Quality Corner

The Family Engaged Developmental Screening and Monitoring Program, offered by Help Me Grow Kentucky (HMGKY) and Child Care Aware’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” is designed to build parent and staff understanding of healthy child development, support services available in the community, and how both are important to improving children’s outcomes and ongoing success.


The benefits of participation are:

  • It is an opportunity for family engagement; staff and parents work together to help the children reach age-appropriate milestones.
  • The focus on including the social-emotional screen provides a better understanding of overall development.
  • New simplified onboarding videos streamline the process.
  • The ASQ® screening tool, used by HMGKY, has been approved by KY ALL STARS.
  • Centers now have a data system to track:
  • Number of screens conducted
  • Each child’s progress
  • Referrals and outcomes to services
  • Gaps/barriers to services
  • And more!



https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b6b51f7374bc49bf80982209663ee2da


Kids Corner

Meaningful play is crucial for children as it fosters creativity, problem-solving, and emotional development.


Through engaging in play, children explore the world around them, learn social skills, and practice decision-making.


It also enhances cognitive abilities, as children can apply what they’ve learned in a fun, hands-on way.


Check out this article from NAEYC that discusses five elements essential for meaningful play: 

Five Essentials to Meaningful Play | NAEYC

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State Update

We have exciting news to share with child care providers with expired CDAs! Check out this information from the Division of Child Care about an opportunity to renew your credential.


The Council for Professional Recognition’s Renewal Amnesty program is back for a LIMITED TIME! This program provides an opportunity for anyone with a CDA that has an expiration date as far back as January 1, 2020, to complete the renewal process and make their credential active again!


Check out the Renewal Procedure Guide for more information:

https://www.cdacouncil.org/storage/documents/Renewal_Procedures_Guides/CDA_Renewal_Guide_final-020419.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawIpwwdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHfhNa2SozxEeoXHnhHYqIeUF3S_gm7XtkZ87_nw_Hj38_Rej6phnor9IkA_aem_VSzselMOVoefJIrR0t2J1Q


Eligibility Requirements:

  • Expiration date as far back as January 1, 2020
  • Must meet all current renewal requirements
  • Apply online using Your Council account.


All applications and payments ($125 Renewal fee) must be submitted online by 7/31/2025.


NO EXCEPTIONS OR EXTENSIONS.


The Division of Child Care may pay for your renewal fee if you meet all eligibility requirements, including employment at a regulated child care program for 20 or more hours per week! Reach out to your Child Care Aware PD Coach today to learn how to apply for the CDA-K Minigrant.


Find your PD coach at: https://www.childcareawareky.org/about-child-care-aware/our-staff/?tx_projectscategory=pdc

The Local Hotspot

Allison shares: “I am so excited to be able to offer this much needed service in Breckinridge County! I’m hoping with me being the only certified home open in Breckinridge County that it will encourage others to follow so we can help the working families in this growing community.”

Regulation Reminder

As we have all seen recently, sickness is on the rise once more. One key way to combat common illnesses is to ensure you and the children in your program are washing your hands consistently. Make sure you follow all proper handwashing steps, and wash them frequently! 

Professional Development Training

View the WKU FCCN Training Calendar for more information and to register. 

Personalized training based on YOUR needs!


The WKU FCCN offers customized and affordable training on a variety of topics.


Contact us to find out more information.


Training Request Form

Each month the WKU FCCN provides independent studies. Independent studies are online and work at your own pace. They are available for registration until the 15th of each month. Independent studies must be completed within two weeks. 


Topics include:


  • Being Prepared for Emergencies
  • Caring For Infants In a Mixed-age Setting
  • Curriculum-based Assessment
  • Developmental Screening
  • Evaluating Your Services
  • Family Engagement
  • Family Engagement: Literacy Bags
  • Health, Safety, and Nutrition
  • Infant and Toddler Development
  • Early Childhood Environments: Learning through Routines and Rituals
  • Language and Communication for Infant and Toddlers
  • Let’s Get Appy
  • Parent Handbooks
  • Preventing Burnout
  • Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Neglect and Safe Sleep
  • Science in an Early Learning Classroom
  • Social Studies in an Early Learning Classroom
  • The Stressed Child
  • The Value of Play
 
 
Training Calendar
 

Funded through Family Childcare Support Award SC 7362100001482

www.wku.edu/fccn

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