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Exploring density with Dancing Raisins Coach's Column Paulette Maggiacomo July 23, 2020 For this fun density experiment, you will need: 2 Clear Glasses Water Seltzer Raisins Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

Play supports children's cognitive development Coach's Column Amanda Gooch December 1, 2025 Our recent training with Dr. Peg Oliveira from the Gesell Program in Early Childhood Yale Study Center emphasized "Learning to Play, Playing to Learn . " Together, we learned how play supports children's cognitive development and explored play as a spectrum. We examined how play fosters learning and peer connection. Finally, we uncovered the benefits of play on executive functioning skills in early childhood education classrooms. To learn more about the Gesell at Yale Program in Early Childhood and the work Dr. Oliveira is doing, click here: Gesell at Yale We are looking forward to hearing the success stories of how you have used our follow up technical assistance and see how your students have responded to those resources. If any of you need additional assistance in implementing the materials we are available for you in enhancing your practice. To continue our Community of Practice (CoP) series, we will be having a very special Learning to Play, Playing to Learn CoP with our very own early childhood education coach Amanda Gooch. This three part, deeper look at play-based learning , will foster a community of practice for educators' growth through collaboration. We will share and reflect upon personal experiences as both learners and teachers to connect theory and practice. These sessions will encourage educators to explore understandings of what it means to be a learner and a teacher in early childhood classrooms. Our team of Early Childhood Education Coaches are here to help you concentrate on child engagement and work as a collaborative team to enhance your practice. We continue to work on ways in which to create child led activities, be flexible in our plans within those activities, and make an effort to emphasize children's interest which facilitates learning. We are on hand to help demonstrate and model best practices in early childhood education and support you in your classrooms. Wishing you all the best, Amanda, Todd, and Jensen Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

Transforming Challenging Behavior with Language Coach's Column Paulette Maggiacomo July 1, 2021 The Transform Challenging Behavior Virtual Conference provides an abundance of speakers offering strategies and tips to help improve the climate in your classroom thereby reducing behavior issues. Teacher Tom is from Woodland Park Cooperative Preschool and the title of his discussion piqued my interest: Could the Words You Use Be Inadvertently Contributing to Behavior Problems ? I was fascinated to learn that my Conscious Discipline journey aligns with the concept of language in the classroom. I can recall Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor, Jessica Flowers, saying over and over again, teachers talk too much (guilty as charged)! Research has shown that 80% of sentences said to children are directives or directional statements: You need to share; Come here; Pick up the blocks . We complain that children are not listening to us. Teacher Tom makes the counterpoint that they are, but they don’t like the choices given to them. The Power of Attention in Conscious Discipline states that what you focus on you get more of. If you want positive behavior in your classroom, then use your words to narrate what you want. Are you willing to flip your words and instead say: Lisa is being kind by sharing her crayon with Samaya. Daniel heard me when I called his name and he came to me. Rebecca and LaShanda are being helpful by picking up the blocks. Here is another strategy - try using Name, Verb, Paint . Giving a child the clear and specific visual image wires the brain to successfully meet the expectation. Alex keeps bumping into her classmates when they are walking in line. "Alex, walk in line just like this" (demonstrate with your body) "leaving plenty of space for your neighbor so everyone is safe, including you." Not only do our words matter, but so does the tone of our voice. Many times teachers will state a request followed by the words "okay," and/or "please ." This allows the child the choice of whether to cooperate or not. "Omaya, it’s time to clean up, okay?" "Omaya, it’s time to clean up please." If I am Omaya, you have given me the power of whether or not to clean up. Well guess what, I don’t want to, so I am not going to. Can you see how this is going to escalate? Once again, go back to the Name, Verb, Paint tip. When you do this there is a tone of no doubt and comes from the intention of helping the child be successful. Are you willing to commit this summer to being mindful and shift your language to create a classroom where there are fewer behavioral issues? Until next time, I wish you well, Paulette Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

< Back Meet Natalia & Jayden Fifteen years ago, a young mother faced an uncertain future. A high school senior with a newborn son, Natalia was determined to continue her education and build a better life for her family. She found her answer at Childcare Resources. “I was determined not to be a statistic,” Natalia says. “I wanted to finish high school, earn my nursing degree, and provide for my son. When I found Childcare Resources, I found more than just childcare; I found a community that supported my dreams.” Natalia’s son, Jayden, thrived at Childcare Resources from infancy through his early education years, graduating fully prepared for kindergarten and beyond. Today, he is a high school freshman, excelling in Advanced Placement and honors courses while competing in multiple sports. And now, Jayden’s younger brothers, Jordan and Julien, are following in his footsteps, receiving the same high-quality early education that shaped Jayden’s success. “Over a decade later, when I needed help again, I made one phone call,” says Natalia. “The kindness, the support—it was still there. Because of this program, my husband and I have been able to pursue our careers while knowing our children are in the best hands.” Previous Next

