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VERO BEACH – It was a virtual return to Vero Beach for Dr. Marianne Gibbs, presenter of Childcare Resources’ “More Whats, Hows, and Whys of Fine Motor” workshop, funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee. After a massively successful workshop in the spring of 2018, Childcare Resources brought Dr. Gibbs, founder of Write Out of the Box, back to further inspire local educators about how to encourage fine motor skill development. “The time flies so quickly through this window of development,” said Dr. Gibbs. “We do not have until tomorrow.” More than 80 local educators participated in this live virtual event. After exploring fine motor skill development and easy-to-incorporate sensory activities, Dr. Gibbs discussed how to encourage independence and self-help skills. She noted that, often, young children are coached through activities in ways that allow them to hit specific goals, instead of encouraging them to learn. “Sometimes we get caught up in the end result,” noted Dr. Gibbs, “and lose sight of the teachable moments.” Before the workshop, Childcare Resources early educator coaches delivered bags of fine motor supplies funded by PNC Foundation to teachers that had registered. The coaches will continue to work with event attendees, providing technical assistance in implementing Dr. Gibbs’ ideas and strategies. “Dr. Gibbs is such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable presenter,” said Paulette Maggiacomo, Early Education Coach. “Her virtual workshop showcased amazing and easy activities that can help children develop fine motor skills. I look forward to helping teachers bring her ideas to life in local classrooms.” Childcare Resources’ next live virtual workshop, Sensory Play for Every Day, is scheduled for November 14 and will feature Lisa “Ooey Gooey Lady” Murphy. 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

Dozens of local early educators joined The Importance of Early Experiences, Childcare Resources’ most recent live virtual workshop. Funded by Indian River County’s Children’s Services Advisory Committee, the workshop featured Lisa ‘Ooey Gooey Lady’ Murphy, an experienced educator and early childhood specialist. Having previously presented in Childcare Resources’ Excellence in Early Education seminars, Ms. Murphy made her virtual return to Vero Beach after more than a decade. Over the course of three sessions throughout the day, Ms. Murphy highlighted the importance of early education as well as the benefits of creating child-centered environments. Using her own first day of school and decision to become an educator, Ms. Murphy reached out to participants about how and why they decided to become educators. “If you have drifted away from your ‘why,’ it becomes exhausting,” said Ms. Murphy. “What is your students’ memory of this place going to be?” Educators also took an in-depth exploration of how to be a hands-on, play-based program that supports learning and builds kindergarten readiness as Ms. Murphy outlined her nine-point approach to working with children and creating a child-centered environment that promotes learning. “We can set up an environment that is ripe for crystallizing moments,” said Ms. Murphy, referencing moments that can have a lifelong impact. “Are we taking the time to have real conversations with our students?” Childcare Resources’ next live virtual workshop, Trauma Informed Care, features Dr. Peg Oliveira, the Executive Director of the Gesell at Yale Program in Early Childhood. The workshop will be held on January 23, 2021. Registration is currently open at www.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

