Search Results

From a child’s point of view, an environment is what the child can make it. Coach's Column Paulette Maggiacomo May 21, 2020 Last week we focused on the Reggio approach of bringing the outside into your classroom. I hope that you were able to get ideas and begin to incorporate them. Remember, this is not about how much can you do and how fast can you do it. This approach believes in observing the children and following their interests – it is about meeting the needs of your children. What you do must be done with intent. Ask yourself: What is the purpose of this? How will it benefit the child? Your answers do not need to be complex. For example, it may be as simple as wrapping tiny white lights around a wreath and suspending it from the ceiling so that it can help soothe a child as they look at it, or a tree in your classroom that serves as a home to various birds the children see when they are outside; or is a home to woodland animals. This approach is not about ‘prettying’ up your classroom – it is about meeting the needs of your children. So, how do we bring the inside out? Once again, it is about meeting the needs of your children (did you notice that I have said this 3 times?). Do your children love the water? Bring out those buckets, dishpans and fill them with water (of course, new CDC guidelines would need to followed) – collect the cups, spoons, duckies, gather the shells, rocks, sticks, and whatever you have that attracts their attention. It is a perfect science lesson on density. Ask questions such as: I wonder what will happen if we put the rock in - will it sink or will it float? Which is heavier - the feather or the spoon? Why is the stick floating? Remember, from a child’s point of view, an environment is what the child can make it. Children will often find uses for objects and spaces that the adults do not anticipate. Ask yourself what can you do in your outdoor space? It doesn’t matter if it is not huge, there are ways to capture a child’s interest. Who knew that fences could be so much fun? Painters tape comes in so many colors – make random patterns on the fence: Let the children paint or color (get those fine motor skills developing), take the tape off and ta-dah, you have a masterpiece! Home Depot is my "go-to" place - buy some white PVC pipes, nicely ask the worker to cut them into different lengths, attach them to the fence and let the children drop balls through them – the race is on! Which one will come out first? Ask parents for old frying pans, spray paint the bottoms, attach them to the fence, give the children sticks and you have a band playing! Children are to be encouraged to explore the outside – they will get messy doing so. The below display was done by a teacher at Childcare Resources and I think it captures the sentiment exactly. Are the children dirty? You bet! Have they learned while playing? Absolutely! Have they worked on their social/emotional skills? Yes! I hope this encourages you to begin your journey on implementing the Reggio approach outside. A single step is all you need. Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

Need to get in touch? Explore our location, hours, and phone numbers. Contact Us Phone Numbers & Hours of Operation Childcare Resources School 772-778-8884 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Childcare Resources Office 772-567-3202 Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Childcare Resources School & Offices 2300 Fifth Avenue, Suite 149 Vero Beach, FL 32960 Helpful Hints Childcare Resources is located on the south side of the Omni Financial building (formerly the Doctor's Clinic) The school entrance is just to the right of Alzheimer-Parkinson Association, down the covered walkway The administrative offices are to the right of the school entrance, up two steps

Explore the high-quality childcare program we offer our families. For Families About the Program Find out More Preliminary Application Apply Today Current Families Find out More The Childcare Resources School Find out More Contracting Centers Find out More Well ness Find out More

Explore the local childcare centers that we currently contract with. Contracting Centers Childcare Resources currently contracts with two additional privately-owned childcare centers throughout Indian River County. All centers are accredited through NAEYC. Current Contracting Centers Community Preschool 1901 23rd Street Vero Beach, FL 32960 772-562-3633 Visit Community's website Learning Nest 1088 Barber St Sebastian, FL 32958 772-589-3288 Visit Learning Nest's website

