Provider Insider, Winter 2024
January, February, March 2024
Welcome our new Preschool Promise Coach - Jennifer Kennedy
My name is Jennifer Kennedy and I am delighted to join the Clackamas CCR&R Team in the role of Preschool Promise Quality Coach. With over two decades of experience working in the field of Early Childhood Education, I understand what a positive, far-reaching impact quality childcare and early education programs have on the children, families and the communities they serve. With a teaching philosophy of allowing children to blossom in their own particular soil, I am hoping to apply a meaningful and individualized approach to my coaching practice. My wish is to empower educators and providers by helping them to utilize their strengths and grow in their abilities.
I am the youngest of 6, aunt of 15 and mother of 3. I owned my own Licensed Family Child Care when my two oldest children were young and took many courses though my local CCR&R and community college. I have worked in the classroom as a substitute, assistant, lead and educational manager with experience working for school districts and private preschool facilities. Much of my background is in Early Literacy and Family Literacy and I was fortunate to provide reading intervention and volunteer as a Reading Partner early in my career. Children’s Literature has always been a great love of mine and I have a massive collection of books to prove it!
Having worked in the Child Development Department at Pasadena City College for many years, I was given the opportunity to provide resources and supports to a diverse community of early educators. I worked as a Program Coordinator on several grant-funded programs including a Collaborative Family Literacy Project and a Child Development Workforce Initiative Program. These experiences gave me a broad knowledge of the field of Early Childhood Education and the struggles educators and families face within our ever changing world. My own learning journey is currently focused on the Constructivist Approach to ECE, Inclusive Studies and broadening my understanding of Indigenous Knowledge. Looking forward to partnering and connecting with all of you!
Focus on the Pyramid Model
Our Purpose
In the first five years of life, experiences and relationships stimulate children’s development, creating millions of connections in their brains. Their brains develop connections faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives. Our hope is that these newsletters will give you tools to help support your child's social and emotional development and prepare your child to enter preschool and Kindergarten ready to learn!
The Pyramid Model
The Pyramid Model is a framework for supporting the social and emotional development of our children. The goal of the Pyramid Model is to create an environment where every child feels good about coming to school. We do this by designing classrooms that promote a child's interest in learning and by building positive relationships among children, families, and staff.
Why do we use the Pyramid Model? Click the links below to learn more.
How to Teach Young Children About Rules and Expectations. Choose 2-3 rules that are important for your family.
Examples:
- Use gentle hands to touch
- Pick up your toys when you are done playing
How to Put this Strategy into Practice with Your Child:
- Write down the rules as “do’s” (instead of “don’ts”). As an example, clean up your toys instead of don't leave a mess.
- Pick rules that apply to situations where your child needs reminders.
- Pick rules that your child can learn to do (e.g., appropriate for your child’s age and abilities).
- Make a rules chart. Add a picture that shows your child following the rule. Have your child help or watch you make the chart.
- Show and tell
Focus on teaching your child the rules. Your introduction to the rules should be for teaching your child in an interesting and fun way. Show your child what it looks like to follow the rule. You might need to break it down into smaller steps. Model it. . Take turns with your child and be silly, showing them what it looks like to follow the rule and not follow the rule. Make up a story about the rules and use it to review the rules.
After learning the rules, play a game to see if your child can remember the rules. Give a big hug or high five after they recite the rules to you. Remember that your child is learning the rules. It will take time and practice before they can follow them.
Practice makes better. You may need to review and practice the new lots of times before your child independently remembers. Celebrate your child’s effort and success. Praise and encourage your child for learning and following the rules
Inclusive Partners Tip of the Month
Did you know…
There is no set timeline for development of “potty training”?
Just as children walk and talk within a wide range of ages, toileting skills also develop along a flexible timeline. Self-care skills are supported within responsive relationships. Children learn to pay attention to their biological cues, and how to respond to each cue, within these supportive relationships.
When adults remember that there is no magical age at which a child should be toileting independently, they are better able to respond in a supportive way that encourages each child to develop the skills and language needed to learn self-care. Toileting is a developmental skill that is learned, just like any other. Each child’s unique learning style will guide their self-care skills.
Support children in learning the process of dressing and undressing. During diapering opportunities, talk about all the different sensations involved. Have toilets that are easily accessible and be respectful of the child’s preference for privacy.
Be realistic in your expectations of each child regardless of age. All children don’t reach toileting independence by age 3. Preventing a child from transitioning with their same aged peers can cause social emotional disruptions for the child left behind.
If you have more questions or want more ideas for supporting children through this process, reach out to Inclusive Partners. Call 971-673-2286 or email DELC.InclusivePartners@ode.oregon.gov
CORRECTED DATES! EmpowerEd: Visionary School Leadership (80562)
Dates: Feb.1, 8, 15 & 22, 6pm-9pm
Cost: $100
Language: English
Location: Online
ORO information: Set 3, PPLD, 12 hours
Trainer: Amy Williams
This series is a comprehensive and dynamic class for ECE school leaders. We will focus on evaluating a variety of tools that will equip you with the essential skills, knowledge, and mindset to become visionary leaders in the field. Through a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative discussions, participants will formulate strategies for creating a positive and impactful learning environment for the staff and children they serve.
Topics covered: School mission and vision construction, inclusive practices and policies, and adaptation to the ever-evolving educational landscape. Lead with vision. Inspire teams. Drive meaningful change that benefits both the child and the broader educational community.
Health, Safety & Nutrition Cohort
Dates: Jan. 6, 20, Feb. 3, 17 & Mar. 2, 6pm-9pm
Cost: $100
Language: English
Location: Online
ORO information: Set 1 and Set 2, HSN, 15 hours
Trainer: Sonia Thomas
Healthy Children, Healthy Lives Overview of Wellness in Child Care (80099)
Jan. 6, 9am-12pm
Bloodborne Pathogens What is it and how to prevent transmission (80026)
Jan. 20, 9am-12pm
Environmental Health Strategies to Prevent Lead Poisoning (80027)
Feb. 3 9am-12pm
Viral Infections in Child Care (80028)
Feb. 17 9am-12pm
Bacterial Infections in Child Care (80029)
Mar. 2, 9am-12pm
JUST ADDED! Zero to Three Critical Competencies Social Emotional Module (81525)
Dates: Mar. 12 & 19, Apr. 9 & 16, May 14 & 21, 6pm-9pm
Language: English
CKC: 5 HGD, 4 LEC, 9 UGB, Set Two, ARC: IT
Cost: $60
Location: Online
Trainer: Candi Stark
Social-emotional development is the foundation for all areas of childhood development and learning. The Overview will establish your role, examine the curriculum, and explore learning environments for your participants. The six modules in this Area will explore building warm positive relationships, responsive caregiving, supporting social-emotional expression and regulation, promoting socialization, guiding behavior and promoting infant and toddler sense of identity and belonging through theoretical and practical application of the concepts presented.