Thanks to local donors, the holidays are a bit brighter for Childcare Resources students. Childcare Resources provides high-quality early education at an affordable cost to dozens of families in Indian River County. For many of these families, the holiday season presents financial challenges. As one parent said, “we were not sure we would be able to provide much of a Christmas.” Through the holiday wish list program, Childcare Resources collaborates with local businesses and organizations to supply developmentally-appropriate holiday gifts for program students. Childcare Resources 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, and PNC. Organized by the Childcare Resources Program Committee, gifts are collected from local businesses and sorted at the Childcare Resources office, where they are picked up by families in the third week of December. “This year has been a struggle for many, but I am so grateful beyond words,” said one parent, “It takes special hearts to do what you all do, and we are forever grateful.” 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 – Nearly one hundred local early educators explored trauma-informed practices in a recent Childcare Resources professional development seminar, funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee. With the help of Dr. Peg Oliveira, Executive Director of the Gesell Institute at Yale University, educators explored toxic stress, adverse childhood experiences, the effects of trauma, and, most importantly, what educators can to do help their students build resilience. “Trauma is not a ‘them thing,’” noted Dr. Oliveira, “it’s an ‘us thing.’” A common theme throughout the day was the impact of COVID-19 on teaching, both as a profession and in the classroom. Educators shared how their work has changed in the advent of COVID-19 guidance, highlighting that the classroom experiences that help build brains can be harder to create. At the same time, the percentage of children with adverse childhood experiences, events that can create toxic stress and lead to life-long trauma impacts, has increased, Dr. Oliveira emphasized, saying “it begs us to reconsider how we build our classrooms.” Childcare Resources Early Educator Coaches distributed supplies that can aid in emotional self-regulation, like breathing balls and musical chimes, to workshop attendees. Funded by PNC Grow up Great, these supplies will help local childcare centers incorporate ideas from the workshop. Through the coaching program, local teachers can also work one-on-one with an experienced educator to build a classroom environment that incorporates stable routines and strong relationships, both factors in helping children handle stress. “It’s not this idea of building a ramp for a few children,” Dr. Oliveira summarized, “it’s about building resilience for all children.” 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

More than 100 educators joined Leading for Children’s Judy Jablon and Christine Shrader in exploring what quality means in the early childhood education landscape in a recent virtual seminar presented by Childcare Resources and funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee. Leading for Children is a nonprofit organization that provides guidance in developing a cohesive approach to quality childcare that involves all adults in a child’s life. The Pathway to Quality, a concept developed by Jablon, examines three dimensions that promote successful childhood outcomes: relationships and interactions, emotional and physical environment, and learning experiences. By using these dimensions as a foundation, childcare centers can work towards building quality experiences and improving outcomes for children and families. “Think about the future that you want for them,” noted Shrader. “What might that look like? What do children deserve?” Following the workshop, Leading for Children materials were distributed to participating centers. Funded by PNC Grow Up Great, these materials include literature from Leading for Children that will help centers continue to implement the Pathway to Quality. Many local center directors first began implementing the Pathway to Quality after participating in a pilot program presented by Childcare Resources in fall 2019. Facilitated by Leading for Children, directors were asked to examine quality, leadership, and how the two work together to create positive outcomes for children. Childcare Resources’ next workshop, “Getting Unstuck with Conscious Discipline” featuring Conscious Discipline Master Instructor Kim Hughes, is scheduled for April 10th. Registration is open online 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

Nearly 100 educators spent a recent Saturday taking part in a live virtual Conscious Discipline workshop, presented by Childcare Resources and featuring Master Instructor Kim Hughes. Funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee, the workshop focused on how teachers can implement Conscious Discipline personally and professionally to help navigate the emotional upset of themselves and their students and work towards building self-regulation. “The missing link for success is self-regulation,” noted Hughes, “It’s our ability to put a moment between thought and action.” Developed by Dr. Becky Bailey, Conscious Discipline is an adult-first model of social and emotional intelligence used in classrooms across the country. Designed to first make changes in an adult’s life, Conscious Discipline focuses on self-regulation to increase both empathy and awareness. “Through Conscious Discipline, we are able to see conflict and behavior differently,” said Hughes, “So we have to learn to regulate ourselves first.” This most recent seminar continues Childcare Resources’ long-standing commitment to bringing Conscious Discipline training to educators in Indian River County, particularly in a year filled with the intense challenges and emotional upheaval of COVID-19. After the workshop, Childcare Resources Early Education Coaches distributed supplies including copies of Marc Brackett’s Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids, Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive and Mood Meter posters that help children name their emotions. Funded by PNC Grow Up Great, the supplies will help teachers and students build the emotional awareness and the self-regulation that are the cornerstones of Conscious Discipline.

