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“Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius” — Pietro Aretino, 16th century author
Creating Opportunities for English Language Learners: 4 Action Plans
By Christine Belinda, Early Childhood Program Specialist
Almost all early educators will experience teaching a child whose home language is not English. According to NAEYC (The National Association for the Education of Young Children), "Projections indicate that by 2030, 40 percent of school-age children will have a home language other than English." The challenge is in creating valuable English Language Learning (ELL) opportunities for children and families: opportunities for developing language and literacy, honoring and celebrating culture, and nurturing and building relationships. The goal is to create successful opportunities for all children.
Distance Education HighlightsAre you aware that Better Kid Care provides comprehensive curricula in early childhood development?
The Better Kid Care curriculum follows the Pennsylvania Core Body of Knowledge and offers multiple course titles to choose from. Each course offers numerous Distance Education lessons, providing a well-rounded approach to meet your professional development needs. View the entire Better Kid Care Distance Education curriculum on line at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu and choose your course of study today!
Featured Lesson: Our Words Matter
Our words play a powerful part in how we care for and educate children. Too often language, conversation, and response are shared without thinking. This lesson explores how to pay close attention to what we say to children, and how to connect to approaches that best support meaningful learning and care. Language and dialogue provide the opportunity to learn about and make sense of our world and those things in it. One of the first strategies to embrace in developing dialogue is to listen. When we stop and make ourselves present to the situation and listen, we can begin to hear and understand what the children want to communicate, whether it is a need, a want, or simply sharing ideas. The dialogue we share with children not only helps construct meaning and learning, but also helps in building social, caring relationships. Preview Our Words Matter here.
Our Words Matter is available as a one-hour Web-based lesson. To complete this lesson online and receive credit and comments, you will need to register. For a list of computer requirements for completing Web-based lessons, click here.
View Better Kid Care's comprehensive list of web based and mail based professional development lessons here.
Research Collections:
A new report, Lifting Pre-K Quality: Caring and Effective Teachers, focuses on the need to move on from so-called input-based strategies (i.e. requiring bachelor's degrees for preschool teachers) to strategies that have more evidence of positive impact on children.
Investing in Young Children: New Directions for Federal Preschool and Early Childhood Policy - This volume, from the The Brookings Center on Children and Families and The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), explores whether the nation’s early childhood programs are boosting child development and preparing children for schooling and proposes reforms that would improve the programs. In this overview paper, they detail government spending on early childhood programs, review the number of children enrolled in each type of program, review the papers on the three programs and an additional paper on program coordination, and recommend policies that would increase the returns produced by early childhood programs.
Effective Early Childhood Education Programs: A Systematic Review - Recent brain research and research on cognitive development are reinforcing evidence that early education is crucial in getting children off to a good start in life (Bowman, Donovan, & Burns, 2001; Magnuson, Meyers, Ruhm, & Waldfogel, 2003). Based in part on this research, local and national policymakers are establishing new early childhood programs, and trying to improve the quality of the ones that exist. This report systematically reviews research on the outcomes of programs that teach young children in a group setting before they begin kindergarten.
Inspirations: Winter Resources
The season of winter brings many new things to think about for early educators and families. Winter is often the season of reflection and planning ahead. Ideas reflected may be: spirit of community, kindness, generosity, health, celebrations (seasons, holidays), diversity and culture, recharging our energy, getting a handle on stress, music, and overall reflections and observations of children and programs. Use the Better Kid Care Winter Resource for great information to support your work while entering the winter season. 
Turn the PageBeautiful SNOW!
Here's a list to take to the library.
Are you looking for articles to share with your families? Do you need information for your parent/family bulletin board? Family Time / Work Time shares easy-to-read articles for busy parents and caretakers with a focus on Building Strong Families.
You are welcome to print and share these publications with your friends, family, and other childcare providers.
Creativity Matters
By Nancy Wilson,
Early Childhood Program Specialist
With current emphasis on standardized curriculum, memorization, and testing in the schools, creative learning often gets left by the wayside. Music and the arts do enhance learning, so it’s up to you to make sure that your child has chances to be creative doing activities at home. When children are creative they become better thinkers and are more successful as they get older. This may mean limiting time in front of the computer and television, but it will be worth it for your child to be excited about learning and curious about the world around him.
Read the rest of Family Time / Work Time here.
Information,
Developmental understanding,
Educational resources,
Action ideas, and
Supportive practices
Caring for children from military-connected families requires a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs and strengths. Each month, Caring I.D.E.A.S. for Children from Military-Connected Families will feature research-based information to support and increase the quality of caring for children from military-connected families. This month’s highlight is: Keeping Holidays Meaningful and Manageable.
