May 10, 2017
Angel Avery-Wright Sometimes when assessors reach a center, it is easy to find. There is a big sign out front and the door to enter is clearly visible. Other times when the asses...
May 3, 2017
By Barbara Bredell-Searle The words, “It is time to clean up,” are used daily in many classrooms throughout all types of Pennsylvania child care programs, yet teachers still have...
April 26, 2017
Patricia Carroll There are 3 basic things we should all know about safe sleep in child care. Always, always, always remember ABC. Alone Back Crib All babies in chil...
April 19, 2017
By Michelle Mallonee Long When the Program Quality Assessor provides the four-week window for your facility’s assessments, you are allowed to select up to four black-out dates (d...
April 12, 2017
Amy Hoffman One of the most devastating things that can occur in your life as an early learning professional is when you have reason to suspect that a child in your classroom is ...
April 5, 2017
Megan Pittsinger Why were PA Position Statements created? The PA Position Statements are the result of the need to consider the impact of Pennsylvania Department of Human Serv...
March 29, 2017
By Bobbi Philson Is it an interest center? Is it a play area? Is it both? Does it matter? A play area needs: Play materials Space An interest center needs: Clear def...
March 22, 2017
Kelli Harris My two-year-old nephew came for a visit recently to see my chickens. He is fascinated by them and loves when I open up their pen so he can chase them in the backyard...
March 15, 2017
Kweli Archie There are many fun ways to celebrate diversity with young children. Research shows that young children see differences in people at an early age. Helping childre...
March 8, 2017
Stefanie Camoni What’s today? What was yesterday? What’s tomorrow? The response heard is typically the same; various days yelled out by a large group of preschoolers crowded on a...
March 3, 2017
As part of Keystone STARS Revisioning, OCDEL and stakeholders involved in the process want to make sure that limited resources are being used as effectively as possible to provide...
March 1, 2017
Suzanne Glenn With the continuation of the cold and flu season, it is a good time to review the proper hand washing procedures based upon guidelines from Pennsylvania DHS and Car...
February 23, 2017
Beth Simon Mealtimes are busy times for teachers and children. When you’re dealing with 15 hungry 3 year-olds, it can be a challenge for even the calmest, coolest teacher to mana...
February 15, 2017
Angie Marshall The world is a busy place and TV, videos, iPads and computers fill the day leaving less time for dramatic play. School-age children learn best from hands on experi...
February 9, 2017
Michelle Long The ERS scales expect each child to have individual cubby/storage space that is not shared with anyone else. Why is individual storage important? Having individu...
February 1, 2017
Pam Schaffner Please join us for a fun-filled time observing in a high quality preschool classroom! What to expect: During the observation, you will see many quality items in th...
January 25, 2017
Regina Wright Close your eyes and imagine when you were a child. What was your favorite toy? I’m sure you would probably name a familiar toy that children still enjoy. Walk into a...
January 16, 2017
Beth Simon and Angel Avery-Wright Happy New Year!! I can’t think of a better way to kick off 2017 than with the launch of “Let’s Talk Quality! Program Quality Assessment in PA!” ...
January 1, 2017
By Beth Simon with assistance from ChatGPT As early childhood educators and child care providers, we understand the importance of instilling healthy eating habits in young childr...