EarLy LEarning guidELinEs

Child Care Aware News

July/August 2012

A Publication for Child Care Professionals

The Kansas Early Learning document

Child Care Aware of South Central Kansas

a Program of Child Start, Inc. Wichita 682-3962 or Toll free 800-684-3962 www.childstart.org
Counties served: Butler, Cowley, Harper, Harvey, Kingman, Marion, McPherson, Reno, Rice, sedgwick and sumner

By Jennifer Hecker, Child Care Aware of Kansas, Director of Provider Services

Staff Directory
ChEryL dunn Program Director, CCR&R MariLEE hanEy Senior Manager, Resource Services MarCy ConE Senior Manager, Early Childhood PoLLy BanKs Infant/Toddler Specialist KiMBErLy garCia Infant/Toddler Specialist Tanya hussLEMan Infant/Toddler Specialist aMBEr ivEs Infant Recruitment Specialist JaCquETTE ThoMPson Professional Development Specialist JaCKiE TannEr KQRIS Coach MELissa BuChE Data Specialist aMiTai dELgado Program Management Assistant

The Kansas Early Learning document was created to provide an overview of the things children should know and be able to do so they can succeed in kindergarten and beyond. It is useful to child care providers, early childhood teachers and families with young children. The Kansas Early Learning Overview Guidelines align with K-12 learning standards. The Early Learning Guidelines are meant to be used to: Help you understand how important a childs early years are for learning Help you choose or develop a curriculum that meets childrens learning needs Help you create a quality learning space for children The Early Learning Guidelines and the Early Learning Standards are not meant to serve as a curriculum, but rather to serve as a roadmap to ensure that childrens learning needs are met. They are not meant to exclude children from programs or activities, to be used as an assessment of childrens skills, or as an assessment of families or programs. The Early Learning Guidelines consist of four domains which

support eight Early Learning Standards which include: Physical Social-Emotional Communication and Literacy Cognitive Each domain, based on research, describes the things that children
See sTandards, page 2

sTandards, from page 1

should know and be able to do which support school readiness. The domains are broken down by five different age groupings: Young Infants Mobile Infants Toddlers Preschoolers aged 3 Preschoolers aged 4 It is important to note that while these domains describe a variety of skills and ages, each child develops at a different pace and will demonstrate skills and knowledge at different times. It is also important to note that children do not have to master 100% of the skills in order to be successful in school or in life. The Early Learning Standards are statements that describe the expectations for what children should know and be able to do (birth to five years of age) as a result of attending a high-quality early childhood program. The Early Learning Standards for Kansas include eight Content Areas: Physical Health & Development Social-Emotional Development Communication & Literacy Development Approaches to Learning Science Mathmatical Knowledge Social Studies Fine Arts Each Content Area is broken down into standards, benchmarks and indicators. The standards describe the overall content area of what the child should know or be able to do. The benchmarks are made up of specific activities or behaviors that make up the standard. The indicators describe the developmental level (age) at which the child should be able to reach the benchmark. The Kansas Early Learning document provides a roadmap for teachers, child care providers, administrators and families to use to ensure that children receive the support they need in order to enter school ready to learn. To download a free copy of the document, visit the Kansas State Department of Education website at http://www.ksde.org/Default. aspx?tabid=3321

aligning the Early Learning standards with your curriculum

By Kelly Cain-Swart and Becky Stewart Child Care Aware of Kansas, Quality Rating Specialists

Coordinating the Early Learning Standards (ELS) with the current curriculum your program beSt prACtiCe uses is an in ACtiOn important step to ensure that childrens learning needs are met. A robust curriculum offers experiences for children that: Are appropriate for the age and developmental ability of the child Engage the child by being interesting and challenging Is child-centered, which means that children can think, experience, explore, question and search for answers

The Early Learning Standards provide the destination; the curriculum provides a learning map; and, assessments allow us to stay on course towards meaningful learning.
Kansas Early Guidelines, Section V, pg: V-3

1. Do the daily activities fully address this benchmark? 2. Is planned daily instruction required to meet this benchmark? 3. Are specific activities required? 4. Is this benchmark already being met? 5. How will/do we assess the achievement of this benchmark?

