Quality Care Connections Quarterly
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Professional Development Services for Lane County's Early Learning Workforce
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Happy New Year From All of Us at QCC!
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All of us at Quality Care Connections hope you had a great fall term and enjoyed the holidays with friends and family. We look forward to working with you throughout the new year!
Please take a moment to read through our newsletter, which is packed full of important information, including winter term classes, important updates, great resources, and more.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact us if you need support or have questions. We can help you with a variety of different topics, including quality improvement; Spark; professional development; licensing; DHS subsidy, and more!
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OUR HOURS
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday
7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m
CONTACT INFORMATION
Phone:
541-463-3300
Email:
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For a sweet surprise this quarter, be one of the first two providers that email Kristen Helton at
with the secret message hidden in this newsletter and you will win some QCC swag and a $10 credit you can use towards our professional development trainings.
(Some restrictions may apply.)
Good luck!
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Quick Look: Winter 2020 Trainings
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General Professional Development Trainings
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January Classes
Thursday, January 23
Rhythm, Rhyme, Repetition
(In Cottage Grove)
Wednesday, January 29
Activities That Grow and Develop With Your Children
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February Classes
Saturday, February 1
Child and Family Protective Factors:
Nurturing and Attachment
Saturday, February 1
Child and Family Protective Factors:
Social Connections
Thursday, February 6
Exploring Diversity Through Emergent Curriculum
(Early Childhood CARES)*
Saturday, February 8
Creating Compassionate Kids: Managing the Ups and Downs of our Emotional Lives
(Eugene Library Partnership)
Tuesday, February 11
Professional Development in Early Childhood Education
Thursday, February 13
Engaging Creative Play
(In Cottage Grove)
Wednesday, February 19
Introduction to SPARK
Saturday, February 22
Foundations of Sensory Processing and Its Effect on Learning
Saturday, February 22
Drilling Down to the Root Cause of Behavior
Wednesday, February 26
Heirloom Quality Crafts for Children
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March Classes
Wednesday, March 18
Involving Children in Cooking Activities
*Please note that due to a high number of "no-shows" at Early Childhood CARES' free classes, they will now be charging $25 per class.
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CPR/First Aid
Our five-hour Pediatric CPR/First Aid classes take place on the Saturdays below, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 11, 18
Saturday, February 8, 15, 29
Saturday, March 7, 14
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CPR/First Aid-Challenge Course
This CPR/First Aid course is only for those who have a CURRENT First Aid/CPR card that they are able to bring to the training to show the instructor. Be sure to sign up well BEFORE your card expires to take advantage of this class.
Tuesday, January 28; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 4; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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Free, Online Safety Set Courses
These classes are all offered by the Oregon Center for Career Development and the Early Learning Division. Click the button below to access these classes.
- Recognizing/Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect
- Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety
- Prevention is Better Than Treatment
- Safe Sleep
- Food Handler's Card
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Core Introductory Classes
Introduction to Registered Family Child Care-PART 2
Part Two is an in-person class you must attend
after
completing Part One. This free class provides a rule book, resources to help you be successful, information about Child Care Resource & Referral, and more. Pre-registration required.
Saturday, January 18; 9 a.m.-12 noon
Thursday, March 5; 9 a.m.- 12 noon
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DHS Child Care Orientation
This class gives you information on DHS Child Care Programs. It helps you understand the listing and billing process. You will learn how to become eligible for the DHS Enhanced Rate.
Thursday, January 14; 10:00 a.m.-12 noon
Tuesday, March 17; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
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Class Policies, Tips, and Reminders
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Policies
Registration closes at 1:00 p.m. on the day of class. For Saturday classes, registration closes at 1:00 pm on the Friday before class.
If you show up to class without prior registration, you will not be admitted.
Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours before the start of class to receive a credit on your account.
Class fees are not refundable.
No children are allowed in class, with the exception of breastfeeding infants.
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Inclement Weather
If LCC is closed due to inclement weather, all QCC classes will be cancelled. For weather conditions and possible closures, visit LCC's website at
www.lanecc.edu
, or listen to KLCC, FM 89.7.
Tips
Instructors do not have access to climate control in the classroom. We recommend that you dress in layers to ensure your comfort.
Class Confirmations
If you register for a class over the phone with one of our staff, we will email you a confirmation letter clarifying the day, time, and location of your class. Please hold on to this document so you know when and where your class will take place.
If you register online, you will not automatically get an emailed confirmation. If you would like to receive one, please click
here
for instructions.
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QCC Annual Conference:
Building a Foundation of Support
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Saturday, March 14, 2020
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Six hours of Set Two trainings
- Three training tracks to meet your professional development needs, plus one Spanish-language track
- Free lunch and snacks!
- Raffle drawings for cool prizes
- And, a fabulous gift giveaway for every participant!
