Quality care for young children

Pa Promise for Children Month

2010-10-12T11:19:00.001-04:00

• Get Ready! October is Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Month
• Did you know that what children learn before kindergarten affects their success in school and in life? The first five years are absolutely essential to brain development and shaping literacy, their mathematical skills, and their social skills – we cannot recreate this opportunity later in life. When it comes to early learning, there are no “do-overs.”
• This October, help us celebrate Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children Month and raise awareness about why quality early education is so impo
rtant for children’s success and motivate Pennsylvanians to promote quality early learning for children in their lives.
Join members of your community to celebrate Pennsylvania's young children and the quality early learning programs and teachers that help them reach their promise every day. Take time during Pennsylvania's Promise for Children Month to show your support for quality early learning and supporting our young children.
• Stay tuned for the Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children month TV and radio public service announcements – our 30 and 60 second PSAs will be posted on the PA Promise YouTube channel to link to your websites and share with your Facebook friends
• Send a PA Promise Month e-card to your favorite teachers, colleagues, parents, friends and family.
• Sign the PA’s Promise for Children declaration
• Volunteer with uour local Community Engagement Group to help organize local events throughout the month.
To find out more, visit the Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children website at www.papromiseforchildren.com.
Pennsylvania’s Promise for Children is a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of providing Pennsylvania’s young children with access to quality early learning opportunities. Sponsored by the PA Build Initiative, Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality, The Grable Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and William Penn Foundation, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL).

Pa Pre K Counts, Keystone STARS , Early Intervention

2010-06-17T14:17:00.001-04:00

Programs such as PA Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS, Early Intervention, Nurse-Family Partnership, Parent-Child Home Program, Keystone Babies and Head Start Supplemental are preparing children for kindergarten so they can enter school ready to learn and to succeed.
2009-2010 child outcomes for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS 3&4, and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program show children are progressing throughout the program year and are coming to school ready to learn:
• Each program is showing a significant increase in the percentage of preschoolers with proficiency in language, numeracy, and social skills from the beginning to end of the program year.
• Each program is meeting the needs of its populations with a variety of services to prepare children for kindergarten, with 65% - 78% of children showing proficiency in language, numeracy and social skills by the end of the 2009-2010 program year:

• PA Pre-K Counts, providing high quality pre-k kindergarten to at-risk three and four year olds: Nearly every child (over 98 percent) showed age-appropriate or emerging age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and social skills after attending PA Pre-K Counts in 2009-2010.*
o More than 70 percent of children who attended Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts finished the school year with age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy and social skills.*
• Keystone STARS 3&4, providing high quality early education in child care centers, group and family child care homes for children from birth through school-age: More than 97% of preschoolers in STAR 3 & 4 program showed age-appropriate or emerging age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and social skills at the end of the 2009-2010 program year#.
o More than 65 percent finished the program year with age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy and social skills.#
• Head Start Supplemental, providing comprehensive early education and family support services to high-risk three and four year olds: Nearly every child (98 percent) showed age-appropriate or emerging age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and social skills after attending Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program in 2009-2010.
o More than 65 percent of preschoolers who attended Head Start Supplemental finished the school year with age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy and social skills.
These results show that Pennsylvania’s early education programs are working. The investments Pennsylvania makes today in early education will produce excellent returns in student achievement, workforce development, and reduction in public costs for special education, public assistance, and corrections.

Tuesday alert 6/15/10

2010-06-17T11:05:00.000-04:00

Building block #7: Pennsylvania's early education programs promoting school readiness and school achievement

Please share with your networks. Thanks.

Budget update:

TODAY the House is scheduled to vote on a revised version of HB 325, which would authorize additional revenue streams for the commonwealth that could equal up to $300 million additional revenue for next year's budget. HB 325, as amended would:

• Reduce the sales tax vendor discount to a maximum of $300.
• Impose a tax on smokeless tobacco and cigars
• Impose a severance tax on natural gas produced in Pennsylvania.

With a $1.3 deficit for next year, without additional sources of revenue, there will be deep programs cuts, and early education could be part of those cuts. If you support these additional revenues, please contact your House member today.

Negotiations continue between the Governor and legislative leaders. Senator Corman, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that they are positioning for a speedy approval once budget negotiators reach an agreement. Now is the time to blitz your legislators and the Governor before an agreement is reached.

Today's building block: Pennsylvania's early education programs promoting school readiness, school achievement
• Programs such as PA Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS, Early Intervention, Nurse-Family Partnership, Parent-Child Home Program, Keystone Babies and Head Start Supplemental are preparing children for kindergarten so they can enter school ready to learn and to succeed.
• 2009-2010 child outcomes for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS 3&4, and Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program show children are progressing throughout the program year and are coming to school ready to learn:
o Each program is showing a significant increase in the percentage of preschoolers with proficiency in language, numeracy, and social skills from the beginning to end of the program year.
o Each program is meeting the needs of its populations with a variety of services to prepare children for kindergarten, with 65% - 78% of children showing proficiency in language, numeracy and social skills by the end of the 2009-2010 program year:

o PA Pre-K Counts, providing high quality pre-k kindergarten to at-risk three and four year olds: Nearly every child (over 98 percent) showed age-appropriate or emerging age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and social skills after attending PA Pre-K Counts in 2009-2010.*
 More than 70 percent of children who attended Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts finished the school year with age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy and social skills.*
o Keystone STARS 3&4, providing high quality early education in child care centers, group and family child care homes for children from birth through school-age: More than 97% of preschoolers in STAR 3 & 4 program showed age-appropriate or emerging age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and social skills at the end of the 2009-2010 program year#.
 More than 65 percent finished the program year with age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy and social skills.#
o Head Start Supplemental, providing comprehensive early education and family support services to high-risk three and four year olds: Nearly every child (98 percent) showed age-appropriate or emerging age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy, and social skills after attending Head Start Supplemental Assistance Program in 2009-2010.
 More than 65 percent of preschoolers who attended Head Start Supplemental finished the school year with age-appropriate proficiency in literacy, numeracy and social skills.
• These results show that Pennsylvania's early education programs are working. The investments Pennsylvania makes today in early education will produce excellent returns in student achievement, workforce development, and reduction in public costs for special education, public assistance, and corrections.

You can share:
• Examples of child outcomes in your individual programs - children who were delayed when entering the program who are now at age-appropriate development.
• Performance of children who participated in your program who are now in kindergarten, first grade or higher.

Ask parents to share:
• How has your child progressed in an early education program this year? What skills did he/she learn with words/letters, numbers, and getting along with others?

Please take a few minutes to share these fast facts with the Governor, your legislators, and a friend!
• Find contact information for your legislators at http://paprom.convio.net/find
• Email the Governor and your legislators at http://paprom.convio.net/6-15-10

* Based on PA PKC grantee reports for 9,439 children in Work Sampling Online reporting tool
# Based on STARS program reports for 9,804 children in Work Sampling Online reporting tool

Tuesday alert 5/11/10

2010-05-11T10:45:00.001-04:00

Budget update: No new developments. Both House and Senate are in recess until May 24.

Today's building block: Early childhood education essential to keeping our economy going today
• Parents who have access to reliable and affordable child care are 15% more likely to be employed1
• Because parents can remain in the workforce when their children are young and continue to gain job skills, they can experience a long-term earnings increase up to 30% over their lifetimes.2
• For every dollar Pennsylvania invests in early childhood education, more than two dollars is circulated in the regional economy through employment and purchasing goods and services. In 2008-2009, Pennsylvania's investment facilitated more than $1.9 billion to be circulated in the regional economy.3

You can share:
• The "economic multiplier" from your county - you can find that statistic on our fact sheet at http://paprom.convio.net/multiplier. How much your program contributes to the local economy monthly or annual with salaries and purchases of goods and services.
• Examples of families that have been able to continue to work because of early education

Ask parents to share:
• How access to early education programs (list by name) have helped them continue to work or get additional schooling/training to get a better job.

Please take a few minutes to share these fast facts with the Governor, your legislators, and a friend!
• Find contact information for your legislators at http://paprom.convio.net/find
• Email the Governor and your legislators at http://paprom.convio.net/5-11-10

Sources:
1 U.S. Government Accountability Office (1994)
2 Timothy J. Bartik, Ph.D., Senior Economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, at the Early Learning Investment Commission Economic Summit, April 19, 2010
3 Zhilin Liu, Rosaria Ribeiro & Mildred Warner. "Comparing Child Care Multipliers in the Regional Economy: Analysis from 50 States," 2004 http://government.cce.cornell.edu/doc/reports/childcare/reports.asp

