PennAEYC Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children

09/24/2026

Parallel play is more social than it looks.

Two toddlers may be side by side, each focused on their own toys, with barely a word between them. But a lot of learning can be happening. They’re watching, imitating, exploring, communicating. And getting more comfortable sharing space with other children.

For early childhood professionals, these everyday moments can offer a window into a child’s social, language, cognitive and motor development.

And an important reminder: stages of play aren’t rigid deadlines. Children may move between different types of play depending on the activity, setting and people around them.

Learn more about parallel play, what to look for and how to support it without forcing interaction: https://bit.ly/4hf7xI5

09/23/2026

Major changes have been proposed to the Head Start Program Performa...

09/23/2026

We appreciate the Forks Education Center of River Crossing YMCA for inviting us to help celebrate their twentieth anniversary. It gave us the opportunity to talk to parents, staff, and community members about how they can get involved in advocating for high-quality early care and education.

Want to join the effort? Sign on at http://www.startstrongpa.org and add your voice to the movement for high-quality early care and education.

Start Strong PA

09/22/2026

In Pennsylvania, early childhood educators earn $15.23 per hour. Fair pay doesn't change on its own; it changes when policymakers act, and policymakers answer to voters. PennAEYC is helping Pennsylvania's early childhood workforce get registered, get informed, and get to the polls.It’s time to create a plan to vote in the November 3rd general election. Here are some dates to keep in mind. For all the details about voting in PA, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/vote

09/22/2026

Looking for fresh ideas, meaningful connections, and practical inspiration for your program? Sign Up TODAY!

Whether you're seeking new strategies, fresh perspectives, or simply an opportunity to connect with others in the field, this event is for you. Plus, attendance counts toward Shared Service hours for programs at STAR 3 or 4.

09/21/2026

📣 HEAD START COMMUNITY:
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING SUBMITTING A PUBLIC COMMENT, JOIN US.

The proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards could have significant implications for Head Start programs, children, families, staff, and communities. The federal rulemaking process gives the public an opportunity to respond directly to the proposal.

🗓 September 23
⏰ 10:00 a.m. ET
💻 Virtual via Zoom

We are inviting anyone connected to the Head Start community who is interested in making a public comment to join us.

During the webinar, we will:
📘 Break down the proposed changes
💬 Talk through what they could mean for Head Start
📝 Share guidance and resources for developing a public comment
💻 Walk through exactly how to submit your comment

You do not need to be an expert in policy or regulations. If you have experience with Head Start and want to better understand how your voice can be part of the public comment process, this call is for you.

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/FjfWm-oHTAiJ1uR3bQ9g1w

📣 Please help us reach the Head Start community by sharing this post with staff, parents, families, leaders, and community partners who may want to participate.

09/20/2026

Ever considered joining PennAEYC and The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), which you can do for one price?

Now is the time!

Join or renew now through September 30th for a 20% discount* on your NAEYC membership using discount code Back2School.

*Discount code must be used by individuals at time of purchase in the online store. Discount cannot be used on group or bulk membership purchases.

Learn more

When you join or rejoin PennAEYC you become part of an organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children through the development and support of the early care and education professionals who guide them. Your membership includes membership with NAEYC, National Association for the Education...

09/16/2026

The PA Department of Health and OCDEL has issued a Letter to Child Care Providers regarding measles. Find out what you should know. https://ow.ly/GoJA50ZLf3L

09/16/2026

Head Start needs you. Join Start Strong PA and Pre-K for PA for the Working Together Webinar tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. Find out how to raise your voice for Pennsylvania's kids.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/WTWSEPT172026

09/16/2026

💙 This Hunger Action Month, let’s make sure families know about the food resources available to them.

For pregnant and postpartum women, infants and young children, WIC can provide important support during a critical time of growth and development.

WIC offers:
🥕 Nutritious foods
📚 Nutrition education
🤱 Breastfeeding support
🩺 Health screenings and referrals
💙 Connections to community resources

Access to nutritious food helps children grow healthy and strong—and gives families support when they need it most.

Looking for resources for your family? Thriving PA can help you find information and support.

🔗 Visit ThrivingPA.org to learn more about WIC and other resources for Pennsylvania families.