Each time a prospective parent searches for licensed providers in your area, your profile is your best advertising tool.

The client will enter the child’s age and any other relevant information into CONNECT and a search is performed based on the information you have in your profile. If you aren’t updating openings etc., you may be missing out on new clients.

It also can provide parents with a snapshot of your program. This is especially true if you upload photos of your environment. (Please be sure to have photo permissions for any children in any photos).

**It is recommended that you review your information every 3-4 months to ensure that your information is correct and as up to date as possible.**

Cadillac Area Spring Conference registation form 2012

Weekly Update, January 20, 2012

State Regional Resource Center Meeting

I went to Lansing this week to meet with Program Directors from all 10 Regional Resource Centers. The topic was implementation and support for Great Start to Quality. Directors shared successes and challenges, and received additional guidance from ECIC.

Great Start to Quality Update

98 providers have completed the Self Assessment Survey (SAS) for TQRIS. Hillary Lang, our Quality Improvement Specialist, has begun the process of validating the results of the SAS. This is in addition to her work assisting providers with the Quality Rating System.

Training Update

Numerous trainings have recently been added to the Great Start CONNECT statewide database. Upcoming trainings are designed to support child care providers working with the Tiered Quality and Improvement Rating System. Child Care Connections has developed a core curriculum based on areas identified in the TQRIS.  In addition, training topics grow out of the information we receive from Make Me a Star participants as well as the results of the Self Assessment Survey, which is completed by providers participating in TQRIS.

Our Child Care Specialists are currently offering open trainings and trainings for Make Me a Star participants. Before a training is scheduled, a plan is submitted to the Training Coordinator for approval and input. The plan identifies specific learning outcomes, how the training links to Creative Curriculum, the PQA and the TQRIS. The Training Coordinator reviews and vets the training objectives and materials and gives input as appropriate to insure best practice for adult learning.  The Training Coordinator also applies for CEU’s as appropriate. This allows for consistency across our region as different members of our staff provide training.

In addition we have participated in regional meetings to share resources and to develop trainings.  An example of this is the recent “Big Ideas for Small Groups” training that was developed jointly by Child Care Connections, ISD staff and Headstart. Working together allowed us to share training resources as well as to develop course content collaboratively. (Thanks to Angie Norvell from TBA ISD for the catchy title!)

Infant Mental Health Training Consortium Training

The IMH Training Consortium is offering two opportunities in the coming week to learn more about Autism. On Thursday evening February 2^nd, Judith Coucouvanis, MA will be presenting for parents and child care providers on the topic “Autism Do’s and Don’ts”. This is a free training that will be held at the Traverse Area District Library. Please plan to arrive at 6:30 pm to get signed in. The presentation will begin promptly at 7:00pm. Call Child Care Connections at 941-7767 to register or email info@childcarenwmi.com We currently have 83 people registered for this training!

On Friday, February 3^rd Judith will be presenting a full day training titled “Autism Spectrum Disorders: Development Signs and Practical Intervention for Young Children”. This training will be at the Hagerty Center. Registration for this training closed January 24^th but you can find more information on the TBA ISD web site.

Looking Ahead…

Please visit our web site at www.childcarenwmi.com for details on upcoming trainings offered in our region.

Great Start to Quality, Self Assessment Survey (SAS) Training Sessions

Great Start to Quality (The Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System) is up and running. In order to assist child care providers in completing the Self Assessment Survey (SAS), the first step in the rating system, we continue to host workshops throughout the ten counties. Participants will work with one of our Child Care Specialists. Individual computers will be available for use during the workshop.  The class schedule for the entire region follows. Participants must register for these trainings online at www.greatstartconnect.org.

Kalkaska

Date: 2/7/2012

Time: 6-7 or 8-9

Location: Stone House (Hospital)

Trainer: Susan Chowen 231-582-8070 or susanc@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Leelanau

Date: 1/31/2012

Time: 6-7, 7-8, or 8-9

Location: Health Department (Lake Leelanau)

Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Wexford

Date: 1/25/12

Time: 6-7 pm or 7-8 pm

Trainer: Paris Philo 231-876-3387 or parisp@childcarenwmi.com

Location: Early Head Start, 617 Lincoln, Cadillac

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group. Call Paris to schedule the time.