Updated Risk and Reach Report

2010-05-07T09:20:00.001-04:00

PA Department of Public Welfare: New report: Early childhood education opportunities still lag in many Pennsylvania counties.
Text of May 3 press release.
HARRISBURG -- Children in three-quarters of Pennsylvania's counties face a moderate to high risk of failing in school, in part because they lack access to high-quality education resources in their earliest years, according to a new state report.
The 2008-2009 Reach and Risk Assessment Report, released today by Pennsylvania's Office of Child Development and Early Learning, finds that while the commonwealth continues to make progress serving young children, gaps remain in serving those children who could benefit the most from a quality early education experience.
"We are seeing amazing results from our early education initiatives, and we know these programs are preparing our children for success in school," said Secretary of Education Gerald L. Zahorchak. "This report highlights the advancements we've made in reaching more children, but also makes clear that there are thousands of at-risk children that could benefit."
Secretary of Public Welfare Harriet Dichter said the report is a valuable tool to identify regions and cities most likely to benefit from expanded programs designed to offset risk factors for young children.
"In this economy, we need to work harder than ever to be strategic and resourceful in our public investments," Dichter said. "This report gives us a targeted snapshot of both the places our early education programs are reaching as well as the regions where more efforts and investments need to be made."
The Reach and Risk report compiles information by county on the number of children affected by seven risk factors for school failure, as well as the number of children served by early childhood programs. The findings are intended to help better target funding for early childhood programs such as Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS, Early Intervention and Head Start.
Among the findings of the Reach and Risk report:
• Children in 51 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties and 24 of the state's 27 largest cities are at moderate-to-high risk or high risk of school failure.
• More than one-third of children under age 5 are living in low-income families, which the report identifies as one of the seven major risk factors for school failure.
• In every Pennsylvania county, at least 15 percent of children under age 5 live in low-income households.
• In 20 of the 27 largest cities, more than half of children under 5 live in low-income households.
The report finds only about one-third of Pennsylvania children under age 5 currently participate in state or federally funded early education programs. The majority of these children are served through the Keystone STARS program, which ensures technical assistance and high voluntary standards for child care providers in the community. However, only three percent of children under age 5 in Pennsylvania were served in high quality STAR 3 and 4 programs.
Evidence-based research shows children who have access to quality early childhood education show measurable gains in early learning skills – gains that can translate into long-term savings in special education and remediation costs.
These children also are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college or quality job training programs and become valuable members of the workforce. Evidence also suggests that quality early education programs for children and families translate into a more competitive workforce and greater tax base, while reducing expenses related to public assistance and crime control.
The full Reach and Risk report is available at www.pakeys.org. More information on Pennsylvania's Office of Child Development and Early Learning can be found at www.education.state.pa.us or www.dpw.state.pa.us.
Editor's Note: Risk level scores for each county are listed below. Risk level was determined based on seven family and educational risk indicators. A rating of one (low risk) to four (high risk) was given for each risk factor, based on the percentage of children affected.
Low risk
Bucks 1.0
Montgomery 1.0
Moderate-low risk
Butler 1.14
Centre 1.14
Chester 1.14
Pike 1.14
Westmoreland 1.14
Cumberland 1.29
Elk 1.29
Union 1.57
Washington 1.71
Monroe 1.86
Snyder 1.86
Wayne 1.86
Moderate-high risk
Beaver 2
Cameron 2
Carbon 2.14
Columbia 2.14
Delaware 2.14
Fulton 2.14
Montour 2.14
Northampton 2.14
Sullivan 2.14
Susquehanna 2.14
York 2.14
Armstrong 2.29
Bedford 2.29
Forest 2.29
Juniata 2.29
Perry 2.29
Warren 2.29
Wyoming 2.29
Franklin 2.43
Lackawanna 2.43
Adams 2.57
Allegheny 2.57
Clarion 2.57
Lancaster 2.57
Potter 2.57
Schuylkill 2.57
Huntingdon 2.71
Indiana 2.71
Lebanon 2.71
Tioga 2.71
Somerset 2.86
Blair 3.0
Bradford 3.0
Cambria 3.0
Jefferson 3.0
Lehigh 3.0
Luzerne 3.0
Lycoming 3.0
Northumberland 3.0
High risk
Lawrence 3.14
Mifflin 3.14
Berks 3.29
Clearfield 3.43
Dauphin 3.43
Erie 3.43
Mercer 3.43
Venango 3.57
Clinton 3.71
Crawford 3.71
McKean 3.71
Greene 3.86
Fayette 4.0
Philadelphia 4.0
Media contacts: Beth Myers (DPW), 717-787-4592; Leah Harris (PDE), 717-783-9802
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Risk and Reach Report for Clinton County

2010-04-20T12:15:00.000-04:00

Early Education in Clinton County

Clinton is a rural county located in central Pennsylvania. According to the US Census Bureau, the 2006 population was 37,232, an estimated -1.8% decrease from 2000. Approximately 80.4% of the adult population graduated high school, and nearly 13.4% have a bachelor's degree or higher education. The main industry in the county is Manufacturing. The median household income in 2004 was $34,162.

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In Clinton County:
There are 2,055 children from birth to age five living in the county.

Risk Factors affecting children's success in school. Risk factors like those listed below can hurt a child's chances of doing well in school.

52.0% of children under age five live in low-income families
21.3% of births to mothers with less than a high school education
35.5% of third graders scored below proficient on the 2008 PSSA reading test
Quality early education. Quality early education like the programs listed below helps children overcome risk factors and succeed in school!

Of children from birth to age five:

3.4% participate in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts
13.4% participate in Keystone STARS
9.8% participate in Child Care Works
9.2% participate in Early Intervention
0.0% participate in Nurse-Family Partnership
1.0% participate in Head Start Supplemental Assistance
2.3% participate in federal Head Start
Learn more about this county by viewing the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning 2007-2008 Reach and Risk Report.

Childcare Budget Update as of April 15, 2010

2010-04-20T12:13:00.001-04:00

April 15, 2010
DPW Improves the Lives of Pennsylvania’s Children:
The DPW budget invests in proven programs for children with accountable results.
Reducing Child Abuse
By supporting families with programs that prevent abuse, Pennsylvania has achieved a 10% reduction in substantiated child abuse cases since 2003.
Providing At-Risk Children with Safe, Permanent Homes
Our focus on creating safe, permanent homes for all Pennsylvania’s children has resulted in an almost 60% decrease in the number of children entering foster care since 2003.
Improving Children’s Early Learning, School and Life Success
Our continuum of early learning programs, including Keystone STARS, Nurse Family Partnership, Child Care Works, and PA Pre-K Counts, is producing gains. In 2002-2003, fewer than one in five Pennsylvania children had access to a quality early education; now, one in three children access quality early education.
Assuring Children Receive Financial Support from Non-Custodial Parents
Our child support program leads the country in assuring that children receive financial support from their non-custodial parent. In 2009, Pennsylvania was the nation’s best in the collection of support orders at 81.3%, which is higher than the national average of 61.9%.
Improving Children’s Health
The Pennsylvania Medical Assistance program covers over 1.1 million children, with a focus on preventative health care. 94% of children in the first 15 months of life see a doctor as often as recommended. Children three to six years of age are 3 to 4% above the national average in terms of seeing their primary care provider when they should.
The mission of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) is to protect and serve Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens, to promote, improve and sustain the quality of family life, and to break the cycle of dependency, while managing our resources effectively and promoting respect for employees.
The focus for the DPW FY10-11 Budget is sustainability—preserving services for those who need them, quality and results—ensuring services improve the lives of those who receive them, and accountability— ensuring efficient use of tax dollars.
For more information about the DPW budget visit www.dpw.state.pa.us. For information on how to support funding for this critical program visit the non-partisan Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center at www.pennbpc.org

Governor to Vote On Budget

2010-03-18T12:41:00.001-04:00

House to vote on Governor’s budget proposal as early as Monday
• Contact your state representative today - ask for continued investment in early education
Last week, the House Appropriations committee brought the House floor HB 2279, which is the Governor’s budget proposal, which would provide funding to serve additional families in Early Intervention, sustain progress in Child Care Works, Keystone STARS, Nurse-Family Partnership and Parent-Child Home Program, but REDUCE services to children in PA Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental (see details below). The House may vote on this bill as early as Monday (March 22).
Please contact your state representative and ask them to support continued investment in early education programs.
If you would like our legislators to provide funding to continue services for all of PA's early education programs, ask your representative to vote no to HB 2279, as this bill would cut services for PA Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental.
Begin the conversation with your representative now to show that early education is a priority for you and should be a priority for them!
Tips on making your voice heard: Legislators get hundreds of emails, letters and phone calls a day. Make your message stand out:
• Write your message in your own words. Talk about your personal experiences and views.
• Share specific examples in your community of children and families who benefit from early education.
• Invite them to learn more. You may invite them to a program, or to meet your family. This helps them make a personal connection.
• Thank them for anything they’ve done that you appreciate. Legislators like to hear thank you, it helps motivate them to continue to do the right thing.
If you'd rather send a letter over your own email, click here to find contact information for your legislators and download a sample letter to customize
We will keep you posted on developments. If you received this email from a friend, sign up for PA Promise alerts to receive real-time updates.
Thanks.
Details on HB 2279 – proposes early education funding to:
Serve additional families in:
• Early Intervention – Expanding to reach 81,696 children (34,384 infants and toddlers and 47,312 preschoolers) by adding 1,172 infants and toddlers and 1,229 preschoolers.
Sustain progress in:
• Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program – Sustaining to reach approximately 134,400 children (monthly average).
• Keystone STARS – Sustaining higher quality early learning opportunities for over 177,000 children and making it possible for programs to achieve higher STAR levels.
• Nurse-Family Partnership –Sustaining to reach more than 4,200 children and families.
• Parent-Child Home Program – Sustaining to reach approximately 1,500 children and families.
Reduce services to children in:
• Head Start Supplemental – Services to 117 children will be removed, which would lower the children served from 5,743 to approximately 5,626 children.
• Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts – Services to 68 children will be removed, which would lower the children from 11,800 to approximately 11,732 children.

2010-2011 child care budget

2010-02-22T13:48:00.001-05:00

Investing in a brighter future for Pennsylvania
through quality early education

Whether you define success for Pennsylvania as a strong economy, effective schools, reduced crime, or thriving communities, early education is key. Research shows that early education:
• Provides more regional economic stimulus than any other sector ;
• Is important to community growth, sustainability and diversity as working families need access to quality, reliable education ;
• Promotes healthy brain development in the critical first five years;
• Helps children, especially those at risk for school failure, build early language, math and social skills to enter school ready to learn; and
• Provides long-term benefits that a child carries throughout his/her life, making them more likely to graduate high school, attend college, have higher earnings and own a home.

Pennsylvania’s early education continuum is:

Providing quality early learning opportunities for children throughout Pennsylvania that work well together
Pennsylvania’s early education programs are based on quality standards that align with each other, through kindergarten and beyond.
• All programs use the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards to guide curriculum, child observation and assessment.
• Teachers and directors can follow the Early Childhood Career Lattice and get help to earn professional credentials and college degrees to increase their skills and remain in the field for a lifetime.

Establishing strong accountability across the system
Pennsylvania has a comprehensive accountability system to ensure that quality expectations are met and public funds are used appropriately.
• Regular reporting on teacher qualifications, classroom demographics, and financial expenditures required; onsite review of policies and practices for most programs.
• Independent assessors use the nationally-recognized Environment Rating Scales to assess classroom quality and teacher interaction.
• Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Network collects information of children’s participation in early childhood programs and their developmental progress to help teachers better guide children’s growth and help the state evaluate program effectiveness.

