tion a c u d E d o o h d il h C WCCC Early r Program Newslette Volume 3, Edition 6 December 7, 2011
Westmoreland County Community College Inside this issue: Literacy Conference Experience
1
Special Request
2
New ECE Course
3
WCCC Campus Children’s Center Mitten Tree
4
Help Needed at End Hunger Cafe
5
Action for Animals Appeal Become a Mentor Join PAEYC
6
7,8
Early Childhood Education Program Beth Hoden Office Phone: 724-925-4013 Email: hodenb@wccc.edu
Nancy Rustic Office Phone: 724-925-4035 Email: rusticn@wccc.edu
ECE Support Vicki Hricik Office Phone: 724-925-4013 Email: hricikv@my.wccc.edu
Got ECE News? Email Vicki at hricikv@my.wccc.edu
The mission of this newsletter is to keep all ECE students informed of ECE Club activities, volunteer events in the community, ECE professional development opportunities, and anything related to the ECE field.
One ECE Student Shares Experience at Literacy Conference I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the conference. I was very comfortable with the fact that, even though still a student, I was familiar with information that was discusses in presentations and, therefore, very comfortable being surrounded by those who are seasoned in the field. The presentations support everything that we have been learning in class which makes me that much more confident that what I am learning I will be applying when I am in the workforce. That was not the case with other degrees I have obtained. My favorite part was Nina Crews' workshop and presentation. I love her artistic vision, her books, and her whimsical way of presenting information about her artistic process (not to mention that we are both from New York so I felt a kinship of sorts). The second workshop that I attended was about the Mimio machine, which is sort of a portable smart board. It was very interesting to see how the technology is being used in the classroom. I felt more at ease about this new technology that is being used now and even thought of ways I would use it in my own classroom. - from Kristen F.
Great success and well attended !
Page 2
WCCC Early Childhood Education Program Newsletter
Special Requests from Sue M. I just received a call about three families in our area who are desperately worried because they cannot afford Christmas presents this year for their children. As many of you know, I am part of an outreach called His Hands and Feet, located in Latrobe, PA. When we began this outreach a year ago, approximately 15 people came to our door in need of help. Currently, we are getting 15 people waiting in line before we even open our doors. We lose count, but there are well over 100 people who come to us each month if need of food, clothing, toiletries, shoes, and household items and children’s items. Many of these people are single moms who really, really need help! Again, I just received a call from one of the outreach workers (the outreach takes part at her facility). Since yesterday, she has gotten three calls from moms asking if the outreach could help them with gifts for their children. We want so much to help them, but last month the toys we had available almost ALL went to other families in need. So we are trying to gather more for this month’s outreach.
If you are cleaning out toys in order to make room for more this Christmas, or if you know anyone who is cleaning out toys, please let me know or let them know about the outreach. My number is 724-837-2329. Thanks so much! Many of you have donated in the past, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts! P.S. We take children’s clothing, also.
WCCC Early Childhood Education Program Newsletter
Page 3
New ECE Course To Begin Spring 2012 The Early Childhood Education Program is pleased to announce a new three college credit course is being offered. The course code and title is ECE 181, “Achieving Early Learning Standards Through Play.” This course is open to all interested students. Course Description: Leading scholars in early childhood education have all recognized that play is the basis of good early childhood pedagogy and practice. Moreover, play is THE fundamental cornerstone for children’s development. In recent years, early learning standards have been developed, identifying what children need to know and be able to do. Standards are the ends of ECE; the means or process to meet these standards is play. This course is designed to provide comprehensive investigation of how we maintain fidelity to all domains of development and play and still meet the early standards for all children ages 3 to 8 years. Site visits are required. Instructor Bio: Dr. Ernie Dettore is currently a Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Pittsburgh, a Consultant to numerous early childhood programs, a Play Expert with the Early Head Start program, an Advocate for issues relating to children, a Teacher Mentor, and Founder of the P.L.A.Y Academy. He has 17 years experience in higher education, teaching at Edinboro University, Duquesne University and Westmoreland County Community College. While at Duquesne, Dr. Dettore designed the undergraduate and graduate Early Childhood Programs and served as the Director of Early Childhood Education. He earned a Doctorate in Education in Instruction and Learning from Pitt in 1993. In February 2007, he co-edited a book titled “To Play or Not to Play: Is It Really a Question.” The course will meet every Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The dates are as follows: January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7, 14, 21, 28, March 6, 13, 20, April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1. Some of the topics covered in the course include:
Approaches to Learning through Play Constructing: Organizing & Applying Knowledge
Scientific Thinking & Technology : Exploring, Inquiry & Discovery
Language and Literacy Development: Early Literacy Foundations: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening
Facilitating Children’s Play.
To register, call the WCCC registration center at 1-800262-2103, ext. 4204. Please give the course code ECE 181, Achieving Early Learning Standards Through Play.
Page 4
WCCC Early Childhood Education Program Newsletter
Please support the WCCC Campus Children’s Center Mitten Tree. The Center is collecting new mittens, hats, scarves and gloves for the Welcome Home Shelter in Greensburg. The Mitten Tree is located in the hallway outside of the Campus Children’s Center. The items donated will be delivered to the shelter on December 13 to help keep the children warm this winter. Monetary donations are also being accepted and may be placed in the boxes inside the classrooms.
