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From the Executive Director Outdoor Learning by Heather Olsen, Donna Thompson, and Susan Hudson the LOVE of learning by Brittany Gillette Process vs. Product by Jeff and Tasha Johnson A Day in the Life by Elizabeth Mancini

Early Signs of Autism by Joyce E. Nuner and Amy C. Stevens Griffith

From Your Provider Representative by Jayne Goldstein

Upcoming Trainings and Events

Cover Photo: Seth Simmons (4 years old), grandson of Pasco/Hernando Contracted Provider, Linda Simmons,

Beacon Community Child Development Center

See page 9 for pictures from the Kickin’ Cook Out

Publisher The Early Learning Coalition of

Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. 15506 County Line Road

Spring Hill, FL 34610 Phone: (727) 233-8291

Fax: (727) 857-0151 www.phelc.org

Executive Editor Kimberly Borrego

Managing Editor Ramute ‘Jak’ Jakubauskas

Contributing Writers James J. Farrelly Brittany Gillette

Jeff & Tasha Johnson Elizabeth Mancini

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On March 12th, the Foundation for Early Learning in Pasco and Hernando Counties formally began with its first community event, the “Kickin’ Cook Out.” If you were unable to personally attend this event, I hope that you’ll take a moment to experience it by reviewing the full page of photographs reprinted within this edition of SPOTLIGHT (p. 9). On that exciting day, beneath a beautiful clear blue sky at the Rotary Pavilion on State Road 52 in Shady Hills, over 400 Child Care owners, directors and teachers joined with interested parents, community members and Coalition staff to witness the beginning of what will become a primary source of community education concerning the crucial impor-tance of high quality Early Learning. The Foundation for Early Learning, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation has been under development since 2009. Now fully approved to solicit and receive donations, the Foundation is organized around its important role in community education and its assumed responsibility to provide alternative financial supports to Early Educators who responsibly serve the children and families of Pasco and Hernando Counties. In order to help “spread the word” about our Early Learning Foundation, please be aware of the following:

About the Foundation

The Foundation for Early Learning in Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization developed to support families and child care providers in Pasco and Hernando Counties. The Foundation works to

promote, support and engage in charitable activities which support its mission.

Mission

Promote the importance of high quality Early Education within Pasco and Hernando Counties.

Purpose of Foundation

- Promote the Importance of Early Learning - Provide Scholarships to families in need of high quality child care - Fund Child Care Provider Initiatives and Needs - Recognize the achievements of Outstanding Early Educators within our communities

PLEASE support your Early Learning Foundation! Attend published events; volunteer your time and experience; make suggestions. As always, your input is valued. Have a great spring. I look forward to hearing from you.

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by Heather Olsen, Donna Thompson, and Susan Hudson Professors, University of Northern Iowa Good early childhood programs provide high-quality care and education as young children develop their physical, emotional, social, and intellectual skills. In order to provide children with positive, developmen-tally appropriate learning opportunities, educators ensure the safety and security of children, indoors and outdoors.

Printed with permission from Dimensions of Early Childhood 39(1), 3-11.

Include these components in outdoor

play spaces

natural areas objects to manipulate swings climbing units open grass pretend play settings water/sand spaces digging sites

Three types of supervision

to implement

General Supervision Adults are dispersed

throughout the area and actively watch their assigned territories.

Transitional Supervision Oversee children as they move between activities.

Specific Supervision Continuously monitor

and facilitate children’s play.

What responsible outdoor supervisors do

Create an environment that empowers children to independently pursue

creative play.

Enhance the quality of the play experience by

interacting with children.

Carefully observe to assure that children play in

appropriate and safe ways.

Steps to ensure high-quality supervision…

Supervisors plan developmentally appropriate spaces, give children ample time to explore with plenty of suitable

materials and equipment, and facilitate engaging play.

Administrators provide ongoing

professional learning opportunities so staff are confident and competent

supervisors.

Staff work as a team in their daily supervision responsibilities.

