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Winter 2024 Newsletter &
Training Bulletin
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Greetings from our
Program Coordinator
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Hello Early Learning Professionals!
I was thinking about how close we are to 2024 and wondering what this next year will bring. My hope is that we at the CCR&R, will continue to meet your needs and continue to hear more about what you would like us to help you with. For starters, we are about to launch two new initiatives that bring two very different supports. The first is for new providers entering into the field as home childcare providers. Our new program is called Start Strong and will invite programs under two years in business to join like peers in learning, connecting, and building a strong, quality early learning program.
The second initiative is called Self-Paced to Step 7. We have taken the guess work out of next steps by creating a map of ORO accepted online training that anyone can work themselves through. Though anyone can use this map, we are encouraging those interested to connect with us and draw on the support we provide through individualized professional development mapping and progress support. We have even built in a step 5 award for those committed to checking in and gathering support from the CCR&R. Strong Start and Self-Paced to Step 7 are things we are really excited about, and we hope that you will be excited to join in too. Lastly, keep an eye out for our continued services and classes and don’t forget to let us know more about what you would like to see.
I know that all of you are soooo busy and we love that your “busy” makes the lives of children and families better but do take a minute to read through this newsletter each month. The newsletters and updates we email and text to you are often packed with required trainings, interesting topics, community opportunities, and provider scholarship and grant information that will support you and those you serve. Thank you for allowing us to support and serve you through 2023. 2024 we are coming for you!
Sincerely,
Heather Freilinger
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Professional Development Opportunities | |
Have you been in business for less than 2 years?
If so, do not miss out on the
Strong Start Network
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Winter 2024 Training Bulletin
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For College Credit Opportunities
SOU Workshops
Winter Term workshops are via Zoom. Each workshop has two, 4-hour sessions. You must attend both sessions to get credit.
Click the links below for workshop information
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Child Care Licensing Division
Rule changes effective January 1, 2024
Click the link below to watch the information video regarding the changes.
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The New Child Care Center rule-set information video. | | |
Family Childcare providers updates to come
As soon as we have information we will send out an update.
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Community College
Cohort Updates
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Umpqua Community College ECE Cohort
Another wonderful school year started at UCC with a rocking ECE Cohort group of 49 students!! It is amazing how the cohort continues to grow and how these students are working towards their certificates and degrees almost debt-free!
The ECE Program started Fall Term with full registration meaning all the ECE classes were full to the point where each class was approved to extend their class size. Keep up the beautiful work of spreading the word!! UCC Winter term registration is open! Winter term starts Monday, January 8th and the last day to register for classes is Friday, January 19th. If you are looking to continue or start your college education in Early Childhood Education, email me at: cherry.camonayan@douglasesd.k12.or.us and we can assess how the cohort can assist with your UCC journey.
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Klamath Community College ECE Cohort
During the Fall quarter cohort members attended the Klamath Chapter ORAEYC Fall Conference and our students were able to learn from a variety of trainers. We are looking forward our Spring Conference on Saturday April 27, 2024 with Keynote speaker Chris Singer.
The ECE cohort at KCC has been flourishing this year, currently there are 36 members and we are looking for more people who are interested in furthering their Early Childhood Education to join us. Registration for Winter term is open and winter term starts January 8th and the last day to add a class is January 12th. The Spring quarter begins April 1st with the last day to add classes is April 5th. We were fortunate enough to receive a grant last year and are trying to get most of our ECE cohort through their degree debt free.
If you are looking to continue or start your college education in Early Childhood education email me at:
jessica.torske@douglasesd.k12.or.us and we can asses how the cohort can assist with your KCC journey.
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Season Greetings,
Preschool Promise is dashing towards the new year with most classrooms fully staffed and enrolled! Over some hills we have gone, but we are laughing all the way as we work to support our communities through high-quality preschool experiences. Oh, what fun it is to play in all the different programs, hey! Making spirits bright and bringing joy to the world is what teachers do every day in their classrooms. We anticipate the release of the new grant operations manual (combined playbook and grant manual) sometime in January 2024. When it is released, we will provide copies for all programs, so you better watch out and better not pout. Your copy is coming!
Looking forward, we have a Community of Practice meeting on January 11th, we don’t know if there will be snow, so we plan to meet via zoom. Your Preschool Promise Facilitators thank all providers for their ongoing dedication and commitment to the children and families that they serve. You are each twinkling like stars, and to all a good night!
Happy Holidays from your Preschool Promise Team,
Dani, Melisa, Kelly, Erica.
