NEWS, Fall 2009 - Windham Child Care Association

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NEWS
For Early Childhood Professionals
Promoting a good start for all our children
www.windhamchildcare.org
Working with “Two’s”
By Susan Heimer
I am the teacher I am because “every
group is the best group ever.” Working
with toddlers is not for the non-energetic.
You have to constantly be “on” with the
children, constantly alert to the teachable
moment and possible hazards, and easygoing about messes. You have to be
patient, and enjoy these spirited children
with their strong personalities. “Two’s”
need two of every toy so we can avoid
competition (which happens even with
our emphasis on turn taking). “Two’s”
are independent but usually want to
have you close by. They are delighted
by lap time with books and songs. They
are often frustrated by their inability to
communicate strong needs and feelings
and can react in purely physical ways, but
what a change a year brings in language
ability!
I feel so privileged to have been
a part of many children’s lives during
this critical time in physical, social and
emotional development.
It is Jackson’s last day in the Younger
Toddler Classroom at the Winston Prouty
Center, and I am feeling sad as I look at
this familiar cherubic sleeping toddler.
He has grown so much. Jackson had
a busy day visiting his new room, but
upon returning he helped clean up and
even used the toy broom for its real
purpose and not just as a pretend guitar,
his “broomtar” (which he played daily all
during the winter). This is a little boy who
avidly studied any new song, motion, or
fingerplay and who spent hours perfecting
his balance on the puffy blocks and
coordination with a ball. This morning he
was in the sprinklers with a sparkling girl’s
bathing suit. There was no talking him
Susan Heimer and a Winston Prouty child
PHOTO COURTESY OF WINSTON PROUTY
our curriculum reminded me of how
he worked on checking out how other
children were feeling. He figured out
the classroom routine and how to make
Two year olds do best when the home/ the most of all the choices/activities
laid out on open shelves or on the tables
school connection is very strong. I took
(“environment as teacher”rotated materials
little notes and shared daily snippits of
based on current interests are out daily).
his conversation, interests, and social
interactions in our daily log sheets for his
Continued on page 10
parents. Having done a home visit I knew
about his house, dog, toys, etc. and shared
Susan Heimer, M.Ed., is
that knowledge with him. I chatted daily
starting her 14th year as Head
with his parents, who also attended school
Teacher in the Winston Prouty
events and parent conferences.
EL1 (Younger Toddler) Room.
Reflecting on his experience of
into his boring boy’s suit when dress up
was available. “Come on guys,” he was
heard to say as he initiated play with other
children, exuberant in his enthusiasm.
PROGRAM UPDATES: Mulberry Bush & Family Garden LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE: Join the mentor program!
SPOTLIGHT
130 Birge Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301
Tel (802) 254-5332 Fax (802) 251-7200
info@windhamchildcare.org
www.windhamchildcare.org
Mission: To improve the lives of Windham County
children and families by assuring access to highquality, economically viable child care. We:
• Provide support, resources and training to early
childhood professionals;
• Help parents identify, locate and pay for
quality child care and
• Advocate for improvements in the early
childhood system.
WCCA News: Funded in part by the Vermont
Department for Children and Families and the Child
Care Development Block Grant.
Photos by Windham Child Care Association staff
unless noted.
Board of Directors:
Bette Abrams, Secretary
Ken Brautigam, Assistant Chair
Kathie Gatto-Gurney
Lisa Harris
Jane Katz Field, MD
Jim Maland, Chair
Annamarie Pluhar
Anita Woodcock, Treasurer
Staff:
Grace Esdon, CACFP Support Specialist (ext. 315)
Sadie Fischesser, Executive Director (ext. 311)
Maggie Foley, Director of Development &
Communications (ext. 314)
Jeanna Genest, Subsidy Specialist (ext. 318)
Gretchen Horton Kuebler, Education & Outreach
Coordinator (ext. 310)
Cyndi Miller, Program Support Specialist (ext. 312)
Elizabeth Raposa, Senior Subsidy Specialist (ext. 319)
Deborah Satterfield, Executive Assistant (ext. 313)
Judy van Wageningen, Referral Specialist (ext. 317)
USDA Child Nutrition Programs are available to all
eligible participants regardless of race, color, sex,
age, handicap or national origin. Any person who
believes that he or she has been discriminated
against in any USDA activity should write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington,
D.C. 20250.
