Quality Care Connections Quarterly
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Professional Development Services for Lane County's Early Learning Workforce
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Hello from Quality Care Connections
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All of us at Quality Care Connections are wishing the very best for you and your family during these unprecedented times. We know that you and your child care businesses have been profoundly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. We are here to help you navigate through these difficult circumstances.
This quarter's newsletter details a multitude of supports and resources for child care programs and businesses that have been negatively impacted by Covid-19. We have also included our Spring training calendar with many online and self-study trainings to meet your professional development needs.
Please be sure to take some time to read the newsletter and click any links that may be helpful to you. And reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns, or need supports.
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Connecting with Your QCC Staff
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To reach us during the Covid-19 closure, please feel free to call or email us at any time! We are all working from our homes, but we check our voicemails and emails several times daily. In most cases, we will call you back within 24 hours on business days.
Phone: 541-463-3300
Email: qualitycareconnections@lanecc.edu
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Quick Look: Spring 2020 Trainings
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In response to the challenges presented by the current state of emergency, Quality Care Connections has compiled a variety of options for you to obtain training hours this term. Recognizing many people are facing financial hardship at this time, we are offering these trainings at a reduced rate.
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Statewide Webinars
These webinars have been made available by collaborative partnerships between Child Care Resource and Referral agencies throughout the state. Please note you may only register for these webinars through the CCR&R agency in the county in which you live.
Each course is a Set Two and costs $20.00. For more information, click on the link above for the Spring Quarter Training Bulletin. To register, email
qualitycareconnections@lanecc.edu or leave a voice message at 541-463-3300 and we will get back to you to complete the registration process.
- Wed., April 8; 6-9 p.m.: Dyslexia in Children - Symptoms, Causes, Strategies, and Tools
- Thurs., April 16; 6-9 p.m.: Scaffolding Dramatic Play for Self-Regulation and Literacy
- Sat., April 18; 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.: Supporting Children Experiencing Life and/or Family Change
- Thurs., April 23; 6-9 p.m.: Developmentally Appropriate Child-Led Learning
- Thurs., April 30; 6-9 p.m.Implementing Strategies with Families to Manage Defiant Behaviors
- Tues., May 5; 6-9 p.m.: Examining Emergency Financial Resources
- Wed., May 13 6-9 p.m.: Developing a Deeper Comprehension of Celebrations Around the World
- Tues., May 19; 6-9 p.m.: Baby Won't Stop Crying! Bringing Calm to the Chaos
- Tues., June 16; 6-9 p.m.: Making Science an Integral Part of Your Early Childhood Program
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Self-Study Course:
Cognitive Growth and Development in Young Children
This self-study course is offered by Holli Turpin, one of Quality Care Connections’ instructors. Class content will be delivered via e-mail to be completed through self-study, including an informative slideshow, reading selection, reflection activity and optional video. The course is offered from April 20 to May 1, 2020. You may register at any time before or during this time period. Participants must complete the course by May 1, 2020. Course fee is $10.00. For more information, click on the link above for the Spring Quarter Training Bulletin. To register, email
qualitycareconnections@lanecc.edu or leave a voice message at 541-463-3300 and we will get back to you to complete the registration process.
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Covid-19 and Child Care Webinar; April 16th at 11 a.m.
Join OregonASK on this 1-hour free webinar about the guidance around child care amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Participants will discuss the impact of COVID-19, introduce the new temporary Emergency Child Care Guidelines, and review resources about the COVID-19 and Stress Management. Participants will receive an hour of Set 1 HSN credit through the Oregon Registry.
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Online Professional Development Opportunities with Aoife Magee, PhD.
Aoife Magee, one of Quality Care Connections' instructors, is now offering online courses independently. Click
here
to view and register for Aoife's online course offerings.
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Free, Online Safety Set Courses
The required online safety set classes, including Recognizing/Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect;
Introduction to Child Care Health and Safety; Prevention is Better Than Treatment; Safe Sleep; and Food Handler Certification, are all offered by the Oregon Center for Career Development and the Early Learning Division. Click the button below to access these classes.
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Important Information about CPR/First Aid Training
Completing the online only portion of the hybrid CPR/First Aid will satisfy the Office of Child Care's temporary requirement for the duration of the declared state of emergency. It does not, however, give you an official CPR/First Aid certification. You will have 60 days after the governor lifts the state of emergency to obtain full CPR/First Aid certification by completing the in-person portion of the course.
Because Medic First Aid, the company that owns the course, requires that you complete the in-person portion of the course within 90 days of completing the online portion, there is a possibility you will have to retake the entire course. In order to relieve relieve any potential financial burden, we are offering the online portion of the course free to providers who need it to maintain compliance this term.
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Introduction to Registered Family Child Care-PART 2
There are two parts to the Introduction to Registered Family Child Care class. The required Part One class is available online by clicking this link:
http://campus.educadium.com/OCCD/
Part Two is an in-person class you must attend after completing Part One. Since LCC's campus is currently closed, we cannot offer this training during Spring term.
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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. To schedule a one-on-one remote training, email
qualitycareconnections@lanecc.edu or leave a voice message at 541-463-3300 and we will get back to you to complete the registration process.