Take the time to set the culture in your classroom that empowers your children to self-regulate and to show empathy towards those who are struggling. Coach's Column Paulette Maggiacomo September 3, 2020 You did it, you completed the first week of the new school year while in the middle of a pandemic! You navigated CDC guidelines to keep your children, your classroom, your outdoor areas, and most importantly, yourself, healthy and safe. If there were moments of “oops”, I hope you allowed yourself the grace that you would give to others. Perfectionism during a pandemic is not the goal – helping children navigate during this time using their self-regulation skills should be your goal. Dayna Abraham was a presenter at the virtual conference Transforming Challenging Behavior 2020 . She stressed the importance of taking the time to set the culture in your classroom that empowers your children to self-regulate and to show empathy towards those who are struggling. The time you put into it now will make all of the difference down the road. In order for this to occur, there must be a sense of connection between you and the children, and the children with each other. An opportune time to build this connection is during your circle time each day where you could discuss struggles that might occur during the day. Dayna presented the following scenario: I know that we are all learning to share – pinpoint a struggle Sometimes that can make us really angry – identify the emotion What can we do when we start to feel that way – empowers the children to come up with ideas She front-loaded the class in order to prevent meltdowns and/or tantrums. Imagine the impact this can have on your classroom! Next, Dayna provided some wonderful insight illustrating to me that I had been going about handling this type of incident the wrong way. Let’s say that two or three children are having struggles at the same time in different parts of the classroom. Her suggestion is to go to the child who is in the least of their fight, flight, or freeze state. This is the child who is the least stressed and/or overwhelmed. Assist them first. Then go to the child who is struggling the most so you can put all of your calm, focus and attention on that child. You now have the ability to sit, breathe, and model for them. Often it is easy for us to jump to conclusions as to why a certain behavior is happening. I am sure there have been times when you have thought, “Oh, he/she is trying to push my buttons”, or “Here we go again”, or “I am getting really tired of this child’s behavior.” This is when we need to put on our detective hat to find out what is the root of this behavior. Dayna said that it is like peeling an onion one layer at a time. She suggested asking the “Four W’s”: Who, What, When, and Where . Also ask yourself if the child’s four basic needs are being met: Food, Sleep, Water, and Safety . By doing so you can gain insight and understanding as to the source of the behavior. By being Jessica Fletcher, Nancy Drew, or Veronica Mars you can be that person who empowers your children to learn how to self-regulate! Please remember that we can’t do this without you . Make it a priority to find time each day to do something just for you. As always, until next time, I wish you well, Paulette Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

Discover how to earn your FCCPC/CDA credential, Director credential, or Childcare Management Specialization Certificate through our credentialing program. Higher Education Program Earn your Staff Credential (FCCPC or CDA) , Director Credential , Associate's Degree , Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree through the Higher Education Program. Renewal for Staff Credential and Director Credential also available! Courses offered at convenient times for working teachers Classes conducted in a supportive group environment Classes held on the Childcare Resources campus in central Vero Beach Tuition assistance is available through TEACH Students of all educational backgrounds are welcome (requirements vary): Dual enrollment Vocational student College student Current early educator FCCPC/CDA renewal Courses are offered through a collaboration with accredited colleges across Florida. To apply: Complete preliminary application for the higher education program, linked below. Complete enrollment through college or university. Complete enrollment in TEACH , if applicable. Programs Offered Staff Credential Earn your FCCPC through classes at Indian River State College . Courses include Introduction to Child Development (CHD1220) Principles of Early Childhood Curriculum (EEC1202) Creative Experiences for Children (CHD1332) Practicum in CDA Assessment (EEC1946) Apply IRSC Director's Credential In partnership with Indian River State College , you can take Administering a Child Care Center (CHD2800) , and learn about: Licensing Requirements Budgeting Fundamentals Equipping, staffing, and managing your center Applicants must have a current FCCPC or CDA staff credential. Apply IRSC Associate's Degree In partnership with Indian River State College , earn your A.S. in Early Childhood Education . Apply IRSC Bachelor's Degree In partnership with Florida Gateway College , earn your B.S. in Early Childhood Education . Apply Florida Gateway Bachelor's Degree In partnership with State College of Florida, earn your B.S. in Early Childhood Education . Apply State College of Florida Master's Degree In partnership with the University of North Florida , earn your M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction , concentration: Early Childhood Education Leadership Apply University of North Florida

