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Promoting Excellence in Early Care and Education
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March 2012
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Week of the Young Child- April 22-28, 2012
The Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) asks the state of Idaho to come together for children during the Week of the Young Child: April 22-28, 2012. As part of the national Week of the Young Child celebrated across the country, Idaho is honoring young children and all those who make a difference in children's lives.
Week of the Young Child is a time to recognize and thank the adults involved in the education and care of young children. Parents, teachers, caregivers, and other adults play important roles in the lives of young children. Week of the Young Child celebrates their efforts.
"All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences that will prepare them for life, and Idaho has a great opportunity to do our part to help young children," said Beth Oppenheimer, Executive Director of Idaho AEYC. "Week of the Young Child is a time for Idaho to recognize that early years are learning years for all young children."
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Events in Your Neighborhood
Snake River AEYC
Children's Day Out
Monday, April 23rd - 11 am-1 pm
Boys and Girls Club, 999 Frontier Road -- Twin Falls, Idaho
Come enjoy our free child-oriented activities:face-painting, fish for prizes, jump-house, and lots more
North Idaho AEYC
Month of April
Young children's art shows
Local Libraries in the following cities: Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Priest River, Athol, Kellogg and Rathdrum.
Community art shows
Partnered with Coeur d'Alene Tribe and North Idaho College
Early Childhood Professional Recognition Luncheon
Saturday, April 28th - 12-1:30 p.m.
Christ the King -- Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
No Cost
Recognition for ECE Professionals for achievements from GED all the way up to Master's degrees over the last 2 years. We will also recognize facilities that are NAEYC accredited, NAFCC accredited and/or participating in QRIS.
Treasure Valley AEYC
All Week -- Link to Events Throughout the Week
Idaho Botanical Gardens
$1.00 off Garden Admission
Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge
Free entrance to Visitor's Center
Jabber's Play Date
Special group rates and discounts for the week!
jabbersllc@gmail.com
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NAEYC Accreditation Spotlight
Jennifer Patterson is the Lab Facilitator at the College of Southern Idaho: Early Childhood Education Lab School. As an active AEYC member, Jennifer is currently serving as the Chair on the Local Affiliate Council and the Snake River AEYC President.
How long has your center been accredited? What was your initial reason for pursuing national accreditation?
We have been accredited for over 10 years.The reason that we pursued accreditation was to ensure that we had a quality program. We wanted to be able to be a model to other programs in our area. We are a lab school and see our role as educating students, families, and the community.
What are the benefits of national accreditation in your opinion?
Accreditation offers us the recognition of having a quality early childhood center. Again, we look at being a model center for our community.
What would you tell other members considering national accreditation about the process and the results from successful accreditation?
Every center has to decide if accreditation is valuable to them. Accreditation requires you to meet a high standard of quality care. Successful accreditation is a very rewarding experience.
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Idaho AEYC Membership Spotlight
Kathleen Miller Green teaches Child Development and is the CDA Advisor for North Idaho College. For the past five years, Kathleen has served as the conference chair for the North Idaho AEYC. Additionally as an active AEYC member, Kathleen is the National Affiliate Council Representative for the Idaho AEYC Board, as well as, responsible for Board Development, Nominations, Elections and the Book Award Committee.
How long have you been a member? What was your initial reason for pursuing membership in Idaho AEYC?
I've been an NAEYC member for 23 years, and a member of Idaho AEYC for 12. Because I've spent the bulk of my professional life working on behalf of young children, their families, and caregivers, NAEYC, and then Idaho AEYC, was a natural choice.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of membership in Idaho AEYC?
Professional Opportunities! I have presented at the state AEYC conferences 16 times, and the NAEYC national conference 7 times. I get opportunities to work on behalf of the things that matter most to me, along with other people who also have the same passion and dedication to children and families. I get to be part of presenting my profession to the community (conferences, Kids Day In The Park, Week of the Young Child, Child Care Professional Appreciation Banquet, etc.). I feel very much "a part of" what is happening in my field...not only nationally and statewide, but in my own little corner of Idaho. I can actually make a difference that I can see!