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Conference Fee
$60/person
Scholarships
If you are interested in a scholarship, we recommend applying as soon as possible as you will need your scholarship voucher before registering for the conference. Follow the link below to apply.
To Register
2. Give us a call at 541-463-3300
3. Para Registrarse en Español llame al 541-463-3306
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Conference Schedule
8:30 a.m.
Registration
Coffee/tea and baked goods
9 a.m.-12 noon
Morning sessions
12 noon-1 p.m.
Soup and salad lunch
Raffle drawing
Community vendors
1-4 p.m.
Afternoon sessions
4 p.m.
Cookies; Gift giveaway
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Free Showing of "No Small Matter"
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New ONLINE Training Opportunity!
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Making Mealtime Memories: Building Relationships with Infants and Toddlers through Feeding Practices
- Online training!
- Six hours of Set Two Training in Health, Safety, and Nutrition and Learning Environments and Curriculum
- Infant/Toddler focus
- Registration begins mid-January.
- Contact Alex Curtis at curtisa@lanecc.edu to register or for more information
Family Style or Restaurant Style? Many providers feel they have to choose between what is practical and what is emotionally and socially nurturing, when planning their mealtime environments and practices. Explore the Relationship Based Care approach in relation to feeding activity in both home- and center-based care and apply this knowledge in a practical setting.
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Office of Child Care Updates
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New Required Training: Prevention is Better Than Treatment
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The Early Learning Division and the Office of Childcare implemented a new training requirement this fall. "Prevention is better than Treatment" is a free, online class that addresses how to prevent, reduce, and respond to childhood illnesses and food allergies in child care settings.
If you hold one of the positions to the right and are approaching your second (or
more) licensing period and have been working at your facility for 2 or more years, you are required to complete this training before your child care facility renews its annual license.
Registered Family Providers need to complete the training prior to their next renewal or by 10/1/2020, which ever comes first.
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Who needs to take this course?
In R
egistered and Certified Family Homes
All Providers, Assistant 2s, and Substitutes
In Child Care Centers
All Directors, Teachers, and Aide IIs
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Reminders From Your Office of Child Care Licensors
I checked in with our local Senior Licensing Specialist, Crystal Persi, to see if there are any particular rules they are regularly reinforcing when visiting programs recently. She shared that many programs are forgetting to keep plastic bags out of reach of children.
On average, 20 kids die each year from suffocation by plastic bags. The bags used by dry-cleaners are especially hazardous because the thin plastic can easily conform to a small child's face and create an air-tight barrier. Garbage bags also have caused deaths when kids climbed into them or babies rolled onto them while sleeping. Keep your kids safe and meet licensing rules by always storing your bags in a locked cabinet.
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Sanitation Inspection Fee to Increase
We have received information that the fee for sanitation inspections for child care centers will increase to $190. Be sure to budget for this increase during your annual renewal period.
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News From the Oregon Early Learning Division
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In 2018, Governor Kate Brown directed the Early Learning Division to prepare a statewide prenatal-to-age-five early learning plan. Governor Brown envisioned this plan as a roadmap to ensure all children enter school ready to learn, especially those children who have been historically underserved, including those living in rural areas, communities of color, and low-income communities.
The plan, entitled Raise Up Oregon: A Statewide Early Learning System Plan, focuses on three goals:
- Children are raised in healthy, stable, and attached families.
- The Early Learning System is aligned, coordinated, and family-centered.
- Children arrive ready for Kindergarten.
To learn more about the goals, objectives, and strategy highlights, click
here to read the full report or an executive summary.
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Oregon Awarded Grant to Expand Preschool, Early Learning Services
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It was announced Monday, December 23 that The Early Learning Division was awarded a $26.6 million grant by the federal Administration for Children and Families to improve and expand programs to serve Oregon children and families from birth to age five. The funds will be distributed over three years and focus on children from historically underserved populations.
To learn more about the grant and the projects it will fund, click
here
to read the full announcement.
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Winter 2020
NAP SACC Cohort Forming Now!
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Two Different Training Options!
Saturday, February 8
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location To Be Determined
OR
Saturday, March 7
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lane Community College
Please note: The four-evening session option has been cancelled but may be offered this Spring
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Hundreds of early childhood care and education providers in Lane County have benefitted from the Nutrition & Physical Activity program since 2013. Through free trainings, supplies, and individual support, you can develop a deeper understanding of children’s nutrition and physical activity needs and learn how to help a new generation grow up healthy.
Check out the great benefits you will receive when you join NAP SACC:
- 7.5 hours of free (and fun!) training
- $50-$200 to use towards nutrition and fitness supplies
- Site visits and individual support from a QCC specialist
- Facebook NAP SACC group for additional support and resources
- Helpful information and handouts
Your Commitment:
- Complete three brief Program Self Assessments
- Participate in five Nutrition and Physical Activity trainings.
