Early Education Newsletter
March 2022
Build, Learn, Grow Stabilization Grant Round 2
A second round of Build, Learn, Grow Stabilization Grants is available for Indiana child care and out-of-school-time providers. Check the Build, Learn, Grow Stabilization Grant webpage for the latest information and details. Deadline to apply is April 15, 2022
Eligibility:
Early childhood and school-age programs are eligible to apply if they were licensed and/or registered to operate by March 11, 2021, (if not CCDF eligible) or Jan. 14, 2022, if active in the CCDF program. Programs must be in good standing, open and serving children on the date of application, and meeting state and local health requirements. Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients are not eligible.
Build, Learn, Grow Scholarships Extended
For families with qualifying incomes, classified as essential workers, the state of Indiana can cover 80% of your child care costs for kids up to age 12. That even includes before-school and after-school care.
New applications must be submitted by March 31, 2022 to be eligible for the scholarship to be extended through June 2022.
Visit https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/scholarships/families to learn more and apply.
For a toolkit to share this opportunity with families visit https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/build-learn-grow/family-toolkit
Business Supports through SPARK
Connect with a business consultant through live Q&A sessions and one-on-one coaching calls at no cost to you. Your business consultant can:
• Assist you in identifying key areas in your business to utilize relief funding
• Help you define and reach goals to increase revenue and decrease costs
• Offer best practices and tools to operate your child care business
• Create action steps to help you move forward with confidence
We encourage you to take advantage of this no-cost, professional consultation for child care providers that could make a big difference to your child care business.
Look for the button on the homepage of indianaspark.com to schedule your FREE consultation.
Provider Recognition Round 1
Ellen Vaughn, Helping Hands Daycare
Haley Davidson, First Friends
Hannah Singer, ISU Early Childhood Ed Center
Laura Dalton, Clark-Pleasant Preschool
Shena Gordon, ISU ECEC Infant Toddler Program
Abbott Voluntarily Recalls Powder Formulas Manufactured at One Plant
Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is initiating a proactive, voluntary recall of powder formulas, including Similac, Alimentum and EleCare manufactured in Sturgis, Mich., one of the company's manufacturing facilities. The recall does not include any metabolic deficiency nutrition formulas.
Abbott is voluntarily recalling these products after four consumer complaints related to Cronobacter sakazakii or Salmonella Newport in infants who had consumed powder infant formula manufactured in this facility.
Additionally, as part of Abbott's quality processes, we conduct routine testing for Cronobacter sakazakii and other pathogens in our manufacturing facilities. During testing in our Sturgis, Mich., facility, we found evidence of Cronobacter sakazakii in the plant in non-product contact areas. We found no evidence of Salmonella Newport. This investigation is ongoing. Learn more.
Professional Development
Indiana Afterschool Network Presents: Social and Emotional Learning for All
Mar 2, 2022 10:00 AM
Mar 9, 2022 10:00 AM
Research is clear: students and adults benefit from properly implemented SEL programs. Is it possible that SEL programs exclude any students or adults, and if so, what can we do to expand SEL’s positive effect? This two-part series will explore what effective SEL programs are intended to accomplish, how students and adults might fall into programmatic blind spots, and practical strategies we can take to increase the likelihood of including everyone. Register here.
Farm to Early Childhood Education Learning Series
Farm to Early Childhood Education Learning Series- Part 1: School Gardens
March 3 @ 10:00 am EST
Farm to Early Childhood Education Learning Series- Part 2: Agriculture and Nutrution Education
March 10 @ 2:00 pm EST
Farm to Early Childhood Education Learning Series- Part 3: Procurement
March 17 @ 2:00 pm EST
To register, login or create an account at ilead.in.gov, click the green "Start Your Indiana Learning Path" button, choose "Courses" on the left-hand side, and search "Farm" in the top search bar.
Baby Talk: Building Stronger Relationships with Infants and Toddlers
MARCH 3, 2022
3:00 P.M. EST
Research shows that the majority of brain development occurs in the first few years of a child’s life. The skills that an infant and toddler learn become the foundation for more complex social, emotional, and cognitive abilities later in life. So, how can educators create routines and interact with infants and toddlers in a way that best supports this critical period of learning?
This webinar will focus on strategies that early childhood educators can use to promote effective language and cognitive development of infants and toddlers. And, get concrete examples of what impactful interactions look like in different child care settings. Click here to register.
Inspirations from Reggio Emilia for a STEM-Infused Environment, Dr. Vicki Carper Bartolini
MARCH 9, 2022
2:00 PM Eastern Time
From her recently published book, Creating a Reggio-Inspired STEM Environment for Young Children, award-winning educator Dr. Vicki Carper Bartolini offers practical suggestions and resources for teachers to re-envision their early learning environments with a focus on STEM. Using the Reggio Emilia lens that honors the right of children to a wondrous learning environment, the author guides participants in how they might consider children’s competencies as they collaboratively engage in STEM investigations. Click here for more information.
Save the Date: Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning
The Indiana Afterschool Network is excited to announce their 11th annual Indiana Summit on Out-of-School Learning - Indiana's premier conference designed specifically for out-of-school time providers and champions.
The Summit brings together youth programs, community partners, and educators to connect, explore new ideas, access valuable resources, and advance learning beyond the school day for Indiana's youth. Together we can work to make lasting change for Indiana's kids and professionals that help them grow.
This year's summit will be taking place at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Noblesville Indianapolis Conference Center on May 24-25, 2022.
Follow Indiana Afterschool Network on social media to receive updates on this event and more.
The Summit is hosted in partnership between the Indiana Afterschool Network and the Indiana Department of Education
Resources
Six Self-Care Activities for Kids
Kids of all ages require time to relax, refresh and recharge, especially as they get older and more active in school or extracurricular activities. Self-care activities for children, along with their families, can help them slow down and relax while hopefully feeling less tired, stressed or anxious.
Participating in self-care activities at a young age can help children develop a routine that will benefit them as they grow and even into adulthood. That sense of routine teaches children how to care for themselves and develops the skills they need to stay healthy mentally, physically and emotionally. Click here to learn more.
Cut Out the Pre-Cuts: The Trouble with Themes in Early Childhood Education
5 Tips for Building a Reciprocal Relationship with Parents of Young Children
Resources for Familes
How to Inspire Generosity in Children
How Four Deep Breaths Can Help Kids Calm Down
FAMILY WEBINAR: Teaching Children Healthy Boundaries ~ Thursday, March 17th at 2pm
Setting healthy boundaries can be challenging even for adults, but not having or knowing how to set boundaries can be even more problematic. Boundaries help us to understand and respect our own needs as well as the needs of others. Join CASY's family engagement specialists as we discuss empowering our children to set their own boundaries and respect the boundaries of others.
Stay Connected:
Email: admin@casyonline.org
Website: www.casyonline.org
Location: 1101 South 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN, USA
Phone: 800-886-3952
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CASY.Inc