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by Brittany Gillette Director, Kids Under Construction Day Care Center, Pasco County Let’s take a moment out of our busy day and reflect on why we do what we do, day in and day out. I am almost positive that it’s not because of how rich the child care industry will make us or because we could not think of anything else we wanted to do. We chose child care because of the passion and LOVE we have for children and their families. LOVE is an essential part of human growth and development. It has been proven that children, who are not shown LOVE or who are neglected, are children who become withdrawn and detached. In our field as respected child care providers, it is our responsibility to educate children and ensure they are ready to enter Kindergarten. But our greatest responsibility is to first LOVE these children who have been entrusted to our care. Every child who walks through our door deserves to be treated like the blessing they are. Too many times we focus on how many “numbers” a child can count that we miss the critical point that a child is just longing to feel loved and accepted. I can pretty much say that almost all children enrolled in child care centers see you, their beloved teachers, as much as their parents or guardians. We are their role models; the ones they look up to. What an honor and privilege that is. We must treat these children as our own. Ask yourself these questions… What if this was my child? How would I treat him/her? Would I respond to them the same way? When a child feels genuinely loved and respected, their behavior and their outlook on life will change drastically. YOU have the power to dramatically change and impact a child’s future starting from day one. It doesn’t matter if they are a day old or 14 years old; it is never too late to plant the seed of LOVE in a child’s life. I know we have all heard that “actions speak louder than words.” How true that is. Keeping that in mind, let’s make a common goal of letting our everyday actions speak of LOVE and acceptance to ALL of the children and families in our communities that we serve on a daily basis. This quote by Frank A. Clark sums it up beautifully,

“A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it.” So, respected providers, may we show these children LOVE in abundance that they may flourish and grow and abound in excellence throughout their lives.

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Quality early learning should always focus more on process than product. The act of stacking

blocks is more important than the look of the finished tower. Playing in the mud—feeling it ooze through fingers and squish under palms, inhaling its moist and earthy scent, fully experiencing it with all the senses—is more important than the resulting batch of mud cookies. Even events like story time, meal time, and circle time are at their core more about process than product. The emotional and social nourishment an infant receives while downing a bottle is at least as important as the four ounces of formula they ingested. Young children are new to the world. Process is so important because it is a means to know the world, to understand its complexities, to discover and explore its vastness, and to practice interacting with it. Focusing on process also allows us to focus more on practice since it means we are in less of a hurry to get to the finished product. Small children need lots of time to master physical, social, and mental skills. They are driven to do things over and over and over again, repeating processes until they gain mastery. Play is the process young children use to learn about the world. The repetitiveness of reading the same book 20 times in a row, helping them wrap and rewrap the same baby doll in the same blanket for half an hour straight, or seeing them stumble after a big red ball as you toss it to them over and over again can sometimes become boring for us adults, but for the child it is all about mastering the process. Because they are so young and new to the world, their finished products appear rustic, simple, and—well—childish. That’s the way it should be. If your three year old is bringing home artwork from preschool that looks like it was done by an adult, it probably was. This is sad, because it steals the most important part of the activity from the child—the process.

After 16 years directing a child care and community center, Jeff & Tasha Johnson became family child care providers in 2003.

Their program focuses on child-directed learning in a play based environment.

Jeff & Tasha have written Do-It-Yourself Early Learning, Finding Your Smile Again, Everyday Early Learning, Babies In The Rain, Keeping Your

Smile, The Child Care Alphabet Book of Early Learning, and The Child Care Alphabet Book of Manipulatives.

Visit their website at www.explorationsearlylearning.com or email them at explorations@cableone.net.

Quick Tip

An infant rolling from side to side is in the process of

strengthening muscles needed for walking.

Quick Tip

A toddler lining up blocks on the table top is engaged in the

process of understanding mathematics.

Quick Tip

A preschooler pretending to read a book is engaged in the

process of learning to read for real.

by Jeff and Tasha Johnson Owners, Explorations Early Learning Jeff Johnson was the Keynote speaker for the 2010 Annual Early Learning Conference

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It is very important that the owner/operator of a preschool is involved at all times. The building of a foundation for structure and consistency begins with the owner/operator. Emphasis should be placed on creating a safe learning environment by setting up and maintaining comfortable and attractive areas. Classrooms should be organized, healthy, and clean learning environments in which all toys and materials are fully functional and age appropriate. Curriculum should be engaging in order to hold the children’s interests. Once the stage has been set for learning, it is easier to integrate opportunities for social and emotional skill development.

Emphasis on social and emotional skills is very important at an early age. Owner/operators need to let staff know what is expected from them and the procedures to be implemented in the school. Teachers need a clear understanding that positive relationships between themselves and the children are crucial to building a sense of confidence and independence. Children need a physically and emotionally secure environment that provides support for their developing self-knowledge, self-control, and self-esteem while at the same time encouraging respect for the feelings and rights of others.

Infant caregivers provide the first building blocks of safety and security, which promote independence and self-confidence. A toddler caregiver’s role should emphasize healthy responses to toddlers’ often extreme emotional reactions as they become aware of their separateness and seek to control their environment. Toddler caregivers should focus on helping children express their feelings

appropriately, while providing opportunities to practice helping themselves. It is the job of caregivers to provide guidance and support to children’s interactions while providing physical and emotional security. At the preschool age, it is important to emphasize social and emotional skills even as the focus shifts into academics. Preschool-age children are better equipped to learn and

participate in class when they know what to expect and what is expected of them. Rules should be clear and consistent, frequent reminders should be provided. Teachers should offer experiences in the preschool curriculum that include opportunities for developing a sense of self, responsibility for self and others as well as problem solving. Preschool-age children should be provided with guidance and support to build

confidence, learn how to listen and follow directions, discover how to share with others, make friends and respect others.