Newsletter is printed on recycled paper.
2 I Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009
Children playing at the recently-renovated Family Garden in Brattleboro
THERE IS LOTS OF EXCITEMENT
AT THE FAMILY GARDEN, INC.
An Update from Evelyn Trier
The Family Garden and the
Putney Family Garden continue to
be the only centers with multi-age
rooms in Vermont and are proudly
expanding that programming to a third
classroom in Brattleboro this fall.
Our home on Western Avenue
in Brattleboro has been a child care
center for more than thirty-five years.
To complement our program changes,
wonderful renovations and updates
have been made to the Family Garden
building.
We’ve taken down old walls,
put up some new ones, and given
everything a fresh coat of paint.
We’ve expanded doorways to be
handicap accessible and laid down all
new flooring. New spaces include a
teachers’ lounge and conference room
and most exciting - an indoor grossmotor skills room! Now our kiddos
have a permanent all-weather space to
run and tumble!
In Putney, we have a new Lead
Teacher/Site Director at the helm! A
native to the area, Bethany Carpenter
has returned from Maine where
she worked as a Professor of Early
Education. She’s already adding
new vigor and vim to the classroom.
Welcome Bethany!
Submitted by Evelyn Trier, Executive
Director of the Family Garden and
the Putney Family Garden.
To submit your program update, email
maggie@windhamchidlcare.org
OCTOBER
CALENDAR
3rd
ECEN Making Connections
Conference
Interested in applying for a United Way Grant for your
program? Visit www.windhamchildcare.org for info!
Changes Afoot at Mulberry Bush
New spaces, new neighbors
as program looks to improve
financial viability
This summer, you might have
heard that changes are happening at the
Mulberry Bush Early Learning Center
located at the Brattleboro Retreat.
Recently, we asked Tori Grahame, the
Mulberry Bush’s director, to share with
us the details of recent transitions in the
Mulberry Bush program.
As this article is being printed,
infants, young toddlers, and two-year olds
at the Mulberry Bush will be settling into
new spaces and the pre-schoolers will
be welcoming new neighbors. The two
year olds will have moved downstairs,
the infants and young toddlers will have
become new roommates, and WSESU’s
Essential Early Education (EEE) program
will have moved from Canal Street into
the Mulberry Bush building.
According to Tori, the changes were
made with an eye to the financial viability
of the program, while also maintaining
the integrity and heart of the program.
Not surprising to those familiar with
the child care market, Mulberry Bush’s
infant room was creating financial losses
that had to be made up for by the other
age groups. The reason for these losses
boils down to one main issue – an issue
that creates a struggle for all providers
– staffing ratios for infants. Instead of
closing (an option that Tori admits was
on the table) a combination of a tuition
increase and fewer infant slots has saved
the infant program. Especially for Retreat
employees returning to work after leave,
the availability of infant care is essential.
In addition to the move of the two
year olds to the building’s downstairs, the
infants and young toddlers will now share
ABOVE: A Mulberry Bush staff member and
child enjoy the program’s playground
LEFT: Mulberry Bush children playing
during the Center’s open house
celebration.
space. The slots for these two age groups
have been reduced in half; there are now
four infant slots and four young toddler
slots. Both of these groups will enjoy the
physical renovations of the space – more
shelving, new gates, and more play space.
In addition to these changes, the
EEE program from the school district
is moving to the Mulberry Bush site.
Bringing with them their own staff and
resources, the EEE program will continue
to operate as its own distinct program
independent from the Mulberry Bush, but
there is a great potential for collaboration
between the two. The program will
be located across the hall from the
preschoolers, making it an ideal location
for collaborative programming. For
Mulberry Bush the benefit extends past
the collaboration – by renting space to
the EEE program, their overall overhead
is lowered, a way of increasing fiscal
viability without raising tuition. This
collaboration has the potential to serve as
a model for the rest of the state on how
these types of programs can work together
to enhance the learning experiences of all
children.
