Monday Must Know — June 10

Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning sent this bulletin at 06/10/2024 11:00 AM EDT

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

Share Your Thoughts on the CCDF Plan 

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) is seeking public comment on its Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Plan for the 2025-27 fiscal years. Your input is necessary before the plan goes to the federal Office of Child Care for approval.

The CCDF program promotes children's learning and development while also offering resources to support parents with low incomes work or pursue education. Submitting the CCDF Plan to the Office of Child Care will allow the State of Indiana to apply for continued CCDF funding.  

 

Review the new plan and join FSSA for a public hearing at 1 p.m. ET on June 20. During the hearing, FSSA will briefly describe the plan and take public comments. Attend the hearing via Zoom or watch the simulcast on FSSA's YouTube channel. 

Be Prepared for Voucher Payment Model Change

The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) is transitioning to an enrollment-based voucher payment model. This will help improve processes, increase provider financial stability, and enhance service experiences for families. 

This update will require provider involvement. Visit the voucher webpage to learn how these changes will impact and benefit your program and how to begin preparing for the transition. If you missed the recent webinars hosted by OECOSL, the recordings and slide decks are available on the voucher webpage.

To continue preparing for this change, join an upcoming provider webinar covering the latest information: 

Voucher Updates

Get Free Lead Testing from IDOH

Male child care provider with kids

Children under the age of six are the most at-risk for lead poisoning. Lead is a naturally occurring metal that can be found in the air, soil, dust, and paint inside or outside of some homes and other buildings built before 1978. However, lead exposure is completely preventable, and testing is as easy as a finger prick.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) can bring testing to your program and the parents you serve. The IDOH team will manage the process and then work directly with parents if a child has a high lead level.

If you're interested in partnering with the Department of Health to bring lead testing to your early childhood program, complete the request form or call 317-233-1296. Download this flyer to let families know about this free testing opportunity.

Read About This Provider's Experience with CCMS

Woman celebrating, text reads "A CCMS Success Story"

Using a Child Care Management System (CCMS) in your program can streamline your essential business operations and ensure seamless communication with parents and internal staff. Check out this registered ministry provider's experience with their CCMS:

"My CCMS vendor has been so helpful with billing. Parents love paying online and it has definitely reduced the amount of time I spend on that task. Plus, parents love getting photos of kids during the day! They are able to see that we are busy and learning. A picture is worth a thousand words. It has been so wonderful to have this paid for by the State. Every penny counts."

Talk to a SPARK Help Desk representative about any of the CCMS options available to you by calling 1-800-299-1627 or emailing BusinessSupport@indianaspark.com.

 

Redeem Your Calm App Subscription Today 

Calm App

SPARK Learning Lab has partnered with Calm, the world's #1 app for mental health, to prioritize mental health all year.

Indiana's early care and education providers can fill out this short form to access a free Calm Premium subscription through February 2026. Access your Calm Premium subscription in one easy step at IndianaSpark.com/calm. 

 

Gain Support and Career Coaching with INAEYC

Male and female provider smiling, text reads - Schedule Career Coaching Today

Your Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (INAEYC) Workforce Coordinator is available to provide individual or program-wide support for everything from coaching on higher education and career navigation to applying for education scholarships.

Your coordinator can also help you create professional development plans, connect you with other experienced educators, and review Paths to QUALITY™ and accreditation education requirements for your program.

Get support from INAEYC by phone, virtually, or onsite. Find your Workforce Coordinator's contact information on the INAEYC website. INAEYC also offers monthly career coaching opportunities through the Workforce Wednesdays program. This month, career coaching is available:  


Contact a Coordinator

Join Upcoming Training Opportunities with SPARK 

SPARK Trainings

Explore training opportunities through SPARK Learning Lab. Learn about the benefits of using a Child Care Management System (CCMS) in your program and take a moment for your mental health with the Calm app team. Review this week's training schedule:  

In-person Training  

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.

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