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Notable Quote
“A work of art is the unique result of a unique temperament.”
— Oscar Wilde
Feature Article
Temperament –
It's More Than Just Tantrums
By Roxie Nestlerode, Early Learning Specialist
If you hear the word “temper” what do you think of? Temper tantrum? It's likely that you do, as we tend to associate “temper” with negative emotion or a child losing control of his emotions. Yet temperament is so much more. Along with parenting, culture, and environment, a child's temperament is one of the major factors that shape children's personality development. When you plan for children, you probably know something about how a child is parented, the family's expectations and culture, and the environment, but do you know the child's temperament?
Top of Page
Distance Education Highlights
Are you aware that Penn State Better Kid Care provides comprehensive curricula in early childhood development? The 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. Two types of lessons are offered: on demand web lessons and lessons by mail. You can view the comprehensive list of professional development web lessons and lessons by mail. To access the entire Penn State Better Kid Care Distance Education curriculum on line, visit us at www.betterkidcare.psu.edu and choose your course of study today!
For more professional development lessons, view Penn State Better Kid Care’s comprehensive list of on-demand web lessons and lessons by mail.
New On Demand Lessons:
Understanding Temperament [K1C1, CDA 8]In this lesson you will learn about differences in temperament and what you can do to best care for children with various temperament characteristics. (1 hour)
I Want! I want! I WANT!!: Building Good Consumers [K2C1, CDA 2]In this lesson you will take a hard look at advertising and consumer culture and its effects on young children and their families. Early childhood educators will look carefully at their own programs and practices to identify ways they can reduce the effects of media on the children in their care. (2 hour)
Saying Goodbye at Child Care [K1C1, CDA 3]In this lesson you will look at why drop off times are hard for children and parents and learn ideas for ways to help parents and their children say “good-bye” at child care. (1 hour)These are available as On Demand web lessons. To complete any of these lessons on your computer and receive credit and a certificate, you will need to register.
Research Collections:
State Issues and Innovations in Creating Integrated Early Learning and Development Systems - A Follow-Up to Early Childhood 2010: Innovations for the Next Generation
This report from Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) examines efforts to build state-integrated early learning and development systems for children and is organized around six interrelated themes that emerged during the state team discussions at Early Childhood 2010: coordinated state leadership; effective use of data; systemic quality improvement; partnerships with families and communities; physical and behavioral health integration; and children with multiple risks. It provides background information, state examples, and contact information on each issue, as well as numerous live links to state websites to help readers find out more.
Early Childhood Obesity Prevention Policies
The Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed factors related to overweight and obesity from birth to age five, with a focus on nutrition, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. In this report, the IOM recommends actions that healthcare professionals, caregivers, and policymakers can take to prevent obesity in children five and younger. The IOM recommends that parents and child care providers keep children active throughout the day and provide them with diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. Caregivers also should limit young children’s screen time and ensure that children sleep an adequate amount each day. What happens to children during the first years of life is important to their current and future health and well-being. Read the report brief and recommendations.
Inspirations
Fall Resources for Starting Fresh!
Fall is an exciting and busy time of the year. There are many changes and new beginnings for both you and the children. New beginnings give fresh starts but can also bring new challenges. Planning for changes is important to help everyone get off to a good start. Getting to know new children, families, and staff; blending groups; setting routines; developing learning goals; planning curriculum - these are major tasks for the beginning of the program year. Fall is a good time to freshen up your teaching by reviewing, recycling, revising, and removing materials, equipment, activities, and approaches. As a practitioner, you are focused on setting the tone for the year, fostering relationships, and building community. Here are some autumn activities from Penn State Better Kid Care to help you get back in the groove and moving in a new direction!
Turn the Page
Tales of Temperament
Humpty … After the Fall by Charles Reasoner, published by Price Stern Sloan. ISBN: 0843113472
I will … Me too! by School Specialty Publishing, published by Brighter Child. ISBN: 0769655157
Try and Stick with It by Cheri J. Meiners M.Ed., published by Free Sprit Publishing. ISBN: 1575421593
Try, Try Again by P.K. Hallinan, published by Candy Cane Press. ISBN: 0824918673
When I Grow Up by Charise Harper, published by Chronicle Books. ISBN: 0811829057
You Will Be My Friend! By Peter Brown, published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 0316070300
Connecting with Families
Ideas and resources that you can use for involving families in your program, engaging families in early learning, encouraging family time, and supporting families in need. This month our topic is… coping with traumatic events.