While making the changes has meant
stressful decisions for Tori, she is relieved
that the changes meant no layoffs of
center staff. Natural staffing transitions
allowed her to keep existing fullybenefitted positions, without cuts.
Best of luck to Mulberry Bush
children and staff as they settle in to their
new spaces!
Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009
I 3
UPDATES & EVENTS
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Changing Seasons
It’s hard to believe that it’s already time for the fall edition of the
newsletter! After a summer that was filled with fits and starts, I am hoping
that we are enjoying some late summer sunshine as you are reading this.
As you might know, there has been a lot of activity in the state of
Vermont related to the early care and education system. Even as the state
budget shrinks because of decreases in revenue, monies are being reallocated
and dedicated to early education. You can read more about the proposals and
changes to the child care financial assistance program (formerly known as the subsidy program)
in this issue. In addition to these changes, there have been proposals made for changing the
STARS guidelines and requirements. As I understand it, the main goal behind these changes is
simple: improve children’s development in the state of Vermont by improving access to highquality, affordable and accessible early education and child care.
It is difficult to achieve this goal for many reasons including lack of resources, lack of
will to allocate resources to early education…the list goes on and on. One barrier that is more
subtle but I have observed as very real in my tenure as director, is a sense of discomfort when
addressing the issue of improving quality in child care and early education settings. This is one
area where Windham County early educators really stand out. Of course, through this position
and as the mother of a young child, I have had the opportunity to see first-hand some of the
excellent programs in our community. But aside from the anecdotal evidence that I and some
others know about, you have been doing an excellent job documenting the care and learning you
provide for children.
In the most recent report from Learning Partners about STARS participation across the
state, the numbers for Windham County are very impressive! This was not always the case,
but you have embraced the program whole heartedly, sought out the support you need to get
started participating and submitted applications so that we are now one of the counties with the
highest participation rates—over 30% of you are participating in the STARS program! You have
embraced the program to articulate and share your hard work and the benefits you provide for
children and families in our area. Congratulations and keep up that hard work!
As we move ahead together in the Vermont system, we need to continue to think together
about how to engage in honest and non-judgmental discussions about current and future quality
standards for child care and early education programs. I hope these are conversations that you
will engage in with Windham Child Care Association over the course of the coming year and
will continue to inform our work to enhance the lives of children and families in our county and
throughout the state as well. I look forward to hearing from you personally and via the other
staff members you know and work with so well!
With confidence,
NETWORKING
IN WINDHAM
COUNTY
Brattleboro Early Childhood
Educators Network meets the
2nd Tuesday of each month
from 6:30- 8:30 at the Academy
School in West Brattleboro.
Contact Sue Clarke at 254-4932
for more information. Topics
scheduled thus far are:
September: Jen Stanchfield
from High Five Adventures,
Team Building Initiatives
October: Cathy Siggins,
Resources and Services in our
area for children, families and
providers
November: Budget planning
for next year
December: Annual holiday
potluck and book exchange
Deerfield Valley Starting
Points Group meets the 3rd
Tuesday of each month, at 6:00
pm at the Dover Free Library.
For more information, contact
Tasha Tobey-Pike at 464-1694.
Brown Bag Discussion
Series for Director’s of Center
Based Programs meets the
4th Tuesday of each month
for timely presentations,
discussions and resource
sharing. Bring your lunch from
12:30 - 2:00 PM to
Early Childhood Educators’
Network of Southeastern
Vermont Second Annual
Making Connections
Conference is October 3rd. See
opposite page for details.
CONGRATULATIONS TO AREA PROGRAMS ON NEW STARS!
Sadie Fischesser
4 I Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009
Green Valley School - 3 stars
Little Valley - 2 stars
Martha Missale - 2 stars
Tonja Kendall - 1 star
News from Windham Child Care Association
You’re Invited!
Early Childhood Educators’ Network of
Southeastern Vermont Hosts Annual
Conference
The Second Annual Making Connections
Conference will be held on Saturday
October 3, 2009, at the Brattleboro
Retreat Conference Center. The
conference begins at 8:00 am and
continues until 3:00 pm.
