ProKids, INC Presents

Effecting Individual Child Behavior and the Group Dynamic

June 9, 2012 at the ProKids, Inc Indianapolis from 9am-12pm

$30 Registration fee and includes light refreshments

All participants must register online at http://www.utsprokids.org/login.asp

Training Agenda:

This three hour session will focus on three distinct aspects of shaping children’s behavior and positively affecting the group dynamic of your childcare facility or classroom.

1. Environment & Workplace Culture

2. Planning and Communication (Thinking Outside the Box)

3. Strategies & Techniques

This session is designed to encourage teachers and childcare providers to focus on all three of these components, to value their impact on child behavior and to analyze each when problem-solving scenarios involving behaviorally challenging children.

When a child demonstrates challenging behavior, we typically jump directly to Strategies and Techniques, or even punishment/consequences. We often skip, or invest very little time, seriously considering that components 1 & 2 might also hold some answers and get the results we are searching for.

I will propose in this session that we miss many opportunities if we fail to consistently utilize all of the tools in our arsenal. In fact, investing time in Components 1 & 2 might even prove to result in change that (1) impacts the entire group dynamic (staff, children, and families), (2) that is longer lasting, (3) and is more effective.

Alas, don’t fret, we will spend considerable time on Component 3. I am, after all, a Behaviorist. We all want to discuss “what to do when…” Shaping a child’s behavior when it consistently interferes with their development and safety, or the development and safety of others is critical. Until a child is able to reasonably conform to the social and behavioral norms of any given environment in which they find themselves, they will struggle to benefit fully from what those environments have to offer.

We will discuss how you and your staff can address a variety of challenging behaviors. You will have an opportunity to share Strategies and Techniques that are effective in your environments and learn from the experiences of other session participants.

Tips From Your Mentor

Tips from your mentor: Clean your House, open your mind

By Suzanne Milligan, Paths to QUALITY Mentor

Child Care Solutions Kokomo, Indiana

As springtime approaches, you may be thinking about spring cleaning. Springtime usually brings on thoughts of new, crisp, refreshing and rejuvenating. According to Prudent Press Agency, clutter and untidiness within each area of your home causes constriction and inertia in the corresponding aspects of your life. In other words, if your home is cluttered, so is your mind in relation to that area.

Clutter in the Kitchen

The kitchen has been called the "heart of the home,"and with good reason. Here we are nourished and provided for, even if we are dining on frozen entrees zapped in the microwave rather than a homemade meal lovingly presented by mom. An untidy and disorganized kitchen makes it hard to nourish yourself and others, on both physical and metaphysical levels. How you care for your kitchen is a clue about whether you are giving proper attention to your own nourishment and sources of abundance. Cleaning up and de-cluttering your kitchen opens up space for you to receive the support and comfort that you need in life.

Living and Dining Room Clutter

These are spaces where you mingle with and honor your relationships with family and friends. Here you engage with the world while being at home through watching television, reading the paper, or arguing politics with old friends over dinner. Clutter can turn these social spaces into dens of isolation, especially if the mess is so bad that it has been years since you've invited people over. Look around your living and dining rooms to see what they say about your relationship with the rest of the world. Are you hiding your true self from others, burying it in clutter, or putting it on display here.

Cluttered Hallways

Hallways are the arteries and highways of your home. Think of clutter in your hallways as a traffic jam that prevents important connections between different areas of your home and you life. Look at your hallways to see how you feel about your life's path; are they well lit and easily navigable, or do the trip you up? If you feel disconnected between work and family, self and other, what you need and your obligations, it may be time to give your hallways a good clearing out.

Cluttered Closets

Closets represent things that are hidden, unknown, or unrecognized. When we fill our closets with clutter, we stifle our ability to be intuitive and insightful. Cluttered closets can indicate problems that you may not be consciously aware of but which impede your progress through life, work, and relationships nonetheless. Keeping the closet door closed is not an effective solution.