Date: 2/9/12

Time: 6-7 pm or 7-8 pm

Trainer: Paris Philo 231-876-3387 or parisp@childcarenwmi.com

Location: Early Head Start, 617 Lincoln, Cadillac

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group. Call Paris to schedule the time.

Weekly Update – January 20, 2012

RFP Released

As many of you know Child Care Connections works on a contract basis with ECIC. The Request for Proposals has now been issued for the new contract which begins April 1st, 2012. We look forward to completing the RFP because it gives us an opportunity to reflect and to document the good work Child Care Connections has done over the past few years and the progress that has been made supporting quality early care and education in our region.

The date for submitting the RFP is February 13th. The contract will be announced on March 14th. There has been a great deal of collaboration taking place in our region between Child Care Connections and other agencies and organizations. We will be looking to our partners for letters of support as we complete the RFP.

Training Update

Visit www.greatstartconnect.org for details on trainings offered by Child Care Connections. A great deal of the training we offer takes place within the Make Me a Star (MMAS) program. During the next few months there will be opportunities for child care providers that are not members of MMAS to participate in some of those trainings.

The training calendar is built around areas identified in Great Start to Quality and the priorities established regionally. Upcoming trainings offered by Child Care Connections include topics such as Effective Small Groups, Conflict Resolution, Parent and Community Resources, Plan-Do-Review and Daily Routines.

In addition we continue training collaborations throughout the region. Most recently these include working with the Health Department of Northwest Michigan (Social-Emotional Development), the Great Start Parent Coalitions (Getting Kids Outdoors), Great Start Collaborative (CSEFEL Training), NMCAA (Conscious Discipline) and the Infant Mental Health Training Consortium (Autism training). We do our best to keep the Child Care Connections web site training calendar up to date. Please send training notices to Mary Sue Wilkinson at marysuew@childcarenwmi.com.

Looking Ahead…

Please visit our web site at www.childcarenwmi.com for details on upcoming trainings offered in our region.

Great Start to Quality, Self Assessment Survey (SAS) Training Sessions

Great Start to Quality (The Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System) is up and running. In order to assist child care providers in completing the Self Assessment Survey (SAS), the first step in the rating system, we continue to host workshops throughout the ten counties. Participants will work with one of our Child Care Specialists. Individual computers will be available for use during the workshop.  The class schedule for the entire region follows. Participants must register for these trainings online at www.greatstartconnect.org.

Kalkaska

Date: 2/7/2012

Time: 6-7 or 8-9

Location: Stone House (Hospital)

Trainer: Susan Chowen 231-582-8070 or susanc@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

 Leelanau

Date: 1/31/2012

Time: 6-7, 7-8, or 8-9

Location: Health Department (Lake Leelanau)

Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Wexford

Date: 1/25/12

Time: 6-7 pm or 7-8 pm

Trainer: Paris Philo 231-876-3387 or parisp@childcarenwmi.com

Location: Early Head Start, 617 Lincoln, Cadillac

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group. Call Paris to schedule the time.

Date: 2/9/12

Time: 6-7 pm or 7-8 pm

Trainer: Paris Philo 231-876-3387 or parisp@childcarenwmi.com

Location: Early Head Start, 617 Lincoln, Cadillac

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group. Call Paris to schedule the time.

Weekly Update – January 13, 2012

Early Childhood Investment Corporation gives away 3,500 free cribs to increase infant safety in early learning and care facilities across the state

More than 900 licensed child care providers had the opportunity to trade in old cribs for new federally-approved cribs as part of a free crib exchange that took place  January 7 to 14. The exchange is the second of two such events made possible by American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds and involving ECIC and Lowes.  Child Care Connections played an integral role in coordinating this effort. Special thanks to our Child Care Specialist Candice Case for her persistence and organizational skills!

The first crib exchange in August issued 2,000 new cribs that met federal safety guidelines to early learning and development programs that accept children whose families receive subsidized child care payments from the Michigan Department of Human Services, as well as Early Head Start sites/locations.

This past week 3,500 cribs were issued to early learning and development programs that are caring for infants under 1-year old whose families receive subsidized child care payments from the Michigan Department of Human Services. Crib exchanges took place at 18 Lowe’s stores throughout the state of Michigan.

The exchanges serve a licensing requirement for providers serving infants. Infants in care under 1 year of age are required to sleep in a crib, and National Consumer Product Safety Commission requires all cribs manufactured prior to June 30, 2011 to be replaced with cribs meeting new stricter safety requirements.

