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Pennsylvania's efforts for a continuous, aligned, pre-K through third grade system highlighted
Two-generation approach to creating opportunity for families
Families and Early Intervention Professionals invited to participate in survey
Program provides adaptive bikes to children with disabilities

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surveyFamilies and EI Professionals invited to participate in survey

 

The Prenatal Possibilities Project would like to connect with families who know during pregnancy that their newborn will be eligible for Early Intervention (EI).  The project staff, operating out of Hunter College and UNC Charlotte, is interested in learning how EI can support the family prior to the birth of the child. The project has identified some possible areas (e.g., outcomes) EI can focus on with the family during pregnancy and possible ways (e.g., practices) EI might work with the family. The project is now currently looking for families' and EI practitioners' thoughts and opinions on these outcomes and practices by completing a survey as part of the research. Although no deadline was specified for completing the surveys, participants are encourage to complete the survey as soon as possible.

 

For families whose child is of any age: If your child has a diagnosis that could have been identified during pregnancy (you didn't have to have a prenatal diagnosis) and were eligible for EI because of this diagnosis, you can participate in this research. The letter, Prenatal Possibilities: Families, provides more information. Access the Family Survey.

 

For practicing EI professionals: If you are a practicing early intervention professional of any discipline and meet any certification and licensure requirements to practice early intervention in at least one U.S. state, you can participate in this research. The letter, Prenatal Possibilities: Professionals, provides more information. Access the Early Intervention Professional Survey.

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Nominate an Adams County Woman for the Callie Award

Deadline December 5

 

The United Way of Adams County and the YWCA Gettysburg & Adams County are accepting nominations for the Callie Awards, A Celebration of Exceptional Women. The Callie Awards recognize the significant achievement, both known and recognized, of women in multiple fields of service, one of which includes Education. For details, including how to nominate a woman of Adams County, please visit the United Way of Adams County website.

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bikesProgram provides adaptive bikes to children with disabilities

 

Variety the Children's Charity is working to identify 250 eligible children with disabilities this holiday season, who would benefit from its "My Bike" Program.

 

Currently, Variety's "My Bike" Program serves eligible children age 4 years and older, who have a disability and reside in 16 counties in Western Pennsylvania to provide adaptive bikes that are individually customized for kids to experience the joy, freedom, and belonging that comes from riding a bike. Eligible Pennsylvania counties include Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Blair, Butler, Cambria, Crawford, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Somerset, Washington, and Westmoreland.

 

To apply for a bike, or for additional information, visit the Variety the Children's Charity website.

 
 
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principalsAre Principals Ready to Support the Youngest Learners in Their Buildings?

 

A policy brief, What Do We Know About Principal Preparation, Licensure Requirements, and Professional Development for School Leaders? from the Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) finds that although preschool classrooms are often part of primary schools, early childhood content is not a required element of principal preparation or professional development for principals in most states. Very few states have any formal requirement for early childhood content in licensure for principals responsible for early education programs.

 

Highlighted within the report are Pennsylvania's efforts, specifically the unique administrative structure linking the Departments of Education and Public Welfare through the Pennsylvania's Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL). OCDEL worked closely with the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) to establish the Pennsylvania Early Childhood Executive Leadership Institute (PA ECELI), and then developed the model in partnership with NISL in 2009, as an adaptation of NISL's Executive Leadership Institute for K-12 leaders. This also took advantage of Pennsylvania's legislation concerning professional preparation and continuing education and a regional structure for professional development, through the PA Keys. More than 300 principals have completed PA ECELI through 2013.

 

Currently in its fifth year, PA ECELI is a five-day program designed for elementary principals and early education directors to come together in support of a continuous, aligned, pre-K through third grade system. Delivered regionally, the program has generated new interest among principals, since they are facing new accountability reforms, such as kindergarten entry assessment, third-grade reading requirements, and teacher evaluation. Principals acquire Act 45 (PA Inspired Leadership Initiative) credit for their successful participation.

 

For more information, please see the brief, What Do We Know About Principal Preparation, Licensure Requirements, and Professional Development for School Leaders?

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generationalTwo-Generation Approach to Creating Opportunity for Families

 

Nearly half of the nation's families with young children struggle to make ends meet. A new KIDS COUNT policy report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation makes the case for creating opportunity for families by addressing the needs of parents and their children simultaneously. Creating Opportunity for Families: A Two-Generation Approach describes a new approach to reducing poverty, which calls for connecting low-income families with early childhood education, job training and other tools to achieve financial stability and break the cycle of poverty. The report also recommends ways to help equip parents and children with what they need to thrive. 

 

New data from the report is now accessible in the KIDS COUNT Data Center. In addition, resources on two-generation approaches are available on the Annie E. Casey Foundation website.

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More Trends and Reports

 

First Steps for Early Success: State Strategies to Support Developmental Screening in Early Childhood Settings (CLASP)

 

The influence of low-income children's participation in Head Start on their parents' education and employment (Journal of Policy Analysis and Management)

 
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Over the mountains and through the woods: Traveling with children

 

Traveling with children can be challenging, especially if families are not prepared! Try these tips to keep children occupied and increase the chances for a positive trip!

  • A small pad of paper and crayons can be added to a purse, diaper bag or back pack for drawing pictures, creating origami (fold into the shape of a square!), practicing letter & number writing, or playing a game (like tic-tac-toe).
  • Set aside specific toys and books for use while in the car only. Keep them in a small basket beside a child's car seat for easy access.
  • Sing along with music to help pass the miles. Check with a library to borrow music to keep children entertained during a drive.
  • Stay well hydrated and well fed. Travel can be dehydrating, and empty tummies are grumpy tummies, so take travel-friendly snacks like dry cereal and fruit, and pack water or juice boxes.
  • Plan ahead. If a trip is delayed due to weather, traffic or cancellations, be prepared with enough diapers, drinks and snacks.
  • Have reasonable expectations of children and take breaks when needed. 
Visit PA's Promise for Children for more tips.
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LEGO Education LearnToLearn provides educators an easy on-ramp to hands-on, minds-on learning method and a great way to get started with LEGO Education materials in the classroom. 

 

  
Fun ideas for National Literacy Month: November is Family Literacy Month, and the National Center for Families Learning is promoting their guide to 30 Days of Families Learning. The guide has literacy activities and practices for every day of the month designed to inspire family memory-making as families play, imagine and learn together. Many of the activities are excellent even for youngsters who aren't quite reading yet, as they stimulate language and story-telling skills.
  
November 19, 2014
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The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) provides families access to high quality services to prepare children for school and life success. 

  

Find more information about Quality Early Learning in Pennsylvania
 
The Early Childhood Education e-news is a project of the Pennsylvania Build Initiative and the Pennsylvania Departments of Education and Public Welfare to inform early learning professionals, the early childhood community, policymakers, community leaders and the public on developments in early childhood education and care in Pennsylvania.

Please feel free to forward this email to friends, family, and colleagues.
You may access archived copies at Pennsylvania's Promise for Children.
 

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