Spring 2015 Harford/Cecil County Child Care Links Resource & Referral Center Newsletter Happy Spring!! Now that warmer weather is here it’s time to shake off those wintertime BLAHS and get motivated to make your child care program be the absolute best that it can be!! Is your child care program participating in Maryland Excels? Just a friendly reminder that the application deadline is almost here!! Programs that want to remain eligible to receive child care subsidy reimbursements must submit an application by June 29, 2015.
IT’S AS EASY AS 1-2-3!! 1. Visit MarylandEXCELS.org 2. Create a user name and password 3. Log in and submit your online application. Still not sure? Help is only a phone call away. We are ready to answer your questions and assist you in achieving your goals. Maryland Excels Orientation and Support Sessions occur monthly at locations in both Harford and Cecil Counties. Our TA staff is also available to meet with you individually. If you are unable to visit our office, we can arrange a convenient time to come visit you! As always, our support services are free of charge. So don’t get left behind… As of April, 42% of all licensed child care centers and registered family providers in the state are now participating in Maryland EXCELS!!
Child Care Links is on Facebook AND Pinterest “Like” us on Facebook to receive up-to-date training information, technical assistance tips, and other special offers! Follow us on Pinterest to search pins on upcycling, math related crafts, MD EXCELS, school readiness and more! CLOSED FOR LUNCH We are adding new pins all the time! PLEASE NOTE: CHILD CARE LINKS is closed daily for lunch from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Harford/Cecil County Important Numbers Child Care Links Main Office: 443-512-0461 Fax: 443-512-0185 Training: 443-512-0462 www.hcchildcarelinksinc.org Maryland Family Network 410-659-7701 LOCATE: Child Care Referral Service 1-877-261-0060 LOCATE: Child Care (Provider Updates) 866-752-1614 Office of Child Care 410-569-2879 Office of Credentialing 410-767-7852 Credentialing Hotline 1-877-605-1539 Family Child Care Association Harford County: Theresa Milburn- - - - - - - 410-893-2984 Cecil County: Nancy Tyler - - - - - - - - - - 410-392-8872 Directors Associations Harford County: Dodi Manley - - - - - - - - - 410-893-5252 Terri Rhodes - - - - - - - - - 410-399-9678 Cecil County: Sandy Jackson - - - - - - - -- 410-287-2708 Social Services -Harford County Child Protective Services - 410-836-4713 DSS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 410-836-4700 M-CHIP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 443-643-0343 POC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 410-836-4700 WIC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 410-273-5656 Social Services– Cecil County Child Protective Services - - 410-996-0100 DSS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 410-996-0100 M-CHIP - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 410-996-5126 POC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 410-996-0100 WIC - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 410-996-5255
LOCATE for Providers...
LOCATE for Parents…
CALL 1-866-752-1614 (24 Hour Hotline)
LOCATE: Child Care helps parents find and choose child care to best meet their needs. If you know of a parent who needs help finding care for their child, please tell them to call toll-free:
To report changes to fees, telephone number, or e-mail address Report vacancies Leave a question
VISIT www.mdchildcare.org To report vacancies Update fees
1-877-261-0060 Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm *Special counseling and referral services are available for military, special needs, and Spanish speaking families.
Remember…. Update your child care information by either filling it out online, or downloading the LOCATE questionnaire from our website, and mailing it to:
Locate Child Care 1001 Eastern Avenue 2nd Floor Baltimore, MD 21202
New MSDE-Required Trainings Don’t wait till 2016 to take these required trainings. Child Care Links is offering them to you as our “Spring Specials”. You will receive 7 hours of training for only $50, but you must register for both trainings in order to get the special rate. **Membership discount does not apply On Track: All Aboard for Developmental Progress Overview June 6th, 8:30am – 12:30pm - This training was developed to meet the upcoming MSDE regulation requiring regularly occurring development screenings. This training is required as stipulated in the regulation. Participants who attend this class will gain an understanding of the expectations that will be placed on them and the benefits to children by the developmental screening requirement. $35 or register for both trainings for $50. (COK - 2CD & 2P) Including all Children and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) June 11th, 6:30pm - 9:30pm - Gain a deeper understanding on the requirements of the ADA, inclusionary practices based on national standards and best practices in early childhood education and school-age programs. Local, state and national resources will be discussed. $25 or register for both trainings for $50. (COK - 3HSN) All classes will be held at Child Care Links, Bel Air To register, please call 443-512-0461
Please join us for our FREE Maryland Excels Support Sessions, Now in 2 locations! At these free, monthly support sessions you will receive important updates regarding Maryland EXCELS, OCC regulations and the Maryland Credential. We can assist you with registration, updating your policies, contracts/handbooks, improve your program, help you navigate the Maryland Excels website and much more! Also, if you qualify to be a part of our Breakthrough Center, you can receive 2 PAU’s for credentialing by participating. Call Christy at 443-512-0461 for more information!
