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On My Way Pre-K Children Show Kindergarten Readiness and Outperform Their Peers in New Study
A study by the Purdue University Center for Early Learning that followed 376 children who attended On My Way Pre-K showed that they have stronger school readiness, language and literacy skills than 182 of their peers with similar family incomes who attended lower-quality childcare or prekindergarten programs. The study also revealed that the pattern of On My Way Pre-K children outperforming their peers continued through the third and fourth grades, as measured in standardized Math and English/Language Arts scores.
In addition, a kindergarten readiness indicators assessment conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago in spring of 2021 demonstrated that On My Way Pre-K students matched up positively compared to national norms established for all prekindergarten children in the U.S.
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Child Care Closure Grant Extension!
Child care closure grants have been extended. Eligible CCDF programs facing the temporary closure of a classroom or program due to COVID-19 can apply for a Child Care Closure grant through March 30, 2022.
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Apply for a Round 2 Stabilization Grant Now!
The second round of Build, Learn, Grow Stabilization Grants is now open to Indiana early childhood and out-of-school care providers. In less than 2 weeks, more than 1,500 providers have already been approved for grant awards totaling over $144 million. Grants in this round will cover approximately five months of your program's operating expenses across six categories and are capped at $850,000 per program. If you received a grant in Round 1, you must complete your Grant Expense Report before you can apply for a Round 2 grant. Find detailed instructions in this Grant Expense Reporting Guide. The application is accessible through I-LEAD once you log in.
Please join SPARK Learning Lab for one of their webinars, focusing on the Grant Expense Report, grant application changes and new FAQs. Register via the links below.
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All: February 8, 7-8 p.m. EST | Register
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Family Child Care Homes: February 8, 1:30-2:30 p.m. EST | Register
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Centers/Ministries/Schools: February 10, 9-10 a.m. EST | Register
Contact SPARK Learning Lab with questions or application support by phone at (800) 299-1627 or via email at help@indianaspark.com.
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Third Edition of Core Knowledge and Competencies Now Available
The Third Edition of Indiana’s Core Knowledge and Competencies for Early Childhood, School-Age and Youth Professionals is now available. The Core Knowledge and Competencies were revised through the lens of equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and encompass the latest research.
This updated interactive version encourages early childhood educators, out-of-school time professionals and program leaders to participate in self-reflection, introspection and conversation to self-assess their competencies, knowledge and skills. Plan the next steps of your own professional development journey with the individual professional development planning tool on page 29.
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New OECOSL Partner Map
The new OECOSL Partner Map is a quick guide to help programs understand and access the various early care and education resources and supports available to them and families. Learn more about the state’s early care and education organizations available to support with topics such as Paths to QUALITY, operations, compliance, coaching and technical assistance, training and professional development, workforce education, and degrees and credentials.
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Upcoming Training Opportunities
There are several upcoming training opportunities available for programs through Indiana Learning Paths (ILP) and SPARK Learning Lab. Review the opportunities below and register via the links provided.
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Help Your Staff Take Their Careers to the Next Level
The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood© INDIANA Team invites early childhood professionals to a virtual Open House event on February 17 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EST, learn how to open new doors to a fulfilling career in early childhood education.
The event will feature the early childhood department chairs from Ivy Tech Community College - Indianapolis and Martin University. Learn about the variety of careers in early childhood education, as well as how to transfer an associate degree in Early Childhood to Martin University while receiving ongoing support from the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship advisors and college faculty. Please share this Open House registration link with your staff and encourage them to attend.
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Nominate a Deserving Educator by Friday
OECOSL is grateful to all of the early educators and out-of-school time professionals serving Indiana families. To acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Indiana child care providers, OECOSL has launched a Provider Recognition Award program. Nominations for this award are now open and can be submitted until Friday, February 4, 2022, at 5 p.m. EST.
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Tomorrow: Northwest Indiana CDA® Credential Registration Meeting
The Child Development Associate® (CDA®) is a nationally recognized credential awarded to individuals who complete specific training, pass an exam, and complete an assessment. The course helps those seeking opportunities to work in early childhood education meet children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
The Non Formal CDA Project with Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children, in partnership with Center of Workforce Innovations Inc., is excited to announce the availability of a CDA credential course beginning as early as March 2022.
The course will serve providers in Northwest Indiana. If you have early childhood educators who want to advance their careers through a CDA credential, please encourage them to attend the registration meeting on February 1, 2022, beginning at 7:30 p.m. EST.
For more information and for any questions, please reach out to pd@inaeyc.org.
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