old.

Interests/Hobbies: I am an avid sports enthusiast, though now it is mostly by being a fan, rather than a participant.  I do enjoy exercising -including running or swimming after my sons; travel, and golf.
Resources
Safe Kids USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to the believe that every kids has the right to grow up safe, healthy, and free from injury.  Find out more, or sign up for their enewsletters, at www.safekids.org
 
Volunteer Opportunities
shirts 
Please contact us if you can help with either of thes activities:

September 26:  Bellefonte America's Day for Kids

October 23:  Healthy Mids, Happy Kids Community Fair at Nittany Mall

All volunteers receive a free Smart Start T-Shirt!

 T-shirts are also available to buy:  adult sizes $15
kid sizes $12
Email kelly@smartstartcc.org for details. 

State Legislators

State Representatives

Kerry Benninghoff
Boroughs and Townships served:  Bellefonte, Centre Hall, College, Gregg, Harris, Millheim, Penn, Potter, Spring, State College, Walker kbenning@pahousegop.com, 355-1300
 
H. Scott Conklin: 
Boroughs and Townships served:  Ferguson, Halfmoon, Huston, Patton, Philipsburg, Port Matilda, Rush, South Philipsburg, State College, Taylor, Worth
238-5477/ 342-4872
 
Michael Hanna:
Boroughs and Townships served:  Benner, Boggs, Burnside, Curtin, Haines, Howard, Liberty, Marion, Miles, Milesburg, Snow Shoe, Union, Unionville
353-8780
 
State Senators
 
John Wozniak:
Boroughs and Townships served:  Philipsburg, Rush, South Philipsburg
266-2277
 
Jake Corman:
Boroughs and Townships served:  all other than Philipsburg, Rush, South Philipsburg
355-0477
 
Disclaimer
Acceptance of advertising, announcements, and postings does not represent Smart Start's endorsement of any product, program, or service, nor is Smart Start responsible for representations made by others. 
 
Committee On-line Reporting Forms
 
Advocacy Action Report - click here to report any advocacy actions such as legislator contacts, signing petitions, or writing to the media.
 
In-Kind Volunteer Time Report - click here to report your volunteer time spent on Smart Start projects and committees.
 
 Transtion Activity Report - click here to report any meetings, activities, publications, etc. with a goal of making connections for improved transition to kindergarten.
September 2010
Dear Smart Start Supporter,  

We have to open with an apology to Penn State School of Theatre, which made a generous donation to our Spikes silent auction and was accidently omitted from the list of donors in the last enews.

It's officially back-to-school or first-day-of-school for many Centre County children this month, and we wish them all the best with their new teachers, new routines, and new learning.  The Centre Daily Times has had several great articles recently about the new school year, including our most recent "For the Children" article written by Goddard School Educational Director Nancy Turow about creating bedtime and morning routines to help young children get ready for school.  Click here to read her article.   "For the Children" answers parent and community questions about young children - if you have a question you'd like one of our experts to answer, submit it to eileen@smartstartcc.org

Our 2010-11 Pre-K Calendar delivery should be complete this week to early childhood programs throughout the county.  We also are happy to send a free copy to families, or to deliver multiple copies for businesses to distribute.  Email kelly@smartstartcc.org or call 238-0331 to make a request. 

Delivery volunteers and other Smart Start volunteers and leaders:  Please submit your online in-kind, advocacy, and transition activity reports for July 1 - September 30 BY OCT 4.   

calendar

While you're clicking, check out our Public Service Announcement video clips, on our new You Tube channel

Smart Start Staff 
Healthy Minds, Happy Kids Community Fair
Saturday, artOctober 23, Nittany Mall, 11:00 - 1:00

Early Childhood Mental Health?  What's that?  Research shows that children who have good social and emotional skills and close nurturing relationships with adults are better learners, have fewer behavior problems, and are less likely to have mentacaterpillarl health problems as they get older. 

ACTIVITIES - RESOURCES -
GIVE-AWAYS

Join experts from local programs and services to find out how to prevent and solve problems by promoting social and emotional skills such as: 


--self-awareness
--self-esteem
--cooperation
--understanding and expressing emotions


Public Events and Meetings
Smart Start Committee and Board meetings are listed under the 'Committee Activities" section below.   To submit an item for this calendar, email kelly@smartstartcc.org.

