systemic approach to assess, improve, and communicate
the level of quality in early and school-aged care and
education programs. In Pennsylvania, the Keystone
STARS (Standards, Training/Professional Development,
Assistance, Resources, and Support) program focuses on
the importance of employing quality staff, professional
development, early learning programs, partnerships with
family and the community, and leadership and management
of facilities. Within these structured guidelines, the state
aims to ensure that quality care is provided to preschool-
aged students at all facilities. But some educational daycares
are working to “up the ante” on the level of education
students receive.
According to the National Association for the Education
of Young Children, there are a variety of ways to implement
effective classroom practices involving technology and
interactive media. As preschoolers are immersed in the
use of technology at home—with their parents on their
phones, siblings on their tablets, and watching others use
the computer—they are curious about the technologies
around them. From a young age, they are encouraged to
communicate using a variety of expressions; whether it is
through coloring, painting, creative movement, singing
or talking, children look to the world of possibilities to be
creative.
Digital technology is another outlet for learning and
creativity, and with its inherent use throughout homes in
the U.S., children are learning to explore touchscreens and
other forms of interactive media. Educational daycares are
utilizing digital technologies to explore e-books, watch
educational videos, and explore places and things that
children may not see within their own environment (videos
about visiting a factory, or pictures of people and places that
are foreign to them). Programs that allow students to freely
explore these types of digital media are designed to facilitate
active and creative use and are encouraged to be done with
other children and adults as a form of social engagement.
Use of technologies is only one of the variety of options
that figure into the aspects of choosing a classroom that
is right for a young learner. Parents are playing a larger
role in shaping their early learners with the choice of
play-based learning programs versus academic learning
programs. Play-based or child-centered programs focus on
the current interests of the child. Classrooms are set up in
different sections, such as a kitchen, home, science area,
reading nook, or water area, for kids to engage in social
interactions with others and learn valuable skills based from
play. Academic or didactic, teacher-directed programs are
structured with a curriculum involving planned activities
guided by teachers and designed to prepare students for
a kindergarten-type setting. Either method for learning
prepares young children for their future interactions, both
socially and educationally. Finding the learning style that
best suits your own child’s needs will set him/her up for
success.
AUDUBON’S
NATURE STORE
Visit Audubon’s Nature Store for one-stop holiday
shopping! We carry gifts for all ages—from children’s
books and stuffed animals to bird feeders, bird seed, jewelry,
holiday ornaments, and optics. You’ll make the nature
lovers in your life happy—and will feel good knowing
that you’re supporting your local Audubon.
AUDUBON NATURE STORE IS LOCATED
AT BEECHWOOD FARMS NATURE RESERVE,
614 DORSEYVILLE ROAD IN FOX CHAPEL.
STORE HOURS: TUESDAY–SATURDAY: 9AM–5PM
SUNDAY: 1–5PM
ASWP.ORG
•
(412) 963-6100
REACHING YOUR
TARGETED CUSTOMERS
HAS NEVER
BEEN EASIER.
The facts speak for themselves.
Direct Mail remains the single most cost
effective method of advertising for reaching
customers within your community.
Contact us at 724.942.0940
Continued on next page >
FOX CHAPEL AREA
❘
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