Aligning your current curriculum with the Early Learning Standards can be done in 4 easy steps:

step 1: Create a team to help with

planning. People to include might be: Administrator(s) Teacher(s) Parent(s) Or other program stakeholders Once the group is created, decide how it will work and what each persons role(s) will be.

step 3: Align the indicators. After your team finds out if the curriculum meets the benchmarks, study the example indicators to decide if changes are needed. You may find that more should be added to match your curriculum and fill any gaps. step 4: Finish the process. Youll know you are done when: Benchmark questions are answered Indicators match the curriculum, provider beliefs, and childrens needs All gaps are filled Because benchmarks and indicators are very broad, you should be able to meet them in many different and creative ways that are child-centered and developmentally appropriate.

step 2: Explore and talk about

whether or not the curriculum is appropriate by comparing it to the ELS benchmarks (found in Appendix B) and answering these questions:

bOOK nOOK
Educating young Children
author: M. hohmann, d. P. Weikart, and a. s. Epstein

The Kansas vision for school readiness

By Kris Nicholson Child Care Aware of Kansas, Quality Initiatives Manager

This manual is the most complete guide to the High/Scope Preschool Curriculum and a classic in the field that no early childhood professional should be without. Now in its 3rd edition, the book provides valuable strategies for meaningful early childhood education. It is written for teachers, administrators, instructors/trainers, college students and professors, and reflects High/Scopes curriculum framework based on 58 key developmental indicators (KDIs). The KDIs are organized in categories that closely parallel Kansas Early Learning Standards.

There is a strong and direct connection between a childs early years and later success in life. As a child care provider, part of your responsibility for children is to make sure that children in your care are ready to learn and can be successful once they enter kindergarten. The move to kindergarten is a big milestone for both children and their families. Understanding the expectations of kindergarten programs helps parents and early childhood staff offer experiences to help children succeed. The Kansas Early Learning Guidelines (ELGs) provide information for parents and teachers to determine school readiness. These indicators consist of areas such as: Health and Development Listening, Talking and Literacy Math Social-Emotional Development Science, social studies, fine arts, and approaches to learning

Working in the reggio Way

author: Julianne Wurm

This helpful book for teachers and child care providers of young children describes how to bring the innovative practices of the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy to child care programs in the U.S. The author observed and worked in the world-famous schools, and knows first-hand how to help American teachers transform their classrooms. The book describes organization of time and space; documentation of childrens work, observation and questioning and attention to childrens environments. It also contains interactive activities for individual or group reflection and a set of questions for practitioners to ask themselves along the way.

The indicators include a range of skills for children aged birth to kindergarten. The ELGs also lay out goals needed for a child to succeed in a school setting including:

Each child has a safe, healthy, nurturing learning environment from birth to school age. Kansas has an integrated, comprehensive system of programs for families and children. Kansas strongly supports programs that ensure school readiness.

The Montessori Method

author: Maria Montessori

This book is Maria Montessoris own description of the theory behind her innovative educational techniques. The book describes for parents, teachers and administrators how to free a child to learn through his own efforts. The history of Montessori, practical application and examples of Montessori uses are described from the author and developers point of view.

Events Calendar
July 25-27
hoPE (helping overcome Povertys Existance) 2012 Kansas Conference on Poverty
Hyatt Regency, Wichita, KS

NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

ChiLd sTarT, inC.

1002 S. Oliver Wichita, KS 67218

Paid
SALINA, KS 67401 PERMIT NO. 69

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

July 16-19

23rd annual statewide summer Conference for Kansas school nurses

Hyatt Regency, Wichita, KS

summertime snacks made together just taste better!

Make this fruit salsa for a tasty summertime dessert or a healthy snack. Be creative and substitute other fresh fruits that are in season, such as blueberries, cantaloupe or pineapple. Enlist childrens help to wash, chop and mix together this sweet dish.

annies Fruit salsa & Cinnamon Chips

ingredients 2 kiwis, peeled and diced 2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and diced 8 ounces raspberries 1 pound strawberries 3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor 2 tablespoons white sugar 1 tablespoon brown sugar 10 (10 inch) flour tortillas nutritiOn butter flavored cooking spray newS 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar directions In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture. nutritional information Per serving Calories: 312 | Total Fat: 5.9g | Cholesterol: 0mg (Yield 10 servings)

Source: allrecipes.com

Child Start 1002 S. Oliver Wichita, KS 67218 316-682-1853 800-684-3962 www.childstart.org

Child Care Aware of South Central Kansas July/August 2012

Professional Membership
Join other early childhood teachers, business owners and leaders and say I am a Professional! Receive 40% discount on Child Start trainings*, discounts on Special Events, notication of FREE trainings before non-members, and more!

