Education Special Section
“The way students learn, share ideas, get
access to content, create, and collaborate
is fundamentally different,” says Anthony
Salcito, vice president of worldwide
education at Microsoft. “Their mindsets
are different, and the workplaces we are
preparing them for are different, so we have
to recognize there has been a lot of change.
What we’ve now got to do at a system level,
the institution level, is not only embrace that
change but use it in a purposeful way to drive
a different dynamic in classrooms.”
Experts believe that the human
psychology of learning has seen little change
over time, but external factors, including
the digital revolution, have unstoppably
shaped the way in which we learn and teach.
Technology has brought about exciting and
innovative ways for personalized learning
and novel approaches for teachers to address
gaps in learning processes. Yet one constant
remains in education, and that is the critical
role of teachers. Human interactions are
undoubtedly crucial both inside and outside
of the classroom. The inspiration and support
provided by teachers is what can make a
student successful, even if that student is
provided all other tools and opportunities
needed to succeed.
Preschool Education
If you’re interested in potentially
taking on the cost of a second
mortgage, look no further than sending
your child to preschool. When seeking out
the program that is right for your child,
many considerations are taken into account
including safety, cost, location, teacher
credentials, accreditations, and how each of
these will meet your child’s individual needs.
Once thought of only as daycare, preschools
are shaping their early education programs to
mold even the youngest of students for future
success.
Across the U.S., the demand for quality
early learning programs is on the rise, with
STEAM concepts (science, technology,
engineering, arts and mathematics) making
their first appearance to students at the age of
3. Early Learning facilities are proving their
worth through implementing quality metrics,
investing in technologies, and by offering an
array of options for curriculum- versus non-
curriculum-based learning to best suit the
learning style of young students.
Preschools and educational daycares, a
newly coined term, are implementing Quality
Rating Improvement Systems (QRIS) as
a standard for success in early education.
The National Center on Early Childhood
Quality Assurance, funded by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services,
developed QRIS as a 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 o r
child-centered programs focus on the current
interests of the child.
Pittsburgh’s Private Duty Home
Care Provider
Let us help you and your loved ones with:
– Personal Care Assistance
– Light House Keeping
– Companionship – Transportation
Call today 412-449-1350
or visit us online: GraneAtHome.com
Based in Fox Chapel and locally owned and operated
A ffiliated services
Now Hiring
Grane At Home is currently seeking Certified
Nursing Assistants (CNA), Companions, Personal
Care Assistants, and Home Health Aides (HHA)
to provide private duty home care services to our
clients. A reliable vehicle and up to date driver’s
license are required
Benefits of working for Grane At Home
o Thoughtful client matching with meet and
greets prior to first shift worked
o Know your supervisor
o Training provided
o Flexible start dates and scheduling
o Paid mileage for client related transportation
o Per formance based increases
Applicants should display strong compassion, enthusiasm
and an ability to engage with a variety of personalities.
Call today 412-449-1350
Continued on page 21 >
GREENSBURG SALEM
❘
FALL 2018
19