April May & June 2017 training calendar by Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

Early Learning News April, May,& June 2017

A Quarterly Newsletter & Training Calendar of Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services In This Issue: • Strengthening Families • Week of the Young Child Celebrations • Pass Along to Parents - Building Social and Emotional Skills at Home • Pass Along to Teachers - 10 Tips for Involving Families through Internet-Based Communication • April is Child Abuse Prevention Month • Featured Online Trainings

Strengthening Families - Strategies That Work A commitment to high quality early childhood education overarches the strengthening families approach. This approach emphasizes early childhood professionals’ roles in promoting factors known to protect children from abuse and neglect and includes a framework for early childhood practice: 1. Providing quality care and education through developmentally appropriate practices. Developmentally appropriate practices are the cornerstone of high quality early childhood education. By incorporating these practices and understanding cultural contexts to ensure that learning is meaningful, relevant, and respectful, quality care and education strengthens families and promotes children’s healthy development. 2. Developing reciprocal relationships with families. When we establish strong, positive relationships with families, we can respond better to signs of family stress and offer appropriate information and support more effectively. Communication about difficult issues is much easier with a good relationship in place. 3. Recognizing signs of abuse and situations that may put children at risk and providing families with appropriate support. Some programs offer specialized intervention services for vulnerable families, but most do not. However, we are all well positioned to help strengthen families by sharing our knowledge of child development, basic health and hygiene, nutrition, and community resources. 4. Understanding, and helping families to understand and respond to, children’s challenging behaviors. Challenging behaviors inhibit children’s development and learning and tax adults’ resources, putting children at risk for abuse. We can further strengthen families by providing information about appropriate expectations and age-appropriate guidance techniques that help children learn acceptable behaviors, and by developing a consistent home-school approach to addressing difficult behaviors. 5. Building on children’s and families’ strengths. Resilience, social and emotional health, good peer relationships, positive self-esteem, and strong coping skills are child and family strengths that protect families and that early childhood professionals can help build.

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." ~ Mother Teresa

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

251-473-1060

www.grecs.org

Celebrate NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child - April 24 - 28, 2017! The Week of the Young Child™ is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers and families. Be sure to join in on the fun with early childhood programs across the nation by taking part in theme days throughout the week! Monday, April 24th - Music Monday Tuesday, April 25th - Tasty Tuesday Wednesday, April 26th - Work Together Wednesday Thursday, April 27th - Artsy Thursday Friday, April 28th - Family Friday Visit NAEYC’s website for ideas and resources for each themed day during Week of the Young Child. https://www.naeyc.org/woyc Share your celebration activities with us and connect with other early childhood professionals across the nation on social media! Post your pictures and stories and ideas using the hashtag #woyc17.

Featured Online Training Learning Through Play (1 hour/.1 CEU) - This course defines the term play and discusses different types of play. It also discusses the reasons why play is necessary for children and the role of teachers in promoting children’s learning through play. Professional Practices (1 hour/.1 CEU) - This course provides an overview of professional practices expected of early care and education staff. Includes the definition of professionalism as well as expected actions and behaviors of those in the child care field. Teaching Basic Social Skills (1 hour/.1 CEU) - This course discusses how normal childhood social development relates to the ability of children to learn specific social skills. Methods and strategies to aid in the development of healthy social skills are outlined.

To register for these special online training courses, contact Robert Sheldt (rsheldt@grecs.org). Ask about our other online courses!

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

251-473-1060

www.grecs.org

Training Classes Intermediate Level Training

Basic Level Training

covers a foundational understanding & demonstration of developing skills. This training is most appropriate for entry-level professionals who are new to early childhood and/or school-age care.

includes expanding knowledge & application, & refining skills. It is most appropriate for professionals who have at least (2) years of experience & 120 hours of training, and are moving toward more formal education.