Keeping Holidays Meaningful and Manageable
Holidays and celebrations are important to all of us. Below are suggestions to keep holidays and celebrations meaningful and manageable while caring for children from military-connected families:
School Age childcare Strategies for Getting Started with After School SEL (Social Emotional Learning)
Edutopia and Ginny Deerin from the WINGS, an education program whose goal is to teach kids how to behave well, make good decisions, and build healthy relationships, have highlighted 8 tips to get started in offering after school programs that teach children good social and emotional skills. The message being “the more children who learn how to manage their emotions and make good choices, the better.” For example, one of the tips offered is to get informed about the research on effective SEL (Social Emotional Learning). This helps prepare the educator to make a case to the parents, funders, and any potential partners.
WINGS recommends checking out the information at the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, Educators for Social Responsibility, Edutopia’s social and emotional learning page, and WINGS for Kids. Read more about after school social emotional learning here.
Also…
Harvard Family Research Project is pleased to share new out-of-school time program research studies and evaluations, which we have recently added to our bibliography. Check out the Out-of-School Time Program Research and Evaluation Database , where you can read in-depth profiles of selected evaluations and research studies.
More School Age Resources!
Visit the Better Kid Care School Age link here.
NEWS from the CDA Council
Principles of Dual Language Learners
A new section “Principles of Dual Language Learners” appears at the end of the CDA Competency Standards for Infant/Toddler Caregivers in Center-Based Programs. The purpose of these principles is to provide guidance for working with infants and toddlers whose primary (home) language is not English. A description of the developmental components of dual language acquisition emphasizes the importance of competent practices that support constructive dual language development of infants and toddlers. Multiple examples of competent practice are presented. A few examples are listed below.
The CDA candidate:
To view these additions, contact the Council for Professional Recognition to order a revised 2010 Competency Standards for Infant/Toddler Caregivers in Center-Based Programs (Revised 3rd Edition) by calling 800-424-4310. You will need to specifically request the revised 2010 version to be sent to you.
Uncover more CDA Information from Better Kid Care:
Penn State Better Kid Care and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Programs are teaming up to bring you "Go Green for Kids," a monthly tip to help you provide a healthier and safer environment for the children in your care. This month focuses on head lice.
Asthma: Why Be Concerned?
Asthma is a long-term condition causing inflammation of the lungs' airways, which leads to wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and other symptoms. Asthma attacks can be fatal. Approximately 20 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma as of 2009. It is the most common chronic childhood disease and is the leading cause of school absences.
Although the causes of asthma are not completely understood, environmental factors are involved. Exposure to asthma triggers (allergens and lung irritants found in the air) can start an asthma attack. Allergens include pollen, animal dander, smoke, aerosols, and mold. Chemical lung irritants include pesticides, perfumes, air fresheners, and household cleaning products.
Paying attention to the environmental conditions that irritate the lungs can help prevent asthma attacks. Take steps to reduce these conditions by using an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to managing pests. Discourage pests from entering a building by removing access to food, water, and shelter. Know what pesticides and cleaners are used in the building. For more information, check out the brochure "Asthma, Pests, and Pesticides"
The following information highlights upcoming professional development opportunities available for early childhood practitioners:
December 4 - The Potential of Materials as Languages That Support Relationships and Inspire Research: Natural Materials as Communicators of Identity and Encouragement, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, ted.coe.wayne.edu/reggio
December 4 - CQI/FPDP Continuous Quality Improvement/Facility Professional Development Plan, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
December 9-11 – Zero to Three National Training Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, http://www.zttnticonference.org/
December 18 - CBK/PDR Core Body of Knowledge and Professional Development Record, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
2011
January 22 - Color Me Healthy, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
February 5 - The Power of Light as a Language for Exploration: Children, Science and Creativity, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, ted.coe.wayne.edu/reggio
February 5 - Lullabies to Literacy, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
February 19 - Story Time and Beyond, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
February 26 - Classroom Management Techniques & Ways to Work with Personality Plus Kids!, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
March 2-4- Early Education and Technology for Children (EETC), Salt Lake City, Utah, http://www.eetcconference.org/
March 5 Families in Society: Handling Stress, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
March 15-19 – National Association of childcare Resource and Referral Agency, Making Connections: All Children, All Families, All Settings, Washington, D. C. http://www.naccrra.org/conferences/symposium/2010-nps.php
March 19 – Across the Curriculum with Nursery Rhymes, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
March 30 - April 2 – Addressing Challenging Behavior: National Training Institute of Effective Practice/Supporting Young Children's Social Development, Clearwater Beach, Florida
April 2 – 1-2-3 Magic Part 1, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
April 16 - 1-2-3 Magic Part 2, WQLN, Erie, PA, contact 814- 217-6001 or kcarducci@wqln.org
April 16 - A Child’s Right to Invent, Imagine and Observe: Constructing and Deconstructing the Language of Drawing, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, ted.coe.wayne.edu/reggio
June 12, 2011 NAEYC National Institute for Professional Development, Providence, Rhode Island
July 10-13 National Principals Conference: Strengthening Communities through Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Young Learners, Orlando FL
July 21-23, 2011 – Save the Date - The 19th Annual Children and Youth Garden Symposium "Digging into the Art & Science of Gardening", Lansing, Michigan, 4-H Children's Garden and the Frederik Meijer Botanic Gardens and Sculpture Park.