Writing a Quality Inclusion Policy

Writing a Quality Inclusion Policy

By Rachel Krug, Inclusion Specialist at 4C of Southern Indiana 



High quality childcare is indicated by the maintenance of a safe learning environment in which all children in care have equal opportunity to explore, to participate in a meaningful way, and to interact with other children and adults in the care setting. Inclusion is not simply about children with special needs; it is responsive care to individual abilities and needs of each child in care. We know that inclusion benefits children, their families, and childcare providers. How do we actively and effectively include all children in our child care settings? A written inclusion policy can help.

The first step to writing  a quality inclusion policy is to think about the principles of inclusion that you need to address specifically in your policy. Principles of inclusion that you will want to consider are access, participation, and support.

When considering access, ask yourself the following questions:

• How does my program make reasonable efforts to enroll all children, especially those with special needs?
• In looking at my learning environment, do all children have access to all learning centers, materials and activities?

When considering participation, ask yourself the following questions:

• How do I encourage all children to participate in meaningful ways with their peers?
• How do I build on each child's strengths to provide for his individual needs?

When considering support, ask yourself the following questions:

• How do I encourage all families to take part in making decisions about their child?
• How do I collaborate with parents and other partners to provide for each child's needs?
• What support do I offer my staff to have the skills to attend to each child's needs?

Another consideration to writing a quality inclusion policy is language used to promote appropriate inclusive practice in your setting. Always use Person-First Language when describing anyone. This focuses on the child and his abilities rather than challenges. For example, use "a child with autism" rather than an "autistic child" or "a child who bites" rather than "a biter." Focus on the strengths rather than challenges. For example, "We welcome children of all abilities" rather than "We welcome children with disabilities."

Finally, write and implement your inclusion policy. Ensure that all of your staff know the policy and guide them to fully include all children by providing for each child's individual needs and strengths while making accommodations for any challenges. 

Easter deviled eggs

Ingredients
Salt and pepper, for taste 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish1/4 cup mayonnaise 7 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled Paula Deen Paprika Spice Blend, for garnishingSweet gherkin pickles sliced, for garnishing Pimentos, for garnishing
Directions
Halve 7 eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small bowl.
Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
Fill egg whites evenly with yolk mixture. Garnish with paprika, pickles, and pimentos. Store covered in refrigerator.
http://www.pauladeen.com/recipes/recipe_view/traditional_southern_deviled_eggs/
http://ohamanda.com/2010/04/12/top-ten-tuesday-yummiest-food-ive-had-in-a-good-long-while/

Lemonade Day Indianapolis

Register For Lemonade Day 2012

In Central Indiana

Lemonade Day is Saturday, May 19th 2012

Simply put Lemonade Day is about providing kids of all ages the opportunity to experience entrepreneurship by starting, owning, and operating their own business: a lemonade stand. And it's FREE!!!

We're reaching kids in the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area, which includes the "nine-county region": Marion, Boone, Hamilton, Madison, Hendricks, Hancock, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties, don't worry you can still sign up!!

For information on how to register and to receive your FREE backpack visit the website at http://indianapolis.lemonadeday.org/

A.S.K. Communication Workshop

It’s Not WHAT You Say . .

It’s HOW You Say It

Effective Communication Workshop

Tuesday, April 17, 2012     6:00pm to 8:00pm

Location: East 91st Street Christian Church 

6049 East 91st Street
Indianapolis, IN 46250

Cost: $10
Questions:Email asktraining@aboutspecialkids.org

Overview: Communication is a key factor when working with individuals and organizations. This training is geared toward parents of children with special needs to help build positive working relationships with schools, medical professionals, and groups or committees through improved communication skills. Topics such as partnerships, negotiation, and listening will be addressed.

Register online at www.aboutspecialkids.org/training Registration for the training will be closed on April 16, 2012

 

 



 

Need help finding staff?

