Early Childhood Alleghenies

🎉 Please join us in welcoming A Secure Future Academy LLC in Philadelphia, PA to the EC Alleghenies shared services network!

We're excited to have them join our growing community of providers committed to supporting children and families across Pennsylvania. We first connected through our Best Day Ever! lesson plans and look forward to building an even stronger partnership moving forward.

Welcome to the EC Alleghenies family!

Looking for ideas to keep children engaged this July?

Pennsylvania's Promise for Children has released its July activity calendar, packed with fun and educational ideas for early learning programs and families.

This month's calendar includes:
🦈 Shark Week activities
💦 Reminders about safe and compliant water play
☀️ Summer safety tips for children and families
📚 Resources that support learning through play

We're also excited to see our Best Day Ever! Summer Camp lesson plans featured on July 16!

Check out the calendar and discover new ideas for learning, exploration, and family engagement all month long.

Start planning your July activities with the July Calendar of Activities for ECE staff, packed with fun ideas and helpful tips to support early learning professionals as they help children and families get ready for a successful school year! https://papromiseforchildren.com/july-calendar-of-activities/

⏰ Last chance to register!

Our NO COST professional development session, Helping Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Succeed, is happening Tuesday, June 16.

This online training will help providers better understand:
✨ How FAS/FASD occurs
✨ Associated health and behavioral challenges
✨ Practical strategies to help children with FASDs thrive in the classroom

With estimates suggesting that up to 1 in 20 U.S. school children may have FASDs, this is a valuable opportunity to gain tools and insights you can apply right away.

📅 June 16 | 6–8 P.M.
💻 Online
🎓 PQAS hours available
👩‍⚕️ Instructor: Marlene Singer, RN

🔗 Register now: https://forms.gle/YgkobQA72EVREZZ78

Questions? Contact Anna Zettle at [email protected].

🎉 Please join us in welcoming Pines N Puddles Childcare Center to the EC Alleghenies shared services network!

We're especially excited to celebrate owner Kristi Tataleba as she expands her commitment to children and families through the opening of a second location. Kristi has been a valued member of our network through Tataleba's Quality Childcare Home, and we're thrilled to continue supporting her as Pines 'N Puddles grows.

Congratulations on this exciting new chapter, and welcome to the EC Alleghenies family!

⏰ There's still time to register!

Our NO COST professional development session, Helping Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Succeed, is coming up on June 16.

This online training will help providers better understand:
✨ How FAS/FASD occurs
✨ Associated health and behavioral challenges
✨ Practical strategies to help children thrive in the classroom

With estimates suggesting that up to 1 in 20 U.S. school children may have FASDs, this is a valuable opportunity to build your knowledge and strengthen your support for children and families.

📅 June 16 | 6–8 P.M.
💻 Online
🎓 PQAS hours available

🔗 Register today: https://forms.gle/YgkobQA72EVREZZ78

Questions? Contact Anna Zettle at [email protected].

🎙️ New Episode Alert: The Confluence Podcast

Get to know the leaders behind Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL)!

In Episode 11, guest host Netta Radzinski sits down with OCDEL’s Bureau Directors to discuss their backgrounds, insights, and goals as they work to support early learning providers across the Commonwealth.

Hear from:
✨ Christine Baldini
✨ Ruby Martin
✨ Nia Harris
✨ Luisa Olivo-Wolf
✨ Dr. Kimberly Rode

This episode offers a unique look at the people and priorities shaping Pennsylvania’s early childhood system.

▶️ Watch here: https://tinyurl.com/pxx65ftj

🎉 Please join us in welcoming the YMCA of Greater Erie's child care program – the 115th provider to join the EC Alleghenies shared services network!

We’re excited to partner with their team as they support children and families in their community. Welcome to the EC Alleghenies family!

☀️ Summer is here, which means more time for outdoor play!

While children are busy exploring, learning, and having fun outside, it's important to take a few simple steps to help keep them safe in the sun.

Remember to:
💧 Stay hydrated
🌳 Play in the shade when possible
🧴 Wear SPF 30 or higher
⏰ Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours

A little preparation can help ensure outdoor adventures stay safe and enjoyable all summer long!

Looking for fresh ideas to strengthen your child care program? This NO COST webinar series covers everything from leadership and compliance to finances and emerging trends like AI. Check it out!

🏫 Running a child care program has never been more complex—or more full of opportunity.

Join us for How to Run a Best in Class Child Care Program, a FREE five‑part webinar series designed for directors and owners navigating today’s rapidly changing landscape.

Led by experts in early childhood business, compliance, and leadership, each session zeroes in on a high‑stakes area of program success:
✨ AI Search Is Here – The Gold Rush Opportunity for Child Care Centers in 2026 (Bruce W. Spurr)
🤝 Coaching vs. Mentoring: What’s the Difference? (Dr. Tamar Andrews)
✅ Hidden Compliance Asks for Trust. Visible Compliance Earns It. (Lynn Wenger & Ronnae Williams)
💰 The Break‑Even Decisions Childcare Leaders Cannot Afford to Miss (Kate Woodward Young)
📋 Billing & Tuition Policies That Work: Strengthening Financial Foundations (Monique D. Reynolds)

You’ll learn how to:
🔎 Show up where parents are searching in 2026
👩‍🏫 Build a culture of growth through intentional coaching and mentoring
🛡️ Turn compliance into visible, trust‑building proof
📊 Make room‑level financial decisions before small gaps become big problems
💳 Establish billing and tuition policies that protect your revenue and family relationships

🗓️ Wednesdays | June 3 – July 8, 2026 | 2:00–3:30 PM EST
🎟️ Register free: https://ecewebinars.com/4uCU7uv

📢 Pennsylvania’s state budget deadline is approaching—and child care needs strong advocates at the table.

Start Strong PA is encouraging supporters across the Commonwealth to sign a petition urging lawmakers to invest in early care and education in the 2026–27 state budget.

The petition supports:
✔️ Increased funding for child care workforce recruitment and retention
✔️ Additional support for Head Start and Pre-K Counts
✔️ Expanded access to child care subsidies for working families
✔️ Better support for children with special needs
✔️ Meaningful reforms that support providers while maintaining strong health and safety standards

Every signature helps show lawmakers how important child care is to Pennsylvania families, providers, employers, and communities.

🖱️ Add your voice today before the June 30 budget deadline! bit.ly/4tBSb4d