Is it difficult or costly to get to a workshop or have a workshop on site?   Are you interested in learning the latest information about health and safety?  ECELS-Healthy Child Care PA offers 22 topics online to help PA early education and child care providers earn professional development credit.  Anyone with access to the internet may use the self-learning modules. For those who work in Pennsylvania, the self-learning modules meet STAR Level 2 Performance Standards for Health and Safety.  Most of the modules provide 2 hours of professional development credit. The online self-learning modules are easy to access and complete at your convenience.  With 22 module topics and frequent updates, there is always something new to learn.  Read about how Pennsylvania early education and child care professionals can take advantage of a limited  time, no-fee offer for ECELS to review completed modules and to award state-authorized training credit for one of the new, media-rich self-learning modules.Click here to learn more. 9/10/12

Learn how to keep your indoor and outdoor active play areas safe.  Uses Safe Active Play video/DVD and Dirty Dozen online activities to recognize hazards and a checklist based on current CPSC and ASTM guidelines to asses the areas where children play.  Submit completed module with the Registration Form and $10 per person fee for ECELS to review the work for professional development credit. Revised 10/08. Instructions updated 2/19/10 (ECERS-ITERS: Space and Furnishings, Activities, Interaction. K7C2-84-2 hours credit.Meets STAR Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety)

Special practices are needed to protect early education and and school-age providers from contact with blood or other potentially infectious body fluids. Learn how to comply with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements to develop an exposure control plan, care for a human bite, prevent injuries from sharps, and the procedure for post-exposure treatment.  This module includes OSHA's Bloodborne Exposure Control Plan you can use by filling in the blanks, and then submitting to receive credit for completing this module. Submit the Registration Form with a check for the $10 per person fee for ECELS to review your work for state authorized Professional Development credit. Updated 4/1/09. Instructions updated 2/19/10. (ECERS-ITERS: Personal Care Routines. K7C3-84 - 2 hours credit. Meets STARS Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety)

By using the information in the module to perform the required activities, you can help give children and their mothers a life-long health benefit! This Self Learning Module is based on an online resource kit developed by the Wisconsin Partnership for Activity and Nutrition. This kit contains two important tools that centers can use to become breastfeeding friendly. To earn Professional Development credit for this module from ECELS, follow these instructions:
1. Read the Wisconsin publication: “Ten Steps to Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Centers” Click here to be directed to the publication.
2. With permission of the authors, ECELS modified the self-appraisal questionnaire and the sample policy in the resource kit. After reading the information in the kit, directors and early learning practitioners from infant-toddler centers should collaborate to make their center breastfeeding friendly. Use the ECELS- modified versions of the self-appraisal questionnaire and policy documents.  Click here or on the title of the self-learning module for the MSWord format of these documents.  When the center has implemented the 10 steps in the resource (tool) kit, those who participated in the work may apply for Professional Development credit.
3. Each person seeking Professional Development credit must: a) Sign the completed self-appraisal questionnaire for the center indicating participation in the self-appraisal. b) Sign the center’s site-specific breastfeeding policy indicating participation in and agreement to follow the policy. c) Individually complete a Registration Form. ECELS will evaluate the completed self-appraisal questionnaire and policy to see how well these documents demonstrate understanding and implementation of the 10 steps described in the resource kit.  Submit the completed documents, including Registration Forms and a check for the $10 per person fee for ECELS staff to review the work done on this module to ECELS by surface mail to the address of the ECELS office found on this website. Those who need help to complete this module may contact ECELS at 800/243-2357, 484-446-3003 or [email protected] Content updated 6/11/09. Instructions updated 2/19/10.(ITERS: Space & Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Activities, Program Structure, Parents and Staff. K7C2-84-2 hours credit. Meets STARS Level 2 and 3 Performance Standard for Health and Safety) 

In this online media-rich module, watch interviews with child abuse and pediatric experts and early care and education staff.  The module addresses prevention efforts, recognizing and responding to signs and symptoms of child abuse and neglect, and reporting requirements for mandated reporters.  To view the module online, you will need a broadband Internet connection (cable, DSL or FIOS). Click on the module title above to open it.  It may take several minutes to load before playing.  If the module does not load quickly, you can try again later when online traffic may be reduced. Pennsylvania early learning practitioners who do not have a broadband connection or have difficulty with their Internet connection may request the CD version by clicking on “Available to Order” next to the title of the module or “Request Self-Learning Module” in the left pane of the ECELS website. To use the CD version of the module, you will need to have recent updates of the Adobe Reader (version 9.1 or better) and Adobe Flash Player (version 10.1 or better). You can download updates of this software from Adobe for free at http://www.adobe.com.  You will need to use the Document Packet whether you use the module online or view it as a PDF from the disc on your hard drive. Click here to download the Document Packet. It is also on the CD version. (ECERS-ITERS: Interaction, Parents and Staff. K7C2-86 - 2 hours credit.Meets the STARS Level 2 Performance Standard for Mandated Reporter training.)