Join fellow educators for a day of fun,
learning and connecting. There are a
number of great workshops to choose
from. Following lunch there will be
a facilitated discussion: “Talking with
Parents about Difficult Subjects” offered
in World Café format and facilitated by
Chloe Leary. This is an opportunity to
network with your peers, and share your
experiences. Some of the workshops
offered are:
• Practical Play Strategies for Your
Classroom.
• Diversity and Inclusion in Early
Childhood Education
• Touchpoints Refresher Workshop
• Foundations for Early Learning: What’s it
all about?
• Physical Activity and Fun
Register early to assure your workshop
choice. Deadline is September 18. Call
Gretchen Horton Kuebler at 254-5332
extension 310 for more information.
Child Care Financial Assistance Update
The CCFA team is continuing its efforts
to streamline and improve services for
families and providers. In October 2008
the Child Development Division (CDD)
required all child care providers to
become “e-providers”. This has resulted
in reducing paperwork, reducing the
cost of postage, and becoming a more
environmentally friendly program. The
benefits of these changes for providers
and the CCFA program have encouraged
us to consider what we could do here
in our office to become more efficient
and responsive to child care providers.
Therefore we will be making some
changes in how child care certificates are
distributed.
Beginning in late September we will no
longer be mailing paper copies of child
care certificates to child care providers.
Child care providers will now receive
child care certificates by email. Currently
we are updating our records to include
provider email information. If you have
not provided an email address to WCCA
we ask that you email Elizabeth Raposa
at elizabeth@windhamchildcare.org with
your current email address.
For providers who do not have email or
internet access we will continue to mail
child care certificates.
If you have any questions about these
changes please call 254-5332 to speak
with Elizabeth (x 319) or Jeanna (x 318).
Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009 I 5
PASS IT ON !
Poisoning Prevention:
Prescription Drugs
While parents and caregivers should always store cleaning
products where little hands and mouths can’t find them,
accidental ingestion of cleaning products is no longer the most
likely source of childhood poisoning. According to a new study
from The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, children
are now most likely to be poisoned by accidentally taking
prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and children under five
are the most likely victims of accidental medication poisoning.
To keep your children safe, help them develop healthy attitudes
towards their bodies and to understand that poisons harm their
bodies. Not all “bad” drugs have warning labels or poison
symbols on them. Explain to children that they should not eat
or smell food or medication unless it is provided by a family
member or known caregiver. Explain that drugs from a doctor
SAFETY ALERTS & RECALLS
Listed beloware recalls fom the Consumer Product Safety Commission
For a searchable database of items, go to: www.cpsc.gov/recalls
Child safety seats
For more information about
these recalls, see http://
www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/
recalls/childseat.cfm and don’t
forget to register your child’s
products! Manufacturers use
this information to inform you
directly of recalls and offer
replacement items.
DOREL JUVENILE GROUP(DJG)
Maxi-Cosi Mico models 22-371,
22-372, 22-515
If the shell is improperly
mounted to the base, the child
could be injured in the event of
a crash.
TRIPLE PLAY
Sit N Stroll
The webbing in the center
adjuster for the harness might
not be strong enough to properly
restrain the infant.
can help a person get well but are only meant for that person,
no one else, and could be harmful to others. Our children are
bombarded with media messages regarding prescription drugs.
When you see ads and television shows that suggest there’s a
pill for every ill, discuss them with your child. Explain that more
medicine doesn’t always mean healthier, happier people. Start
talking now and keep talking to your children throughout their
childhoods about the consequences of using drugs.
Here are some tips from Vermont Department of Health to
reduce the dangers of accidental poisoning in your home:
• Post the toll-free number for poison control 1-800-222-1222
on or near every home telephone.
• Store all medicines, household products, and personal care
products in locked cabinets that are out of reach of small
children.
• Do not call medicine candy.
Toys
For more information about
these see www.cpsc.gov
TEAM-TEX
Babyride
The recline of the child restraint
could result in injury to the child
in the event of a crash.
RECARO
Como, Signo
A spring on the front adjuster
could result in the child not
being properly secured and
increasing the potential to
sustain an injury.
PEG PEREGO
Primo Viaggo
There is a mold flash with a sharp
edge that can result in cuts,
scratches or abrasions on the feet
or legs of bare-footed infants.
