Welcome to the September issue of the Infant Toddler Newsletter. There's lots to share with you in this issue, as we leap into Fall. Our VISTA, Renee Richman, has prepared another great author interview for you to enjoy: STEAM: Concepts for Infants and Toddlers. Be sure to give it a read--you'll also find a link to purchase a copy if you'd like to add it to your library. Another highlight to draw your attention to is the opportunity to attend Modules I & II of the IT Pyramid Trainings in October and November. These trainings will be led by our own IT specialists and experts, Colleen Farrell and Kristi Cusa. Details can be found in the articles below. Last but not least, if you missed out on the Infant Toddler Credential webinar that Avril Mills, Professional Development Coordinator with NYAEYC, presented last quarter, you can find a link to access it on ECLC's website--please see the article below for more details. There's much more to read about that pertains to quality care for infants and toddlers...so grab a cup of tea and enjoy the read!

Interview with Nichole Baumgart & Linda Kroll
Author Interview conducted by Renee Richman

As part of our continuing series, ECLC's AmeriCorps VISTA, Renee Richman spoke with Nichole Baumgart and Lisa Kroll, authors of STEAM: Concepts for Infants and ToddlersTheir understanding and knowledge about STEAM gives us an inside look on how to incorporate STEAM into everyday activities. To read the interview, click
here .


October & November Network Events
IT Pyramid Trainings: Modules I & II

Join us for FREE Pyramid Trainings this fall!
ECLC will be offering free Pyramid training this fall for all Infant & Toddler Specialists in our network. If you've not yet received this powerful training, we invite and encourage you to attend. If you've attended a previous training, and would like a refresher, you're welcome too! Registration is required, please find details here.


July IT Network Event
Theory of Change

On July 10, 2018, at Child Care Council of Westchester, ECLC welcomed Toni Porter from Bank Street College of Education to lead a training a session for the network of IT Specialists on Theory of Change.  We explored Theory of Change and what it is; how it impacts program implementation and service delivery; and how it relates to the work and outcomes of IT Specialists in the field. Toni brought a wealth of knowledge and insights to this interactive training.  With decades of experience to share, she was able to pinpoint key elements of learning for all.  Infant Toddler Specialists from five of the seven regions were represented at this half-day training, which was complemented by a collection of network building retreat activities.  Many thanks to all who were able to join us for this Statewide IT Network event.


Suspension and Expulsion Toolkit
Free Toolkit

Early Care and Learning Council along with ELAN/NBCDI and the Schott Foundation has put together a toolkit that focuses on building awareness around the suspension and expulsion of preschoolers and infants. The toolkit includes a PowerPoint presentation, letters to parents and business leaders, sample social media posts, and palm cards. To download the toolkit, click here.



IT Credential 
Webinar

During Q2, Avril Mills, Professional Development Coordinator with NYAEYC presented a 30-minute webinar on the Infant Toddler Credential. Many of the IT Specialists from across the state were able to join us live for this webinar, and participate in the Q&A that followed. A recording of this webinar is now available on ECLC's website, to view at your convenience. To access the webinar recording, click here.




Leadership Summit
Save the Date

Early Care and Learning Council is holding its annual Leadership Summit October 10 & 11. There will be exciting sessions and workshops for attendees including a presentation on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), mindfulness, an overview of OCFS and CCDBG, becoming a trauma informed workplace and much more. To register for the Summit click here.



CACFP
Update!

The Early Care and Learning Council has sent out a third round of Provider Information Bags to CACFP Specialists at CCR&R's across the state. The bags included CACFP educational resources, plus a handful of basic kitchen supplies to support providers in preparing healthy foods for the children in their care. This outreach strategy has supported an increase in awareness and CACFP enrollment across the state. In addition, ECLC will be distributing multiple copies of the CACFP National Magazines: Child Nutrition Today at the upcoming Leadership Summit. We hope you'll find these resources valuable to share.


Sesame Street Books 
Free Resources Available

Early Care and Learning Council has Sesame Street resilience booklets and materials for you to distribute to providers in your area. To request some resources, contact Renee Richman at Rrichman@earlycareandlearning.org. 


Continuity of Care
Video 

Have you seen this video?  ECLC created this Continuity of Care Video back in 2012, but the message is still relevant today.  In the months ahead, we'll be spotlighting providers who are shining examples of the Continuity of Care model. Let us know about a provider in your region whose story we can share.  Reach out to Jeannie or Renee today. Together we can work towards our goal; One caregiver from enrollment to preschool.  Because babies need stable and responsive care to thrive.




Resources
For Your Information

Here are some resources that may be helpful to you!


Fall Fun
Spot the Difference

Can you spot the differences between these two images?

For the answers click here.

Calendar

Date Event Location
October 10 & 11 Leadership Summit Schenectady, NY
October 23 Statewide IT Network Event
Pyramid Training IT Module I
Commack, NY
October 24 - December 31 Regional Follow up Activities to Statewide IT Network Event Regions 1-7
November 7 Statewide IT Network Event
Pyramid Training IT Module II

Syracuse, NY


InterviewInterview with Nichole Baumgaurt & Linda Kroll
Author Interview

I had a wonderful conversation with Nicole Baumgart and Linda Kroll about their book. They shared their insights and passion associated with STEAM and I'm excited to introduce them to you.

 
1. What inspired the book?
N: Linda was my professor and after graduating I worked at an early childhood center with engineers, artists and others and I wondered what it would be like to use these concepts with toddlers

L: Nikki came to me and we worked together to put it together. As a new grandparent I was struck with the brilliance of babies and how they are always learning.

2. What is your number one piece of advice for child care providers with regard to using/thinking about STEAM with them?
N: Go out and do it! People are apprehensive because they don't know the formula/equations but just be aware of what children are currently exploring in their learning.