Volume 3, Edition 6
Page 5
You Can Help End Hunger in Latrobe In the fall of 2010, The Way, a local Christian church, launched the services of a soup kitchen located in The Mozart House at 340 Main St. in downtown Latrobe, PA. The scope of this initiative is to provide our friends and neighbors with enough regular food assistance to send every needy person in our city to bed with a full stomach. Working unto this goal, The Way and its partners are currently working hard to acquire and incorporate the volunteer manpower, food product, and financial assistance needed to open this soup kitchen 7 days a week, year-round to serve one hot meal per day. This group has the belief and confidence that together with the people of Latrobe they can end hunger in our city. Join the team who gives of their time to serve the meals at End Hunger Cafe. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for information on how to serve at the soup kitchen: Danielle Biddle 412-298-5491 danielle@thewaychurchonline.com Contact the Pastor of Community Needs for all other questions regarding donations, etc.: Pastor Amber Biddle 724-989-4765 amber@thewaychurchonline.com For more information about The Way: www.thewaychurchonline.com Contribute directly to End Hunger Cafe’s needs in building food inventory and facility upkeep.
You can underwrite an entire evening’s meal for one hundred dollars. That feeds approximately 125 people, our average attendance.
You can donate grocery items and cooking supplies (i.e. condiments, spices, etc.).
You can donate cleaning supplies (i.e. mopping solution, disinfectants, sponges, etc.).
You can donate paper goods (i.e. toilet paper, paper towels, etc.).
WCCC Early Childhood Education Program Newsletter
Page 6
Volunteers Needed at Action for Animals Please Help Action For Animals Humane Society There are many volunteer opportunities at Action For Animals.
Cat Socializing in the state of the art open air cageless Tigre pavilion.
Dog Socializing in the private visitation rooms, beautiful Blessed’s park or outdoor covered play yards.
Daily help is always welcome for animal care and cleaning, landscaping, office help, laundry, dishes, and more.
Work at Fundraising events and rabies Clinics, sell raffle tickets throughout the year, post event flyers, and promote the shelter and animals.
For more information on becoming a volunteer, email Action for Animals at afahsboard@aol.com. Zumbathon Saturday, December 10, 2011 – 12PM to 2PM at Westmoreland Athletic Club Limited number of spots available for this fun way to keep fit and raise funds for the shelter (all proceeds benefit AFA)! $20 donation - all participants will receive a healthy snack, an AFA gift bag filled with goodies and chances to win great door prizes. 2012 January Calendar Ticket January 2012 – Winning Number from 7PM PA 3 Digit Daily Lottery AFA's popular Calendar Tickets are available for $5 each with 31 chances to win ($50 on weekdays, $100 on weekends, $500 on the 15th). If interested in buying or selling, contact Laura at 724-850-8802 or laura.guskiewicz@comcast.net. These sell out quickly, so be sure to get yours today. Great stocking-stuffer idea! 2012 Lottery Calendar Ticket Jan. - Dec. 2012 – Winning Number from 7PM PA 3 Digit Daily Lottery The AFA's 2012 Lottery Calendar Ticket features 62 chances to win - $100 Every Saturday and $500 on 10 Holidays throughout the entire year! Only $20 per Ticket - Proceeds benefit Action For Animals Humane Society. Makes a great Holiday Gift!
Page 7
WCCC Early Childhood Education Program Newsletter
TRiO/SSS Mentoring Program at WCCC What is a mentor? A mentor is someone who supports and guides another individual’s development. Mentors are viewed as wise, experienced and helpful. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a mentor is “a trusted counselor or guide”.
What are the requirements to become a peer mentor? Peer mentor requirements ~ Sophomore status (at least 24 credits completed) ~ Minimum QPA of 2.75 ~ At least one recommendation from faculty/staff/counselor/librarian ~ Interest in serving as a mentor ~ Commitment to make regular contact with your assigned mentee(s) ~ Attend a brief orientation session prior to beginning the mentoring experience
BENEFITS OF BEING A MENTOR Resume booster Form lasting, meaningful relationships with others Personal satisfaction of knowing you make a difference in the lives of others Portfolio enhancement Become an active participant in the WCCC community
For more information or to obtain an application, contact a TRiO/SSS counselor today by calling 724-925-4121 or e-mail harrisonm@wccc.edu with the word MENTORING in the subject line.
Page 8
WCCC Early Childhood Education Program Newsletter
Become a Member of PAEYC The Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children (PAEYC) is the professional membership organization for those involved with the early care an education of young children. Doctors, lawyers, and other professionals have membership associations which provide a unified voice on behalf of their members. In the same way, PAEYC serves as a community resource, and advocate for quality, and a voice for those in the profession of early care and education. PAEYC currently serves over 1000 members and is governed by an elected board. Members and those interested are encouraged to serve on a committee and take an active role in PAEYC programs including Membership Services, Advocacy & Public Policy, and Professional Development.
Benefits of Membership Become a Member!
Membership in national, state, and local affiliates 6 issues of Young Children, NAEYC's journal Exclusive access to PAEYC Newsletters Reduced rates to PAEYC and NAEYC conferences Career advising services Meets STARS 3 Requirements Borrowing privileges with PAEYC's early childhood resource library Voting rights and eligibility to hold office in PAEYC, Penn AEYC, and NAEYC Opportunity to participate in insurance plans offered through NAEYC
Professional Development Opportunities To earn Pennsylvania DPW hours as required, check out the PA Keys website, www.pakeys.org, for professional development opportunities. Westmoreland County Community College sponsors affordable ECE workshops made possible through Southwest Regional Key funding. Scheduled workshops at WCCC - Fayette County Education Center in Uniontown and WCCC Youngwood Campus are already posted. Please email Vicki Hricik for more information, hricikv@my.wccc.edu. If you attended the Literacy Conference and would like to share your experience, please email Vicki at hricikv@my.wccc.edu.
WCCC Early Childhood Education Newsletter