The Advocate - Children`s Harbor

THE ADVOCATE
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
March 2012– Month in Review
April & May 2012
Children’s Harbor Early Care and Education Programs
From the Desk of Beth Griner
“On the heels of VAECE 2012…”
Inside this issue:
New Members
1
18th Annual Meeting
1
Upcoming Trainings
2
VA-Infant Toddler Specialist Network
3
Safe Harbor Awards &
4
R U Ready Chesapeake?
-co-n-n-e-c-t-i-o-n-s
SEAEYC Newsletter
5
Child Care Emergency
Voucher Program
7
USDA Child and Adult
Care Food Program
7
Week of the Young Child 8
CH-PPC Membership
Form
9
Workshop Registration
Form
9
On March 8th, 9th, and 10th, I had the wonderful opportunity to co-chair the 56th
Annual Virginia Association of Early Care and Education (VAECE) Conference
with Susan Pollack, Curriculum and Program and Curriculum Director of
Children’s Harbor, and Temple Richardson, Director and Owner of Loch -Meadow
Kindergarten, Inc. in Norfolk. These fantastic women and our dynamic committee
helped make this a wonderfully rewarding experience for close to 1600, state wide, early care professionals in attendance. We met in Hampton, VA for three fun
-filled days of networking, inspiration, and professional development. Over 100
presenters shared their enthusiasm and expertise with our eager conference goers. Over 50 exhibitors welcomed the 2012 Conference attendees with warm
smiles and wonderful deals.
All in all, familiar faces were reunited, new friends were made, and a renewed
sense of joy and excitement for the work we do was created at this conference.
Thank you to the 2012 Conference Committee and our amazing volunteers for
their long hours, contagious creativity, attention to detail and lasting commitment
to the education and welfare of young children and their families.
I hope to see you all in Reston, VA for the 57th Annual VAECE Conference on
February 14-16, 2013. To learn more about the conference and future planning
efforts, please visit www.vaece.org. If you are interested in becoming a VAECE
member, visit www.naeyc.org for more information.
Director of Community Development and Communications
You’re Invited! ~ Children’s Harbor’s 18th Annual Meeting
Who: CH—PPC Members
Please R.S.V.P.
When: June 6th from 5:00 p.m.—6:30 p.m.
by May 31, 2012
Where: Children’s Harbor Ghent ~ 1900 Llewellyn Ave. ~ Norfolk, VA
757) 397-2981
Welcome New and Renewal Members!
Individual Members
Lena Watson
Glenda Talley
Center Members
Pocahontas Preschool, LLC
Bayview Christian Preschool
Armed Services YMCA
Epworth Day School
THE ADVOCATE
UPCOMING TRAININGS
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
2
Check out our website, www.childrensharbor.cc, and watch for our E-Bulletin email
correspondence, as well as future issues of The Advocate. Not receiving our E-Bulletins??
Be sure to forward your email address to training@childrensharbor.cc
Who’s Controlling Whom?
Susan Pollack, Presenter
Portsmouth Reads 2011-2012
Early Childhood Development Training Series
It’s an Arty Party!
& Annual Celebration
This workshop will provide insight into
why children behave as they do and
offer positive strategies on how to deal
with unacceptable behaviors.
Date: April 28, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Place: Wave Children’s Learning Center
1000 N. Great Neck Road, Va Beach, VA
Fees: $17– Home Care Providers
$35—CH PPC Members
$45—Non Members
Call (757) 399-1337 for registration information.
Are you experiencing any
of the following?
Do the children seem to be running
your room?
Do you want to clone some kids and
send others up to the next room?
Do you feel grateful when certain
children are absent?
Is that brewing temper tantrum
YOURS and not the child’s?
Join us for either of these behavior
workshops and learn some excellent
strategies and tips that could improve
all of the above!
Save the Date!
Who’s Controlling Whom?
Encore Workshop
in Norfolk, VA
September 15, 2012
For Portsmouth
Providers Only
April 7, 2012
Presenter: Gordon Jones
and PR Board Members
9:00-11:00 a.m.
