Monday Must Know — August 14

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Monday Must Know. Office of Early Childhood & Out-of-School Learning

Do You Teach a Preschool Student with a Disability? 

young child

Purdue University is recruiting Indiana preschool teachers for a research study focusing on those who teach students with disabilities. Teachers will complete a demographic survey and a one-hour interview about preference assessments (a behavior therapy technique)  and review a short interview summary. Teachers do not need to have prior knowledge about preference assessments. After completing all study components, participants can receive a $20 Starbucks e-gift card.

Dr. Jasmine Begeske is the primary investigator conducting this survey, Exploring Special Education Teachers' Perceptions of Preference Assessments (IRB #: 2022-664). 

To learn more or to participate in the study, contact David Ray Miranda via email at dgmirand@purdue.edu.

Email to Participate

Upcoming Changes to CCDF Reimbursement and Family Eligibility

Two changes to CCDF reimbursement rates and eligibility are underway, which affect payments scheduled for August 30, 2023.  

New CCDF Reimbursement Rates:
Indiana is using a new cost-based approach to set CCDF reimbursement rates that reflect the current costs of providing care across specific settings, geographies, seat types, and quality levels. You may choose to align your rates with the new reimbursement rates, but you are not required to do so. This is a business decision for providers to make. You will still receive the new reimbursement rate, regardless of what you charge to families. New rates went into effect on July 30. Providers should expect to see the new rates applied during payments scheduled for August 30.  

Expanded Income Eligibility for CCDF and On My Way Pre-K Assistance: 
As of August 1, the State has expanded income eligibility for child care assistance from 127% of the federal poverty level to 150%. Eligible families seeking CCDF or On My Way Pre-K assistance may apply under the newly expanded guidelines.  

You can share this information with your program's enrolled or prospective families using this toolkit. Learn more about upcoming changes and review updated FAQs by clicking the button below. 

Review the FAQs 

Your Help is Needed — Take the Developmental Screening Survey

Woman at computer

The goal of the Developmental Screening Survey is to better understand how much screening is happening and who's doing it.

Your input can help the Infant Wellbeing Taskforce of the Indiana Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (IPQIC) identify more children who need additional resources and support to reach their full potential. Please complete the survey before September 13. The results will help IPQIC identify gaps and develop strategies to ensure all young children in Indiana have the opportunity to succeed.

Take the Survey


Enhance Your Knowledge with SPARK Group Coaching Cohorts

SPARK Cohort

Discover the power of SPARK Group Coaching Cohorts! August sessions begin soon and will include topics on Paths to QUALITY™ and Infant Toddler Environments and Interactions. Register today to secure your spot

SPARK Group Coaching Cohorts are virtual groups consisting of an experienced coach and a small group of your peers. Group coaching cohorts last two to three months and offer opportunities for all childcare leaders, including: 

  • Family childcare owners or directors 
  • Childcare center or ministry owners or directors  
  • Administrators and principals 
  • Education leadership 
  • New program leaders 

Visit the SPARK website to learn more and register for a session that meets your needs.

Register Today!


Mental Health Matters Every Day!

Calm App Download

Secure your free premium access to the Calm app, courtesy of SPARK! Visit indianaspark.com to download the app on mobile or desktop. Next, go to your profile and enter 'Spark' in the group code field. 

Throughout August, the Calm app is celebrating the importance of family engagement and connections as essential components of mental health and wellness. We encourage you to explore these resources to support your family and the families in your program. You can also enjoy these free professional development opportunities:


Join Upcoming SPARK Learning Lab Trainings

SPARK Trainings

There are several virtual and in-person training opportunities available during the month of August! To register for a session, sign into Indiana Learning Paths and click the links below to access the registration pages.


I
n-person opportunities: 

For all Lakeshore® training opportunities, a meal will be provided and attendees will receive a Lakeshore® materials kit after the training!  

Virtual Opportunities:

See a full list of upcoming in-person trainings and live webinars, read training descriptions and find registration instructions by clicking the button below.

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