How many years have you worked with children?

20 years. I worked with my mom ages 16-18. In 2007 I opened Lollipop Kids Too. In 2016 my mom and I opened Lollipop Kids Academy together.

What brought you to work with children? Have you always wanted to, or did it just happen? 

I would say it just happened. A family tradition if you would. Both my grandmothers had childcare’s along with my aunts and of course my mom. She opened Lollipop Kids in-home daycare before I turned one. So I have in been this industry literally my whole life.

What are some of your hobbies?
Family Time! I  love adventures, camping, hiking, being on the lake. I also have found it’s important to take more time for me. Yoga, pedicures & massages and FANTASTIC!

What is your most treasured accomplishment?

McKenzie age 17, Jaxson age 15, Zander age 9 & River age 8. I am so proud of each of them and truly bless that God choose me to be their mom.

What is your favorite thing about working with children?

Their Minds! Watching them learn and grow into their own individual self is so magical.

What has been the most significant or memorable moment in your job?

Seeing the change or growth in a child because I was part of their life. One memorable moment happened just last year. One of my preschool girls graduated high school. As a senior she came to me with a BIG HUG & told me she loved me. Those connections will last a lifetime.

Do you have any dreams or aspirations you want to share?

I simply want to be the best ME I can be. I want everyone one to see my Light for Jesus shine daily.  My goal is to be a good mom, good wife & good human!  When my time here on earth is over I hope that people remember me as a true Christian, loving, caring, friendly, honest & kind.

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

Wellness Corner

Get Outdoors!

Arkansas is home to 52 beautiful state parks!  Did you know that each state park has a free passport you can pick up at the visitor center and use to record your travels?   There's also room to write your favorite things about your visit too, so you can remember all the great things you did. 

Each state park is free to to enter and has a wide variety of activities to enjoy, like hiking, paddling, biking, watching wildlife, fishing and relaxing. 

Learn more about the State Park's Passports HERE and be sure to visit the Arkansas State Park's website to see all that they have to offer. 

Want to learn more about how to incorporate nature and outside time into your day? Listen to Chelsey Harrington, a licensed occupational therapy assistant, share tips to incorporate more play and time in nature into your everyday lives on April's Well-being Wednesday.

Join us for Well-Being Wednesday on the first Wednesday of every month, hosted by Susanna Creed!  For more details and the event itself, be sure to like and follow our Facebook page!

Highlights from the DCCECE Provider Call
April 4, 2023

Empowerment Minimum Licensing Intent Training:

• Thursday, April 20, 2023 (6:30 - 8:30pm) 
• Programs should contact their licensing specialist to pre-register and receive the Zoom link
• PDR Training Credit provided

• Thursday, April 27, 2023 (12 - 1 pm) 
• Visit https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/, under information provider call webpage

• The Disaster Guide for ECE providers – this is a comprehensive resource that includes information on preparation as well as response. The section most relevant for today starts on page 12 and includes how providers can care for themselves and children. 
  • Link
• The Tornado Family Guide – This is a wonderful resource we can share with families to help them know how to support their children as well as themselves. 
  • Link

• The NCTSN Tips – these are short tip sheets that cover common reactions/behaviors we may see in infant/toddlers and pre-k children, along with suggestions for helping parents or other caregivers respond in ways that are most likely to be helpful.
  • Link for Tips for Infants and Toddlers
  • Link for Tips for Preschool

Enterprise Licensing System (ELS):

• Providers, please add your enrollment and rates on your portal. Parents and Child Care Aware look on the search for child care website and it could help drive business. Providing enrollment on the portal will be a requirement when DCCECE transitions to the Department of Education.
• https://arkdhs.force.com/dcfacility/s/ 
• DCCECE Contact: Dawn Jeffrey (dawn.jeffrey@dhs.arkansas.gov)
• DCCECE Contact: Rebecca Mitchell (rececca.mitchell@dhs.arkansas.gov)

• Remaining Funding will be used to support tornado disaster impacted areas (Up to 12 months). DCCECE has a goal of the instructions being posted on the website by the end of this week. The low-income application will be used, if families prefer to complete their application ahead of time. Provider must accept vouchers. 

• DCCECE Application Income Information 

• DCCECE Low Income Application Link

Next DCCECE Provider Call is May 2, 2023.

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

IMPORTANT REMINDER!

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!

“In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.”
– Aristotle