We’re adding a new blog feature where we spotlight a member of the Pennsylvania Program Quality Assessment Team each month. Have fun getting to know our team! Natalie Grebe Montgomery County natgre@pakeys.org Background I graduated with a B.S. Degree from Kutztown University in Elementary/Early Childhood Education and a M.S. Degree from West Chester University in...Read More

Amy Hoffman Think about it: What word seems to be the first that a baby recognizes and responds to? Most babies I’ve observed seem to respond to their names first. Research says that most babies will reach this milestone between 4 and 9 months (although of course this can vary because every child develops at...Read More

Barbara Bredell-Searle Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning – Bureau of Certification and Bureau of Policy & Professional Development published an announcement (Announcement C-24-01) on June 17, 2024, to clarify the intent of 55 Pa. Codes regarding toxics when it comes to plants. When you look at 55 Pa. Code 3270.66(d), 3280.66(c), or...Read More

Welcome to a new Let’s Talk Quality blog feature where we spotlight a member of the Pennsylvania Program Quality Assessment Team each month. Have fun getting to know our team! Erin DelRegno Evans Luzerne County erindel@pakeys.org     Background In high school, I participated in a career and technical education program which included childcare courses...Read More

Angel Avery-Wright September 9th brings about National Teddy Bear Day. Do you know where the teddy bear came from?Read More

Beth Simon August can be an exciting time for parents and children who are getting ready to go back to school and leave carefree summer days behind. Warm summer nights quickly transform into cool fall mornings as routines shift from staying up late to getting up early, from leisurely days to routines and schedules. The...Read More

Sunsetting of PA Position Statements for the Environment Rating Scales (ERS) In an effort to simplify guidance and strengthen consistent use of program observation instruments for continuous quality improvement, effective August 1, 2024, use of the PA Position Statements for the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) and School-Age Environment Rating Scale (SACERS) will discontinue. Programs may...Read More

We’re adding a new blog feature where we spotlight a member of the Pennsylvania Program Quality Assessment Team each month. Have fun getting to know our team! Megan Showalter Westmoreland County megsho@pakeys.orgRead More

Beth Simon with assistance from ChatGPT August 9th marks a special day that bookworms eagerly anticipate – Book Lovers Day! As early childhood educators, we understand the profound impact that books can have on young children’s development and learning. From sparking imagination and curiosity to fostering language and literacy skills, books hold the power to...Read More

Angel L. Avery-Wright Having children move throughout the day promotes cognitive learning and physical health while reducing behavioral issues. Moving helps children focus better. “When you move, you stimulate all the nerve cells that we use to think with, and when you stimulate those nerve cells, it gets them ready to do stuff,” said Dr....Read More