Spreading HOPE — Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences
Wednesday, January 8, 10:00-11:00 AM
We build HOPE — Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences — by promoting equitable access to positive childhood experiences (PCEs) that help children grow into resilient adults and mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Join us to explore research and learn how to promote equitable access to the Four Building Blocks of HOPE: Relationships, Environment, Engagement, and Emotional Growth. We’ll discuss how homeless liaisons and youth-serving professionals can create supportive environments, facilitate essential connections, and ensure that every student receives the resources they need to thrive. Additionally, we’ll connect this approach to other frameworks like the Strengthening Families Protective Factors, emphasizing the integral part liaisons and youth-serving professionals play in transforming educational experiences and outcomes for vulnerable students.
Meet Our Instructor, Karen Shanoski, M. Mgt.
Karen Shanoski’s work at Center for Schools and Communities includes multiple responsibilities for family support programs including leadership of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) state office, Children’s Trust Fund work, training and consultation services in strengths-based family engagement practices, and family-school-community partnerships. She serves on Childhood Begins at Home Campaign, PA Family Support Committee, Family Center Network, Strengthening Families Leadership Team and other statewide workgroups.
She served on the National Board of Parents as Teachers. She has been director of a private nonprofit that helped people meet basic human needs and a planner with a county children and youth agency. She is an active community volunteer since high school, including service as a public school board member for ten years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a Master’s degree in Management, from Pennsylvania State University. She is a graduate of the Education Policy Fellowship Program.
She and her husband are the proud parents of two creative adult sons making their way in the world.
Reduce Expulsion and Suspension with Socially and Emotionally Centered Practices
Wednesday, February 12, 10:00-11:00 AM
Expulsion and suspension are complex issues that affect many children and families. Understanding the data related to the expulsion and suspension of young children and the impacts on children and families is critical in turning these challenges into solution-oriented practices. Join us to explore socially and emotionally focused practices and strategies that support the reduction of expulsion and suspension and build child and family-centered pathways for positive child outcomes.
Meet Our Instructor, Julia Gest, M.Ed.
Julia Gest is an Early Learning Program Specialist for the Pennsylvania State University Extension Better Kid Care Program. Julia’s areas of interest include social and emotional learning (SEL), educator and child well-being, and equitable practice in early care and education.
She has been an educator, managed and directed research projects, developed research-based curricula, created research to practice courses and resources, facilitated professional development for educators, and coached teachers in SEL practices to support children’s development. Julia holds an M.Ed. in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Recorded webinars
ECYEH Monitoring 2024-2025: Essential Processes and Tools for your Monitoring Experience
[Held October 9] Highlights include changes to document submission and the interview process, the new monitoring scoring system, and key tips and resources to help you prepare for a monitoring visit.
Unleashing Extraordinary: Well-being Strategies for Educators Supporting Vulnerable Students
[Held November 13] Discover practical strategies, hands-on tools, and engaging activities to boost your resilience, enhance well-being, and thrive personally and professionally as we head into the holiday season.
Creative Pathways to Healing: Arts Integration for Students Experiencing Homelessness
[Held December 11] Explore how arts integration fosters healing, resilience, and academic engagement for students experiencing homelessness by building community connections and nurturing environments through creative expression.