Supporting leadership in local communities
As parents demand more quality early learning opportunities, local communities need to share information on why quality early education is important and what opportunities are available.
• Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Council and advisory committees provide feedback and guidance on Pennsylvania’s policies and share information through their leadership networks.
• Early Childhood Community Engagement Groups bring together early education programs, schools, and other organizations serving children to educate their communities on early learning opportunities
In 2010-2011, Pennsylvania will:
1. Strive for higher quality and increased access by implementing Keystone Babies, a quality initiative for at-risk infants and toddlers; and develop a Director’s Toolkit for Continuous Quality Improvement.
2. Refine accountability and document positive outcomes for children by incorporating additional programs into the Early Learning Network.
3. Support local leadership by implementing the National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) Early Childhood Leadership Program.

The Governor’s proposed budget for early education for 2010-2011 will:

Serve additional families in:
• Early Intervention – Expanding to reach 81,696 children (34,384 infants and toddlers and 47,312 preschoolers) by adding 1,172 infants and toddlers and 1,229 preschoolers.

Sustain progress in:
• Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program – Sustaining to reach approximately 134,400 children (monthly average).
• Keystone STARS – Sustaining higher quality early learning opportunities for over 177,000 children and making it possible for programs to achieve higher STAR levels.
• Nurse-Family Partnership –Sustaining to reach more than 4,200 children and families.
• Parent-Child Home Program – Sustaining to reach approximately 1,500 children and families.

Reduce services to children in:
• Head Start Supplemental – Services to 117 children will be removed, which would lower the children served from 5,743 to approximately 5,626 children.
• Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts – Services to 68 children will be removed, which would lower the children from 11,800 to approximately 11,732 children.

Pa Budget update from BUILD Listserve

2010-02-19T12:46:00.001-05:00

UPDATED Child Counts for PA Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental in Governor’s Proposed Budget
On February 9, OCDEL distributed information on estimated children that would be served in OCDEL programs in the Governor’s budget proposal for 2010-2011. At that time, OCDEL indicated that the numbers of children served for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental may be subject to change due to the proposed reduction in funding carried forward from mid-year cuts in this fiscal year (2009-2010). After a more detailed review, OCDEL has determined that fewer children would be served in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental in the Governor’s proposed budget:
Early Intervention (Infant, Toddler, and Preschool) will increase children to be served: An additional 1,100 infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities will be added to bring the total number of children served to 34,384. An additional 1,200 preschoolers will be added to bring the total number of children served to 47,312.
PA Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental will decrease children to be served:
• Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts – Services to 68 children will be removed, which would lower the children from 11,800 to approximately 11,732.
• Head Start Supplemental – Services to 117 children will be removed, which would lower the children served from 5,743 to approximately 5,626.
Other programs will be sustained, preserving services, as follows:
• Child Care Works Subsidized Child Care Program – Sustained to reach approximately 134,400 children (monthly average).
• Keystone STARS - Sustaining higher quality early learning opportunities for over 177,000 children and making it possible for programs to achieve higher STAR levels.
• Nurse-Family Partnership - Sustained to reach more than 4,200 children and families.
• Parent-Child Home Program - Sustained to reach approximately 1,500 children and families.
OCDEL’s budget one-pager and powerpoint have been updated to reflect these reduced services and are available online at http://www.pakeys.org/pages/get.aspx?page=EarlyLearning_OCDEL.

Budget in PA

2010-02-16T15:49:00.000-05:00

From: Ben Tulchin and Julie Lein, Tulchin Research
Re: Pennsylvania Statewide Survey Finds Strong Support for
Quality Early Childhood Education Summary
Even with severe budgetary constraints facing their state, Pennsylvania voters strongly believequality early childhood education should be a top priority for state lawmakers. An overwhelmingmajority of voters – across all regions of the state – support continued government investment inquality early childhood education. Voters also strongly oppose rolling back the progress thelegislature has made on the issue. A majority of voters say they are even more likely to supportinvestment when informed of the long-term economic benefits of quality early childhoodeducation: budgetary savings through reductions in criminal activity, remedial education, andhigh-school drop-out rates.
Strong Support for Quality Early Childhood Education Across Pennsylvania
A recent survey found overwhelming support for quality early childhood education throughout
the state. Specifically, over four in five voters (81%) support providing early childhood
education to all children in Pennsylvania. In contrast, only one out of six voters (16%) oppose itand even fewer (3%) do not have an opinion.
Statewide Support for Quality Early Childhood Education

Do you support or oppose providing quality early childhood education to all children
in Pennsylvania?
Support
Oppose
Don’t know

Pennsylvania Statewide Survey Finds Strong Support for Quality Early Childhood Education
From Erie to Philadelphia, support of quality early childhood education programs is consistent across the state.

In the T, the rural swath of the state outside of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, voters indicate strong support for quality early childhood education, with 88 percent in the Scranton- Wilkes Barre media market, 81 percent in Johnstown-Altoona, and 69 percent in Harrisburg-Lancaster-York favoring the programs;

In Western Philadelphia, three in four voters (75%) in the Pittsburgh media market favor early childhood education;

In Southeastern Pennsylvania, over four in five voters (81%) favor early childhood education, including an overwhelming 96 percent in Philadelphia, 80 percent in the suburbs, and 87 percent in the Berks-Lehigh area.

Support for the programs also crosses ideological lines. Approximately seven in ten conservatives (70%) favor quality early childhood programs, while nine in ten self-described liberals (92%) and moderates (88%) also express support.
Voters Want Government to Help Provide this Service
Not only do voters strongly favor quality early childhood education, but they want the government to help fund this service. Specifically, by nearly a three-to-one margin, Pennsylvania voters believe that government should fund quality early childhood education to children in the state (71% in favor – 26% opposed).
Support for Investment in Quality Early Childhood Education Should the government help fund quality early childhood education to children in the state?
Yes
No
Don’t know 71% 26% 4%
Pennsylvania Statewide Survey Finds Strong Support for Quality Early Childhood Education
Voters express a commitment to continue the investment Pennsylvania has already made, with three in four voters (75%) favoring reliable and affordable education for children in quality early childhood education programs.
Voters also firmly oppose cutting funding for quality early childhood education programs for children 0 to 5 years of age in order to balance the state’s budget. Even in the context of addressing Pennsylvania’s budget deficit, three in five voters (62%) oppose slashing funds for early childhood education, with only one in three voters (33%) in support. The two-to-one margin is indicative of voter priorities toward maintaining funds for these programs.
The Positive Outcomes of Quality Early Childhood Education Increase Support
for the Cause
When informed of quality early childhood education’s long term economic benefits and future cost savings, an overwhelming majority of voters say they are more likely to support the cause. Voters reported they were more likely to favor quality early childhood education after learning that the programs have been shown to:

Reduce high school drop-out rates (69% more likely);

Save money through reduction in criminal activity and remedial education (68% more likely);

Reduce incarceration rates by 50 percent (67% more likely); and

Reap higher rates of return than other social investments (67% more likely).
Reasons for Supporting Quality Early Childhood Education Programs Reporting More Willingness to Support
High quality early childhood education programs can reduce high school drop-out rates.
69% According to the Federal Reserve Bank, for every dollar Pennsylvania spends on quality early childhood education, society reaps a return of up to 17 dollars through reduction in criminal activity, remedial education, and public assistance costs. 68%
High quality early childhood education reduces incarceration rates by 50 percent.
67% According to leading economists, investments in high quality early education programs have the highest rate of return of any social investment. 67%
Methodology
Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC), Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) and the Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) hired Tulchin Research to conduct a poll measuring aspects of voter support for quality early childhood education across the state of Pennsylvania. From December 15 – December 20, Tulchin Research conducted a telephone survey of 650 likely voters in Pennsylvania, with 600 voters statewide and an oversample of 50 voters in the Southeastern PA. The margin of error is +/- 3.9 percentage points for the statewide sample.
Statistically valid results of this poll are available for most Pennsylvania media markets.

New Research with Low income families

2010-01-21T11:20:00.001-05:00

Falling through the Cracks:
Children in families earning 235%- 300% of federal poverty level at risk of school failure yet families cannot afford quality early learning opportunities for them

Research has shown that quality early education can prepare at-risk children for school so they can close the achievement gap before it begins. Pennsylvania’s early education system has identified one risk factor as children living in families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level.

One segment of this population– children in families earning between 235% - 300% of the federal poverty level – is at risk for falling through the cracks. Although research shows these children are at risk for school failure, they are not eligible to participate in programs like Head Start or Child Care Works subsidy. They are eligible for Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, but only four percent of preschoolers currently have access to this program. These families cannot afford to enroll their children in quality early education.

This background document provides specific information about the risk status of these children as well as the family economic conditions.

I. Children Living in Families between 235% and 300% of FPL Are at Risk for School Failure

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) analyzed economic and child performance data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS-K) and found a marked performance gap between kindergarten children whose family federal poverty level falls between 235%-300%, and children above the 300% income level.
• Children in this income group are underperforming, compared to their peers from lower income families, in the area of math.
• They are also significantly underperforming compared to their peers with family incomes above 300% of the federal poverty line.
This indicates that this group of children is as much at risk as the children who qualify for programs targeting children below the poverty line.

NIEER found that kindergarten children in the 235-300% poverty band perform significantly lower than children whose family income is above 300% in both math and reading. The size of the gap can be illustrated by expected differences in percentile rankings. For example, the expected change in performance when crossing this income threshold would be like moving a child from the 25th percentile to the 50th percentile in math and from the 25th percentile to the 32nd percentile in reading.

Children in this income band are also at risk for retention in grade during their K-12 school years. According to a NIEER policy brief, 12 percent of children in the middle 60 percent by income families repeat a grade. Although this is lower than the percentage of lower-income children who are retained in a grade (17 percent), the larger size of this population group overall means that the number of children who are retained is greater. “As a result, the success or failure of this group can have a significant impact on state and local education budgets.”

Participation in high quality preschool has been shown to reduce retention in grade; participation in low quality preschool, of the type that parents in this income band may have to use without assistance, has not been shown to reduce subsequent grade retention or need for special education and other services.

II. Families with Earnings Up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Line Do Not Have the Resources to Purchase High Quality Early Childhood Services for Their Children.

