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a monthly e-newsletter for Delaware's early childhood and school age programs
 
 



    October 2018
 
 
You're here for Delaware's children and families. 
We're here for YOU! 
Plan Your Professional Development
Planning Tools
A professional development plan sets out the goals, strategies and outcomes of learning and training.   It is a tool to assist you in your work  and personal development. 

Here's how it works.  We encourage you to take a few minutes and think about what your goal is for improving a skill set in the upcoming months - just pick one.  Then, take a look at our calendar and schedule trainings that will help you accomplish your goal.

Following are October Trainings:

Child Assessment for Administrators: Polishing the Lens

Sing, Dance & Stomp

Integrating the Early Learning Foundation (ELFs) & Daily Experience

Transitions

Visual  Arts

Seeing Science Everywhere: Seasons and Weather

Family Child Care: Business Practices

Child Assessment for Teachers: The Power of Practice

Play for Development and Learning

Introduction to the Ages & Stages Questionnaires - Developmental Screening Tools (ASQ-3 and ASQ: SE-2)

Kindergarten Readiness

Every Day Math

Flip It:  Flipping the Challenging Behavior

Trainings by County - Printable Versions
Sometimes it's easier to plan by looking at a printed version of a schedule.  

The following links will provide you with hard copy of the calendar by county through January, 2019.

Sussex County Offerings
"Play for Development and Learning"  with Quality Assured Coaching
Earn Ten Quality Assured Hours
Don't miss out on this opportunity to participate in this workshop that is being piloted now.  For the first time a workshop includes quality assured coaching. 

The workshop "Play for Development and Learning Plus" is for early childcare professionals who work with children ages three through six.

At the workshop, you will explore the characteristics, value, and benefits of play and its connection to learning. It includes practical application of how to guide intentional play. Additionally, effective teaching practices related to play are identified.

As follow up to this workshop, you will have the opportunity to work with a coach to set a goal and create an action plan based on the teaching practices you learned.  

Also, for participation in this workshop you will receive incentives such as books, gift cards, and prop boxes filled with dramatic play materials.

Sign up here to be a part of this pilot.
Keep up with our Quality Assured training sessions by following us on Facebook.


Provider Spotlight:  Happy Place Early Learning Center
Expanding its "REACH" With New Location

Surrounded by families, friends, and dignitaries, Happy Place Early Learning Center celebrated the official opening of its second center in August.  The new location is in Middletown and has already been embraced by the community with the Chamber of Commerce hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Since 2012, owners Sam and Anna Tawfik have been invested in delivering quality care to their community with their Newark location - a Star Level 5 program.  In addition to their commitment to quality, the Tawfik's are intentional about serving the needs of a diverse population.  Sam is from Egypt and Anna from Russia, so it is not a surprise for both teachers and children to speak several different languages resulting in strong connections with families.
"We saw the need for expansion because our Newark site has a waiting list," said Anna.  "Our goal is to build community with families, and Middletown seemed like the perfect fit."

The new location has been up and running since May and has already enrolled more than thirty families.  And in keeping with their goals of continuous quality improvement, Happy Place in Middletown is a "Starting with Stars" program.

"Working with Stars has helped us with everything from room arrangement to curriculum development," said Anna.  "Our parent conferences are much more meaningful because of what we have learned from our TA."

We are excited to be a part of the growth of this new center and wish them continued success.

October's Calendar 
What's Happening in October!
Halloween, hayrides and apple picking - fall is in full swing. It's the perfect time of year to be outside and explore the changing seasons.

Click here for upcoming activities and events for your program and families.
Capacity Grant Deadline Update
Funding for Programs in Delaware Stars
The Capacity Grant, managed by Children & Families First, is intended to provide resources to enhance the quality of early learning programs and to expand the supply of child care in Delaware. The next deadline to submit an application  is October 19, 2018 .  

For questions contact Andrea Prettyman, Capacity Grant Program Manager,  by email or call  3 02-233-6475.
 
Kent County Early Childhood Director's Association - Participation Welcomed!
Calling All Directors, Administrators and Supervisors
The Kent County Early Childhood Director's Association welcomes active Directors, Administrators and Supervisors employed in the field of early childhood education throughout Kent County to join our monthly meetings. 

The purpose of the group is to discuss interests and concerns, to promote professional development, as well as to serve as advocates for children. Monthly meetings are generally held in the Dover area and often include guest speakers.  

The next meeting is being planned for October 24, 2018 at Bayhealth Child Care Center.  If interested, please contact Brenda Kibler at Bayhealth Child Care Center or call 302-744-7182.


Professional Development Opportunity
Ages & Stages Training is Back!
Two Professional Development topics for the Ages & Stages Developmental Questionnaire are back on the DIEEC training calendar after a short summer break.  They are:
  • Introduction to the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2)

This training focuses on the importance of developmental screening, exploring the ASQ tools, translating the results, and integrating families into the process. Programs may be eligible for a FREE ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE-2 kit upon initial completion of this specific training when meeting certain criteria - a $590 value!

  • Interpreting the ASQ-3 & ASQ:SE-2

**Please note: Pre-requisite--Attendees must have already taken the "Introduction to Ages & Stages" topic before taking this "Interpreting" topic!  

This training focuses on the interpretation of screening outcomes using the ASQ tools, communicating sensitive results, and how to navigate the referral process.  
Sessions are scheduled for October & November in New Castle County.  Click here for registration details.  Additional sessions will be scheduled on the DIEEC calendar through spring 2019 in each county. A limited number of on-site trainings can be arranged upon request by early childhood programs.   Contact  Andrea Prettyman or call 302-233-6475 with any questions.

 
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Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood
Delaware Stars for Early Success
Professional Development Department
Main (302) 831-3239 | Fax (302) 831-4223
Visit PD at www.dieecpd.org
Visit DE Stars  at: www.delawarestars.udel.edu