  September

September 15 - October 20:  Tuning In To Kids (TIK): Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children, Wednesday mornings 9:30 - 11:30.  TIK helps you to develop supportive, emotionally responsive skills to help children manage meltdowns.  Join us for discussion and activities in a relaxing atmosphere.  FREE to participate, childcare available.  For more information or to register:  Contact Connie Schulz at State College Area School District Family Outreach (814) 231-1070 or ces11@scasd.org 
Weekly Topics:           
1. How to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Children                    
2. Naming the Emotion 
3. Understanding Your Child's Emotional Experience      
4.  Problem-Solving; Self-Care
5. Emotion Coaching Your Child's Anger                              
6.  Putting It All Together

September 16:  Children with Learning Disabilities:  How Do They Learn? Dr. Barbara Hong.  $15 for dinner and presentation, 6:00 PM, Mount Nittany Medical Center.  Must pre-register with Jessica Bird, 234-6738, jbird@mountnittany.org.  CEUs available.

MidStep Centers for Child Development FREE Parenting Workshops:
6:30-7:30 pm, 434 Rolling Ridge Drive, State College 16801

9/15 Brain Based Strategies for School Success
9/22 Taming Toddler's Temper Tantrums with Rachel Love, Ph.D.

9/29 Co-Parenting During Separation or Divorce with Peggy Nadenichek, M.Ed.

September 26:
  Bellefonte America's Day for Kids for families.  Co-sponsored by Bellefonte Family Center, Smart Start - Centre County, and Centre County Communities that care.   Activities on site and to take home, 12 noon - 4:00 PM on the Diamond.  All food 25 cents!  Volunteers needed for Smart Start to participate.  Contact Beth Eckley for information at centrecountyctc@yahoo.com or 404-9511. 

October

PA Promise Month - Celebrate Quality Early Education All Month!  Contact us to find out how to order promotional materials to help spread the word! 

October 2:  Downtown State College Fall Festival and America's Day for Kids.  Free crafts, games, rides and more.  10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.,  Sidney Friedman Park.  Contact:  Dawn Taylor, 883-5013, dtaylor105@gmail.com

October 23:  Healthy Minds, Happy Kids Community Fair, Nittany Mall

October 23-24:
  Pennsylvania Infant Mental Health Conference, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.  www.chatham.edu/imh
Member Article:  
Central Pennsylvania Welcomes a New Science Center for Children and Families

lindaby Linda Duerr

After years of dreaming and planning, a new science center for children and families will become a part of our community.   Discovery Space will have its first home at 112 West Foster Ave. in State College.  The mission of this new center will be "... to provide exciting, hands-on learning experiences for children that encourage a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Discovery Space will stimulate curiosity, spark imagination, and promote a life-long love of learning through exploration, innovation, and play. Children can enrich their lives and discover the wonders of the world with their classmates, families, and teachers."
 
Learning for children with adults is the "Discover with Me" theme woven throughout the environment.  The center will focus on content for children ages 2-12 but with the idea that we are all forever learners, and children and adults of all ages are encouraged to explore the materials in the center together over time.  The planning committee is currently working with community members and Penn State representatives to develop exhibits that will evolve seasonally and in tune with events in the surrounding area such as Ag Progress Days and the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts.  Currently there are plans for the following exhibits:
 
·        Green Way - a tree-focused exhibit that has been designed by five graduate students in Dr. Heather Zimmerman's Advanced Informal Learning and Design seminar.  The tree will change according to seasons and promote exploration of ecology and earth sciences content. Embedded in the exhibit will be dramatic, directed and active play.  The exhibit components are linked to Pennsylvania's goals for early learning.
 
·        'The Nest' - will be a part of the Green Way and is being designed especially for comfortable exploration by toddlers. 
 
·        3-D Interactive Wall System - with a geological science theme
 
·        Anthropological Dig  -  identify early animals that were on the earth, understand the complexities of retrieving artifacts, etc.
 
·        Water Wall - Near the entrance to the museum we plan to have a "Water Wall," a Smart Board exhibit where kids can use their hands to redirect the images of water.
 