Families in This Group Do Not Have Equal Access, and Settle for Lower Quality That Does Not Help Their At-Risk Children

The ECLS-K data, analyzed by NIEER, shows that access to early childhood programs for families living below 300% of poverty is significantly lower than for families above 300% of poverty. In families below 235% of the poverty line, 70% were enrolled in center-based experiences in the year previous to kindergarten and among families in the 235-300% range, 72% were enrolled. There is no significantly statistical difference in access to early childhood programs between these groups. More than 82% of the children in families living above 300% accessed an early childhood program. This is statistically significant.

Children from 235-300% are likely to be attending lower quality programs than children from either less well off or middle-income families. These lower quality programs do not adequately address their children’s at-risk status. A Rand study of early childhood education in California found that children in families at 200-300% of FPL were less likely than children living below 200% of poverty, and less likely than those in families above 300%, to be in programs that had appropriate classroom quality scores (using the ECERS-R), or that had high CLASS scores reflecting teacher and program quality.

The families in the group from 200-300% of poverty do not have the resources to get these services their at-risk children need. Since their children are likely being served in the lowest quality programs, we can expect little positive impact on their outcomes, or reduction in need for expensive adjustments, such as Special Education and retention in grade, during their K-12 years.

Families up to 300% FPL Do Not Have Sufficient Income for Purchasing Quality Early Education
Families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level are not making enough income to pay for quality early education that can help their children succeed.
The Pathways family income study measured the number of families in economic distress using a Self-Sufficiency Standard for Pennsylvania. The Standard calculates the wages 70 different family configurations must earn to pay for basic necessities such as child care, nutritious food, adequate housing and health care in each of the state's 67 counties. Based on real market costs, the Standard provides a more accurate portrait of economic distress than federal poverty guidelines, which are based only on food costs.
Based on the Self-Sufficiency Standard, in 66 of 67 counties the 300 % level of federal poverty level is actually lower than the sufficient income required to meet basic family needs for a family of one adult and one preschooler. In the only county where Standard is higher than 300% FPL (Montgomery) the income is only $178 above that level, not even enough to pay for a month of preschool.
Calculated for other typical family or household arrangements, similar outcomes apply. For a family including an adult, an infant, and a toddler, the Standard for 66 of 67 counties fall within the 300% FPL level, except in Montgomery County, where the difference is only $2,035 above 300%.
For families including two adults, an infant, and a preschooler, all 67 counties fall within the 300%.
Reducing the need for individual families to pay for high quality early childhood education can make a big difference in their ability to be self-sufficient and also enhances the children’s outcomes. "The Self Sufficiency standard indicates that housing and child care are two of the largest budget items, and, therefore, are often the primary sources of much of the economic stress faced by families with inadequate incomes."
The Self Sufficiency Standard shows that families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level do not have adequate income to purchase their early childhood education services on their own, and therefore may make risky choices for their children: "One may assume that the great majority of households who lack sufficient income, but receive no public aid, are … resorting to private subsidy strategies such as . . . using informal/inexpensive child care.” This will fail to deliver the long-term benefits to children and to taxpayers, of high quality programs such as Keystone STARS 3 & 4, Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, and Head Start.
The more children under school age in a family, the greater the income insufficiency of the family, especially in single-earner households. "The proportion of households with inadequate income is 15 percent for households with no children, but increases to 21 percent for households with one child. Of two child households, 26 percent have inadequate income and 43 percent for households with 3 children."
Taxes and daily living expenses have a strong impact on net income
The enclosed budget provides a depiction of typical monthly expenses for a family with two young children taxed in a typical central Pennsylvania county (York) whose gross earnings are 300% FPL. Expenses were calculated very conservatively (see car payments, food expenses and very low preschool and child care if both parents are working). Excluding entertainment and miscellaneous expenses, as well as any long term investments or future savings for college, this family is unable to meet all their financial obligations and pay for preschool tuition.

Budget Update August 18, 2009

2009-08-19T18:19:00.000-04:00

Capitolwire: Senate to vote Wednesday on $2.1 billion in budget veto overrides.

By Peter L. DeCoursey
Bureau Chief
Capitolwire

HARRISBURG (Aug. 18) – Senate Republican leaders said today they will vote tomorrow to add more than $2.1 billion in state spending to the budget by overriding up to 16 of Gov. Ed Rendell’s line item vetoes in the current state “bridge” budget.

That plan emerged even as both sides said progress had been made in budget talks but the sides are still about $1 billion apart. Senate Republicans still are saying their top spending offer is $27.6 billion. Recent House Democratic and gubernatorial proposals add up to $28.6 billion, in terms of programs contained in last year’s budget.

Both sides said table games and a potential cigarette tax hike were part of the revenue discussions, but that another billion dollars of combined cuts or revenues separated the negotiators and prolonged the budget impasse.

That was the background as the Senate announced it would try to restore state funding for most of the programs Rendell blue-lined earlier this month and highlighted in a series of events the last two weeks.

“The governor vetoed a lot of services that people need now,” said Senate Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman, R-Centre. “So we feel let’s get the [bridge budget-contained] numbers out to people now, particularly the ones where the Senate and governor agreed. And then where there are differences, we can negotiate about them later, without closing the doors on vital services.”

House Democrats could not immediately be reached for comment on the Senate GOP plan. As late as Monday, both sides said leaders had continued meeting and that progress was being made.

But the planned veto overrides could shift the pressure to keep open day-care centers, run children's health care programs and provide college loans to House Democrats. They will now either have to override Rendell's vetos as well, or explain why they will not.

Up until today, Rendell has blamed Senate Republicans for not agreeing to his higher budget spending figures. Now the Senate GOP and House GOP will pressure the House Democrats to schedule a line-item veto vote.

Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati, R-Jefferson said: “The governor wants a crisis atmosphere to give himself leverage in the budget negotiations – he said so directly, when he vetoed those programs. The votes on Wednesday to override his vetos will be the first step in ensuring that vital state programs are not shut down while the overall budget negotiations continue.”

House GOP Spokesman Steve Miskin said the actions of Senate Republicans would shift the blame for the funding delays away from their party.

"If the Senate has the vote to override some of these controversial vetoes, then any Democrat who does not vote to override them becomes the face of those cuts and the target of everyone losing those services," Miskin said. "Right now there's only one person respon for blue-lining budget lines and depriving people of vital services. If the Senate does this, and the House does not follow, the House Democrats will join the governor in that dubious distinction."

The list of overrides is expected to include 11 items where Senate Bill 850 contained the amount of funding the governor originally sought, but blue-lined the programs anyway. [CMC1]

That list includes:

• State assistance to drug and alcohol programs, $41.8 million;

• Homeless assistance, $25.6 million;

• State food purchase, for food banks $18 million;

• Domestic Violence prevention funding, $12.5 million

• Customized job training, $9 million;

• Rape crisis programs, $7.1 million;

• Veteran’s Educational Assistance, $8 million;

• Just under $5 million combined for farmer’s market coupons, veterans outreach services, veteran’s assistance and disabled veterans transportation.

A second list of proposed veto overrides are for programs where the Senate proposed less than the governor and legislative Democrats are willing to accept in state spending.[CMC2]

Senate Republicans expect to vote to override the governor’s vetos of the following line items:

• County child welfare, $1.04 billion;

• Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, $386 million;

• Child care assistance and child care services in the welfare budget, $358 million; [CMC3]

• Children’s Health Insurance Program, $86.9 million;

• Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program, $9.9 million.

Corman noted that adding $2.1 billion to the $12.8 billion "bridge" budget meant the state could afford the additional spending easily, and noted that "the governor still has $12 billion worth of leverage, and we know how important his leverage is to him."

childcare budget update aug 3, 2009

2009-08-03T12:05:00.000-04:00

[CEG] Budget update- vote no to Kotick amendment

As you know, the Governor has asked the House to vote yes to SB 850 and send it to him for signature, where he will blueline about 90% of the budget to allow state workers to get paid but continue budget talks.

Rep. Nick Kotick (D-Allegheny) has put forth a $27.5 billion budget amendment for SB850 that mirrors the Civera amendment for early education (fully funds Head Start Supplemental but maintains cuts to PA Pre-K Counts and child care) and adds in a few more items without a PIT increase. Rep. Sam Smith said House Republicans worked with a handful of Blue Dogs, with input from the Senate Republicans, to put together their latest proposal.

The concern (not sure how likely this is) is that this amendment could pass the House and Senate and have the votes to override any Governor veto. Even if there are not enough votes to push this amendment through, it will delay the final negotiations yet again.

Because the amendment was filed late, there would need to be a 2/3 majority vote in the House to suspend the rules to allow the amendment to be voted on.

Please tell your representative to vote no to the Kotick amendment:

• The Kotick amendment is devastating for children and families in Pennsylvania. Approximately 15,000 children would lose early education services, and nearly 2,000 early education jobs would be lost. We're seeing the impact of these cuts right now, with early learning programs starting to shut down and PA Pre-K Counts programs unable to begin preparations for the fall. Parents need these services to work and our children need these services to become our future workforce.

• The Kotick amendment will only delay final budget negotiations. The early education field and other services dependent on state funds are already beginning to shut down, impacting jobs and our economy. It is time for a real negotiation.

President Obama acknowleges Pennsylvania

2009-07-19T17:37:00.001-04:00

Yesterday the President gave a speech to the NAACP and used that opportunity to plug the new proposal for the ECE challenge grants that we discussed at Leadership Team, in brief. You will be very pleased to read that PA is the only state mentioned as a model for the federal proposal:
see http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/07/obamas_naacp_speech.html.

Updates regarding the budget for ECE

2009-07-15T11:36:00.000-04:00

Since last Wednesday, nearly every legislative caucus and Governor Rendell have held press conferences regarding the budget negotiations. All sides are trying to put pressure on the others to come to a budget resolution before July 17, when state employees begin receiving "payless paychecks."

The Governor specifically addressed in his press conference on Monday, 7/13, how SB850 and the House Republican Amendment hurts children dramatically. "Are we going to be the type of place that neglects our children and sacrifices their success?"