Child Care Answers is excited to announce that we have added a career opportunities page to our web site. If you need help locating qualified early childhood staff let us help you by posting your oppor­tunities! We will be advertising this new service to local individuals who are searching for careers in early childhood.

The cost to you for this service is $75.00’s for a two week listing or $100.00’s for a four week listing.

It is easy to list your open positons.

To get started visit our career opportunities page here.

*FREE* Crafts for Kids-Saturday's 11:00am-3:00pm

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/storeCrafts.jsp?f=m

Every Saturday at Lakeshore Learning Store located at 1300 East 86th Street, Indianapolis
**********FREE*****FREE******FREE********FREE*********FREE***********FREE*****

Crafts for kids workshops from 11:00am-3:00pm

Here are some upcoming dates and themes:

March 24-"Spring flower bouquet"

March 31-"A buggy scene"

April 7-"fun bunny basket"

April 14-"Cowboy boot bag"

April 28-"fancy feathered bird"

May 5-"Thank-you bouquet card'

May 12-"Hand-print keepsake"

May 19-"Rainbow-Colored creatures"

May 26-"Patriotic wand"

June 2-"Snazzy garden snail"

June 9-"Flip-flop notepad"

June 16-"Key keeper"

June 23,-"Summertime door hanger"

June 30-"Star-spangled shaker"

(Please visit the website or call the store for any additional information.)

*FREE*Teacher Workshops!

http://www.lakeshorelearning.com/general_content/store_locations/teacherWorkshops.jsp?storeNo=066

3/21 - Interactive Software: Bringing Technology into the Classroom 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Interactive software for whiteboards and computers offers exciting new learning opportunities, but where should you begin—and what pitfalls should you avoid? This fascinating workshop will show you just how easy it is to integrate educational software into your Early Childhood or Elementary curriculum!
Receive a certificate verifying one hour of participation for each of these workshops!
Free door prizes with each workshop.

Please RSVP to 317-574-0304 at least 2 days in advance.

"Dinosaur Discoveries"-April 25th, 2012 6:00-7:00p.m.

"Life on the Farm"-May 30th, 2012 6:00-7:00p.m.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

Use technology to help teach literacy

Making Shapes

Here’s what you’ll need:
Craft sticks and a package of Velcro circles.

1. Place the Velcro circles on each end of the craft sticks…just make sure you put one “roughy” and one smooth one on each end.
2. Enjoy some open-ended fun with these! Once your makes a shape, be sure to point out the shape’s name and the number of sides.

http://www.icanteachmychild.com/2011/09/making-shapes/

Easy Ways to Teach Numbers, Counting & Math

I put some glitter paint into zip lock bags for the children to practice writing their numbers. When teaching numbers I find children respond really well if they are able to touch and feel numbers and make numbers in different textures.

Though preschoolers generally don’t recognise it, maths is another way to understand and make sense of the world, much like language. Like words, maths is used everywhere and is an integral part of everyday life. What exactly is maths? Simply put, maths is the observation, identification, description and explanation of numbers, space, relation, and order. Counting, measuring, problem solving, reasoning, and identifying shapes and patterns are the activities of math. Preschoolers, who have opportunities to learn maths through play and everyday interactions are gaining the foundation for maths development.

Here are few additional ideas on everyday math and couting....

Count everything
As you go up steps, eat strawberries, pick flowers, put up Lego's, you name it.

Count to 60 while brushing their teeth
take turns brushing teeth and I count out loud to 60 for each of our turns. It's an easy way for children to understand the concept of one minute.

Cook TogetherInclude your child when you cook.
Have children count the cups of milk, the tablespoons of margarine, or the eggs when you cook. Show kids the recipe as you cook so they can follow along.

Play Hopscotch
Use chalk and draw a hopscotch game outside. Make sure to say the numbers out loud as you play.