Spring Dates and Locations for Support Sessions: April 22nd @ Child Care Links— Topic: Credentialing & Accreditation April 27th @ Holly Hall ES, Elkton— Topic: Daily Schedules May 18th @ Holly Hall ES, Elkton— Topic: Credentialing & Accreditation May 19th @ Child Care Links— Topic: I’ve Registered, Now What? These sessions are FREE, but pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, please call 443-512-0461 All sessions are from 6:00—8:00 pm
Developmental Screenings: What You Need to Know In July of 2016, a regulation will establish a mandatory requirement for all regulated child care providers to conduct routine health and wellness screenings that may determine the need for further evaluation. Here are some frequently asked questions about this new requirement: What is developmental screening? Developmental screening is a brief method completed by a parent or caregiver to quickly identify a child’s progress through foundational early childhood developmental milestones. A child’s development can be measured by how a child learns, speaks, moves, behaves and relates. Results from developmental screenings indicate which children would benefit from a full evaluation and assessment.
What developmental screening tools can I use for my child care program? With collaboration and input from stakeholders, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has generated a list of recommended screening tools that will meet the requirements of the developmental screening regulation. The recommended list is as follows: ASQ-3 for ages 1 month-66 months Best Beginnings Developmental Screen 1-39 months Brigance for ages 0-5 years DIAL-4 or Speed DIAL-4 for ages 2 years 6 months-5 years 11 months ESI-R for ages 3 Years-5 Years 11 months
How often do I need to conduct developmental screenings? Screening frequency is determined by the age of the child and takes place as follows: All children, Birth – Kindergarten entry, within 90 days of child’s first day of attendance;
Children, Birth – 36 months by: June 30th and December 31st of each year (two times in a 12 month calendar) Children 37 months – Kindergarten entry by December 31st of each year (One time in a 12 month calendar)
Is training required to conduct developmental screenings or meet the regulation? Training is required on the screening process to ensure you understand the requirements of the new regulation, know how to implement the screening tool you selected for your program, and to help you learn best practices in partnering with and communicating results to families. Specifically, the MSDE required training is entitled: Developmental Screening Overview Providers may also find it beneficial to take additional trainings on tool specific training on the recommended tool the provider chooses to use in their program. All approved trainings will have Core of Knowledge clock hours.
Who needs to take training? Child Care Center Infant/Toddler and Preschool Directors; Child Care Center Infant/Toddler and Preschool Teachers; Letter of Compliance Staff working with children 2-5 years; Approved Educational Program Staff; and Family Child Care Providers registered for children birth –age five.
Child Care Links will be offering the Developmental Screening Overview Training on June 18th. See page 2 of this newsletter for more information.
There was a little caterpillar crawling all about. (Walk with fingers on arm) He worked and he worked without a doubt. (Wiggle fingers) Wrapping himself in a snug cocoon. (Wrap other hand around fingers) Waiting and waiting, will it be soon? (Hold fingers) Look, he's coming out, my oh my! (Raise arms in excitement) For now he's become a beautiful butterfly (Cross thumbs and flap hands like wings
Five Fat Peas A counting fingerplay especially useful in the spring and summer.
