Monday Must Know — January 8

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

Elevate Your Program with the Emerging Provider Experience

Emerging Provider Experience - Brighter Futures Indiana

The new Emerging Provider Experience on Brighter Futures Indiana is an incredible one-stop hub for existing early learning providers to elevate their programs. Whether you wish to boost enrollment, increase your quality level, or learn new business skills — you can find it all in the 'Grow' section of the Emerging Provider Experience.

This tool is also a great resource for anyone interested in starting a new child care program. Share with those in your network by clicking the button below.

Explore the Website

January Early Learning Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting Cancelled

Due to the committee meeting at the end of December, the January Early Learning Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting is cancelled. ELAC will add a meeting in either April or June to meet the required six-meeting minimum. If you have questions, please contact Courtney Hott at Courtney.hott@fssa.in.gov. 

Review OECOSL's System Updates from 2023 

December 2023 Town Hall Recording

Providers who could not attend the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning's (OECOSL) December town halls can access the recording here. Review the update to learn about Indiana's efforts to increase access to and the sustainability of early learning opportunities. Below are next steps and resources for providers:

  • Stay up-to-date with OECOSL: Our refreshed webpage includes information on the State of Indiana's work to strengthen the early child care and education system for Hoosier children, families, and communities. Additionally, be sure to subscribe to the Monday Must Know email newsletter to stay informed on all of OECOSL's latest initiatives.
  • Promote expanded eligibility for child care assistance to families: Assistance is now available for families up to 150% FPL. Please share this informational toolkit with currently enrolled or prospective families.
  • Statewide Educator Job Board: To learn more about the benefits of the job board and to sign up for your free account, visit the job board webpage.
  • New reimbursement rates: Help ensure that reimbursement rates represent your program by completing the Subsidy Reimbursement Rate Survey
  • Preschool Development Grant (PDG): Follow along and support Indiana's PDG work by visiting the new webpage.

Watch the Town Hall


Closing the Gap with Early Learning Indiana

Early Learning Indiana Index Report

In 2021, Early Learning Indiana (ELI) developed a methodology called the Early Learning Access Index. This method expands the view of child care access beyond supply and demand to include quality, affordability, and choice. Viewed in context with one another, these elements offer a more robust assessment of Hoosier families' ability to access early learning opportunities that suit their needs.

ELI updates and analyzes this data annually, providing our State and the child care sector with the information needed to better serve Hoosier families and children. Please review the 2023 report and use its data as you work to meet the needs of those in your care.

View 2023 Report


New Future-Focused Indiana Early Learning Standards Course Now Available  

man on laptop

Take the self-paced Future-Focused Early Learning course to connect leadership, teaching, and assessment with implementation of the new Early Learning Standards. You'll experience training related to playful learning, authentic assessment, purposeful planning, and relevant training.

This training will help you individualize education for your children while preparing them for kindergarten. The Future-Focused Early Learning course is free and available in the Learning Lab. PGP points are available upon completion. 

Access the Course


Register Now: Group Coaching Begins Next Week

SPARK Group Coaching

Registration for upcoming SPARK Group Coaching is now open with the first group launching on January 16. Learn and grow in a collaborative environment with like-minded providers on similar paths to improving their programs with high-quality care and education.

This winter, take advantage of nine SPARK Group Coaching opportunities offered between January and March 2024. These virtual coaching sessions cover topics like Paths to QUALITY™ and Power of PEER.

Register Here


Provider Support Group Registration Closes Today

SPARK Support Groups

Registration for SPARK Provider Support Groups is closing today, January 8. The Support Groups will begin hosting on January 15. 

SPARK Learning Lab is offering program leaders an opportunity to share the successes and challenges they face. Join us in a safe and confidential online setting with your peers and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 

Register for Provider Support Groups, a weekly opportunity to connect with peers and discuss ideas and suggestions for follow-up. Engage with this quarter's Support Group facilitators, Amanda Kannaird (LCSW) and Michelle Korty (LCSW).

  

Support Groups will facilitate discussion on a variety of topics, such as:

  • Finding and retaining staff
  • Supporting staff during challenging times
  • Supporting families who are struggling with life experiences
  • Building resilience and coping skills among ourselves, our staff, and our families

Join Upcoming Trainings with SPARK Learning Lab

SPARK Training Opportunities

Start the new year off right with these great upcoming trainings from Lakeshore® Learning, Paths to QUALITY™, Town Square, and more!

For in-person Lakeshore® trainings, a meal will be provided and attendees will receive a Lakeshore® materials kit after the training.

In-Person Lakeshore® Trainings: 

 

Virtual Trainings:


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

View SPARK Trainings

Stay Connected To OECOSL

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