45th Annual Rhode Island Early Childhood Conference Hosts 400 Early Childhood Professionals at 2-Day Event
RIAEYC hosted the 45th Annual Rhode Island Early Childhood Conference on May 7 and 8 at Bryant University. This year's conference featured a pre-conference Leadership Day on Friday as well as the annual day-long Saturday conference.
Participants enjoy snacks and networking at the conference |
Friday kicked off with remarks by Education Commissioner Deborah Gist and RI Kids Count Executive Director Elizabeth Burke Bryant. Both spoke about current public policy issues and future state work to promote high quality early education. Keynote speaker Holly Elissa Bruno primed participants on Friday and Saturday with her humor and insights on emotional intelligence, seeing things from a different perspective, and the value of what we do.
This year's conference also included a special reception honoring quality early care and education programs. NAEYC Accredited and BrightStars programs were celebrated with legislative proclamations and an in-person visit by Karen L. MacBeth, State Representative from Cumberland.
We can't wait to do it all again next year! Save the Date for next year's conference on May 6 & 7, 2011.
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Enjoy "A Day at the Zoo" RIAEYC Spring Event on June 5
Join us on Saturday, June 5 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for a fun-filled day at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, RI. This special Early Childhood Educator trip to one of RI's best destinations will feature: -
a 45-minute workshop session that offers fun, hands-on methods and curriculum ideas which support teachers' integration of best practices in the classroom
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discounted admission to the zoo and all exhibits
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the opportunity to meet new people and exchange ideas in a lively atmosphere
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Rhode Island AfterZones Lauded in National Report
The first of a two-part evaluation undertaken by Public/Private Ventures and commissioned by The Wallace Foundation has been released. This implementation study highlights a key finding that the Providence After School Alliance's AfterZone is an innovative after-school model which has  succeeded in enrolling over 40% of the student population in its seven participating middle schools. The report concludes that PASA "has shown that a campus model is feasible and indeed attracts youth in this age group. It has also demonstrated that, with a concerted effort to track program quality and provide professional development, programs of solid quality can be put in place within a four- or five-year time horizon". Read the press release, or download the executive summary for details.
AfterZone parents and families also report high satisfaction with services. A recent survey shows that 97% of AfterZone parents are satisfied with the quality of programs (with 77% very satisfied), and 94% are satisfied with the safety of their children in the programs. An unexpected finding was that over 87% of parents reported that the AfterZone improves relationships with their child. Likewise, 91% of parents report that the AfterZone improves their child's interest in school, and 81% feel it improves their child's attendance at school. |
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New Resource on Pandemic Flu & Child Care
No time like the Summer to plan for flu preparedness.
In 2008, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) completed a needs assessment of 1,500 licensed child care centers. Results show that more can be done to prepare the early education and child care community for a pandemic influenza. Top choices for improving preparedness were participation in training sessions, use of print materials, and access to downloadable or interactive web-based tools.
The webpage is part of the larger AAP Children & Disasters Initiative that provides information on natural disasters, terrorism, financial crisis, and other community preparedness topics. |
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News You Can Use from RIAEYC Membership Committee
FEATURED MEMBER BENEFIT: Recycling for RI Education
 Your RIAEYC membership entitles you to members-only services at Recycling for RI Education (RRIE). RRIE offers no-cost or low-cost materials that can help any teacher encourage creativity and nourish learning through exploration and discovery. RRIE membership cards must be presented when making a purchase. To take advantage of this benefit, contact us to sign-out RIAEYC's membership card.
Join the RIAEYC Membership Committee
The RIAEYC Membership Committee is looking for dynamic early childhood educators like you! Are you looking to become involved in a community that serves young children through education? Do you enjoy meeting new and interesting people from across the state? Consider becoming a part of the RIAEYC Membership Committee, and lend your voice to quality early care and education. Contact Membership Chair Courtney Read for more info. |
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Resources for Families: Parenting Workshop by Haven
Families are invited to join Haven Miles, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, for an interactive opportunity to learn more about children's emotional development and how families can best respond to their child's behaviors. Haven Miles is the recipient of the "Special Friend of Children" award presented by RIAEYC at the 2010 RI Early Childhood Conference.