Karen Roback, director of Early Learning Innovation for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, said cribs were targeted to the early learning and development programs serving the most vulnerable children.

Child Care/Preschool Resource Fair in Petoskey

Susan Chowen, our Child Care Specialist for Char-Em-Antrim counties, is serving as chair of the committee planning this event in celebration of Parenting Awareness Month. The Fair will be held on Saturday, March 3rd from 9am-3pm at the Emmet County Fairgrounds Community Center.  There will be four dynamic speakers, giveaways, and lunch will be provided.

In conjunction with this event, local child care providers will be available to offer program information and answer any questions for parents.  This is a FREE event.  Watch for more details in the weeks to come.

Training Update E-News

Child Care Connections is now sending brief email blasts every week to 10 days with up to date training information. These communications are designed to provide current news about training offered through our agency as well as our regional partners. If you are not receiving these updates (there were two sent in recent weeks) please email Mary Sue at marysuew@childcarenwmi.com and she will add you to the Training Update contact list.

“Voices for Children” Goes Green

“Voices for Children” is the quarterly newsletter produced by Child Care Connections. In an effort to reduce our carbon footprint, save money, and expand our reach, we will now be issuing our newsletter via email. A postcard was sent to everyone that had been receiving the hard copies, asking them to opt in to the new format by sending us their email address.

Do you have individual staff members that you would like us to communicate directly with? Individuals must opt IN to be added to our list. Please advise staff members to email info@childcarenwmi.com to be added to the Training Update and Voices for Children contact lists. Please put “Email-Address-Newsletter” in the subject line. Thanks!

 Make Me a Star Connecting with Great Start Parent Groups

Child Care Specialists that lead make Me a Star learning cohorts are developing partnerships with Great Start Parent Liaisons to bring together parents and child care providers utilizing the World Café model that both groups have established. The Great Start Parent Liaisons will be sharing their expertise related to early childhood advocacy, Strengthening Families and other resources. Child Care Specialists will bring to the table their expertise related to early care and education.

Infant Mental Health Training Consortium Autism Training

Mary Sue Wilkinson, Training Coordinator for Child Care Connections, is the current chair of the Infant Mental Health Training Consortium. In addition to Child Care Connections,  Consortium partners include Child and Family Services, NMCAA, Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, TBA ISD, Munson Healthcare, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Department of Human Services.

For over 8 years the consortium has been provided high quality, nationally recognized professional development for our region. This year the training series has been expanded to include two evening sessions designed specifically for parents and child care providers.

The first of these training opportunities takes place Thursday, February 2^nd from 7:00pm –
9:00pm at the Traverse District Library in Traverse City.

Judith Coucouvanis, MA, PMHCNS-BC, a nurse practitioner at the University of Michigan Medical Center, author and national trainer, will present “Focus on Autism: Do’s and Don’ts for Parents of Young Children”.  The flyer with complete details is attached to this email.  Judith will also be presenting a full day session on February 3^rd at the Hagerty Center.  For details on the full day training and to register please visit the TBA ISD web site.

Save the Date for the 2012 MiAEYC Early Childhood Conference

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 2012 MiAEYC Early Childhood Conference, March 29-31, 2012 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. This is Michigan’s largest conference for early childhood educators. Spend time with, and learn from others who share your enthusiasm and your belief in high-quality education and care for all young children.

Looking Ahead…

Social Emotional Foundations to Support Early Learning for Infants and Toddlers –
CSEFEL Training offered in Cadillac

In collaboration with the Wexford Missaukee ISD, Wexford Missaukee Great Start Collaborative and NMCAA, Child Care Connections is offering the 9 hour CSEFEL training beginning in January. Facilitated by Rene Beyette, this training will assist those who work with infants and toddlers to lay the foundation necessary for positive social and emotional development. The training is based on the model developed by the Center on Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) and focuses on nurturing relationships,
quality environments and intentional teaching of skills. Participants will learn strategies to promote young children’s social emotional competence and prevent and address challenging behavior. The schedule follows:

Thursday, January 19th, 5:30-8:30pm

Saturday, January 28th, 9am – noon

Thursday, February 2nd, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Register online at www.greatstartconnect.org or by email to Mike Acosta at macosta@wmisd.org

There is no cost for this training; however there is a small fee for CEU’s. For more information about CSEFEL visit http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/index.html

Great Start to Quality, Self Assessment Survey (SAS) Training Sessions

Great Start to Quality (The Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System) is up and running. In order to assist child care providers in completing the Self Assessment Survey (SAS), the first step in the rating system, we continue to host workshops throughout the ten counties. Participants will work with one of our Child Care Specialists. Individual computers will be available for use during the workshop.

