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Childcare Resources recently celebrated Week of the Young Child alongside 60,000 early childhood education advocates nationwide. Established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) more than fifty years ago, Week of the Young Child recognizes that a child’s earliest years build a foundation for later successes. At the NAEYC-accredited Childcare Resources School, the week featured developmentally-appropriate activities for students that supported learning in a fun way. Students engaged in sensory play and explored science with bubbles on Bubble Day. Messy Art Day encouraged creativity and collaboration through open-ended art projects. Pajama Day showcased literacy activities featuring Anna Dewdney's picture book Llama, Llama, Red Pajama. By dressing up for Wacky Day, students began to develop the critical thinking skills that lead to big concepts like compare and contrast. “Week of the Young Child is such an important week during the school year,” said School Director Tara Beard. “During the preschool years, children learn through play. The special play-based activities during this week help our students develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and creative skills.”

“More than anything, we all want to be seen,” said Rhonda J. Meyers, M Ed at a recent Childcare Resources professional development workshop. “It takes time to truly feel like we’re heard.” Meyers, who serves on the governing board of the Michigan Assocation for the Education of Young Children and is owner of Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center in Lake Orion, Michigan, came to Vero Beach to discuss how to implement family engagement and staff appreciation practices to help those that support children connect and thrive. On the evening before the workshop, more than a dozen local center directors met with Meyers to discuss their core values and how to build a workplace culture that supports all employees. In Saturday’s workshop, funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee and PNC, Meyers explored family and community engagement with approximately 75 educators from twenty-five local centers including Head Start and the School District of Indian River County. “Involvement is when we make efforts to get parents to participate,” explained Meyers. “It changes to engagement when we start building that relationship with families. It has to be meaningful.” Later in the day, Meyers explained the five languages of appreciation, a concept developed by Gary Chapman and Paul White that enables authentic and thoughtful appreciation in the workplace. Two of Meyers’ staff members joined the workshop in an interactive virtual appearance. “I enjoyed learning the value of intentional, meaningful appreciation for staff, children, parents and the surrounding community's role in the program,” said one educator in attendance. “Coming together as a community is a great thing, and we should do it more often.”

Childcare Resources is currently accepting applications for enrollment of children six weeks to five years for the 2023-2024 school year. A nonprofit organization, Childcare Resources offers subsidized high-quality childcare at the Childcare Resources School and partnering schools throughout the county. All program schools are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, a mark of quality achieved by fewer than ten percent of preschools nationwide. “The care provided by Childcare Resources is both affordable and of the highest quality,” says Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director. “Families in our program are also provided with wellness and early intervention services, including on-site therapy, to ensure that our students have the resources they need to thrive.” To be eligible for the Childcare Resources program, families must live in Indian River County. Adults in the home must work or attend school full-time. Additional income guidelines apply and can be found on the Childcare Resources website. “I wish every parent and child could experience the benefits of what quality early education does,” says Abby, a program parent. “I’m so thankful my daughter was able to attend Childcare Resources.” For more information, or to complete a preliminary application, please visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org/application or contact Lisa Gonzalez with any questions by calling 772-567-3202 extension 113.

Thank you for taking the time to read the Childcare Resources Connection eNewsletter! In this Spring 2023 edition, you will read an amazing success story from one of our program parents, learn how we are advancing the careers of local early childhood educators, and see highlights from our annual event, Starfest. We hope you find these stories uplifting and inspiring! Thank you for making all of this possible. 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. Read more of Maileigh's story! 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. “I was a young mom, and school seemed out of the question for me many years ago,” says Kayte. Read more of Kayte's story! Seen at Starfest Thank you for supporting early childhood education for children in our community! Read more about Starfest!

Gifts overflowed throughout the Childcare Resources office as local businesses and organizations joined together to ensure that more than 140 Childcare Resources students would have a brighter holiday season. “Part of our accreditation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children involves implementing ten standards, including building community relationships,” said Childcare Resources School Director Tara Beard. “Building these relationships not only connects families to the resources they need, but also creates a strong positive foundation.” Childcare Resources provides high-quality early education at an affordable cost to working families throughout Indian River County. For years, generous donations of holiday gifts for program students have eased a financial burden on parents and provided holiday magic for children. “The gifts you are providing mean so much,” said the mother of two girls. “I didn’t know what I would do this year.” This year’s wish list donors include First Service Residential, Community Church of Vero Beach, The Law Offices of Jennifer D. Peshke, Treasure Coast Pilot Club, Riomar Country Club, Bent Pine Golf Club, PNC Private Bank, Grall Law Group, and Vero Beach Country Club Ladies Golf members. Once donated, gifts are collected by the Childcare Resources Program Committee and delivered to Childcare Resources. The Committee then organizes all of the gifts for families to pick up in the third week of December. “I can’t wait to see my daughter’s eyes light up as she opens these gifts,” said the mother of a three-year-old. “Thanks for keeping the magic of Christmas alive.”

