TABLE OF CONTENTS About Us... 3 Finding Us... 3

Transcription

1 Winter/Spring 2015

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS About Us... 3 Finding Us... 3 Directions to the Ithaca Office... 3 Directions to the Cortland Office... 3 Classes at a Glance... 4 Office of Children and Family Services Required Topics... 4 Class Descriptions /14/2015 Learn and Share: Using the Die-cutter, Laminator and Bookbinder... 5 Early Childhood Reader s Club... 5 Cavity Free Kids Training /11/2015 CACFP: Sharing Menu Ideas /24/2015 CCR&R Roundtable /30, 4/2, 4/7, 4/9 Health & Safety Series /12/2015 Drug Use & Manufacturing: How to Recognize It and What to Do /8/2015 You are a First Responder /13/2015 Infant Toddler Workshop /11/2015 MAT Self-Study /14/2015 SACC Directors and Supervisors /14/ SACC Directors and Supervisors... 7 Toddler Literacy: What Counts and What Works... 7 First Aid & CPR for Registered and Licensed Child Care Providers... 8 Child Day Care Orientation... 8 SUNY Video Conferences... 8 Online Child Care Professional Education Center... 9 Other Local and Web-based Professional Development Opportunities... 9 What is a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential? The Child Development Council Can Help You Earn Your CDA Letting Your Quality Shine QUALITYstarsNY National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation New York State Credentials: What Are They? What is a Quality Improvement Grant? How Does Your Family Child Care Program Rate? What is the Educational Incentive Program? Training Policies Child Development Council Training Discounts Registration Form

3 ABOUT US The Child Development Council is a merging of two strong Child Care Resource & Referral agencies in Tompkins and Cortland Counties with over 70 years of combined experience. Our agency is committed to serving child care providers, parents, families, and our community. Our staff in both the Ithaca and Cortland offices is available to answer your questions, provide information and resources, and/or to visit your child care program if you are in need of assistance. You can find us on Facebook and/or check out our website at We encourage you to contact us at (Ithaca Office) or (Cortland Office) or us at [email protected] for assistance. FINDING US The Child Development Council has two convenient locations serving Tompkins and Cortland Counties. A variety of classes are offered in both locations. Choose the classes and locations that work for you. DIRECTIONS TO THE ITHACA OFFICE We are located at 609 West Clinton Street (Rt. 96B) in the Clinton West Plaza. Directions from the South (NYS Rt. 13): Take Rt. 13 North to West Clinton Street (Rt. 96B). Turn right onto West Clinton Street. The Child Development Council is on the right. There is free parking in the rear of the plaza. Directions from the North (NYS Rt. 13): Take Rt. 13 South. Continue on Rt. 13 South as it becomes Fulton St. (it bends to the right at the 'Purity split") - then go straight (just past Agway) across the intersection and you're on Clinton St. - the Council is on your right. There is free parking in the rear of the plaza. DIRECTIONS TO THE CORTLAND OFFICE We are located at 111 Port Watson Street, on the corner of Pendleton Street. Directions from the South (I-81): Take I-81 North and take Exit 10 (NYS Rt. 41, McGraw). Turn left onto NYS Rt. 41. Travel about 2 miles to Pomeroy Street. Turn left onto Pendleton Street, and immediately turn left into our parking lot. Directions from the South (NYS Rt. 13): Take NYS Rt. 13 north into the City of Cortland. At Church St. intersection, get in right lane and continue straight ahead (Rt. 13 turns left). Turn right onto Pendleton Street at the light and immediately turn left into our parking lot. Directions from the North (I-81): Take I-81 South and take Exit 11 (Cortland). At the bottom of the ramp, turn right and proceed to the second traffic light (stay in the left lane). Go straight to the end of the street and turn right onto Port Watson Street. Turn left onto Pendleton Street at the light, and immediately turn left into our parking lot. After 5:00 the door may be locked. Please ring doorbell. 3

