Weekly Update November 4th, 2011

Great Start to Quality!

 

We are receiving training on the process for the new Quality Rating system, Great Start to Quality. As this system is rolled out our work plan will reflect the supports and activities that we will be providing to Early Learning and Development Programs which includes centers and home based child care providers.

 

Migrant Head Start

Child Care Specialist Candice Case presented at a meeting of 20 Migrant Head Start
parents. The Migrant Head Start program director requested this presentation because their program is closing November 2 and some of the parents will be needing child care for a few more weeks. Candice shared information about unlicensed providers and how the DHS reimbursement system works.  She also provided our brochures about how to locate a licensed provider utilizing CONNECT.

 

POINT—Providers Obtaining Information, Knowledge and Training

The 10 hour POINT training for unlicensed child care providers begins soon in three locations.  Currently there are 12 registered in Traverse City, 19 in Cadillac and 5 in Boyne City. This important training is designed to raise the quality of care provided to our most vulnerable children.

 

Presentation to Great Start
Readiness Programs (GSRP)

Susan Chowen, our Child Care Specialist for Emmet and Charlevoix counties was invited to attend the Char-Em GSRP staff meeting. She introduced the staff to Great Start CONNECT and provided training on how to update their profiles and access training information. She also gave them a brief introduction to Great Start to Quality, the Quality Rating System.

 

TCAPS Futures of Learning Summit 2.0

I attended the TCAPS Futures Summit this week. In addition to many valuable presentations, Jame McCall, Early Childhood Director, gave a wonderful presentation on the importance of early childhood education which she tied to school readiness and future success for students.

Infant Mental Health Training Consortium

Mary Sue Wilkinson, our Training Coordinator, has been asked to chair the Infant Mental Health Training Consortium. She is working with current chair Joan Shirilla and will transition into this new role in the next month. Mary Sue will have some big shoes to fill and is honored to be asked to serve in this position. Under Joan’s leadership the consortium has made tremendous strides in raising awareness and providing professional development
around infant mental health.

The IMH Training Consortium held the first in their 2011-12 training series today. Julie Ribaudo presented When the Bough Breaks: Understanding and Responding to Children with Attachment Difficulties. The Consortium is already planning for next year’s series so if you have suggestions for topics or presenters please contact Mary Sue at marysuew@childcarenwmi.com

 

Looking Ahead…

 

Mom2Mom Sale

Saturday, Nov 5, 10:00
am – 2:00 pm

Mandy Peterson, GSPC Liaison, and Susan Chowen, our Child Care Specialist will have a table at the Mom2Mom Sale at the Petoskey Fairgrounds.

 

Chamber of Commerce Business Expo

November 8, 9:00-5:00 pm

Location: Grand Traverse Resort

We will be exhibiting with the Traverse Bay/Manistee Great Start Collaborative and Great
Start Parent Coalition.

 

Working with Children with Special Needs

November 9, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Location: Child Care Connections, Traverse City

Instructor: Hillary Lang

Fee: $10

.2 CEU’s available for additional $10

Registration at www.greatstartconnect.org

See registration site for details on payment and course description

 

Infant and Toddler Lead Caregiver Training

45 hour Training to meet licensing requirements for lead caregivers

November 9

November 16

December 7

December 14

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

(Additional assignments will take place outside of class.)

Location: Child Care Connections, Traverse City

Instructor: Hillary Lang

Fee: $75

4.5 CEUs available for additional fee

Registration at www.greatstartconnect.org

See registration site for details on payment and course description

 

Introduction to the Deveraux Early Childhood Assessment Program (DECA) & Strategies to
Promote Healthy Social – Emotional Development in Young Children

Friday, November 11, 8:30 am-12:30 pm

Location: Wexford Missaukee ISD, Cadillac

Instructor: Joan Shirilla, MSW and IMH Mentor IV

Target Audience: Preschool Educators

FREE training co-sponsored by Child Care Connections

Register at: http://www.misd.org/ge/pd/default.aspx

For more information contact: Julie McCall at 231-876-2265 or jmccall@wmisd.org

 

Understanding and Practicing Conscious Discipline Distance Learning Training Series

This series is taking place in numerous locations in a distance learning format. Training available on all dates at the following locations.:

Char-Em ISD, COOR ISD, Kirtland
Community College, Onekama Public School, Manistee Public High School, TBA ISD,
Wex/Miss ISD. Please plan to attend all trainings in the series.

November 16, 2011, 6:00 –8:30 pm

February 15, 2012, 6:00 –8:30 pm

April 18, 2012, 6:00 – 8:30pm

Instructor: Lesa Rice

Fee: No charge, Co-sponsored by Child Care Connections

To register and for more information call NMCAA at 1-800-632-7334

 

Lending Library Workshop:
Family and Friends

November 17, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Location: Child Care Connections, Traverse City

November 29, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

Location: Marty Paul HS Center, Cadillac

Instructor: Judy Porter

Fee: No charge

Registration at www.greatstartconnect.org

See registration site for course description

Building Blocks, A Framework for Working with Children with Special Needs

November 18, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm

Location: Charlevoix Public Library, Charlevoix

Instructors: Char-Em ISD staff

Target Audience: Early Childhood Educators who work in classroom settings

Fee: No charge/ lunch provided

Register: www.charemisd.org Click on Professional Development

For More Information: Julie Hersha: 231-547-9947