Advanced Level Training

focuses on a more thorough knowledge & understanding of developmentally appropriate practice & highly effective application & a demonstration of skills. For professionals who have at least 3 years of experience & 30 credit hours in child development.

all - Appropriate for All Training Levels Active Learning Environments for Infants and Toddlers- Explore ideas for designing and providing stimulating active learning environments for infants and toddlers in early childhood programs. (Lisa Kirkland; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE; DHR: QCCL, CD; CDA: 1, 8; CCDF: 13, 20; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infant/Toddler) #5572 - 4/8/2017; 10:45am-12:45pm; David Burt Building; Evergreen, AL; & #5595- 6/3/2017;10:45am - 12:45pm; Jackson City Hall, Jackson, AL

Attachment Styles: How to Bond with Babies (APT)- This workshop is for participants to gain knowledge of the different attachment styles, focusing on secure attachment. This goal will be achieved by exploring the cause and characteristics of each attachment style, focusing on the benefits of secure attachment, and presenting different materials and activities to promote secure attachment. (Tiffany Armstrong, APT; AL Pathways: CGD; DHR: CD; CDA: 3, 4; CCDF: 15, 20; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infant/Toddler) #5584 - 5/11/2017; 6:00pm - 8:00pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

Creating a Healthy Environment for Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Settings- Improve the quality of infant and toddler child care in Alabama by integrating nationally recognized health and safety standards. (Joanne Langevin; AL Pathways: HSN; DHR: HSU; CDA: 1; CCDF: 1, 5, 7, 8, 12, 19; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infants, Toddlers) #5597-6/8/2017; 6:30pm 8:30pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile Creating a “Yes” Environment - When a classroom environment is set up so that teachers have to constantly say “no” to the children, it is stressful for everyone. Come discover the four important parts to a “yes” environment. Being thoughtful and intentional about implementing these qualities in the classroom allows for less stress and more success, for both children and their teachers. (Allison Goff; AL Pathways: LEE, CGD; DHR: QCCL, PDG; CDA: 2, 3; CCDF: 13, 20; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Toddler, Preschool) #5580-5/4/2017; 5:00-7:00pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile Creative Art Activities for Preschool Children - Young children naturally enjoy art and other creative experiences. Learn about new materials and activities you can provide to promote children’s creativity during this hands-on session. (Catherine Kreger; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE; DHR Categories: CD, QCCL; CDA : 2, 8; CCDF: 13; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5591-5/27/2017; 10:30am-12:30pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile Director’s Forum: Program Planning & Evaluation - Join us for a discussion of program evaluation for child care centers. The session will include a discussion and comparison of evaluation tools, strategies to illicit parent and staff feedback, and how evaluation data can be used for program planning and improvement. (Ann Sands; AL Pathways: MA, ICFC; DHR: QCCL, CCPF, AM; CDA: 4, 5; CCDF: 16, 18, 20; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5582 -5/10/2017; 10:00am - 12:00noon; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

251-473-1060

www.grecs.org

b Healthy Habits from A to Z (APT) - Healthy habits are important for children to promote growth, learning and development.

This workshop will discuss ways that children can stay healthy – from the first Achoo! to getting enough ZZZZs. It will include video segments, resources and hands on activities to encourage children to develop healthy habits. Participants will receive a set of books related to the topics discussed and related educational materials. (Joanne Langevin; AL Pathways: CGD, HSN; DHR: HSU, QCCL, CD; CDA: 1, 8; CCDF: 12; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Toddlers, Preschool) #5573 - 4/18/2017; 6:30pm - 8:30pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

b Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale - Revised (ITERS-R) - Learners will be introduced to the ITERS-R, which is designed

to assess center-based child care programs for infants and toddlers up to 30 months of age. Participants will learn how to administer the tool reliably and to properly assess and score items in each of 7 subscales: Space and Furnishings; Personal Care Routines, Listening and Talking; Activities; Interaction; and, Program Structure. (Catherine Kreger; AL Pathways: MA, LEE; DHR: QCCL; CDA: 5; CCDF:18, 20; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infants, Toddlers) #5599 - 6/10/2017; 10:30am - 12:30pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

i It’s Time for a Change: Making Transition Times Easier In an Inclusive Childcare Setting - During this training, childcare provid-