4 Location of Class Level/Type of Class Content CDA Training Topics Identification, Diagnosis & Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome Statutes & Regulations Child Abuse & Maltreatment Statutes & Regulations Child Day Care Child Abuse & Maltreatment Identification and Prevention Business Record Maintenance & Management Safety & Security Procedures Child Day Care Program Development Nutrition & Health Needs of Children Principles of Childhood Development CLASSES AT A GLANCE The OCFS Individual Training Tracking Form (form 4880) can be found on the NYS OCFS Website For more about CDA Training Topics see: What is a CDA Credential? on page 9 Level/Type of Class Content Key: B=Beginner, I=Intermediate, A=Advanced and Directors, F=Intended for Family-based Caregivers, C=Intended for Centerbased Caregivers Location of Class Key: I=Ithaca, C=Cortland Credit Date Class Hrs. 1/14/2015 Learn and Share: Using the Die-cutter, Laminator and Bookbinder... 2 X Error! Bookmark not defined. 2 All C Early Childhood Reader s Club... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2 2 hrs. per week. Topics vary by week I C Cavity Free Kids Training... Error! Bookmark not defined. 4 X X X 1,2,4,8 ALL C, I 3/11/2015 CACFP: Sharing Menu Ideas... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2 X X 1,2 F I 3/24/2015 CCR&R Roundtable X X X 1,5,6 I I 3/30, 4/2, 4/7, 4/9 Health & Safety Series... Error! Bookmark not defined. 15 X X X X X X X 1,4,5,6 BF C 3/12/2015 Drug Use & Manufacturing: How to Recognize It and What to Do... 1 X Error! Bookmark not defined. 1 ALL C 4/8/2015 You are a First Responder... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2 X X X 1,3,7 BF C 5/13/2015 Infant Toddler Workshop... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2 TBA C April 11 MAT Self-Study... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8 X X X 1,3,6 I C Toddler Literacy: What Counts and What Works... Error! Bookmark not defined. 6 X X 8,2 I Online 4/14/2015 SACC Directors and Supervisors X X X 1,5,6 A I 5/14/ SACC Directors and Supervisors X X X 1,5,6 A I First Aid & CPR for Registered and Licensed Child Care Providers... Error! Bookmark not defined. 8 X 1 ALL C,I 1/29/2015 Child Day Care Orientation... Required to receive a daycare Error! application Bookmark not defined. OFFICE OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES REQUIRED TOPICS Providers are required by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) to take a minimum of thirty (30) hours of training during every 2 year period. Fifteen hours of such training must be received during the first six months of a new licensure, registration or of new employment by a program. This training must address the following topics: 1. Principles of Early Childhood Development 2. Nutrition & Health Needs of Infants & Children 3. Child Day Care Program Development 4. Safety and Security Procedures 5. Business Record Maintenance and Management 6. Child Abuse & Maltreatment Identification & Prevention 7. Statutes & Regulations Pertaining to Child Day Care 8. Statutes & Regulations Pertaining to Child Abuse & Maltreatment 9. Shaken Baby Syndrome 4