Over the past few months there have been severe natural disasters throughout the country, economic upheaval, and replaying of the events of September 11 as part of the 10th anniversary remembrance. Here are several resources that you can use to help families cope with events, prepare for possible disasters, and help their children to understand disasters. In addition, you could invite staff from assistance agencies, such as the American Red Cross, to talk with families about disaster preparedness and coping with disasters and make a list of assistance programs within your own community.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) has resources for coping with natural disasters, traumatic events, and related stress for families and children. Here are a few of their resources:
Zero To Three – Little Listeners is a brochure on the effects of stressful events on infants and toddlers and ideas for helping children during difficult times.
More resources for families:
Better Kid Care Resources:
Great I.D.E.A.S. for Children from Military-Connected Families:
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, Great I.D.E.A.S for Children from Military-Connected Families features research-based information to support and increase the quality of caring for children from military-connected families. This month’s highlight is on …stress.
NEW: Discussion starters are now available for some of the vodcasts. Discussion starters can be used for self-reflection or group discussions to guide your viewing of the vodcast.
More for You:
Visit the CYTTAP website to find out even more information as well as access helpful resources.
School Age Child Care
Strategy Guide: Collecting and Using Information to Strengthen Citywide Out-of-School Time Systems – This guide, co-authored by the National League of Cities and Harvard Family Research Project, provides municipal leaders and their key partners with six strategies for collecting and using information to strengthen citywide out-of-school time (OST) systems and presents examples of how municipal leaders across the country have implemented each strategy.
Cities around the country are building systems that seek to make the most of public and private resources to provide widespread, high-quality, out-of-school time (OST) opportunities. Local officials are leading these efforts because participation in OST programs not only benefits young people, but also the cities in which they live, with the potential to support many city priorities—from reducing crime to creating a more skilled workforce.
Lights on Afterschool 2011
The 12th annual Lights On Afterschool campaign will be held on October 20, 2011. A million people in more than 7,500 communities throughout the country and at United States military bases worldwide are expected to help celebrate the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. The event will kick off on October 2 in Washington, D.C. at the CapCrit, the bike racing championship on the National Mall. Read more about the Lights On Afterschool 2011 celebration and how your program can participate.
As part of this year's celebration, JC Penney is sponsoring the Light Up A Landmark contest. If your program can get a landmark lit up for the celebration, you could win up to $5,000. contest details
More School Age Resources
Out-of-School Time Resource Center (OSTRC ) – OSTRC at the University of Pennsylvania provides research-based resources, information, and staff development for out-of-school programs to promote youth achievement.
Setting Rules – Setting rules is a part of starting a new program year in after school programs. Here are some ideas from teachers featured in Eudtupia.org for setting rules and routines and involving children in making a student bill of rights.
NAEYC School-Age Accreditation Pilot Program
For a limited time, NAEYC is piloting an optional program that allows currently accredited programs to pursue accreditation for the school-age component of their program. Eligible programs may submit the School-Age Accreditation Request Form and applicable fee between September 1, 2011 and December 1, 2011 to have the school-age component of their program assessed by NAEYC. School-Age Pilot Program information
Play With Your Produce Classroom Challenge
Produce for Kids.org wants classrooms to put their eating habits to the test. Afterschool programs will need to track their eating habits and incorporate fruits and vegetables into lesson plans for a week. Prizes: 1st - $1,000, 2nd - $750, 3rd - $500. Deadline: October 30.
School-Age Resources available from Better Kid Care
CDA Notions
Update for Professional Resource Files – Beginning Sept. 1, 2011, all Professional Resource Files must follow the format outlined in the Competency Standards books from 2006 or later. If the Competency Standards books that you have were published before 2006, you will need to purchase a new book. Check the copyright date of your book. Current books are available from the Council Bookstore.
CDA + Better Kid Care = Success!
As you start your CDA, read our Step-by-Step Help from Better Kid Care brochure that describes the 5 steps toward earning your CDA credential.
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. IPM works to promote healthy alternatives for pest management to lower children’s exposure to both pests and pesticides through a variety of educational programs. Resources for children, teachers, and parents are available on the IPM website. This month's focus is on…keeping those pesky critters outside!
