Office of Child Development and Early Learning

Office of Child Developmentand Early Learning

Because every child is Pennsylvania’s future

2

The Bigger Picture

Out of the 30 countries taking part in the 2003 Program for International Student Assessment, the average score of US students was only higher than students in five other countries. [Education Week, “Losing Global Ground,” January 2007]

China produced nearly 3 times more engineering and computer science graduates than the U.S. in 2004. [Source: Duke University]

Helping fulfill Pennsylvania’s Promise for ChildrenBecause every child is Pennsylvania’s future

3

Things must change

“The growth in the quality of the workforce, which was a mainstay of economic growth until recently, has diminished. This trend must change or America’s economy will be undermined,” James Heckman, University of Chicago, press release, 11/15/06


4

Why quality early learning matters: a snapshot of PA In 2007:

21.5% of 3rd graders not proficient in math (46.3% of 11th graders not proficient)

27.2% of 3rd graders not proficient in reading (34.6% of 11th graders not proficient)

Approx. 20% of high school students fail to graduate


5

Snapshot of PA’s investment in early education

Pennsylvania around the middle among U.S. states in investment in a quality early education system

About 26% of Pennsylvania’s children ages 0-5 have access to publicly-funded early education


6

Benefits of quality early learning Quality early learning:

Promotes positive brain development Strengthens families Promotes school readiness Prepares today’s children for tomorrow’s

competitive workforce Saves tax dollars Contributes to long-term economic growth


7

Quality early learning promotes positive brain development "The brain undergoes its most rapid

development in the first three years of life, and in this development the environment plays a central role. Nerve connections that are associated with specific skills such as language are developed during this critical period." [Source: American Academy of Pediatrics]


8

Neglect hurts brain development “The systems in the human brain that allow

us to form and maintain emotional relationships develop during infancy and the first years of life… with severe emotional neglect in early childhood the impact can be devastating.” [Source: Perry, B.D. (2002) Bonding and attachment in maltreated children: consequences of emotional neglect in childhood. Child Trauma Academy Press, 3, 1-30.]


9

How many words did you hear? The average 4-year old

hears how many spoken words? In a family receiving

welfare-13 million In a working-class family

- 26 million In a professional family -

almost 45 million


10

Quality early learning strengthens families “I’ve noticed that the parents of children from

pre-kindergarten programs are more supportive of their children’s education. I have noticed that those parents have followed through on all work sent home this year and often went past what I asked for because they had ideas of what to do and knew that working with their child helped their child.” Susan Straley, kindergarten teacher, Bellefonte Elementary School


11

Strengthens families, cont’d

High quality in-home parent coaching services that begin when the mother is pregnant, such as Pennsylvania’s Nurse Family Partnership, can cut cases of child abuse and neglect nearly in half. [Source: “Protect Kids: Reduce Crime: Save Money: Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Pennsylvania,” Fight Crime Invest in Kids, December 2006]


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Quality early learning promotes school readiness Allegheny Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) At risk children in quality pre-kindergarten in

child care programs Special education rates:

Pre-k children: 21%; ECI children: < 1% Grade retention:

Pre-k children: 23%; ECI children: < 2%


13

Promotes school readiness, cont’d

Pre K Counts Public-Private Partnership Children entering

program: low-average range of development

After 3 months in program: all students at least at average range of development


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Quality early learning saves tax dollars “Every $1 spent on high quality early

education saves $7 in reduced future expenditures for special education, delinquency, crime control, welfare, and lost taxes (Reynolds AJ, Temple JA, Robertson DL, and EA Mann. 2002. Age 21 cost-benefit analysis of the Title I Chicago Child-Parent Centers. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 24, 267-303.)


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Quality early education prepares tomorrow’s workforce Quality early education not only prepares

children for success in school, it can instill values like personal responsibility and pride in one’s work that can make the difference between an average employee and a real achiever [Source: National Institute for Early Education Research, “Overlooked Benefits of Pre-kindergarten,” 2005.]


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Quality early education contributes to long-term economic growth Children who attend quality pre-kindergarten are

more likely to be employed and have higher earnings, thus positively contributing to the tax base. Annual rates of return on preschool investments are estimated at 10 percent or higher each year over the students’ lifetimes, exceeding the 6 to 7 percent average rate of return typically expected of government programs and the stock market. [Source: Committee for Economic Development, “The Economic Promise of Investing in High Quality Preschool,” 2006 www.ced.org/docs/report/report_prek_econpromise.pdf]


17

Benefit Cost Analysis for Preschool Programs

Total benefit

Total cost

Net benefit

Distribution of benefits among…

Per child (discounted at 3%)

Benefit/ cost ratio Taxpayers Participants

Internal rate of return

Carolina Abecedarian (2002 dollars)

$135,546 $35,864 $99,682 3.78 14% 86% 7%

Chicago Child Parent Center (1998 dollars)

$47,759 $6,692 $41,067 7.14 54% 46% 10%

Perry Preschool Age 40 follow-up (2000 dollars)

