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Robbie’s Four-Year Milestone and
Exciting New Chapter with Curricula Concepts
This August marks Robbie’s four-year anniversary with Curricula Concepts, and she has some thrilling news to share! Robbie and her family have recently relocated to Memphis, TN but her journey with us is far from over. She will continue to lead the REACH team while also becoming the face behind our social media and leading our monthly open trainings for families. Keep an eye out for her presence in these new roles!
Moving to a new city has been an eye-opening experience for Robbie. She wants to share a few insights that could be helpful for other families, whether you’re relocating or navigating parenthood and childcare:
1. Don’t Wait for Childcare: Childcare spots, especially for infants and toddlers, fill up quickly. If you’re pregnant, get on waitlists as soon as you find out. If you’re moving, start as soon as you pinpoint your new location. Robbie’s young toddler was on many waitlists, and the last one they called had just one spot left for the 2024-2025 school year.
2. Do Your Research: Check out the local child care regulatory agency's website and reach out to local childcare resource and referral agencies, like Child Care Aware. If you see anything concerning, don’t hesitate to ask the director about it. This proactive approach can give you peace of mind and help build a strong partnership from the start.
3. Tour, Tour, Tour: Nothing beats seeing a childcare center or home in person. Request tours of places you’re interested in, talk to the teachers and staff, and ask all your questions. Directors are often eager to showcase their wonderful programs.
We’re excited to see Robbie thrive in her new roles and share her valuable insights with our community. Join us in celebrating her milestone and welcoming her new chapter with Curricula Concepts! |
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If you are familiar with Curricula Concepts, you know we are BIG on physical activity. Obviously, we know that physical activity is beneficial for our children’s physical wellness, but there are many other benefits to physical activity as well!
By participating in play, young children are also building their own social wellness. While watching a group of preschool children play, you might see them problem solving, sharing feelings, and building resiliency. One of the many ways we can help children build these skills is by providing positive reactions to their play. Here are some positive phrases that could be used to encourage children in their play:
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You’ve got this! Keep trying!
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Last time, you tried ________. Is there another way you could try to reach your goal?
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Is that a risk you are willing to take? What could happen if you do this?
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Remember, it's ok if you make a mistake! You are learning!
This past month our Wellness Wednesday hosted Dr. Allison Stephens with a great discussion about positive childhood experiences. Be sure to check it out HERE and reach out to info@curriculaconcepts.com if you are interested in health and wellness training options.
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WE HAVE OPENINGS!
Curricula Concepts has openings in the Be Well Care Well program! This opportunity is available at no cost to you! But these spots will fill up fast!
Be Well Care Well program focuses on promoting the health and well-being and supporting early childhood educators in making small, sustainable changes that make a huge difference. We are looking for early childhood programs who are wanting to support their staff's wellbeing as they do the very important work of caring for children.
If you're interested in bringing Be Well Care Well to your program, click the link or scan the QR code below to fill out the Interest Form!
If you want to learn more about the program, reach out to Susanna Creed at Susanna@curriculaconcepts.com or check out the website at bewellcarewell.com!
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Join us as we talk with Natasha Kile about being 'Positively Professional'!
If you missed any of the previous Well-Being Wednesdays, you can check it out on our Facebook page or our YouTube channel.
Check it out:
Facebook link
YouTube link
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Calling all Early Childhood Educator Directors!
Are you gearing up for summer trainings or planning back-to-school in-services for your staff? Look no further!
Curricula Concepts is your go-to destination for professional development focused on family engagement and health and wellness. Our expert team offers interactive training sessions, innovative approaches, and practical strategies to empower your staff. Our trainings will help create meaningful connections with families and promote health and wellness for staff, families, and children!
Visit curriculaconcepts.com to learn more and schedule your professional development today! |
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Please see the OEC (Office of Early Childhood) provider notes below and the meeting video link.
Meeting Video (Scroll down and click on July 2, 2024 - Child Care Provider Call)
OEC Staff Directory |
- OEC/CCDF Updates
- OEC staff will be at the ADE Summit from July 8-10th and will be moving offices the same week. If you are unable to reach the staff during the move, please email oec.familysupport@ade.arkansas.gov
- Brandy Ishmon, Brandy.Ishmon@ade.arkansas.gov, 501-320-8930
- CCDF Updates (see attached images)
- ABC & CCDF application have been combined into one application - please use the new application (live on the OEC website) for new families starting 7/1/24
- Updates and clarification regarding child care eligibility worker requirements (see attached images)
- Guest Speaker
- Mindy Shaw, Batesville Preschool, Batesville, AR
- Arkansas Department of Agriculture Farm to School and Early Childhood Education Program Website
- LEARNS Act Updates
- Local Leads
- Jennifer Douglas- ADE Local Early Childhood Lead Organizations
- Cohort 2 just started!
- Local Leads Website
- Academic Approval
- Specialists will be reaching out to programs soon to get the documentation for Academic Approval
- Background Checks
- Upcoming OEC Town Hall Schedule HERE
- July 17, 2024: 10am - 12pm at the University of Arkansas Community College Batesville (2005 White Dr., Batesville, AR 72501
- July 18, 2024: 10am - 12pm at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce (1 Chamber Plz., Little Rock, AR 72201)
Next Child Care Provider Call: August 6, 2024 - 12 pm |
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IMPORTANT REMINDERS!
Curricula Concepts Inc. is offering trainings in person and 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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“Warm summer sun, shine kindly here.” -Mark Twain |
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