2012 2013

August 1 July 31

2012-2013 Prices
Individual - $20.00
(Covers only 1 person)

Individual + One - $35.00

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Site 100 Membership - $60.00

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Site 200 Membership - $110.00

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Child Starts Child Care Aware Call Center advertises your business to thousands of parents that call and visit us online... for FREE! Take full advantage of this service by making sure your information is up to date! Call 1-800-684-3962 or visit www.childstart.org

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A New Way To Update!

We are pleased to announce that all child care facilities are invited to use Online Provider Services (OPS). This application provides a portal for child care providers to review and update their NACCRRAware information online. For the providers, this will help them to keep their information up-to-date so that parents looking for child care receive current and accurate information. It will also allow providers to share information, submit documents, and access training calendars and other important information. If you are interested in using this service call or email Melissa Buche: 316-682-1853 or mbuche@childstart.org

Professional Development Events

July 2012
Date 7/2 7/7 7/9 7/9 7/10 7/11 7/12 7/14 Time Session Title County 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting/Abusive Head Trauma Sedgwick 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Adult, Child & Infant CPR/Choking, First Aid & Safety Sedgwick 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Safe Slumber: Creating a Safe Sleep & Play Environment Sedgwick 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Basic Knowledge Curriculum: Professionalism Sedgwick 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Pediatric First Aid Introduction And Refresher Sedgwick 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Abusive Head Trauma Sedgwick 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Take It Outside & Engage in Physical Activity Cowley 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Basic Knowledge Curriculum: Routines: Sleeping, Handwashing and Diapering Sedgwick 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting/Abusive Head Trauma Sedgwick 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers and Twos: Stories & Books Kingman 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Getting Ready to Read Sedgwick 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Illness Sedgwick 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM I AM Moving I AM Learning: Module One Sedgwick 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Adult, Child & Infant CPR/Choking, First Aid & Safety Sedgwick 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Cavity Free Kids - Oral Health for Children in Child Care Butler 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Pediatric First Aid Introduction And Refresher Sedgwick 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Healthy Afterschool Kids Reno 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM We Like to Move It! Harvey 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Basic Knowledge Curriculum: Program Planning - Module Sedgwick

7/16 7/16 7/17 7/18 7/21 7/21 7/23 7/24 7/24 7/26 7/28
Date 8/4 8/4

August 2012
Time Session Title County 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Adult, Child & Infant CPR/Choking, First Aid & Safety Sedgwick 10:00 AM-12:00 PM Safe Slumber: Creating a Safe Sleep & Play Environment Presented in Spanish Sedgwick 8/6 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting/Abusive Head Trauma Sedgwick 8/7 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Safe Slumber: Creating a Safe Sleep & Play Environment Kingman 8/9 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting/Abusive Head Trauma Sedgwick 8/11 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM PCAN-M3: Social-Emotional Development for Infants, Toddlers and Their Families McPherson 8/13 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Safe Slumber: Creating a Safe Sleep & Play Environment Butler 8/13 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting/Abusive Head Trauma Harvey 8/14 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting/Abusive Head Trauma Kingman 8/18 9:00 AM Growing With Children 2011! Professional Development Module - 4:00 PM Health & Safety Initial Reno Save The Date 8/18 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Adult, Child & Infant CPR/Choking, First Aid & Safety Sedgwick 8/20 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Basic Child Development Butler 8/21 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Basic Child Development Kingman 8/21 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Child Abuse Recognition & Reporting/Abusive Head Trauma Sedgwick 8/22 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Yikes is this Normal? Basic Child Development Training Sedgwick 8/29 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Yikes is this Normal? Basic Child Development Training Sedgwick 8/30 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Financial Wellness in the Workplace Sedgwick The above is just a sample of classes for July and August 2012. We are currently scheduling dates for Abusive Head Trauma. Visit www.childstart.org or call 316-682-1853 for the most up to date list!