6 I Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009
LITTLE TIKES
Workshop sets, trucks
A plastic nail toy included in
various workshop sets and
with some trucks is a choking
hazard. It was included in the
Little Handiworker Workhorse,
the Home Improvements 2-sided
Workshop, the Swirlin’ Sawdust
workshop, the Black Pickup Truck
with Tools.
LEAPFROG
My Dog Scout
This recall involves My Pal Scout,
a green and beige electronic
plush dog with plastic decals on
its paws. When those decals are
pushed, the dog plays songs,
speaks and barks. “Scout” is
printed on the dog tag at the
dog’s neck. The decals on the
paws of the plush toy can be
removed and ingested by a child,
posing a choking hazard.
EVENFLO
Switch-a-roo Telephone Toys
A mirror decal attached to the
toy can peel away, posing a
potential choking hazard.
INFANTINO
Lil’ Chef set, Activity stacker, Tag
Along Chime Trio
The infant toys have blue metallic
fabric that can detach from the
toy, posing a choking hazard to
young children. For additional
information see www.infantino.
com
PHOTO COURTESY OF EES
• Always read the labels before using a potentially poisonous
product. Never leave the product unattended while using it and
return the product to the locked cabinet when you are finished.
• Avoid taking medicine in front of children because they tend to
imitate adults.
• Follow directions on label when taking medicines. Be aware of
potential interactions with other medicines or alcohol and never
share prescription drugs.
This information is brought to you by the Brattleboro Area Prevention Coalition (BAPC) and was adapted from the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the Vermont
Department of Health. To find out more about how to protect
your children from harmful substances, please contact BAPC at
802-257-2175 or visit www.brattleboroareapreventioncoalition.
org.
LAND OF NOD
Jando Xylophones
The recalled product is a rolling
xylophone made of metal, wood
and plastic. It has four wheels
and a string to pull the toy. The
pegs on the xylophone can
break, posing a choking hazard
to children.
Other products
For more information about
these and other recalls see www.
recalls.gov
TARGET
Circo Booster seats
The restraint buckle can open
and the child can fall from the
seat. The seat is blue with green
trim and white straps.
GRACO
Jump n’ Jive Doorway Jumper
The recalled doorway jumpers
include detachable toys that are
attached to the jumper straps
with strips of hook and loop
fabric. The strips of fabric are not
permanently attached to the
toys and can become detached
during use, posing a choking
hazard.
KAPLAN
La Siesta Yayita Baby Hammocks
The recalled baby hammock is a
cream-colored canvas and hangs
from a wooden pole. It can flip
over, posing a serious fall hazard
and strangulation hazard to
infants who become entrapped
in the seat’s restraint straps while
upside down.
PASS IT ON!
This information might
also be helpful to parents at your program.
You can take out this
middle section and
post it where parents
can read it!
Calling all Dads: Get involved!
Thanks to some prominent and vocal dads, like President
Obama, more attention is being paid to how we can all support
the important role fathers play in children’s lives. In Windham
County, Early Education Services (EES) has a number of
programs for fathers that are free and open to members of the
community.
Dedicated dads making a difference
For any father who is looking to better his family by improving
his skills as a parent, this group is worth checking out. In weekly
meetings on Thursdays from 6-8 PM, dads discuss the joys and
struggles of being a father, including topics such as child custody,
child development, parenting challenges, relationships, and
strategies for balancing life. Dinner and child care are provided.
24/7 Dad
This is a comprehensive two-part curriculum that focuses on
parenting skills and strengthening fathers’ relationships with their
partners and their children.
Training camp for new dads
This is a three-hour workshop that is designed to introduce the
basics of becoming a dad for the first time. “Rookie” dads will be
prepared and equipped with the tools needed to become a father
for the first time—with their babies! Dads will learn to change
diapers, practice feeding, and hold and play with their baby.
There will also be learning about what it’s like to come home
from the hospital, balance your new life and new family, safety,
soothing a crying baby, and stress management. Each class has
veteran dads come in to share their experiences of becoming a
dad.
For more information about any of these programs, contact
Josh Miller, fatherhood services coordinator at Early Education
Services, at 802-254-3742 ext. 172 or via email at josh_miller@
wsesu.org.
Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009
I 7
FOR EDUCATORS
Foundations for Early Learning
Supporting the social, emotional, early literacy and language development of Vermont’s infants,
toddlers, and preschoolers
Have you ever been exasperated by
young children’s challenging behavior?
Have you ever tried to explain children’s
early literacy development to parents
and community members? Have you
ever noticed that literacy, language,
and social-emotional development are
interrelated?
If you answered yes to these questions,
you aren’t alone. According to a
statewide professional development
survey of Vermont’s early childhood
professionals, 70% of the respondents
listed “supporting children with social
emotional challenges” as one of their
most important professional development
needs. In Windham County, that
number was 82%. Statewide, 49% said
early literacy and/or numeracy was an
important professional development
need; in Windham County that
number was 62%. (2008, Professional
Preparation and Development Committee
survey, Vermont.)
What is FEL?
FEL stands for Foundations for Early
Learning, a statewide professional
development and technical assistance
initiative designed to build the social,
emotional, and early literacy competence
of all young children birth to five, and
increase the knowledge and skills of
parents and practitioners to support
children’s competence. FEL combines
the work of two nationally acclaimed
technical assistance centers designed to
support early childhood professionals
in their work with young children and
families. The FEL initiative involves:
Training: comprehensive training
modules and materials that can be
offered in full- or half-day sessions, or
shorter workshop series
Consultation: assistance by
knowledgeable community resources
in applying what you’ve learned in
trainings with the children in your
program.
Demonstration sites: early childhood
programs selected for their readiness
to implement evidence-based practices
to prevent and address challenging
behaviors, and support early literacy and
language development through regular,
on-site coaching
What are the technical assistance
centers?
The two technical assistance centers
that make up Vermont’s FEL initiative
are the Center on the Social and
Emotional Foundations for Early
Learning (CSEFEL), and the Center
on Early Literacy Learning (CELL).
Both centers use approaches to early
childhood development that are based
on evidence of effectiveness, and offer
teachers, home visitors, and families new
ways of thinking about young children
and materials to help support their
development.
CSEFEL’s approach is based on a
Teaching Pyramid model that focuses
on promoting social-emotional
development, providing support for
children’s appropriate behavior, and
preventing challenging behavior. The
pyramid includes four levels of practice
to address the needs of all children
0-5, including those with challenging
behaviors.
CELL’s model is based on a convergence
of the components of good early
literacy learningincluding everyday
literacy activities, responsive teaching
and interactions, children’s interests,
and a literacy-rich environment.
When these elements come together
purposefully and intentionally,
children’s literacy, language, and
8 I Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009
communication development can thrive.
CELL acknowledges parents as well
as practitioners as key supporters of
children’s literacy development.
What can I expect from FEL in my
region?
You will see professional development
offerings through Windham Child Care
Association and other early childhood
organizations on the FEL models. After
training, you may be able to get support
from FEL consultants on how to carry
out some of the practices you learned
about in training. One local program, the
Birge Nest (classroom 1), is designated
as a demonstration site. With ongoing
coaching to support their implementation
of FEL evidence-based practices, we
expect that classroom to be a model site
where you could go to see FEL practices
in action.
Consider attending the FEL overview
workshop at the Making Connections
conference on October 3 at the
Brattleboro Retreat Conference Center.
This is an introduction to the approaches,
materials, and training modules that will
be delivered in our area this year. Then,
consider setting time in your professional
development calendar to attend the FEL
module trainings sponsored by Windham
Child Care Association and conducted
by local trainers and instructors.
Individual organizations like Early
Education Services are also conducting
FEL trainings that may be open to the
community.
How can I learn more?
CSEFEL: www.vanderbilt.edu/csefel
CELL:www.earlyliteracylearning.org
Janice Stockman is WSESU’s Early
Childhood Coordinator.
Learning From
Experience: Join the
Mentor Program
It only takes a few minutes of
spending time with Judy Rosner and the
children in her care to realize she’s a
pro; a pro not only in terms of the ease
with which she handles the children’s
interactions, play, and the occasional
disagreement, but a real business
professional in all aspects of child care.
