#INspirEDearly
December 2019, Volume 10
Welcome
New Resources from IDOE
Early Learning Foundations Guidance
Physical Health and Growth Guidance
This information will be available in the Foundations Guidance Online Tool shortly.
Preschool Roadshow
Strong Start Community Grant
A smooth transition into kindergarten creates a foundation for children to build upon throughout the rest of their K-12 journey. When communities strengthen the connective experience between early learning and the start of kindergarten, they ease the stress of transition, setting children up for effective experiences. With that in mind, the Strong Start Community grant will fund Indiana communities to create and implement locally-driven transition practices. Applicants can learn more and apply at https://solutions.earlylearningin.org/strong-start-community-grant/ for this opportunity, funded through Indiana’s Preschool Development Grant. Submissions are due by December 20 at 5 p.m. to be considered. Winning communities will build and execute plans in 2020 and 2021 to give their kindergarten students the best possible start in their elementary journey.
Opportunity: Community of Practice for Indiana Administrators
Next CoP Meeting: December 11 1:30-2:30
Are You Eligible to Become an On My Way Pre-K Provider?
Check out this resource to determine if you meet the current requirements. Providers from all counties became eligible to apply on July 1. Public School Pre-K Coordinators or Administrators can contact Pre-K Expansion Specialist, Sarah Parks-Reese, for additional support.
ISPROUT Updates
Teacher Training
Teacher Training for ISPROUT
Are you currently serving students being assessed with ISPROUT? Do you need training to record student skills and knowledge? Register here for a fully online course to become certified. This course is self-paced and will guide you through the ISPROUT tool, scoring protocol, practice in the ISPROUT dashboard and certification assessments. Questions can be sent to Felecia Jordan (fjordan1@doe.in.us).
CDA Renewal Amnesty
The T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship facilitated by Indiana AEYC will also support qualifying individuals in their renewals. More information about the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship and information on how to apply can be found here.
Spotlight From the Field
Kelly Blakely
Kelly Blakely is a Developmental Preschool Teacher in Center Grove Schools. In her current role, Kelly serves as a teacher lead for the growing preschool program. She coordinates trainings for her team, serves as a member of the Preschool Assessment Team, mentors new teachers, and ensures curriculum continuity within the program. Kelly attends all initial case conferences for preschool students and strives to provide a welcoming presence for families as they enter the program. Kelly is passionate about working with young learners!
Kelly, thank you for everything you do for young children!
Nominate Your Colleague!
Resources We Love
You Spoke - We Listened!
Brighter Futures
CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early.
WFYI's Bright by Text
Supporting Children and Families Experiencing Homelessness
HHS’s Office of Head Start, Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center has a series of eight training modules for early care and education providers on supporting children and their families who are experiencing homelessness. Learn the McKinney-Vento Homelessness Assistance Act's definition of "homeless" and best practices for working with partners and families, including conducting community outreach.
Professional Development
Thank You!
Red Light, Green Light
If You Build It... (Team 1)
If You Build It... (Team 2)
Second Annual Educating the Whole Child Summit
Registration for Indiana's Second Annual Educating the Whole Child Summit is live and can be found here. Please note that if you are having one person register a group of people for your district, they will have to submit separate registrations by leaving and re-entering registration.
Highlights from just a few of the keynote speakers:
Blocks of rooms have been secured at the Marriott East for $129/night. For your planning purposes, please know each day will begin with breakfast/registration beginning at 7:30.
Day 1, February 19, will begin with a speaker at 9:00 a.m. and Day 2, February 20, will begin at 8:30 a.m. Both days will end at 4:00 p.m.
Questions should be directed to Christy Gauss at jcgauss@indiana.edu.
Wednesday, Feb 19, 2020, 09:00 AM
Indianapolis Marriott East, East 21st Street, Indianapolis, IN, 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