- Have an interest in and be motivated to create lasting and positive change!
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For more information, or to sign up,
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Interested in Spark? Want to become star-rated?
Attend this class and get started!!
Introduction to Spark
Date/time: Wednesday, February 19, 2020; 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Click
here to register for this class.
This session will provide participants with the knowledge and tools needed to participate in Spark. Attendees will gain an understanding of the purpose of a Quality Rating and Improvement System; the supports and incentives available to participating programs; Spark documents and processes; the portfolio submission and review process; and the next steps for participating in Spark. You will have an opportunity to hear from and speak to a provider who has recently completed the Spark process. Participants will receive a packet of Spark materials and can fill out and submit the initial Spark application while at the training. A Spark resource table will be set up so that you can review Spark documents as well as completed portfolios. Click
here for additional information.
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Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Environment Rating Scale (ERS) Assessments
We are excited to announce that Spark is conducting Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Environment Rating Scale Assessments (ERS) for Spark participating programs! Programs who schedule an ERS assessment through Spark can receive a $150.00 stipend and a CQI Assessment Summary Report, which includes program strengths and growth opportunities.
Please spread the word about this opportunity. The staff at The Research Institute look forward to supporting continuous quality improvement among programs.
For more information or to complete the CQI ERS Assessment Interest Form,
click the appropriate buttons below or contact the Spark ERS Coordination Specialist, Lacey Davis, at
(503) 838-9260
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From Early Childhood CARES
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What Happened to Fine Motor Skills?
Ever wonder what the implications of more young children using electronic devices might be? "A new and disturbing phenomenon is rising on the educational horizon," warns Dr. Marcy Guddemi. "Many children are arriving at kindergarten lacking the basic fine motor skills needed to hold a pencil and write." Although this troubling trend is surfacing in kindergarten, it has its roots — and remedy — in early childhood. This article is a call to action for educators and parents to return to the time-tested play materials of childhood to best prepare our children for school. Learn how to help children develop their fine motor skills by following this link:
http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2016/fine-motor-skills
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State-Wide Professional Development Opportunities
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2020 Provider Resource Organization Conference
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Mt. Hood Community College; Gresham, Oregon
Click
here for more information.
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2020 Oregon Association of
Early Learning Professionals Conference
March 13-14, 2020
Mt. Hood Community College; Gresham, Oregon
Click
here for more information.
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Early Childhood PBIS Trainings
Intensive Interventions for Challenging Behavior: January 31, 2020
Coaching Home Visitors and Classroom Teachers: March 13, 2020
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Clackamas Community College in Wilsonville, OR
Training Fee: $100/day
For more information and to register, click
here
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Resources for Building Success
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Including Families in Child Care Programs: Family Meetings
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Strong family partnerships are a core element of a quality child care program. Children do best in programs that reflect their home lives and that work together with families to coordinate care. There are many strategies to build and strengthen connections with families. One effective way is through family meetings. These are regular gatherings offered to the families of children in your care that focus on gathering input for program and policy decisions. For programs participating in Spark, family meetings are an important step to becoming a 5-star rated program.
To continue reading this article, click
here.
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Provider Spotlight:
Lane County's 4 and 5 Star-Rated
Spark Programs
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QCC would like to congratulate the providers below for their hard work, commitment to quality, and for becoming a four- or five-star rated program!
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5-Star Quality Rated Programs
Bohemia Elementary Preschool
Children's Choice Montessori
Congregational Preschool
Creslane Elementary Preschool Promise
Danebo Elementary Preschool Promise
Ellie's Preschool and Daycare
Happy Hearts Christian Preschool
Lane Child and Family Center
Little Lamb Daycare
Little Wonders Childcare and Preschool
Madison Elementary Preschool Promise
Newberry Child Care
Picket Fence Preschool
Spfld Relief Nursery Preschool Promise
Temple Beth Israel Preschool
The Toy Box
Willamette Family CDC
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4-Star Quality Rated Programs
Baxter Street Infant/Toddler House
Coburg Kindercare Learning Center
Dorena Elementary Preschool Promise
Farr Out Childcare
Foundations Montessori Preschool
Full Spectrum Child Care
Grandma's House
Howard Elementary Preschool Promise
Joyful Junction Family Childcare
Little Wolverines Preschool Promise
Maple Elementary Preschool Promise
Parkside Community Preschool
Seedlings Preschool
Susan's At Home Child Care
Willamette Infant/Toddler Center
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If you have a child care/early education item you need or that you want to sell, or a job announcement you would like us to post, please email a brief description to
heltonk@lanecc.edu. Submissions may be edited for clarity or length. The due date for the Spring Quarterly classified ads is Friday, March 20, 2020.
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