ers will learn why young children sometimes struggle during transition times, and effective strategies for addressing challenges caused by transition times. (Kara Welch; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE, COA; DHR: CD, PDG; CDA: 3, 7, 8; CCDF: 13, 15; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: Toddler, Preschool) #5596 - 6/6/2017; 6:00pm - 8:00pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

b Learning Centers - Would you like to learn how to create fun and effective learning centers in your early childhood program? If so, this

class will provide you with the basics for developing and implementing learning centers that keep your children coming back for more. (Lisa Kirkland; AL Pathways: LEE; DHR: QCCL; CDA: 1, 2; CCDF: 13; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Toddlers, Preschool) #5587 - 5/20/2017; 8:30am-10:30am; Monroeville Public Library, Monroeville, AL

b Monkey Bars and Jungle Gyms - This session will focus on outdoor safety for young children. You’ll learn about common hazards to avoid on playgrounds and how to provide effective supervision during children’s outdoor play. (Lisa Kirkland; AL Pathways: HSN; DHR: HSU; CDA: 1; CCDF: 5, 13; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: All) #5571 - 4/8/2017; 8:30am - 10:30am; David Burt Building, Evergreen, AL & #5594 6/3/2017; 8:30am - 10:30am; Jackson City Hall, Jackson, AL

i Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect of Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Settings - This session is designed to help caregiv-

ers of infants and toddlers recognize, appropriately address, and present abuse and neglect of infants and toddlers in child care. (Joanne Langevin; AL Pathways: CGD, HSN, ICFC; DHR: CD, PDG; CDA: 1, 3, 7; CCDF: 2, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 19; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infants, Toddlers, Preschool) #5576 - 4/25/2017; 6:30pm - 8:30pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

i Promoting Optimal Social Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers - Have you ever experienced a child’s tantrum or one

child biting another? Learn what behaviors are typical for children of certain ages and how adults can respond in ways that diminish negative behaviors and prevent future occurrences. (Joanne Langevin; AL Pathways: CGD, COA, ICFC; DHR:CD, PDG; CDA: 3, 7, 8; CCDF: 12, 14, 15, 16, 19; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infants, Toddlers) #5601- 6/22/2017; 6:30pm - 8:30pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

b Protecting Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Settings from Disaster - This class is designed to train caregivers of infants and

toddlers on protecting infant and toddlers in early childhood settings from disaster. The class will promote critical thinking on what dangers are specific to the child care environment the caregiver is working in. (Joanne Langevin; AL Pathways: HSN; DHR: HSU; CDA: 1; CCDF: 3, 7, 9, 10, 19; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infant/Toddler) #5581 - 5/9/2017; 6:30pm - 8:30pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

Scrapbooking As a Developmental Tool: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Scrapbooking is an age appropriate activity no

b matter what your development level is. It provides opportunities for developing and practicing fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination and language skills. (Michele Williams; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE; DHR: CD, LD; CDA: 2, 8; CCDF: 13, 19; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool, School Age) #5569- 4/4/2017; 6:00pm -8:00pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

251-473-1060

www.grecs.org

Fridays, May 11 & May 18, 2017 8:30aM - 3:30pM 12 hours / 1.2 CEus

This new 12-hour course addresses some of the most common issues facing caregivers of babies and toddlers. Join us for two days packed full of information on important topics like coping with crying and feeding challenges; how to set effective limits; and, encourage the development of self-control in young children.