Learn more about our communities of practice for early educators, facilitated by our early educator coaches. Community of Practice: Center Directors A community of practice is a group of people combining individual and diverse strengths to achieve more together than they can individually. It’s somewhere for you to learn, collaborate and exchange ideas and experiences. Communities of practice are free to attend limited to a small group of participants And provide a certificate of in-service hours/CEUs hands-on learning experiences Register today! Childcare Resources is offering a special Center Director Community of Practice facilitated by Dr. Raquel Diaz. These CoPs will provide directors with a structured, collaborative forum to engage in critical conversations related to their practice, resulting in positive outcomes for children, staff, and programs. Don’t miss out on this exciting networking opportunity! Schedule Two Half-Day Sessions (9 AM to 12 PM) Saturday, August 23, 2025 Saturday, March 14, 2026 Virtual Sessions (6 PM to 7:30 PM) Wednesday, September 3, 2025 Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Wednesday, February 4, 2026 In-Person Sessions (6 PM to 7:30 PM) Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Wednesday, April 1, 2026 Learning Showcase Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Register Today! View Flyer

Fall 2023 newsletter, featuring NAEYC accreditation renewal and success stories The start of the school year is a great time to share a book with a friend! See more from our Ducklings classroom here . Fall 2023 in this issue: Building Bright Futures You can make a difference Moving Ahead You make quality possible DOWNLOAD (PDF) Building Bright Futures Your generosity gave Sierra and Alison the opportunity to thrive! When her daughter was an infant, Alison realized that something needed to change. “I was a single mother struggling to find employment that would provide Sierra and I with what we needed,“ says Alison. After learning about the early education program offered by Childcare Resources, Alison quickly enrolled Sierra when she was nine months old. “Childcare Resources helped Sierra come out of her shell,” says Alison. During Sierra’s time at Childcare Resources, Alison made the decision to go back to school in addition to working full-time, earning an Associate’s Degree in General Education. In 2018, Sierra graduated from the Childcare Resources School and moved on to kindergarten. Alison also graduated that same summer, having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Today, Alison is a Certified Child Welfare case worker and works in the adoption unit of a statewide nonprofit. Sierra recently started fifth grade at a local elementary school, where she is thriving. “During her last school year, Sierra received awards for improving on math and reading skills almost each quarter,“ says Alison. “Sierra also plays softball and recently participated in the county-wide track meet.“ “Without you, I would not have been able to fully support myself and Sierra. I would not have pushed myself to go back to school at all,“ continues Alison. “Childcare Resources helped Sierra grow into the smart, independent, and loving child she is today.“ Up Building Bright Futures You Make Quality Possible The Childcare Resources School renews national accreditation for third five-year term. This spring, the Childcare Resources School successfully renewed its accreditation with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). From the earliest days of placing students in partnering schools, the focus of Childcare Resources has been on the high level of quality that NAEYC accreditation indicates. “One of the main missions of Childcare Resources was to have quality preschool, and we felt the best way to provide for that quality was for our schools to be accredited with national accreditation, which was NAEYC,” says co-founder Sherry Waddell. “The priorities that I felt were very important were teacher-child ratio, parent involvement, and the curriculum.” Through the generosity of donors like you, Childcare Resources has flourished and grown, establishing our own preschool more than a decade ago. Through your continued support, the Childcare Resources School first earned accreditation through NAEYC in 2013 and successfully renewed in 2018. “Renewing our accreditation affirms so many things about our school and staff,” says Tara Beard, Childcare Resources School Director. “It indicates that we use a developmentally-appropriate curriculum, employ well-trained teachers, use quality materials, and provide a healthy classroom environment.” By renewing NAEYC accreditation, the Childcare Resources School joins an elite group of fewer than 6,000 preschools nationwide that obtain this accolade. “NAEYC-Accredited programs have committed to a process that takes time, energy and dedication to complete,” states Alissa Mwenelupembe, NAEYC Senior Director Early Learning Program Accreditation. “Childcare Resources has demonstrated their commitment to young children and their families.” Up You make quality possible Moving Ahead Gladys recently graduated with her Associate's Degree Local early childhood education center director Gladys Williams has long been committed to furthering her knowledge and education. Attending Childcare Resources’ director networking meetings and professional development workshops, Gladys has worked hard to better serve the children, families, and educators she supports. When she first heard about the Childcare Resources Higher Education Program, it was the clear next step she had been waiting for. “Being a part of the Higher Education Program was an experience of excellence,” says Gladys. “Networking with students gave me strength and encouragement in my craft .” This past spring, Gladys graduated from Indian River State College, having earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education with the help of Higher Education Program staff. Says Gladys, “I am excited to remain involved with the program to further my education and capabilities.” Up Moving Ahead Now available: recurring giving Have you considered making a recurring gift? Your recurring gift furthers the work that supports our mission, allowing you to make an impact on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. Becoming a monthly donor provides steady, reliable funding for Childcare Resources programs. You can be a long-term partner Join our Legacy Society by making a gift to our endowment fund today. Giving to the endowment fund increases your impact by allowing Childcare Resources to invest your gift and use the annual earnings to further our important mission. You can see firsthand how your gift is making a difference while also ensuring your legacy by investing in future generations. You can make a difference Up

