“Quit Acting Like a Baby” Age Appropriate Discipline

Don't miss this interactive training-                                      Thursday, 1/3/2013, 6pm-8:30pm, in Brown county

Reflect on the ways you perceive children’s behavior and what you bring to the table from your experiences. Which behaviors are age appropriate and how do we guide children to gain the skills they need? Bring an open mind and find ways to accept that you have the option to change your attitude! $10. CEU certificate given once homework is completed*** Click below to register... http://www.childcareanswers.com/Jan-Feb-March_2013.pdf 

Crises and Disasters

Resources for Parents and Professionals

In the aftermath of the Sandy Hook shooting and Hurricane Sandy, communities (and families) are left to pick up the pieces and try to cope with devastating losses. Check out Child Care Aware® of America’s crisis and disaster resources page. They have information for parents,  , child care providers,  child care providers, and Child Care Resource and Referral agencies
. From quick child care damage assessment tools to federal agency assistance (FEMA, HHS, SBA, USDA, SAMHSA and HUD) to resources related to mental health for children and families.

Social Emotional Teaching Strategies training

Please join us! 

There will be a Social Emotional Teaching Strategies training on January 15 from 6:00 pm- 8:30 pm in Johnson County. Come get a sneak peek into Promoting Social and Emotional Competence While Reducing Challenging Behaviors. This session is to get you thinking about challenging behaviors and how you can help prevent them in your preschool children. Some problem solving, communicating emotions appropriately and building friendship tips will be shared.

Please contact Sarah for more information 317-636-5727 Ext. 245.  

Second Setting Credential Process Ends on May 31, 2013

Anyone interested in obtaining a Second Setting Credential under the present Council Guidelines must apply by May 31, 2013. 

Starting on June 1, 2013, under the new CDA 2.0 Assessment System a second full credentialing process will be necessary to obtain a credential in a different setting.

For further information, please contact Vilma Williams via email at vilmaw@cdacouncil.org  or by phone at 202-265-9090 ext. 225

Spread the Word So Families Don't Miss Out on Tax Credits!

ECEC is partnering with the National Women’s Law Center to ensure that you, your staff, and the families enrolled in your program are aware of the state and federal tax benefits that they may be eligible for.

When you file your state and federal taxes in 2013, make sure you know about how you, your staff and families can receive:

• Up to $2,100 from the federal Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit for families that pay for child care when they go to work.

• Up to $1,000 per child from the federal Child Tax Credit for families raising children.

• Up to $5,891 from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit for eligible low-income families that is designed to boost wages for families.

The National Women’s Law Center developed a handy toolkit with all the information you need to get started. Hang a flyer in your center, make sure parents are filing tax returns, and let them know there is free tax preparation assistance available.

Spread the word about these tax credits for working families in your state!

PS - Visit the Put Child Care on the Map campaign page for ideas from across the country and helpful tools, and then let us know how you put child care on the map for your Member of Congress!

More Than Mud Pies/ Happy Mealtimes

Saturday, January 12th from 8am-1pm
Training held in Marion County.

The National Food Service Management Institute will be conducting the training. Training topics will include dealing with picky eaters, managing food allergies, meal time transitions, and developing a nutrition curriculum for preschoolers.

The training is primarily geared towards home providers but open to all. The training is a free training. Please contact Joslyn at jsullivan@childcareanswers.com to register.

The CDA Renewal Amnesty Program ends December 31, 2012!

Be sure to take advantage of this special offer today! 

• Have you let your CDA expire?
• Have you continued your professional development or earned a degree?
• Do you want to stay connected with the CDA Community of early childhood professionals?

Many professionals who earned a CDA earlier in their careers let it expire years ago and are no longer eligible for renewal, despite their continued work and training in early childhood education. Some have gone on to earn a Bachelor or Associate degree but find value in staying connected to the CDA Community by renewing their CDA.

The Council's Renewal Amnesty Program allows those who have earned or renewed a CDA in the last ten years to apply for Renewal, even if their CDA has expired. This means that if your CDA has a credential date of January 2002 or later, you are eligible for Renewal Amnesty.

