spring 2015 newsletter for harford/cecil county
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
Spring 2015 Harford/Cecil County Child Care Links Resource & Referral Center Newsletter
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
PLEASE NOTE: CHILD CARE LINKS is closed
daily for lunch from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
CLOSED FOR LUNCH
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! We are adding new pins all the time!
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.
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!!
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.
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 for Providers...
CALL 1-866-752-1614 (24 Hour Hotline) 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
LOCATE for Parents…
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:
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.
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
Locate Child Care
1001 Eastern Avenue
2nd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
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?
All sessions are from 6:00—8:00 pm
These sessions are FREE, but pre-registration is required. For more information or to
register, please call 443-512-0461
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.
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)
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!"
Five Little Birdies
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.
Ten Fingers-A Fingerplay I have ten fingers - hold up both hands, fingers spread And they all belong to me - point to self
I can make them do things -
Would you like to see?
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
I can make them jump low - touch floor
I can fold them up quietly - fold hands in lap
And hold them just so.
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.
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
Harford 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
Cecil County
Kimberly Milburn
Julia Raeke-Sheikh
Laura Buskirk
CCL Welcomes New Providers!!
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
3-hour training!
FREE
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
REGISTRATION FORM
Phone-In Registration to 443-512-0462 (Requires a Visa or Master Card payment) Mon. thru Fri. 8:30am to 3:30pm
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
1. / $
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: ___________
Child Care Links of Harford & Cecil County Training Policies and Procedures
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 8:30am-3:30pm, 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.
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.
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.
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 train-ings.
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
Visit us on the Web at
www.hcchildcarelinksinc.org
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 ex-panding and enhancing the quality of
child care in Harford and Cecil Counties by helping parents, child care provid-
ers, 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: Please fill out and return to Child Care Links and you could win a
Are you a (circle one please):
Family Child Care Provider
Center Child Care Staff Member: Other: Owner/Operator Parent
Director Informal Child Care Provider (family member providing care for a relative) Senior Staff Member Community Member Group leader Government Aide *Not Listed _______________________________________________________
How do you rate your overall opinion of the Newsletter and Training Calendar (circle one)
1 2 3 4 5 Poor Fair Good Very Helpful Excellent
How long have you been a Daycare Provider?
1. Less than one year 2. One to two years 3. Three or more years What topics related to child care and development would you like to see on the training calendar? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.
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 [email protected].
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: __________________________________ Address: __________________________________
Phone #_________________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________
4. What features of the newsletter are helpful to you?
1.
Strongly
disagree
2. 3. 4. 5.
Strongly
agree
“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.
Enter to win a Free 3 Hour
$25 Training
This publication was produced as a work for hire for the benefit of, and with funds from, the
Maryland State Department of Education
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