Fall 2021 Newsletter
& Training Bulletin
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A Message from our Program Coordinator: |
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Hello Early Learning Champions!
Welcome to fall and our fall newsletter. We know that many of you are continuing to face the new school year excited but a little disappointed that we are not as close to “normal” as we had hoped. We certainly are feeling that amongst our team as well but, on the other hand, we know that we have all learned new ways of doing things, new ways of learning, new ways of supporting children and families and new reasons to make sure that we are looking after our self by getting our sleep, eating better, taking those vitamins and looking out for our families. As we move through these fall months, I am determined to take moments to enjoy that pumpkin spice latte, gaze at the beautiful fall foliage and wrap up in a good blanket on my day off for some binge watching. I hope that you do too.
Here at the CCR&R we continue to look for ways to elevate the importance of child care in our communities. We sit at a number of community meetings and with community decision makers to make sure child care voices and needs are heard. We admire the work that you do and the future you are creating in our communities by supporting the social emotional learning of young children. Please look through this newsletter and find a class, a cohort or an opportunity you want to make sure to connect with. Our staff is here to help you any way we can. September will bring vacancy checks to programs so that we can refresh our data and inform our community of what is available. Your prompt responses make a difference. In addition, you will find more grants are being made available. Please investigate these opportunities for eligibility. To support providers with spending these dollars we are putting together a few Tom Copeland resources and a few training opportunities that will allow you to get training credit. Do not say no to money without hearing what Tom has to say.
In addition to upcoming resources, we have two outstanding conferences coming up. One at UCC and one in Klamath Falls. Please read on for details. Registration is open for the UCC Early Learning and Care Conference October 22nd and 23rd. Don’t miss out! Last, but certainly not least, we are THRILLED to have Dani McKiddy join our team again. She will be serving our Preschool Promise programs and working with other early learning programs who would like to make themselves ready to be considered for Preschool Promise in the future. Dani is a delight to work with and those of you who know her are happy to see her back. She is amazing!
Don’t ever forget…you are the champions of Early Childhood and you keep our community humming.
Sincerely,
Heather
CCRR Program Coordinator
Care Connections & Education
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A Message from our Klamath & Lake Facilitator: |
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Fall, a season of change; trees changing colors, outdoor temperatures getting cooler, and teachers busily setting up classrooms for eager students. We can all agree there is nothing like a new backpack to start the new school year. Moving into this new season, here at the CCR&R in Klamath and Lake counties, we are continuing to support our providers with trainings, new grant opportunities, new networks for our Preschool Promise Providers, and getting ready for our annual Fall conference with the Klamath Chapter OREYC. Continue reading the newsletter more details about the conference. This year’s conference will be inspiring as we hear from the keynote speaker, Linsey Kealey, an Education faculty member at OSU with years of experience helping educators create safe and caring learning environments.
It has been a long and trying year, not to mention Klamath and Lake County’s record heat and fire evacuations this summer. A stressful time no doubt for many of our residents and our hearts go out to so many people who have lost their homes or have been displaced by these fires. As our communities come together to support each other through these difficult times we can truly see how resilient rural Oregonians are.
Peace,
Charlene
Klamath & Lake CCRR Facilitator
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Care Connections and Education would like to Welcome Danielle McKiddy to the team! |
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Hello Everyone,
I want to take a moment to introduce myself. Many of you may already know me. My name is Danielle McKiddy, but I have gone by Dani since my first Head Start class back in 2000. I have just started at the CCR&R as the Preschool Promise Quality Improvement Specialist and the Preschool Promise Coach. I held a similar position to this here before and felt like I won the job jackpot when I was rehired. Not just because of the job but because I know what an exceptional group of Early Learning Professionals that Care Connections supports.
I have lived in Douglas County for most of my life, and I love it here! I just celebrated my 17th wedding anniversary with my best friend James. We have one impeccable son Colton, who started kindergarten this year. We also have two dogs Ruby and Romeo. My happy little family loves anything outdoors and we camp more than anyone I know.
As I said I have worked in the field of early learning since 2000, I worked at Head Start, Family Development Center, the YMCA and done a little bit of exempt care from my home. It is so exciting to me the changes that are happening in this field, I have long said that child care providers and preschool staff are professionals that deserve and need more recognition for the care and support that they give children and families. I have my bachelor’s degree from OSU in human development and family sciences with a minor in sociology. I look forward to reconnecting with providers I met before and meeting the ones that have come aboard since.
Warmly,
Danielle McKiddy
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October 22-23
Umpqua Community College
(in person conference)
"Learning with Joy"
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Save the Date:
November 6
Klamath Community College
(in person conference)
"The Power
of Positive Connection"
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We are facilitating Tom Copeland’s webinar on the stabilization grant. Learn about the benefits of the grant. Tom breaks down tax questions to help you understand the benefits of the grant dollars. Free to Douglas, Klamath & Lake County Child Care Providers. Other counties $10. CKC: PM - 2 hours.