PA Keys to Quality - Professional Development Training Calendar - Are you looking for training specifically in your area? Visit the PA Keys to Quality web site to locate and search the professional development training calendar. Locate the PA Key Training Calendar in 4 easy steps:
Contact the Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality office at: 800-284-6031.
Bulletin Board Resources - Help your students, teachers, and families explore making healthful food choices by creating a colorful bulletin board in your childcare center, classroom or cafeteria. Use the resources below for a themed display that will make your students and staff stop and look! Visit the USDA’s (United States Department of Agriculture) Team Nutrition web site here.
Locate CCHCs and ECMHCs in Your State! – Looking to find a childcare health consultant or early childhood mental health consultant for your program? Not sure who to contact? With the help of many state representatives, Healthy childcare America has identified key contacts in each state and has made this information available at www.healthychildcare.org/Contacts.html.
Environmental Rating Scales new web site – The ERS (Environmental Ratings Scale) project is a program of the FPG Child Development Institute of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ERS offers four environment rating scales developed as assessment instruments for early childhood and childcare program quality. Each is designed for a different segment of the early childhood field. ECERS-R The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale-Revised, designed to assess group programs for preschool-kindergarten aged children, from 2 through 5 years of age. ITERS-R The Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised, designed to assess group programs for children from birth to 2 ½ years of age. FCCERS-R The Family Childcare Environment Rating Scale-Revised, designed to assess family childcare programs conducted in a provider’s home. SACERS The School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale, designed to assess before and after school group care programs for school-age children, 5 to 12 years of age. Visit the ERS site for more information.
Pocket Guide to Safe and Age Appropriate Toys Safe Kids USA wants to help find safe and suitable toys for all children. Find out more here. It's important to also be aware of safety recalls—go here.
Making Life Easier: Tips for Parents and Caregivers Need some tips to help make changing your child's diaper less of a battle? Looking for ways to make taking your young child to the store a fun and beneficial experience? TACSEI (Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children) is pleased to announce the new "Making Life Easier" series which is designed specifically for parents and caregivers. This series of tipsheets contains valuable information on how to make often challenging events easier to navigate, and even enjoyable, for both caregivers and children. To find out more, visit the TACS website.
Tips for Taking your Child's Photo Outdoors (from the National Wildlife Federation) Capturing children's photos can be tricky; especially outside. Get tips for taking top-notch photos outside with help from two experts: Mom-blogger Ashley Waldvogel Gaddy and Susan McElhinney, the photo editor for Ranger Rick, Your Big Backyard, and Wild Animal Baby magazines.
7 Reasons Outdoor Play Does a Body Good The National Wildlife Federation shares how to nurture children through nature. Here are seven top reasons outdoor play is great for your child's health — as well as some animal trivia, just for fun!
Discover and teach children about the Ocean - Water in every stream or river on the planet eventually ends up in the ocean, and all life on Earth is dependent upon its health. EE Week (National Environmental Education Week) provides resources and standards-based lesson plans on a variety of ocean-related topics to help students and educators nationwide learn about the ways they are connected to the ocean.
An Afternoon with the American Academy of Pediatrics - Developmental Screening in Early Childhood Settings and Medication Administration in Early Education and childcare Settings are topics that were presented at the National Association for the education of Young Children conference (November). Presentation copies are now available here.
Free Flu Resources This season, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated, even if they got a seasonal or 2009 H1N1 vaccine last season. The 2010-2011 flu vaccine has been updated to protect against the three flu viruses that CDC expects will cause the most illness in the United States this season. The CDC offers free flu resources to address 2010-11 flu recommendations. All materials are free and can be downloaded. Explore brochures, fact sheets, webinars, video, tool kits, PSA announcements, and more! Go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/. Also, seasonal flu information for schools and childcare providers can be found here.