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Resources for Emergency Child Care Providers
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What Does it Mean To Be an Emergency Child Care Provider?
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Early Learning Division (ELD) has committed to supporting child care providers while also increasing the availability of healthy and safe care for children of essential workers. As long as families continue to work, children need safe places to go. However, families for whom child care is not absolutely necessary should keep their children at home.
Currently, licensed and recorded child care programs may ONLY remain open if they have applied for and been approved by the Office of Child Care to be an Emergency Child Care (ECC) Provider. ECC programs must also commit to giving priority to care for Oregon's essential workers, maintain stable groups of no more than 10 children, and implement safety procedures and guidance provided by the Early Learning Division and the Oregon Health Authority.
To support and respond to concerns regarding the coronavirus outbreak, the Early Learning Division has developed FAQs, tools, and guidance for providers, families, and Emergency Child Care. For all of the latest information on the impacts, changes, and rules regarding child care programs during the Covid-19 pandemic, click on the buttons below.
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Emergency Child Care Program Vacancy Checks
Please understand that emergency child programs are required to provide up-to-date information regarding the number of vacancies in their programs on a weekly basis. Every Friday, you will receive an email from QCC with a brief survey. Please fill out and submit the survey by the following Monday. If we do not receive your survey by 5 p.m. each Monday,we will contact you by phone the next day for an update. Please help us keep this process quick and efficient by completing the survey in a timely manner. If you would like to get a head start on your vacancy check, please click this button below to be directed to the survey.
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Emergency Financial Relief Resources
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Payroll Protection Relief Act
Child care programs across Oregon are experiencing significant challenges and difficult decision as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. To help providers remain in business throughout this uncertain time, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) provides loans and grants to small businesses with fewer than 500 employees.
Non-profit and for-profit child care providers (home and center-based are eligible to apply for these funds.
Within the CARES Act are five separate relief programs for which you may be eligible but we would like to call attention to the Payroll Protection Program (PPP).
The PPP is expected to be the most popular program for child care providers and other small businesses.
Given that PPP loans will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis and that there will not be enough for all eligible businesses, it is important to move quickly if your organization is interested and eligible. Call your bank or credit union right away to see if they participate in the SBA 7(a) program. Application are available now! Click below for more information.
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Oregon Child Care Provider Relief Guide
During these challenging times, you don't need to struggle on your own. As business owners, directors, providers, teachers, and caregivers, you are among our most valuable workforce. You provide critical care to our families and critical service to our state’s economy. We hope you find our website a place to connect, get support, and access necessary business resources during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Emergency Child Care Financial Assistance for Families
Governor Brown directed the Oregon Department of Human Services and the Early Learning Division to adjust eligibility to child care benefits during this unprecedented time. The temporary changes will expand access to Emergency Child Care for Oregon’s working families. From eliminating co-pays to increasing the income limit (see table below), these changes will connect more working families to Emergency Child Care. Click
here
to read the latest press release on the changes. Families who want to enroll should contact their local DHS field office or visit the DHS website
here
to fill out their enrollment form.
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Expediting Approval of New Subsidy Providers
As child care providers close, the need for Emergency Child Care providers who accept subsidy will increase. DHS has expedited the process for potential providers. For questions visit the DHS website
here
or call the Direct Pay Unit at 1-(800)-699-9074.
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Covid-19 Resources for Supporting Children , Families, and Yourself
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Click each resources below to access free articles, websites, handouts, books, and more for supporting children, families, and yourself during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Preschool Promise Application Process
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If you are interested in applying to be a Preschool Promise program and have questions about the Preschool Promise Request for Applications (RFA), please take the following steps:
Refer to the Early Learning Division's website
here
and review the "Responses to Submitted Questions" documents (in English and Spanish) to see if your question is there.
- Click on the "Preschool Promise Provider" bar to open up the resources.
- Your question may also be answered in part of the Request for Application, or in the helpful webinars linked on the page.
If you don't see your question answered in the documents or webinars mentioned above:
If your question is time sensitive, more specific to Lane County, and/or you prefer to speak with someone on the phone, you may contact:
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Get Your ECE Degree or
A One-Year ECE Certificate at LCC
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For students whose career goal is to teach children from birth to pre-kindergarten age in childcare centers and in-home settings, Lane Community College offers a two year, Early Childhood Education Associate of Applied Science Degree as well as a one year, ECE Certificate. Extended educational opportunities include class related to state-mandated training for individuals already working in the field; parenting skills classes; and college credit for prior learning for individuals at STEP 7.5 on the Professional Development Registry. Click
here to learn more!
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From Early Childhood CARES
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Supporting Families During the Covid-19 Crisis
By Ursula Crawford, Early Childhood CARES Family Engagement Coordinator
While schools and childcare centers are closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, we at
Early Childhood CARES encourage providers to stay in contact with families via
email and social media. Families will appreciate any support they can get during this
extraordinarily stressful time.
Click here to read more about "Activities that Support Parents" and "(Mostly) Screen-Free Activities Families Can Do at Home with Their Kids."
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