It was a week of celebration and exploration as Childcare Resources honored the fiftieth anniversary of Week of the Young Child. First established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Week of the Young Child is celebrated across the country by NAEYC’s 60,000 members. The week was developed to publicly recognize that a child’s success is reliant on the foundation built during the earliest years of life. For the students at the NAEYC-accredited Childcare Resources School, the week was full of activity, exploration, and education. Creativity and imagination took hold with Messy Art Day, when students completed large art projects that encouraged social skills and fine motor development. For Bubble Day, students explored the science and strength behind bubbles. After staying comfortable for special literacy activities on Pajama Day, students dressed up for Wacky Day to discover critical thinking concepts like ‘same’ and ‘opposite.’ Week of the Young Child ended with a fun dance party that encouraged motor skill development and physical activity. “Our students always love the special activities during Week of the Young Child,” said School Director Tara Beard. “They get to learn big concepts in fun ways that feel like play.” 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

Childcare Resources recently celebrated the continued educational success of Credentialing Program for Early Educators alumni. Barbara Erege and Priscilla Perez, the first program alumni to earn degrees in early childhood education, graduated as part of Indian River State College’s Spring 2021 class. “Graduation was very exciting,” said Ms. Perez. “Being a teacher gives me the opportunity to make a change in someone's life.” Initially established in 2017 through a grant awarded by Impact 100, the program has helped dozens of educators earn credentials in early childhood education by providing a supportive cohort learning model. “One of our initial activities in the program is for each student to imagine how it will feel when they graduate with that credential,” said Elizabeth Swann, Ph. D, Credentialing Program Facilitator. “Right from the start, both of these ladies thought long-term about what it would feel like to graduate with a degree.” Through the Credentialing Program, educators have access to dedicated study halls, special educational opportunities, one-on-one coaching, and an early education resource library. In addition to this academic support, the program also helps participants navigate registration, time management, and financial aid including T.E.A.C.H. (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps). Funded by the Florida Office of Early Learning, T.E.A.C.H. provides financial support for early childhood educators working towards earning credentials or a degree in early childhood education. “As future leaders in education, Barbara and Priscilla were able to complete their degrees through the T.E.A.C.H. program.” said First Presbyterian Preschool Director Lorie Rudolph. “Their growth as teachers in our VPK classrooms has enabled our children to benefit as well.” The Credentialing Program accepts applications year-round. For more information, visit http://www.ChildcareResourcesIR.org/advance. 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

State Representative Erin Grall discussed the history and impacts of Florida House Bill 419, Early Learning and Early Grade Success, at a recent Childcare Resources event open to key stakeholders across the early education landscape. House Bill 419, co-introduced by Representative Grall and State Representative Vance Aloupis, passed unanimously in the Florida House and Senate in May 2021. The bill creates a Division of Early Learning in the state’s Department of Education, aligns early childhood education with K-12 education, and revises the standards of the Gold Seal Quality Care program for early childhood education providers. “It really should be about whether or not we view what happens from birth to five as education,” said Representative Grall, noting the fundamental shift in perception of the earliest years of life as she discussed the bill’s benefits with the event’s seventy-five attendees. A former Board chair of Childcare Resources, Representative Grall credited her time spent in the organization’s leadership with her focus on quality early education, saying “Childcare Resources showed me the importance of this time in a child’s life.” With more than twenty-five years of providing and promoting high-quality early education, Childcare Resources also collaborates with and informs the broader community, improving early childhood outcomes for all children in Indian River County. “It is our intention to continue to educate ourselves on the best practices in the early learning community and all the efforts to affect change,” said Katy Block Healy, Chair of the Childcare Resources Advocacy Committee. “We have the opportunity to provide to the community how we can affect that positive change for the early learning community together.”