And it’s this professionalism that
Judy looks to share with her peers through
Windham Child Care Association’s
mentor program. Founded in 2000, the
mentor program matches experienced
child care providers with new providers
or those looking to make improvements
to their program. Through this pairing,
veteran providers can share their tips and
tricks and offer valuable peer support to
their mentees.
In fact, Judy’s first involvement
with the program was as a mentee over
twenty years ago with Laura LawsonTucker as her mentor. Judy has continued
the tradition by now passing along her
expertise to other child care providers.
She is currently offering guidance to two
providers.
For Judy, the importance of being
a mentor is not just in sharing program
tips or ways to use space effectively, but
also in helping new providers shift their
way of thinking about their job from
that of a baby-sitter to that of an early
educator. According to Judy, she works
with her mentees to “see themselves
as professionals and their work as a
business. With this outlook, the providers
gain the respect they deserve” from their
program’s parents.
Judy can teach this shift in thinking
as she had to make this transition herself;
almost three decades ago she began
providing child care in her home as a
way to stay home with her own young
children, always thinking when her
Judy Rosner shares her expertise about working with children and running a busines through the Mentor Program.
children grew up she would “go back to
work”. At the time, she saw herself as
baby-sitting. Over time, however, Judy
embraced child care as her career and
realized that as she made improvements in
her business practices and added structure
to her program, she began to see herself
as a professional.
at 254-5332 to learn more about this
rewarding program!
“The mentor program is especially
important for in-home child care
providers”, Judy says. “It prevents the
isolation that comes with working as the
only adult with children all day, allowing
you to network with your peers and share
ideas.”
Would you like the support of a more
experienced provider? If so, contact the
Windham Child Care Association office
Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009 I 9
ODDS & ENDS
WINDHAM CHILD CARE ASSOCIATION
KIDS ARE PRIORITY
ONE COALITION
ADVOCACY UPDATE
There is a lot happening on the advocacy
front!
CHILD CARE SUSBIDIES
The Department for Children and Families
has proposed some major changes to
Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance
(Subsidy) Program. After visiting each
region and getting input from the Kids Are
Priority One Coalition, the Department
made a number of changes. Overall, the
Kids Are Priority One lead organizations
see the proposed changes as a step in
the right direction. The Department’s
proposal can be found on-line at: http://
dcf.vermont.gov/CDD/.
BUILDING BRIGHT FUTURES
PUBLIC EDUCATION FUNDING
FOR EARLY EDUCATION
The passage of Act 62 in 2007 has led to
the creation of many new partnerships
between public schools and communitybased early education programs. These
partnerships benefit families by increasing
access to quality early care and education
services. They also help to stabilize early
childhood programs by providing a new
source of revenue. The Kids Are Priority
One Coalition staff is working with state
policymakers to iron out some of the
issues association with implementation of
Act 62.
To stay up-to-date on these and other
early childhood issues, join the Kids Are
Priority One Coalition’s e-network by
contacting Kim Friedman, Organizing
Director, at (802) 348-9879 or
kfriedman@svcable.net.
The Governor appointed some new
members to the statewide Building
Bright Futures Council, including Melissa
Riegel-Garrett. Melissa is the Kids Are
Priority One Coalition’s Communications
Director and the Executive Director of the
Vermont Association for the Education
of Young Children. The Coalition will be
working with State Council members and
regional Building Bright Futures Councils
to get legislation passed during the 2010
legislative session that makes Building
Bright Futures a permanent entity in state
statute.
GO PAPERLESS!
WORKING WITH
TWOS
Continued from cover page
Jackson loved anything in the sensory
table, especially snow with little toys, or
spray bottles of colored water.
He planted lots of seeds, but in his
zest for playing with dirt he killed the
baby plants. He started the year with
apple picking and ended with trips to
the Retreat Farm and Memorial Park
Pool. He encouraged us to go out in the
buggy for neighborhood rides or walks
every possible day and these trips were
amazing conversation generators for
all the children. He looked forward to
our All School Gatherings and “mixup” days with mixed age groupings.
During the coldest winter days he sped
around the hallways on our ride-on toys
and during the hottest days did endless
water play. He helped bake goodies
(had to have his own bowl every
time) and got messy with artwork. He
mastered getting his own shoes off and
started getting interested in pottying.