$244,811 $15,166 $229,645 16.14 80% 20% 18%

Meta-analysis (2003 dollars)

$17,202 $7,301 $9,901 2.36 62% 38% n/a

Source: The Economic Promise of Investing in High Quality Preschool,”

Committee for Economic Development, 2006, pp 25-26


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Importance of public investment in quality early education Quality early education provides public benefits

Higher academic achievement Offset risk factors like child abuse and neglect, juvenile

delinquency or criminal behavior Greater tax base

Quality early education is workforce development Early-childhood education can provide a return on

investment greater than the stock market A quality early education system cannot develop

without public investment


19Helping fulfill Pennsylvania’s Promise for ChildrenBecause every child is Pennsylvania’s future

“The best investment in economic development that government and the private sector can make is in the healthy development of children” Art Rolnick, Ph.D, senior vice president and director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.

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“Although education and the acquisition of skills is a lifelong process, starting early in life is crucial. Recent research has documented the high returns that early childhood programs can pay in terms of subsequent educational attainment and in lower rates of social problems, such as teenage pregnancy and welfare dependency.” Ben S. Bernanke, The Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board


21Helping fulfill Pennsylvania’s Promise for ChildrenBecause every child is Pennsylvania’s future

"On the margin, if we're going to invest the next dollar in education and workforce development, we're going to see the highest return if that dollar's invested before children reach kindergarten." Rob Grunewald, associate economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

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Office of Child Development and Early Learning

The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) promotes opportunities for all Pennsylvania children and families by building systems and providing supports that help ensure access to high quality child and family services.


23

Creating an effective early education system


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Standards for Programs and Practitioners Certification Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards

Infant/Toddler Pre-Kindergarten Kindergarten

Early Intervention Standards Head Start Performance Standards Keystone STARS standards State Board of Education regulations ECE Career Lattice


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Support to meet and maintain standards

PA Early Learning Keys to Quality

Early Intervention Technical Assistance

Head Start Collaboration Office

Pre-school Program Specialists


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Systems Planning, Monitoring, and Accountability OCDEL Accountability

OCDEL Finance, Administration & Planning Bureau Monitoring Tools

Provider and Practitioner Accountability Certification Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) assessors Keystone STARS Designators Preschool Program Specialists Pelican Data System Early Learning Network


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Financial Supports

Federal State Public-Private Partnership


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Engagement & Outreach

OCDEL Advisory Committees Child Certification Regulation Work Group Children’s Trust Fund Board OCDEL Advisory Committee Keystone STARS Advisory Committee Parent Advisory Council State Interagency Coordinating Council Subsidized Child Care Advisory Committee

Community Engagement Groups Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Public-Private Partnerships


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What makes up an effective early education system? Quality Access Capacity Leadership at all

levels


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OCDEL Highlights: Improved quality Keystone STARS Early Learning Standards State Board of Education regulations Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts


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OCDEL Highlights: Increased access Broadened eligibility requirements for

receiving Child Care Works Increased reimbursement rate ceiling

(Maximum Child Care Allowance) for child care programs to at least the 62nd percentile for full-time care and to at least the 58th percentile for part-time care.

Unification of child care services under CCIS


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OCDEL Highlights: Increased capacity More children*, in high quality programs

overall: 2002-2003: 18% 2005-2006: 28% 2006-2007: 38% Creation of Office of Child Development and

Early Learning between the PA Departments of Education and Public Welfare


*based on the percentage of 3 and 4 year olds with access to Head Start, STAR 3 & 4 programs, Preschool Early Intervention and state-funded pre-k.

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OCDEL Highlights: Leadership at all levels Early Childhood Community Engagement

Groups (CEG) Professional Credential Programs Pre K Counts Public-Private Partnership for

Educational Success Leadership Network Teams and Executive Leadership Council

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Helping fulfill Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children


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OCDEL: Helping children reach their promise Certifying health and safety of early learning

programs Setting the standard for quality early learning Supporting the continuous quality

improvement of early learning programs Providing children with special needs and

their families supports to grow and develop


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Helping families reach their promise Helping parents access and choose quality

early learning programs Partnering with parents to support their child’s

healthy development Supporting early learning programs to engage

parents in their child’s learning


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Helping teachers reach their promise Providing a career

lattice for early childhood professionals

Providing financial and other supports to send teachers to school for college degrees


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Helping communities reach their promise Building leadership at all levels – children’s

champions Building early learning systems- statewide

and locally


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OCDEL ProgramsCertification Services: Licensing and Inspection of child

care Information source on DPW

regulations for child care

Subsidy Services: Child Care Works Child Care Information Services

(CCIS) Parent Counseling and

Referral Services

Early Intervention Services: Infant/Toddler Early Intervention Preschool Early Intervention Early Intervention Technical

Assistance

Early Learning Services: Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Keystone STARS PA Early Learning Keys to Quality Accountability Block Grants Head Start State Supplemental Family Support Programs


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Certification Services

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Why Certification Services?

