Early Education Newsletter
Family Child Care Networks
Home providers play a vital role in Indiana’s child care landscape. Family Child Care Networks provider a supportive community, professional development and introduce new opportunities.
SAVE THE DATE
Take a moment to mark March 9 on your calendar to save the date and watch for the registration link in next month's newsletter. The next Child Care Provider Fair will be in Anderson. CCRR is collaborating with child care directors in Madison County to bring back the Children's Expo. Both events will be held on Saturday, March 9 at Anderson Intermediate School.
Provider Fair 9-11am
Providers will gain child care resources and make connections with other directors. Whether you are just getting started or have an established child care business, CASY CCRR's Child Care Provider Fair is a great opportunity to connect with state support agencies, community organizations, and access resources that will support your business. Providers across the state are invited to attend.
Pre-K Expo 12-3pm
Families will meet local childcare providers and gain resources for their children. Child care providers in Madison County are invited to set up a booth with a child's activity. They will have the opportunity to share openings with families or utilize the event to promote job openings.
Need Help Opening a New Child Care?
Emerging Provider Specialists are available to support you in opening a new program. If you have questions related to the process or need assistance, please contact OECOSLemergingprovidersupport@fssa.in.gov to be connected to an Emerging Provider Specialist.
Get to know your local Contacts
The Indiana Association for the Education of the Young Children (IN AEYC) team supports early childhood professionals in reaching their goals by helping them get connected to the supports they need most to achieve their dreams. They have regionally-based Workforce Coordinators working in your communities to support collaboration and connection to local and statewide opportunities. Reach out to your local Workforce Coordinator to learn how they can help your child care workforce. They also have T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Scholarship Advisors who can help you achieve the Early Childhood Education you've always wanted at little or no cost. See if you qualify today!
Marketing Best Practices Guide
Up your marketing game. Hire more teachers.
Brighter Futures launched a new tool that will help providers recruit teachers and enroll families. Check out this video to view the Social Media and Online Presence sections of the Marketing Best Practices Guide.
Looking for professional development opportunities? Check out this list from FSSA of Online Professional Development Resources.
Taking on Turnover
Ask your INAEYC Workforce Coordinator about their 4-part series, plus a one-on-one session aimed at taking on turnover. In this series you will learn:
- What is turnover?
- Organizational culture and climate
- Belonging and trust
- Job descriptions, interviewing, and marketing
Connect with your Workforce Coordinator today to learn more.
SPARK Opportunities
Visit the SPARK website to learn more or to register for a session that meets your needs!
Where to get help and other resources
View the Training Calendar, including Lakeshore's in-person trainings
Toddler Environment
Creating a Supportive Environment for Toddlers,
Helping Young Children Thrive
by Dr. Amy Sussna Klein
Toddlers are always busy. Their energy and tenacity amaze me. I've observed the prolonged attention of a toddler absorbed in exploring a toy, then their demand for attention when they need help.
How can we as educators give toddlers the confidence to learn and explore on their own while still giving them the focused attention they need?
Dr. Amy Sussna Klein discusses these themes. She gives practical advice for designing safe and interesting environments where toddlers thrive within designated caring and exploring times. Read her article here.
Advocacy 101 Webinar
Want to engage in electoral work in your state? This webinar will help you build your early childhood advocacy skills and give you the tools you need to share your story.
In this webinar we discussed the difference between advocacy and lobbying, how to engage in electoral work in your state, and resources Child Care Aware of America can offer to build and support your early childhood advocacy efforts. This webinar is for CCR&R staff looking to get involved in the advocacy space, and anyone looking for a refresher or reboot for their advocacy work.
Learn more and register here.
Early Signs of Learning Challenges - A Resource for Parents
Writer: Rae Jacobson
Clinical Expert: Daryaneh Badaly, PhD, ABPP
It can be hard to tell if a preschool-age child is likely to have a learning disability. When kids are young, they develop skills at different speeds, and kids have different strengths and weaknesses. But there are some signs in preschool and early school that a child may be diagnosed with a learning disorder later on. For example, children who have trouble holding a crayon or using a fork may have issues with what is called fine motor control, or children having trouble understanding or using language can be a sign of a language-based learning disorder. Speech and language issues can also be an early sign of autism. Some of these kids can benefit from early intervention. If you notice your child is struggling, you can help by supporting their self-esteem. And you can work with them to build skills outside the classroom.
