#INspirEDearly
September 2019, Volume 7
Welcome
New Releases from IDOE
Social Studies Foundations Guidance
It's That Time - OMWPK Enrollment!
Are You Eligible to Become an On My Way Pre-K Provider?
Check out this resource to determine if you meet the requirements. Providers from all counties became eligible to apply on July 1st. Public School Pre-K Coordinators or Administrators can contact Pre-K Expansion Specialist, Sarah Parks-Reese, for additional support.
ISPROUT Training for Data Managers and Trainer of Trainers
Training is scheduled for data managers and for trainer of trainers of ISPROUT, the early learning assessment tool for all students with an IEP. Each district or site should have a data administrator. Data managers will be responsible for creating ISPROUT accounts and importing students for their district or site. Trainer of Trainers will become certified to prepare other teachers in their district/site to administer ISPROUT. Additional dates and locations will be added. For some schools or sites, the data manager and the trainer of trainers may be the same individual. Please contact Felecia Jordan at fjordan1@doe.in.gov with any questions. See the Office of Assessment's website for training dates and registration.
ISPROUT Webinar Recording
Reminder: 2019 Indiana Child Care Workforce Study
Now is your chance to make a difference! The 2019 Indiana Child Care Workforce Study includes all licensed centers, licensed family child care homes, and registered child care ministries. School based programs that are licensed by the Office of Early Childhood and Out of School Learning received an email sent to the “director of record” with a link to complete the survey for directors with an additional link embedded for the teacher survey. Please contact Stefanie Brooks at Indiana AEYC with any questions.
Reminder: Indiana Child Care Deserts Competition
Part of Early Learning Indiana’s Solution Series, the Indiana Child Care Deserts Competition, invites local communities to solve the significant challenge of child care deserts. Up to ten access grants, totaling up to $1M in value, will be awarded to communities that submit winning proposals focused on expanding access for children, from infants to age five, to quality early learning opportunities. Today, more than four out of 10 Hoosier children live in a child care desert, where there is just one early learning seat for every three children; this competition aims to address that significant issue. Schools may consider applying and assembling their own community partners, and should be aware they may be approached as potential community partners for applications from other organizations.
Initial letters of intent are due by September 13 at 5 p.m. For more information, please see Early Learning Indiana's site.
The Indiana Child Care Deserts Competition is made possible by the generosity of the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Funding Opportunity: CHS Foundation Classroom Grant
Spotlight From the Field
Jessica Tomasino, IDOE's Special Education Specialist
Jessica is the Early Childhood Special Education Specialist for the Indiana Department of Education. As a Special Education Specialist, Jessica oversees the monitoring of Early Childhood indicators for federal reporting and supports. Jessica provides technical assistance to local education agencies around Early Childhood Special Education and is the co-lead for the State Systemic Improvement Plan and Results Driven Accountability. Jessica is the Part B 619 Coordinator for the State of Indiana, a member of the Interagency Coordinating Council for First Steps, and a former special education teacher.
She has always found joy in working with children and families. Prior to her life in education, Jessica worked in community mental health as a school-based life skills specialist. In her time away from work, Jessica enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and two daughters, and crafting.
Nominate Your Colleague!
Resources We Love
Article: Types of Play
Professional Development
Indiana Library Federation
Office of School Improvement Conference: Sailing Towards Proficiency
The Office of School Improvement is excited to announce its inaugural School Improvement Conference for all schools across Indiana on September 5, 2019! Gerry Brooks, popular speaker and principal, will be the keynote. The Office of School Improvement Team will be hosting 27 breakout sessions. We are eager to extend the invitation to Indiana educators and administrators to join us in this free conference! More information can be found here.
Thursday, Sep 5, 2019, 07:30 AM
Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, South Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Special Education Administrators Conference
Join us September 16-17 for the Preschool Special Education Administrators Conference. For more information, contact Pauline Busby at pgbusby@sbcsc.k12.in.us.
Monday, Sep 16, 2019, 11:30 AM
3912 Vincennes Road, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA
Engage With Us
Sarah Parks-Reese
Email: sparksreese1@doe.in.gov
Website: www.doe.in.gov/earlylearning
Location: 115 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: 317-234-5719
Twitter: @sarahlee218
Krystal Robinson
Email: krobinson2@doe.in.gov
Website: www.doe.in.gov/earlylearning
Location: 115 West Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Phone: 317-232-0510