In The News

Institute of Museum and Library Studies Early Learning Challenge

Date Posted: Jan 28, 2012

A message from Susan Hildreth, Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Studies ( IMLS)
The need to invest in young children is clear, as are the benefits of that investment. Here at IMLS we are challenging libraries and museums to take a leading role in their communities’ early learning strategies. We have committed up to $2 million in National Leadership Grants to libraries and museums, working in partnership with other community organizations, to take action in three areas: school readiness, summer reading loss, and chronic school absence.

From the Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge to the Campaign for Grade Level Reading, the urgency of this national priority cannot be understated. We know that libraries and museums are part of the solution and IMLS’s interest in this area is not new. In just the past three fiscal years, IMLS discretionary programs have provided more than $10 million for museum and library services for young children, and we know that the commitment from the state agencies receiving IMLS Grants to States funding is equally robust. Read more

http://www.imls.gov/applicants/national_leadership_grant_guidelines.aspx

Nell Duke Lecture: Slides now available

Date Posted: Nov 17, 2011

Thank you to all who attended the Promoting Literacy from Birth to Five lecture presented by Nell Duke, PhD on November 9th at the University of Denver’s Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management. The event was sponsored by the Marsico Institute for Early Learning and Literacy. Lt. Governor Joe Garcia introduced Governor Hickenlooper’s statewide initiative to ensure that all children are reading on grade level by the third grade.

The slides for Nell Duke’s lecture are now available.

Nell Duke is a professor of teacher education and educational psychology, an affiliate of the program in school psychology, and co-director of the Literacy Achievement Research Center (LARC) at Michigan State University. Duke received her Bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College and her Masters and Doctoral degrees from Harvard University. Duke’s work focuses on early literacy development, particularly among children living in poverty.

http://www.msularc.org/

Free Dental Insurance from Delta Dental of Colorado Fund

Date Posted: Dec 12, 2011

Apply Today | Not sure if you qualify? Call 720-489-4713

The Delta Dental of Colorado (DDCO) Fund is a new program that provides two years of free dental insurance to low-income Coloradans. Today, thanks to the DDCO Fund, almost 1,600 people are covered by dental insurance. For many, it's the first dental coverage they've ever had.

One of the best ways to improve the oral health of Colorado families is to get more people covered by dental insurance. In fact, 81% of people with dental insurance report seeing a dentist twice a year or more.1 Unfortunately, for many the cost of essential dental care is simply out of reach. This is why Delta Dental of Colorado is proud to offer an innovative new program to help low income Coloradans get the dental care they need. The goal of the Fund is to remove financial barriers and empower patients to take control of their oral health. In the end, it’s simple. We just want to improve the oral health of the communities we serve.

http://www.deltadentalco.com/DDCO-Fund.aspx

Free and Reproducible Language and Early Literacy Activities in Multiple Languages

Date Posted: Dec 12, 2011

Washington Learning Systems is making available, at no cost, activities for supporting the literacy of young children (0-5) in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Somali, Burmese, and Russian.

The "On the Go" materials include 14 activities designed to be used outside the home: in the car, while walking, during bus rides, etc. The activities encourage early language and literacy development from birth through preschool. They are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically.

The materials are designed to encourage parents to interact with their children while they are "On the Go" to facilitate language, early literacy, and positive parent-child interactions. The 14 activities are accompanied by hints for each of the activities about how to modify them to meet the specific developmental needs of the child. Each activity fits on a half-sheet of paper, so it can be easily provided to parents as a take-home.

Developed by Angela Notari-Syverson, Ph.D. and Judith Challoner.

The authors allow the materials to be reproduced and distributed as long as they are not sold.