Readiness was the topic of the day as more than 130 dedicated local early childhood educators gathered for Childcare Resources’ workshop ‘Ready for STREAM,’ featuring Dan Gartrell, Ed. D, Emeritus Professor in Early Childhood Education from Bemidji State University, and funded by Indian River County’s Children’s Services Advisory Committee. Teachers began the day exploring ways to foster readiness, the healthy mindset that allows children to manage stress and engage in meaningful learning experiences. Because a child’s brain develops rapidly in the first five years, preschool teachers are in a unique position to help build readiness in their students. “For those little brains to be cooking away and learning, the kids have to have manageable stress,” said presenter Dan Gartrell, a regular contributor to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), “They have to feel positively about the learning experience.” “Dr. Gartrell presents essential concepts and best practices for approaching early learning, using both his years of direct classroom experience and clear explanations from academic research,” said Vero Beach Museum of Art’s School and Community Programs Manager Shanti Sanchez, also an adjunct instructor for Childcare Resources’ Early Educator Credentialing Program. “The connection between the roles of play and creativity for readiness to learn in formal academic settings is essential and of great value for all educators.” In the afternoon, early educators discovered how to make STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) teaching practices developmentally-appropriate for young children by turning them into “STREAM” by adding creative arts activities and focusing on building strong, stable relationships between students and learning experiences. “They’ll learn the real meaning of numbers and of shapes…when they’re ready,” said Dr. Gartrell, “But we always help the child to develop that readiness by being encouraging and supportive in our responses to them.” Childcare Resources will be presenting a third workshop for early childhood educators, “Big Ideas in Early Mathematics,” on March 9. Registration is currently open at ChildcareResourcesIR.org Childcare Resources of Indian River, a partner agency of the United Way of Indian River County and Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee, elevates and promotes the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County, focusing on economically challenged children and families. To learn more about Childcare Resources, visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org or call 772-567-3202

VERO BEACH – On October 21st, Childcare Resources will present a screening of ‘No Small Matter,’ the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for change in America today: early childhood education. The film is built from stories of real children, families, and teachers, illustrating the impact of high-quality early childhood experiences. It features parents who are struggling to do their best for their kids, incredible teachers who model what early childhood classrooms should and could be like, and children learning and developing in real time. “We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking documentary to Indian River County, where Childcare Resources has worked for twenty-five years to provide and promote high-quality early learning experiences,” said Shannon McGuire Bowman, Executive Director of Childcare Resources. “’No Small Matter’ provides an in-depth look at how crucial early education is, as well as the challenges both families and educators face.” A cocktail reception will begin in the Vero Beach Museum of Art atrium at 5:00 pm, with the documentary screening to follow at 6:00 pm. Join ‘No Small Matter’ co-director Danny Alpert following the film for a community conversation about early childhood education in Indian River County, both today and in the future. “Early learning has such explosive potential to shape children’s futures, and reshape our society,” say co-directors Danny Alpert, Greg Jacobs, and Jon Siskel. “It’s the most rational, no-nonsense, high return investment that we can make.” Tickets for ‘No Small Matter’ are $50. Proceeds support high-quality early childhood education in Indian River County. To purchase tickets, or for more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Childcare Resources at 772-567-3202, or visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org

VERO BEACH – Nearly 150 early childhood educators spent a recent Saturday exploring child development at a Childcare Resources professional development workshop. The seminar, funded through a grant from Indian River County’s Children’s Services Advisory Committee, featured Dr. Peg Oliveira, child development expert and Executive Director of the Gesell Institute of Child Development. The Gesell Institute, established in 1950, studies and promotes child development. “What we’re running into is this problem of a mismatch between ability and expectation: what kid’s brains can actually do, and what we are expecting them to do” said Dr. Oliveira, highlighting the importance of developmentally-appropriate curriculum. “You, everyday, are the training wheels to allowing kids the experience of doing that next-level thing that they can’t quite do by themselves yet.” For educators that would like more instruction on curriculum or developmental milestones, the Childcare Resources coaching program, now in its fourth year, provides technical assistance with information explored workshops. In the coaching program, a preschool teacher looking for one-on-one assistance is paired with an experienced educator certified through the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center. Together, the teacher and coach determine and implement strategies that address the teacher’s needs. Registration for November’s professional development workshop, Emergent Literacy featuring Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center’s Cynthia Raso and Meredith Osborne, is currently open at ChildcareResourcesIR.org.