John Tyler Elementary School
**BONUS Session**
Kindergarten Readiness and
Transition Forum
May 5, 2012
Presenters: Portsmouth Public Schools
Teachers and Administrators
8:30—11:00 a.m.
Woodrow Wilson High School
Pre-registration is required.
Call 757 -399 -1337 to register.
Susan Pollack
Presenter
Save the Date!
“Popping Our Tops Off!!”
September 29, 2012
10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m.
Children’s Harbor Ghent
Find New Ways to Teach
Art Math Music Science
Using household lids and tops.
Create educational materials and
learning activities!
Don’t forget your
craft kits (markers,
scissors, glue, etc..)
and a large shoe
box.
Workshop Fees:
$10 — CH PPC Members
$20 — Non Members
THE ADVOCATE
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
3
Director’s Forum
Monthly Training Series Sponsored by the VA-ITSN
Bring
a Bag
Lunch
Christy John
Rochelle Pleasant
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Children’s Harbor in Ghent
1900 Llewellyn Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23517
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Suffolk Department of Social Services
135 Hall Avenue
Suffolk, VA 23434
April 26
Infant and Toddler Learning and Development
Why can’t the children sit long enough for my
teachers to teach?
May 24
Culture, Family & Providers—
Taking Care of Ourselves
How do you handle the stresses of everyday?
The above workshops are designed for Directors, Assistant Directors, and Administrators, or those being groomed for these positions,
who work in programs serving Infants and Toddlers! This training is FREE. Pre-Registration is required. You can register by phone
(757) 399-1337, or email us at training@childrensharbor.cc.
The Eastern VA-ITSN is
Seeking
New Programs!
Do you work with Infants or Toddlers?
Openings Available
Act Now! Space is limited.
FREE Services Include:
On-Site Trainings
One-on-One Mentoring & Consultation Services
Resources and Materials
A Link to Valuable Community Resources
Professional Development Points to QRIS and VAITSN
involved programs.
Contact:
Christy John
cjohn@va-itsnetwork.org
Or Rochelle Pleasant
rpleasant@va-itsnetwork.org
Learning Opportunities
Through Routines
Rochelle Pleasant
Virginia Infant Toddler Specialist
Presenter
April 14, 2012
9:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Free Skills Training
Call 1-757-653-3111
We do routines everyday, but we may not realize there
are nuggets of learning opportunities hidden there.
Come to a workshop that will explore hands-on ways to
incorporate learning experiences through routines.
Southampton County Dept. of Social Services
26022 Administration Center Drive
Courtland, Virginia 23837
Sponsored by :
The VA Infant Toddler Specialist Network is a
program of Child Development Resources, and is
supported by the Virginia Department of Social
Services (VDSS) Grant #93.575, with funds made
Available to Virginia from the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services.
THE ADVOCATE
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
4
Children’s Harbor
Community Development & Training
Offers On-Site Training Solutions
through various training opportunities.
11th Annual
Safe Harbor Awards
Dinner, Silent Auction &
Recognition Ceremony
Contact our Office and we will
customize a training package that
meets all your training needs.
We bring the trainer
and the presentation
to you!
Contact Beth Griner
(757) 399-1337
Ask Us about Training Scholarships ,Family Home
Provider rates and other special discounts!
You can register for any of the workshops on pages
2-4 by calling our office at (757)397-2981. You can
also fax the completed form on page 9 to us at
(757)397-1147.
Recognizing individuals and organizations
who have made a difference in the lives of
children and families in Hampton Roads.
May 17, 2012
Norfolk Plaza Hotel
(formerly Crowne Plaza Hotel)
Silent Auction and cocktails beginning at 6:00 pm.
Call (757) 397-2981 to reserve your seat or table,
advertise, and/or sponsor this wonderful event!
Visit our website at www.childrensharbor.cc for a
list of 2012 Award Recipients, as well as a full
list of past award recipients.
Chesapeake
Providers
ONLY
Best Practices
Developmentally Appropriate Practices
in the Classroom
Lisa Meyers
April 21, 2012
10:00 a.m. —12:00 noon
2011-2012
Training
Series
NEW LOCATION!!!!!