He danced daily, (“The Rock’N Roll
Spider”)! An event in his life, the birth
of a baby sister, inspired an emergent
curriculum unit on baby care enjoyed by
the whole class.
Such memorable learning experiences
and knowing I support both children and
their families keeps me enjoying every
day with “twos.”
Windham Child Care Association is now able to provide an electronic
version of Child Care News! You can find it on our website
www.windhamchildcare.org.
If you would like to receive the newsletter only in an electronic
version via email, please contact Maggie Foley at 254-5332 ext. 314 or
maggie@windhamchildcare.org.
10 I Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009
TIPS & ACTIVITIES
STRETCHHHHHHH YOUR BUDGET
Everyone is looking for ideas to save money without losing creativity. Here are some fun
recipes for inexpensive craft materials you can make in your program. Thanks to Early
Childhood Education Resources, http://eced-resources.com for the great ideas!
SOAP CRAYONS
• Ice cube tray
• Liquid food coloring for each
color crayon
• 2 tablespoons hot water
• 1 cup soap flakes
For each color, put two
tablespoons of hot water and
one cup of soap flakes into a
bowl. Add as many drops of
food coloring to the mix as you
wish. Stir the soap mixture until
it thickens. This takes time, so be
patient. Press spoonfuls of the
first color of soap into sections
of the ice tray. Mix enough soap
in other colors to fill the entire
tray, repeating the first two steps.
Let the soap crayons dry for one
or two days. Gently bang the ice
tray to loosen the crayons.
SQUEEZE BOTTLE GLITTER
• 1 part flour
• 1 part salt
• 1 part water
Mix equal parts of flour, salt and
water. Pour into plastic squeeze
bottles, such as those used for
ketchup and mustard. Add liquid
coloring for variety. Squeeze
onto heavy construction paper
or cardboard. The salt gives the
designs a glistening quality when
dry.
ball and looks like stiff mashed
potatoes, 3-5 min. Dump onto
a plate to cool a few minutes
and then knead into the clay
about 1 or 2 cups of flour. Store
in a plastic bag (no need to
refrigerate).
PUFFY PAINT
• Flour
DURABLE PLAYDOUGH
• Salt
Mix together in a heavy
saucepan:
• Water
• Tempera Paint
• 1 cup of flour
• 1/2 cup cream of tartar
Add 1 cup of water and 2
tablespoons cooking oil
Stir while cooking over medium
heat until it sticks together in a
Mix equal amounts of flour, salt
and water. Add liquid tempera
paint for color. Pour mixture
into squeeze bottles and paint.
Mixture will harden in a puffy
shape.
RECIPE BOX: BUTTERNUT SQUASH AU GRATIN
2 lbs. butternut squash
1 med. onion, finely chopped (about
1 c.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 tbsp. butter, melted
2 eggs
3/4 c. milk
3/4 c. finely shredded Swiss cheese
Peel outer skin of squash with peeler
or knife. Discard skin. Halve squash
lengthwise and cut into thin slices.
Place slices in bowl with onion, salt,
pepper and melted butter. Toss well.
Spoon mixture into buttered 9-inch
baking dish. Bake, covered, at 375
degrees for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, beat eggs, milk and
cheese. Remove cover from baking
dish and pour cheese mixture evenly
over squash. Bake until golden
brown, about 20 minutes.
Makes 6 servings
Recipe from cooks.com
BUDGET TIP: Look for butternut
squash to be inexpensive at the end
of the farmer’s market season. Buy
several and store in a cool, dry spot...
they’ll store well for a few months!
Windham Child Care Assocation NEWS Fall 2009
I 11
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U. S. Postage Paid
Brattleboro, VT
Permit #131
130 Birge Street, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301
CONTENTS
Working with “ Two’s” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Family Garden update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Changes Afoot at Mulberry Bush . . . . . . . . . . 3
From the Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Windham County Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
News from WCCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pass It On! pullout section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
New Frameworks in Early Learning. . . . . . . . . 8
Sharing Experience: The Mentor Program. . . 9
Odds & Ends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Tips & Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
www.windhamchildcare.org
PHOTO BY DEBORAH SATTERFIELD