Infant / Toddler Course 2017

April, May,& June 2017

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

251-473-1060

www.grecs.org

This basic-level, 18-hour course is broken down into nine (9), two-hour segments. You must attend Session #1-Orientation before taking any other session. You will receive a two-hour certificate for each session you attend & successfully complete. After completing all 9 sessions, you will receive an official Alabama Early Learning Guidelines credential from Alabama Department of Human Resources. The sessions are broken down as follows: #1 - Orientation (#5567)- 4/1/2017; 8am - 10am; Mobile #2 - Observations & Assessments (#5568) - 4/1/2017; 10:15am - 12:15pm; Mobile #3 - The Role of Parent & Caregiver (#5574) - 4/22/2017; 8am - 10am; Mobile #4 - Self-Concept & Emotional Development (#5575) - 4/22/2017; 10:15am - 12:15am; Mobile #5 - Social Development (#5578) - 4/29/2017; 8am - 10am; Mobile #6 - Language & Literacy (#5579) - 4/29/2017; 10:15am - 12:15am; Mobile #7 - Physical Development (#5585) - 5/13/2017; 8am - 10am; Mobile #8 - Cognitive Development (#5586) - 5/13/2017; 10:15am - 12:15pm; Mobile #9 - Putting It All Together (#5593) - 6/3/2017; 8am - 10am; Mobile

Alabama Early Learning Guidelines

Tuesday, May 23rd - Thursday, May 25th 8:30am - 12:30pm; 12 hours / 1.2 CEUs

Are you new to childcare? Thinking about taking your love of children and making a career out of it? If so, then “Getting Started” is the course for you! This training course is for people who are just beginning their early care & education career. We will introduce you to the foundational information you need to provide safe environments, nurturing interactions & develomentally appropriate experiences for the precious children in your care. This basic-level, 12-hour course is taught over 3 days and the training credit you receive will meet Alabama Department of Human Resources’ 12-hour training requirement to work in child care. You must attend all sessions to receive verification of successful completion of this course.

Getting Started: An Introductory Course

A Pull-Out Section for Posting & Copying!

Calendar of Events

Happy Easter!

25 #5576-Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect of Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Settings; 6:30-8:30pm; Mobile

#5573-Healthy Habits from A-Z; 6:30-8:30pm; Mobile

#5569-Scrapbooking As a Developmental Tool; 6-8pm; Mobile

Tuesday

Wednesday

#5570-The Power of Purposeful Preschool Environments; 5-7pm; Mobile

3100 Cottage Hill Rd; Building 4, Suite 400 Mobile, AL 36606; 251-473-1060 www.grecs.org

Regional Early Childhood Services unless noted otherwise.

Friday

*All classes in Mobile County will be held at Gulf

Thursday

NAEYCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Week of the Young Childâ&#x201E;˘ April 24-28, 2017

Monday

April 2017

Sunday

#5578-AELG #5 - Social Development; 8am - 10am; Mobile #5579-AELG#6 - Language & Literacy; 10:15am - 12:15am; Mobile

#5574-AELG #3 -The Role of Parent & Caregiver; 8am - 10am; Mobile #5575-AELG #4 - Self-Concept & Emotional Development; 10:15am -12:15pm; Mobile

#5572-Active Learning Environments for Infants & Toddlers; 10:45am-12:45pm; David Burt Building, Evergreen, AL

Gyms; 8:30-10:30am; David Burt Building, Evergreen, AL

8 #5571-Monkey Bars and Jungle

#5568-AELG #2 - Observations & Assessments; 10:15am - 12:15pm; Mobile

#5567-AELG #1 - Orientation; 8am - 10am;

Saturday

Monday

Happy Memorial Day!

Sunday

#5592-The Importance of Reading to Infants: The How and Why; 6-8pm; Mobile

#5589-Getting Started (Day 1) 8:30am-12:30pm; Mobile (12-hour course; Must Attend All Sessions)

#5581-Protecting Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Settings from Disaster; 6:30-8:30pm; Mobile

Tuesday

#5589-Getting Started (Day 2) 8:30am-12:30pm; Mobile (12-hour course; Must Attend All Sessions)

3100 Cottage Hill Rd; Building 4, Suite 400 Mobile, AL 36606; 251-473-1060 www.grecs.org

Regional Early Childhood Services unless noted otherwise.