It’s an Arty Party!
Gordon Jones
May 19, 2012
* 11:00 a.m. -12:00 noon
Limited to the first 50 callers.
Limited to the first 50 callers.
Building Supportive Environments
A focus on Social Emotional Development
Courtenay Truett
May 3, 2012
*6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
Annual Celebration!
Ceremony & Refreshments
May 19, 2012
12:00 noon -1:00 p.m.
*ALL are invited to attend!
Limited to the first 50 callers.
*P re - regi stration is requi red
Indian River Library
Clarence V. Cuffee Community Center
2320 Old Greenbrier Rd.
2019 Windy Road
Chesapeake, VA 23325
Chesapeake, VA 23325
Pre-registration is required. Call 757 -399-1337 to register.
-c-o-n-n-e-c-t-i-o-n-s
Spring 2012
Greetings fellow early childhood educators,
As I near the end of my term as Co-President of SEAEYC, I can’t help but wonder where the time has
gone? Just a few years ago, a handful of die-hard advocates for young children were sitting around
the table discussing whether SEAEYC should remain an affiliate of NAEYC or become a small
chapter of the organization. Well, a fire was lit under us, and now we are stronger than ever. Our
membership is up, our executive board is full, and our committees are flourishing. Because of team
work, we are a cohesive and vivacious NAEYC affiliate. With everyone working together, no one person has to work too hard. Just as the saying goes-many hands make light work.
In January, we had a very successful general meeting called “Winter Wonderland.” It was a night of
great food and networking. Participants received training from our VAECE President, Toni CacaceBeshears, on preparing Virginia’s preschool children for school success: “Aligning Expectations and
Measuring Quality.” January also found our affiliate members busy at our state capital in Richmond.
Atleacia Gibson (Past President), Cindy Brown (Co-President), Quniana Futrell (Treasurer), and Blair
Posey (Second Vice President) joined Toni and more than 20 other VAECE members to meet with
our Delegates and Senators to advocate for the support of funds for early childhood education, which
improves the quality of life for young children and their families. Way to go team!
In February, it was public policy time in our Nation’s capital. On February 28 th & 29th members, Cindy
Brown, Quniana Futrell, Kim Jennings (First Vice President), Joyce Oandasan (Third Vice President),
Atleacia Gibson, and Toni Cacace-Beshears made their way to the 2012 NAEYC Public Policy Forum
in Washington, D.C., for the call to action. What a strong showing NAEYC made to the 112 th Congress with advocates from all 50 states joining forces. They shared our vision of excellence for early
childhood education where all children deserve access to high-quality education and development
experiences beginning at birth.
In March, we partnered with TAECE to co-host the 56th Annual VAECE conference in Hampton. What
an event! Our SEAEYC Conference Co-Chairs were Susan Pollack, Temple Richardson, and Beth
Griner. Featured speakers and events included Dr. Katharine Kersey, Dr. Jean Feldman, Dr. Craig
Ramey, Shelia Arnold, Lillian Hubler, and Greg & Steve, to name a few. We had an advocacy panel
discussion, Literacy Luncheon with a variety of children’s book authors, Interest Forums, Media
Awards, and an evening of Zumba. I hope that you had time to attend at least one day of the threeday event. Thank you to all the volunteers and committee members who contributed their time and
energy to help make the conference one of the best that I’ve ever attended.
SEAEYC has accomplished so much in the past few years. It has been an honor for me to serve in a
position that has been held by my friends and mentors. Many thanks to Atleacia Gibson and Toni
Cacace-Beshears for the encouragement to lead this group. Best wishes to my right-hand woman,
Cindy Brown, as she steps up to the plate. Serving SEAEYC and its members has been an awesome
experience and one that I will always treasure.
