ALSC Releases 2024 Summer Reading Lists for Children

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) has released summer reading lists for four age groups that include more than 20 books each and are free to download.

Families, News, ProvidersNathan DukeJuly 2, 2024Association for Library Service to Children, summer reading lists for children, Alma and Her Family, Milo Walking, Summer is For Cousins, The Apartment House on Poppy Hill, Harriet Tells the Truth, Mole Is Not Alone, Between Monsters and Marvels, Things in the Basement, The Human Kaboom, The Misfits: A Royal Conundrum, Two Tribes, The Lost Year

Updated Keystone STARS Bonus Points Tip Sheets Now Available

The Keystone STARS policy team has recently worked with partner agencies to update its Bonus Points Tip Sheets.

Providers, NewsNathan DukeJuly 1, 2024Keystone STARS, Keystone STARS Bonus Points Tip Sheets, Pennsylvania Key, early childhood learning

Free Leadership Training Offered for Families of Children in Early Intervention or Preschool

Parent to Parent Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning will host upcoming free leadership development training for families of children receiving early intervention or preschool services.

Providers, NewsNathan DukeJuly 1, 2024early childhood learning, OCDEL, Parent to Parent Pennsylvania, Office of Child Development and Early Learning

PA State Parks to Host Fish-For-Free Day on July 4

Pennsylvania’s state parks will allow families to fish on state waterways without a fishing license on July 4.

Families, NewsNathan DukeJune 26, 2024free fishing in Pittsburgh, fishing in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County parks, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, American Sportfishing Association, Borrow a Rod & Reel Fishing Tackle Loaner Program

Resources for July Observances

Various organizations, states, and nations recognize a number of observances each month. Resources can help parents, caregivers, and child care professionals acknowledge and navigate them.

Families, News, ProvidersNathan DukeJune 25, 2024July observances, National Parks and Recreation Month, National Make a Difference to Children Month, Independence Day, Islamic New Year, Fourth of July, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, International Non-binary People's Day, National Parents' Day, World Drowning Prevention Day, National Disability Independence Day

Afterschool Alliance and NAA Partner for Afterschool Workforce Initiative

The Afterschool Alliance and the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at fostering a skilled and stable workforce within the afterschool and summer field to ensure increased access to quality programming for children and youth.

Providers, Families, NewsNathan DukeJune 25, 2024afterschool programming, early childhood education, Afterschool Alliance, National AfterSchool Association

ECELS Warns of Water Bead Dangers for Children

Healthy Child Care Pennsylvania’s Early Childhood Education Linkage System (ECELS) is advising parents and early child care providers about the possible dangers of water beads.

Families, Providers, NewsNathan DukeJune 24, 2024water beads, Consumer Product Safety Commission, dangers of water beads

OCDEL Provides Guidance to Identify Toxic Plants in Child Care Settings

The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) has released new guidance on how to identify possibly toxic plants in child care settings.

Providers, NewsNathan DukeJune 20, 2024OCDEL, toxic plants for children, toxic plants in child care settings