This program will only last until December 31, 2012, so don't delay... Renew your CDA today go to www.cdacouncil.org

Online Early Childhood-Directors Management Training

Get the management training you need to support your program from your own desk in your own office!


You may register for one or all four modules.

• Each module is 4 weeks long.

• Each week includes one hour of online time together (webinar presentation and discussion).

• There is a Pre and Post Assignment for each webinar, 1 hour each.

• Each module totals 12 training hours.

• All four modules (16 weeks) total 48 training hours.

• Registration cost includes training materials.

• Full series registration includes a copy of the Program Administration Scale.

• Completion of full series has a CEU option for a small additional fee.


2013 Webinar Schedule (4 wks): Module:

January 15-February 5, Tues. 1-2pm Focus on Business Operations

February 12-March 5, Tues. 1-2pm Focus on Staff

March 12-April 2, Tues. 1-2pm Focus on Children

April 9-April 30, Tues. 1-2pm Focus on Leadership



Cost: $15 per Module or $50.00 for the Full Series

Registration due date: December 21, 2012 (registration is limited to 25 participants)

*Must have a high speed internet connection to participate.


TO REGISTER:

Complete the registration form and return with payment

Attention: Traci Marshall,

Indiana Association for Child Care Resource and Referral

3901 N. Meridian Street, Suite 200

Indianapolis, IN 46208

Questions? Call 317.924.5202

toll free 1.800.299.1627 ext. 230 OR tmarshall@iaccrr.org

Immediate Release: Crib Safety Information

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

CPSC has released important information regarding crib safety standards set to take effect December 28, 2012 for child care providers, hotel/motels and places of public accommodation. The Enforcement Guidance for Child Care Providers document is posted on CPSC’s Crib Information Center at http://www.cpsc.gov/info/cribs/index.html ,

Reptile- and Amphibian

 Interesting article... 

Reptile- and Amphibian-associated Salmonellosis in Childcare Centers, United States.  Please review your child care regulations regarding pets in the classroom. 

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/18/12/12-0784_article.htm

Start the New Year off right!

Start planning now to stay on track for renewing your Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).  Remember that you must complete 45 hours of training equivalent to 4.5 CEUs.   

Please check out our training calendar and be sure that you enroll in sessions that offer the CEU.  All classes that offer CEUs will have homework requirements.  Visit our website www.childcareanswers.com for the listing of our upcoming trainings.

Please contact Vanessa or Joslyn at 317-636-5727 with any questions. 

Save The Date 12/5/12

Please join Child Care Answers on December 5,2012 for Sign Language for Infants and Toddlers.  The session will be held in Brown County from 6:30pm to 8pm.

Participants will learn how hearing children benefit from learning sign language and when and how to start signing with children in child care. Participants will also receive information and resources on how to involve parents in the signing process. 

The cost is $10 per person and registering is required.

Please contact Joslyn Sullivan at 800-272-2937 or jsullivan@childcareanswers.com for more information. 

Support for children during stressful events

Sudden disasters, such as hurricanes and severe storms, can create anxiety and fear in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers online resources to assist child care providers and parents in caring for children during stressful events.

Disaster Preparedness to Meet Children Needs
http://www2.aap.org/disasters/adjustment.cfm

Children Product Recalls

Eddie Bauer Bassinets
About 97,000 Eddie Bauer rocking wood bassinets have been recalled because the bottom locking mechanism can fail to lock properly if a spring is not installed, allowing the bassinet to tip to one side and cause infants to roll to the side of the bassinet. This poses a suffocation hazard to infants. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bassinets and contact Dorel Juvenile Group to obtain a free repair kit. Call toll-free (877) 416-0165, or visit the website and click on Safety Notices.

ValcoBaby "Joey" boosterAbout 975 ValcoBaby "Joey" booster toddler seats for strollers have been recalled because spring button mechanism securing the booster toddler seat to the baby stroller can disengage, allowing for the carried toddler to fall. Consumers should stop using these toddler booster seats immediately and contact ValcoBaby to arrange for a free replacement attachment mechanism. Call toll-free (800) 610-7850 or visit the firm's website.