As of Monday night, the House Appropriations Committee moved two budget bills to the House floor:

• HB 1416 with amendment - this bill starts with the Governor's February budget proposal and moves $1.2 billion of higher education line items out of the general fund budget and creates a new Higher Education Fund which would be funded through a tax increase (the type of tax wasn't specified). The amendment also cut $500 million from the Governor's February proposal.
o PA Pre-K Counts is cut to $80 million and 800 children will lose services.
o All other ECE lines are kept at the level requested by Governor Rendell.
• SB 850 - The original senate proposal was sent to the House floor (without the House Republican amendment) with "negative recommendation."

Attached is an updated chart of allocations and impact of the two bills before the House. We are not sure when these bills will go up for a vote at this point, but will keep you updated.

As you know, SB850 would cut nearly 20,000 children from early education services, resulting in at least 2,000 job cuts:

Program Children without services Possible jobs lost*
PA Pre-K Counts 6,000 762
Child Care Works 7,700 837
NFP 850 35
PCHP 165 18

Head Start Supplemental 2,800 390
Total 17,515 2007

Program Children without services Possible jobs lost*
PA Pre-K Counts kids: 6,000 jobs: 762
Child Care Works kids: 7,700 jobs: 837
NFP kids: 850 jobs: 35
PCHP kids: 165 jobs: 18
Head Start
Supplemental kids: 2,800 jobs: 390

TOTAL kids: 17,515 jobs: 2,007

*This is based on jobs providing direct services to children (teacher, teacher aide, nurse), does not include other jobs that may be affected if programs are downsized.

ACTION - UPDATED

Contact your state representatives and urge them to vote NO TO BOTH HB 1416 and to SB850. You can find your representatives at www.legis.state.pa.us or use our PA Promise email at http://paprom.convio.net/7-14-09.

• Both bills cut services for children to unacceptable levels. Although HB 1416 does protect many early education programs, it cuts nearly 1,000 children from PA Pre-K Counts
• SB 850 is an irresponsible budget that would cut nearly 20,000 children from early education services, cut at least 2,000 early education jobs directly, cause working parents to struggle to find less reliable care or lose their jobs as well.
• Early education programs such as PA Pre-K Counts, Keystone STARS, Child Care Works, Early Intervention, Nurse-Family Partnership and Head Start Supplemental are helping working parents keep their jobs and supporting economic recovery now, and prepare our young children for success in school and in the workforce in the future. Early education should be a high priority in the state budget.
• We can do better for our children.
• I support raising revenue to protect vital programs for Pennsylvanians.

2008-2009 Community Report Card

2009-07-15T11:34:00.001-04:00

Early Care and Education Initiative: Report to the Community

Our Mission: Mission: To educate, assist and involve Clinton County families, businesses and communities in understanding and valuing the important role quality early care and education plays in determining future success.
Our Vision: High Quality Early Care and Education is a valued priority
There are 2,055 children from birth to age five living in Clinton County. Children are at High Risk of school failure in Clinton County. 30.4% of children under the age of 5 participated in publicly funded quality early education programs
Risk Factors affecting Children’s Success in School: Family & Community factors affect how well young children, learn, leaving our at-risk children behind. Research has shown that children affected by risk f actors such as poverty, family status, or poor school system, are more likely to enter school behind their peers, struggle in school or drop out altogether. Risk factors like those are listed below can hurt a child’s chances of doing well in school.
In Clinton County:
• 52% of children under the age of 5 live in low income families
• 21.3% of births are to mothers with less than a high school education
• 35% of 3rd graders scored below proficient on the 2008 PSSA reading test
Research has shown that at-risk children who receive quality early education can catch up to their peers before kindergarten.
How many children were served?
• 94 served by the Early Intervention Program
• 102 special needs children served at the Infant Development Program
• 20 autistic children served in special programs
• 97 children served by Head Start
• 42 children served by PA Pre-K Counts
• 750 children enrolled in licensed daycare/preschool programs
Our Outreach Events: Fall Family Festival, Children’s Festival, Clinton County Expo, Community Fair at Hoberman Park, LHU health fair, School Open Houses, Legislative Brunch, Business Breakfast, PA One Book, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, Maintain Community Engagement Website (added a podcast feature), Kindergarten registration information, Family nights at local elementary schools and Head Start/PA Pre K Counts recruiting and enrollment
www.clintoncountychildcare.org
This website is designed to assist the early care and education community and parents on finding the most up to date information on emerging issues related to early education. There is statistically information about the county and our risk to our children, as well as CEG meeting minutes, upcoming professional development opportunities for educators and families. There is also a podcast feature in which participants can listen to up to date information on upcoming events. A childcare blog is also being developed and linked to the website in which families and providers and exchange ideas and suggestions.

For more information about the CEG, please contact Laurie Welch at 570-726-0022 or law27@psu.edu.

2007-2008 Community Report Card

2009-07-15T11:33:00.000-04:00

The Clinton County Early Care and Education Initiative
2007-2008 Community Report Card

Vision Statement: High quality early care and education is a valued priority

Mission: To educate, assist and involve Clinton County families, businesses and communities in understanding and valuing the important role quality early care and education plays in determining future success.

Objectives:
• To increase understanding of the importance of quality early care and education
• To educate the public to the true cost of quality early care and education
• To give the community tools to identify and select quality early care and education
• To increase awareness of the impact of early care and educational issues upon the business community

Did you know?
• In the US, an estimated 6 million children under the age of 3 spend some or all of their day being cared for by someone other than a member of their immediate family
• In Clinton County, there are over 2,000 kids under the age of 5 years old.
• There are over 4,440 children under the age of 14 living in Clinton County and only 750 registered child care spots in 2008?
• The Infant Development Program is not a day care, but provided services to 95 children special services and pre-school and added a classroom and 13 children with autism.
• The Lycoming-Clinton Early Intervention program provided services to 79 families.
• The Ross Library provided literacy programs to 4500 residents.
• Over 50% of licensed providers are enrolled in the Keystone Stars program

What has the Clinton County Early Care and Education Initiative done to address these issues in 2007-2008?
• Provided free school readiness information for parents of children enrolling in Kindergarten in the Keystone Central School District, the Lock Haven Catholic and Christian Schools and the Charter School.
• Staffed an educational display at the Children’s Festival in which @1,000 children and families attended last year
• Developed an educational display at the Clinton County Expo in which @9,000 residents attended
• Provided resources for Licensed childcare providers for Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in May
• Accepted a proclamation from the Clinton County Commissioner acknowledging Childcare Provider Appreciation Day
• Developed and distributed an updated listing of all licensed providers in the county
• Sponsored educational radio advertisements on how to choose quality childcare and promote Keystone Stars, PA Promise for Children and Pre K Counts Initiative

• Collaborated with the Local Interagency Coordinating Council to host a variety workshops to educate providers and families new early care issues
• Develop and maintain a website that provide early care and education information (www.clintoncountychildcare.org)
• Worked with the Lock Haven downtown Manager and the Clinton County Economic Partnership to educate the business community on early care and education issues by hosting a business forum
• Enhance the Early Care and Education Lending Library at Clinton County Cooperative Extension and the Ross Library and their branch libraries
• Tested and updated in collaboration with Emergency Management and local childcare providers an emergency notification phone chain
• The Chair of the planning team maintains the status of a certified child care training through the PA Pathways Training System
• Worked in collaboration with Penn State Cooperative Extension and licensed child care provide to increase professional development opportunities for requirements for the Keystone Stars program from special funding from the Central Regional Key
• Met with local legislators to gather support for early care initiatives
• Coordinated the PA One Book Initiative in Clinton County
• Serves on the advisory committee for the Pa Pre K Counts Initiative
• Worked with local childcare providers and the school district to host a school transition experience for children ready to enter kindergarten
• Conducted a county-wide school readiness survey with parents of pre-schoolers, pre-school and Kindergarten teachers
• Promoted Keystone Stars, PA Pre K Counts and PA Promise for Children in the Clinton County Community

Benefits to Quality Care and Education:
• Research indicates the skills learned in the first five years of life are critical to future school success
• For every $1 invested in quality early childhood programs, there is a long-term benefit of $17 in public savings by increasing the likelihood that children will stay in school and become employed
• Children demonstrate greater social skills as pre-schoolers, kindergarten and primary grades
• Children show greater motivation for learning and commitment to school and have better school attendance rates
• Demonstrate better classroom behavior and have better relations with teachers and classmates
• Parents who have access to quality childcare are more likely to maintain steady employment, contribute to the community and become productive workers and community members
.

For more information: Contact Laurie Welch at 570-726-0022 or visit www.clintoncountychildcare.org

Preschoolers and Parents Reading Together

2007-09-11T09:32:00.000-04:00

Preschoolers and Parents Reading Together
Laurie Weinreb-Welch, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension-Clinton County

Teachers and child development experts agree that reading aloud to our child and having your child read aloud to you can be a tremendous benefit. Because children can hear and understand words and concepts that they could not possibly read on their own, reading together can help expand your child’s vocabulary, increase knowledge, and develop enthusiasm for reading. In addition, books that are more difficult to read may have more exciting and colorful descriptions than books designed for beginning readers. Almost every child has the potential and ability to read well. The most important thing you can do to help your children become good readers is to read to them everyday.
There are wide varieties of activities you can do with your preschooler to help extend the reading session. Here are some tips to keep in mind when reading with your preschooler:

Try to establish a routine by reading to them at the same time everyday (before bedtime is preferable).
Do not stop in the middle. Read a chapter or set a number of pages every night until you finish.
Use inflections when you read, be spirited.
Try to adjust the rhythm of your reading to fit the action, for example, during and emotional moment, read slower to create suspense and your child more interested in the story.
After you and your child read together, talk about what you have read.
Try pairing a book of fiction with a nonfiction book on the same topic. Pairing books in this way will help your child understand the fictional work better, and will also broaden their knowledge and enhance learning.

It is also important to create a home environment that encourages reading for your preschooler and everyone living in the home. Try to keep books in every room of your home. Fill your home with books borrowed from the library, newspapers and magazines. Keep an eye out for inexpensive books at flea markets, garage sales and used bookstores. Collecting books can be an important family activity. Parents send the message that you value reading, and that books are important and fun. You will also give assess to a wealth of reading material. It can be helpful to designate a bookcase or shelf especially for your preschooler. Visiting the library with your child also shows your commitment to reading. Go to the children’s section and spend time reading and selecting books to take home. Check out books yourself and have your child check out their own books to show your child everyone can use and enjoy books and the library.
Children and parents alike will benefit from this shared quality time together. By reading with your children, not only will you help improve their reading skills, you will help them develop a love for reading that will last throughout their lives.