Contributed by Amber Brunskill, PA IPM Program, abrunskill@psu.edu, 814-865-7994
Looking for a warm place to stay…
Fall is here and winter isn’t far behind. Pests such as mice, rats, and some insects will be looking for a warm, safe place to spend the cold months. Before the snow falls and chilly winds blow, use integrated pest management methods to keep those critters from coming inside your facility. Remember, the first line of defense against pests is to remove access to food, water, and shelter. To help you get started, here is a checklist of several things to look for and where to look.
Indoor Areas:
Outside Areas:
Attached is the Integrated Pest Management Checklist*, a more thorough checklist that lists items to consider for specific indoor and outdoor areas that may be present at your facility. The checklist also includes information about what pest damage may look like, and it explains the items on the checklist and why they are included. While you personally may not be able to address all of the things on this checklist, share it with your director, pest control professional, landlord, and building maintenance workers. Report problems you see to the proper person. Working together, you can keep your child care facility pest-free and safe for the children in your care.
For more information about IPM and steps you can take to prevent pests, visit the website of the Pennsylvania Integrated Pest Management Program (www.paipm.org). You can now follow us on Facebook and Twitter and subscribe to our blog through our website.
*The University of California (UC), San Francisco School of Nursing’s California Childcare Health Program, UC Berkley’s Center for Environmental Research and Children’s Health, UC Statewide IPM Program, and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation developed this checklist. (http://www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/).
Professional Development Highlights
The following information highlights upcoming professional development opportunities available for early childhood practitioners:
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. Go to PAKEYS.ORG and Log in, Click on Calendar, Search the Calendar, and Contact the Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality office with any questions at 800-284-6031.
Oct. 17-18 – School’s Out Washington - 9th Annual Bridge from School to Afterschool and Back Conference: Connect. Act. Transform., Seattle, WA. Bridge Conference 2011 conference information
Oct. 20-21 – PA-AIMH: Pennsylvania Infant Mental Health Conference, Harrisburg, PA. PA-AIMH Conference information
Oct. 21 – CPR Training & Certification, True United Church, Philadelphia, PA, contact 215-844-1132/1208, ext. 4, or email sdavidheart@aol.com. Registration is due by Oct. 3.
Nov. 2-5 – 2011 NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo, Orlando, FL. (Registration open July 1, 2011) NAEYC Annual Conference & Expo conference information
Nov. 4-6 – Project Zero – Educating for Today and Tomorrow: Arte, Ethics & Learning in the 21st Century, Atlanta, GA. Project Zero conference information
Nov. 6-8 – Parents as Teachers 2011 Conference – Early Childhood’s Role in the Education Continuum, St. Louis, MO. Parents as Teachers 2011 Conference registration information
Nov. 11-12, 2011 – 14th Annual Penn SACCA Conference, Harrisburg, PA.
Nov. 17-19 – DEC2011: The 2th Annual International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs & Their Families, National Harbor, MD. DEC2011 conference information
Nov. 18-20 – Preparing 21st Century Minds: Using Brain Research to Enhance Cognitive Skills for the Future, Boston, MA. Preparing 21st Century Minds conference information
Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 –2011 Early Childhood Education Summit: Keeping Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Programs Strong!, State College, PA. conference information. Registration open September 15.
Dec. 9-11 – 26th Annual National Training Institute: Zero to Three Conference, Washington, DC. Zero to Three Conference information
Dec. 9-13 – Save the Date! 28th Annual Head Start Parent Conference, New Orleans, LA. (Registration open July 1, 2011) Head Start Parent Conference conference information
Feb. 16-18 (2012) – Teaching the Whole Child and Brain: Using Brain Research to Develop Smart, Social, Happy and Healthy Students, San Francisco, CA. Teaching the Whole Child and Brain conference information
March 6-10 (2012) – NACCRRA – The National Child Care Policy Symposium, Washington, DC. NACCRRA Symposium information
March 14-16 – Early Education and Technology for Children Conference, Salt Lake City, UT. EETC Conference information
March 28 – 31 (2012) – ACEI 2012 – Annual International Conference: Global Summit on Childhood, Washington, DC. ACEI 2012 Annual Conference information
March 30 – April 2 (2012) – 9th Annual National Training Institute on Effective Practices/Supporting Young Children’s Social and Emotional Development: Addressing Challenging Behavior, Clearwater, FL. Addressing Challenging Behavior National Training Institute registration information (Registration is limited)
April 2-4 - 2012 NAA Annual Convention, Dallas, TX. 2012 NAA Convention information
April 18-19 (2012) – Save the Date! 2012 PA Council of Children, Youth and Family Services: Lighting The Way To A Brighter Future, Harrisburg, PA.
