Free hands-on learning and fun at the Kids’s Math & Science Expo at the NW Washington Fairgrounds in Lynden.
New training! Healthy Eating and Active Play
Join Kat Kayser and Sarah Birch for a new training about how to incorporate nutrition and exercise into early learning programs. Participate in hands-on activities and learn best practices for adult-led activities and meaningful meal times that you can immediately apply to your child care program.
This is a fun, interactive class! Kat and Sarah will raffle free prizes at the end of the training.
Registration open now, but spots are limited. Join us!
Visit the event page here to register in advance for the training.
Updates from Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) recently announced important news for Early Achievers participants:
Needs-Based GrantsThe Needs-Based Grant applications for the 2018-2019 fiscal year are now open. Eligibility requirements have not changed from prior years. Early Achievers participants are eligible if they are either participating in Level 2 activities or have been rated Level 2, and they are either: 1) Enrolled in the Tier 1 food program, or 2) Live within a school district that serves at least 20% children from families with low incomes.
Providers can submit their applications either online via the new WA Compass Provider Portal or on a paper application. Paper applications will only be accepted through the end of this year, however. Family home child care providers need to get a signature from their Child Care Aware of Washington Early Achievers coach prior to submitting their applications. Full details can be found online at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/early-achievers/pre-rating
Electronic Time & AttendanceThe electronic time and attendance milestone for subsidy providers has been extended to November 1, 2018. There are additional deadlines. Please read all the details on DCYF’s website here https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/electronic-attendance-system to make sure you are up-to-speed on this important effort.
Accreditation PointsDCYF has added the National Accreditation Commission (NAC) and AdvancED to the list of recognized accrediting bodies within Early Achievers. As of September 16, 2018 (cohort 6), providers with current accreditation from either of these organizations will be eligible to receive the five accreditation points in Early Achievers and an Area of Specialization. Full details can be found online at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/ea/AccreditationFAQ2018.pdf.
Please contact your Early Achievers Coach with questions. Thanks!
Have you Met Sue Duncan yet?
Sue Duncan is the friendly voice on the other end of the line when providers call to update their information, inquire about enrolling in Early Achievers, and ask about trainings and STARS hours. Sue also makes all of the reminder calls for trainings, creates training certificates, and helps keep our ship sailing upright at all times. She fields calls from families seeking child care, provides technical assistance, and cheerfully helps providers register for class over the phone if needed. We are thankful for the sunshine and positivity she brings to her work every single day.
You can reach Sue at (360) 784-8396 ext 380 or email here.
It’s also her birthday week. Happy Birthday Sue! We’re so lucky to work with you.
Seeking a Small Business Development AmeriCorps VISTA
Child Care Aware is seeking a Small Business Development AmeriCorps VISTA to work in our Bellingham office. This person will build on work started in 2017 by our 2017/2018 VISTA and increase program capacity. This is a wonderful position for you or anyone you know who is passionate about small business development, children and families, and improving economic opportunity in our region. Benefits include a stipend, health care, child care, and educational awards.
View the VISTA Assignment Description (VAD)
Apply here: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=84059&fromSearch=true”
Application period open until October 15, 2018.
Growing Healthy Children – A STARS Training Series
Our friends at Sno-Isle Libraries are hosting several free STARS trainings this fall in Granite Falls, Darrington, Snohomish, Oak Harbor, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, and Mill Creek. You can view the entire list and register here: https://www.sno-isle.org/kids/stars