Ten Fingers-A Fingerplay I have ten fingers - hold up both hands, fingers
Five fat peas in a pea pod pressed (children hold hand in a fist) One grew, two grew, so did all the rest. (put thumb and fingers up one by one) They grew and grew (raise hand in the air very slowly) And did not stop, Until one day The pod went POP! (children clap hands together)
And they all belong to me - point to self I can make them do things Would you like to see?
spread
I can shut them up tight - make fists I can open them wide - open hands I can put them together - place palms to-
gether
I can make them all hide - put hands behind
back
I can make them jump high - hands over
head
Five Little Birdies
I can make them jump low - touch floor I can fold them up quietly - fold hands in lap And hold them just so.
Five little birdies, flying around our door,
five fingers on one hand up in the air, as verse is said other hand bends down each finger
The blue one flew away and then there were four. Four little birdies sitting in a tree, The yellow one flew away and then there were three. Three little birdies didn't know what to do, So the red one flew away, and then there were two. Two little birdies sitting in the sun, The Brown one flew away, and there was one. The little green birdie felt so all alone, She flew away and then there was none. Later on that very day, five little birdies came back to play.
Birds There was one little bird in a little tree, He was all alone, and he didn't want to be. So he flew far away, over the sea, And brought back a friend to live in the tree.
Substitute two, three, etc. for one as you finish the verse. Three Little Nickels A Fingerplay Three little nickels in a pocketbook new, hold up three fingers One bought a peppermint, and then there were two, bend down one finger Two Little nickels before the day was done, One bought an ice cream come, and then there was one bend down another finger One little nickel I heard it plainly say, "I'm going into the piggy bank for a rainy day!"
NEW!! Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) Regulations Effective March 2 Beginning on March 2, 2015, a new regulation will change the Child Care Career and Professional Development Fund (CCCPDF) application process. Applications received prior to March 2, 2015 will not be affected.
New Application Requirements Applicant must be credentialed at a level 2 or higher to apply for the CCCPDF. Applicant is required to work at least ten hours a week in a licensed child care program (home or center)
in Maryland to continue participation in the program. Applicant is required to work at least ten hours a week in a licensed child care program (home or center) during the service commitment period
The CCCPDF is a tuition assistance program for child care professionals to obtain or continue their pursuit of a college education at participating colleges/universities in Maryland. The fund pays the cost of tuition, fees, and books. Funds are awarded for one school year at a time, with a review of academic performance and continuation of requirements to participate at the end of each approval year. To learn more about CCCPDF visit the MSDE website online at: http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/msde/divisions/child_care/credentials/CCCPDF.html
THE LOCATE COMPLAINT POLICY Through the LOCATE service, parents share feedback with the LOCATE staff on the programs in the files: licensed child care centers, registered family child care providers and accredited preschools and camps. While this feedback is at times positive, it sometimes concerns complaints parents have about child caregivers. Of course, LOCATE and the Maryland Child Care Resource Network want to use this information in a way that is fair to providers and parents, while protecting children, as well. Therefore, the LOCATE Complaint Policy was developed and has been in effect since its approval by the Maryland Committee for Children Board in November, 1983. According to this policy, all complaints made to LOCATE about child care providers/facilities are recorded. The type of complaint is then determined: Less Serious Complaint - No Violation: Complaints which do not involve violations of child care regulations; complaints about situations which do not pose a threat to the safety, health or welfare of a child. Less Serious Complaint Involving Violation: Complaints of any violation of Office of Child Care (OCC), Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) regulations, and/or the Health Department which do not pose a threat to the health, safety or welfare of a child. Serious Complaint: any threat to the immediate health, safety, or welfare of a child. When a parent calls LOCATE with a complaint, the referral specialist advises him/her to register the complaint directly with the appropriate regulatory agency and/or Protective Services. Names and telephone numbers of the person with whom the parent should speak are provided. When a Serious Complaint is received concerning one of the providers of facilities in the LOCATE system, no referrals are made by the referral specialists to that provider/facility. The LOCATE Director also communicates with the appropriate regulatory agency personnel about the complaint, and maintains the "hold" on the provider/facility until the agency's disposition of the complaint is known. Should the investigation result in no action, the "hold" status is removed from that provider's/facility's records. Should the license or registration be revoked, the record is removed from the LOCATE files. Providers are advised of LOCATE's actions in writing. A provider may appeal the LOCATE Director's decision to cease referrals. Appeals are first addressed to the LOCATE Advisory Committee. Final appeals may be made to the board of the Maryland Family Network. It is the position of LOCATE and MFN that the Complaint Policy is both fair and workable. Safeguards and due process are afforded to the care givers in the files, and parents' and children's rights to safety are addressed, as well. Any questions on this policy should be addressed to Arna Griffith, Director, LOCATE: Child Care at 410-659-7701.