5 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS WORKSHOPS MARKED WITH A QUALIFY FOR TRAINING DISCOUNTS. SEE PAGE 13 FOR MORE DETAILS. 1/14/2015 LEARN AND SHARE: USING THE DIE-CUTTER, LAMINATOR AND BOOKBINDER Cortland Office 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Anne Withers, CCRR Program Director - Cortland To start you off, Anne Withers will demonstrate the tools in our Member s Corner and give you ideas for projects. Then you will be free to spend the rest of the time sharing ideas, experimenting and creating. Basic materials will be provided, but bring any special materials, pictures, etc., that you would like to include in a project. Bring your ideas to share, and learn from each other. Cost: $30 OCFS Topic: 3 CDA Topic: 2 EARLY CHILDHOOD READER S CLUB Cortland Office 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday Facilitated by Anne Withers, CCRR Program Director - Cortland Do you enjoy reading? Is there anything more enjoyable on a February evening than curling up with an interesting book or article? How about braving the cold to join a group of like-minded peers, sharing a cup of tea or cocoa and some tasty snacks, and discussing those articles! Here s a chance to learn more about your field and share ideas with fellow early childhood educators. Join the Early Childhood Reader s Club. I am setting aside the second and fourth Tuesdays for our Reader s Club. Come to one, or come to all of them. Preregistration, at least a week in advance, is required to ensure that you get your materials in time to read them. We will be starting with a series of articles on the topic of Positive Behavior Strategies. These will be discussed on February 9 th and February 23 rd from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Future topics will be decided by the group. Cost: $20 per meeting Feb 10 and 24 OCFS Topics: 1, 3 CDA Topic: 8, 3 CEUs are available for this series for an additional cost. Talk to Anne if you are interested. CAVITY FREE KIDS TRAINING Oral health is a part of overall health. When children are not healthy, it affects their ability to develop, learn, and thrive. Poor oral health can lead to: Pain Sleep deprivation Attention problems Poor Nutrition Delayed social development Missed school days The good news is that tooth decay is almost entirely preventable. Cavity Free Kids is oral health education for young children and their families. Cavity Free Kids is designed for Head Start, Early Head Start, child care, preschool, home visiting, other early learning programs and for families to use at home. Cavity Free Kids includes a rich collection of lessons, activities and resources that actively engage young children in fun-filled, play-based learning and helps parents practice good oral health habits at home. This training will introduce you to the Cavity Free Kids Curriculum. Each participant will receive a binder with the complete curriculum. In addition, your program will receive a supply of toothbrushes for all of your children. Cost: Free OCFS Topic: 1, 2, 3 CDA Topics: 1, 2, 4, 8 Cortland Office Susan Sopp, CFK Master Trainer 2/7/2015 3/14/2015 3/24 & 26 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm All are full at this time, but we will offer this again in the Fall. Call if you are interested. Ithaca Office Judy Kern, CFK Master Trainer 2/7/2015 (Full. It will be offered again in the Fall.) If you would like cavity free kids training in Tompkins or Cortland County, contact Anne or [email protected] 5

6 3/11/2015 CACFP: SHARING MENU IDEAS Ithaca Office 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Judy Kern, CACFP Specialist Bring your kid s favorite recipes. We ll share our successes and leftovers. Free to CACFP Providers sponsored by the Council or $30 OCFS Topics: 2, 3, 5 CDA Topics: 1, 2 3/24/2015 CCR&R ROUNDTABLE Ithaca Office 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Darcy Hermann Raponi, Director of Child Care Support Services, and staff Living the First Year of New Child Care Regulations What has been your experience? How is the transition going? What are parents reactions? Come and share your experiences. Cost: Free OCFS Topics: 4, 5, 7 CDA Topics: 1, 5, 6 3/30, 4/2, 4/7, 4/9 HEALTH & SAFETY SERIES Cortland Office 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm Dixie Vaber, Child Care Specialist Caring for children in family or group family child care is a big responsibility. The health and safety of children in care is the highest priority for both the provider and for the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. This training is required to ensure that new providers are prepared for the demands of the job. The training is presented in four sessions and covers many topics including: Creating a Safe Environment, Developing Health Care Policies and Procedures, Planning for Emergencies, Diaper Changing, Cleaning and Sanitizing, Food Safety, and Your Role as a Mandated Reporter. This competencybased curriculum requires the successful completion of written and demonstration tests. The series also serves as a good refresher for experienced providers. Cost: $235 for the series Rebate is available for new providers. EIP is available for registered/licensed providers. Call for information. OCFS Topics: 2,4,5,6,7,8,9 CDA Topics: 1,4,5,6 3/12/2015 DRUG USE & MANUFACTURING: HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT AND WHAT TO DO Cortland Office 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm Deidre H. Plumley, B.S., Prevention Specialist, Cortland Prevention Resources: a division of Family Counseling Services Be sure to attend this one-hour training on the timely topic of signs of drug use and manufacturing. Participants will go over some of the personal as well as environmental signs of illicit use and manufacturing. Participants will also discuss what to do to if manufacturing is suspected. Cost: $15 OCFS Topic: 3 CDA Topic: 1 4/8/2015 YOU ARE A FIRST RESPONDER Cortland Office 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Kris Beard & Nancy Byrne from the Cortland County Child Advocacy Center, Maria Rook from Child Protective Service and Margo Falise from Family Counseling Services The Cortland County Child Advocacy Center (CAC) provides a safe, child-friendly setting where children, who are suspected of being sexually or seriously physically abused, can be interviewed by specially trained forensic interviewers. The CAC s facility allows for the trained Law Enforcement, Child Protective Services, and/or the District Attorney s Office to conduct one interview, thus reducing further trauma to the children involved. The children and their non-offending caregivers are assessed for any needed services (including counseling and medical evaluation) and referred out as it relates to their specific needs. This First Responders presentation from CAC outlines: mandated reporter guidelines, what to do and what not to do when a child discloses, Cortland County statistics, and an overview of the Child Advocacy Center and Family Counseling Services. Cost: $30 OCFS Topics: 5, 6, 8 CDA Topics: 1, 3, 7 6

