PACER Center, the National Head Start Association, and IBM
Present a National Early Childhood Technology Project
This National Early Childhood Technology Project, developed by PACER Center and IBM, is designed to help all children — those with and without disabilities — learn in inclusive environments. This project aims to help children bridge the digital divide through the use of technology by giving Head Start staff and parents the opportunity to learn more about integrating technology into early childhood classrooms. Head Start teams of two to three staff members and parents will receive training on how to use the IBM Young Explorer computer to promote an inclusive classroom environment.
Head Start staff members and parents may apply to participate in a six-hour, one-day “train the trainer” event on April 22, 2008 at NHSA’s 35th Annual Training Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. Upon successful completion of this training, each participating Head Start team will receive a Young Explorer computer for their classroom. Each team will then have the opportunity to select up to four additional classrooms that they can then train to use a Young Explorer computer. Each of these participating classrooms will also receive a Young Explorer computer valued at over $2,100 (donated by PACER and IBM). Ongoing training and technical support will be provided.
Participants will be asked to provide program evaluations, give feedback, share their success stories, and help promote the success of the program in their communities by sharing their stories with the media and providing information on their Web sites. For more information and to obtain an application, please contact Bridget Ames by e-mail at ectech@pacer.org or by phone at (952) 838-9000 or Angela Smith at (703) 739-7563 or by e-mail at asmith@nhsa.org.
All Head Start programs are eligible to participate. However, the project places special emphasis on programs from the following cities and their surrounding areas:
Atlanta
Austin
Boston
Burlington, VT
Chicago
Dallas
Denver/Boulder
Detroit
Houston
Los Angeles/Orange County
Memphis/Nashville
New York City
Piscataway NJ Area
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Poughkeepsie/Fishkill NY
Raleigh/Charlotte NC
Rochester/Minneapolis
San Jose/San Francisco
St. Louis
Tampa/Orlando
Tuscon, AZ
Washington, DC/Northern VA
Westchester County, NY
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