Sincerely,
Carol V. Wilson
SEAEYC Co-President
6
2011-2012 SEAEYC Board:
Co-Presidents: Carol Wilson carolvwilson@verizon.net
Cindy Brown cbrown51@gmail.com
1st Vice Pres: Kim Jennings kkjennings@nsu.edu
2nd Vice Pres: Blair Posey blair.posey116@yahoo.com
3rd Vice Pres: Joyce Oandasan joandasan@rainbowstationvab.org
Treasurer:
Quniana Futrell Quniana@hotmail.com
Past President: Atleacia Gibson Atleacia.Gibson@pps.k12.va.us
VAECE President/SEAEYC Past President:
Toni Cacace-Beshears cacaceb@verizon.net
2011-2012 SEAEYC Planning Calendar
April 17, 2012— SEAEYC Board Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Contact any SEAEYC Board Member
above to become more involved with the SEAEYC Board!
April 22-28, 2012– Week of the Young Child– Local and State-wide events—Visit naeyc.org or
see page 8 for more information.
May 29, 2012—SEAEYC General Meeting and Spring Fling— 6:30 p.m. at Children’s Harbor
Ghent. All are invited to attend!
“SPOTLIGHT ON”
The City of Chesapeake received a grant from Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads in July
2011. The grant is designed to assist in helping Chesapeake build a comprehensive and coordinated
early childhood system, ensuring that Chesapeake children enter kindergarten ready for
success. Chesapeake has focused on ensuring that this is a collaborative effort between city
departments, school system and community agencies.
Since November 2011, we have offered a monthly, Chesapeake Provider training series called R U
Ready Chesapeake? We have had an enormously positive response to these trainings! We will
continue to offer this valuable and FREE training series next year. This training series is in collaboration
with Children’s Harbor and is modeled after similar training programs in Portsmouth and Suffolk, VA.
We have been working with South Norfolk family home/center providers (a designated revitalization area)
and Chesapeake Title 1 teachers to take a targeted approach for readiness within areas of our city where
it is most needed. We have been thrilled with the passion and response from the teachers and
families. We are targeting special training and community engagement within South Norfolk. On March
22, our Title 1 schools began hosting a series of seven kindergarten readiness workshops. This teacher
directed initiative gives inexpensive, parent-friendly ideas on kindergarten readiness. The goal is to have
our children register early so that our school system can best prepare for each individual student. These
trainings are open to providers as well.
Kathryn Jessee, Early Childhood Program Coordinator for Chesapeake’s Bureau of Community
Programs, is coordinating these early childhood initiatives for the City of Chesapeake. If you have any
questions, please contact her at (757) 382-6796 or kjessee@cityofchesapeake.net.
THE ADVOCATE
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VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
Child Care Emergency Voucher Program
What is a Child Care Emergency Voucher?
It is a one-time emergency monetary assistance program established to maintain
stability for children in early childhood settings and to assist parents in providing
care for their children.
Who is eligible to apply for a voucher?
Providers who are members of Children’s Harbor, which includes children of families who are being
cared for by center-based programs that are registered members of Children’s Harbor, and home
care providers working in USDA homes sponsored by Children’s Harbor.
The parent of the child must demonstrate an actual emergency.
What is an emergency?
Disasters (fire, accidents)
Loss of employment
Newly employed
Single parent households
Change in marital status
Illness/Death
Recent divorce/separation
Homelessness
What is the application process?
1. The provider must call Children’s Harbor’s Training Department to request an emergency
voucher.
2. The provider must complete the emergency voucher form on behalf of the eligible family. Be sure
to have the parent(s) include their information as needed.
3. The provider returns the completed form to Children’s Harbor. The voucher coordinator will
review the request. Any eligible request will be handled as quickly as possible. Please allow 4-6
weeks for the processing of a voucher check. Once accepted and approved, the voucher is paid
to the center or home provider.
Community Training and Professional Development
(757) 399-1337 or training@childrensharbor.cc
Thinking about starting a family child care home?
USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program
Offers:
For more
information,
please call:
(757) 397-2984
USDA is an equal
opportunity
program.
Free workshops and training
Free calendar and recordkeeping system
Free nutrition education materials for children and providers
Consultation with nutrition specialists
Free Children’s Harbor-Places and Programs membership
The Children’s Harbor USDA Department (Places and Programs for Children, Inc.) can also assist you with
the licensing process (if you plan to care for six or more children) or the Voluntary Registration process (if
you plan to care for five or fewer children).