7 5/13/2015 INFANT TODDLER WORKSHOP Cortland Office 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Jolie Ludwig, Infant Toddler Specialist The topic of this workshop by our new Infant Toddler Specialist, Jolie Ludwig, is yet to be determined. Save the date and look forward to more information coming soon. Cost: $30 OCFS Topics: CDA Topics: 4/11/2015 MAT SELF-STUDY Cortland Office 9:30 am to 3:30 pm Lisa Davis. RN If you feel like you don t have enough time to get away from your program to take the MAT course, but you want to become approved to give medication, then the MAT Independent Study course is for you! You can study all of the training materials on your own and at your own pace. When you feel you re ready, you ll only need to meet with a MAT trainer for a few hours to complete the testing. When you pass, you will get 8 training hours and a MAT certificate. The MAT Participant Study Guide will walk you through the steps to complete Part One. You can print out the Study Guide from the website or follow it online. You must also watch all parts of the MAT Video and refer to the MAT Participant Materials (Handouts). All materials can be found at: **Testing will take place at the Child Development Council Cortland Office.** Plan on arriving 15 minutes early to get registered. Bring a photo ID along with the name, address, telephone #, and license # of your program. Dress comfortably. Cost: $80 OCFS Topics: 2,4,7 CDA Topics: 1,6 4/14/2015 SACC DIRECTORS AND SUPERVISORS Ithaca Office 10:30 am to Noon Molly McGriff, Child Care Specialist Among other managerial topics, we will discuss preparations for changes needed to comply with new OCFS regulations to start June 1, Cost: Free OCFS Topics: 4, 5, 7 CDA Topics: 1, 5, 6 5/14/ SACC DIRECTORS AND SUPERVISORS Ithaca Office 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Molly McGriff, Child Care Specialist Among other managerial topics, we will discuss preparations for changes needed to comply with new OCFS regulations to start June 1, Cost: Free OCFS Topics: 4, 5, 7 CDA Topics: 1, 5, 6 TODDLER LITERACY: WHAT COUNTS AND WHAT WORKS (This is a Distance Learning Course. Learn on your own computer and at your own pace, with personalized teacher interaction.) When it comes to literacy, toddlers are right in the prime time to develop the foundation for all future learning. In this course we will look at what toddlers are like, how they learn and how we make decisions about our work with them. You ll learn literacy concepts that really count and literacy practices that really work with toddlers. Receive six hours of training credit. For more information call for Tompkins or for Cortland. Choose a 10 day date range: 1/16/1/21/2015, 2/20-3/2/2015, 3/20-3/30/2015, 4/17-4/27/2015, 5/15-5/25/2015, 6/19-6/29/2015 Cost: $60 OCFS Topics: 1, 3 CDA Topics: 8,2 WORKSHOPS MARKED WITH A QUALIFY FOR TRAINING DISCOUNTS. SEE PAGE 13 FOR MORE DETAILS. 7