More than 100 local early educators gathered to explore child development at a recent Childcare Resources workshop, “Why our children don’t need pushing and what they do need instead.” Funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee and PNC, the workshop provided educators with tools and knowledge to support child development in their classrooms. “Anyone who has met more than one child knows that each child is different,” said presenter Amanda Morgan, early childhood expert and creator of Not Just Cute, a whole child development resource for teachers and parents. “In a developmentally appropriate practice, we respect those differences that are inherent in human development.” In addition to reviewing common early childhood milestones, educators were asked to reflect on how their classrooms currently support student growth as well as their expectations for development in the crucial pre-kindergarten years. “Kindergarten has changed dramatically, but children have not,” Mrs. Morgan emphasized, “The developmental process is not something we can speed up.” Instead of focusing on speeding up development, attendees explored how to support their students’ growth through high-quality interactions that follow each child’s lead. As one attendee summarized, “Developmentally appropriate practice is about respect. Respect for their childhood, for their development processes, and most of all respect for children as individuals.” Registration is currently open for Childcare Resources’ next professional development opportunity, “Teaching with Intention and Powerful Play”, on February 5, 2022, again featuring Mrs. Morgan. Additionally, Mrs. Morgan will be the featured speaker at Childcare Resources’ annual two-day Starfest event featuring a dinner held February 7 and a luncheon held February 8. For the dinner, Mrs. Morgan will be joined by Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County, and Jeff Pickering, CEO of Indian River Community Foundation, for an intimate and robust panel conversation about both the progress to date in providing high-quality early education, and what the next steps are or should be. During the luncheon, Mrs. Morgan will focus on exploring what we as a community can do to help children reach their full potential, including highlights of Childcare Resources’ accomplishments. Both events will be held at Quail Valley River Club. More information about Starfest can be found at www.ChildcareResourcesIR.org.

“Do we have measures for how imaginative or creative a child is?” asked Amanda Morgan, early childhood expert and creator of Not Just Cute, a whole child development resource for teachers and parents, as she spoke with more than 100 local early educators. “Too often, we only value what we can measure.” As part of Teaching with Intention and Powerful Play, a professional development workshop presented by Childcare Resources and funded by Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee and PNC, educators explored how to use intention to frame classroom activities and how to promote learning through the use of play. Despite an increasing emphasis on academics, young children learn best in a playful environment. Current research indicates that play can help with anxiety and depression and also promotes the practice of social skills. “Too often, there are conversations that lead people to believe they have to choose between learning and play,” Mrs. Morgan emphasized. “Research tells us that the best learning happens through play, because, in a playful learning environment, children get to construct knowledge.” When discussing the importance of intention, Mrs. Morgan asked each educator to examine the ‘why’ behind the classroom activities they plan. In small groups, educators considered how they currently support one of the eight aspects of whole childhood development, reviewing creativity, motor skills, literacy, and more. “We need to know our why, because it changes how we do what we do,” said Mrs. Morgan. “We need to be able to communicate our why so that others can see the value in what we are doing.”

"Where I am in my brain will determine how I see behavior," said Kim Jackson, Conscious Discipline Master Instructor, to nearly 150 early educators representing thirty local programs on a recent Saturday. "Until I come to terms with having anger, I can’t help my students regulate theirs." As part of the Childcare Resources Excellence in Early Education seminar series, Jackson presented aspects of Conscious Discipline, a practice that empowers teachers and other adults to help children develop the skills they need to learn how to self-regulate. This was the eighth Conscious Discipline seminar presented by Childcare Resources since 2015. Funded by Indian River County Children's Services Advisory Committee and PNC, the seminar explored how adults can create a classroom environment that fosters the relationships and connections that lead to learning. "In order for the executive state to develop, we learn problem-solving in social situations," noted Jackson. "That’s why we have to have play in classrooms." Throughout the day, educators engaged in role-playing scenarios to help students move from the survival state through the emotional state and up to the executive state, where learning occurs. As an adult-first model, Conscious Discipline emphasizes the importance of teachers modeling the behavior they wish to see in their students. "It was valuable to role-play scenarios to see how to help my students,” noted one educator. “I used some of these strategies last night with my own child and could identify as he moved from one brain state to the next."