Quality initiatives quarterly [Fall 2006]

Quality Initiatives Quarterly

New and Improved to Better Serve You!
Welcome to Quality Initiatives' first newsletter designed for participants enrolled in, or considering enrollment in Bright from the Start's Standards of Care and Homes of Quality Programs administered by the Quality Initiatives Division (QI). Each quarter QI will bring you information, updates, and spotlights on programs who have achieved Centers of Distinction, (CoD)/Centers of Recognition (CoR) and Homes of Distinction (HoD)/Homes of Recognition (HoR) and Homes of Merit (HoM). Activity ideas will be included, and training opportunities will be published. Quality Initiatives strives to better serve your needs as you continue to provide quality care and education to Georgia's children and families.
Want to know how the Quality Initiatives Division can serve you . . . . Well read on, here are some of the services we are responsible for:

Quality Initiatives Updates
Volume 1, Issue 1 Quality Initiatives Quarterly
Fall Edition 2006
Special Points of Interest
Infant brain development and the impact of stress
Fun with finger paints SoC and HoQ training updates SoC Parent seminars are important Did you know . . .

The oversight of the Standards of Care - Centers of Quality Program- (CoQ) for Child Care Centers, Group Day Care Homes - and the Homes of Quality Program (HoQ) for Family Day Care Homes, and Even Start Family Literacy Program.
Delivering internal and external professional development training. Coordinating the funding and functions of the Georgia Association of Child Care
Resource and Referral Agencies statewide.
Distributing federal dollars to promote affordable and accessible quality child care for children and families.
Coordinating the Statewide Training Approval System.

Hip Hip Hooray
Celebrating Centers of Quality and Homes of Quality

May 2006 Wheeler Pines -- CoR Debra Johnson -- HoD Francy de Perez -- HoD Sandra Shepard -- HoD Scottie Caldwell -- HoD Theresa Simmons -- HoD Twalla Nelson -- HoD Valerie Davis & Janice Swan -- HoD Zina Durham -- HoD
June 2006 Athens Technical College -- CoD Capitol Hill -- CoD GSU CDC -- CoD Country Crossings -- CoD Sheltering Arms-Cobb Center -- CoD

June 2006 Bonnie Steadman -- HoD Eva Cross -- HoD Florie Floyd -- HoD Kathy Goss -- HoD Nancy Griffin -- HoD Flor Alba Cadena -- HoM
July 2006 Children's Friend #3 -- CoD Three Bears Daycare -- CoD Angel Academy -- CoR Cartersville Childcare -- CoR Happy Tots Learning Center -- CoR Brenda Rose -- HoD Geneva Heard -- HoD

August 2006 Augusta Tech College -- CoD Sheltering Arms-Carl Rhodenizer -- CoD Ann Brinson -- HoD Annette Draughn -- HoD Dorothy Benton -- HoD De'Angela Clay -- HoD Kordula Green -- HoD Rochelle Sam -- HoD Gwen Fowler -- HoM
September 2006 Kathy's Day Kare -- CoR Amy Leonardo -- HoD Geri Smarr -- HoD Sherry Drake -- HoD

Effects of Stress on Brain Development

What we know about stress What we can do to reduce

Hormones regulate body functions and stress

how we react to the environment,

Strong, secure attachments to a

many work together to regulate the nurturing caregiver appear to have

activities of the brain. The hormone a protective biological function,

Cortisol is released when a body

"immunizing" an infant to some

undergoes stress. It contributes to the fight-or-flight

Cortisol levels fluctuate during the day,

degree against adverse effects of later stress or trauma. You can lower

response, affects

but increase

the levels of stress in

metabolism, the

in response to stress infants by sustaining a

immune system, and brain develop-

positive emotional

ment. High levels of Cortisol affect climate and interactions. Make frequent

the brain's ability to control negative eye contact, smile, stay calm, quickly

behaviors and emotions. Everyday

comfort and sooth infants, do not rush

stressors for infants include being

routines.

hungry, hearing a loud noise, and

Inform your children's parents that

trying to solve problems. Each child infants are capable of becoming

will respond differently to stress, so attached to more than one caregiver.

you must be able to know and observe They do develop a hierarchy or "order

the children in your care. Children

of preference." Childcare does not

who have been abandoned, suffer very weaken the parent-child bond.

stressful or traumatic experiences, or

are emotionally neglected very early in

life, often suffer impairments in func-

tions such as empathy, attachment,

self-regulation and memory, as well

as developmental delays.

