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Child Care Industry Support July Newsletter

Workforce Solutions Panhandle sent this bulletin at 07/01/2024 09:11 AM CDT

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July Newsletter

Networking

“Networking can be one of the best ways to find support, share ideas and tips, and problem solve issues.” (From Survive to Thrive by Debbie LeeKeenan and Iris Chin Ponte)

I was able to attend the Business Connection at the Civic Center put together by Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Summit in Pampa. There are so many businesses and organizations here in the Panhandle area that can work together to support one another’s business and help each to thrive and grow. I have created a resource spreadsheet that includes information that I have provided to many of the child care centers here in the Panhandle, now all the information is in one place. If you have a resource to share your welcome to email the information and it may be included in the spreadsheet.

Resources and Supports Spreadsheet

I have been out visiting the Early Learning Programs here in the Panhandle Area and I am enjoying sharing information on programs and quality initiatives going on here at Workforce Solutions Panhandle in Child Care Services. It has also been nice to visit with owners and directors about the things going on in each of the programs, in some instances facilitating connections with ideas, other businesses and organizations. Starting in September we will be organizing Child Care Networking events, if your program would like to sign up to host, please contact me at chixon@wspanhandle.com.

Director PLC

Join us online,

July 17th from 1:00pm to 1:45pm

The topic of discussion will be Staffing

Click Here to Join the Zoom Meeting

Some weeks ago, many child care providers found themselves the target of a phishing attack. When I attended the Small Business Summit in Pampa one of the panels addressed technology and the panelists included a Cybersecurity Advisor from the FBI’s America’s Cyber Defense Agency. Business can reach out to the agency to arrange a visit to your program to determine where your business may be vulnerable, they also conduct trainings on how to respond to phishing attacks. There are workbooks and trainings that can be conducted by the business itself.

America's Cyber Defense Agency

Federal Government Cybersecurity Incident and Vulnerability Response Playbooks

Cybersecurity Training & Exercises

Parent Resource

The following Information is distributed by The City of Amarillo as part of the

Pool Safely Grant Program.

Additional Educational Materials Available Here

Stepping Stones Learning Center (SSLC) Is a Licensed Center located in Borger, Texas with a total capacity of 60 children. Stepping Stones Learning Center is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes, more specifically to foster academically prepared and socially responsible children who will be lifelong learners by providing high quality, affordable child care and enrichment that will benefit the child, parent, staff, and community.

SSLC provides high quality childcare for infants (starting at 6 weeks) thru 5 years of age. Each classroom is designed with a fun and safe learning environment in mind. All learning objectives are age appropriate for each class and reinforced with each activity throughout the daily schedule. All staff are trained to meet and exceed Texas Minimum Standards. All employees have also received their CPR & Food Handlers Certifications.

The program earned a 3 Star Texas Rising Star Certification. Marissa Moore is the Mentor.

Storyland Preschool & Child Care Center – Is a Licensed Center located in Amarillo, Texas with a total capacity of 136 children they currently have 110 enrolled from 6 weeks- 5 years old. Storyland Preschool & Child Care Center is a full-time state licensed childcare facility for children ages Infant to School Age. The Owner and Director is Karissa Ellison, and her 2 amazing assistants, Justine and Mayra, and 18 of the best teachers in Amarillo!

The program earned a 3 Star Texas Rising Star Certification. Rhonda Hodges is the Mentor.

If your Early Learning Program has Spotlight worthy news, please submit the information to Cynthia Hixon at chixon@wspanhandle.com

If your Early Learning Program needs assistance with resources or business supports, please contact me Cynthia Hixon, Child Care Industry Support Specialist and I will do my best to get the information you need. I can be reached Monday to Friday 8 am to 5 pm and my office is at Workforce Solutions, 3120 Eddy St., Amarillo, TX 79106 my direct line is 806-350-1722 or via email at CHIXON@wspanhandle.com.

To schedule a meeting or a visit with me click the button below.

Schedule a meeting or a visit

Find Previous Newsletters Here: Child Care Industry Support ⋆ Workforce Solutions Panhandle (wspanhandle.com)

Questions? Contact Us

Workforce Solutions Panhandle is committed to Keeping the Texas Panhandle Working!

Workforce Solutions Panhandle assists employers and job seekers throughout our 26-county region, and partners with the Texas Workforce Commission to provide the largest job-matching database in the State of Texas.

Workforce Solutions Panhandle is overseen by the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission (PRPC), the fiscal and administrative agent for workforce development programs and services provided to employers and job seekers in the Texas Panhandle.

Learn more about the services we offer on the What We Do Page, or by visiting a relevant section of our website for employers, job seekers, or for child care assistance.

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