Check out November's Spotlight!

Staff Spotlight

Sara Norwood
Executive Assistant

Please give a warm welcome Sara. We are so glad to have her
on our team!

Who inspires you professionally or personally? And why?

I am inspired by the women in the early childhood education industry who prioritize children and families. I am very impressed with how these women are a mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister and each day they are striving to take care of everyone. It truly takes a village. I am thankful to be a part of the team.

What are some of your hobbies?

I love spending time with friends and family at the lake, working out, and living a healthy lifestyle. I am passionate about living life authentically and I prioritize my faith. I volunteer daily at my son’s school, opening car doors for children when they arrive. I truly value the daily positive interaction with children and their families.

What is your most treasured accomplishment?

My most treasured accomplishment is becoming a mother.

What is your favorite thing about your job so far?

My favorite thing about my job so far is my AMAZING team! I absolutely love this team!

What is one thing you cannot do without?

One thing I cannot do without is my husband, Jarrod. He is my rock and my best friend. And coffee, I love coffee.

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

Wellness Corner

Are you interested in Farm to ECE grant opportunities? Check out the grant opportunities below!

Arkansas School Garden Grant Program: $500 to 60 schools to start or expand their school.

Arkansas Taste Test Grant Program, $250 to 30 schools to conduct school-wide taste tests.
ECEs are absolutely eligible to apply for both grants! Schools are welcome to apply for both through the same application HERE.

The official press release can be found HERE.

Applications are due November 30, 2021.

What is Early Intervention?

Early intervention (0-3) under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is First Connections. First Connections provides supports and services for families and their children, birth to age three who have special needs. First Connections is a state-wide, comprehensive early intervention network of qualified, dedicated professionals here to work directly with your family to custom-design a plan with you to meet your child’s and your family’s needs.

Who can receive services through Early Intervention/ First Connections?

Infants and toddlers birth to age three with certain levels of developmental delay or a diagnosed condition likely to result in developmental delay and their families.
Participation in early intervention is at no cost to families with an eligible infant or toddler.

How can I find Early Intervention/ First Connections services for my child or a child I know?

Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires primary referral sources (parents, grandparents, caregivers like daycare workers, and individuals licensed or certified to work with children) to refer any child suspected of having a developmental delay for early intervention as soon as possible.
A child does not have to have a diagnosis to be referred -- only a suspected delay identified when a child is missing developmental milestones or has failed a hearing/vision screening.
For more information or to make a referral, you can call 1-800-643-8258 or 1-501-682-8158. Online referrals can be done by visiting the First Connections website,
https://dhs.arkansas.gov/dds/firstconnectionsweb/#fc-referrals

For more information regarding First Connections, services offered and provider information, please visit their website HERE, or call their central office at 1-800-643-8258.

Curricula Concepts Inc. is offering trainings online via Zoom for families and educators.

Go to our TRAINING CALENDAR to sign up!

Pre-registration is required. If the participant must cancel for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. Spots are limited and there may be a waiting list.

Training is provided at no cost to the participants and PDR credit is available.
Information to consider:

Credit for the training cannot be guaranteed for late arrivals or for participants who leave early.
This is an online training and the expectation is that participants will have the capability to interact and participate using video as well as audio.

Have questions or problems with registering for trainings?
Please contact Deborah at deborah@curriculaconcepts.com!