San Luis Valley Child Care Business Expo
Please join us! The Early Childhood Council of San Luis Valley is collaborating with our federal, state, and local partners on
February 25th from 9:00am - 11:00am, to provide information on the many resources available for existing and new early childhood workforce professionals. Join us for networking and to hear inspiring messages from passionate early childhood leaders: Nikki Hatch, Region 8 Administrator for the Administration for Children and Families, Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director, Department Of Early Childhood, and others.
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Health & Safety
Well-Child visits are important for all children. They help keep growth and milestones on track and also keeping them up to date with immunizations that can help keep them safe for some illnesses.
As part of Early Head Start it is required that all enrolled children be up to date on Well-Child visits and vaccines. Infants needs Well-Child checks 3-5 days of birth, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year. Toddlers need Well-Child checks at 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months and 3 year.
If you think your child may be behind, please call your child’s primary care provider to schedule an appointment.
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Child care providers test for lead in water with help from the state of Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is working to make drinking water safer for kids by testing for lead at child care facilities and elementary schools through the Test & Fix Water for Kids program.
This program stems from a new state law designed to reduce the amount of lead in water for children. Child care centers, family child care homes, and schools that serve grades preschool through fifth in Colorado need to test drinking water fixtures by May 31, 2023, and reduce the lead levels if they are too high.
For more information please click here.
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Education - Active Supervision
Active supervision promotes a safe environment and prevents injuries in young children. It requires focused attention and intentional observation at all times. Staff use active supervision strategies to make sure children of all ages explore their environments safely. Each program can keep children safe by teaching all staff how to look, listen and engage.
Click here to learn how to keep children safe!
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Positive Solutions for Families
Positive Solutions for Families Parent Workshops will began February 21st. for more information please contact
Erica Cervantez at [email protected] or 719 480-9715.
Seedlings classes for parents of children 0-5 are scheduled to be begin late February. Self-care items and incentives are available. For parents wanting more information, please contact Kathryn Trujillo at [email protected] or Erica Cervantez at [email protected] or at
719 480-9715.
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Early Head Start - Currently taking applications!
The Early Head Start program is currently taking applications for toddlers and infants in Fort Garland and toddlers in Centennial.
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Colorado Children's Campaign
UNANIMOUS! House Bill 23-1091, our priority bill to renew the Child Care Contribution Tax Credit (CCTC) for another three years, was overwhelmingly approved by the House Finance Committee in its first hearing. Families across Colorado are struggling to access high-quality childcare for our youngest kids, and every dollar helps keep the childcare industry afloat.
For more Information on what is happening in the Senate click here
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Universal Preschool (UPK) Updates
The ECC is happy to report we have over 500 slots in the San Luis Valley for the new UPK program and the family portal is live! The following links provide information on how to access the program, eligibility for additional hours, and contact information if you are having any trouble with the application or choosing a site. All school districts in the valley are in the application system, plus many other providers such as childcare centers and family childcare homes.
If you are interested in becoming a provider, or have other questions please reach out to the staff managing local implementation
at [email protected] (Bryan Lindert) or [email protected] (Lindsey Witz).
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Bright by Text
Hey families – get free support delivered to your phone! When you sign up for Bright by Text, you’ll receive 2-4 text messages per week to support your child’s learning and development. Plus, you’ll hear about family-friendly events happening in County- like updates on UPK Colorado! Text the word “BRIGHT” to 274448 to get started today.
Click here for more info on Bright by Text
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Parents As Teachers
(For Families with children pre-natal to age 5)
Parents as Teachers mission is to provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during crucial early years of life. This mission is accomplished through partnerships with organizations.
The Parents As Teachers model utilizes four components to address the needs of families. These components are:
- Personal visits
- Group connections
- Screenings
- Resource network
If this sounds like something you would like to participate in, please click on the link below or contact Esther Vasquez at [email protected]
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Take free Early Childhood Education college courses today!
• Free Early Childhood College Courses through community colleges ECE 101 & ECE 103 are paid for those that need the courses to become an ECE Teacher! For more information, please click below.
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Coaching
Did you Know...
High-quality early learning programs for infants and toddlers promote development and learn?
Here’s what to look for in a High-Quality program for infants and toddlers:
- Separate play areas for quiet play and active play
- Secure open spaces indoors and outdoors
- Personal touches like family photos and children’s artwork
- Child-size furniture to promote independence
- Simple, interesting materials that allow children to use their senses and explore
- Diverse books that reflect children’s language, culture and families
-Adapted from the National Association of the Young Child (NAEYC)
Watch this 3 minute video and learn about the necessities for a High Quality environment for infants and toddlers.
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We have a rewarding career opportunity and financial supports for you!
- Do you have a passion for teaching and supporting the healthy development of infants, toddlers, and young children?
- Are you interested in working from the convenience of your home?
- Do you want to start your own business?
- Would you like to teach preschool at YOUR site for the new Universal Preschool (UPK) program?
The Early Childhood Council of the San Luis Valley can help educate you on how to become a licensed family child care home provider. We can help inform you on the process, the cash incentives, grants, UPK and other key points for licensing. Contact us if you have any questions.
Please call the Council at 719-937-4010 or email Amanda Atencio at [email protected].
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Tax season is upon us
And with that come many questions regarding the Early Childhood Educator Income Tax Credit. Although we cannot give you tax advice, we thought this information might be helpful for those of you that have questions surrounding this topic.
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Here is another wonderful Pyramid Model Training opportunity on Wednesday February 28th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. The training is offered by Ms. Cindy Harris and is a 1.5 hour interactive training. The training is on effective strength-based social/emotional supports for teachers, children, and families.
Click here for more details and to register!
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Repost:
The Emerging and Expanding (E&E) Grant is now open!!
This grant was created for the purpose of expanding access and availability of licensed child care throughout Colorado and especially in areas where there are child care deserts.
Funding for the Emerging and Expanding Child Care Grant (E & E) is administered through the Colorado Department of Early Childhood as authorized through Colorado Senate Bill 22-213, which is funded by Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which aims to support families and invest in long-term growth and opportunity. Federal requirements and compliance will apply. The E & E grant application will be open until March 3. Those interested in applying can review CDEC's frequently asked questions.
Merit Awards/Quality Incentive (bonus $) are available for licensed providers who were in operation on March 11th, 2021, and are interested in increasing a Colorado Shines quality level. The deadline is September 30, 2023 or until funds are no longer available. For more information, click here.
If you need additional information please contact Monique Bosch at [email protected]
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