Secretary Mackereth shares message about Ebola virus

A recent message from Department of Public Welfare's Secretary, Bev Mackereth, stresses the importance of knowing the facts about the Ebola virus, and knowing that Pennsylvania is taking the recent news about Ebola very seriously. Ebola is a rare and often deadly virus; however, Pennsylvania has a coordinated, thorough plan in place.

According to Secretary Mackereth, the Department of Health (DOH) is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, other states and public health partners and emergency management organizations. The Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is keeping a very close eye on the confirmed Ebola cases in the U.S. and on developments around the world. There are no confirmed cases of Ebola in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania DOH has updated information about Ebola on its website, as well as an informational flyer. The website includes general information for the public such as frequently asked questions; posters and links to other resources. Additional information may also be found on the CDC website.

It's important to understand the facts. The commonwealth will continue to monitor this situation and take all necessary precautions.

White House Announces Summit on Early Education 
 

This summit builds on the President's call in his 2013 State of the Union address to expand access to high-quality early childhood education to every child in America. As part of that effort, the President proposed a series of new investments that will establish a continuum of high-quality early learning for a child, beginning at birth and continuing to age five. This proposal includes: extending and expanding evidence-based, voluntary home visiting; growing the supply of effective early learning opportunities for young children through Early Head Start-Child Care Partnerships; and providing Preschool for All. Since the President's call to action, more than 30 states and cities have established new programs or expanded access to preschool. 
 

Stay tuned to Build ECE News for additional details about the summit.

Save the Dates: 2015 P-3 Governor's Institute

The Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Child Development and Early Learning is pleased to announce the 2015 Prekindergarten to Grade 3 (P-3) Governor's Institute: P-3 Collaboration-Working Together for Student Success. The purpose of Pennsylvania's P-3 Governor's Institute is to help school districts, early learning providers and community organizations throughout the commonwealth make the vital connections and collaborations necessary for student success from birth through grade 3.

The 2015 P-3 Governor's Institutes are being offered regionally for the following dates/locations. Each institute begins Sunday evening and ends Wednesday at noon. 

• June 14-18 Radisson Hotel Valley Forge-- King of Prussia
• June 21-25 Doubletree--Monroeville
• July 12-16 The Ambassador Center--Erie
• July 26-30 Hilton--Scranton   

Participation in the 2015 institute is limited to 28 teams per region. Participating teams will be selected through an application process. Districts may submit applications for more than one team. Teams should be built around a specific elementary school, its feeder early learning programs, and the local community. Selected teams will participate in this 4-day event focusing on Kristie Kauerz' Framework for Planning, Implementing, and Evaluating Pre-K-3rd Grade Approaches. Professional development will be offered to support team specific implementation of P-3 efforts. Access the framework.  

Most expenses will be covered for participating teams using Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant funds. Act 48 professional development credits and Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) hours will be offered.

To be considered for participation in this event, participating teams must agree to the following: 

• Attend the entire 4-day event;
• Bring a core team of no less than four educators (maximum participating team of eight members):  a 0-5 administrator, a 0-5 practitioner, a K-3 administrator, and a K-3 practitioner.  Preference will be given to applicants who include up to four of the following; family representative or family liaison, Early Intervention representative, community member, librarian, curriculum specialist, higher education partner, intermediate unit representative.
• Engage in continuous improvement via implementation and sharing of strategies/programs that will enhance student achievement; and
• Maintain an active role in the Governor's Institute cohort subsequent to the event (e.g., professional learning community, webinars, monthly follow up).

Applications will be available beginning Jan. 12, 2015 and will be announced in future publications of Build ECE News. If you have any questions please contact Jolie Phillips at jolphillip@pa.gov.

Revised Position Statements Now Available 

In October 2014, the PA Position Statement regarding sand was changed after discussion with input from the Bureau of Certification.  Based upon additional review, research, and input from stakeholders, the use of sand for children under 3 years old, either as a play medium or impact absorbing surface, is not prohibited. The PA Position Statement prohibiting the use of sand has been removed.

Although the use of sand is permitted, there are factors that should be considered when using sand with young children, including supervision and abilities of the children. Certification will not cite sand when used as a protective surface for ground cover as well as a play medium. AAP/APHA guidelines for child care programs (Caring for our Children) recommend that when sand is used as a ground cover, it shall not be used simultaneously as a play medium for infants and toddlers.

For purposes of Environment Rating Scales, refer to the appropriate scale and age recommendations. For additional information, including access to the PA Position Statements, please visit the PA Key website.

Information on water safety training for child care providers and lifeguard requirements

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning's, Bureau of Certification Services recently released a revised version of Announcement C-14 #01: Water Safety Training for Child Care Providers and Lifeguard Requirements. This announcement provides information on how to obtain water safety training from the American Red Cross, and informs child care providers that supervision of children who are swimming must include a facility person certified as a lifeguard.

For additional details, please see the announcement C-14 #01, Water Safety Training for Child Care Providers and Lifeguard Requirements.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program now open

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, which helps low-income families pay their heating bills is now open for applications and will continue accepting applications through April 3, 2015 for the 2014-15 heating season. LIHEAP is a grant that offers assistance in the form of a cash grant, sent directly to the utility company, or a crisis grant for households in immediate danger of being without heat.

Get information about LIHEAP, including how to apply, at the Department of Public Welfare website.

Quality Early Learning Radio: Kiwanis Support of Early Learning

The October 31 edition of Quality Early Learning Radio featured guest Kevin Thomas, Executive Director of the PA District of Kiwanis International who shared the role of Kiwanis in Early Learning. For the past several years, Kiwanis has played an import role in promoting quality early learning for Pennsylvania children. Listen to what's next for this group of early learning supporters.