8 FIRST AID & CPR FOR REGISTERED AND LICENSED CHILD CARE PROVIDERS The OCFS contract with the American Red Cross to provide First Aid/CPR training opportunities at no cost to child day care providers ended in mid-november. The Red Cross will continue to participate as a training organization affiliated with the Educational Incentive Program (EIP). The National Safety Council (NSC) is the new training provider for First Aid/CPR and the NSC will provide First Aid/CPR training opportunities at no cost to child day care providers effective December 1, The Child Development Council has scheduled these courses: Julie Clark will teach a Free Pediatric and Adult CPR, First Aid & AED course at the Child Development Council, 609 West Clinton Street, Ithaca on Saturday, February 28, 2015, 9:00 to 4:00 or Saturday, March 21, 9:00 to 4:00. Lisa Marcella will teach a Free Pediatric and Adult CPR, First Aid & AED course at the Child Development Council, 111 Port Watson Street, Cortland on Saturday, March 7, 2015, 9:30 to 4:30. All materials will be provided and attendees must provide their license or registration number (use registration form to register). Attendees must pre-register no walk-ins. CHILD DAY CARE ORIENTATION Do you want to start a child care program in your home? The Office of Children and Family Services provides support for people and organizations that are interested in starting child day care programs in their communities. As a general rule, any child day care program planning to serve three or more children for more than three hours a day on a regular basis must obtain a license or registration. To obtain this document, the applicant must show that the child day care program meets requirements that the state has established to help promote the health and safety of children in care. In order to obtain an application to apply for a child care program license or registration you will first need to take the Child Day Care Orientation. This orientation will walk you through the information you need to know to determine if you are interested and able to start a child care program in New York State. It outlines the necessary requirements for opening a child care program, highlighting the child care regulations, space requirements, information about proper ratios and staffing and resources for support. This orientation will also introduce you to the important rules and regulations you need to know in order to run your business. And you ll find out some information about how to best care for children in your program. The Child Day Care Orientation is available online at You can attend the Child Day Care Orientation at the Child Development Council in Cortland, 111 Port Watson Street, on Thursday, January 29th, 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Free! Please call and ask for Anne or Dixie to register. In Tompkins County, call to schedule a free appointment to use our computer to view the 90 minute internet video. Available Monday through Friday. SUNY VIDEO CONFERENCES SUNY Video Conferences are held at both Council offices. Video Conferences are from 6:45 to 9:15 At Ithaca Office the doors are locked at 7:15 pm. No entry will be allowed after that time. At Cortland Office the doors are always locked after 5:00 pm. To enter training please ring doorbell. THE VIDEO CONFERENCE DATES FOR 2015 ARE: 4/30/2015 5/21/2015 6/18/2015 For more information check the website: 9/3/ /22/ /19/2015 To register for Video Conferences: Send your name, address, phone number, the dates and titles of sessions you d like to attend and Site #619 (Tompkins/Ithaca) or Site #621 (Cortland) to: Early Childhood Education and Training Program, 22 Corporate Woods Blvd., 8