April 25-27 (2012) – Save the Date! 28th Annual NACCP National Conference: How Successful Directors Manage, San Antonio, TX. 2012 NACCP Conference information
April 26-29 (2012) – International Symposia for Contemplative Studies, Denver, CO. Symposia information
June 10-13 (2012) – Save the Date! NAEYC National Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development, Indianapolis, IN. Institute information
June 18-20 (2012) – Save the Date! Head Start 11th National Research Conference: Effective Practices in an Age of Diversity and Change, Washington, DC. Registration to open in February 2012.
Great Resources
By topic: Natural Disasters, Health & Well Being, Going Outside, Grants, Funding, & Opportunity
Over the past month we have seen several natural disasters strike Pennsylvania. Here are resources and information for helping providers and programs during traumatic times.
Penn State Better Kid Care Resources:
Assistance for Child Care Providers:
PA Promise - FEMA information
October 3 is National Child Health Day. Here are some resources for providers, programs, and families to help children lead healthy lives everyday.
Early Care and Education
PA Nutrition Education Network - Keystone Kids Go!, (KKGo) is an initiative in Pennsylvania focused on improving the nutrition and physical activity of young children and their families. KKGo is comprised of five components:
There are also training and additional resources plus news of the latest Keystone Kids trainings, projects, and activities.
Head Start Body Start (HSBS)- Information and resources for early childhood professionals, caregivers, families, and communities to engage young children (ages 0-5) and their families in active play and meaningful movement by creating dynamic play/learning environments, promote physical activity throughout children's days, and help foster development across all domains.
Let’s Move! Child Care - An initiative from the Nemours Foundation and NACCRRA that helps child care programs implement key nutrition and physical activity goals to create a healthier future for children.
Families
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HRSA) has compiled a variety of resources for families for National Child Health Day.
Color Me Safe – A new resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The coloring book for ages 4-7 helps children learn how to stay safe by following the fun, playful story of the “Safe Family” who take steps to protect themselves at home, on the road, and at play.
Take it Outside Week - Head Start Body Start is hosting the 2nd annual Take it Outside Week, Oct. 16-22, 2011. Take it Outside! is a week-long celebration to encourage children to get young children to go outside and connect with the natural world. Take it Outside Week information
Green Time for Sleep Time – A guide for families from the National Wildlife Federation shares ways that outdoor time can improve a child’s sleep. Read the Green Time for Sleep Time report and the handout Ten Tips For Better Sleep
Grants, Funding, & Opportunity
Creativity
LEGO Children's Fund – Grants for programs with specific, identifiable needs primarily for early childhood education and development that is directly related to creativity and for technology and communication projects that advance learning opportunities. Grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Deadline: October 15
Early Childhood Reading
We Give Books - A new digital initiative that provides access to award-winning children’s picture books for reading to young children online. The program was created by the Penguin Group and Pearson Foundation.
Reading Resource Project Free books for preK-2 literacy programs. Programs pay for shipping. Deadline: Rolling
Verizon Foundation – Grants for education and literacy programs. Grant applications available here: Deadline: Rolling
Feature article references:
Allard, Lindsey T. and Amy Hunter. “Understanding Temperament in Infants and Toddlers.” What Works Brief Series, no. 23 (Oct. 2010): 1-6.
Galinsky, Ellen. Mind In The Making. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2010.
Goldsmith, H. Hill, Arnold H. Buss, Robert Plomin, Mary Klevjord Rothbart, Alexander Thomas, Stella Chess, Robert A. Hinde, Robert B. McCall. “Roundtable: What Is temperament? Four Approaches.” Child Development, 58, no. 2 (Apr. 1987): 505-529.
Lally, J. Ronald, ed. The Program for Infant Toddler Caregivers – A Guide to Social-Emotional Growth and Socialization. Sacramento, CA: The California Department of Education, 1990.
Thomas, Alexander, Stella Chess, and Herbert G. Birch . Temperament and Behavior Disorders in Children. New York, NY: New York University Press, 1968.
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Reflections…
Let's hear from you! Email your ideas to Roxie or call(814) 867-4687.
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