10:30am-12:30pm; Mobile

#5591-Creative Art Activities for Preschool Children;

#5590-Why Time Out is Out; 8:00-10:00am; Mobile

#5587-Learning Centers; 8:30-10:30am; Monroeville Public Library #5588-Working with Families; 10:45am-12:45am; Monroeville Public Library

# 5585-AELG #7 - Physical Development; 8am - 10am; Mobile #5586-AELG #8 - Cognitive Development; 10:15am - 12:15pm; Mobile

Saturday

*All classes in Mobile County will be held at Gulf

Friday

May 2017

#5589-Getting Started (Day 3) 8:30am-12:30pm; Mobile (12-hour course; Must Attend All Sessions)

#5583-Infant/Toddler Course 2017 (Day 2); 8:30am-3:30pm; Mobile

#5584-Attachment Styles (APT); 6-8pm; Mobile

#5583-Infant/Toddler Course 2017 (Day 1); 8:30am-3:30pm; Mobile

#5582-Director’s Forum: Program Planning & Evaluation; 10:00am-12:00 noon; Mobile

Thursday #5580-Creating a “Yes” environment; 5-7pm; Mobile

Wednesday

Monday

AALECE 2017

3100 Cottage Hill Rd; Building 4, Suite 400 Mobile, AL 36606; 251-473-1060 www.grecs.org

Regional Early Childhood Services unless noted otherwise.

Wednesday

*All classes in Mobile County will be held at Gulf

Tuesday

#5596-It’s Time for a Change: Making transition times easier in an inclusive childcare setting; 6-8pm; Mobile

June 2017

Sunday

AALECE 2017

22 #5601-Promoting Optimal Social Emotional Development of Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Settings; 6:30-8:30; Mobile

#5597-Creating a Healthy Environment for Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Settings; 6:30-8:30pm; Mobile

Thursday

AALECE 2017

Friday 3

#5602-Supporting Children’s Emerging Language Skills; 10:00am-12:00noon; Spot for Tots Day Care; 92 Jefferson Ave.; Chatom, AL 36518

#5600-Using Sensory Strategies In The Classroom; 9:30-11:30am; Daphne Public Library, Daphne, AL

#5599-Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised (ITERS-R);10:30am-12:30pm; Mobile

#5598-The Great Outdoors; 8:00am-10:00 am; Mobile

#5594-Monkey Bars and Jungle Gyms; 8:30-10:30am; Jackson City Hall #5595-Active Learning Environments for Infants & Toddlers; 10:45am-12:45pm; Jackson City Hall, Jackson, AL

#5593-AELG #9 - Putting It All Together; 8am - 10am; Mobile

Saturday

Using Sensory Strategies In The Classroom -This class will describe the three power senses, inform teachers/care providers on signs of sensory dysfunction, and give many real world and hands on ideas on incorporating sensory strategies into the classroom in ways that result in positive behaviors and that are beneficial to all children. (Kerry Tran; AL Pathways: CGD, COA, LEE; DHR:CD, PDG; CDA: 2, 3, 8; CCDF: 13, 15; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool) #5600- 6/17/2017; 9:30am -11:30am; Daphne Public Library, Daphne, AL

Supporting Children’s Emerging Language Skills - Join us for this active and engaging class where you’ll explore simple tips and strategies for promoting the development of children’s critical language skills. Information and educational materials to share with parents will be included. (Monica Bryd; AL Pathways: CGD, ICFC; DHR: LD, CCPF; CDA: 2, 4, 8; CCDF: 13, 16; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Preschool) #5602 - 6/24/2017; 10:00am - 12:00pm; Spot for Tots Day Care; 92 Jefferson Ave.; Chatom, AL 36518

The Great Outdoors - The outdoors is the very best place for children to practice and master emerging developing skills. It is, also, an ideal place for children to fully and freely experience the learning opportunities offered through nature. In this session, we will explore the vast opportunities for learning, as well as the numerous health benefits that outdoor play affords young children. (Catherine Kreger; AL Pathways: HSN, LEE, CGD; DHR: CD, LD, QCCL; CDA: 1, 2, 3, 8; CCDF: 13; Intermediate Training Level: 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Preschool) #5998 - 6/10/2017; 8:00am - 10:00am; GRECS Training Room

