Toys for Tots

The Early Childhood Council of SLV is a drop-off location!

Members of the community drop new, unwrapped toys in the collection box positioned just inside our main entrance.

Coordinators pick up these toys and store them in central warehouses where the toys are sorted by age and gender. At Christmas, Coordinators, with the assistance of local social welfare agencies, church groups, and other local community agencies, distribute the toys to the less fortunate children of the community. Over the years, Marines have established close working relationships with social welfare agencies, churches and other local community agencies which are well qualified to identify the needy children in the community and play important roles in the distribution of the toys.

Our mission is to provide toys, books, and other gifts to children in need at Christmastime – and beyond! This way we'll be able to bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to children in need throughout the year. Join us in making a lasting impact in the lives of those children by donating today!

Welcome to the PLAYbook:

Toddlers: Children Ages 9–18 Months Old

Growth & Learning - At this age, toddlers are starting to walk and talk. They practice communication by babbling. They understand and can respond to more words. They are likely to show preferences for their parents or other adults in their life. In fact, toddlers form powerful attachment bonds to their

primary caregivers at this age. Toddlers will also begin actively exploring their environment, often putting things they find into their mouth. An important way to support

a toddler’s learning is to encourage them to explore their environment and practice their independence, after ensuring the environment

is safe. They may also be fascinated with their peers around this age.

Explore more by clicking the link below for the full Playbook!

• In English
• En Español

Professional Development

Scholarship Opportunity

The Early Childhood council would like to share a scholarship opportunity for the Environmental Rating Scale (ERS) training being offered by Clayton in the new year. Virtual ITERS-3 training will be held on January 23^rd & 24^th, from 9-1 pm. Virtual ECERS-3 will be held on February 27^th & 28^th, same time, and virtual FCCERS-3 will be held on March 5^th & 6^th, from 9-1 pm as well.

These trainings will allow for observation, scoring, and supporting teachers with environmental ratings. The Council Coaches currently offer these services through Ms. Monique Bosch and possibly a new coach in the coming year, however, we want to extend this training to you as well.

Please note that after you complete the training, you will incur the costs for bringing Clayton here to observe and certify you. The annual average cost to sustain certification is approximately $800-$1000. This application closes on February 29^th, 2024 (Yes, it is a leap year). I have included the link for you to find out further information, or to apply. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you!

Fall 2023 Clayton News (claytonearlylearning.org)

Scholarships



*We still have funds for scholarships, please click on the link below to fill yours out today!

Scholarship Application | Early Childhood Council of SLV (eccslv.org)

*Here is the link to TEACH CO. Please check into everything they can offer for ECE.

TEACH Colorado | Homepage | TEACH.org

*ECCLA is currently offering several different scholarships.

https://ecclacolorado.org/scholarshipsandgrants/

Upcoming Trainings

Here is the link for the December 2023 Upcoming Training Events Announcement

Highlights and Opportunities:

• Look for new opportunities offered by Clayton Early learning including a couple that offer social-emotional hours.
• Jennifer Sommer Sheppard is offering the following Circle of Security opportunity: Are you interested in having your program staff increase their abilities to form secure relationships with the children in their care? Contact Jennifer Sommer Sheppard (jennifersommersheppard@auroramhr.org) to arrange for a free 12-hour in-person or virtual training that includes relationship-based strategies to respond to children's social-emotional needs for safe, secure, relationships in the classroom. Individuals may reach out to learn about upcoming sessions they may join. Available in English or Spanish. Hours awarded support the Social-Emotional Health and Development competency domain.

Professionals needing help with PDIS registration for a synchronous in-person or virtual training may view the How-to Video: Registering for a Live Training Session on PDIS  or How-to Guide: Registering for a Training Event Session.