Explore the professional development workshops we've offered. Past Workshops November 15, 2025 Learning to Play, Playing to Learn Dr. Peg Oliveira Read More November 16, 2024 The Power of Mistakes: Creative a Positive CLASSroom Climate Dr. Maleka Donaldson Read More December 9, 2023 Wunderled - Unlock the Power of Play Sally Haughey Read More February 11, 2023 Simple Interactions Dr. Dana Winters Read More February 5 2022 Teaching with Intention & Powerful Play Amanda Morgan Read More January 2021 Trauma-Informed Practices to Benefit All Children Dr. Peg Oliveira Read More November 2019 Emergent Literacy Cynthia Raso and Meredith Osborne Read More October 2018 Conscious Discipline: Resilience Mandy Lloyd Read More October 4, 2025 Embracing the Science of Reading in our Early Childhood Classrooms Tracie Wieczorek and Lesley Jennings Read More October 5, 2024 Reggio Emilia with Dr. Angela Eckhoff Angela Eckhoff Read More October 14, 2023 Why Poverty Matters - How WE Can Matter More Dr. Tammy Pawloski Read More October 22, 2022 The Importance of Child Engagement in Play and Learning & Emergent Literacy Alan Guttman Read More December 2021 DAP: Why our children don't need pushing, and what they do need instead Amanda Morgan Read More November 2020 The Importance of Early Experiences & Sensory Play Every Day Lisa Murphy Read More October 2019 Foundations of Child Development Dr. Peg Oliveira Read More June 2018 Talk With Me Baby & Yoga Read More August 23, 2025 Teaching What We Practice: Conscious Discipline Starts with Us Angela Fraley Read More Saturday, August 24 Empowering Educators the Conscious Discipline Way Cheryl Cotter Read More August 26, 2023 Conscious Discipline: Supporting Neurodiversity Kristen Balhoff Read More August 27 2022 Starting Strong: Creating a School Family Mandy Lloyd Read More April 2021 Conscious Discipline: April 2021 Kim Hughes Read More October 2020 More WHATs, HOWs, and WHYs of Fine Motor Dr. Marianne Gibbs Read More March 2019 Big Ideas for Early Mathematics Lisa Ginet Read More March 1, 2025 Nurturing Young Children in Nature Michele Lucia, EdD Read More February 3, 2024 Connect to Your Calling Coy Bowles Read More April 1, 2023 Parent Engagement and the 5 Languages of Appreciation Rhonda J. Meyers Read More April 9 2022 Conscious Discipline Kim Jackson Read More March 2021 Pathway to Quality Judy Jablon Read More February 2020 Conscious Discipline: February 2020 Kim Hughes Read More January 2019 Ready for Stream Dr. Dan Gartrell Read More

Classroom Visuals Coach's Column Amanda Gooch September 1, 2024 I hope you all had an incredible day of Conscious Discipline training with certified instructor Cheryl Cotter this past Saturday. You should have all left feeling ready to start the school year strong with proactive strategies for setting up your classroom for success. Our training focused on empowering educators the Conscious Discipline way. Together we learned about the importance of soothing the lower center of the brain for learning. We compared and contrasted proactive tools and strategies for maintaining regulation and reducing of task behavior. We also constructed a school plan implementing structures, routines, and rituals which in turn will build classroom safety, connection and problem solving. One of our favorite parts of the training was when we dove in deep on the significance of classroom visuals. The predictability that visuals create offer a felt sense of safety while also scaffolding learning for children. This scaffolding creates opportunities for future success. Fostering safety through predictability is especially important. Visuals provide a predictability pattern that should be displayed in an easily accessible way. Use the following formula for creating visuals in your classroom (MAP): M = Model the procedures and expected behaviors A = Add visuals of the steps and expectations P = Provide many opportunities for practice, practice, practice Adults think in words; however, children think in pictures. Using pictures to show children what comes next provides their consistency brains require in a visual form they can easily understand. This webinar from Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor Elizabeth Montero-Cefalo makes the process easy! Watch Elizabeth's webinar Visual Daily Schedule to learn more about why and how to use this resource. Wishing you all the best, Amanda & Todd Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