9 3rd floor, Albany, NY Fax to (518) or register on-line at Note: All registrations must be made through SUNY Albany. To confirm your registration, call ONLINE CHILD CARE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION CENTER The Child Development Council, in partnership with Child Care Aware of America, is pleased to offer the Child Care Aware Training Academy. Online courses are designed to help early childhood professionals complete annual training requirements and acquire required training hours for those seeking a Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials, CDA credential renewal or in-service training. These online courses provide a variety of engaging topics designed specifically for the early childhood professional. Courses are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please click this link to learn more: OTHER LOCAL AND WEB-BASED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES As you make your professional development plans, be sure to consider all of the learning opportunities in our education-rich location. Here are a few opportunities to consider. CORTLAND ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN Check their Facebook page for upcoming training opportunities! EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & TRAINING PROGRAM E-LEARNING CLASSES Visit the online Child Care Resource Center at: Funding for this site is sponsored by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, funded by the Federal Child Care and Development Fund and administered by the Professional Development Program, Rockefeller College, University at Albany. YOU ARE INVITED TO THE MEMBER S CORNER OPEN HOUSE! CORTLAND OFFICE -111 PORT WATSON ST., CORTLAND SATURDAY, MARCH 21 ST AND SATURDAY JUNE 13 TH 10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM Members can use the die-cutters, laminator, bookbinder, etc. and borrow books and toys. We ll have plans and materials for a special Make & Take project. Not a Member? Get a one-day introductory membership for one dollar! (applicable towards a full membership) Try out all the equipment, and browse our books and toys. Laminating and bookbinding supplies are available free of charge. Some paper is available for die-cuts, but if you have something special in mind, bring your own paper. STOP BY FOR A FEW MINUTES OR ALL THREE HOURS. REFRESHMENTS SERVED. 9

10 WHAT IS A CHILD DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE (CDA) CREDENTIAL? Become someone special in a child s life as they master skills, develop friendships, become more independent, and begin to discover new ways of thinking and understanding themselves, and the world around them. It all begins with a CDA credential. The Child Development Associate (CDA) is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement. CDA Formal Training 120 Hours of Early Childhood Coursework The CDA credential is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. Frequently Asked Questions What do I have to do to be eligible for a CDA Credential? - Have a high school diploma or be a junior or senior in a high school career / technical program in early education. - Have 480 hours of experience working with young children. - Have 120 clock hours of formal training. - Collect specific documentation that shows evidence of practice working with young children. What do I have to do to complete the CDA assessment? - Meet eligibility and training requirements. - Complete the documentation collection: Professional Portfolio, Family Questionnaires. - Take CDA Exam at a local Pearson Vue test center and meet with a CDA Professional Development Specialist to complete a Verification Visit. Visit: THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL CAN HELP YOU EARN YOUR CDA Prior to applying for the CDA Credential Assessment, each candidate is required to complete 120 hours of formal child care education in eight different categories. Our CDA Instructional Course is designed for potential candidates to complete their 120 hours of course work, assist with the development of competency papers, and create a The work was hard, but I got a lot of help from the instructor and the other students. It was worth it, knowing what a difference it can make for children. Cindy Hayes, CDA Instructional Course graduate and proud recipient of a CDA Credential professional resource file. Classes meet on Monday evenings from 6:00-9:00 pm at the Cortland Office. This is a 10 month course, and a new course will start in January If you are interested in the next CDA Instructional Course, please let us know as soon as possible. Cost: $1,400 You may also earn coursework credit by taking individual classes offered by the Council. Check the class schedule to see which classes apply. You must complete 120 hours of formal early childhood education training, covering the growth and development of children, with no fewer than 10 training hours in each of the following subject areas: 1. Planning a safe and healthy learning environment. 2. Advancing children's physical and intellectual development. 3. Supporting children's social and emotional development. 4. Building productive relationships with families. 5. Managing an effective program operation. 6. Maintaining a commitment to professionalism. 7. Observing and recording children's behavior. 8. Understanding principles of child development and learning. While formal education hours can be for credit or noncredit, they must be earned through an agency or organization with expertise in early childhood teacher preparation. The agency or organization must verify your education in the form of an official transcript, certificate, or letter. You need to submit these documents with your application. 10