L: We have to learn how to notice their learning. Don't worry about getting the right answer, be curious alongside them.

N: Bring your hobbies into the classroom and your joy will show!

3. What is your number one piece of advice for parents?
N: Listen and observe, find out what their child is interested in. Take a journey with the child and bring your own particular and other's culture into it.

L: Being alert to what their child is thinking about. Non-conventional ways of responding to something or talking about something often indicate what the child is thinking about. Don't worry about mistakes and getting everything perfect.

 
4. Give us three words to describe yourself:
N: Life-long learner, adventurer

L:Inquirer, curious, teacher/learner

 
5. How would you describe your book to someone who knows nothing about children and STEAM?
L: We all utilize technology and it's a part of everyday life. A child might explore electricity when turning a light on and off. That lets them learn about electricity and power. They are learning to deliberately do it. This is a form of learning through everyday means. The book helps you to see the little moments that involve STEAM, while also helping you to build a curriculum for STEAM.

N: You are really able to personalize STEAM activities to your expertise. It doesn't have to be a big thing, it is the small things that you are doing everyday that will help you learn.
 
6. What has been the most formative experience you've had in your work?
N: Coming straight out of grad school and working in early education was really eye-opening.

L: I was a teacher myself and I taught young children and then I taught prospective teachers, specifically on how children are thinking and learning. The only way to last in the profession is to question and learn. It keeps it interesting and fun.

N: Reflection is key.

L: Being a grandparent and parent has also helped me to learn in a parental role and a teacher role. 

 
7. What defines success for you as a worker in the child care field?
N: When a child, family, and teacher learn together. It should be a shared partnership that cultivates unity.

L: Helping to create context where both the brilliance of oth the teacher and the child is visible.

 
8. What do you want people to know about this book?
N: It's not a step by step activity book. It is going to give people tools and ideas in their play to develop STEAM. We wanted it to be a starting point for teachers. 

L: It will give them ideas on how to learn for both the teachers and the students. The teachers that use this can write the next volumes!
 

9. What are some concepts about STEAM that you want people to know about?
N: It's not always something that needs to be taught. Facilitate excursions, go out and do things. Help the children to expand their learning. Show them what they are doing and make connections. Everything can be broken down into those five STEAM concepts. 

L: The notion that these different ideas show up in everyday life, kids are already doing it. It's important to make it clear to the children what they are doing. Tell them "you are being a scientist" when they are exploring and doing something that relates to science. 
 

10. Why is STEAM important to start implementing in children of such young ages?
L: It is more important to let children know that they are using STEAM. And to allow the teachers to set the stage of what the infant/toddler is doing is important. Make sure not to correct the children, but to help them channel their energy into an activity that is beneficial to them.

N: It is important to expand the concepts they already have. Take what the infant or toddler is already doing and expand their knowledge on the subject. Weave it into what you are interested in and your passion will show and intrigue the children
 
11. What is your favorite aspect of STEAM?
N: It helps me to learn more about myself and others. The inter lays between art, science, engineering gives us a greater understanding of ourselves.

L: STEAM concepts maintain curiosity about how the world works. It keeps us thinking and wondering about the world and it is fun!
 

12.  What are some highlights of writing the book?
N: It was so much fun! I remember going to Linda with the idea of the book and hoping that she would say yes.

L: And I was excited and thrilled that Nikki wanted to do this. Nikki has the perspective of being a teacher to young children and I have more of a background in being a professor/theoretical thinker. We had to learn how to collaborate and write together while implementing both aspects of our expertise. 

N: We also went into infant toddler classrooms to see how children were learning.

L: It was fun to take pictures and to document everything.

N: And the teachers in the classrooms were learning with us. 

L: I think it would be a good book for parents as well as teachers because of the way it is organized. It is about learning to understand how to show children that they are already using STEAM concepts and parents can benefit from that as well.

 
To order your copy of Nichole Baumgart and Linda Kroll's  STEAM: Concepts for Infants and Toddlers, visit Red Leaf Press.


PyramidOctober & November IT Network Events
IT Pyramid Trainings: Modules I & II

IT Pyramid Training Module 1
October 23, 2018
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM 
Child Care Council of Suffolk County, Inc. (Long Island)
Instructor: Colleen Farrell
 
Infant Toddler Module 1: Social Emotional Development
 Within the Context of Relationships 
Topic 1: Understanding Social Emotional Development 
Topic 2: Understanding Behavior & Making Sense of What you See and Hear 
Topic 3: Forming and Sustaining Relationships with Young Children 
Topic 4: Working with Families to Support Infant and Young Children's Social Emotional Development  

Registration Required
There is no fee for IT Specialists to attend
Local take-out/delivery options available for lunch, or brown-bag-it
 
IT Pyramid Training Module 2
November 7, 2018
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Child Care Solutions (Syracuse)
Instructor: Kristi Cusa
 
Infant Toddler Module 2: Responsive Routines, Environments and Targeted Strategies to Support Social Emotional Development in Infants and Toddlers 
Topic 1: Social Emotional Climate in Infant Toddler Care Settings 
Topic 2: High quality Supportive Environments, including Schedules, Responsive Routines and Individual Caregiving
Topic 3: Targeted strategies to Build Social Emotional skills
 
Registration Required
There is no fee for IT Specialists to attend
Local take-out/delivery options available for lunch, or brown-bag-it

 


Puzzle
Fall Fun
Spot the Difference

The differences in the puzzle are
  • The sun has no rays in the second picture
  • There are no dots on the curtains in the second picture
  • There is no hill on the right in the second picture
  • There is an orange fruit in the second picture
  • The ice pop is a different color
  • The girl has a collar in the second picture
  • There is only one lemon in the second picture
  • The drink on the right is a different color