http://buildingbrightfutures.org/middlebury/about/
January  2015
Addison Building Bright Futures
Early Childhood Council - Early Connections Newsletter
                         
Greetings,

 Happy New Year!   I wish you all the best for 2015!  This year should prove to be remarkable for early childhood- with the implementation of Universal Pre-K to the newly awarded expansion grant to the strengthening of our early childhood council- I am looking forward to furthering our collective impact on families and children this year!
Take a look below to learn more bout the busy month of January in Addison County! Please be sure to join the council on Thursday, January 8, to dive into the development of our regional action plan!  Recent survey results have been brilliantly on track for improving the system and direct services we are able to provide.  I am looking forward to working with you all as we set sail in 2015!
  
The intent of this monthly newsletter is to provide the latest news  and research, upcoming events and connect our early childhood world, both locally and statewide. 
I invite you to send your ideas,  concerns and dreams for a healthy early childhood system within Addison County! Please contact me at [email protected] or 349-5173 to schedule a time to share ideas.  
Please visit http://www.buildingbrightfutures.org/middlebury/about/  to learn more about our region!
Addison BBF in ACTION

Implementation Guidance on Act 166
The first weeks of January bring the highly anticipated prequalification application process for programs planning on participating in Universal prekindergarten in 2015/16.  The latest guidance publication for programs and schools from the Agency of Education and the Agency of Human Services can be found here: Implementation Guidance on Act 166.  
For more information about what Universal prekindergarten will look like in Addison County, please join us for the  upcoming:
Universal Pre-K Partnership Meeting with               Frank Perotti                                                                                      
Who: All parties planning to implement programming in 2015: Center providers, home providers, schools and supervisory union staff.
 When: January 15, 2014       4-5pm      Bixby Library,  Vergennes,VT
Join us for this information and Q&A session and to begin to address capacity issues for 2015.  This is an ideal opportunity for all regional providers and SU representatives to come together to plan for available enrollment slots, schedules and determine common language for parents in regard to Act 166.
Please send a representative if you are planning on participating in Universal PreK in 2015.
Any concerns or questions prior to this meeting can be sent to this email to be put on the agenda. Please RSVP to 
Interagency training is back by popular demand! Connecting Addison County Human Services
The October session of this interagency training was such a success, IFS is offering a second orientation day! 
January 9, 2015:  Join regional direct and in-direct service human service workers to learn more about effective teaming and positive, family-focused solutions to support healthy outcomes for families.  This human services interagency orientation will be hosted by the IFS steering committee. (Integrated Family Services).  This orientation serves to connect our front line staff, and to familiarize ourselves with our community resources and system of care.  For more information Interagency Orientation 1-9-15
 
 Summer?  Already?                      
The IFS (Integrated Family Services) team of Addison County has summer on the brain!  In attempt to identify gaps in summer services and to best serve families,  I urge programs planning on offering summer programming to share what's cooking for summer 2015.   Please email me with program
plans, dreams, needs or barriers and to learn more about what is happening around the county.  

Congratulations!
Collaboration is at the heart of our work!
Children's Integrated Services Consultation Group
Second Wednesday of Each Month 6:30-8 pm At the Parent/Child Center
Join members of the Children's Integrated Services Team-Howdy Russell, Becky Bertrand and others- to discuss your work with children and families. These evenings will provide the opportunity to have facilitated conversations regarding challenging situations you may encounter in your program and brainstorm ways to respond under the guidance of the CIS Team. CDA # 3,4 Advanced Specialized Care
Please RSVP to Amethyst-388-4304 or [email protected]
   

 

Vermont Early Childhood News
 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families is requesting public comment on a voluntary set of minimum health and safety standards for early care and education settings titled, "Caring for Our Children Basics."

This call for public comment is to obtain information to help HHS as we further develop the voluntary set of minimum health and safety standards for early care and education settings. Because quality care cannot be achieved without consistent, basic health and safety practices in place, ACF seeks to provide a helpful reference for states and other entities as they work to improve their health and safety standards across program type.  Public input will be helpful in providing HHS with practical guidance to aid in the refinement and application of "Caring for Our Children Basics."