The Importance of Reading to Infants: The How and Why - It’s never too early to read to infants! Why is it important? What will I read? How do I keep an infant interested in a book? It’s easier than you think! Participants will develop an understanding of how to choose developmentally appropriate books and create hands on activities that will keep infants and teachers excited about story time. (Mallory Blanchard; AL Pathways:CGD, LEE; DHR: CD, LD; CDA: 2, 8; CCDF: 13, 20; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Infant) #5592 - 5/30/2017; 6:00pm-8:00pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

The Power of Purposeful Preschool Environments- When you walk into a well-designed preschool classroom, you see children and adults working together in a productive surrounding. Teachers will discuss the four major elements to consider when creating such an environment. Careful attention to these elements reduces how much time the teachers spend maintaining safety and order. (Allison Goff; AL Pathways: LEE, CGD; DHR: QCCL,CD; CDA: 1, 2, 8; CCDF: 13; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/0.2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool) #5570- 4/6/2017; 5:00-7:00pm; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

Why Time Out is Out - Do you find yourself using time out frequently? And, with particular children? Come learn why time out is often ineffective and fails to result in long term improvement in children’s behavior. You’ll discover simple strategies for promoting children’s positive behaviors that really work. (Catherine Kreger; AL Pathways: CGD, ICFC; DHR: CD, PDG; CDA: 3, 8; CCDF:13, 15; Intermediate Training Levels; 2hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: All) #5590- 5/27/2017; 8:00am - 10:00am; GRECS Training Room, Mobile

Working with Families - The participants will learn how to work with families. Since the family is an active branch of the care team, it is important to know how to work with and support them so that the child receives the best care possible! (Lisa Kirkland; AL Pathways: ICFC; DHR: QCCL, CCPF; CDA: 4; CCDF: 3,16; Basic Training Level; 2 hours / 0.2 CEUs; Age Group: All) #5588 - 5/20/2017; 6:30pm 8:30pm; Monroeville Public Library, Monroeville, AL

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

251-473-1060

www.grecs.org

TRAINING LEGEND dhr 2016 Training Levels

CCDF Training Areas

Basic = Most appropriate for entry-level professionals who are new to early childhood and/or school-age care. Basic Level Training covers a foundational understanding and demonstration of developing skills. Intermediate = Most appropriate for professionals who have at least (2) years of experience and 120 hours of training in child development, and are moving toward more formal education. Intermediate Level Training includes expanding knowledge and application, and refining skills. Advanced = Most appropriate for professionals who have at least three (3) years of experience and 30 credit hours in child development. Advanced Level Training focuses on a more thorough knowledge and understanding of developmentally appropriate practice and highly effective application and demonstration of skills.

DHR Minimum Standards Training Areas CD = Child Development HSUP = Health, Safety, and Universal Precautions QCCL = Quality Child Care and Licensing CCPF = Child Care Professional and the Family LD = Language Development PDG = Positive Discipline and Guidance AM = Administration and Management

CDA (Child Development Associate) Content Areas

1. Planning a safe, healthy environment to invite learning 2. Steps to advance children’s physical and intellectual development 3. Positive ways to support children’s social and emotional development 4. Strategies to establish productive relationships with families 5. Strategies to manage an effective program operation 6. Maintaining a commitment to professionalism 7. Observing and recording children’s behavior 8. Principles of child growth and development

Alabama Pathways Core Knowledge Areas (CKA)

CGD = Child Growth and Development HSN = Health, Safety and Nutrition LEE = Learning Experiences and Enrichment DIV = Diversity COA = Child Observation and Assessment (Planning for Individual Needs) ICFC = Interaction with Children, Families and Communities PPD = Personal and Professional Development MA = Management and Administration