The development of these materials was supported by Grant H324M020084 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Supporting Literacy in Natural Environments.

http://www.walearning.com/resources/on-the-go/

Help Me Grow Report: Colorado’s Evolving Model Recommendations from the Core Team

Date Posted: Nov 28, 2011

The Colorado Help Me Grow report is developed by the interagency, public-private Help Me Grow Core Team that provides history and background on this initiative as well as recommendations for next steps. Resources have been secured from the Maternal and Child Health grant and a national technical assistance grant to implement the next steps outlined in this plan.

http://helpmegrownational.org/index.php

Early Childhood Colorado Framework "Placemat"

Date Posted: Jun 14, 2011

The Early Childhood Leadership Commission has developed the “the placemat” as a supplementary resource that includes the Early Childhood Colorado Framework
on one side and the early childhood supports/services and funding streams on the other side. This may be printed two-sided on legal-sized paper.

See related documents:
Early Childhood Colorado Framework
Early Childhood Colorado Framework in Action State Plan

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/LtGovGarcia/CBON/1251592929261

Reflections on Early Learning Challenge Efforts

Date Posted: Jan 11, 2012

From the Early Childhood Leadership Commission Newsletter (December 22, 2011)

Reflections on Early Learning Challenge Efforts As you know, Colorado was one of 37 applicants for the $500 million Race to the Top- Early Learning Challenge funding. Colorado applied for $59.8 million to help accelerate the state’s plans to improve school readiness by strengthening the quality of all early learning programs, increasing access to high-quality programs, and developing the capacity of those people, places and programs serving children with the highest needs. Utlimately nine states were selected: California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and Washington State.

Colorado developed its Early Learning Challenge proposal with unprecedented engagement and openness. We value the contribution you made to the application, which has helped Colorado create a clear roadmap for improving the quality and effectiveness of early childhood education and pursuing the best educational outcomes for Colorado’s children. Colorado will continue to do what’s best for kids and we standby the state’s vision/plan for ensuring that every child is valued, healthy and thriving. Although this grant would have allowed Colorado to accelerate its vision for early learning, this decision does not diminish or undermine the urgency with which the state intends to pursue early childhood learning and development.

We believe that together, we can build from the plans developed, identify priorities and strategies for moving these plans forward. Our next steps will include intensive work to develop an action plan. And we will continue with work on governance: this news will not deter Colorado from continuing the state’s work to promote a more efficient and effective early childhood governance framework with the creation of a new office in the Department of Human Services.

We appreciative the Commissioners continued partnership and leadership in executing the vision developed through the grant process. As Commissioners we hope you share with others your continued enthusiasm for and committment to the work ahead.

The Early Childhood Leadership Commission Newsletter is an update on the Undertakings of the ECLC and Important News Articles Related to Their Work.

For further information, please visit Lt. Gov. Garcia's Early Childhood Leadership Commission.
To contact the Early Childhood Leadership Team, please email us at early.childhoodteam@capitol.state.co.us

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/LtGovGarcia/CBON/1251592929261

Note from the Lieutenant Governor on the State of the State Address

Date Posted: Jan 13, 2012

Important News from Lt. Governor Joe Garcia

Dear Early Childhood Stakeholders:

I have just returned from the State of the State and wanted to share with you Governor Hickenlooper’s exciting commitment to early childhood. Here is the text of the speech:

“Even in difficult times, we need to do right by our kids.

We seek your support in consolidating early childhood services under one roof to more efficiently and effectively aid children and parents. Currently, there are 23 separate funding streams administered through five different state agencies, each playing a role in early childhood support and services.

Read more…

http://us2.forward-to-friend1.com/forward/preview?u=77bac9f533d6bce265cae77d9&id=2e6afea358

Governor Hickenlooper's 2012 State of the State Address and Early Literacy

Date Posted: Jan 13, 2012

The message was clear: early childhood governance and literacy will be key components of Governor John Hickenlooper's agenda for 2012! The Governor’s Speech highlighted the importance of unifying state and local efforts to produce a more efficient effective and elegant early childhood system.