More than 350,000 children in PA receive child care from certified or registered child care programs at some point in their lives. 4,105 registered family child care homes 805 certified group child care 4,001 certified child care centers

Important to protect the health and safety of our young children

Meeting health & safety requirements a necessary foundation to build quality early learning opportunities


42

Certification Services at a Glance Helping children and families reach their

promise by certifying the health and safety of certified child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes.

Four regional offices provide certification services and conduct inspections

Information source for starting up child care programs and for families wanting information on certified child care programs


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Types of facilities regulated by OCDEL Child Care Center Group Child Care Home Family Child Care Home


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Child Care Center

A child care facility in which 7 or more children who are not related to the operator receive child care.

Requires certificate of compliance to legally operate.

Inspected on an annual basis 55 Pa. Code, Chapter 3270, Child Care

Centers, available at www.pacode.com.


45

Group Child Care Home

A child care facility in which 7 - 12 children of various ages or in which 7-15 children from 4th grade through 15 years of age who are not related to the operator receive child care.

Requires certificate of compliance to legally operate.

Inspected on an annual basis 55 Pa. Code, Chapter 3280, Group Child Care

Homes, available at www.pacode.com


46

Family Child Care Home

A child care facility located in a home in which 4, 5 or 6 children who are not related to the caregiver receive child care.

Requires certificate of registration to legally operate

Inspected every 2 years and subject to random sample inspections

55 Pa. Code, Chapter 3290, Family Child Care Homes, available at www.pacode.com


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Regional Offices of Child Development and Early Learning Four regional field offices Inspections of child care programs Technical assistance to programs Orientation to new programs Information to potential programs Information to parents and the public on

DPW’s certification regulations and the certification history of child care programs (i.e., complaints, provisional certification)

Complaint investigations


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Info on certified child care facilities To find out about certified child care facilities

in your area: View a listing of facilities online or Contact

your local Child Care Information Services (CCIS) agency

www.dpw.state.pa.us For information on a child care program’s

certification history (complaints, etc.) contact your Regional Office of Child Development and Early Learning


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Info on starting a child care facility Contact your Regional Office of Child

Development and Early Learning Attend Orientation Session with regional

office Receive info on regulations pertaining to child

care facilities


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Regional Offices of Child Development and Early Learning Western region - 1-800-222-2149 Central region - 1-800-222-2117 Northeast region - 1-800-222-2108 Southeast region - 1-800-346-2929 More info online at www.dpw.state.pa.us


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Division of Regulatory Administration

The Division of Regulatory Administration (DRA), located in Harrisburg, is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, analyzing, coordinating, monitoring and evaluating regulation, policy procedures and operations relating to the certification and registration of child care facilities


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Certification: Achievements 2006-2007 Joint orientation video with Better Kid Care Child Care Provider Certification (CCPC)

database “Motion tablets” – electronic facility inspection Quality assurance evaluation


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Certification: What’s ahead 2007-2008 Pelican Provider Certification to go live in

2008 Family child care home pre-registration

orientation video


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SubsidyServices

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Why Subsidy Services?

Eligible families obtain the financial assistance to supplement the high cost of child care

Parents receive parent counseling and information on Early Childhood Education (ECE) options and finding high quality child care

Families gain the assistance needed to become self-sufficient and the knowledge of the full range of ECE choices for their child

Subsidy Services

56

Subsidy Services at a Glance Child Care Works provides financial

assistance to income eligible parents so they can afford quality child care

Child Care Information Services (CCIS) enroll families in Child Care Works and provide parent counseling services to all families wanting to learn about the full range of their early care and education opportunities for their child.

Subsidy Services

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Child Care Works

Distributes subsidy reimbursements to child care programs enrolling subsidy children

Parents pay a co-payment to the child care program based on family size and income

Child Care Works reimburses the program for the subsidy child up to the rate ceiling, minus the parent’s co-pay

Subsidy payment rates paid are based on Market Rate Surveys up to the Maximum Child Care Allowance (MCCA)

More than 120,000 children served each month

Subsidy Services

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Who’s eligible to receive Child Care Works

Family Size Maximum Yearly Family Income

2 $27,380

3 $34,340

4 $41,300

5 $48,260

6 $55,220

7 $62,180

8 $69,140

May 2007

Subsidy Services

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How to apply forChild Care Works Visit your county Child Care Information

Services (CCIS) agency to apply Find agencies online at www.dpw.state.pa.us Beginning January 2008, parents will be able

to apply online through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Access to Social Services (COMPASS).

Subsidy Services

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Child Care Works: Achievements in 06-07 Increased access to Child Care

Works; approximately 10,000 more children each month than in 05-06

Child care unification – one door for families seeking financial assistance and information about child care, as well as all early care and education programs.