Play an "I spy" gameTake turns playing "I spy"
Look around your room and say, "I spy something we have two of (or three of)..." It could be speakers for your stereo, cushions on the couch or pictures on the wall, or anything you can count.


Some of my favourite books to use when I'm teaching about numbers and counting are:
"Hungry Monsters" Teach Counting in Rhyme by Susan Heyboer O’Keefe and illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.
" Ten With Ten Little Ladybugs" written by Melanie Gerth and illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith
"Miss Spider’s Tea Party" Teaches Counting With a Social Lesson written and illustrated by David Kirk.
"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle
"The Shopping Basket" by John Burningham

Early Childhood Conference

Join Indianapolis Area Chapter of Indiana AEYC
Winter Workshop
Saturday March 24, 2012

Wayne Township Preschool
1155 S. High School Road, Indianapolis, IN 46241
(Located behind Ben Davis University—enter Door 8 or 8A)
7:45-8:15 am registration 8:30-12:30 workshop
Pre-Register NAEYC Members $10 Pre-Register Non-members $15
Onsite Registration: $20 for Members and Non-members

Sessions
Sensationally Simple Ideas for the early childhood classroom

Handling Aggressive Behavior & Teaching Children Self-Control

Contact Angie Herniak for questions: 317-341-1889 or indychapter@gmail.com

Paths to QUALITY Marketing Training!

Are you a Level 2, 3 or 4 Paths to QUALITY Provider? If so join us on Monday, March 19th from 6:30pm till 9pm to learn more about the FREE online marketing tool available! Child Care Online offers Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 programs an exclusive opportunity to showcase their achievements with an online profile made up of pictures and text. Participants will learn the benefits of Child Care Online for providers and families and learn how to create an online profile that will highlight their professionalism and commitment to quality. Eligible programs must complete this training prior to signing up for Child Care Online. .It's a great opportunity to showcase the high quality care you are offering. Call Emily at (317) 636-5727 to register TODAY!

Free Community Resources

Free Community Electronics Recycling: Saturday, March 17th from 10:00am till 2:00pm held at James Russell Lowell IPS #51, 3426 Roosevelt Ave. Indianapolis. Acceptable items include: computers, monitors, printers, laptops, tv's, cell phones, stereo equipment, microwaves, large household appliances and more! For more information visit: http://www.5rprocessors.com/ or 715-322-4480.

Money Management Series: Classes held on Thursdays from 2-3:30pm at Rebuilding the Wall, 3513 Hovey St. Indianapolis. Class is free but registration is required. Contact Shelley Landis at (317) 925-9789, shelley@rebuildingthewall.org. Classes offered include:

• April 5 - Writing SMART goals and a budget overview
• April 12 - Creating your own budget
• April 26 - Need Vs. Want and building a savings
• May 10 - Understanding your credit
• May 17 - Successful Renting

Whatever It Takes: Successful Children with Promising Futures: Open to children in IPS 51, 56, and 69. Saturday, March 24 from 9am-1:30pm at Martin University. Learn more about resources in the Martindale Brightwood Community, learn how to help your children succeed in school, hear educational stories from the community and meet other parents. The day includes free lunch, childcare and door prizes. Call 317-205-2595 or email rduerksen@fscp.org to reserve your spot!

Training Opportunity

Orientation on Professional Development Opportunities
Tuesday, March 20th from 6:30 pm -8:30 pm
Class is FREE! Please call (317) 636-5727 to preregister

This workshop provides deep understanding of ways you can obtain professional development hours and credits in the state of Indiana. The workshop will provide information on different routes to obtain Child Development Associate (CDA) training, articulating the credential into an associate degree in early childhood education/child development at Ivy Tech Community College. The workshop will provide comprehensive overview of accessibility and location of colleges and universities in the state of Indiana that offer associate and bachelor degree levels. In addition, the workshop provides information on state scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

Lending Library

REMINDER: The Lending Library will be closed on Tuesday March the 13 and Wednesday March the 14. The Lending Library will reopen on Thursday March the 15, 2012 at 4:00pm.

