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Office of Early Childhood & Out-of-School Learning |
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Register Now for August Town Halls
Join Indiana's Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) for one of two town halls on August 26. Learn about key system updates and recent changes to support the early child care and education system.
These town halls will cover updates on changes resulting from the 2024 Indiana legislative session, including expanding CCDF to employees of licensed or regulated child care programs. Speakers will also share regulatory updates and the Indiana Student Performance Readiness and Observation of Understanding Tool (ISPROUT), a part of the pilot early learning assessment system from the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).
For this webinar, OECOSL Director Courtney Penn will be joined by Indiana Department of Education's Office of Kindergarten Readiness Director Dr. Kelli Servizzi. Town halls will be recorded and shared afterward. Register for one of the below sessions:
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Register for Group Coaching Opportunities
Registration is now open for eight additional SPARK Group Coaching opportunities through SPARK Learning Lab.
Learn and grow in a collaborative environment with like-minded providers on similar paths to improving their programs with high-quality care and education. Join SPARK from August through October for sessions covering topics such as Paths to QUALITY™ Level Advancement, Infant/Toddler, and Active Supervision.
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Attend Upcoming Pay by Enrollment Webinars
The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) is hosting an additional webinar this week to support providers during the transition to Pay by Enrollment. Join us at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, August 7.
OECOSL is also hosting virtual office hours this week. Join a virtual session to ask specific questions and receive individualized support:
If you are a provider with active vouchers, be sure to complete the following:
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If you have attendance before July 13 that was not entered in the EPPIC system, you can submit an appeal for payment consideration. Please request an appeal form at paymentquestions@fssa.in.gov.
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Register with the new payment vendor and submit banking information in the new payment portal. You will not receive payment without completing this step.
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Ensure your child roster in I-LEAD is updated so you do not receive an incorrect voucher payment.
Please note, families should have received (or will soon receive) a 'parent key' in the form of a mailed letter. This 'key' is required to complete the new family portal login process. The information in the parent portal is read-only, and families are not required to use the new parent portal. A family's vouchers will remain active even if a family has not logged into the new parent portal.
For additional assistance, please contact the SPARK Help Desk at 1-800-299-1627.
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Enhance Your Computer Skills with Self-Guided Training
Sign up for your free Learner Account from Northstar Digital Literacy to improve the skills needed to perform tasks on computers and online.
SPARK Learning Lab has partnered with Northstar Digital Literacy to offer this opportunity. Create your account and dive into self-guided modules that cover topics ranging from Excel and PowerPoint to accessing telehealth appointments and career search skills. These assessments can be completed anytime, anywhere.
Topics are organized into three main categories:
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Essential Computer Skills: Discover beginner computer skills including, internet basics, using email, Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac OS.
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Essential Software Skills: Learn about Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Google Docs.
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Using Technology in Daily Life: Practice skills related to social media, information literacy, career searching, assessing telehealth appointments, your digital footprint, and supporting K-12 distance learning.
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Use the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. Resource
Earn two Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and learn more about developmental and mental health topics through the training, 'Using the CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. Resources to Promote Developmental Monitoring and Screening.'
Presented by Stephen Viehweg, this training is now available on demand in Indiana Learning Paths.
Take this course to:
- Learn how to track developmental milestones and engage families
- Fulfill a prerequisite for ASQ training
- Earn two CEUs upon completion
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Move at your own pace through the on-demand option
Register for this training by signing in to I-LEAD. Once in I-LEAD, navigate to Indiana Learning Paths and search 'Learn the Signs.'
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Train with SPARK Learning Lab
Explore valuable training opportunities through SPARK Learning Lab. See a full list of upcoming in-person trainings, live webinars, and live resources, plus read training descriptions and find registration instructions at IndianaSpark.com/training.
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