Balancing Work and Family Child Care

It is inevitable that parents have to work, and their children must go to an early learning program.  Time seems to fly by, and the days seem shorter and shorter.  It can be very tough balancing your family and work life.  The challenge I have is to try to create a little bit of time before and or after the child is dropped off at their early learning center. 

As parents you may miss out on many things durning the day, so stay a bit at the early learning center.  See what type of toys or equipment that your child is exploring.  Observe to see if your child likes to play alone or with others. Does your child like to explore with younger,older, or like age children?  Do they like to explore with boys or girl?  Is your child comfortable?  Linger a little while longer.  You may see your child in a new light, in a different environment. 

Use the resource of the early learning center teacher.  Your child's teacher gains a lot of knowledge about your child while you are are work.  Ask them how you can help them with the growth of your child.  Ask them if you can come in and help them out during their day.  The more comfortable the child's teacher is with you the more information they share with you about your child.  It is very important to gain a healthy relationship with the teacher that your child is with eight plus hours of the day.  The more time you can spend in your child's classroom, the more time you spend with your child!

It is very true that balancing family and work is difficult, but you are not the only one experiencing that.  You can also use other parents and staff you work with to help come up with ideals for balancing family and work.  In the world we live in, it is fast paced, but take time out to enjoy your family!

Intersted in starting a CDA Class?

Seeking your CDA credential is a big commitment and requires that you invest time attending and participating in class for 10 months, one night a week, 6:30-9:30 pm and one Saturday a month for 6 hours.

Interested in upcoming classes.... call Vanessa, 317 636-5727 ext. 241 to sign-up for one of these CDA Info-Sessions (each location is conveniently located with easy access off the highway)
Select one of the CDA Info-Session for you and your director to attend
• Tuesday, October 30th , 7-9 pm, Calvary Temple Church- 2901 N. Post Road, Indianapolis, IN 46219
• Monday, November 5th, 7-9 pm, Purpose of Life Church- 3705 Kessler Blvd, N. Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46222
• Tuesday, November 13th, 7-9 pm, YMCA- 9012 E. 126th Street, Fishers, IN 46038
• Thursday, November 15th, 7-9 pm, Hope Baptist Church- 1055 N. Girls School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46214
• IUPUI Greenwood, Thursday, TBA

Join Child Care Answers for an awesome event:

Come and hear the amazing story

“The Legend of Spookley The Square Pumpkin”

with a special appearance by

Spookley, this children’s book star!

This spook-tacular event will deliver a message of tolerance and kindness to young visitors.

Plus, kids can decorate mini pumpkins and enjoy a chance to win Spookley themed prizes.

Saturday, October 20

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Center Court in front of Macy's

Kids…don’t miss this special event that will help you understand

that the things that make you different are what make you special!

In partnership with

BullySafeUSA™ is launching

BullySafeIndiana, a statewide public education outreach campaign in collaboration with The Villages and Prevent Child Abuse Indiana to distribute an effective anti-bullying curriculum to public and private schools and Indiana communities.

Spookley the Square Pumpkin © and

TM/® Holiday Hill Enterprises, LLC

Stop by our table and meet our Inclusion Specialist, Sarah Bailey, and our Outreach Specialist, Cheryl Tyler.  We'll have lots of great information and some candy too! :)

What's Your Story?

We are working on a report that will help illustrate the reality parents face in finding child care and making child care work while juggling a job.　 Policymakers need to understand the challenges parents face every day as they seek to ensure they have child care for their children so that they can work.

　

The type of stories we are looking for are basic! Did you have trouble finding child care in your community? Do you have more than one child and had to find two different child care settings given either the ages of the children or the limitations of the setting?　 Does your child participate in a part-day program that leaves you scrambling to arrange child care before and after the part-day program? Have you had extra challenges finding care in the summer? Were you happy immediately with the care that you found or did you have to look at many places and then hope for the best? Is affording child care a challenge you face?