Dinner will be provided. Limited child care will be available. Please contact and register with Samantha Bernardo by June 7 at 467-6855 or toll-free 1-800-483-8844.
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Research Roundup: CCDF Stats, Motor Skills, Core Comps
GAO Report Shows Decline in Children Served by CCDF The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) recently published a report Child Care: Multiple Factors Could Have Contributed to the Recent Decline in the Number of Children Whose Families Receive Subsidies. The report shows that from 2006 to 2008, the estimated average monthly number of children served by the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) declined by about 170,000 (10%). Multiple factors that could have influenced this recent decline are presented. Click here to read the full report (60 pages). Click here for report highlights (1 page).
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86 Percent of Disadvantaged Preschoolers Lack Basic Motor SkillsFindings from a new study showed that 86 percent of 469 disadvantaged preschoolers from two urban areas scored below the 30th percentile of children nationwide on a standardized test that assessed basic motor skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. The researchers believe the problem stems from the fact that children from disadvantaged, urban neighborhoods often don't have sufficient opportunities to play outside. Read more about the study at Science Daily.
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Overview of Infant-Toddler Teacher Core Competencies in 36 StatesKeys to High-Quality Child Care for Infants and Toddlers is a new brief from the National Infant and Toddler Child Care Initiative (NITCCI) that describes common elements found in the Core Knowledge and Competencies of 36 States. It includes information on age ranges; core knowledge categories; competency levels; and special considerations for children with special needs and cultural diversity. |
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... Community Postings ...
Job Postings...
Woonsocket Head Start Child Development Association, Inc.
Preschool Teachers to work in a high quality child care program, NAEYC accredited, BrightStars rated, and Department of Education approved. Full year and part year positions. Must have BA/BS in Early Childhood and RIDE certification in ECE. Excellent benefits: Health & Dental, 2 weeks vacation for part year position and 3 weeks for full year position, starting wage $15.45 per hour. Must be competent in designing and implementing a Standards-based program for 3-5 year olds and able to meet the needs of a diverse community. Resumes to ckelly@whscda.org or send to WHSCDA, Inc. 204 Warwick St., Woonsocket, RI 02895. EOE
Requests...
NAEYC Technology and Young Children Survey
NAEYC is revising its Technology and Young Children position statement in partnership with the Fred Rogers Center. Our partners at the Fred Rogers Center are conducting a survey about how Early Childhood Professionals use various kinds of digital technologies in their professional and personal lives. We are interested in knowing your views about the use of such technologies in your setting. All of the answers will be analyzed anonymously and collectively. Your specific responses will be kept confidential. We very much appreciate your help. By completing this survey you are giving us permission to use your answers to inform our work. Contact Roberta Schomburg at robertaschomburg@gmail.com with questions or for more information. Discounts...
NAEYC Online Store
NAEYC members save 20% off all resources on the online store. Visit the online store to begin taking advantage of your member savings today!
Kaplan Early Learning Company
Kaplan is offering a 17% Discount and Free UPS Shipping on orders over $200. Please use code 18106 when placing your order. The offer expires 7/16/10. Also, please feel free to contact Dave Kulick from Kaplan, at 1-800-334-2014 ext. 5240/Cell: 860-460-2350 or dkulick@kaplanco.com for more information. ______________________________________________________________
Submit your news, announcements, and items of interest. Items received by the 10th of the month will be included in that month's publication.
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The mission of RIAEYC is to support professionals in their work by promoting quality education and the healthy development of children birth through eight. | |
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Upcoming Events
RIAEYC Spring Event: A Day at the Zoo
Saturday, June 5
Roger Williams Zoo
Providence, RI
June 14, 2:30pm
State House
Providence, RI
DHS Child Care Community Exchange
June 15, 1:30pm
United Way of RI
Providence, RI |
To view all
meetings & events, visit
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Not a member of NAEYC & RIAEYC?
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