Expand the Brand (EtB) is an early learning communications and networking leadership group comprised of professionals seeking to increase awareness, build demand and encourage support for quality.
Far too often, people generally refer to early childhood education as “daycare” or “babysitting.” EtB seeks to remedy these negative connotations by offering clear and consistent statewide messaging about quality early childhood education, in addition to tips, tools, and training for participants to effectively present the messaging and engage different audiences in their local communities.
Successful applicants of EtB will participate in professional development sessions focused on communications and leadership skills. They will also conduct real-world community education outreach projects that relate to their early childhood work to promote QUALITY – what it looks like, how to find it, and why families should choose it. Early learning programs, LEARN partners, and Early Childhood Education Community Innovation Zone grantees are encouraged to apply.
The next EtB cohort is planned at the King of Prussia PaTTAN on March 25, April 28 and June 4, 2015. Applications will be accepted through February 13, 2015. Contact Karen Seeber, Communications Coordinator for the PA Key, at or 717-213-3731 for more information.
Professional Development Series for Expand the Brand
Four hours of PD per day at the King of Prussia PaTTAN: March 25, April 28 and June 4, 2015
DAY 1: Making the Case for Quality – Participants will create and present an “elevator pitch” for sharing stories and research to schools, business leaders and policymakers to inform them about the benefits of quality. 1 hour
DAY 1: Talking with Families about Quality – Participants will create and present their plans to take advantage of opportunities to talk to families about what quality is, why it matters and how they can make solid early learning choices for their children. 2 hours
DAY 1: Social Media Marketing and Building Your Brand – Participants will create and present their plans for marketing themselves, and their program, as early childhood education leaders. 1 hour
DAY 2: Graphic Design for Effective Communication – Participants will create graphic design layouts for flyers or newsletters based on elements such as content, images and color. 2 hours
DAY 2: Media Relations – Participants will create and practice media pitches seeking coverage of a local early learning event. 2 hours
DAY 3: Crisis Communication – Participants will create and present a crisis communication plans. 1 hour
DAY 3: Preparing Effective Presentations – Participants will create and present a brief presentation about what quality is and why it matters. Laptops/tablets with USB port and PowerPoint software required!
3 hours
Your Name: ______Title/Position ______
Your Complete Home Mailing Address: ______
Organization Name: ______
Organization Mailing Address: ______
Organization Counties served: ______
Regional Key (Select the region which covers your early learning program.)
Northeast Southeast South Central Northwest Southwest
Work Phone: ______/ Cell Phone: ______
Email (provide only one): ______
1. Early learning/home visiting programs: What level are you on the Career Lattice?
Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 Level 8
2. Early learning/home visiting programs: How many years of experience do you have?
5-6 years 7-8 years 9-10 years 11+ years
3. Early learning/home visiting programs: What direct services do you provide?
Keystone STARS – Level # ______PA Pre-K Counts Head Start/HSSAP
Early Intervention Nurse-Family Partnership Parent-Child Home Program
Other(s) ______
4. Child care providers/programs: What type of child care do you provide?
Center Child Care Group Home Child Care Family Home Child Care
5. Child care providers/programs: Does your child care accept CHILD CARE WORKS?
Yes No
6. COMMUNITY INNOVATION ZONE: Is your program/organization a CIZ grantee?
Yes No
7. LEARN Team: Do you participate with your Local Education And Resource Network?
Yes No
1) Share any communications experience or training you’ve had in the past. For example, writing, social media, graphic design, newsletters, flyers, public speaking.
2) Share two community outreach/education activities that you’ve conducted personally. Also, list your role in each activity. These can be non-early childhood education activities.
3) How do you plan to apply the information to improve your community outreach/education efforts?
Email both pages of your completed application to by Feb. 13, 2015.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions? Call Karen Seeber at 717-213-3731.