The class schedule for the entire region follows. Participants must register for these trainings online at www.greatstartconnect.

Kalkaska

Date: 1/17/2012

Time: 6-7 or 8-9

Location: Stone House (Hospital)

Trainer: Susan Chowen 231-582-8070 or susanc@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Leelanau

Date: 1/17/2012

Time: 6-7, 7-8, or 8-9

Location: Health Department (Lake Leelanau)

Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one

Wexford

Date: 1/25/12

Time: 6-7 pm or 7-8 pm

Trainer: Paris Philo 231-876-3387 or parisp@childcarenwmi.com

Location: Early Headstart, 617 Lincoln, Cadillac

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group. Call Paris to schedule the time.

Date: 2/9/12

Time: 6-7 pm or 7-8 pm

Trainer: Paris Philo 231-876-3387 or parisp@childcarenwmi.com

Location: Early Headstart, 617 Lincoln, Cadillac

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group. Call Paris to schedule the time.

Get a List of Licensed Child Care Providers in Your Area!

Weekly Update, January 6, 2012

Meeting with TCAPS staff

I met with Jame McCall, Jill Murphy and Sanders Frye this week to discuss the training needs of TCAPS child care staff. We appreciate the opportunity to brainstorm and to receive feedback from programs regarding the challenges they are facing. This awareness assists us in developing future supports for them.

Self Assessment Training

Hillary Lang, our Quality Improvement Specialist presented to the NMCAA Head Start Managers on how to complete the Self Assessment Surveys (SAS) for the Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System (TQRIS). As a result an additional 28 Head Start programs have submitted their SAS.

Meeting with the Grand Traverse Parent Coalition Liaison

Candice Case, our Child Care Specialist met with Robin  Hornkohl the Great Start Grand Traverse Parent Coalition Liaison this week,  to discuss how we  by utilizing the Café model might partner with Parent Coalition parents and our Make Me Star groups of child care providers.

We are pleased to announce that Robin and Candice will be hosting Cafés, with the groups together to discuss the Five Protective Factors, early childhood advocacy, and other early childhood issues. The cafés will be held every other month on the same nights that the Make Me a Star Cafés are already scheduled.

Looking Ahead…

Social Emotional Foundations to Support Early Learning for Infants and Toddlers –
CSEFEL Training offered in Cadillac

In collaboration with the Wexford Missaukee ISD, Wexford Missaukee Great Start Collaborative and NMCAA, Child Care Connections is offering the 9 hour CSEFEL training beginning in January.
Facilitated by Rene Beyette, this training will assist those who work with infants and toddlers to lay the foundation necessary for positive social and emotional development. The training is based on the model developed by the Center on Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL), and focuses on nurturing relationships, quality environments and intentional teaching of skills. Participants will learn strategies to promote young children’s social emotional competence and prevent and address challenging behavior. The schedule
follows:

Thursday, January 19^th, 5:30-8:30pm

Saturday, January 28^th, 9am – noon

Thursday, February 2^nd, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Register online at www.greatstartconnect.org or by email to Mike Acosta at macosta@wmisd.org There is no cost for this training; however there is a small fee for CEU’s. For more information about CSEFEL visit http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/index.html

Great Start to Quality, Self Assessment Survey (SAS) Training Sessions

Great Start to Quality (The Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System) is up and running. In order to assist child care providers in completing the Self Assessment Survey (SAS) the first step in the rating system, we will be hosting workshops throughout the ten counties. Participants will work with one of our Child Care Specialists to complete their SAS.
Individual computers will be available for use during the workshop.  Please note that several of the workshops in Traverse City are for Family and Group Home Providers ONLY and there is one session in Traverse City scheduled for Center Directors ONLY. In other counties the workshops are open to all licensed providers. The class schedule for the entire region follows. Participants must register for these trainings online at www.greatstartconnect.