Tom Copeland is a leading expert on the business of family childcare and has a website with information and resources on the Stabilization Grant and Taxes. Tom Copeland- http://tomcopelandblog.com/
December 2, 6-8pm
via Zoom
Registration Links:
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Klamath's Focus Child Care Network: |
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Fall is here, and anticipation is in the air to return to classes, either in person or virtually. Our Focused Child Care Network in Klamath is about to embark on an exciting journey into the world of technology, as their computer classes begin!
For those of you who haven’t heard about this FCCN project, this is a group of 12 Spanish-speaking early childhood educators who have been completing necessary training to become licensed or DHS listed. Several have already met their requirements and are working with children. Most of the children they care for are Spanish speaking as well.
We decided that a good way to get started was to offer a computer orientation for all to attend. They
spent the evening involved in learning basic computer functions, exploring, and experimenting ways to use the
computers in their program. We also discussed how to connect to online classes, training and much more.
It was UNANIMOUS! They wanted more! Everyone decided to enroll in a basic computer class this fall!
Soon they will begin their Spark journey as well. We hope to build a strong FCCN cohort! Stay tuned to their progress!
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El otoño está aquí, y la anticipación está en el aire para regresar a clases, ya sea en persona o virtualmente. ¡Nuestra Focused Child Care Network en Klamath está a punto de embarcarse en un emocionante viaje al mundo de la tecnología, ya que comienzan sus clases de computación!
Para aquellos de ustedes que no han oído hablar de este proyecto de FCCN, este es un grupo de 12 educadores de la primera infancia de habla hispana que han estado completando la capacitación necesaria para obtener la licencia o estar enlista en el DHS. Varios ya han cumplido con sus requisitos y están trabajando con niños. La mayoría de los niños que cuidan también hablan español.
Decidimos que una buena manera de comenzar era ofrecer una orientación informática para todos los participantes. Ellos pasaron la tarde involucrados en el aprendizaje en las
funciones básicas de la computadora, explorar y experimentar formas de utilizar la computadora en su programa. También hablamos sobre cómo conectarse a clases y capacitaciones en línea, y mucho más. ¡Fue UNÁNIME! ¡Querían más! Todos decidieron inscribirse en una clase básica de computación este otoño!
Pronto comenzarán su viaje de Spark también. ¡Esperamos construir una cohorte fuerte de FCCN! ¡Quédense al tanto de su progreso el mes que viene!
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Early Learning Division - Provider Resources: |
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* To change language on the ELD webpage, click "SELECT LANGUAGE" in upper right-hand corner of the webpage.
* Para cambiar el idioma en el sitio web de la ELD, haga clic en "SELECT LANGUAGE" en la esquina superior derecha del sitio web.
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Re-opening Grant information:
On August 30, the Early Learning Division announced a grant funding opportunity through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. Child care providers who stopped providing services between March 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021, and reopened after June 30, 2021, or are interested in reopening, are invited to apply for a grant. The application period for this grant is open until November 30, 2021. You must complete a brief application online and meet eligibility criteria to be considered for a grant.
Stabilization Grant Opening Soon:
Congress allocated funds through the American Rescue Plan Act to support child care providers following the pandemic. Oregon received approximately $250 million in child care stabilization funds. The funds were given to states with specific requirements around applications and distributing the funds.
(Be sure to check out the webinar coming up on December 2 and hear what Tom Copeland has to say about the stabilization grant. (Info earlier in newsletter).
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OREGON QRIS RESOURCES
This link to “Oregon QRIS Resource” is a great free resource for new providers to the more seasoned providers. QRIS provides templates, for staff hand books, parent handbooks as well as check list for health and safety, and information from best business practices, family engagement, and resources for the classroom. In both English and Spanish
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Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems Now Required for NEW Child Care and Adult Foster Care Facilities |
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Did you know that the Inclusive Child Care high need pay rate has DOUBLED? If you care for a child with special needs, they may qualify.
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Would you like to become a DHS listed provider who qualifies to accept subsidies from families who get assistance to pay for child care? Filling out the listing form is the first step: |
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Lending Library in Douglas County Offered through Umpqua Valley STEAM Hub |
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FEATURED LEARNING TOOL: Magformers
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Containing a wide variety of magnetic shapes, this set lets kids explore magnetic construction through modular creative play. Containing both Rainbow and XL cruiser pieces, design and build ideas from both lines including our ‘magic ball’ and super fast XL roadster. What will you construct?
Magnets, Problem Solving
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Visit their website to learn more about this and other cool learning tools available to you in their lending library!
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Oregon Digital Library Consortium |
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2 Minute Daily Activities:
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Klamath & Lake Resource Guide: |
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Open: Mon-Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm
Holiday Closures:
November 11 - Veteran's Day
November 24-26 - Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec 20 - Jan 2, 2022 - Christmas Holiday
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Watch for texts from Care Connections & Education |
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We have a texting platform that we will be sending only important information. NO SPAM! We will sending out reminders about classes that you are registered to take, links for the newsletter or other important updates.
You may already be on our contact list, by clicking the sign up it will ensure we have your correct contact phone number.
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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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Connect with us on facebook! |
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