Subsidy Services

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Unification of child care services Before 2006

TANF families CAO Offices Low income and Former TANF families

CCIS Offices Today:

All families CCIS Offices Huge benefit to vulnerable families, greater

access to information on quality child care

Subsidy Services

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Child Care Works: What’s New in 07-08 Additional children to receive Child Care

Works subsidy than in 06-07 Child Care Works online Increased MCCA

rate ceilings Keystone STARS add-on rate

Subsidy Services

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Child Care Information Services Acts as the hub of early care and education

information for all families, assisting and counseling parents on quality child care and early learning options that best meet their needs

Determine eligibility and sign up income eligible families for Child Care Works

Enroll program participating children with child care providers

Distribute subsidy payments to child care providers

Subsidy Services

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How to use your CCIS

Learn about quality child care, Keystone STARS, PA Pre-K Counts, Early Intervention, Head Start, and more.

Request listing of child care programs in your area, based on wide variety of criteria to meet a parent’s needs.

Request information on other family services such as: Nurse-Family Partnership; Women, Infants and Children (WIC); Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP); and more.

Apply for subsidy services

Subsidy Services

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CCIS: What’s New in 07-08

Online self-service initiatives for parents & providers including: Applying for the Child Care Works Program; A Child Care provider search for parents; Child Care provider access to maintain their data

Enhanced parent counseling services including: Head Start; Early Intervention; PA Pre-K Counts

Subsidy Services

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Early InterventionServices

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Why Early Intervention Services? Provides resources and supports to families

so children with special needs can reach their promise.

Assures that all eligible children from birth to five with developmental delays receive services and supports that maximize their development so they are successful in any early education setting

Early Intervention Services

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Early Intervention Services at a Glance Builds upon the natural learning occurring in

the first few years. Promotes collaboration between parents,

service providers, and others who impact children’s lives.

Serve children ages birth – 5: 29,848 children served in Infant/Toddler Early

Intervention (ages birth – 3) in 06-07 41,772 children served in Preschool Early

Intervention (ages 3-5) in 06-07


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EI Services

Meet the developmental needs of children with a disability and the needs of the family related to enhancing the child’s development in one or more of the following areas: Physical development, including vision and hearing Cognitive development Communication development Social or emotional development Adaptive development

Promote collaboration among parents, service providers and other important people in the child’s life.


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EI Services, cont’d

Enhances family/caregiver relationships with children, building on their strengths, and strives to maximize the experiences, opportunities, and resources within the routines and activities unique to each family and community.

Services are based on the child’s Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP), developed by a team of professionals including the family, and are delivered at no cost to families.

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EI: Achievements in 06-07

Greater coordination between Infant/Toddler and Preschool Early Intervention programs Both now administered

by OCDEL Joint professional

development and leadership opportunities

Linking of data between programs


72

Who is eligible for EI services A child (birth – 5) who has:

a significant delay in one or more areas of development;

known physical or mental conditions which have a high probability for developmental delays

Children from birth-3 may also be eligible if they have a specialist's determination that there is a delay even though it doesn't show up on the assessments (called informed clinical opinion)


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How to receive EI services

Parents: contact CONNECT Helpline, 1-800-692-7288.

Early learning programs that feel a child may need EI Services: Discuss with parents and have parents contact the CONNECT Helpline to access services.

Visit www.dpw.state.pa.us for Parents guides and other resources on EI


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EI: What’s New for 07-08

Development of joint evaluation and monitoring forms for Infant/Toddler and Preschool Early Intervention

Implementation of ECAP-Early Childhood Accountability Program, statewide system to: document positive impacts in the lives of children and

families. gather information about the amount and type of

progress that children are making. improve the early childhood learning experiences in the

lives of children and families in Pennsylvania.


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Early LearningServices

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Why Early Learning Services?

Helps children reach their promise by promoting quality learning opportunities in the home and in early learning programs

Helps families reach their promise by partnering with parents to promote the healthy development of their child

Quality early learning helps prepare children for success in school and in life

Early Learning Services

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Early Learning Services at a Glance Develop and implement standards for early

learning programs and professionals to improve the quality of early learning for our young children

Provide financial supports and technical assistance for programs and professionals to improve quality

Provide family support programs that strengthen families, reduce risk and increase early learning opportunities for children


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Early Learning Services programs PA Early Learning Standards Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts Keystone STARS PA Early Learning Keys to Quality Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Accountability Block Grants

Pre-kindergarten Full-day kindergarten Reduced class size K-3

Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program

Family Support Programs Nurse Family Partnership Children’s Trust Fund Parent-Child Home Program


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PA Early Learning Standards

Helps teachers and parents work together to promote a child’s development

Provides a continuum of quality learning from birth through school age

Early learning standards available for Infant/Toddler Pre-kindergarten Kindergarten 1st and 2nd grade - coming in 2008


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PA Early Learning Standards Resources Early Learning Standards booklets with pull

out posters for classroom Guidance to aligning curriculum and

assessment with early learning standards Professional development on using the Early