Assess your program’s physical activity and nutrition policies and practices for children ages 3-5 using the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self- Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC).  Based on the assessment, develop an action plan to make improvements.  Learn how to create a nutritious menu and evaluate the menu according to Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines. Includes resources for staff and parents.  NOTE:  This is very large file – be patient for the material to download.  PA early learning practitioners may click on "Available for Order" next to the title of the self-learning module or on "Request Self-Learning Modules" in the left pane of this page to order hard copy. Be sure to submit the Registration Form and the $10 per person fee payable by check for ECELS to review the module for professional development credit.  (ECERS-ITERS:  Personal Care Routines, Space and Furnishings, Activities, Interaction.  K7 C2 84 or K8 C3 96: 3 hours credit.  Meets STAR Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety)

Using the Food Allergy Network's training and program improvement kit, staff and children can learn about food allergies. The tasks include viewing two videos; one for staff and one for children, and then submitting an activity that involves reading food labels and a self-assessment. PA practitioners may click on the title of the self-learning module for the instructions and the on-line portion of this module. Note that the file is large and with a high speed (e.g. cable) connection, it will take 3-4 minutes to download the file. ECELS will mail the videos and kit to you separately. Alternately, click on “Available for Order” next to the title of the self-learning module or on “Request Self-Learning Modules,” and ECELS will send you the complete self-learning module. Be sure to complete and submit the Registration Form with a $10 per person fee for ECELS to review the completed work for professional development credit. Note: Videos must be returned to ECELS within 10 working days. This module was revised in 2008. Instructions updated 2/19/10 (ECERS-ITERS: Personal Care Routines. K7C2-84; 2 hours credit. Meets STAR Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety)

This module discusses how to reduce risk of head injuries, how to recognize and respond to the signs and symptoms of a head injury, and what may be involved to accommodate a child in group care who has sustained a brain injury. To view the module online, you will need a broadband Internet connection (cable, DSL or FIOS). Click on the module title above to open it.  When you open the module application online, it may take several minutes to load before playing.  If the module does not load quickly, you can try again later when online traffic may be reduced.

Pennsylvania early learning practitioners who do not have a broadband connection or have difficulty with their Internet connection may request the CD version by clicking on “Available to Order” next to the title of the module or “Request Self-Learning Module” in the left pane of the ECELS website. To use the CD version of the module, you will need to have recent updates of the Adobe Reader (version 9.1 or better) and Adobe Flash Player (version 10.1 or better). You can download updates of this software from Adobe for free at http://www.adobe.com. To use the CD, copy the file named headbumpsmatter.pdf from the disc onto a hard drive on your computer. The module will not play correctly from the disc. You will need to use the Document Packet whether you use the module online or view it as a PDF from the disc on your hard drive. Click here to download the Document Packet. It is also on the CD version. Beginning April 1, 2013, the $10 per person,  co-pay review fee will apply to practitioners seeking credit. (ECERS-ITERS: Personal Care Routines. K7C2-84; 2 hours credit. Meets STAR Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety)

Learn reasons and rationale for arranging for the services of a Child Care Health Consultant (CCHC), explain the role of the CCHC and identify resources for help in locating a CCHC. View video segments to understand the CCHC role in improving health & safety for your facility. Review and consider examples of topics/cases to seek help from a CCHC. Identify ways to fund any cost associated with having a CCHC.  Be sure to submit the completed module with a Registration Form and a check for the $10 per person fee required for ECELS to review each module for state-authorized professional development credit. (ECERS-ITERS: Personal Care Routines, Program Structure, Parents and Staff K7C2-84; 2 hours credit.  Meets STARS Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety)