Spring 2023 newsletter, featuring Starfest and success stories Calix, 4, has been a part of the Childcare Resources program since 2019. See some of Calix’s story. Spring 2023 in this issue: Building Bright Futures You can make a difference Seen at Starfest Advancing the field DOWNLOAD (PDF) Building Bright Futures Your generosity helped a local family develop the skills needed for success! Almost a decade ago, Maileigh was in desperate need of childcare. She was a full-time student, finishing a Licensed Practical Nursing program, and she needed a place for her four-month-old daughter, Ava. When she discovered Childcare Resources, Maileigh was excited to enroll in a high-quality year-round program. “It’s wonderful to have staff that I trust to leave my children with daily,” says Maileigh. “They are like an extension of my family.” During her time at Childcare Resources, Ava flourished. When Ava’s younger brother, Avery, was born in 2019, Maileigh was able to enroll him at the school.In addition to childcare, Avery has benefited from physical, occupational, and speech therapies. “Childcare Resources has provided the support I needed to be sure my children’s developmental needs are met,” says Maileigh. While her children succeeded at Childcare Resources, Maileigh began to thrive in her career. “Shortly after I enrolled Ava, I started working as an LPN PRN,” says Maileigh. “In 2022, I graduated with my Associate’s in Nursing. I hope to graduate with my Bachelor’s in 2025.” Today, Ava is in third grade, excelling in both reading and math. Avery is still a student at the Childcare Resources School and will move to kindergarten in 2024. “My children have received a phenomenal start to their education,“ says Maileigh. “I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my career goals and continue my education if it wasn’t for you.” Up Building Bright Futures Advancing the field & studying success “Thank you for the help you give to everyone that wants to pursue their dream.” When Kayte first applied for a substitute teaching position at Learning Nest, she didn’t know that she had found her new career. As a new teacher looking for support, Kayte quickly found Childcare Resources’ outreach programs. She began attending the professional development workshops and working with one of the early education coaches. When she learned that Childcare Resources also offered the opportunity to earn credentials and degrees in early childhood education, Kayte enrolled in classes right away. “I was a young mom, and school seemed out of the question for me many years ago,” says Kayte. With assistance from Childcare Resources staff, Kayte became eligible for incentives, receiving tuition reimbursement and paid time off to attend school. She was even able to purchase a laptop to help with her studies, her first time purchasing such a luxury. “In three years, I was able to earn my CDA staff credential, my Director’s Credential, and just recently I earned my Associate’s Degree,“ says Kayte. “I finally graduated doing something I love. Thank you for the help you give to everyone that wants to pursue their dream.” Kayte has since been promoted to Director of Tiny Treasures, Learning Nest’s sister school. “Kayte is a great asset to our school,“ says Rachna Handa, owner of Learning Nest and Tiny Treasures. “She has set new standards for everyone on our team.” Up Advancing the field Seen at Starfest Thank you for supporting early childhood education for children in our community! “Knowing that someone cares is the difference between children bending and breaking,” said Dana Winters, Ph D, Executive Director of the Fred Rogers Institute. “Having a relationship – at least one – matters.” More than 300 people joined Dana and Childcare Resources in support of early childhood education at at this year’s Starfest luncheon and dinner. At Quail Valley River Club, Dana discussed the idea of simple interactions: the daily moments that build relationships and spark growth in early childhood, using examples previously filmed in local classrooms. Luncheon attendees saw the Founders Award presented to Karla Spooner in recognition of her long-term dedication and commitment to the mission of Childcare Resources. Dinner attendees heard the powerful story of Abby, a program parent. After detailing the many resources she and her family had benefited from. Abby shared the success she felt this past summer, when she and her daughter both graduated: Abby with her Bachelor’s, her daughter moving to kindergarten. As part of the Starfest weekend, Dana also presented a Simple Interactions workshop to more than 150 local early childhood educators, representing more than forty childcare centers and organizations. “Starfest is a celebration of the love and dedication we have from our supporters,” said Barbie Horton, Starfest co-chair. She continued, “Childcare Resources is multifaceted, supporting children, their parents, and their teachers in all of Indian River County to continue to ignite the minds of children.” Up Underwritten by PNC, this video was created by the Fred Rogers Institute and presented at Starfest 2023. View transcript. Load More Seen at Starfest You can leave a legacy Join our Legacy Society by making a gift to our endowment fund today. Giving to the endowment fund increases your impact by allowing Childcare Resources to invest your gift and use the annual earnings to further our important mission. You can see firsthand how your gift is making a difference while also ensuring your legacy by investing in future generations. You can make a huge impact The Childcare Resources School has opportunities for volunteers in multiple classrooms. You can: Read to the class Help with art activities Assist on the playground Provide one-on-one attention Join the class on the playground Rock babies Make a world of difference You can make a difference Up

