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Congratulations to Week of the Young Child® Winners
We asked you in February to nominate a program to be recognized during Week of the Young Child® (WOYC) for the incredible work they do for Indiana children and families.
We received over 239 nominations across 134 programs and are pleased to announce the five winners:
- Creative Hands and Brilliant Minds — Family Child Care Home, St. Joseph County
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Martin Luther King Montessori School — Licensed Center, Allen County
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The Play School at Arbor Village — Licensed Center, Hamilton County
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Kid Angles: The Early Education School — Licensed Center, Monroe County
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Trinity Learning Ministry — VCP Ministry, Floyd County
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, and congratulations to the five winners. We appreciate all you do for Indiana children and families. Keep an eye out for additional communications throughout the week.
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Join Indiana's Family Child Care Network
Do you run a child care program within your home? Advance your program by joining the Family Child Care Network. Connect with other providers and take your business to the next level. Share strategies for operating your business, get support from like-minded child care pros, discover exclusive training opportunities, receive the recognition you deserve, and ensure children in your care are learning and thriving.
Visit Brighter Futures Indiana to join a local Family Child Care Network.
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Register for Upcoming Town Halls
Join Indiana's Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) for upcoming informational town halls. Learn more about new initiatives to support the early child care and education system.
Topics will focus on changes coming from the 2024 Indiana legislative session:
- Expanding CCDF to employees of licensed or regulated child care programs
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New minimum age requirements for individuals working in child care settings
- Updates have been made to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to be employees of a child care provider and 18-year-olds to be leads in an infant/toddler room
Town halls will be recorded and shared afterward. Register for one of two sessions:
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Meet the CCMS Program Vendors
Register for a webinar to learn more about the capabilities of each vendor before you apply:
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Register for the Go NAPSACC Collaborative
SPARK Learning Lab is excited to offer a learning opportunity in late April with Go Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAPSACC). Join SPARK for the "Reducing Screen Time" collaborative, where early child care and education (ECE) program leaders will explore healthy habits in child care settings. Share experiences, implement new strategies, and be a part of this learning experience.
This nine-week collaborative includes six live, virtual sessions and one-on-one technical assistance from a SPARK Coach. Collaboratives use discussions and activities to enhance understanding. This is followed by Action Periods, where program leaders will use Go NAPSACC's online tool to assess current program activities, educate staff and lead them through a change process to enhance healthy habits.
Attendees can earn up to six training hours and receive a Lakeshore materials kit upon completing the required components. This workshop is designed for program leaders, directors and owners; however, staff can also participate alongside their leaders. Space is limited, don't miss out on this opportunity.
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Explore Group Coaching Opportunities
Join a collaborative environment with providers on similar paths to improving their programs with high-quality care and education. Each session lasts two to three months and offers the chance to learn and ask questions from a coach and a small group of colleagues.
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Get Support from a Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Registration is now open for virtual SPARK Provider Support Groups through April 15. These one-hour, weekly support groups help you connect with peers, share mutual issues, and discuss collaborative ideas and suggestions for follow-up.
This opportunity is available to any provider, regardless of their previous participation. Virtual Support Groups allow you to share your successes and challenges in a safe, confidential, online setting with your peers and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
Engage with this quarter's Support Group facilitators — Amanda Kinnaird (LCSW) and Michelle Korty (LCSW). Discuss topics such as:
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Finding and retaining staff
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Supporting staff during challenging times
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Supporting families who are struggling with life experiences
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Building resiliency and coping skills in ourselves, our teams, and our families
Register today to engage with peers, celebrate successes and discuss challenges.
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Share Your Thoughts on Reimbursement Rates
The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) wants your input to inform the transitional CCDF rates. Take 20 minutes to complete the Subsidy Reimbursement Rate Survey.
SPARK Learning Lab hosted a live webinar to share the importance of updating these reimbursement rates to ensure child care is accessible for families. If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording here.
Looking for additional support? Schedule time with a SPARK Business Coach now or email BusinessSupport@indianaspark.com.
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Attend SPARK Learning Lab Trainings
Explore the SPARK Learning Lab Training Calendar to expand your professional development for your high-quality program. 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.
Did you know? Training certificates are now available for Calm workshops. If you own, work, or volunteer in an Indiana-based early childhood education or out-of-school care program, redeem your free Premium Calm subscription and download the app before attending a workshop. Visit IndianaSpark.com/calm for more information.
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