　

If you find that your story meets any of the above questions, we would love to hear from you! We are looking for a paragraph that describes an overview of your challenge so just a brief description is all that we need (not a theme paper)!　 We want to make this as easy as possible for you.　 Please share your story through the following web form:

http://www.naccrra.org/parents/ccapn-2/tell-us-your-story by Thursday, October 18.　 Thanks for your help on this project!　 We appreciate it!

Moving and Grooving

Time is running out! Sign up to attend Moving and Grooving (MVPA Everyday) on Wednesday, October 17th at 6:30 PM in Marion County. This exciting, interactive training will increase participants knowledge and help facilitate movement activities with children that achieve 60 minutes of structured physical activity per day. To register, click here http://extension.psu.edu/cyttap for more details contact Crystal Givens at (317) 926-3401 ext. 300. Hope to see you on Wednesday!!

Attention Hamilton County Residents:

NEED A COAT???

Hamilton County Kids Coats will be having their annual COAT GIVE-AWAY on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 7:00am to 1:00pm at the Carmel United Methodist Church, located at 621 S Rangeline Rd, Carmel; the church is at the corner of Rangeline Rd. and City Center (126th St.).  Coats range from sizes infants to adults.  You may contact 317-327-8818 or www.kidscoats.org for more information.

The event is sponsored by Carmel United Methodist Church, Good Samaritan Network, Grace Community Church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Radiant Christian Life Church, St. Mark's United Methodist Church. 

Donations of clean coasts are accepted year round.

Training/Professional Development Opportunities

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is the sudden unexplained death of a child less than one year of age. In many instances of SIDS, a child is thought to be sleeping, but when checked is found dead. The precise cause is unknown, but the 40 hour Child Care Aware Training Academy Child Care Essentials course can help you can identify risk factors. Spend some time this October learning safe and healthy sleeping habits and techniques to avoid this tragedy. Learn more about Training Academy courses- http://naccrra.smarthorizons.org/.


As part of the Safe to Sleep campaign (formerly the Back to Sleep campaign), the National Institute of Child Health and Development offers a free, downloadable publication, Safe Sleep for Your Baby- https://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs_details.cfm?from=&pubs_id=5794. The brochure explains ways parents and caregivers can reduce the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant death and provide a safe sleep environment for infants.


On October, 30, Betty McEntire with the American SIDS Institute and Shelly Blecha, Child Care Aware of America® parent leader, will host a free webinar discussing safe sleep practices, SIDS and prevention. McEntire will present background information and tips and Blecha will share her personal story.  Tuesday, October 30, 2012 7-8 p.m., Eastern

Celebrate Science

Celebrate Science Indiana http://www.celebratescienceindiana.org/  Will return to the Indiana State Fairgrounds on Saturday, October 6th from 10am to 5pm. This is a great opportunity for students, teachers and parents to do hands on activities, meet real scientists from across the state, and see the impact that research and science have on Hoosier's lives. NASA Ignite! will be conducting 4 one-hour professional development sessions for $5 each. We have some GREAT guest speakers from NASA who will be leading these activities!

Topics include:
• 10-11 am: Living and Working in Space "Astronaut's bodies adapt amazingly quickly when they spend time in orbit around our Earth. "Living and Working in Space" is an interactive workshop that will introduce activities that demonstrate for students how the human brain, muscles, and bones react to microgravity. Grades 4 - 9.
• 11-12 pm: Astrobiology: What's Out There? "Are we sure we're alone in the solar system? The answer might surprise you! "Astrobiology: What's out there?" will workshop activities that introduce students to how we look for and identify living things, both on Earth and across the universe. Grades 4 - 9.
• 2-3 pm: Eyes on Mars The Mars Science Laboratory, nicknamed "Curiosity," made a spectacular landing on the Red Planet on August 5th! Join us as we workshop activities that teach students how NASA uses the MSL and other projects to learn about our neighbors in the solar system from the safety of Earth. Grades 4 - 9.
• 3-4 pm: Rockets to Race Cars What do rockets have in common with race cars? More than meets the eye! This workshop will focus on activities that show how aeronautics plays a key role in auto racing and the similar ways science helps protect drivers and astronauts while on the job. Grades 4 - 9

Please use the links above to register and reserve your space in these sessions. All workshops will be held at the Champions Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, room 209 (second floor.) Directions and parking information is available through the CSI website http://www.celebratescienceindiana.org/. Scholarships to cover workshop admission costs may be available to qualifying teachers. If you have any problems or questions, please email us at ignite@wisdomtools.com.