With creating a School Family we are building connections through a culture of compassion. Coach's Column Amanda Gooch September 1, 2022 I am so excited to start the new school year as the new Early Childhood Education Coach for Childcare Resources of Indian River! I wanted to take the time to introduce myself before we get started. My name is Amanda Gooch and I am an Educator with 14 years of teaching experience. In addition my bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology. I also hold a master’s degree in Teaching from the University of South Florida. I hold my Florida Childcare Professional Credential Certificate and my Educator Certificate from the State of Florida Department of Education.  For those of you that joined us, I hope you all had an incredible day of Conscious Discipline training with Mandy Lloyd this past Saturday. You should have all left feeling ready to start the school year strong. For those of you that weren't able to join us, our training focused on the School Family. With creating a School Family we are building connections through a culture of compassion. We create a positive school climate by eliminating reward and punishment in favor of the safety, connection and problem-solving of a School Family. One of my favorite parts of the training was the implementation of the Safe-Keeper Ritual. Our goal was for children to consciously place their “figures” in the Safe-Keeper container while making a commitment to help keep the classroom a safe place to learn and play.  As your Early Childhood Education Coach I am here to help you start strong with creating a School Family. One of the many benefits of creating a School Family incorporates the motivation to behave from the quality of the relationship. Connection wires the brain for impulse control and willingness. Attempting to disciple without willingness is a chronic power struggle. What are our ingredients for connection? eye contact touch presence playfulness. How do we achieve this connection for Creating a School Family? Face to Face interactions I love you rituals Greetings or good byes Wish you well rituals Friends and Family Board I look forward to following up with each of you who have attended our most recent Conscious Discipline training. Our follow up technical assistance will focus on implementing a Friends and Family Board. I look forward to getting to know each of you as we create a School Family. Wishing you the best, Amanda Gooch Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters

Reggio Emilia | Gigi Schroeder Yu, Ph. D. | Reggio Emilia April 2017 Gigi Schroeder Yu, Ph. D. Handout (PDF) Workshop Photos Back

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

When we get parents involved in preschool activities we are providing an opportunity for simple interactions that are both meaningful and important in early childhood development for their children. Coach's Column Amanda Gooch July 1, 2023 While you are all in a preplanning mode as we round out the end of an incredible summer, lets revisit what we learned during one of our past professional development workshops. During this particular workshop, we focused on parent engagement with Rhonda Meyers of Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers. She helped us to really focus as a teacher or school in making outreach decisions to increase parent engagement. Here are just a few simple ways to promote parent engagement in early childhood education: 1. Educators can invite families to participate in activities such as accompanying the class with a hands on project or speaking at a "show and tell." 2. Other ideas include inviting family members to share special talents or visit the classroom at any time. 3. Educators can also offer getting-to-know-you meetings, make relationship-building home visits, and create welcoming spaces in the program and schools. 4. Hosting an open house, creating a parent board, and planning special parent engagement projects are other ways to involve parents (Popsicles on the Playground, Muffins with Mom, and Donuts with Dad etc.). To learn more about how to get parents involved in preschool activities, click on this link to One Perfectly Imperfect Mom . When we get parents involved in preschool activities we are providing an opportunity for simple interactions that are both meaningful and important in early childhood development for their children. We first learned about simple interactions from Dr. Dana Winters from the Fred Rogers Institute during our February professional development workshop. To recap, simple interactions are playful, respectful, enjoyable and rewarding interactions and experiences for young children. Simple interactions with children are an important aspect of early childhood education and are a building block for many skills including problem solving, social and emotional intelligence and self-regulation. Simple interactions provide opportunities for children to safely explore, test out, and try new things. By establishing these simple interactions through connection, reciprocity, and inclusion, we are developing positive relationships with young children and an opportunity for them to grow and thrive. Back to Coaching Back to Newsletters