Early Childhood Director's Group

Join Us for the Last Policy Hour Before Summer Break

You are invited to the last Policy Hour of the season on:

TUESDAY, June 2nd  -  12:00-1:00 p.m.

Think Small’s Minneapolis office -  2021 E. Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Come to discuss what passed this session and updates on the special session.

Governor Dayton vetoed the E-12 Education bill passed by both the House and the Senate. Key early learning components in the E-12 Education bill included:

• $30.75 million increase for Early Learning Scholarships
• $30.75 million increase for School Readiness
• $3.5 million in funding for the Parent Aware rating system

The items the Governor wants included in a K-12 Education Bill:

• Universal Pre-K for 4 year olds in public schools
• Funding to eliminate the Head Start wait list
• Funding for the Northside Achievement Zone and St. Paul Promise Neighborhood

Key early learning components in the Health and Human Services bill include:

• $10 million increase for Child Care Assistance to help reduce the wait list

Where do we go from here?

Because the Governor vetoed the E-12 Education bill, there will be a special session. As long as the Governor and legislative leaders can come to an agreement by midnight June 30, they will avoid a partial government shutdown.

Leaders in the Governor’s office and the Legislature are saying they will only call the special session when they have reached agreement on the final bill. It will likely be several days—if not weeks—before the special session is called. 

Thank you for advocating on behalf of children this session! 

June Early Childhood Directors Group

Thursday, June 18^th  -  10:00 am – noon

Think Small - 2021 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls  55413

 

Where Do We Go From Here?

Cisa Keller, Director of Early Childhood Quality Development at Think Small, will join us for a Q & A with directors about the status of early childhood policy and funding issues and where we go from here.

  

EC Directors Group meetings are open to all

 

No RSVP necessary. For more info, contact Nancy Johnson:  njohnson@thinksmall.org

Note: my phone has changed to: 651-523-7295

Visit our blog at: www.ecdirectorsgroup.blogspot.com

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Does Your Center Protect Children

From Sun Damage?

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States.  Just a few sunburns can place someone at risk for skin cancer later in life.  During National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Month check out the CDC's website on protecting children from the sun.  Every child care program should have written policies and practices to promote sun safety

Resources:

The Surgeon Generals' Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer

Caring for Our Children Standard 3.1.3.2 Playing Outdoors

Caring for Our Children Standard 3.4.5.1 Sun Safety Including Sunscreen

Caring for Our Children Standard 6.1.0.7 Shading of Play Area

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National Mental Health Month

Emotional well-being is important to a child’s overall health.  One in five children, ages 3-17, have a diagnosable mental health disorder which can impact on learning, behavior or the ability to handle emotions.  Symptoms can frequently be observed in very young children.  Early recognition and intervention with age-appropriate services can facilitate a child’s success at home, at school and in the community.   The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundation for Early Learning (CSEFEL) and the Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention (TACSEI) have rich resources to share with early childhood educators, caregivers and families.  The Pyramid Model for supporting social emotional development and preventing challenging behavior provides an excellent framework for early childhood teachers and families.  The Backpack Connection Series was created to facilitate teachers and families working together on developing social skills and reducing  challenging behaviors.  Handouts are available in four categories including behavior, emotions, routines and schedules and social skills.

Resources

Caring for Our Children Standard 1.6.0.3 Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants

Minnesota Center for Children's Mental Health has mental health fact sheets which can be downloaded for free. 

Children, Youth and Family Consortium, University of Minnesota Extension Service, Circle of Influence Model demonstrates the varying  relationships and environments that contribute to a child's well-being.  View the video on Promoting Children's Mental Health 

Contact Information

Diane Etling, MDH Child Care Health Consultant
651.201.3586   diane.etling@state.mn.us