11 LETTING YOUR QUALITY SHINE QUALITYSTARSNY QUALITYstarsNY is coming to NYS! QUALITYstarsNY is a voluntary quality rating and improvement system that is designed to increase quality in early learning throughout the state. For more information visit or call the Council at or NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE EDUCATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN (NAEYC) ACCREDITATION NAEYC Accreditation of programs for young children represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. NAEYC Accreditation began in 1985 with the goal of providing an accrediting system that would raise the level of early childhood programs. Today, over 6,500 programs are NAEYC Accredited. NAEYC accredited programs invest in early childhood education because they believe in the benefits to children and families. Early childhood experiences from birth to age 8 have an enormous impact on children s lifelong learning and positively contribute to their health and development. Early childhood education programs with the mark of quality benefit children with greater readiness for and success in school. It is for this reason that parents and families are seeking out NAEYC-accredited programs. Parents choosing an early childhood education program can be overwhelmed by trying to find the highest-quality program for their child. NAEYC Accreditation is the mark of quality that families are looking for. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT NAEYC ACCREDITATION? For more information visit: NEW YORK STATE CREDENTIALS: WHAT ARE THEY? CHILDREN S PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR CREDENTIAL The Children s Program Administrator Credential of New York State is designed to provide for and be recognized as a standard by which to measure program management, fiscal management, and leadership abilities of early childhood and school-age program administrators. INFANT TODDLER CARE & EDUCATION CREDENTIAL For this credential, you need specific coursework in infant toddler development and professional practice. This includes twelve (12) credits from a nationally accredited college in early childhood coursework that covers the standards of the New York State Infant Toddler Care & Education competencies. EARLY LEARNING TRAINER CREDENTIAL If you have an Associate s degree or above and have a specific expertise that you would like to share with other child care providers, you might apply for this new credential. FAMILY CHILD CARE CREDENTIAL This credential is designed to recognize those practitioners who demonstrate teir competence, knowledge and professional practice in the areas of professional family child care, child development, healthy home learning environments and business practices. WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE CREDENTIALS? For more information about these credentials, please visit or call (518)

12 WHAT IS A QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GRANT? You love your job caring for children, so sometimes you look at your program and say, I wish we could improve our outdoor play area. or I wonder how we could introduce books to our toddlers? or do we have enough materials to encourage small motor development? The knowledgeable staff at the Child Development Council can help you see your program through new eyes. Together you can brainstorm ideas to make your program even better. Then, through a grant from NYS OCFS, the Council can help you make your dream a reality. A Quality Improvement Grant is more than a hand-out. With the help of the Council you can plan improvements to your program that will help your children grow and make your job more rewarding. To find out if you are eligible, call the Council. HOW DOES YOUR FAMILY CHILD CARE PROGRAM RATE? Are you interested in improving your program? Are you not certain where to start? Do you know your program s strengths and weaknesses? The Council is now able to do an assessment on any home-based child care program using the Family Child Care Environmental Rating Scale (FCCERS). The FCCERS is both reliable and valid which makes it appropriate to use for research and program evaluation, as well as program improvement efforts. New York State has field-tested Quality Stars, and FCCERS was one of the tools used in the pilot project. The FCCERS is very detailed and specific and takes into consideration the limitations of Family Child Care; that being a single provider (or provider and an assistant) caring for multiple children of varying ages from birth up to age twelve. The FCCERS tool measures 38 items which are organized into seven categories: Space and Furnishings, Personal Care Routines, Listening and Talking, Activities, Interaction, Program Structure and Parent & Provider. An assessment of your program is done over a 3 hour period of time. Certain items in the tool must be observed within the first three hours in order to give the program credit for them. The thinking behind this is that if these items are not seen within that time frame, then they are not happening often enough throughout the day to meet the requirement. Observers must score the program on what they see during the observation NOT on what they have seen in the past or on what the provider plans to do in the future. The goal is for the observation to be an accurate snapshot of the child care that is observed. So why should you have your FDC or GFDC program assessed? An assessment will be able to show you the strengths of your program and the areas where improvement is needed. If improvement is needed and items are needed to foster that improvement, quality improvement grants are available to assist you. In many ways having an outside observer come in to assess your program can offer valuable insights about your program. The goal of the assessment is to build upon your program s strengths so that you can offer the best possible program to children in your care. If you are interested in an assessment using FCCERS or if you have any questions about an assessment and potential grants give us a call. In Cortland, contact Dixie at or [email protected]. In Tompkins, contact Barb at or [email protected]. 12