Upcoming Events

Here is a list of upcoming events- 


Indianapolis Area Chapter of AEYC Fall 2012 Workshop! 
When: Saturday, October 13, 2012 
Where: Central Elementary 7001 Zionsville Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 
Hours: 8:30 am to 3:15 pm 
Audience: Early Childhood Professionals: Child Care Providers, Teachers & Directors of children birth - age 8!
Costs: $15 for IAEYC members, $25 for non-members, $35 onsite registration (limited)
http://iaeyc.org/IndianapolisChapterFallWorkshop/tabid/835/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Join the Autism Society of Indiana for a night of Halloween FUN!!

What: Bounce-a-thon and Open Gym at Indiana Elite All Stars, featuring trampoline fun, bounce houses and more. Come in your favorite Halloween costume, there will be prizes for best costume, scariest costume, and most original costume.
When: Saturday, October 27th, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Where: Indiana Elite, 14888 Herriman Blvd., Noblesville, IN 46060
www.indiana-elite.com
Cost: $15 donation requested. Donations are optional. All donations are tax deductible and all funds go to help families in Indiana living with autism.
Who: All individuals with special needs, all ages and all abilities. 

http://www.autismsocietyofindiana.org/#/bounce-a-thon/4569381175 

Child Advocates announces its First Annual Superhero Run!
Race Date: October 27, 2012
Location: White River State Park
Race Day Schedule: Open Registration 8:00-9:30, Family Walk will begin at 9:30,
5k run start at 10:00
Cost: $25 pre-register for 5K ($30 day of race),  $15 walk (children under 5 are free but still need to register.)
http://www.planetadventurerace.com/events/superhero/ 

Hendricks County Kids Fair 

Sunday, October 28^th, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Avon High School Gym

Featuring:  Free Food and Refreshments, Door Prizes, Music and Live Entertainment, Fun Giveaways and Games for Children, Information from Local Businesses and Community Organizations, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, Bounce House and Much More!!

*Please let us know about your event. We would love to let others know about it, too!

Thought for today :)

Remember, children need our PRESENCE more than our PRESENTS!  

Upcoming Webinars

The McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University has webinars that are offered on various topics.  The next three are:  September 28, 2012  Possibilities with Pinterest Webinar

What is Pinterest really about? Join us for this 1.5-hour webinar exploring this new online sharing tool. Learn how to best use Pinterest in your early childhood program as a fun and interactive way to enhance collaborative idea-sharing with families and staff.

October 19 – 20, 2012  What's the Difference? Managing Infant-Toddler Programs

Do you know how to adjust your leadership style to fit the unique needs of your infant-toddler program? Join Kay Albrecht in learning how program planning, implementation, and evaluation in early infant-toddler programs is different from administering preschool programs. Learn strategies to help you adapt and be successful.

October 23 – 26, 2012  Program Administration Scale (PAS) Reliability Training

This training is designed for individuals who want to ensure that PAS assessments are valid, reliable, and administered consistently across programs. For more information and to get registered, visit their website at http://cecl.nl.edu/

Provider Picnic 2012

  We thank everyone who joined us for the Provider Picnic 2012. We missed those of you who were unable to make it. We hope to see you all next year! 

ALOHA from Child Care Answers!

Who did YOU vote for?

"Unsweetened tea! Try some unsweetened tea!" 

Kids' party favors~

Mr. Maestro himself!

Thank you, Melanie Brizzi, for supporting quality child care!

We're so glad some of our representatives joined us!