CFOC Basics was published in the Federal Register for public comment.  https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/12/18/2014-29649/caring-for-our-children-basics

Comment deadline: February 17, 2015eFebruary 17, 2015bruary 17, 2015

 

Creating Early Childhood Environments That Are Ready for All Children: The Role of Observation, Reflection & Courage

Featuring Guest Keynote Speaker Lella Gandini, U.S. Liaison for the Dissemination of the Reggio Emilia Approach

Friday Evening, April 24, 2015: Burlington, VT City Hall Contois Auditorium

Saturday, April 25, 2015: University of Vermont

Addison BBF
Regional Council News
Next Addison Regional Council Meeting: Thursday, January 8th, 3:00pm (This meeting will follow the monthy CIS meeting from 2:30-3:00pm)
Addison County Parent Child Center 126 Monroe Street, Middlebury, VT

Agenda:

1) Introduction to the Theory of Change- How can this methodology help us strengthen our regional action plan? 

2) Survey Says! The early childhood surveys that were sent out before the holiday have been returned in abundance!  Please join us as for rich discussion and prioritization of the work we plan to accomplish this year!  It is vital that we have a wide representation of the 0-age 8 population in Addison County.  Results from this meeting will be incorporated into the Addison early childhood action plan, which will be our roadmap as we move forward with projects, initiatives and goals

 

Article of Interest:

THE ECONOMICS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD INVESTMENTS

An analysis by the President's Council of Economic Advisers describes the economic returns to investments in childhood development and early education.  http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/early_childhood_report1.pdf


Around Addison County
 
Addison County Legislative Breakfast Schedule 2015. Mark your calendars for opportunities to meet our legislators, beginning in February.  Sponsored by Bridport Grange #303 and Addison County Farm Bureau. Addison County Legislative Breakfast Schedule 2015

A Year of Exploration!  Four Winds Nature Institute is partnering with Mary Johnson Child Care Services to offer A Year of Exploration workshop series* this upcoming Winter, Spring and early Summer. A hands-on and

minds-on professional development opportunity, each two hour workshop offers:

Current research and background information on the positive impacts on child development of time spent interacting in the natural world.

Reflection and collaboration on integrating regular unstructured time outside into your program.

An introduction to the local natural highlights of each season, what can you find and explore with children outside your door in Winter, Spring & Summer?

Winter Wonders Saturday January 24th 9-11 am

Sensing Spring Thursday April 16th 6:30-8:30 pm

Signs of Summer Thursday May 14th 6:30-8:30 pm

Please note: There is a $10.00 fee per person for each workshop.

Workshops may be taken individually or as a full series.


 

The Farmer Correspondence Program
The Farmer Correspondence Program matches classrooms with farmers based on interests and grade level. Farmer pen-pals correspond with students during the winter and spring, educating them about life and work on the farm. Farmers appreciate a response from the students to their letters. Educators are matched with a local farmer and receive four letters during the year. Teachers may use the letters as they see fit to suit their educational goals. Teachers can also shape students' responses to help achieve those goals using drawings, letters, or other tools. Typically the educator will arrange a visit to the pen pal farm in May. The program is free to schools/child care programs, but we do ask for samples of the  letters/drawings your students send to the farmers, and we respectfully ask permission to use photos of your farm visit in the spring. We believe the change needed to promote health and well being for all of us begins with young
children understanding where their food comes from and how our communities work. If your child care home, center, or pre-school would like to participate in this project, please contact [email protected] using Farmer Correspondence Program in your subject line.
 


Professional Development

Check out all of the upcoming professional development opportunities happening within Addison County this month!  Click here for more details January-June 2015 Professional Development Addison County, or contact Amethyst Peaslee, Resource Specialist, at Mary Johnson Childcare Services for location and registration information: 388-4304 x 17 or [email protected].

Upcoming Training:
1/6 & 1/13: Supporting Children Exposed to Substance Abuse
1/8: Movement and Brain Research for Afterschool
1/7-3/3: Strengthening Families
1/15: Breaking Down Barriers: Strengthening the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
1/22: The Roots of Violence Against Women and Your Role in Creating Cultural Change
 
Upcoming Playgroups:
Bridport: Tuesdays 9:30-11  Bridport School
Bristol: Tuesdays 9:30-11  Bristol Baptist Church
Middlebury: Tuesdays 9:30-11  Memorial Baptist Church
Vergennes: Wednesdays 9:30-11 Congregational Church
Salisbury: Friday, November  21st, 9-11 Salisbury Community School


Click here for a detailed, printable list of playgroups, story hours and open gyms to share with families!Addison County Playgroups and Story Hours

The Addison BBF newsletter hopes to provide the latest news, research and local activities, as well as to connect and inspire those in the state's early childhood system. 

I invite you to send me your ideas, concerns and hopes for our children. I want to hear and learn from you! 
Dana Anderson
Addison Building Bright Futures
(802)349-5173
In This Issue
BBF State Council
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