Suscribe to the The Early Childhood Leadership Commission Newsletter, which is an update on the Undertakings of the ECLC and Important News Articles Related to Their Work.

http://us2.forward-to-friend.com/forward/preview?u=77bac9f533d6bce265cae77d9&id=167fce38f9

Latest Child Find Directory Now Available

Date Posted: Jan 18, 2012

Dear Child Find Coordinators,

Attached is the most up to date Child Find directory, all of the changes from the fall round of regional meetings have been made. Please take a minute to review the listings for the Administrative Unit you represent and notify me of any updates that should be made. This document is accessed frequently, and is linked to from various other websites, so it’s important that it be accurate. It should include both general intake numbers as well as contact name and numbers for the Child Find Coordinator, and other relevant administrators. (Note: Districts are listed alpha by county, and BOCES are listed following all counties). Those of you who represent BOCES, please also verify that the list of member districts served by the BOCES is accurate.

The most current version of this can always be found on our website at this address, and because it is updated frequently it’s best to access it here as needed: http://www.cde.state.co.us/early/downloads/CHILDFIND/ChildIDDirectory.pdf

Thanks for your help with this,
Heidi McCaslin
State Child Find Coordinator
Early Childhood Initiatives
Colorado Department of Education
1560 Broadway, Suite 1175
Denver, CO 80202
303-866-6667
mccaslin_h@cde.state.co.us
http://www.cde.state.co.us

http://www.cde.state.co.us/early/downloads/CHILDFIND/ChildIDDirectory.pdf

News from Early Childhood Council of Larimer County

Date Posted: Jan 18, 2012
Incredible Years Parenting Groups

Larimer Center for Mental Health is offering new Incredible Years Parenting Groups

(ages 0-12) starting the end of this month in Fort Collins.

Mental Health First Aid is Here!

2 free trainings available at Larimer Center for Mental Health
- Please RSVP to Kristen via email kristen.jernigan@larimercenter.org or at (970) 494-4225
March 19 & 20, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
April 16 & 17, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Mental Health First Aid is a groundbreaking public education program that helps the public identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. All community members are encouraged to attend – so bring your friends and neighbors!

To Learn more about Larimer Center for Mental Health, view our 8 minute video

2012 CPR Classes
AHA Certified CPR & First Aid Instructor
Melissa Neumeister - School Nurses on the Move

Saturday, January 21st: 9:00am to 2:30pm
Located at Bright Horizons Loveland
2420 W. 8th St. Loveland, CO 80537 (at the SW corner of 8th & Wilson)

Saturday, February 25th: 9:00am to 2:30pm
Bright Horizons West Fort Collins
3513 Richmond Dr. Fort Collins, CO 80526 (Near the NW corner of Horsetooth & Shields)

Saturday, March 24th: 9:00am to 2:30pm
Located at Bright Horizons Loveland
2420 W. 8th St. Loveland, CO 80537 (at the SW corner of 8th & Wilson)

Additional classes can be scheduled upon request for 5 or more.
Contact Melissa at (970)420-7522 or mkoch6481@hotmail.com to register.
Pre-registration & pre-payment required!
Either CPR or First Aid: $40; CPR AND First Aid: $70
*Cards valid for 2 years *DHS approved instructor
Once registration is confirmed please mail payment to:
Melissa Neumeister
2546 5th ST SW
Loveland, CO 80537

Please wear comfortable clothing as we will be on the floor to practice CPR.
You are welcome to bring snacks or lunch.

Early Childhood Council of Larimer County
1730 S. College Ave., Suite 200
Fort Collins, CO 80525
(970) 377-3388
(970) 377-2866 fax
http://www.ecclc.org/www.ecclc.org

http://www.ecclc.org

Early Childhood Coaching Series

Date Posted: Jan 18, 2012

The Colorado Coaching Consortium offers an Early Childhood Coaching Series through the University of Colorado Denver!