Learning Standards “Kindergarten Here I Come!” calendars for

parents Available online at www.pde.state.pa.us


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PA Pre-K Counts

High quality pre-kindergarten education for 3 and 4 year olds in Pennsylvania which is free to families, with a focus on children at risk of academic failure

Full or half-day pre-kindergarten classes in schools, Head Start, Keystone STARS child care programs with a STAR 2 level or higher, or nursery schools


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PA Pre-K Counts, cont’d

More than 140 grantees (lead agencies) with more than 300 early learning programs participating

80 of 140 grantees are partnerships Classrooms available in most of

Pennsylvania’s 67 counties $75 million public investment for the 2007-

2008 school year First year focus in enrollment and translating

quality design into quality implementation

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PA PKC: Quality standards

Teachers with education in early childhood Small class size (no more than 20 children

per teacher & teacher’s aide) Curriculum aligns with PA Early Learning

Standards Child assessment (Work Sampling) Program assessment (ERS)


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How to enroll in PA Pre-K Counts Families with children between ages three

until kindergarten who are at risk of school failure due to income (300% FPL), language, cultural or special needs issues are eligible

Contact programs directly for enrollment information

Listing of PA Pre-K Counts grantees available on PDE website, www.pde.state.pa.us


85

Keystone STARS Promotes continuous quality

improvement in early learning and school age environments

Proven to improve the quality of child care programs in PA

Provide parents with a tool to gauge the quality of care and early education their child will receive

Nearly 4,000 child care programs participating in Keystone STARS (6/07)

Approximately 138,000 children enrolled in STARS programs


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STARS: How it works

Builds on the health & safety requirements of certification

Early learning programs apply at Start with STARS or STAR level 1-4

Must meet research-based performance standards for Staff qualifications and professional development Early learning program (child observation,

curriculum, classroom environment) Partnerships with family and community Leadership and management (business practices)


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How STARS works, cont’d

Based on subsidy enrollment, may be eligible for support grants, merit awards and education & retention awards

Monitoring, accountability, and supports conducted through the PA Early Learning Keys to Quality System


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STARS standards


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89

STARS: How to enroll

Certified or registered child care programs and Head Start programs may apply for a STARS rating

Standards and application forms available on PA Key website: www.pakeys.org/stars/

Submit application to your Regional Key Regional Key info available at

www.pakeys.org.


90

How can parents locate STARS programs County Child Care

Information Services (CCIS) agencies can provide listing of programs and STAR level Find your local CCIS online

at www.dpw.state.pa.us Search STARS programs

by county or zip at http://www.pakeys.org/stars/centers.aspx


91

STARS: Achievements in 06-07

Enhancements of STARS standards First STAR 4 awarded to Head Start program Increased capacity to complete Environment

Rating Scales (ERS) assessments Crosswalk STARS standards for a school age

setting


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STARS: New award amounts

New support, merit and ERA amounts (7/07)

SUPPORT AWARDS

Family Award

Group Award

Small Award (up to 45 children)

Medium Award (46-99 children)

Large Award (100-180 children)

Very Large Award

(181+ children)

Start with STARS –

1 X Award

315 420

435 580

945

1,260

1,890 2,520

2,835 3,780

4,725 6,300

STAR 1 – 2 X Award

450 600

630 840

1,418 1,890

2,835 3,780

4,253 5,670

7,088 9,450


Note: Top award is for programs enrolling 5% - 25% subsidy children

Bottom award is for programs enrolling 26% - 100% subsidy children

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STARS: New award amounts, cont’d

MERIT AWARDS

Family Award

Group Award

Small Award (up to 45 children)

Medium Award (46-99 children)

Large Award (100-180 children)

Very Large Award

(181+ children)

STAR 2 – 3X Award

* change below

788 1,050

1,575 2,100

4,725 6,300

9,450 12,600

14,175 18,900

23,625 31,500

STAR 3 – Ongoing

1,181 1,575

2,363 3,150

7,088 9,450

14,185 18,900

21,263 28,350

35,438 47,250

STAR 4 - Ongoing

1,575 2,100

3,150 4,200

9,450 12,600

18,900 25,200

28,350 37,800

47,250 63,000

* Award 2 additional years with CQI Plan and demonstrated progress


Note: Top award is for programs enrolling 5% - 25% subsidy children

Bottom award is for programs enrolling 26% - 100% subsidy children

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Keystone STARS subsidy add-on Programs with STAR 2 and above receive a per-

child add on to Child Care Works subsidy rate as of Sept. 2007

Daily increase for

STAR 2 STAR 3 STAR 4

Full-time $0.25 $0.75 $1.00

Part-time $0.15 $0.40 $0.50


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STARS: What’s New in 07-08 STARS Advisory Listening Tours Revision of the Group Childcare Standards Provider Survey Building capacity

Leadership at all levels Addressing diversity Supporting continuous quality improvement