Debbie@childrensharbor.cc
THE ADVOCATE
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VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
APRIL 22-28, 2012
Childhood is a unique and wonderful time of life—a time when children grow, learn, strive, dream, and
build the foundations for their futures.
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration each April sponsored by The National Association for
the Education of the Young Child (NAEYC). The purpose of the Week of the Young Child is to focus public
attention on the rights and needs of young children and their families and to support the early childhood
programs and services that meet those needs.
NAEYC first established the Week of the Young Child in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years
(birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life. The Week of the
Young Child is a national celebration, but its strength is derived from hundreds of local events, programs,
and communities.
This year’s Week of the Young Child’s theme, Early Years Are Learning Years, focuses on the importance
of high-quality early care and education programs.
Early childhood education is vital to all communities:
The majority of mothers with children under 18 work; and working families rely on child care providers
to help them care for their children while they work.
Research shows that high-quality early childhood programs help children succeed in school, including
language, pre-mathematics and social skills.
The Week of the Young Child is a time to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child
receives the type of environment—at home, in early care and education programs, and in the community—
that promotes safety, health, positive self concepts, and learning.
Each of us can help make the most of children’s opportunities by:
supporting programs that provide quality early childhood education by volunteering at a local school,
community center, Head Start or early care and education program
educating yourself and others about the importance of quality early childhood education in preparing
your children for school
supporting child-friendly policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
By rallying people in every community, we can build recognition that the early years are children’s
opportunities and our responsibilities.
THE ADVOCATE
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
9
Please Sign Me Up!
Complete the following form(s) for membership or workshop registration.
CH-PPC MEMBERSHIP Form
Children’s Harbor—Places and Programs for Children, Inc.
Please fill out the form below and send it with your check, made payable to Children’s Harbor, to:
Children’s Harbor
Training Department– Membership
702 London Street
Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-2413
Please print:
Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Center/Organization: ______________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ________________________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: ________________________
Phone Number: _____________________________ Email Address*: ______________________________________________
Membership Desired (check one)



Parent / Student
Individual Provider
Center / Organization
$15.00
$20.00
$50.00 (covers up to 20 staff)
Once we receive your membership application, we will send you your membership card. Let your savings begin!
We look forward to working with you!
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION
To ensure accurate and timely registration, please complete ALL fields below. Make copies as needed.
Name of Workshop or Training Event:__________________________________________________________________________
Presenter Name: _________________________________________________
Date of Event:____________________________
Participant Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________
Center/Organization/HCP: ___________________________________________________________________________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone #______________________ Fax: ______________________ Email*:__________________________________________
Amount Enclosed:
$____________________
CH Staff Member 
CH-PPC Member 
Non CH-PPC Member 
Please make checks payable to Children’s Harbor.
Send registration form and check to the following:
Children’s Harbor
Training Department
702 London Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704
Questions? (757)-399-1337
* EMAIL: Enter your email address here and
join the e-Bulletin News Group!
You will receive monthly, and
more frequent, emails regarding
upcoming training opportunities
and other ECE events.
Children’s Harbor
Community Development and
Communication Department
702 London Street
Portsmouth, Virginia 23704-2413
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Norfolk, VA
Permit No. 57
The
Advocate
VOLUME 18 ISSUE 3
March 2012-Month in Review
April  May
2012
What’s Inside!
Training Opportunities
Membership Benefits
Emergency $$ for Child Care
Networking Opportunities
Helpful Resources
DO YOU WANT THE LATEST NEWS ABOUT TRAININGS,
CONFERENCES AND OTHER ECE INFORMATION?
Visit www.childrensharbor.cc for up-to-date information about our
workshops, conferences and other training opportunities.
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at www.facebook.com. Search for Children’s Harbor Hampton
Roads. Receive daily news and helpful tips pertaining to the
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If you are not receiving our weekly e-Bulletins, please share
your email address with us.
Call our Training Department at (757) 399-1337 or email us at
training@childrensharbor.cc.