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Directors' Network News and Notes

April 2011
News and Notes
Career Opportunities for YOU
Director to Director
Tip of the Month: Bagels
Out and About
News You Can Use
Lunch and Learn 2011
Network Links and Resources
2011 List of Services
 

Whether you are in DC, Maryland or Virginia, and if your needs are for staff training, professional development, parent education or consulting - we've got you covered.  
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Greetings!

Happy (almost) Week of the Young Child! 

  

Like you, we consider every week an occasion to celebrate young children, their teachers and families. 

 

At the same time, we enthusiastically support NAEYC's 40th annual celebration, April 10-16, as an opportunity to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. 

 

The Week of the Young Child is a time to plan how we will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.  For a direct link to the NAEYC for more information click here.


You might consider:

These national organizations have information, online tools, and networking opportunities to stimulate community involvement.

Promise Neighborhoods Institute
 
National Child Care Information Center
Children's Defense Fund

Families and Work Institute
Connect for Kids

Stand for Children

What have you got planned?  We'd love to help you spread the word and inspire your peers, so please let us know and we'll share it here. 

Please continue to let us know how this network can serve you best.  Thank you for the work you do.


Yours in a shared commitment to taking action to support young children and the adults around them,


 

Amy and Candace 

Career Opportunities for Directors and Administrators
 

Of course, we hope you love your job.  It can be inspiring to consider the opportunities are available to smart, capable leaders in our region...  


In DC:

 

Director of Operations and Programs
Community Education Group
 
Leadership Opportunities (several)
DC Prep
  

In Maryland:

 

Center Director

CCLC - Ft. Meade

Learn more

 

Child Life Specialist (pt)

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore

Learn more

 

In Virginia:

 

Executive Director

Doorways for Women and Families

Learn more

Apply 

 

Assistant Director

Bright Horizons - Skyline

Learn more

 

Executive Director

Smart Beginnings, Danville-Pittsylvania

Learn more

Apply

Director to Director...

Valerie Carroll, Director at The Hill Preschool in Washington, DC advocates many things, including:
  • Urban field trips for toddlers and preschoolers - as often as possible!
  • Take REAL walks - that means no strollers and no ropes!  Toddlers and preschoolers can and do learn how to walk safely with partners.
  • Embrace and enjoy (do not fear) our city: Washington, DC!  

Thank you, Valerie!

 
Do you have a favorite field trip destination or strategy in the DC/VA/MD region?  Let us know and we'll share your ideas here. 

 

We agree with Valerie and especially like Green Acres School's  Going Places with Children in Washington DC to inspire many urban and suburban adventures.  Can you believe they are celebrating their 50th anniversary and 17th edition?!  Check it out and consider adding it to your center's lending library...

 

TIP OF THE MONTH: Bagels and an open forum with the Director  
 
We think this is a great idea...

 

"One morning a month, we provide bagels and an informal but focused time for parents and our Director.  Families like knowing that they'll have an opportunity and audience on a regular basis.  Of course, the director is always available for one-on-one conversations and emails - but some parents really like the group conversation.  Availability and transparency are easy investments that prove their worth (many times over) when you face a challenge or hiccup!" 


 

Do you do something unique for families, staff or your community that you'd like to share?  Share your tip with your peers!

Out and About
 
Staying up-to-date and inspired...
April 16, 2011
McKinley Technical High School, Washington, DC


Council for Exceptional Children Convention and Expo

April 25-28, 2011
National Harbor, MD

 

Maryland School Psychologists Association (MSPA)
A New Understanding of Attention Deficit Disorder
April 29, 2011
Greenbelt, MD

News You Can Use
 
Did you see the NACCRRA 2011 Update on the ranking of state child care regulation and oversight?

 

Regulation is, of course, all of the requirements that govern health, safety and learning opportunities for kids. Oversight requirements are how we know whether centers are complying with the state policies and regulations. 

 

How do you think your state is doing? 

 

Spoiler alert! While our region has a lot to be proud of, we've got plenty of room for improvement.  Let's also remember that across the country more than 11 million children under age 5 spend about 35 hours a week in child care.  We think that, in general, they deserve a lot better than this.  

 

 

The hard question is:  What are we doing - together and everyday - to make it better? 


Does your staff know how to advocate and why?  If additional training would help, please let us know. (2011 Catalog)

Lunch and Learn 2011 Series

Please join your peers for a series developed just for Directors and Program Administrators. 
 
LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER - Back by popular demand: Bookkeeping and Budgeting! 
SUMMER - Biting in the Center: The Role of the Director
FALL - Creating a Positive and Productive Workplace in Our Centers
 
April 6, 2011 * note the new date *
12:30-2 pm
Office Organization for ECE Directors: Strategies for Success!
Marcie Lovett, of Organized by Marcie, has a compelling motto: "Getting you organized so you have time to do what you love to do!"  She'll offer creative and practical ideas to help organize your desk, files and office.  You'll leave feeling inspired and empowered! 
Register now - space is limited
  
 
May or June - watch for a firm date!
12:30-2 pm
Bookkeeping and Budgeting for Directors and Program Administrators
The children keep us motivated but our finances keep the center doors open!  Our special guest speaker is both a CPA and the owner of two child development centers in Northern Virginia.  She knows who we are, how our industry operates and exactly what we need to know to keep our books in good order. 
Register here if you'd like to get information about the exact date.

June 15, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Biting in the Center: The Role of the Director 
We regularly train teachers and talk to parents about responding appropriately to biting in early childhood classrooms.  There is a critical role that the Director can and should play in individual incidents and systemically. Learn how to be the most appropriate, supportive and effective when dealing with this sensitive, timeless issue. 
Register now - space is limited

 
September 21, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Creating a Positive and Productive Workplace in Our Centers
For teachers and directors, the differences between a positive and productive center and a negative and destructive can be ticked off readily: high absenteeism, lots of gossip, little trust, low motivation, cliques and zero teamwork OR few call-outs, collaboration, laughter and joy, solid energy, fluid and positive teams.   What kind of center to you want to lead?  Come share your strategies or gather ideas from your peers! 
 
Register now - space is limited
 
This series is offered as a courtesy to our Directors' Network, directors and program administrators in the DC/VA/MD region, at no cost to you. 
Network Links and Resources

 

March 2011
Employee benefits, including health
Directors' Network member, Luellen Matthews, highly recommends Kelly Benefits Services.  For more details, see Director to Director in March News and Notes.
  

February 2011

Accounting and Tax
CPA Lori O'Brien also owns two child development center - she knows how your business operates!