Materials adapted from, “Reading Wizards: Parents and Children Reading Together”. Dr. Daniel Perkins, Penn State University. (May 2001)

Community Report Care 2007

2007-09-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

The Clinton County Early Care and Education Initiative
2006-2007 Community Report Card

Vision Statement: High quality early care and education is a valued priority

Mission: To educate, assist and involve Clinton County families, businesses and communities in understanding and valuing the important role quality early care and education plays in determining future success.

Did you know?
In the US, an estimated 6 million children under the age of 3 spend some or all of their day being cared for by someone other than a member of their immediate family
There are over 4,440 children under the age of 14 living in Clinton County and only 750 registered child care spots in 2007?

What has the Clinton County Early Care and Education Initiative done to address these issues in 2006-2007 ?
Serves as Chair of the Clinton County Collaborative Board which meets on a monthly basis with a variety of agencies to address a wide array of community issues
Provided free school readiness information for parents of children enrolling in Kindergarten.
Hosted a Child Care Focus group for child care providers to survey their needs and the needs of their clients
Staffed an educational display at the Children’s Festival
Developed an educational display at the Clinton County Expo in which @9,000 residents attended
Provided resources for Licensed childcare providers for Child Care Provider Appreciation Day in May
Developed and distributed an updated listing of all licensed providers in the county
Sponsored educational radio advertisements on how to choose quality childcare and promote Keystone Stars, PA Promise for Children and Pre K Counts Initiative
Developed billboards in the community to educate the public about childcare issuess
Develop and maintain a website that provides early care and education information (www.clintoncountychildcare.org)
Wrote and had published 6 issues of the Family Fun Guide through the Lock Haven Express in collaboration with community agencies
Hosted two a business forums for community business leaders
Enhance the Early Care and Education Lending Library at Clinton County Cooperative Extension and the Ross Library and their branch libraries
Worked with the local Interagency Coordinating Council to offer specialized trainings and screenings for children
Hosted a legislative luncheon to update local officials on the accomplishments of the engagement team and new initiatives
Coordinated the PA One Book Initiative in Clinton County
Served on the planning committed for the Pre K Counts Initiative
Worked with local childcare providers and the school district to host a school transition experience for children ready to enter kindergarten
In 2006-2007 offered 30 hours of Act 48 and DPW credit hours (and CEU’s) to child care providers and parents and trained 300 providers.

Benefits to Quality Care and Education:
Research indicates the skills learned in the first five years of life are critical to future school success
For every $1 invested in quality early childhood programs, there is a long-term benefit of $8 in public savings by increasing the likelihood that children will stay in school and become employed
Children demonstrate greater social skills as pre-schoolers, kindergarten and primary grades
Children show greater motivation for learning and commitment to school and have better school attendance rates
Demonstrate better classroom behavior and have better relations with teachers and classmates
Parents who have access to quality childcare are more likely to maintain steady employment, contribute to the community and become productive workers and community members

For more information: Contact Laurie Welch at 726-0022 or visit www.clintoncountychildcare.org

School Readiness

2007-09-11T09:29:00.002-04:00

It is never too early to start preparing your child to succeed in school. School readiness refers to having a child being ready academically, socially and good communication skills and display independence to succeed in school. Getting your child ready for school requires parents and caregivers spending time reading, talking and playing with your child.

To assist your child academically for school, you should:
Read to your child every day and talk about what you have read.
Go to the library and check out books.
Sing songs
Help your child recognize their own name and have them try to write it.
Let your child color, draw, cut and paste.
Play with puzzles that help with problem solving.
Play games and sing songs to help teach the alphabet and numbers.

To assist your child socially, you should:
Have a regular routine for meals and bedtime.
Set rules and have consequences for not following them.
Encourage your children to play with other children.
Teach the basics of sharing and taking turns.
Teach children not to hit, scream or other negative behaviors.

To assist your child develop a sense of independence, you should:
Buy clothing that is easy for your child to do on their own
Have your child do simple chores around the house
Let your child work on puzzles or games by themselves

To assist your child in developing communication skills, you should:
Have conversations with your child
Teach your child to listen when others speak
Help children learn and use new words

If your child is enrolled in a child care program, make sure they have well planned activities that encourage and promote learning. Preparing your child ahead of time will help make school and more rewarding experience for them.

Childcare in Clinton County

2007-09-11T09:29:00.001-04:00

There are over 6,000 children under the age of 14 living in Clinton County
There are only 700 registered child care spaces
Communities such as Lock Haven and Mill Hall there is an abundance of child care programs, yet residents of Renovo and Loganton must travel over 30 miles to reach a registered child care provider
In the US, an estimated 6 million children under the age of 3 spend some or all of their day being cared for by someone other than a member of their immediate family
80% of US employers reported that child care problems force employees to lose work time
1/3 of parents with children under the age of 6 have child care arrangements that fall apart within 3 months
Employed parents who experience fewer disruptions in their childcare arrangements are less stressed, better coping and more satisfied with their jobs in general

Why the need for quality early care and education?
High quality early childhood services support healthy development over the long term
High quality early childhood care influence’s a child’s ability to succeed in school
School age child care programs have been shown to reduce drug abuse and increase school attendance.
For every $1 invested in quality early childhood programs, there is a long-term benefit of $8 in public savings by increasing the likelihood that children will stay in school and become employed
Parents who have access to quality childcare are more likely to maintain steady employment, contribute to the community and become productive workers
A county that makes the necessary investments in early childhood programs will see a positive far-reaching ripple effect to the overall benefit of its communities.

Our Children Deserve quality care;
Our parents need it;
Our employer’s count on it;
Our community’s future depends on it;
Licensed/regulated providers give it.

For information on how to choose or find quality childcare programs in Clinton County:
Contact the Clinton County Early Care and Initiative, Laurie Welch at Penn State Cooperative Extension 570-726-0022 or law27@psu.edu or Child Care Information Services 1-800-346-3020.

Childcare Works

2007-09-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

Child Care Works Subsidy Program
Helping working parents work
while our children grow

Pennsylvania’s Child Care Works Subsidy supports parents who are working hard to provide for their families while giving their children the opportunity to participate in early learning programs.

Child Care Works makes it possible for child care programs to serve children whose working families could not otherwise afford care. Child care is expensive for parents—usually on par with their housing costs. Through the Child Care Works partnership, working parents have a co-payment in addition to the state subsidy that Child Care Works provides. Families earning 200% or less of the federal poverty level are eligible to apply. A family of four earning $40,000 a year would be eligible for this program.
Child Care Works
Makes a Difference

Keeps parents working and makes them more reliable in the workplace:
Research shows that access to reliable, affordable child care makes it possible for parents to successfully complete job training programs, retain employment, have less absences and be more productive at work. (National Child Care Information Center)

A GAO report found that single parents who received child care assistance more often successfully completed their training, obtained jobs or experienced other positive outcomes, such as returning to school.

Positive benefits for Pennsylvania’s working families
Approximately 221,000 children total are served throughout the year—nearly 130,000 children each month—enabling our families to be responsible about their children while working.

Child Care Works provides assistance to families so they can choose the best options for their child. A network of local Child Care Information Services (CCIS) agencies provide parents information about early childhood and school-age programs in their community and how to choose quality early learning for their child.

Child Care Works is responding to families.
The network of Child Care Information Service (CCIS) agencies are now serving not only low-income working families who depend on Child Care Works to stay working and raise their children, but also to the individuals who are working or training and receiving TANF cash assistance. The unification of child care assistance services under the CCIS system will better support both parents and early childhood programs.

The Governor’s proposed investment for
FY 2007-2008 will make it possible to provide child care assistance to more children while strengthening the system as a whole.

Did you know that 70% of costs for a child care program are for staff and that staff are paid at or close to minimum wage? The Pennsylvania Child Care Association Wage and Benefit Survey found that the average starting wage for teaching aides in child care centers is only $6.36 per hour. As of July 1st, the minimum wage is $7.15/hr. And because the rest of the staff are paid only a little more than the aides, all personnel costs and all child care costs will rise considerably. Child Care Works must respond by providing more resources for the vulnerable, low-income children so that child care programs can continue to care for our vulnerable children and families. The resources for Child Care Works for FY 07-08 are essential to meet our minimum wage obligations—and to make sure that families can find programs that will serve them through the Child Care Works program.

In FY 2007-2008, more than 221,500 vulnerable children will be served, with new state investment of $77 million. For more information, contact the Office of Child Development and Early Learning at (717) 346-9320.

PA Keystone Stars

2007-09-11T09:27:00.000-04:00

Keystone STARS:
Building a better, brighter future for Pennsylvania

Child care in Pennsylvania serves more than 300,000 children, and is the largest program helping to prepare Pennsylvania’s young children for school. Research shows that every moment is a learning experience for young children, and that the quality of these experiences has a great impact on the child.

Keystone STARS provides families with a tool to gauge the quality of child care programs and supports child care programs in their commitment to continuous quality improvement. Begun as a pilot program in 2002, Keystone STARS now is fully implemented and has been widely accepted by parents and early childhood programs. Programs may enter Keystone STARS at the Start with STARS level and earn a STAR 1 through STAR 4 rating based on research-based standards for staff education and professional development, the early learning environment, and business management As of December 2006, nearly 4,300 child care programs serving over 152,800 children were enrolled in Keystone STARS. This includes nearly 70 percent of the child care centers in the Commonwealth.

Keystone STARS
is making a difference

An evaluation report on Keystone STARS from the University of Pittsburgh and Penn State University1 found
o Keystone STARS is reversing the negative trend in child care quality that was evident in the late 1990’s.
o Child care centers in Keystone STARS have higher quality than the Pennsylvania average for child care centers and are showing higher quality now than at the inception of the STARS program.
Keystone STARS helps children, families and communities reach their promise:

· Keystone STARS increases access to quality early learning opportunities for Pennsylvania’s young children. As early learning programs earn higher STARS ratings, they are improving the quality of the early education each child receives. Children who attend high quality early learning programs do better in school; are less likely to repeat a grade or require special education services; are more likely to graduate high school and attend college; have higher earnings; and are more productive citizens.