13 WHAT IS THE EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE PROGRAM? The Educational Incentive Program (EIP) is a scholarship program which helps providers pay for training and educational activities with the intent to build provider knowledge, skills and competencies and improve the quality of childcare. To be eligible for EIP, child care providers must be required to take training and must be caring for children in a program regulated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS) or the New York City Department of Health (NYC DOH). WHAT DOES EIP COVER? EIP scholarships fund non-credit bearing training, college tuition and mandatory college fees, training and assessment fees associated with certain credential or certificate programs. All courses taken as part of an early childhood or related degree program are eligible for scholarship. Training or course work must clearly reflect one or more of the subject areas that are required by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services regulations. Scholarships will be granted for eligible non-credit bearing courses, conferences and workshops including non-credit distance learning if training is provided by a New York State Early Learning Trainer Credential (NYSELTC) endorsed trainer. WHAT DOESN T EIP COVER? Child care providers may apply for multiple trainings per year until they reach their award maximum. However, EIP cannot pay for the same training more than once in a single year. Books, elective student fees, room, board and training materials are not eligible for scholarships. Test fees and examination preparation courses are not eligible. Applicants are responsible for any tuition and costs not covered by EIP. Scholarship applications for training taken with trainers not listed as Credentialed, Verified, or Content Specialist will be denied. HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR EIP? Scholarship amounts are determined using your household size and income as reported on your most recent IRS Form Your household adjusted gross income must fall within the income chart. If you reside upstate, you may be eligible to access up to $1,850 per EIP year. WHERE CAN I APPLY? You can apply online or download a brochure/application from the SUNY PDP website: TRAINING POLICIES Early registration is highly recommended for all workshops. Registration is not complete until a registration form and payment are received. If the Council cancels a workshop due to low attendance, bad weather or some other unforeseen circumstance, we will make every effort to contact those who have been registered for the class and credit will be provided for use towards another workshop. We ask that all participants arrive on time, participate in the workshops, stay for the duration, keep cell phones off, respect trainer and other participants, and provide feedback. Our goal is to provide quality educational opportunities that encourage open dialogue, increase knowledge for participants, and provide an enjoyable learning environment for all. CHILD DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TRAINING DISCOUNTS CHILD DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL TRAINING WORKSHOPS MARKED WITH A QUALIFY FOR THE FOLLOWING DISCOUNTS: MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT A current Child Development Council membership qualifies you for a $5 member s discount. EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT Registration and payment received one week or more before training date can qualify for a $5 Early Bird Discount. BEING BOTH A MEMBER AND AN EARLY BIRD GIVES YOU A $10 DISCOUNT PER TRAINING! YES, I WANT TO BE A MEMBER OF THE CHILD DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR (Membership year runs April through March. Join in January and get first quarter free) My Membership Certificate shows my professionalism. I will use the training discount to get great training at a reasonable price. I want to use the resources in the Member s Corner to enhance my program. I will use discounts in local stores (coming soon). I want to make a difference in the lives of children and families in Cortland and Tompkins County. NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: PHONE: 13 Please circle one: Individual ($30) Group ($45) Center ($80) School Age ($80) $ Please mail to: Child Development Council 111 Port Watson St. Cortland, NY or 609 West Clinton Street Ithaca, NY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

14 REGISTRATION FORM Please help us keep your information up-to-date. Fill in all the fields below. First Name: Last Name: Local Address: Phone: Primary Language: Other Language: Highest Level of Education: Current Employer: Date Attained: Date Started: Current Position: License/Registration #: Please check one: Info hasn t changed since last registration Info has changed. Date Name of Class Cost 14 Total Payment Enclosed: Please send completed form and payment to: Child Development Council, 609 W. Clinton St., Ithaca, NY (For Ithaca training) Or Child Development Council, 111 Port Watson St, Cortland, NY (For Cortland training) Child Development Council Early Childhood Training Program is partially funded by United Way