“Building Blocks to Early Learning, Early Care and Education Professional Development Event” is the title of the conference organized by Penn State Cooperative Extension in Clearfield County, and sponsored by Northwest Regional Key, Lock Haven University Clearfield campus and Behavioral Health Alliance of Rural Pennsylvania.
All interested child care providers, parents, foster parents and other service professionals can participate in the conference from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Lock Haven University Clearfield campus, Founders Hall, 201 University Dr., Clearfield, PA 16830.
Workshop topics will discuss the effects of trauma on child development and behavior, and strategies to work with these children in the classroom. The keynote speakers from Lakeside Global Institute will introduce the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study and the impact of toxic stress on brain growth.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “research shows that 67 percent of the population has experienced at least one adverse childhood experience. These trauma-based adversities are predictive of a multitude of toxic physical, mental and social outcomes throughout person’s lifetime.”
Other professionals from Cen-Clear Child Services, PEAL and Penn State Extension will also be presenting at the event.
Jacqueline Amor-Zitzelberger, Penn State Better Kid Care Extension educator and event coordinator, stated that: “This is an excellent opportunity for caregivers to receive high-quality professional development to further their education.
“This is the 14th year this conference is being offered to Clearfield County residents and surrounding areas. Individuals involved in early care and education will not need to travel to Pittsburgh or Erie to attend training. They can receive their required number of credit hours at this event.”
Interested persons need to pre-register with Penn State Extension – Clearfield County at 814-765-7878 before Nov. 10. The cost of the event is $40.
Penn State is an Act 48 approved provider. Professional educators are encouraged to confirm that this program fits their school district’s professional development plan for Act 48. You can earn six hours toward fulfilling Act 48 requirements by attending this entire program.
Child care providers can receive six DPW training credits for participating in the event. Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are available. The event is part of a statewide Better Kid Care child care provider training program presented by Penn State Extension.
This event is another in a series of trainings scheduled as a professional development opportunity for early childhood and school-age caregivers/educators.
Amor-Zitzelberger will be coordinating these efforts to bring this program to not only local child care providers, but also interested parents, foster parents and other service providers. The topic will cover ages from infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school–age children.
For more information on the program, support materials and other services from Better Kid Care, call Amor-Zitzelberger at 814-765-7878, Ext. 5. The Better Kid Care Web site can be found here.
The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Amor-Zitzelberger in advance of your participation in this event.