The Chefs Move to Schools program, run through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will help chefs partner with interested schools in their communities so together they can create healthy meals that meet the schools' dietary guidelines and budgets, while teaching young people about nutrition and making balanced and healthy choices. The possibilities to engage students, teachers, food service staff, and parents in supporting healthy schools are endless. Find out more about Chefs Move to Schools here.
Grants, Funding, & Opportunity
Recipes for Healthy Kids – The USDA and Let's Move! have created a nationwide challenge which brings together school nutrition professionals, chefs, students, and community members to develop nutritious, delicious, and kid-approved recipes for use in schools. Winners will receive cash prizes, national recognition, and a chance to prepare their recipes alongside White House chefs at a national cook-off. The Grand Prize Winner will receive $3000! Form a team today and show-off your award-winning recipe in one of the three recipe categories: Dark Green and Orange Vegetables, Dry Beans and Peas, and Whole Grains. Teams should consist of a school nutrition professional (SNP), a chef, at least one parent or community member, and at least one student. The deadline for recipe submissions is December 30, 2010. For more information, visit www.recipesforkidschallenge.com.
Exploravision Award - Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association have teamed up to create the Exploravision Award. The competition is open to kindergarten to grade 12 students and according to the award Web site, "encourages K-12 students of all interest, skill and ability levels to create and explore a vision of future technology by combining their imaginations with the tools of science." Entries are due February 2, 2011.
Muhammad Ali Center Peace Garden Grant – Deadline: January 5, 2011
The National Gardening Association is proud to announce a new sponsorship program by Yum! Brands. In an effort to help all schools sow the seeds of respect, the Muhammad Ali Center Peace Garden is designed to help schools teach lessons of peace and hunger awareness through garden activities. As a global initiative, the United States and all international locations are eligible for participation. In 2011, 50 grant packages will be awarded. Download an application.
2011 Welch’s Harvest Grant – Deadline: February 11, 2011
As a family farmer owned company that is proud to grow and nurture grapes, Welch's values the importance of healthy eating. In partnership with Scholastic and the National Gardening Association, Welch's will award 95 garden packages worth $500 and 5 packages worth $1,000. Recipients may choose between indoor or outdoor gardening supplies. Visit http://www.scholastic.com/harvest to complete the online application.
Bonnie Plants 3rd Grade Cabbage Program – Register by March 1, 2011
Each year, Bonnie Plants distributes free cabbage plants to third graders across the country to foster an interest in gardening and the environment. Cabbages are delivered to students whose teachers have signed up to participate. Students in these third grade classrooms each get their very own cabbage to plant, take care of and harvest. The cabbages produce oversized heads, making the process even more exciting for kids. As part of the program, Bonnie gives a $1,000 award to one student in each state. Find out more.
The got breakfast? Silent Hero Grant program was launched to encourage schools and nonprofit organizations to expand the reach of under-utilized child nutrition programs, most notably the National School Breakfast Program. Award: Multiple awards of $5,000 each are available. Eligibility: Public schools, nonprofit private schools and nonprofits that participate in the National School Breakfast Program are eligible to apply.
The Terri Lynne Lokoff childcare Foundation is calling for submissions for the Terri Lynne Lokoff/Children's TYLENOL® National childcare Teacher Awards™. This is an annual awards program open to all childcare teachers and home and group home providers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The application deadline is December 6, 2010. To apply, download a copy of the application here http://bit.ly/chNtPs. Read more about the Terri Lynne Lokoff childcare Foundation www.tllccf.org .
New subscribers can join by clicking this link: http://eepurl.com/dRhWg..
View archived Better Kid Care E-Newsletters here.
Reflections…
Let's hear from you! Email your ideas to crb16@psu.edu or call 814-865-7894.
References for feature article – Creating Opportunities for English Language Learners: 4 Action Plans:
Where we Stand on Assessing English Language Learners, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children), 2009
Casteel, C.J. & Ballantyne, D.G. (Eds). (2010) Professional Development in Action: Improving Teaching for English Language Learners. Washington, DC: NCELA (National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition). Available at http://www.ncela.gwu.edu/files/uploads/3/PD_in_Action.pdf
Buenaventura, Lisa C., The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The ELL Research Brief And Tool Kit, Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning
Copple, Carole, Bredekamp, Sue, Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8, Third Edition, 2009
Dual Language Learners In Early Care And Education Settings, Practical Tips and Tools, Zero To Three, November 2008
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