What would you tell other early childhood professionals considering membership?
When I talk to other child development professionals and students about Idaho AEYC, and the local North Idaho affiliate, I tend to emphasize the practical and functional part of being a member: networking, advocacy, educational opportunities, leadership development, etc. What I often inadvertently leave out is how being a member makes me feel, personally...and that is proud. I'm proud of being a part of the wider network of early childhood professionals. I'm proud of the activities and events the group organizes. I'm proud of helping to "lift up" other members of my field. It's nice to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
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 Idaho AEYC Welcomes Kimberly Hirai
Beginning her career in quality early child care and education, Kimberly Hirai has filled the position of PDS Registry Assistant to support Idaho AEYC in its efforts. Kimberly graduated from the University of Idaho with undergraduate degrees in biology and print journalism. Last spring, she received a masters in journalism from Michigan State University. In high school she mentored two at-risk, fifth graders; experiences like that, along with past projects for non-profit organizations, interested her in joining the Idaho AEYC staff. She's looking forward to working with Idaho providers who do the same work for the state's children and families. |
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Question:
How long can a facility work on the QRIS Improvement Plan?
Answer:
A facility can work on their QRIS Improvement Plan for one year after funding is received. After one year, the facility must apply for a STAR rating. Funding is available yearly as long as Improvement Plans are updated and reports submitted on goals accomplished and in progress, and as long as funds are available.
Do you have something that is puzzling you? Send your question to Kattalina Berriochoa. One question will be selected for publication each month. Names will not be published.
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Volunteering at Idaho AEYC
Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead
Volunteering is an excellent way to assist our organization in its mission of promoting excellence and professionalism in Early Child Care and Education in Idaho. We are offering volunteer experiences in many areas including:
Office Support Marketing/ Communications
Grant Writing Book Award Committee
Conference Committee Events Planning
Conference Trainings
Please contact Kattalina Berriochoa if you are interested in a volunteer opportunity at Idaho AEYC.
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Giraffe Laugh Early Learning Center (Boise/ Region 4)
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Idaho Falls Family YMCA (Idaho Falls/Region 7)
Living Waters Learning Center (Wendell/ Region 5)
Tater Tots (American Falls/Region 6)
Camelot's Castle Child Care (Boise/ Region 4)
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Cradles to Crayons (Idaho Falls/Region 7)
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Board of Governors
Upcoming Elections
Do you know an individual that is passionate about child care and early education that would be perfect for a leadership position in Idaho AEYC? We are currently accepting nominations for Three (3) Member-At-Large Board Seats. Elections will be held on May 1,2012. Don't forget to vote!
Nomination Deadline
Friday, March 30
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Idaho AEYC is a proud affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children
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Interested in being a Sponsor?
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Upcoming Events
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Eastern Idaho Track Trainings
Saturday, March 31 -- Southeast District Health -- Pocatello, ID
Contact Owen Anderson
Treasure Valley AEYC Conference
What is Your Shark Music?
April 21st, 2012 - 8.00-3.30
Hampton Inn, 5750 E. Franklin Road -- Nampa, ID
Contact Cheryl Allen
NAEYC Institute for Early Childhood Professional Development
Sunday, June 10-14, 2012 -- Indianapolis, IN
Kids Day in the Park
Saturday, July 21st, 2012 -- 10 AM-1 PM -- Coeur d'Alene City Park
Contact Jennifer Ross
NAEYC Annual Conference and Expo
November 7- 10, 2012 - Atlanta, GA
For more information about these events, visit our Website Calendar.
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Thank you for supporting our efforts to promote quality early child care and learning in Idaho.
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Contact Information
| Kattalina Berriochoa, Idaho AEYC Newsletter Editor
208.338.4725
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