How many years have you worked with children? 
I’ve been in Ministry to children for over 21 years beginning as a children’s minister then on to Preschool Director.

What brought you to work with children? Have you always wanted to, or did it just happen?
Working with children became natural to me early in my life. I am the oldest of 7 and found that nurturing, educating and caring for my siblings was the beginning of a career working with children. I enjoy watching children grow and experience all the adventures this world has to offer.

What are some of your hobbies?
My hobbies include spending time with my children and grandchildren along with my precious lab, Gabby. I also love live music and enjoy listening to my boyfriend play his guitar. I love most anything outdoors when weather permits; gardening, creating and watching all of God’s precious creatures.

What is your most treasured accomplishment?
My most treasured accomplishment is first and foremost being a mother and now a grandmother. I can’t imagine my life without them.

What is your favorite thing about working with children?
My favorite thing about working with children is watching their little minds explode with curiosity. I love the way they trust me and know that I have their best interests at heart.

What has been the most significant or memorable moment in your job?
That’s a hard one because there are so many, but the most significant moments for me are when a child “gets it”. Sharing Jesus and who He is with children is the most important thing I can do. So, when a child “gets it”, and you see that light in them shine so bright, it fills my heart!

Do you have any dreams or aspirations you want to share?
While raising my children, I would often say to them, “Go out and make the world better”. That could mean opening the door for someone or paying it forward to advocating for change. Whatever “making the world better” looks like to them, big or small. So, that’s who I aspire to be as well. To do my part in making the world better in my own little ways.

If you are an educator and want to share your story,
contact Deborah at deborah@curriculaconcepts.com!

Wellness Corner

Family Style Dining

Family style dining has many benefits for the growing kids in your life whether in a childcare program or in your own house! Family style dining in its simplest form is when adults and children sit down together at a table for a meal or snack. There are several benefits for young children including learning to recognize hunger cues, improving fine motor skills, and identifying healthy food choices. One major benefit that research has shown is that family style dining improves social wellness as well.

Children will learn from good role models proper mealtime behaviors and this also opens up opportunities for meaningful conversations. Check out some of these ideas for mealtime conversation topics from Child Care Aware. If Family Style Dining seems daunting, start with sitting together and having good conversations.

You might also be interested in our Child Nutrition trainings aligned with Go NAPSCC. For more information, reach out to Jessica at jessica@curriculaconcepts.com. 

ATTENTION EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS!

 Join Diane Craft and learn practical tips for the inclusion of children with disabilities in physical activity and how to support children as they explore movement with inexpensive tools and limited space. PDR credit is available!

You do not want to miss this! Click below to learn more and to register!

The Family Service Credential

Curricula Concepts is bringing The Family Service Credential back to Arkansas!  

The Family Service Credential (FSC) was developed by the Portage Project In Madison, WI. It is a comprehensive, competency-based experience that takes place over nine days. The three modules include: Essential Factors in Working with Families, Empowering Partnerships with Families to Support Growth, and Leading and Managing Professionally. FSC is designed to support direct service staff who work with children and families in the refinement of skills and strategies that promote the five core values of being strength-based, ecological, family-centered, relationship-based, and reflective. Participants who complete all aspects of the training will receive a nationally-recognized credential.

The critical nature of engaging families crosses all child development areas by providing support to the adults to care for children. In our experience of delivering this training, and many other trainings that involve engaging families, all adults who care for young children are affected in a positive way when they realize why it’s important to understand how personal beliefs and biases have an impact on how they engage and work with others. Based on qualitative data, this series has been life-changing for past participants, even those who are veterans, who work with families in any capacity.

If you are interested, click below for more information on the Family Service Credential training and how to register!

The AECA Conference will be back in-person in October! It is returning to the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in North Little Rock from October 11th through the 14th.

The theme of this year’s conference is Learn to Play, Play to Learn. This year’s gathering will focus on the importance of play to early childhood development. 

If you are a member of AECA, be sure and check out July's Update newsletter!  Curricula Concepts and Jamie Ward are featured inside!

Highlights from the DCCECE Provider Call

No July call

Next Child Care Provider Call: August 1, 2023 at 12:00 pm 

If you'd like to learn more, you can watch the meeting on the DCCECE DHS YouTube Channel.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!

Well-Being Wednesdays are the first Wednesday of every month!  Join us on Facebook! If you missed a Well-Being Wednesday, you can also find them on our YouTube Channel.

Curricula Concepts Inc. is offering trainings online via Zoom for families and educators!
Go to our Training Calendar to sign up! Have questions or problems with registering for trainings? Contact Deborah at deborah@curriculaconcepts.com!

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“Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.”
Mark Black