Pennsylvania will have a partial solar eclipse on Monday, August 21, 2017. To prevent direct viewing that can damage the eyes, keep children and staff in early care and education programs inside between noon and 4:30 pm. Even with the specific, approved solar viewing glasses and close supervision it is too difficult to be sure...Read More

Missy Littell, Customer Experience Manager, Cuyahoga Falls, OH, Library (formerly a children’s librarian for 12 years) I will never forget the first time I read Eric Veillé’s My Pictures After the Storm to my children. Those laugh-out-loud moments, especially when shared with children, can be tough to beat. Just as play is recognized to be...Read More

Angel Avery-Wright Math in a preschool classroom can be found everywhere, from a math interest center to other play areas. Materials for supporting math can include games, dramatic play props, blocks, musical materials, and more. Incorporating math materials and activities into the classroom are as essential as having blocks and dramatic play and can be...Read More

Share your feedback on the Pennsylvania Draft ESSA Consolidated State Plan. This draft plan was informed by the ideas, input, and feedback shared by stakeholders from every corner of the commonwealth, including parents and families, students, educators, legislators, advocacy groups and community members. The Department’s stakeholder engagement process also relied on feedback provided through the...Read More

Beth Simon The term Program Observation Instrument or POI for short is a new term that you will see in the revised Keystone STARS Standards. In case you haven’t heard, the new Keystone STARS Standards went into effect last month. The new standards refer to various “Program Observation Instruments (POI)” that can be used for...Read More

Beth Simon  The above is often a response heard from child care providers when asked, “Do you use sand and water play in your classroom?” Although it’s the typical response, it does not mean it’s the developmentally appropriate response. Sand and water play can be messy and is probably the main reason why child care...Read More

Megan Pittsinger “What is CACFP?” you may ask. CACFP is the Child and Adult Care Food Program. CACFP provides aid to programs for the provision of nutritious foods. For information on how to apply for CACFP please visit United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service. Current CACFP Guidelines (until October 1, 2017) The...Read More

Regina Wright The education of young children is extremely important. To help children learn and grow, parents must take an active role in what their children are learning and how their brain is developing. The younger the child starts learning, the better. A large part of what a child knows is learned during his or...Read More

Michelle Long We all know that parents like those cute little pieces of art to hang up on the refrigerator. They like to be proud of what their child made. While it is important to please the parents, it is more important to look at what the child is gaining from that project. What goes...Read More

Michelle Long Picture yourself sitting on bleachers. How is your posture? Are you wishing this game was at a stadium equipped with seats with backs? Picture yourself at a crowded café. The only stool left is missing the rungs. Are you having trouble trying to find a spot for your feet to rest? Are you...Read More