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PA Early Learning Keys to Quality A system of supports for Keystone STARS,

including professional development opportunities for

early childhood and school-age independent Environment Rating Scale (ERS)

assessments for early learning and school-age programs

community engagement and outreach Consists of central PA Key, and six

Regional Keys


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PA Keys System: Regional Keys

Six Regional Keys across PA Implement regional quality improvement plan

for professional development Encourage participation and provide TA for

Keystone STARS Conduct STARS Designation visits Provide regional professional development

opportunities Access contact info at www.pakeys.org


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Regional Keys map


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PA Keys to Quality Programs

Professional development initiatives Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Mind in the Making Early Childhood Community Engagement Groups Pre K Counts Public Private Partnership Head Start State Collaboration Office School Age Child Care Projects Better Kid Care Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS)


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PA Keys: Professional Development Initiatives Early Childhood Education Career Lattice Professional Development Advisory Committee More than 1,500 T.E.A.C.H. scholarships in 06-07 More than 1,100 professionals earned or renewed

their Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials Pennsylvania Director and School-Age Professional

Credential programs PQAS System for quality professional development

More than 1300 instructors across PA Professional Development Voucher Program


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PA Director Credential

For early childhood education directors and administrators

Provides a standard for management and leadership skills of directors and administrators in early childhood and school-age programs

Requirement for Keystone STAR 3 rating Applicants take specific courses or complete portfolio

of education and experience 193 professionals earned their Directors Credential in

06-07 Information and forms available at www.pakeys.org


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PA School-Age Professional Credential Piloted through six regional School Age Projects Credential aligns with Early Childhood Education

Career Lattice and Keystone STARS In 06-07

10 teachers awarded credential 78 teachers complete coursework requirements. 858 school-age children impacted. 9 colleges and universities either offer credential

coursework for credit or recognize the credential for credit when an individual matriculates.


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PA School-Age Professional Credential Awardees complete 120 hours of coursework;

create a personal portfolio highlighting their professional achievements are evaluated by families and other professionals.

During the credential process candidates are also observed working with children several times by members of a local assessment team.


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Eligibility for PA School-Age Professional Credential Individuals interested in obtaining the credential must:

Be working in a Department of Public Welfare-certified facility working with school-age children (5-12 years-old);

Have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED; Have completed a Professional Development Record

(PDR); and Have worked at least 480 hours with school-age

children in the past 5 years To apply, contact your Regional Key


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PA Keys: What’s New for Professional Development in 07-08 The Ages and Stages screening tool introduced and

implemented in STAR 2 and above programs. Work Sampling assessment tool introduced and

practitioners participate in workshops to learn about tool. Three new modules are created for Keystone STAR sites

to encourage and support continuous quality improvement.

A 30 hour curriculum aligned with Level 2 on the Career Lattice is piloted in 4 locations for 80 practitioners.

Additional supports are created for practitioners to implement the Early Learning Standards.

PA adopts guiding principles for cross system technical assistance.


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PA Keys: ECE and Higher Ed

Work group completing guidance for higher education about new teaching certificate prek through 4th grade

Focus on articulation and transfer

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PA Keys: Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Previously named Infant Toddler Mental

Health Project Assists teachers and parents to understand

the importance of early childhood mental health, recognize and address mental health challenges as they relate to specific children and their needs.

Pilot projects in Northwest, Southwest, and South Central regions, began in Spring 2006

Partly funded by the Heinz Endowments


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PA Keys: Early Childhood Mental Health (ECMH) Services Providers request an ECMH

specialist to Observe a child in their early

learning classroom Identify strengths/needs and

develop an individual plan that addresses the child’s social emotional development

Work with the family to explain the child’s needs and refer them to resources

Contact your Regional Key to request services


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PA Keys: Mind in the Making

Enhance the teaching practices of early childhood teachers to improve quality early education.

Helping families reach their promise by communicating the science of early learning to the general public, families and early learning professionals.

Created by Families and Work Institute Nearly 1,200 early childhood practitioners from 79

early learning sites participated in the program. Approximately 5,400 children impacted.


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“Teachers who participated in MITM Modules increased their overall classroom quality through better communication with the children that enriches language, better learning opportunities for the children through the use of play and materials, and more activities to increase the social development of children in the classroom.”


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Mind in the Making

12-part facilitated research-based learning process designed to help teachers: Become engaged in understanding their own and their

children’s learning process; Become more mindful of their own teaching practice;

and Have a working knowledge of the significant research

in child development and be able to translate this knowledge into their teaching practice

Train the trainer workshops available Contact your Regional Key for training opportunities


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PA Keys: Early Childhood Community Engagement Groups (CEG) Providing framework and support to build

leadership at all levels In 06-07, 58 Community Engagement Groups

across PA: Reached more than 500,000 people in public

events Distributed Community Report Cards to more

than 430,000 people Volunteers contributed over 13,920 hours to

community engagement work


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CEG deliverables

Convene all ECE stakeholders to discuss ways to improve quality and increase access to early education opportunities

