November 2020 Bits & Bytes
DCAEYC Celebrates
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month, which recognizes the achievements and contributions of Native Americans. It also celebrates the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native people. The seeds for this month long celebration harken back to 1916 when New York celebrated the first American Indian Day. This followed an effort by Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, who rode horseback from state to state seeking approval for a day to honor Native Americans. Although he got endorsements from 24 state governments, there is no record of a national day being proclaimed. A national celebration was finally established in 1990 when President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November 1990 “National American Indian Heritage Month.”

Suggested Reading:
  • First Laugh – Welcome, Baby! by by Rose Ann Tahe, Nancy Bo Flood, and Jonathan Nelson; Recommended for ages 2 – 5
  • At the Mountain's Base by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Weshoyot Alvitre; Recommended for ages 4 – 8
  • Priscilla and the Hollyhocks by Anne Broyles, illustrated by Anna Alter; Recommended for ages 6 - 9

Online Resources:

For more reading suggestions and resources, visit our blog post on Native American Heritage Month here.
Bulletin Board:
OSSE Early Childhood Educator Literacy Focus Groups - The DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is looking for early childhood educators and program directors in DC to participate in focus groups on the topic of literacy. OSSE is seeking to understand current practices in early literacy instruction, curriculum, and educator supports. OSSE will use this information to help shape the new statewide comprehensive literacy plan, as part of DC's Comprehensive Literacy State Development grant.

If you are interested in participating in a 30-minute focus group (by phone or by virtual meeting), please complete the brief interest form here.
Join or Renew Your Membership Today - Have you been following DCAEYC, but have been holding off on getting a membership with us? Perhaps you are a member with us, but your membership is about to lapse. A lot of exciting things are coming up which require a DCAEYC/NAEYC membership, such as the NAEYC Annual Conference and elections for DCAEYC's Board of Directors, and we don't want you to miss out. Become a member or renew your membership today and stay part of the movement supporting early childhood education in Washington, DC.

For a limited time only, all new or renewed memberships will receive a free DCAEYC gift. All gifts will be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks via USPS to the address on your NAEYC profile.
Upcoming Events
Finding Calm in the Chaos:
A Three Part Self-Paced Series with Conscious Discipline

Registration Open
November 1st through November 15th

Series Videos Available
Starting November 9th


Feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, and disorganized? Restore feelings of calm, connectedness, and organization with this self-paced three-part series. This is a Conscious Discipline presentation. More information and resources available at ConsciousDiscipline.com.
*This event is only open to current DCAEYC members.
Not yet a member? See how to join here.
WTU and DCAEYC ECE Task Force Meeting

Thursday, November 19th
6pm to 7pm


The ECE Task Force is made up of Early Childhood Educators working in all early childhood settings (public, charter, private, community-based, and homes) that collaborate to advance the profession by improving policy and practice in DC.

Special Guest: Cheryl Ohlson, Ed.D, Deputy Chief Early Childhood Education Division , DC Public Schools
DCAEYC Board Candidates Spotlight

Get to know the candidates for the 2021 DCAEYC Board of Directors! All DCAEYC members who are "In Good Standing" will receive a ballot in their emails no later than November 10th, and will be able to submit their votes through November 30th.
Principle of Practice:
Early Childhood Education Starts at Home
As their children’s first teachers, parents have an amazing opportunity to nurture their children’s growth and development and to advocate for their education.
With November being National Parent Engagement Month, it's a great time to recognize that a young child's education starts at home. As their child's first teacher, parents are in the perfect position to help develop their child's skills. For example, many simple, everyday routines provide excellent opportunities for parents to develop their child's emergent literacy skills. This is important because emergent literacy skills sets the foundation for later reading success.

Are you looking for ways to increase your child's literacy skills? NAEYC has some great ideas for quality literacy experiences between parents and kids in their article "Am I Really My Child's First Teacher?" For more on why parent involvement matters and how to overcome barriers, check out NAEYC's article "Understanding the Power of Parent Involvement."
Policy Beat:
#SaveChildCare Now
The election may be over, but the fight for child care isn't. Along with out NAEYC affiliates, we must continue to push our legislators to save child care through stabilization funding. Listen to just a few our ECE colleagues on why they're fighting to #SaveChildCare now.
Job Opportunity:
Early Childhood Clinical Specialist for the Healthy Futures Program with the Department of Behavior Health
Organization: Department of Behavior Health
Position: Early Childhood Clinical Specialist for the Healthy Futures Program

The Department of Behavioral Health provides prevention, intervention and treatment services and supports for children, youth and adults with mental and/or substance use disorders including emergency psychiatric care and community-based outpatient and residential services.
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The Clinical Specialist for the Healthy Futures Program provides early childhood mental health consultation services to selected childcare facilities for children (from birth to age 5), involving a wide range of complex psychosocial, and developmental issues.