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Klamath Spanish Cohort Updates
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Brrrrrrrrrr…….. Winter is definitely here! But the Klamath Cohort of Child Care Providers continues to keep warm and busy pursuing their licenses to provide care in this picturesque rural community.
Our most recent member of the Spanish cohort to be approved as a Licensed Registered Family Child Care Provider is Beatriz Vargas. Beatriz, who also goes by Kati, is hoping to increase the capacity of her program by offering more slots for the little ones and for school age children as well.
Beatriz received grants to improve the quality of her program with a special focus on her outdoor area. Welcome and congratulations!
Most of the Spanish speaking providers have been with me on a journey every other week through the Family Child Care Environment Rating Scale, (FCCERS), since October and will end in February!
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Another wonderful accomplishment was Jenny MacDonald’s Baby llamas. Below are a few pictures so you can see how Jenny has modified the program for just infants and toddlers.
Our philosophy is to help children grow and meet the milestones needed to go to preschool and beyond. Early childhood is a crucial stage in every child’s life in terms of intellectual, physical, social and emotional development. At Baby Llamas, children will receive high quality care and positive learning experiences. We incorporate learning, craft and play each and every day!
Enjoy this holiday month and have a wonderful New Year! Sending warm hugs ~ Jill
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Tip of the Term
Did you know...........
There are a variety of materials you can add to your space to make it a more inclusive and trauma responsive environment?
When we provide structure and consistency in our environments, we are supporting all children regardless of age or ability. Here are a few ideas that may be helpful.
- Timers: these tools can help adults stick to the routine without constantly checking the clock. They are also a visual support for children to know when one activity ends and when a transition begins. Transitions should feel authentic, respectful, and natural. Access to timers, that can be regulated by children, aid in cooperative play too. Kitchen timers, small hour glasses, and visual timers like the Time Timer help children to see the passage of time, even if they cannot read a clock.
- Placemats or trays: using these tools at the table during meal or activity times helps children to define their own bubble and helps teachers have a clear way of redirecting children back to their own space.
- Adjustable tables: using these tools can provide an alternative to sitting for those children who could benefit from standing during meals or activity times.
- Loop resistance bands: these tools can be placed around chair legs to give busy feet something to do while sitting.
- Flexible seating: providing a variety of seating options can make a big difference. Consider adding armchairs, wobble stools, balance ball chairs, bumpy seats/cushions, Storytime Cushions, or ErgoErgo seats. Providing a diverse assortment of these tools offers children who want to move the option to move and children with anxiety an extra level of comfort.
If you have more questions or want more ideas to enhance your classroom environment, reach out to Inclusive Partners. Call us at 971-673-2286 or email DELC.InclusivePartners@ode.oregon.gov
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Important Tax Information | |
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The IRS Delays New 1099-K Reporting Threshold Until 2024
Nov 27, 2023
Written By Gary Romano
The IRS recently announced that it is delaying implementation of the new, lower 1099-K reporting threshold until the 2024 tax year, treating 2023 as a “transitional year.”
The 1099-K form is used to report revenue received from third-party payment networks like Venmo or CashApp. Currently, third-party payers must issue a 1099-K if a taxpayer has over $20,000 in gross revenue or 200 transactions on the platform.
Last year, Congress passed a law directing the IRS to lower the 1099-K threshold to $600 of gross revenue starting in tax year 2022. However, citing difficulties with timely implementation, the IRS pushed the change to the 2023 tax year.
Now, the IRS has announced it will wait until the 2024 tax year to begin lowering the 1099-K threshold, taking an incremental approach. In 2024, the threshold will lower to $5,000 of gross revenue. In 2025, the threshold will reach the originally planned $600 gross revenue amount.
So for taxpayers earning income through third-party apps in 2023, the current 1099-K rules still apply. You will not receive this form unless you exceed $20,000 in revenue or 200 transactions.
But the lowered threshold is planned to effect starting in 2024, so know you may want to consider it as you plan for next year’s taxes.
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Open: Mon-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Holiday Closures:
Dec. 16- Jan. 1, 2024- Winter Break
Jan. 15, 2024- Martin Luther King Day
Feb. 19, 2024- Presidents' Day
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Care Connections & Education provides early learning resources and technical assistance to providers just like YOU!
Here are just some of the ways we can help:
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- Connect to Oregon's Early Learning Systems
- Technical Assistance and Referrals to Extra Supports for Children with Challenging Behavior
- Navigate Licensing and/or DHS
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- Program Quality Improvement
- Cohort and Coaching Opportunities
- Connect to Professional Development and Higher Education Opportunities
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