Benzie

Date: 1/12/2012

Time: 6-7, 7-8, or 8-9

Location: Benzie Community Resource Center

Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Kalkaska

Date: 1/17/2012

Time: 6-7 or 8-9

Location: Stone House (Hospital)

Trainer: Susan Chowen 231-582-8070 or susanc@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Leelanau

Date: 1/17/2012

Time: 6-7, 7-8, or 8-9

Location: Health Department (Lake Leelanau)

Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Manistee

Date: 1/10/2012

Time: 6-7, 7-8, or 8-9

Location: Manistee ISD

Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com

Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Weekly Update, December 22nd 2011

As the year draws to a close, on behalf of everyone at Child Care Connections,  Happy Holidays.

Congress Agrees on FY12 Spending Bill

From Michigan’s Children

With federal agencies facing the threat of shutdown, Congress has reached a $1 trillion spending agreement.  Included in the spending bill are:

• $2.3 billion for the Child Care and Development Block Grant – $60 million above last year’s level (FY11)
• $8 billion for Head Start -   $424 million above last year’s level
• $14.5 billion for Title I  Grants – $60 million above the FY11 level
• $60 million for Promise Neighborhoods – twice as much as FY11
• $120 million for Choice Neighborhoods – up $65 million from FY11 but less than the $250 million requested by President Obama
• Continuation of the maximum Pell Grant award at $5,550 with reforms to ensure its financial stability in the future
• $11.6 billion for Special Education – up $100 million from FY11

See the Committee for Education Funding’s chart, which shows FY11 funding levels compared to the President’s FY12 budget, House Draft FY12 budget, Senate Committee FY12 budget and FY2012 omnibus HR 3671.

Self Assessment Surveys
Hillary Lang, M. Ed.
Quality Improvement Specialist

Great Start to Quality, Michigan’s tiered quality rating and improvement system for licensed and registered early learning and development programs, is now accessible through Great Start CONNECT profiles. The Self Assessment Surveys located within each provider’s profile are the first step towards Level Five, which is the highest rating possible within the system. Online tutorials are available on the Great Start to Quality website, and the Regional Resource Center is hosting opportunities to complete self assessments, develop individual quality improvement plans, and to prepare for the Program Quality Assessment (PQA).

Quality levels will not be published until fall 2012, when they will be posted on Great Start CONNECT as a part of the public profile. The Regional Resource Center is available to answer questions, aid with self assessment completion, collaborate to enhance quality improvement plans, and support individual providers who are making continual strides in
quality improvement. Over 40 providers within the region have completed their Self Assessment Surveys and are now able to access their personalized Quality Improvement Plans through Great Start CONNECT as they work towards achieving Level Five status.

Race to the Top Announcement
From the Early Childhood Investment Corporation

LANSING –Despite learning Friday that Michigan is not one of nine states awarded a federal Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge grant, the work to build a system of early learning and development to ensure all of Michigan’s children are ready for success when they enter kindergarten will continue.

“Michigan’s application team did a fantastic job of demonstrating Michigan’s long history of commitment on behalf of young children and families and our track record of successful innovation, said Joan Blough, leader of Michigan’s application team, transition director for the new Michigan Office of Great Start and vice president of Great Start System Development and Evaluation for the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.

“What we learned in this process is that the work outlined in this grant application must happen if Michigan is going to change the trajectory of these vulnerable young children and their school success.”

According to an Associated Press report, grants totaling $500 million were awarded to California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington. Thirty five states, Puerto Rico, and Washington D.C. applied.

The Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge is designed to help states build coordinated systems of early learning and development to ensure many more children from low-income families and otherwise disadvantaged children have access to dramatically improved early learning and development programs.

A second round of Early Learning Challenge grants is possible, according to federal officials.

At the White House award announcement Friday, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said all applicants showed “tremendous dedication and drive to build stronger foundations and create greater opportunities for more children. Their work will help lead the way in ensuring excellent early learning and support for every child.”

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said “a strong educational system is critical not just for our children but also for our nation’s economic future. The Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge takes a holistic approach to early education, promotes
innovation, and focuses on what it takes to help put young children on the path of learning, opportunity, and success.”

Judy Y. Samelson, CEO of the Early Childhood Investment Corporation, said Michigan has much to build upon.

The Early Childhood Investment Corporation, for instance, already has launched Great Start to Quality, Michigan’s tiered quality rating and improvement system that employs progressive standards for child care programs to rate and improve their level of care. In addition, the state’s Great Start network is making significant strides building local systems to address communities’ unique needs.