Tips
Rock, speak softly, meet the child's gaze with a reassuring face.
Provide consistent and responsive care.
Surround your infants with language Low number of infants per care
giver (3-4). Small group sizes. Read your infant's moods and cues
to communicate. Encourage infant's play, keep them
out of confining pieces of equipment as much as possible.
What is: Foreshadowing
Technique
Informing infant of what you are
going to do before you do it.

Did You Know . . .
You can use your dramatic play area to receive higher scores on the ITERS-R and ECERS-R in Math, Promoting Acceptance of Diversity and Using Books and Pictures?
Here's How
Credit can be given for dramatic play, using books and pictures, and promoting acceptance of diversity when dolls of different skin tones and facial features, play foods from different cultures, menus written in different languages, and books and magazines are included in the housekeeping area. Credit can be given for math materials, props in dramatic play, and promoting diversity when play money from another country and a cash register, or nesting dolls are included in dramatic play.

Volume 1, Issue 1

Page 1

The Inside Scoop on SoC Family Seminars

Centers that receive a Quality Enhancement Grant agree to conduct at least 4 family seminars or workshops over a 12 month period.
1. What is a family seminar?
A seminar is a scheduled meeting where parents and child care staff come together to exchange information and ideas about a particular topic.
2. Who should lead the seminar?
The center director may choose to lead the seminar, or they may contact local community resources.
Examples include teaching hospitals;
local drug store chains; Military
Family Resource Centers; County

Extension offices; Vocational / Technical colleges, etc. If your center has a Resource Coordinator, ask them for assistance. 3. Where and when should seminars be held? Select a convenient time and place for the event. If you decide to use a location other than your center, make sure parking and public transportation are available if possible. Make your parents feel welcome and comfortable. Provide a pleasant setting, snacks and of course, quality child care.

Safe and Interesting Toys for Young Infants
Stuffed toys/play animals - small plush washable soft toys for grasping, mouthing, and exploring - bright colors, eyes and noses sewn or painted - avoid furry items that can shed and toys with ribbons, whiskers, or buttons
Grasping toys - allow for simple hand manipulation and mouthing which occurs at about 3 months - develop visually directed reach, eye-hand coordination, and fine motor skills - promote cause and effect: rattles, teethers, squeeze noise toys, cloth toys - become more complex at 4-6 months: plastic stacking disks or rings, nipple &
grasping balls, interlocking plastic rings - should be bright primary colors, easily grasped from any angle, lightweight, and
washable.

4. What types of issues should be covered at the seminar? The needs of the parents should drive the purpose of the seminar. Send a letter or survey to parents to ask what issues are important to them and their families. Some of your parents may be the experts themselves! Invite them to share their experiences with the group.
Suggested Topics for Family Seminars
Health issues/communicable diseases
Transporting children safely Basic child development issues Appropriate child guidance
techniques Making low-cost educational toys Healthy nutrition The importance of reading to
young children SIDS awareness

Fun with Finger Paints -- A lot of mess, but a lot of fun!

Colorful starch base paint encourages big free movements. Finger paint on large sturdy paper or paint directly on a tabletop or inside a sand and water table.

Corn Starch Paint cup corn starch 2 cups hot water Food coloring, liquid tempera, or tempera powder. Dissolve the starch in a small amount of cold water and gradually add the hot water. Cook until thick and clear, stirring constantly. Water can be added to thin the paste if necessary. Color as desired.

Liquid Starch Paint 1 Tbs liquid Starch
Food coloring, liquid tempera, or powdered tempera. Pour liquid starch in the center of wet paper (or on table top). Color with drops of food coloring or sprinkle with a small amount of powdered tempera paint. Work color and starch together and spread over paper with hand or brush.

Volume 1, Issue 1

Information About Homes of Quality

The Homes of Quality Program is voluntary and serves Family Day Care Home and Group Day Care Home child care providers. Child care providers who choose to participate in the Homes of Quality Program will receive Technical Assistance (TA) which will prepare them for an observation visit to assess the level of care they are providing in their child care facility. The Family Day Care Rating Scale (FDCRS) an internationally recognized tool is used to assess each program.

the field of Early Childhood Education. The program supports providers through the assessment process, who are willing to learn and practice developmentally appropriate learning experiences for the children in their small businesses. The Homes of Quality Program recognizes child care providers who attain various levels of success as they demonstrate the ability to go above and beyond what is
required of state rules and regulations.