This Self Learning Module provides an overview of health and safety for infants and toddlers that impact this vulnerable age group.  Learn about how to prevent the most common injuries, infection control strategies and the most important aspects of nurturing care. The module includes links to helpful handouts for programs and families. View video segments of infant and toddler care in early learning settings to practice identifying strengths and areas to improve in real-life settings. Click on the title of the self-learning module for the instructions and active links to the on-line portion of this module. ECELS will mail the video and brochures to you separately. Alternately, click on “Available for Order” next to the title of the self-learning module or on “Request Self-Learning Modules,” and ECELS will send you the complete self-learning module. Be sure to submit  your work with a Registration Form and a check for the $10 per person fee for ECELS to review the module for professional development credit. Module updated 7/2/09. Instructions updated 2/19/10 (ITERS: Space & Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Activities. K7C2-84-2 hours credit. Meets STARS Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety)

Develop customized health and safety policies for your program. Click on the title of this self-learning module for instructions to follow to complete and submit the required documentation to ECELS with the Registration Form and the $10 fee to have ECELS review the work for each individual requesting credit for this module. Use the on-line copy of Model Child Care Health Policies available in the Publications/Media section of this website for your work to update the program's current policies. Content updated 6/11/09. Instructions updated 2/19/10. (K7C3-76; 3 Hours Credit)

 Learn the latest information on safe sleep practices and what you can do at your program to reduce the risk of SIDS.  This module describes best practices recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.  Includes a sample policy and handouts for families.  Submit work described in the module with a completed Registration Form and a check for the $10 per person fee to have ECELS review the work for state-authorized professional development credit. (ITERS: Personal Care Routines.  K7C2-84, 1 hour credit. Meets STARS Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety)

This professional development module will help educators develop a Sun Safety Policy and provide reading materials for teaching young children and parents the importance of skin protection. Complete a Self-Assessment and document activities. If unable to print out the module, PA early learning and/or school-age practitioners may request the hard copy materials for this module by clicking on the phrase "Available for Order" next to the title of this self-learning module or on "Request Self-Learning Modules" on the left pane of this page. Submit the completed module, the Registration Form and the $10 per person fee for ECELS to review the work for state authorized Professional Development credit. (ECERS-ITERS: Personal Care Routines. K7C3-84 - 2 hours credit. Meets STARS Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety.)

Early learning program directors or health professionals may use this self-learning module on DVD or conventional videotape to earn either 0.3 CEU units or 3 hours of U. of Pittsburgh CME. The material is based on the video content in Health & Safety Consultation in Child Care . The 2 DVD set has the 5 part videos as well as electronic (pdf) copies of many helpful forms and documents, including Caring for Our Children and Model Child Care Health Policies. The DVD set, Health & Safety Consultation in Child Care is free to Pennsylvania health professionals and early education directors. The DVD set includes the self-assessment as the pdf documents. To order the self-learning module in the DVD format, go to Publications/Media, select AV Materials and select "Health Consultation in Child Care - Multimedia Training on DVD". Then click on "Available for Order" to the right of the Title and complete the form. Health professionals and early education directors in Pennsylvania may borrow the five part series in video format.  To borrow the conventional video format, click on "Available for Order" to the right of the Title above or select "Request Self-Learning Module" on the left pane of this page. Health professionals and early educators from outside Pennsylvania may purchase the DVD or Video series set for $99, and then complete and submit the on-line self-assessment to ECELS for CME/CEU credit. To view the instructions for work required to complete the self-learning module, click on the title of the self-learning module above. Be sure to submit the Registration Form and the $10 per person fee payable by check for ECELS to review the completed module for professional development credit. Instructions updated 2/19/10.(ECERS-ITERS: Space and Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Program Structure, Parents and Staff. K7 C3-84 or K8 C3-98, 3 hours credit; 3 CME or 0.3 CEU credits from the University of Pittsburgh)                     

This module includes new online video and downloadable documents highlighting the 2011 recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the use of child passenger safety seats to transport children.  It includes the new performance standards from Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards: 3rd edition for the development of a transportation and field trip policy.  Learn about car seats, seat belts, planning field trips, preparing for emergencies, transporting children with special needs, developing a transportation policy and educating staff, parents, and children about transportation safety.    

Click here for the online material. 

Click on "Available for Order" next to the title to request a print version.

Print out, complete and mail to ECELS the required documents in the module.  Include a completed Registration Form, and Module Review Payment Form found here.  Include a $10 per person fee by check made out to “PAAAP” for module review for professional development credit. Module updated 9/2011. (ECERS-ITERS: Personal Care Routines.K7C2-76. 2 hours credit. Meets STARS Level 2 Performance Standard for Health and Safety.)