In the health arena, the Michigan Children’s Health Access Program is demonstrating promising results and expanding. Also, more children are getting critical development screenings. In the early learning arena, strong standards are in place, and creative new ways of addressing child care needs are being explored. In addition, significantly increased parent
engagement is evident across the state. All of this, according to Samelson, is the result of increasing partnerships with state departments and the private sector.

“That’s just a small part of what has come together in the past few years from working together in Michigan,” Samelson said.

Michigan’s application included funding for an array of early childhood supports aimed at increasing school readiness, particularly among at-risk children, including an assessment of children as they enter kindergarten, a child care scholarship program, an early learning and
development data system, investments in parent engagement and more. (For details on Michigan’s plan, visit the Michigan Office of Great Start.)

In the health arena, the Michigan Children’s Health Access Program is demonstrating promising results and expanding. Also, more children are getting critical development screenings. In the early learning arena, strong standards are in place, and creative new ways of addressing child care needs are being explored. In addition, significantly increased parent
engagement is evident across the state. All of this, according to Samelson, is the result of increasing partnerships with state departments and the private sector.

“We have a job to do,” said Samelson. “Not getting this particular grant doesn’t change that. Michigan’s children need us to get this done. The future of our state requires that we get it done. We’ll have to work harder to get the resources to make it happen. So be it. Given the dedication of the application team, I’m pretty sure they’re already on it.”

Looking Ahead…

Social Emotional Foundations to Support Early Learning for Infants and Toddlers – CSEFEL Training offered in Cadillac

In collaboration with the Wexford  Missaukee ISD, Wexford Missaukee Great Start Collaborative and NMCAA, Child Care Connections is offering the 9 hour CSEFEL training beginning in January. Facilitated by Rene Beyette, this training will assist those who work with infants and toddlers to lay the foundation necessary for positive social and emotional development. The training is based on the model developed by the Center on Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) and focuses on nurturing relationships, quality environments and intentional teaching of skills. Participants will learn strategies to promote young children’s social emotional competence and prevent and address challenging behavior. The schedule follows:

Thursday, January 19^th, 5:30-8:30pm

Saturday, January 28^th, 9am – noon

Thursday, February 2^nd, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Register online at www.greatstartconnect.org or by email to Mike Acosta at macosta@wmisd.org

There is no cost for this training;  however there is a small fee for CEU’s. For more information about CSEFEL visit http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/index.html

Great Start to Quality, Self Assessment Survey (SAS) Training Sessions

Great Start to Quality (The Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System) is up and running. In order to assist child care providers in completing the Self Assessment Survey (SAS), the first step in the rating system, we will be hosting workshops throughout the ten counties. Participants will work with one of our Child Care Specialists. Individual computers will be available for use during the workshop. Four classes have already been held in
Traverse City. Classes will begin again in January. The class schedule follows. Participants must register for these trainings online at www.greatstartconnect.

Benzie

Date: 1/12/2012
Time: 6-7pm, 7-8pm, or 8-9pm
Location: Benzie Community Resource Center
Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com
Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Kalkaska

Date: 1/17/2012
Time: 6-7pm or 8-9pm
Location: Stone House (Hospital)
Trainer: Susan Chowen 231-582-8070 or susanc@childcarenwmi.com
Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Leelanau

Date: 1/17/2012
Time: 6-7pm, 7-8pm, or 8-9pm
Location: Health Department (Lake Leelanau)
Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com
Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Manistee

Date: 1/10/2012
Time: 6-7pm, 7-pm, or 8-9pm
Location: Manistee ISD
Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com
Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

How do we know we are making a difference?
We received this message from one of our area child care providers. This is one way that we know we are doing good work.

“Hey Candice,
I just wanted to take a minute and share how our training is helping me help my kids. Today I gave my dog an ice cube and she chomped it up and left on the floor. I was cleaning up after breakfast and Paige (3) said “hey Jeanine! There’s an ice on the floor”. Before CC I would have just picked it up and put it in the sink. Today I let the kids play with it and explore what would happen. This turned into a discussion about how the ice was cold, and our hands made it melt. This in turn led to us discussing the difference between hot and cold….what things would make us feel cold, and what things might make us feel warm. It was brilliant and very satisfying to realize this stuff is becoming second nature to me.