The Homes of Quality Program encourages child care providers to increase their individual professional development in

Family Day Care Home vs. Group Day Care Home

A Family Day Care Home (FDCH) is most often a part of the child care provider's personal residence. A FDCH can have up to 6 children for pay and is registered through Bright from the Start.

and Regulations which can be found on the Bright from the Start website at www. decal.state.ga.us. You may also contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency for a copy.

awareness that all children should have access to enriched learning experiences in environments that are healthy and safe.

Group Day Care Homes (GDCH) typically are homes that have been converted into small child care facilities. GDCH's are licensed through Bright from the Start to care for up to 18 children. Both facility types have their own Rules

Several FDCH providers desire and successfully open their own GDCH or Child Care Center. Whatever your choice of facility for child care operation, it is important that we increase public

... all children should have access to enriched learning experiences in environments that are healthy and safe.

Funding Sources
Child Care and Development Funds (CCDF) In general, these funds pay for: 1) program improvements, 2) programs for children with disabilities for early childhood and school-age children, 3) technical assistance and/or training, and 4) the operation of child care resource and referral agencies. These funds are not awarded to buy land or buildings. These funds are awarded through an annual "Request for Application" or a "Request for Proposal"

process. You can visit the Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning website www.decal.state.ga.us to receive information updates as new funding sources are announced.
For more information contact: Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning at 404-6565957, E-mail: john.gardner@decal. state.ga.us.

Volume 1, Issue 1

Training Department
Bright from the Start considers training an integral part of each of the programs it administers. Considerable resources are dedicated each year to professional development because of the positive impact training has on the quality of services provided to Georgia's children and families.
The consistent delivery of high quality childcare services is contingent on providing personnel with regular, high-quality professional development training. Training is provided not just to classroom teachers but also to Pre-K Project Directors, Site Directors, Principals, Superintendents, Resource Coordinators, Group Day Care Home and Family Daycare Home Providers.
Professional Development Training Schedules and registration option
There are several ways to register for training. If you are a PANDA user you may register online for a variety of trainings. If you are a child care center or group day care home interested in attending Standards of Care Director Orientation you may contact the training department at 404-463-4109. If you are a family day care home you can contact the resource and referral agency in your region. For a list of the Georgia Association Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies, and to learn more about the trainings offered by Bright from the Start go to www.decal.state.ga.us and go to our training registration section or contact our training department at 404-463-4109.

Our Mission To prepare Georgia's children to succeed.

Our vision High quality early learning experiences are accessible to all children in Georgia.

Quality Initiatives Staff

Standards of Care (Centers and Homes) Janine Joseph Catherine Broussard Bridgette Washington Mireille Emanuels Denise Jenson-Ray City Audrey Lampkin-Augusta Kristie Lewis-Forsyth Diane Bryant-Athens

404-656-0199 404-463-6088 404-463-0663 404-463-3585 229-482-9775 706-733-8053 478-994-7639 706-369-5909

Training Resources Janice Haker Carlos Cantu Tiffany Gibson Barbara Winer Training Registration

404-651-7425 404-656-6464 404-656-4078 404-657-1778 404-463-4109/4107

Grant and Funding Carol Hartman Vacant John Gardner (Legal)

404-463-3571 404-463-0956 404-656-3560

Quarterly SoC and HoQ Training - 06

SoC Director Orientation Dates: October 25-26th -- Atlanta November 29-30th -- Columbus December 11-12th -- Atlanta
For additional information about Standards of Care contact: Catherine Broussard (404) 463-6088 catherine.broussard@decal.state.ga.us

SoC Caregiver Training Dates:
ITERS October 26-27th -- Savannah ITERS November 7-8th -- Valdosta ITERS November 27-28th -- Atlanta ITERS December 5-6th -- Columbus ITERS December 7-8th -- Perry
ECERS October 17-18th -- Athens ECERS November 8-9th -- Savannah ECERS November 14-15th -- Valdosta ECERS November 28-29th -- Perry ECERS December 5-6th -- Atlanta ECERS December 7-8th -- Columbus

HoQ Orientation Dates: October 21st -- Tifton November No Orientation scheduled December 9th -- Atlanta
For additional information about Homes of Quality contact: Bridgette Washington (404) 463-0663 bridgette.washington@decal.state.ga.us

For more information about any of our programs and services visit our website at www.decal.state.ga.us Or write to us at Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, 10 Park Place South, Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30303 You can contact us at 404-656-5957 or 1-888-442-7735. Our fax number is 404-651-7184
We are planting trees under whose shade we will never sit.
- adapted from a Greek Proverb