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Foundations for Families
Directors' Network News and Notes
May 2011 |
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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!
Did you know that today is Children's Mental Health Awareness Day? And that's important because almost 1 in 10 children suffer from a diagnosable mental illness. One in ten. We care a lot about this issue and about reducing the stigma that many families feel when talking about and confronting mental health issues and illness.
We will continue to support community partners in the region as they:
- integrate mental health and model resilience skills in environments that impact child development; and
- enhance resilience and nurture social and emotional skills in young children.
We feel strongly that this begin at birth and continue through elementary school, especially including before and after care programs and camps. So, how do you notice and support children with mental illness in your program? Who are your go-to service providers and resources? 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 health,
Amy and Candace
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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:
Early Childhood Site Educational Leader Apple Tree Institute
Instructional Support Supervisor Apple Tree Institute
In Maryland:
Director of Studies/Curriculum, Early Childhood
Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School
Learn more
In Virginia:
Center Director
Children of America
Learn more |
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OK - this month was less Director to Director and more Director to US...you said, "Where is the Teachers' News and Notes, anyway?!"
Don't worry, we heard you. It went out this week.
Now, over to you...we'd like to include the following features but we need your help!
- Do you have a model teacher? Or, a great teacher with a special talent? NOMINATE that person to be highlighted in an upcoming addition of News and Notes for Teachers.
- What are you most proud of about your center? We'd love to come and learn about it, take pictures and share it here. As a community, we are a stronger when we share our resources! Call us!!
We are especially interested in programs that partner with families in authentic ways, model mental health, expect and encourage kids to get messy every single day, nurture the obvious and unlikely staff members...it will be a wonderful feature with your help. THANK YOU in advance!
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TIP OF THE MONTH: Freecycle!
We think this is a great idea...carry Earth Day's energy forward!
"Welcome! The Freecycle Network™ is made up of 4,940 groups with 8,409,258 members around the world. It's a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns. It's all about reuse and keeping good stuff out of landfills. Each local group is moderated by local volunteers (them's good people). Membership is free. To sign up, find your community by entering it into the search box above or by clicking on 'Browse Groups' above the search box. Have fun!"
What do you need? What do you have? Freecycle today! |
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Out and About
Staying up-to-date and inspired...
Call for Abstracts
18th National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect
Why Giving Kids Freedom Helps Them Grow
A webinar appropriate for educators and parents
May 24, 2011
1-2pm Register* Can't make this time? The webinar will be available on demand by June 1st |
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News You Can Use
It can be overwhelming to think about being the one who needs to step up and support a young child facing mental health issues or illness.
We encourage you to be the person that child needs you to be!
You don't have to do it alone and there are resources to help you...
Does your staff know how to recognize and support children with mental health challenges and those experiencing trauma? If additional training would help, please let us know. |
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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
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. |
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Network Links and Resources
April 2011
Get Orgainzed!
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! |
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