Promote kindergarten transition activities between child, family, and schools

Conduct community outreach activities to build support for early childhood initiatives

Create a early childhood education community report card

Promote Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children public awareness campaign


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How to find your CEG

Listing of Community Engagement Groups is available online at www.pakeys.org


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PA Keys: Pre K Counts Public-Private Partnership for Educational Success

Started in 2004 Pilot project to facilitate

pre-kindergarten partnerships in local communities 26 partnerships which include school districts, Head

Start, child care, Early Intervention Funding provided by leading PA private foundations

and Commonwealth of PA More than 7,000 children impacted in 06-07 Results informed the development of PA Pre-K

Counts


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Public-Private Partnership supports Pre K Counts Coordinator Pre K Counts Coach/Mentor Professional Development Leadership Network Team Executive Leadership Council


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Public-Private Partnership: Early Child Outcomes Before entering the Public-Private partnership

pre-kindergarten program, students were in the low average to average range for developmental skills. Within three months, all students in the Public-Private Partnership programs had reached at least the average range for age-appropriate development.

For more information, visit www.prekcounts.org


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PA Keys: School Age Child Care (SACC) Projects Provide professional development and technical

assistance supporting both public and private after-school programs across the state.

Children and youth who regularly attend high-quality afterschool programs have better grades and conduct in school; more academic and enrichment opportunities; better peer relations and emotional adjustment and lower incidences of drug-us, violence and pregnancy. (Source: US Dept. of Education)

Regional SACC Projects at each Regional Key


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PA Keys: Better Kid Care Provides extensive, nationally-recognized distance

learning opportunities to early childhood professionals in rural communities and others interested in distance learning. Free to early learning professionals in PA.

Web-based and mail-based programs available. Professional development available to meet the

requirements of PA Department of Public Welfare certification Keystone STARS Child Development Associate (CDA) credential Continuing Education Units (CEUs) Act 48 hours

Register for classes and subscribe to the BKC newsletter at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu/index.html


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PA Keys: Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS) ECELS offers telephone advice to practitioners and

advises health and safely instructors and private and public health professionals.

Well Tracker system makes it easy for early childhood programs to track the health and immunization records of children enrolled.

24 self-learning modules available on a number of health & safety topics such as Active Play Environments, Child Abuse and Neglect, Illness in Child Care, and Food Allergies.

Additional health-related resources www.ecels-healthychildcarepa.org/


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Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Campaign to raise awareness about the

importance of providing every young child in Pennsylvania with access to quality early learning opportunities

Sponsored by PA Build Initiative and PA Key Coordinated locally by Early Childhood

Community Engagement Groups


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PA Promise materials

Website – www.papromiseforchildren.com

Trifold brochures Folders Fact sheets Posters – coming soon Magnet/photo frames

– coming soon


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PA Promise declaration

I believe that quality early learning and child development play a major role in a child’s future success in school and in life.

I believe young children learn best when they have proper health and nutrition, a safe and stable family and home life, and activities that stimulate creativity, curiosity, and all the skills they will need to succeed in school and life.

I believe that every child in Pennsylvania deserves access to quality early learning opportunities and that it is the responsibility of every Pennsylvanian to help our children reach their promise.

I support Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children because every child is Pennsylvania’s future.

Sign online at www.papromiseforchildren.com


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Accountability Block Grant

Funds for school districts to improve academic performance

11 options; three related to early childhood education: Quality pre-kindergarten Full-day kindergarten Reduced class size K – 3rd Grade

Approximately 2/3 of ABG funds spent on ECE options


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ABG: Pre-kindergarten

3 and 4 year old children are offered programs from 2.5 to 5 hours a day for a minimum of 180 days.

Instructional delivery is based on scientific research and Early Childhood Education best practices.

Assessment tools are used to review the environment and the teacher/child interaction.

Family-community partnerships and cultural diversity are encouraged

Highly qualified teachers who will have EC certification by Dec. 2011

In 06-07 4,287 children in 45 school districts were enrolled in PreK programs through ABG funds


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ABG: Full-day kindergarten

Studies show that students who attend full-day kindergarten perform significantly better in reading and math achievement at the end of kindergarten and continued to show better performance into first grade.

In 06-07, 55% of all children in kindergarten, participated in full day kindergarten programs


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What is Full-day K?

Full Day Kindergarten provides children with at least a 5 hour school day for a minimum of 180 days.

Children are transported to and from school, fed a hot lunch and participate in special subjects such as art, PE, and music. Because of the additional time children spending in school, school districts have made their core subjects more rigorous.

Contact your school district to enroll.