WE’D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!! Don’t forget to fill out the survey at the back of this newsletter Submit it for the chance to win a
FREE 3-hour training!
CCL Welcomes New Providers!! Harford County
Cecil County
Mt. Zion LC Jennifer Fischer Dawn Miller Collette Mathai Danielle Shriner Michelle Lewinski Victoria Moro Anna Spires Angeline Sagar Cierra Binns Jennifer Feldman Sirena Kotowski
Kimberly Milburn Julia Raeke-Sheikh Laura Buskirk
TODDLER LAW! If I like it, it's mine... If it's in my hand, it's mine.. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine... If it's mine it must never appear to be yours in any way... If I'm building or doing something, all the pieces are mine... If it looks like mine, it's mine... If I think it's mine, it's mine… If you are playing with something and you put it down, automatically it becomes mine If it's broken, it's yours. If it is broken, but you are having fun playing with the pieces, it's mine again. If there is ANY doubt, it's mine!!
Spring Science Fun POTATO HEAD – Cut a section off of the bottom of a potato so that it will stand up on a plate. Cut a section off of the top and have your children scoop out the top of the remaining potato. Have them place two cotton balls in the top, water them and sprinkle with seeds. Carve out a face on the potato and place in a sunny spot. Voila! Watch his hair grow!!
MAGNETIC BUTTER “FLYERS” - Cut several small butterfly shapes from various colors of construction paper. Next, slip paper clips onto the "butterflies", and tie strings of various sizes onto the paper clip. Affix the "butterfly to the wall in your classroom or group area, and have magnets available for play. Now the children make the butterflies fly with magnetism. With just the right pull, the butterflies can fly around without having
Child Care Links of Harford & Cecil County Training Policies and Procedures
REGISTRATION FORM Phone-In Registration to 443-512-0462 (Requires a Visa or Master Card payment) Mon. thru Fri. 8:30am to 3:30pm
Registration. All workshop participants must pre-register ; meaning, participants must register AND PAY for workshops in advance. Registration is accepted by phone, mail or in person. The training line for phone-in registration is operational from 8:30am3:30pm, Monday-Friday. Visa or MasterCard required for all registrations done by phone. Mail registration form to Child Care Links of Harford/Cecil Counties 2105 Laurel Bush Rd., Suite 105, Bel Air, MD 21015. Child Care Links does not accept personal checks.
OR Mail registration form to: Child Care Links, 2105 Laurel Bush Road, Suite 105, Bel Air MD 21015 Name:
_ Last Name
First
Address:
_
City/St./Zip: ____________________________________ Email Address:_____________________________________________________________ Please circle one: Family Provider, Child Care Center Director, Child Care Center Staff, Prospective Provider, Parent, or Other Work Phone:
__________________
Home Phone:
__________________
Center Name:
__________________
WORKSHOP TITLE:
DATE
COST
/
$
2.
/
$
3.
__________________________
4.
______________________________________/____________________$_______
$______
TOTAL_______________ I would like to become a Child Care Links Member Family Provider - $25 Center Director - $25 Center Staff - $25
Payments Accepted are: Visa/Master Card/ Money Order/Center Check /Cash
NO PERSONAL CHECKS PLEASE Signature:
__________________
Account #: _________________________ __________________ Expiration Date:
___________
Visit us on the Web at www.hcchildcarelinksinc.org
Late Arrivals. Workshops begin at stated time. Our instructors reserve the right to refuse admittance to any workshop for any participant arriving 15 minutes or more past the start of the workshop. Credit or transfer will be issued at the discretion of the Child Care Links staff for any participant turned away from training for lateness. Cancellation or change policy. Child Care Links may need to cancel a workshop due to lack of enrollment; in this event, a CCL staff member will contact you at the phone number or address you provided upon registration. If we need to cancel a workshop and you do not wish to be transferred to another training, you will be issued credit good for one year or refunded fees paid for the canceled workshop. If you are phoning in your registration please verify that we have the correct contact information, including more than one telephone number where you can be reached. Rude and/or disrespectful behavior during workshop will not be tolerated. Please remember to exercise good judgment and respect for both the trainer and other participants in your session. It is okay to disagree with facts or opinions presented by the trainer or other participants but please remember to remain professional. Should you violate this policy, the instructor may ask you to leave the workshop and you will not be re-admitted, nor will you receive a refund for the class.