Designed around the Colorado Coaching Competencies, this 9 credit 3 course series strengthens and enhances your coaching practice through foundational coaching skills, practical hands?on experiences, peer networking, reflection, and self awareness. The series includes the following courses:
#1 Coaching EC Professionals: Foundation & Organization of Coaching
#2 Coaching EC Professionals: Connecting Awareness with Application & Deepening of Practice (a few spaces open in the Spring semester second course)
#3 Coaching EC Professionals: Attuning for Personal and Organizational Change

http://www.cocoaches.net/

Online Courses in Early Childhood at CSU

Date Posted: Jan 18, 2012

Did you know that you can complete your Bachelor of Science (B.S.) online in Human Development and Family Studies, with an emphasis in Early Childhood, from Colorado State University? Or, you can take the Early Childhood courses you need online from CSU for credit.

Early Childhood/Child Development Courses
HDFS 310 – Infant and Child Development in Context (3 cr.)
HDFS 488A – Field Placement – Childhood Education (5-8 cr.)
HDFS 217 – Creative Experiences for Children (3 cr.)
HDFS 286 – Practicum – Professional Skills (3 cr.)
HDFS 318 – Infancy and Toddlerhood (3 cr.)
HDFS 320 – Cognitive and Language Development (3 cr.)
HDFS 375 – Programming for Children and Families (3 cr.)
HDFS 401 – Childhood Socialization (3 cr.)
Courses coming soon: Child Life Theory and Practice; Special Needs in Early Childhood; Administration of Early Childhood Programs; Promoting Early Socioemotional Competence

Or contact: Frances Betts (for information about online education, registration, etc.) (970) 491-0675 frances.betts@colostate.edu Or Patrick Reno (for information about the major in Human Development & Family Studies) (970) 491-2107 patrick.reno@colostate.edu

http://www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/hdfs/curriculum.dot

Colorado Wins $26.1 Million Bonus for Making Public Health Care Programs Work Better for Kids

Date Posted: Jan 18, 2012

For the second year in a row, Colorado was celebrated for its success in making government work better for the benefit of children.

On December 30, 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded Colorado $26.1 million for implementing five policies to streamline and simplify safety net health programs and increase the number of kids served by these programs. These policy changes have resulted in more kids covered, improved government efficiency and $26 million in additional revenues for the state’s budget that has struggled with shortfalls.

Colorado was one of 23 states awarded a “bonus” for meeting criteria established in the 2009 federal reauthorization of the Child Health Insurance Plan which resulted in a significant increase in the number of children enrolled in public insurance programs.

The policies that qualified Colorado for the money included common sense changes such as removing the asset test, eliminating the requirement for in-person interviews when applying for the programs, and aligning policies across Medicaid and CHP+.

Of the 23 awards, Colorado’s bonus of $26.1M was the third largest – behind only Maryland and Virginia – and was nearly twice the amount awarded to Colorado last year.

http://action.voices.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=33581.0

Save the Date and Call for Presentations! TRIAD Early Childhood Council Conference on Apr 27-28

Date Posted: Jan 18, 2012

2012 TRIAD Early Childhood Council Conference: Linking Communities for Success

Mark your calendar for this event!
What: 2012 TRIAD Early Childhood Council Conference
When: Friday, April 27th and Saturday April 28th, 2012
Where: Mile High Church in Lakewood, CO

Call for Presentations

On Friday-Saturday, April 27-28, the TRIAD Early Childhood Council will be hosting an early childhood systems conference. On the 27th the Council’s target audience is the community, business, social workers, law enforcement, leaders, legislators, doctors, and anyone working with or on behalf of young children. On the 28th the Council’s target audience will be early childhood professionals, directors, teachers, and family child care providers. We are seeking individuals to present for both days on a variety of topics.