Transition Tips & Tricks plus Totally Math | Dr. Jean Feldman | Transition Tips & Tricks plus Totally Math April 2016 Handout (PDF) Back Dr. Jean Feldman

DAP: Why our children don't need pushing, and what they do need instead | Amanda Morgan | Not Just Cute DAP: Why our children don't need pushing, and what they do need instead December 2021 Handout (PDF) Back Amanda Morgan Not Just Cute Explore human development and learn how to incorporate DAP in your classroom to better support your students.

Annika , Coordinator, Development and Outreach at Childcare Resources of Indian River Annika Sweetland Coordinator, Development and Outreach Joined Childcare Resources in 2024 Contact 772-567-3202 ext. 101 Back

Let's talk about the things you can do to help your students - and other people in your life - build the resilience they need to handle trauma. Coach's Column Paulette Maggiacomo January 1, 2021 You asked, and Childcare Resources listened! Save the date! The fabulous and informative Dr. Peg Oliveira, Executive Director of Gesell Program in Early Childhood at Yale , is returning via Zoom on Saturday, January 23rd, presenting Trauma – Informed Practices That Can Benefit All Children . For those of you who attended her first workshop last year, you may remember that everyone was so engaged that Dr. Peg could not finish her entire presentation. She spoke on Gesell Maturational Theory as well as Gesell’s Cycles and Stages of Development . If you would like to review this program, you can download it from our website: https://www.childcareresourcesir.org/professionaldevelopment/Foundations-of-Child-Development Although Dr. Peg's last workshop talked a little bit about trauma, we knew right away from your comments that we had to bring her back. And, in the time since she was last here, that need for information about trauma, stress, and resilience has only grown. We are so excited to bring Dr. Peg back for this workshop. She'll talk about trauma, toxic stress, secondary stress (or compassion fatigue). She'll explore how COVID-19 has affected all of us. And, most importantly, she'll talk about the things you can do to help your students - and other people in your life - build the resilience they need to handle trauma. My goodness, we may have to bring her back a third time if all of us are so absorbed with her presentation again! So I hope that you are able to join us on the 23rd to recharge and have the emotions that you are going through validated and know that you are not alone on this journey. As we come back together from the holiday season, please remember to take care of yourself, don’t forget to breathe, and find joy in the smallest of things . As always, I wish you well, Paulette Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

The latest news from Childcare Resources of Indian River. News & Publications In the Spotlight Childcare Resources was featured in the May 2025 issue of Vero Beach Magazine . Read Grade-A Performance , by Alissa Kolar, below! Read the article (PDF) Latest News Childcare Resources Students Explore Sea Turtle Conservation Through Coastal Connections Visit 5 days ago Childcare Resources Named Recipient of Record Gift from Orchid Island Family 5K Walk & Run May 8 Childcare Resources Brings Learning to Life for Week of the Young Child Apr 30 View more news Recent Newsletters Spring 2026 Newsletter (PDF) Fall 2025 Newsletter (PDF) Spring 2025 Newsletter (PDF)