VERO BEACH – It was a day of reading and storytelling as early educators explored Emergent Literacy in Childcare Resources’ recent professional development workshop featuring Cynthia Raso and Meredith Osborne of the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center. Funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee and hosted at the Vero Beach Museum of Art, the seminar discussed how to build literacy by supporting pre-reading skills through classroom activities. “We teach content that naturally elicits emergent literacy skills,” said Cynthia Raso, Director of the Center for Innovation in Early Learning, as she discussed how to connect reading with storytelling and real-world activities. “Think about storytelling going in two ways. Think about going to look at an object and telling an imaginative story, but also think about reading a book then going to visit an object afterwards.” In the afternoon, workshop attendees had the opportunity to participate in emergent literacy classroom activities themselves. In addition to exploring the museum’s collections, teachers rotated through learning activities with museum staff and docents, discovering creative and visual expression, storytelling, and how to approach artwork with young children. Educators also received an exclusive look at Deborah Butterfield’s Untitled #2725.1, not currently on display at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. “Bringing local early childhood educators into the galleries and studios to experience the power of learning from works of art in a variety of ways was a delightful opportunity,” said Shanti Sanchez, Vero Beach Museum of Art School, Youth and Community Impact Programs Manager. “It is our hope that they will return to the museum as well as to encourage the young families they serve to visit, enjoy, and learn at the museum. Every work of art has a story to share!” Registration for Childcare Resources’ next early educator workshop, February 1’s Conscious Discipline with Master Instructor Kim Hughes, is currently open at ChildcareResourcesIR.org.

For more than twenty-five years, Childcare Resources has promoted and provided high-quality early education, impacting thousands of local children each year. Community events like the recent Starfest luncheons help fund Childcare Resources programs like high-quality childcare, professional development for educators, wellness services for program families, and so much more. To keep providing education, care, and resources to local families and educators throughout this uncertain time, Childcare Resources invites the community to stay home and support education by being a part of the Stay Home Soiree on April 16th. “We may have lost the ability to be together,” said Stay Home Soiree Chair Barbie Horton, “but we have not lost the ability to connect. What better way to come together than to support Childcare Resources’ work with so many local children and educators?” In light of current circumstances, Childcare Resources has moved its work with both children and early childhood educators online. The organization is launching virtual classrooms that will give students the ability to reconnect with teachers and classmates, while video conferencing has allowed children who work with therapists to continue their regular sessions. Additionally, the organization’s early education coaches are providing support and resources to local preschool teachers. To participate in the Stay Home Soiree, simply make a contribution to Childcare Resources and, the night of April 16th, relax at home knowing that you have helped make possible the work that prepares children for success, not only in kindergarten, but throughout their lives. All proceeds will enable Childcare Resources to continue elevating and promoting high quality childcare in Indian River County. To learn more about Childcare Resources or to make a donation visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org or call 772-567-3202.

April 13th marked the start of a new week of school, and for Childcare Resources students, the start of a new way to go to preschool. Due to continuing social distancing measures, Childcare Resources opened a virtual classroom for each classroom in the Childcare Resources School. Staffed by teachers and early education coaches, each virtual classroom gives students the opportunity to learn and to reconnect with both teachers and classmates. “The children are so excited to see each other and their teachers again,” says School Director Tara Beard. “We have always emphasized that we are part of a school family and you can truly see that connection.” Programming that supports early educators in the community has also moved online. In addition to weekly email communications, the organization’s two early childhood education coaches are working remotely to continue helping local teachers through phone calls and video conferencing. “Our meetings have been so powerful,” says Early Education Coach Paulette Maggiacomo. “Each participant has shared the trials that they are facing and it was clear to see that we are there for each other.” Childcare Resources is currently inviting community members to stay home and support education by participating in the Stay Home Soiree by making a contribution to Childcare Resources and, the night of April 16th, relaxing at home. All proceeds will enable Childcare Resources to continue elevating and promoting high quality childcare in Indian River County.

VERO BEACH – Even for our county’s youngest students, this has been a stressful time. At the Childcare Resources School, the wellness and early intervention team, dedicated to promoting physical and social-emotional health for program students and families, have taken innovative activities to facilitate stress management and resilience. Recently, one classroom participated in a stress management activity, the ‘Worries-Away Volcano,’ developed by Hunter Sullivan, who became a part of the Childcare Resources School’s wellness team earlier this year. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, Ms. Sullivan has undergone rigorous training and works to promote the optimal development of children and families while minimizing the effects of trauma those families may face. “I could not imagine a better or more fitting time to implement the ‘Worries-Away Volcano’ with everything going on in our world today,” said Ms. Sullivan. “These children love to learn and seem to embrace each moment to learn to better cope with the struggles around them.” To kick off the ‘Worries-Away Volcano’, the four-year-old students first read Tom Percival’s “Ruby’s Worry,” a picture book about a young girl who finds a worry that grows and grows. Following the story, the class brainstormed how they could manage their own worries. Reaching the idea that talking to a parent, teacher, or sibling would help, it was time for the volcano. As they gathered around the papier-mache volcano, each student had the opportunity to discuss a worry or two with Ms. Sullivan, who wrote it down on a piece of paper. One by one, the paper worries were added to the volcano. Together, the entire class said goodbye to their worries as the volcano erupted. “The room was filled with laughter, happiness, and rid of worries,” said Ms. Sullivan. “We will definitely be utilizing the ‘Worries-Away Volcano’ throughout the year.” Childcare Resources of Indian River, a partner agency of the United Way of Indian River County and Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee, elevates and promotes the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County, focusing on economically challenged children and families. To learn more about Childcare Resources, visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org or call 772-567-3202