¿Cómo puedo encontrar bueno cuidado infantil

La reciente y trágica pérdida de un niño pequeño en el área de Indianápolis ha causado a los padres a reflexionar sobre sus opciones para el cuidado de los niños y también lo que debe buscar cuando se busca el cuidado de niños.
Selección de un proveedor de cuidado infantil es un momento importante y muchas veces confusa para los padres. Las respuestas de cuidado infantil están aquí para ayudar a los padres con los recursos para aprender lo que son las diferentes opciones para elegir y para proporcionar información importante sobre los indicadores para buscar y preguntas para hacer en su búsqueda de cuidado de niños.

Recomendamos a todos los padres a:

1. Investigación de los proveedores de cuidado infantil por ir a la Web www.childcarefinder.in.gov Estado para aprender acerca de las inspecciones y denuncias.
Aprenda cuáles son las diferentes opciones de programas en su área.

· Hable con Child Care Answers acerca de lo que los reglamentos de los proveedores en su área están obligados a cumplir. Se realizan chequeos de antecedentes penales y pruebas de detección de drogas se requiere? ¿Qué hace el Estado busca al visitar los sitios?
· ¿Cómo se registra una preocupación o queja sobre un proveedor?
· Más información sobre la calidad del sistema voluntario del estado de clasificación llamada Caminos a la CALIDAD.
· ¿Está el proveedor con licencia, tomando parte en Caminos a la CALIDAD o otra la certificación acreditada o de otro tipo? Si el proveedor no está en Caminos hacia la calidad, pregunte por qué y cuándo va a comenzar.

2. Haga una lista de preguntas para hacer y hacer una entrevista telefónica.

· ¿Hay una vacante para mi hijo?

· Confirmar las horas y días de operación.

· Discusión sobre el costo y preguntar acerca de las opciones de asistencia financiera. Esto variará de un programa a otro.

· ¿Cuántos niños hay en el programa?

· ¿Cuáles son los grupos de edad que prestan servicios?

3. Visite el proveedor. (Trate de visitar más de una vez y en diferentes momentos del día.)

· Asegúrese de usar los 5 sentidos cuando se entra en un sitio. ¿Son las interacciones entre los proveedores y las respuestas de los niños, crianza y cálidos?

· ¿Están los niños felices para participar en las actividades diarias? ¿Se les da tiempo libre y estructurado?

· ¿Está el ambiente y el equipo (incluyendo juguetes) la edad adecuada, limpia y en buen estado? Pregunte sobre el plan de limpieza.

· ¿Hay un número de variedad y amplia de juguetes y materiales de aprendizaje?

· ¿Los niños reciben atención individual?

· Pregunte acerca de la educación del proveedor / formación. La investigación ha demostrado que cuanto más sabe un proveedor de cómo los niños aprenden y crecen, mejor están en el cuidado de los niños.

· Pregunte por cuánto tiempo los proveedores han estado en el lugar y con ese grupo de edad. Es mejor si los niños permanecen con el mismo proveedor por lo menos durante un año. La consistencia es muy importante.

· Pregunte cuántos niños hay por cada adulto. El menor número de niños por cada adulto, mejor para su hijo. Cuente cuántos niños están ahí durante su visita.

· Pregunte cómo los proveedores de mantener a los padres informados sobre una base diaria. ¿Tienen los grupos de padres, notas de diarios, revistas o correos electrónicos?

· Averigüe si el proveedor ha sido acreditado por una organización nacional. Convertirse en los medios acreditados que el proveedor ha cumplido con las normas voluntarias para el cuidado de niños que son más altos que la mayoría de los requisitos estatales de licencia.

· Asegúrese de que el proveedor tiene una póliza de puerta abierta permite a los padres a visitar en cualquier momento su hijo está en el programa.