Instructions: Please complete and submit the attached form: Call for Presentations
Selections will be chosen by a committee based on topic, content and originality, and will be primarily based on the information you provide. All proposals must be received no later than January 31, 2012 by 5:00 pm.

http://www.triadecc.org

Let's Play! Let's Grow Strong! Videos in English and en Español

Date Posted: May 17, 2011
Let's grow garden tomatoes

Plantemos tomates en el jardin

Let’s Play! Let’s Grow Strong! Public-Service Videos are now available

This free collection of 28 short English and Spanish-language videos that call on children age 3 to 8, parents, teachers and other caregivers to move, play and eat healthy are available to media and organizations who reach out to and provide resources for children and families.

These fun videos are aimed at inspiring children aged 3 to 8 to run and play, and to eat well. Some may spark your children to ask for a breakfast or lunch that’s healthy.
Feel free to watch, share, download, and play them at home, your daycare, clinic, school, website, television station or wherever children might see them.
These videos were sponsored by Tri-County Health Department and The Children’s Hospital, both in Colorado, with funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Let’s Play! Let’s Grow Strong! Public-Service Videos
Hint: Click through the tabs to see each group of the 28 total videos.
Playing Outside (6 videos)
Playing Inside (6 videos)
Eating Healthy (8 videos)
For Parents (8 videos)

http://www.cpt12.org/news/index.php/public-service-videos-lets-play-lets-grow-strong/

Colorado Children’s Campaign Legislative Priorities

Date Posted: Jan 28, 2012

The Colorado Children’s Campaign has released their 2012 Legislative Priorities with the early childhood governance bill as their top priority. Thanks to the Campaign for their continued and vital support!

http://www.coloradokids.org/

Capitol Hill Briefing by ECLC Executive Director Jennifer Stedron

Date Posted: Jan 28, 2012

On January 24, 2012, ECLC Executive Director Jennifer Stedron presented a review of the Colorado Challenge Fund application at a Congressional Briefing. The briefing highlighted the successful applications of North Carolina, Ohio, and Maryland while stressing that states like Colorado are poised to make great strides if a second round of early childhood funding is made available. The First Five Years Fund followed up with a report "Stepping Up to the Challenge," which details the 37 state applicant profiles and contains highlights from the application process.

Read more news in the Early Childhood Leadership Commission Newsletter

The ECLC Newsletter is an update on the Undertakings of the ECLC and Important News Articles Related to Their Work. Subscribe today!

http://www.ffyf.org/content/strengthening-state-systems-closer-look-early-learning-challenge

Early Childhood Leadership Commission Annual Report to the Governor

Date Posted: Jan 28, 2012

Friday, January 20, 2012 the Early Childhood Leadership Commission presented their 2011 Annual Report before Governor John Hickenlooper, and the Senate Education, Senate Health and Human Services, House Education, and House Health and Environment Committees. The report highlighted Commission accomplishments and laid out the vision for future early childhood work. News of the report appeared in the Pueblo Chieftan, “State Ed Panel Wants More Early Programs,” and the Durango Herald, "Bill Aims to Help Kids".

Read more news in the Early Childhood Leadership Commission Newsletter

The ECLC Newsletter is an update on the Undertakings of the ECLC and Important News Articles Related to Their Work. Subscribe today!

http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/LtGovGarcia/CBON/1251592929261

Spring 2012 ECE Professional Learning Series at Denver Museum of Nature & Science

Date Posted: Jan 28, 2012

Science Tidbits: ECE Professional Learning Series, Especially for PreK – 1st grade teachers

Learn how to make science fun and engaging for your students on a daily basis. Learn about science process skills and how they relate to the Colorado preschool science standards. Each session will incorporate engaging hands-on learning activities and work to help you build a new learning community with fellow early childhood educators. These are low cost, hands-on workshop with lots of resources!

Spring 2012 Schedule
Cost: $10 per session
Summer 2012: Find out out more about Simply Science I and II
See the DMNS Professional Development section

http://www.dmns.org/teachers/professional-development/courses-and-academies



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