a monthly e-newsletter for Delaware's early childhood and school age programs
AUGUST 2016
You're here for Delaware's children and families.
We're here for YOU!
What is a Growth Mindset?
And why you should care!
Basically, a "growth mindset" means that you believe everything can be learned through practice and mistakes are an important part of learning. In a 'fixed mindset' you believe people are born with a set of skills and knowledge and that's just the way it is. A growth mindset believes everyone can paint a picture, ride a bike, or be a doctor, if they do the work and learn from their mistakes. Here are examples of how you can develop a growth mindset and foster that development in children:
Click here for children's books that promote growth mindset!
The
Foundations of Curriculum is a 4 part series designed to support programs in Delaware Stars (center and Family Child Care programs at Star Levels 3, 4, or 5) to use curriculum in more intentional and meaningful ways.
During the series you will define your program's vision, explore ways to engage families in their child's learning while learning how to intentionally teach children throughout your daily schedule.
Learn more here and apply today!
World Literacy Day
September 8, 2016
Free Activity Kit!
Participate in International Literacy Day 2016 and let the children in your program explore Jamaica with this free activity kit! Help to raise awareness for global literacy and download this free activity kit The children in your program can track their steps from home to your program and compare with students in countries with developing economies, who sometimes walk miles to school. Send us a picture or story about how your program participated and we will send you a free gift!
Why is Developmental Screening More Than a Good Idea?
Click on the 7 to find out!
When more child care programs participate in developmental screening, more children in need of services to support their growth and development will receive them.
Prepare Young Children to be Successful in Kindergarten!
All early childhood education and care providers share the same goal: to prepare young children for success in school and in life. A child's transition from your program to kindergarten is an important part of that success. Preparing for a smooth transition to Kindergarten does not happen overnight, in a week, or even over a few months. Children (and their families) are best prepared for elementary school when the transition is viewed as a process that happens the entire year prior to the start of Kindergarten. One of the best ways to support families is through active relationships that offer an...click here to continue.
Program Spotlight: Caring Hands, LFCC
How a large family child care program used the environmental rating scale to make improvements
Caring Hands is a large family child care located in Wilmington and operated by Miss Rita, Miss Cher'on, and Miss Toni. The teachers in this program have shown incredible growth over the past year, achieving Star Level 3 in June. The program requested specialty technical assistance in two areas:
Infant and Toddler Specialty TA to improve their interactions with infants and toddler and to improve the environment for infants so they could explore their environment in a safe way.
Caring Hands used their Star Level 2 grant funding to purchase...
click here to continue.
AIM for Excellence Credential Update
The Delaware Department of Education's Office of Early Learning is pleased to continue the Aim4Excellenceâ„¢ national directors credential through the Early Learning Leadership Initiative (ELLI) this year. Aim4Excellenceâ„¢ is an online national director credential focusing on the essential knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality programming for young children.
Up to 15 scholarships will be awarded to selected applicants to participate in the Aim4Excellence modules in a leadership group. Participants who meet eligibility requirements listed in this
ELLI Application Flyer are encouraged to apply.
Attached
applications are due August 12, 2016. Please send your completed application to
Joanna Sullivan, Program Coordinator.
Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood
