Early Education Newsletter
November 2021
CASY office will be closed:
Veterans Day:
Thursday, November 11th
Thanksgiving:
Thursday, November 25th
Friday, November 26th
Provider recognition program
Starting in October 2021, OECOSL is pleased to launch a provider recognition program to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Indiana child care providers. Nominations for this award can be entered starting on Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, at 8 a.m. EST until Monday, Nov. 5, 2021, at 6 p.m. EST.
Guidelines:
- Five individual educators or professionals will be recognized per quarter with nominations beginning in October 2021 (one from each service delivery area):
- Four educators receive a $500 award to Lakeshore/Kaplan • One educator receives a $1,000 award to Lakeshore/Kaplan
- Every attempt will be made to ensure that providers across all settings are selected (e.g., ministries, homes, centers, OST).
- A provider may not receive the recognition award twice.
- A provider must have a current background check and consent on file and have been employed at least 90 days with their current program.
- The program must be in good standing with no active enforcements in the last year.
- The PTQ rating for program cannot be expired (if applicable).
- Providers will be recognized at their local regional advisory council meeting.
- Individuals may nominate up to two providers per quarter.
If you have questions, please contact OECOSL at OECOSLproviderinquiry@fssa.in.gov and put “Provider Recognition Program" in the subject line.
GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN INDIANA EARLY CHILDHOOD AND OUT OF SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning released new Build, Learn, Grow Stabilization Grants to help early childhood education and out-of-school care programs continue recovering from the effects of the pandemic and strengthen their businesses for the future.
Grants are non-competitive and are calculated per site based on each provider’s program type, average attendance, staffing costs, quality level and geography. Grant awards for the first round of funding will cover approximately three months of a provider’s monthly operating costs.
Providers can view grant details and review frequently asked questions to begin preparing to apply. Visit brighterfuturesindiana.org/build-learn-grow/stabilization-grants.
Build, Learn, Grow Scholarships
Indiana’s Build, Learn, Grow program is extending scholarships for qualified families through March 2022! Scholarships cover up to 80% of a child’s early care and education, summer learning, or out-of-school program tuition, ensuring families can connect to the care and education children need.
Extensions for awarded scholarships
The scholarship extension form is streamlined to allow for quicker submission. After September, programs can extend scholarships for families in quarterly claims.
New scholarship claims
Providers can continue to submit new scholarship claims for children enrolled in care or new to their program. Learn more about the scholarships and claims process.
Need help?
For support with the Build, Learn, Grow scholarship program, contact the Brighter Futures Indiana Solution Center via email, phone or chat.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. ET.
Call: (800) 299-1627
Email: Solutioncenter@earlylearningindiana.org
Chat: https://brighterfuturesindiana.org and click the “Support” box in the bottom right corner
YOUR CCDF ELIGIBILITY OFFICE MAY HAVE CHANGED
How to Invite Educators in I-LEAD
JOIN SPARK LEARNING LAB'S MAILING LIST
In Case You Missed the Exciting news about T.E.A.C.H.
Professional Development
Coaching and Supervising Staff for Social Emotional Development Growth: Prioritizing SEL in Your Program, by Jacky Howell
November 3, 2021
2:00 PM Eastern Time
We all understand the importance of Social/Emotional Learning for children in early childhood programs. Yet, one of the biggest challenges administrators face is ensuring all children in their programs are offered the best opportunities for social-emotional development. Join this paradigm-shifting webinar by early childhood education expert Jacky Howell to explore the most current thinking about social-emotional development and how to ensure the staff you supervise are applying best practice in their classrooms. Jacky will share her insights about how you can plan, set expectations, provide day-to-day coaching, and hold staff accountable for SEL. Learn more here.
Child Care Stabilization Grants and New Tax Changes for 2021, by Tom Copeland
November 11, 2021
2:00 PM Eastern Time
This webinar, presented by child care business expert, Tom Copeland, will cover all the new tax changes affecting family child care providers for 2021. These include the Child Care Stabilization Grants, SBA forgivable loans, new child tax credit, what’s deductible in the era of COVID, calculating your Time-Space% if you have been closed, and more. Learn more here.
Applying Loose Parts in Learning Environments: A Playful, Standards-Based STREAM Approach
Loose parts are open-ended, natural, and manufactured materials that can be manipulated with limitless possibilities. In this edWebinar, you will discover that a loose parts mindset:
- Supports invention
- Promotes imagination
- Inspires innovation
- Instills problem-solving skills
- Builds confidence
How can this be used in learning settings? During this edWebinar, you will explore the development and application of a loose parts mindset in our classrooms and schools. Learn more here.
Program Resources
The Project Approach for All Children:
A preschool class with a wide range of abilities can be very challenging. How can you successfully reach and teach learners of all backgrounds and abilities?
The Project Approach, a popular and proven teaching method, provides a framework that can work well in an inclusive classroom.
Rather than providing a cookie-cutter solution, project-based learning can be individualized to meet the needs of each of your students. No matter what their ability, with some creative scaffolding, learning can become an exciting and authentic adventure. Read more
4 Key Factors for Laying a Foundation for Rich Science Inquiry with Young Multilingual Learners
Understanding the Power of Parent Involvement
Parent Resources
Webinar: MANAGING THE HOLIDAYS ~ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH AT 1PM
Webinar: Observe, Explore, Discover!: Engaging Young Children in STEM
Recorded Webinar: MAKING THE HEALTHY CHOICE THE EASY CHOICE
Claire Rivron, Community Wellness Coordinator in Shelby/Rush/Decatur Counties, recently partnered with CASY's Family Engagement Specialists to present a webinar on encouraging you to make healthy choices within reach for your family. This webinar covered practical, research-based tips for incorporating nutrition and physical activity into your family’s lifestyle.
Recorded Webinars: WHAT ARE ACES? A FAMILY FOCUSED WORKSHOP
Jessica Herzog-Hall, Director of the ACEs Indiana Coalition, recently discussed Adverse Childhood Effects and the impact it can have on children.
ENCOURAGING HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS
UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONDING TO CHILDREN WHO BITE
Stay Connected:
Email: admin@casyonline.org
Website: www.casyonline.org
Location: 1101 South 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN, USA
Phone: 800-886-3952
Facebook: facebook.com/CASY.Inc