4. Verifique las referencias del proveedor.

· Hable con otros padres acerca de la calidad del programa y el cuidado de sus hijos.

5. Recuerde que es importante estar involucradas en la experiencia de cuidado de los hijos de su hijo.

· Consulte con los proveedores de todos los días.

· Visitar y observar a sus hijos en el ámbito de la atención.

· Cuando se pueda, estar involucrados en actividades tales como excursiones y fiestas.

· Pregunte acerca de las formas para establecer contactos con los otros padres.

Estos pasos son sólo el comienzo para un tener un éxito y la calidad de la experiencia de educación infantil temprana. Child Care Answers alienta a todos los padres para obtener información tanto como sea posible para ayudar a encontrar el programa de calidad que funciona para su familia. Estamos aquí para ayudarle en cada paso del camino. Puede comunicarse con nosotros al 317-631-4643 o visite nuestro sitio Web en www.childcareanswers.com
Para el español, por favor pregunte por Amy Torres

How Can I Find Quality Childcare?

The recent tragic loss of a young child in the Indianapolis area has caused parents to rethink their options for child care and also what to look for when searching for child care.

Choosing a child care provider is an important and often confusing time for parents. Child Care Answers is here to help parents with the resources to learn what the different options are to chose from and to provide important information on indicators to look for and questions to ask in your search for child care.


We highly encourage every parent to:
1. Research the child care providers by going to the State Website http://www.childcarefinder.in.gov/ to learn about inspections and complaints.
· Learn what the different options are for programs in your area.
· Talk to Child Care Answers about what regulations the providers in your area are required to meet. Are criminal background checks and drug screenings required? What does the state look for when they visit the sites?
· How do you register a concern or complaint about a provider?
· Learn about the state’s voluntary quality rating system called Paths to QUALITY.
· Is the provider licensed, taking part in Paths to QUALITY, accredited or other certification? If the provider is not on Paths to Quality, ask why and when they plan to start.


2. Create a list of questions to ask and do a phone interview.
· Is there an opening for my child?
· Confirm the hours and days of operation.
· Discuss the cost and ask about financial assistance options. This will vary from program to program.
· How many children are in the program?
· What are the age groups served?

3. Visit the provider. (Try to visit more than once and at different times of day.)
· Be sure to use your 5 senses when you go into a site. Are the interactions between providers and children responses, nurturing and warm?
· Are the children happily involved in daily activities? Are they given free and structured times?
· Is the environment and equipment (including toys) age appropriate, clean and in good repair? Ask about the cleaning schedule.
· Is there a variety and ample number of toys and learning materials?
· Do the children get individual attention?
· Ask about the provider’s education/training. Research has shown that the more a provider knows how young children learn and grow, the better they are at taking care of children.
· Ask how long the providers have been at the site and with that age group. It’s best if children stay with the same provider for at least a year. Consistency is very important.
· Ask how many children there are for each adult. The fewer the number of children for each adult the better for your child. Feel free to count heads of little ones when you visit.
· Ask how the providers keep the parents informed on a daily basis. Do they have parent groups, daily notes, journals or emails?
· Find out if the provider has been accredited by a national organization. Becoming accredited means that the provider has met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most state licensing requirements.
· Make sure that the provider has an open door policy allowing parents to visit at anytime their child is at the program.

4. Check the provider’s references.
· Talk with other parents about the quality of the program and care of their children.

5. Remember that it is important to stay involved once your child is enrolled in a program.
· Check in with the providers daily.
· Visit and observe your children in the care setting.
· When able, be involved in such activities as field trips and parties.
· Ask about ways to network with the other parents.


These steps are only the beginning for a having a successful and quality early childhood education experience. Child Care Answers encourages every parent to gather as much information as possible to help find the quality program that works for your family. We are here to help you every step of the way. You may contact us at 317-631-4643 or visit our website at www.childcareanswers.com