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

251-473-1060

1. Prevention and control of infectious diseases (including immunizations) 2. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention and use of safe sleep practices 3. Administration of medication 4. Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions 5. Building and physical premises safety, including identifying electrical hazards, bodies of water, and vehicular traffic 6. Prevention of Shaken Baby Syndrome and abusive head trauma 7. Emergency preparedness and response planning for natural or man-caused events 8. Handling and storage of hazardous materials, including correct disposal of bio-contaminants 9. If applicable, appropriate pre-cautions in transporting children 10. First-aid and CPR 11. Recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect 12. Identifying and serving homeless children and their families 13. Promoting the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children, including those related to nutrition and physical activity, using scientifically-based, developmentally appropriate and age appropriate strategies 14. Caring for children in geographic areas with significant concentrations of poverty and unemployment 15. Implementing behavior strategies, including positive behavior interventions and support models that promote positive social and emotional development and reduce challenging behaviors, including reducing expulsions of preschool-aged children for such behaviors 16. Engaging parents and families in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways to expand their knowledge, skills and capacity to be meaningful partners in supporting their children’s positive development 17. Understanding early neurological development 18. Using data to guide program improvement 19. Supporting positive development of school-age children 20. Improving the quality of programs and services for infants and toddlers

Target Age Groups

Infants = Birth to 12 months Toddlers = 1 and 2 year olds (13 to 36 months) Preschoolers = 3 and 4 year olds School-agers = 5 to 12 year olds ALL = Infants, Toddlers, Preschoolers, and School-agers

www.grecs.org

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month Since 1985, April has been nationally recognized as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, “The Children’s Trust Fund,” have used this special time each year to acknowledge the importance of families and communities working together to prevent child maltreatment. Here are some ideas of things you can implement in your programs and communities to reduce the risk of child maltreatment in families: •

Bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month by planting a pinwheel garden or coordinating a day where everyone in your program wears blue.

•

Upgrade the Parent Resource Area in your program by offering free information on child development, positive guidance techniques, and community programs that are available to them. (The “Pass Along to Parents” archive on GRECS’ website offers copyright free flyers on a variety of topics!)

•

Help parents of fussy babies and toddlers. The Erikson Institute’s Fussy Baby Network in Chicago helps families find ways to soothe and enjoy their babies through coordinated services, including a Fussy Baby Warmline (a phone number to link parents to child development specialists), home visiting, a clinic, a parents’ group, and more.

•

Build relationships through casual get-togethers and parenting workshops. Positive social connections among families can be a powerful source of support. Offer times for teachers and families to laugh together and to connect about their goals, ideas, and challenges in an informal setting and atmosphere.

We’re OPEN on Saturdays! Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services’ Lending Library and Resource Place will be open on the 1st Saturday of each month from 9:00am - 12:00pm By Appointment Only. Scheduling an appointment is easy! Simply call or email Joanne Langevin before the close of business on the first Friday of each month.(251-473-1060 ext 112; jlangevin@grecs.org)

We are celebrating over 20 years of collaboration with the Children’s Trust Fund supported through the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention! Caring for the Caregiver allows us opportunities to mentor Family Child Care providers. We appreciate all who participate to make this project possible and help educate parents and caregivers on the prevention of child neglect and abuse.

CPR & First Aid Training on Saturdays! Our friends at Complete Safety Works are offering Heart Saver First Aid and Adult, Child & Infant CPR/AED training on the second Saturday of every month! You must register through and make payment to Complete Safety Works for this important training session. Heart Saver First Aid / Adult, Child & Infant CPR / AED (First Aid - $35; CPR - $35; Both First Aid & CPR - $45) Call 479-6788 for more info or registration.

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services

251-473-1060

www.grecs.org

Gulf Regional Childcare Management Agency, Inc.

3100 Cottage Hill Road; Building 4, Suite 400; Mobile, AL 36606 Phone: 251-473-1060; Fax: 251-473-1084

Visit

on the web!

www.grecs.org

Support Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust Fund programs by purchasing this specialty car tag. The tag is available at your local Probate office. It is tax deductible & proceeds directly fund community-based prevention programs.

Mark Your Calendar Friday, April 14, 2017 GRECS and EHS are CLOSED for Good Friday Monday, May 29, 2017 GRECS and EHS are CLOSED for Memorial Day