·        Weather Station - a broadcast weather station model
 
·        Farming and Agriculture Market
 
There are also plans for a common room that will be available for meetings, future workshops or speakers in the area of science education and can also be reserved for celebrations and special events.
 
Discovery Space plans to open its doors in the winter of 2010/2011 with the goal of growing into a larger space over time.  Museum volunteers organized a "Draw Me an Exhibit" event during the Arts Festival in State College and the ideas of over 100 children in our community are currently on display at the State College Borough Building throughout the month of September. Come and see what we are dreaming about because, as we know, dreams can come true!
 
To keep up to date on events and opportunities to support and participate in the museum please go to the web site at http://www.mydiscoveryspace.org/
  
Linda is currently Director of the Child Development Laboratory (CDL), one of the HDFS Children's Programs on campus at Penn State. The CDL is one of the oldest laboratory schools in the country, in operation since 1929 and always with a philosophical belief in the value of play as the way young children learn everything, including science! 
Advocacy this Month
FIRST STEPS PA Voter Registration Drive

The registration deadline for new voters is Oct. 4.
A sample flyer to share with parents is available here: http://www.firststepspa.org/step3/provider-outreach-materials/

Day of Action at the Capitol
September 22

This action day is being planned to give people an opportunity to support a tax on Marcellus Shale, to help prevent new cuts to health programs, libraries and literacy, and services for vulnerable adults and children.  Organized by the CLEAR Coalition, Better Choices for PA and the Southeast PA Budget Coalition.  

10 AM -12 Noon: Visits to Lawmakers
Noon: Press conference calling for lawmakers to close the oil and gas loophole at the Capitol in Harrisburg
1 PM: Lunch and planning session at PSEA, 400 North Third Street: Building support for public services in a hostile environment.
Local News
To submit items for "local news" email kelly@smartstartcc.org
Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania
Executive Director Position Announcement
Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania seeks a dynamic, experienced museum professional to lead the development of a small, hands-on children's museum to be located in downtown State College, home of Penn State University.  A general knowledge of business combined with at least 3-5 years of professional museum experience is expected of the most qualified candidates.  Experience in fundraising will be an important consideration. Other requirements include a Master's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., informal education, museum studies), strong communication skills, and demonstrated ability to work with community leaders.  Preference will be given to candidates with a track record of initiating new programs and building partnerships.  The position is a part-time salaried position without benefits. Some weekends and evenings will be necessary, and an at-home office will be required initially. Discovery Space is an equal opportunity employer. Salary starts at $25,000 depending on
qualifications, and will increase with the success of fundraising and opening of the Discovery Space and its revenue generation.  The initial contract is for one year and is renewable annually based on performance as reviewed by the Board.  Submit a letter of interest and resume via email highlighting relevant qualifications and experiences to Mark McLaughlin, Search Chair, mmclaughlin@psu.edu.  Review of applications will begin August 23, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.   
Committee Activities
**committee members, please remember to complete our online reporting forms for all your volunteer hours, advocacy efforts, and transition activities  

Early Childhood Mental Health Committee
--Planning Healthy Minds, Happy Kids Community Fair. 
--To get involved in this committee, email Wendy Whitesell at  wjw8@psu.edu.  The next regular committee meeting is to be scheduled at the Center for Child and Adult Development, 1315 W. College, Ste. 303, State College. 

Parenting & Literacy Action Committee
--Working on Welcome New Parents publications
--Developing plans and goals for the year.
--Assessing calendar delivery. 
--To get involved in this committee, email Connie at ces11@scasd.org.  The next regular committe meeting is Monday, October 4, noon - 2:00 at Schlow Library, State College.   
 
Early Care & Education Action Committee
--Wrapping up transition grant activities, submitting letters to school newsletters, planning future transition activities.
--Planning advocacy scrapbooking sessions.
--To get involved in this committee, email Amy Wible at awible@cenclear.org.  
The next regular committee meeting is September 28, 8:30 - 10:00 at Child Development and Family Council, 2565 Park Centre Blvd, Ste 100, State College.  

Communications & Outreach Action Committee
--Formulating outreach plans.     
--To get involved in this committee, email Nichol Sheridan at  nsheridan@cdfc.org.

Professional Coordinating Committee
Next meeting September 20.

Other Information 
Annual Leader Retreat will be held September 23.  Next Board Meeting November 11.