· Keystone STARS helps parents make the best choices for their children and family. When looking for quality early learning programs, parents can use the Keystone STARS rating scale as a guide. With this information, parents can select the best early learning program for their child. The Keystone STARS supports make it possible for child care programs to improve their quality without drastically increasing the cost to parents.

Governor Rendell’s proposed FY 2007-08 investment of $56 million would benefit more than 176,000 children and make it possible for our child care programs to continue to improve the quality of early learning experiences they provide to our young children. For more information on Keystone STARS, contact the Office of Child Development and Early Learning at (717) 346-9320.

1 “Evaluation of Pennsylvania’s Keystone STARS Quality Rating System in Child Care Settings, “ December 2006, available at http://www.pakeys.org/stars/KeystoneStarsEvaluation.aspx

Pennslyvania Pre K Counts

2007-09-11T09:25:00.000-04:00

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts

Investing in a Better Future for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s promise is our children –
Pennsylvania’s future relies on early education today.
If we want a good quality of life, high quality jobs and a strong economy for Pennsylvania, we need to provide opportunities to every Pennsylvanian. Early education can open the doors of opportunity for every child to do well in school, in the workforce, and in life.

Quality pre-kindergarten benefits children and families today and tomorrow, and greatly benefits Pennsylvania in the future.

A child’s early years are crucial to lifelong learning. Quality pre-kindergarten lays the foundation for future academic and career success.

· Children who attend high quality pre-kindergarten do better in school; are less likely to repeat a grade or require special education services; are more likely to graduate high school and attend college; have higher earnings; and are more productive citizens.
· Pennsylvania’s investment in quality pre-kindergarten programs could save Pennsylvania $100 million in future special education costs. Additional future tax savings are possible because children who are better educated are more productive as adults, likely to be healthier, pay more taxes, and less likely to require public assistance.
· Quality pre-kindergarten prepares children for reading and math, but also for paying attention, following directions, and getting along with others. Pre-kindergarten gives children a chance to learn, become excited about school and be better students.
· Quality pre-kindergarten makes early learning a family activity! Parents and teachers work together to provide learning activities in the classroom and in the home that meet the individual needs of the child.
· Quality education for our children today prepares them for high quality jobs tomorrow. A high quality workforce empowers Pennsylvania to compete nationally and globally, improving the quality of life for all.

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts at a glance:
· What it covers: Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts provides parents in participating communities with options for full-day or half-day quality pre-kindergarten for their children in a school-based, child care center, Head Start, or nursery school program during the school year.
· Eligible children: All children in participating communities from age 3 until they enter kindergarten are eligible, with a focus on children at risk of academic failure. Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts supports the inclusion of children with diverse needs.Eligible programs: Any school district, Head Start program· , or nursery school that complies with all quality program expectations may apply. Child care centers or group day care homes with a STAR 2 rating or above may also apply.
· Communities: All eligible programs may apply, but programs in school districts with 30% or more children participating in the free or reduced lunch program, or individual programs focusing on services to children at risk of academic failure will receive priority in funding.
· Estimated number of children served: More than 11,000 children will be served.
Pennsylvania has taken the first step…
Pennsylvania has made great progress in serving young children through early childhood initiatives such as Accountability Block Grants, Keystone STARS, Early Intervention and the Head Start Supplemental Assistance program, but it’s just a start.

· More than 4,000 children are receiving pre-kindergarten in 2006-2007 through school-based programs in 44 school districts funded by the Accountability Block Grants.
· Nearly 90,000 of Pennsylvania’s 3 and 4 year olds are expected to participate in a quality early childhood program in 2006-07, 37,000 more children than were served in 2002-03.
· Impressive as these gains are, this is still only 31% of Pennsylvania’s 3 & 4 year olds. Many children in our most at-risk communities are currently left without access and unable to reap the benefits of quality early learning.

…Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program will take our children to the top of the class!
The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts pre-kindergarten program, established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, will make quality pre-kindergarten opportunities available to children and families across the Commonwealth. Governor Rendell’s proposed investment of $75 million in Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts, as a new component of the Accountability Block Grant, will provide funding for more than 11,000 of our 3- and 4-year olds to attend quality half- and full-day pre-kindergarten in schools, Head Start, child care centers and nursery schools in the 2007-2008 school year.

“Our pre-kindergarten partnership provides our children with quality opportunities to grow and develop under the caring supervision of early childhood professionals. We work in collaboration with community early learning programs and consider this critical so that together we can assure all children and family a quality pre-kindergarten opportunity.”
- Dr. Beth Yonson, Superintendent, Morrisville Borough School District

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program:
· is based on the quality components adopted for pre-kindergarten by the State Board of Education;
· provides families in participating communities with a choice of quality pre-kindergarten options – in a school, child care center, Head Start, or nursery school;
· increases access to quality pre-kindergarten to children and families throughout the Commonwealth with a priority in at-risk communities;
· builds on the work of the Pre K Counts Public-Private Partnership for Educational Success, a three-year project funded by leading Pennsylvania foundations and supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Early results from this public-private initiative find that children’s early learning improves when all early learning programs in a community share resources to improve quality and coordinate early learning experiences in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and beyond.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website at www.pde.state.pa.us.

Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts helps Pennsylvania’s children
reach their promise. Why wait?

Licensed childcare providers for Clinton County, PA

2007-09-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

TYPES OF CHILD CARE

FAMILY DAY CARE

The largest percentage of children are cared for in family day care homes, especially infants and children under 3. In Pennsylvania, homes with more than three unrelated children follow state regulations.

GROUP DAY CARE

Group day care is child care provided in a home setting for 6 to 12 children. When there are more than six children present, two caregivers are necessary. Group homes are subject to many of the same regulations that govern centers and they must renew their license each year.

CENTER CARE

Child care centers accommodate groups of children, including infants, preschoolers and mixed ages. The number of children depends on the size of the center. Centers follow state mandated regulations.

PENNSYLVANIA LICENSED FAMILY DAY CARE

CHRISTINA CROCE SNOOK’S FAMILY CHILD CARE
499 High Street, Flemington, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-893-8969
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ages served: All ages
Cost: Varies with age and number of hours
Enrollment size: 6
Services Provided: Individual attention is given by an experienced mom with an elementary education degree. Daily activities in a home atmosphere, provide a safe and comfortable environment that encourage healthy, social, emotional and cognitive growth. Large fenced in yard and relaxed atmosphere provided many opportunities for free play, teaching self help skills and exploring. Nutritional meals and snacks are provided.
Waiting List: Waiting list is maintained when full.
TANYA REEDER’S LITTLE LAMB (Tanya Reeder)
7 Girard Street, Mill Hall, PA 17751
Telephone: 570-726-7193
Hours: 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ages served: newborn – school age
Cost: please call for fee’s
Enrollment size: 6
Services Provided: Preschool program, field trips, snacks and meals.
Additional Information: I offer a fun educational pre school program that is enjoyed by all aged children. This program contains fun finger plays, music, arts and crafts and educational work sheets. We enjoy outside play in our own fenced in play areas and also enjoy walks. Though routine and structure important here my main goal is to provide your child with the love and care he/she deserves and to make sure fun and laughter fill our days.

WISE FAMILY CHILD CARE (Darlene Wise)
315 East Main Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-6518
Hours: 5:30 am-5:00 pm
Ages Served: All ages
Cost: Please call for rates
Enrollment size: 6

Services Provided: Nutritional meal and snacks. Your child will build his/her cognitive, emotional, social and physical skills through developmentally appropriate activities and play.
Additional Information; Convenient location and large fenced in backyard.

PENNSYLVANIA LICENSED GROUP HOME DAY CARE

BARNES GROUP DAY CARE
24 View Lane, Jersey Shore PA 17740
Telephone: 570-753-5900

Hours: All shifts (24 hours)
Ages served: 6 weeks to 12 years
Cost: call for rates
Enrollment size: 12 children
Services provided: The Funsteps and crafts program, healthy meals and snacks provided for children, daily walks to other playgrounds.
Waiting List: none

SHARON BRUNGARD
428 Fishing Creek Road, Mill Hall, PA 17751 (just outside Clintondale)
Telephone: 570-726-6271

Hours: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Ages served: Infant – Kindergarten
Cost: Varies with age and number of hours
Enrollment size: 12
Services provided: Breakfast, lunch and snacks provided. Large yard for outside play. I encourage dancing, singing, arts and crafts, story time, dress up play and more. Children have free, individual and group play times. I also use Mother Goose and Early Start Preschool programs.

WEAVER’S GROUP DAY CARE
411 South Water Street, Mill Hall, PA 17751
Telephone: 570-726-4020

Hours: 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Ages served: 6 weeks to school age
Cost: Please call for information
Enrollment size: 12
Services provided: We provide a program that develops the child’s act of getting along with other children (sharing, taking turns, etc.). They learn the different colors, shapes, and alphabet. Activities include music, arts and crafts, pre-writing (printing), story time, and role playing. An outdoor play area is provided to exercise and enjoy free play time. Parental involvement is encouraged. Parents provide breakfast and lunch. We provide the snacks.
Waiting List: Waiting list maintained when full.

CATHY’S GINGERBREAD DAYCARE (CATHY REDMOND) Corner of Route 150 and Maple Avenue, 160 Main Street, Beech Creek, PA 16822
Telephone: 570-962-3897

Hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Monday through Friday: Saturday hours and overnight are available: if needed. Play Day Program 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.
Ages served: All Ages
Cost: varies with hours: Full, Part Time, and Daily rates available. Full time care only pays for days you use our childcare.
Enrollment size: 12
Services provided: We operate in an old Victorian house and is designed as home life. We provide affordable services in which children can develop and grow socially, emotionally and intellectually in a safe and healthy home like atmosphere. Each room has various activities and for rest time each child has their own toddler bed. We have a large playground and driveway area. I provide breakfast, lunch, PM snack and dinner if needed. The Play Day program offers children social time and lunch after which they are picked up. The daycare is enrolled in the Keystone Stars Program (STAR 1).

