September 2014

Stay Connected

September Training Schedule

How to Use Task Trays

Sept. 4 7-9pm

Come Play With Me: Being Intentional About Child- Directed Play

Sept. 8 7-9pm

First Aid & CPR

Sept. 13 9am-5pm

Planning & Reflection

Sept. 15 7-9pm

Health & Safety & Low-Cost Toys

Sept. 16 7-9pm

Behavior & Guidance

Sept. 18 7-9pm

Hands-on Science Museum

Sept. 24 7-9pm

For class description, location and cost information visit our website.

Congratulations!

A special word of congratulations to Vickie Cleveland from Oklahoma City, who recently earned her Child Development Associate Credential. Way to go Vickie. We're proud of you!

Visits and Vouchers - Free Resources for Providers

Happy September!

Fall is fast approaching and the change in seasons is always a fun time for me. The move from summer's swelter to fall's football fever is something I always enjoy.

Carrie Bullard

Speaking of change, are you looking to change things up a bit in your child care space? We can help! Providers in Oklahoma and Cleveland Counties can call us to schedule a free on-site visit. Each visit is tailored to meet your specific needs and the needs of the families in your care. We can help with things like room arrangement, health and safety issues, age-appropriate practices, art and activity ideas, playground safety, challenging behaviors, child development, circle time and child care business policies and practices. Our staff has years of experience working with children and early childhood professionals and we're ready to assist.

I also want to tell you about a great money-saving opportunity from DHS. Many providers are eligible for vouchers to cover the costs of certain training conferences. We're always on the lookout for ways to save a few dollars and these vouchers offer a chance to save money while pursuing required training. Check out all the details on our Facebook page. Child care centers and home-based providers are both eligible.

That's it for this month. Please remember we're always just a phone call or email away. We mean it when we say we're here to help.

Thanks,

Carrie

Resource Center Item of the Month

Math skills are essential for success in school. Subtract the anxiety and fear of math with this collection of numerical toys and games. Make math fun and your kids will enjoy mastering these important skills. You can add it up, our math learning toys multiply the fun!

Helpful Contacts

Caring Van: (405) 316-7216 www.bcbsok.com

Center for Early Childhood Professional Development (CECPD): 1801 North Moore Avenue, Moore, OK 73160 (405) 799-6383 www.cecpd.org

CECPD offers various programs for individuals in the childcare field, some programs offered are R.E.W.A.R.D. Oklahoma, CDA/CCP Advisement, Environmental Rating Scale, ELCCT training, The Leadership Academy, Literacy Programs, Video Lending Library and Oklahoma Registry.

Scholars for Excellence in Child Care

Program Scholars Coordinators:

Oklahoma City Community College, (South OKC) Bonita Spinner (405) 682-1611

Oklahoma State University OKC, (North OKC) Jeff Rosson (405) 945-9168/1-800-560-4099

[email protected]

Redlands Community College, (El Reno) Karen Hewitt (405) 422-1286

Rose State College, (Midwest City) Jennifer Bachhofer (405) 733-7449

The Scholars for Excellence in Child Care program will ensure that eligible child care professionals in the state of Oklahoma have an opportunity to further their education while earning a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, Certificate of Mastery, Director's Certificate of Completion and/or an associate degree in child development or early childhood education.

Reaching for the STARS (DHS): Central Oklahoma-Jennifer Towell (405) 522-0256 www.okdhs.org

STARS is a program held by the State of Oklahoma, that has been implemented to improve the quality of child care for children.

Warmline: 1-888-574-5437

Warmline offers free telephone consultation to child care providers and families on numerous topics of concern. Consultants refer providers to appropriate services and resources within their communities.

Rainbow Fleet

3024 Paseo

Oklahoma City, OK 73103