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Fees Paid are NON-REFUNDABLE. Should you miss a workshop, credit or transfer to another workshop may be given if Child Care Links is notified prior to the workshop. If after hours, please leave a message on Child Care Links’ answering service. No credit or refunds are issued for “no shows”. Call 443-512-0462 with any questions or concerns about our refund or credit policies. Any credits issued are good for one year from the date of issue.
Certificates. Core of Knowledge certificates will be issued at the conclusion of the training session for all participants who successfully complete all requirements set forth for the course. Child care is not provided during workshops. Workshops provided by Child Care Links are intended for adults only. Please make other arrangements for care of your children during workshop hours. Workshop locations. Child Care Links has two locations where we offer trainings. One location is at our main office on 2105 Laurel Bush Rd. Suite 105 Bel Air, MD 21015. The second location is at the YMCA of Elkton on 25 YMCA Blvd. Elkton, Md. 21921. If you need directions to either locations please let us know upon registering for the trainings. Inclement Weather - Please note that the training department of Child Care Links follows Harford & Cecil Counties Public School Weather Policy for closings and delayed openings. If you are scheduled for a workshop and Harford or Cecil County Schools close for inclement weather, our workshop will be canceled. During the weekend our workshops will be canceled if Parks and Rec cancels school activities. If, for any reason, this changes, a CCL staff member will contact you. Attempts will be made to reschedule
Child Care Links Resource and Referral Agency for Harford and Cecil Counties Child Care Links of Harford &Cecil County 2105 Laurel Bush Rd. Suite 105 Bel Air, Md. 21015 Phone: 443-512-0461 Fax: 443-512-0185 Business Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm Friday 8:30am –4:00pm Training Department 443-512-0462 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-3:30pm LOCATE CHILD CARE Maryland Family Network 1-877-261-0060 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-3:30pm
MISSION STATEMENT Child Care Links addresses available, affordable, quality child care issues in Harford and Cecil Counties. Child Care Links is committed to expanding and enhancing the quality of child care in Harford and Cecil Counties by helping parents, child care providers, and the community understand and implement the indicators of quality enabling all children to receive optimum early care and education experiences. Child Care Links is committed to enhancing the quality of the child care delivery system in Harford & Cecil Counties by providing pertinent resources, training, and referrals to families, child care providers, and the
Newsletter /Training Survey:
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“Advice” columns/articles Technical Assistance Articles Other events/announcements Special announcements on events in the region (e.g. conferences, etc) “News” articles on events, (licensing and other) policies, etc. How can we make our Newsletter better ? (please explain) _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ After completion please fold and stamp and return to Child Care Links or fill it out online at www.hcchildcarelinksinc.org and e-mail it to us at info@hcchildcarelinksinc.org. To be entered in our drawing you must include your name, address and telephone number. Good Luck to you all! Thank you for your feedback we appreciate it! Name: __________________________________ Phone #_________________________________
Address: __________________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________
FIND IT FAST FOR FAMILIES— a resource locator document with web links for families of young children on topics such as Choosing Child Care, Transitioning to School, Health, Wellness and Safety and Supporting Your Child’s Development. http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/commres
FIND IT FAST FOR PROVIDERS - a quick reference guide with links for professional development, program improvement, Career building and financial supports. http://www.marylandpublicschools.org/MSDE/divisions/child_care/credentials
This publication was produced as a work for hire for the benefit of, and with funds from, the Maryland State Department of Education