PENNSYLVANIA LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTERS

BUILDING BLOCKS CHILD CARE AND LEARNING CENTER, INC.
225 East Church St, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-8249

Hours: 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. – Monday through Friday
Ages served: 6 weeks – 12 years – Infants – School-age
Cost: Varies with age and schedule
Enrollment size: 169
Services provided: Breakfast, lunch and snacks provided. Come be part of our family. Preschool program, before and after school program, field trips and pre-kindergarten morning sessions available for preparing children educational activities for school. Involved in the Keystone Stars Program.
Waiting List: Maintained when full.

ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL DAY CARE CENTER
Park and Prospect Streets, Avis, PA 17721 (inside Avis United Methodist Church)
Telephone: 570-753-8632

Hours: 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Ages served: 6 weeks through 12 years
Cost: varies with age
Enrollment size: 143
Services provided: All Things Bright and Beautiful strives to give positive development, ethical and spiritual guidance. We are committed to providing sensible Christian values, quality pre-education and creative play and friendship opportunities. Nutritionally sound breakfasts, lunches and snacks are provided at no additional charge. Daily reports of each child’s activities are given and monthly newsletters are provided to keep parents up-to-date on weekly themes and special events. Both full and part-time positions are available.

Waiting List: Openings currently available; waiting list maintained when full.
LOCK HAVEN YMCA CHILD CARE CENTER
145 East Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-6727

Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00 pm
Ages served: 6 weeks-12 years of age
Cost: Please call for more information.
Enrollment size: Preschool – 20; After school – 30 per site
Services provided: Breakfast, lunch and snack. Daily activities are provided to promote physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth. The gym and pool areas are used to provide gross motor activities.
After school childcare: Childcare is offered through the school year at Mill Hall and Lamar Township Elementary. Hours are Monday-Friday from 2:45-6:00 pm.
Waiting List: Call for availability.

LOCK HAVEN CHILD CARE CENTER
165 Susquehanna Avenue, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-4772
Fax: 570-748-4772
Email: lockhavencc@williamsportymca.org

Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Monday - Friday
Ages served: Infant Care – 6 weeks through age 12
Cost: Infant Care - $117.00/weekly; Toddler care - $114.00/weekly; Preschool care - $107.00/weekly; School Age - $49.00 AM or PM/$63.00 AM and PM weekly; Limited United Way funding is available to assist families who qualify.
Services provided: Infant, Toddler, Preschool and before and after school programs provided. It is our desire to provide a healthy, safe and attractive environment; develop a warm and productive interaction with parents and families; and implement a stimulating, enriching, age-appropriate curriculum which enhances self-discipline, creativity, communication skills, problem solving, physical skills, self-help and a feeling of self-worth in each child. Meals are provided. USDA funded breakfast, lunch and snack provided. Baby cereal, food and formula provided. Currently a star 2 certified center.
Waiting list: Waiting list maintained when full.

MOM’S, INC.
PO Box 396, McElhattan, PA 17748
Telephone: 570-769-6001
Hours: 5:00 AM-12AM
Ages served: All
Cost: Call for rates and additional information
Enrollment size: Call for information.
Waiting List: Maintained

TOMORROW’S HOPE CHILD CARE AND PRESCHOOL
330 North Vesper Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-6940

Call for more information between the hours of 6:30 am and 2:30 pm

Your Guardian Angel Preschool and Childcare
1046B Delaware Ave., Jersey Shore, PA 17740
Telephone: 570-753-5133

Hours: 4:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Open the 1st and 3rd Friday of every month until 9 p.m. for babysitting option.
Ages served: 6 weeks and up through school age
Cost: Infant: ($115.00/wk); school age: ($40.00/wk); toddler: ($100.00/wk); preschool: ($90.00/wk.)
Enrollment size: 31
Services provided: Preschool curriculum, story time, meals provided, transportation provided, diapers/wipes/mats/blankets/ etc. provided.
Waiting List: when full
Additional Information: Steam cleaning is used. Inside gross motor room with bikes/wagons/etc. Large fenced-in outside play area. Computer room. Everything’s here for your child to learn and grow just bring your child and a smile.

PRE-SCHOOL

THE NURTURY PRESCHOOL
342 Park Avenue, PO Box 18, Woolrich Community Center, Woolrich, PA 17779
Telephone: 570-769-6152
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Monday through Friday; September - May
Ages served: 3-5 years
Cost: $85 (2days/week/Tuesday & Thursday) $100 (3 days/week – Mon, Wed, Fri.) per month
Enrollment size: 12 children in 2 day program; 16 children in 3 day program
Services provided: Pre-school program that provides a wide variety of activities to enhance social, physical, emotional and intellectual development of young children. Designed around the idea that a child learns best in an environment that offers warm acceptance and exposure to a wide variety of experiences and activities. Field trips, original arts & crafts projects, gym time, individualized group activities, music, pre-math and reading activities are included.
Waiting List: Maintained when full.

Acorn School
12 W. Water Street, PO Box 514, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Director – Lori Shultz
Telephone: 570-748-5991 or 570-748-7839 (H)

Hours: Seedlings (2 year old class) Wednesdays 9:00 am-10:30 am
Pre-School (3 & 4 year olds)-Tues/Thurs mornings 8:30 am-11:00 am
Pre-Kindergarten (4 & 5 year olds)-Monday-Thursday-12-2:30 pm
Cost: call for information
Enrollment size: Seedings-12 students, Pre-School-16 students, Pre-Kindergarten-18 students
Services provided: The Acorn School is a not-for profit organization licensed by the PA Department of Education as a private, academic school. The Acorn School provides developmentally appropriate pre-school experience that stimulates the social, emotional, and intellectual development of young children.

STEPPING STONES PRESCHOOL
980 East Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-3928
Hours: Preschool – Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and
11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. ($27.00 weekly)
3 Year olds – Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. ($20.00 weekly)
Ages served: 3 until beginning K
Cost: Preschool (3-5) $27.00; 3 year olds ($20.00 weekly)
Enrollment size: Preschool – 14 in each class; 3 year old – 12 in each class
Services provided: The Stepping Stones Preschool is a developmentally appropriate, play based program available to children from age three until beginning Kindergarten. Activities are provided in a warm nurturing environment to facilitate development in all areas, including socialization, cognition, gross motor, fine motor, self help and language. Stepping Stones provides the unique opportunity of an inclusive environment for those of typical development and those with special needs to play and learn together.
Waiting List: Maintained when full.
PARENT AND CHILD SERVICES

Infant Development Program
980 East Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-3928

Pact-Parenting Program
980 East Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-3928
Hours: Staff Available 8 a.m. -3 p.m.
Ages served: Parents of children ages birth through high school.
Cost: Free
Enrollment size: varies
Services provided: Classes in a variety of parenting skills are offered. Classes can be center or home based and includes stress management, anger management, infant and child nutrition and infant care.

Early Intervention
Hours: Monday –Friday – 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Ages Served: Birth to Five years
Cost: Free
Enrollment Size: Varies
Services Provided: Home-based and center-based early intervention services are provided to children ages birth to five years of age with special needs. Available services include educational instruction, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, family services, parent support, and transportation.
Waiting List: None

Infant Development Program
980 East Water Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Telephone: 570-748-3928

PA Elks Home Service Project
Hours: Monday –Friday – 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Ages Served: Individuals of any age Cost: Free
Enrollment Size: Not applicable
Services Provided: The mission of the PA Elks Home Service Project is to support and promote the independence of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing advocacy services in their home environment. The registered nurse assesses needs and helps access equipment, provides in-home medical case management, and assists with finding activities and supports within the community.
Waiting List: None

CCIS – CHILD CARE INFORMATION SERVICES
2138 Lincoln Street, P.O. Box 3568, Williamsport, PA 17701-8568
Telephone: 570-327-5495 Toll Free 1-800-346-3020
CCIS Manager – Patricia Jenkins
Services provided: Helps determine subsidized child care eligibility. Provides resource and referral on how to select child care.

CENTRAL REGIONGAL KEY
2138 Lincoln Street, P.O. Box 3568, Williamsport, PA 17701-8568
Telephone: Toll Free 1-800-346-3020
Contact: Patty Cohick
The Pennsylvania Early Learning Keys to Quality, sponsored by the Department of Public Welfare's Office of Child Development, is a quality improvement program in which all early learning programs and practitioners are encouraged and supported to improve child outcomes.Vision: All Pennsylvania families will have access to high-quality early care and education and school-age child care opportunities for their children that fosters success in school and in life.
Website: www.pakeys.org

CLINTON COUNTY EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION INIITATIVE
C/o Penn State Cooperative Extension-Clinton County 47 Cooperation Lane Mill Hall, PA 17751
Telephone: 570-726-0022
Contact: Laurie Welch
The mission is to educate, assist and involve Clinton County families, businesses and communities in understanding and valuing the important role quality early care and education plays in determining future success.
Objectives:
• To increase understanding of the importance of quality early care and education.
• To educate the public to the true cost of quality early care and education.
• To give the community tools to identify and select quality early care and education.
• To increase awareness of the impact of early care and educational issues upon the business community.
• To improve public understanding of the impact of policy and legislation on quality early care and education

Website: www.clintoncountychildcare.org

OTHER

LOCK HAVEN PRE-SCHOOL CO-OP
44 West Main Street, Lock Haven, PA 17745
Director – Glenda Killinger
Telephone (Church): 570-748-6481
Telephone (Director): 570-726-2080

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday – 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $15 per child (month) - $5 each additional sibling
Enrollment size: 12 per class
Services provided: Not a drop off daycare. Parents must accompany child. Program includes field trips, holiday programs and various play and educational activities. Snack provided.
Waiting list: None at this time.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL PLAYDAYS
64 Keystone Central Drive, Mill Hall, PA 17751
Child Care Instructor
Central Mountain High School
Telephone: 570-893-4646 Ext. 4366

Hours: Morning Group – Tuesday, Wed, and Thursday – 8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
- 2 and 3 year olds
Afternoon Group – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- 4 and 5 year olds
Cost: $5.00 per week
Enrollment size: Usually Accepts 15 – 20 children (Am session usually full)
Services provided: Students provide guided activities – circle time, art and craft, indoor-outdoor, and snack. We also provide a lot of free play time.