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ABG Full-day K Supplemental Funding $20 million in 2007-2008 in addition to ABG Allocated to all school districts who submitted

plan for full-day kindergarten or offer some full-day kindergarten

Estimate nearly 7,600 more children will gain access to full day kindergarten


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Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program (HSSAP) Head Start programs can serve additional children

through HSSAP Comprehensive early learning services to children at

100% of FPL or less Strong parent involvement and serving the whole child

Encourages partnerships between Head Start and other early learning programs (child care, school districts)

Offer half-day or full-day classrooms 57 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties served Nearly 5,800 3-5 year olds served in 06-07

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Family Support Programs

Nurse Family Partnership Children’s Trust Fund Parent-Child Home Program


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Nurse Family Partnership

Helps children and families reach their promise by giving first time mothers the supports necessary to provide an excellent start for their children.

High quality in-home parent coaching services that begin when the mother is pregnant, such as Pennsylvania’s Nurse Family Partnership, can cut cases of child abuse and neglect nearly in half. (Source: “Protect Kids: Reduce Crime: Save Money: Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect in Pennsylvania,” Fight Crime Invest in Kids, December 2006)


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Registered nurses work with the expectant mothers to ensure a healthy pregnancy, to engage in activities with the baby that will promote healthy development, and to make plans for the future.

Nurses meet with mothers until the child is two years old.

Piloted in 39 counties Nearly 4,000 families served in 06-07


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PA Children’s Trust Fund

Early childhood programs can play pivotal role in preventing child abuse and neglect

Grants given to early childhood programs that can build protective factors for children to prevent abuse and neglect

Involved in the national Strengthening Families Learning Community of the Center for the Study of Social Policy

31 programs reached approximately 2,500 families and 190 early childhood education practitioners in 06-07

Friends of the Children’s Trust fund created in 3/07


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CTF: What are protective factors? Skills or supports that help keep

adults from getting to the point of child abuse and neglect, such as:

Parental resilience Social connections Knowledge of parenting and child

development Concrete support in times of need Social and emotional competence

of children


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CTF: How early learning programs can build protective factors

Program strategies that Facilitate friendships and mutual support Strengthen parenting Respond to family crises Link families to services and opportunities Facilitate children’s social and emotional development Observe and respond to early warning signed of child

abuse or neglect Value and support parents Support the health social/emotional development of the

child


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PA Parent-Child Home Program

Home visitor helps parents learn how to read to and play with their children in a way in a way that strengthens verbal interaction and language development, builds a positive parent-child bond and provides a quality learning experience.

Visits continue until child is 2 years old More than 1300 families served in 23

counties.


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OCDEL:Children Served

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CHILDREN SERVED FY 2006-07 FY 2007-08 Change

Child Care Works

TANF 58,804 58,804 0 Former TANF 63,194 64,591 1,397 Low-Income 90,114 90,505 391 Total Unduplicated Children 212,112 213,901 1,789

Keystone STARS/Keys to Quality

Keystone STARS 138,238 170,936 32,698

Early Intervention

Birth - 3 29,848 33,990 4,142 3 to 5 39,477 43,496 4,019 Total EI children served 69,325 77,486 8,161

State only Funded Programs

PA Pre-K Counts - 11,100 11,100 Full Day Kindergarten 69,481 80,229 10,748 Head Start 5,790 5,790 -


Families Served 4,215 4,399 184


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OCDEL FUNDING FY 2006-07 FY 2007-08 ChangeChild Care WorksKeystone STARS/Keys to Quality

State Funds 264,249$ 360,313$ 96,064$ Federal Funds 407,390$ 392,981$ (14,409)$

Total CCW funds 671,639$ 753,294$ 81,655$

Early InterventionEarly Intervention Birth - 3

State Funds 105,175$ 119,661$ 14,486$ Federal Funds 42,432$ 49,600$ 7,168$ Total Funds 147,607$ 169,261$ 21,654$

Early Intervention 3-5State Funds 142,173$ 173,099$ 30,926$ Federal Funds 65,867$ 50,028$ (15,839)$ Total Funds 208,040$ 223,127$ 15,087$

Total Birth -5 EI Funds 355,647$ 392,388$ 36,741$

State only Funded ProgramsPennsylvania Pre-K Counts -$ 75,000$ 75,000$ Full Day Kindergarten ABG 15,000$ 15,000$ Head Start Supplemental 40,000$ 40,000$ -$

Nurse Family PartnershipState Funds 6,373$ 7,262$ 889$ Federal Funds 5,278$ 5,571$ 293$

Total NFP Funds 11,651$ 12,833$ 1,182$


Amounts are in thousands

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What’s next for OCDEL

As we focus this year on….. Building a comprehensive, education

continuum Increasing program and vendor accountability Building support for public investment in

quality early education Creating a comprehensive child outcome data

system


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What’s next for OCDEL

…. We will Bring quality to early learning opportunities Bring access to these opportunities for

children and families Have a system that can expand and improve Have effective children’s advocates and

leaders at all levels

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Useful links

Pennsylvania Department of Education – www.pde.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare – www.dpw.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania Keys – www.pakeys.org Pre K Counts Public Private Partnership –

www.prekcounts.org Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children –

www.papromiseforchildren.com


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Documents

Office of Child Development and Early Learning