Thank you Candice! It really is all about the kids.
Jeanine”

Workforce Development Board Meeting
I attended the bi-monthly meeting of the Workforce Development Board this week. This group meets in conjunction with the Council of Governments (COG) Board and is made up of a county commissioner from each of the 10 counties served by the COG. These are the same counties the Regional Resource Center serves. As a member of the Workforce Development Board I am proud to be affiliated with such a well run organization. This is thanks in large part to the leadership of Elaine Wood. Elaine is a wonderful role model who is passionate about the work they do. The opportunity to hear from COG staff about what they are doing and to hear from and network with the business leaders who also serve on the Board is of great benefit to our work here at Child Care Connections.

Race to the Top Announcement
At 3:30 on Friday (today) we will be participating in a conference call to hear about the results from the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant. We expect the local and state media will be providing more information in the coming days. We will report out in next week’s Weekly Update.

Training Support for ECE Administrators and Center Directors
A note from Mary Sue Wilkinson, Training Coordinator
When was the last time you engaged in professional development designed to support you as an administrator or center director? From my own experience, I know that it can be challenging to get away and to find the time to do this. That is why I am recommending that you consider utilizing the high quality and free webinars offered by Early Childhood Investigations.

I recently participated in the webinar “ECE Leader’s Guide to Effective Staff Development – How to Get Your Money’s Worth”, by Dr. Karen Nemeth. I was very impressed with the content of the webinar as well as the ease of access. I would strongly recommend this webinar to anyone responsible for providing professional development. It is especially relevant for school leaders and center directors.

All of the webinars presented by Early Childhood Investigations are archived and available at any time. You can review their entire menu of trainings at http://www.earlychildhoodwebinars.org/

Another resource I recently learned about is called “Motivate Teachers”. It is specifically for Child Care Center Directors. You can access the site at http://motivateteachers.com/#

Looking Ahead…

Child Care Administration Class Cancelled
The Child Care Administration class tentatively scheduled for January has been cancelled due to lack of enrollment.

Social Emotional Foundations to Support Early Learning for Infants and Toddlers – CSEFEL Training offered in Cadillac
In collaboration with the Wexford Missaukee ISD, Wexford Missaukee Great Start Collaborative and NMCAA, Child Care Connections is offering the 9 hour CSEFEL training beginning in January. Facilitated by Rene Beyette, this training will assist those who work with infants and toddlers to lay the foundation necessary for positive social and emotional development. The training is based on the model developed by the Center on Social Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) and focuses on nurturing relationships, quality environments and intentional teaching of skills. Participants will learn strategies to promote young children’s social emotional competence and prevent and address challenging behavior. The schedule follows:
Thursday, January 19th, 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday, January 28th, 9am – noon
Thursday, February 2nd, 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Register online at www.greatstartconnect.org or by email to Mike Acosta at macosta@wmisd.org

There is no cost for this training; however there is a small fee for CEU’s. For more information about CSEFEL visit http://csefel.vanderbilt.edu/index.html

Great Start to Quality, Self Assessment Survey (SAS) Training Sessions
Great Start to Quality (The Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement System) is up and running. In order to assist child care providers in completing the Self Assessment Survey (SAS), the first step in the rating system, we will be hosting workshops throughout the ten counties. Participants will work with one of our Child Care Specialists. Individual computers will be available for use during the workshop. Four classes have already been held in Traverse City. Classes will begin again in January. The class schedule follows. Participants must register for these trainings online at www.greatstartconnect.

Benzie

Date: 1/12/2012
Time: 6-7pm, 7-8pm, or 8-9pm
Location: Benzie Community Resource Center
Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com
Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Kalkaska

Date: 1/17/2012
Time: 6-7pm or 8-9pm
Location: Stone House (Hospital)
Trainer: Susan Chowen 231-582-8070 or susanc@childcarenwmi.com
Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Leelanau

Date: 1/17/2012
Time: 6-7pm, 7-8pm, or 8-9pm
Location: Health Department (Lake Leelanau)
Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com
Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Manistee

Date: 1/10/2012
Time: 6-7pm, 7-pm, or 8-9pm
Location: Manistee ISD
Trainer: Candice Case 231-941-7767 or candicec@childcarenwmi.com
Notes: One hour appointments to complete the Self Assessment Survey. Sign up for a one hour block. Participants will work in a small group.

Wexford

Date: 1/13/2012
Time: 6:30–8:00pm
Trainer: Paris Philo 231-876-3387 or parisp@childcarenwmi.com
Location: MiWorks in Cadillac
Notes: Class size limited to 10.