It is important for teachers to relate to children in a positive way. Ask open-ended questions and demonstrate a genuine interest in what a child is thinking and feeling. Encourage children to expand their vocabulary by expressing what they are feeling with words. Offer children opportunities to practice emerging problem solving skills and making good choices.

Finally, communicating with families and getting them involved teaches children that home and school are connected. Being structured and consistent in school works wonders for all. When we provide a strong foundation for all ages, children thrive.

by Elizabeth Mancini, Owner/Operator, Great Beginnings II and III, Hernando County

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by Joyce E. Nuner, Assistant Professor, Baylor University Amy C. Stevens Griffith, Professor, University of Wisconsin

Early intervention is critical to support the development of children with autism.

Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD):

Socialization Flat facial expressions Lack interest in objects or people Unresponsive or over-responsive to excitement Unresponsive to interactions with others

Language Early language delay or absence of language Use language differently Little eye contact, do not face the person with whom they

are speaking

Sensory Functioning Seek sensory input or avoid it Over-responsive or under-responsive to environment

Cognitive Functioning May have intellectual disabilities Tend to have processing strengths and verbal comprehension weaknesses

Printed with permission from Dimensions of Early Childhood 39(1), 12-20.

How to Support Families

Know characteristics of various disorders Document children’s behaviors objectively Know how the referral system works Communicate clearly and listen

empathetically Understand families’ feelings when

coming to grips with a diagnosis View families from a strength-based

perspective Offer information sources

Make the Most of the Early Intervention System

Refer families to the state’s lead agency for early intervention services

Collaborate with screening and assessment specialists

Implement early intervention services

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Saturday, March 12th

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I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jayne Goldstein and I am the Director for TodayCare Children’s Center at PHCC in New Port Richey and most recently was selected as Provider Representative to the Board of Directors for the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco Hernando Counties.

It is an honor to not only be a part of the Coalition and its efforts to provide outstanding quality childcare to our children, but to also be a representative for Pasco and Hernando providers. As a provider, I can relate to each and every challenge that you, my fellow colleagues encounter. It is my goal to build a relationship with providers that will open the door for communication and solutions to issues and concerns within the boundaries of the Coalition and its Board of Directors.

I have worked in the early childhood profession for over twenty years and have been in administration for over ten years. I started my career as a preschool van driver and cook so I can say that I have experienced every aspect of the preschool profession.

After raising two boys of my own and working hard in my marriage of thirty years, I have decided to return to school to earn my degree in Early Childhood. This is a long time goal for me and I am excited and yet very intimidated by this prospect.

So yes, I am very busy but I am also very passionate about what I do. I feel that we need to share what we do every day and bring awareness to our communities showing what we do is not babysitting and that the children really do learn through play. Providers have so many hoops to jump through every day just to survive let alone financially prosper. We need all of the support we can get. I want to be a part of that support system.

Please keep a look out for future articles on provider issues and concerns from me, your provider representative. In the meantime, I would like to offer you my contact information, inserted above. I will be attending the Provider Meetings and I am really looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of you.

Jayne Goldstein Director,

TodayCare Children’s Center at PHCC 727-848-1418 j.goldstein@phcc.edu

May kicks off Mental Health Awareness Month, a traditional time for encouraging awareness of mental and emotional health. Preschool mental health is especially important because early intervention can address issues, educate caregivers, and provide inclusion services in the early years. Prevention is the key to success.

Families and providers play an important role in a child’s early social development. Information and individual counseling is a given right in a school environment. A “team” approach is taken so that each child’s intervention is built on their strengths.

In observation of Mental Health Month, blue ribbons will be provided at the field offices and a training entitled Stomping out the A.N.Ts will be offered by Infant/Child Therapist Bonnie Klinginsmith across Pasco and Hernando counties.

Each week watch for tip sheets with activities that providers and caregivers can do with the children to promote social emotional awareness.

Coalition Inclusion Specialists and the Infant/Child therapist are dedicated to offering beneficial services and eliminating the stigma of those needing mental health services.

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April 9, 2011

Week of the Young Child Pasco County

April 14, 21 & 28, 2011 Mandatory VPK Contract Meetings

April 16, 2011 Healthy Kids Day

April 23, 2011 Kiwanis Easter Egg Hunt

April 30, 2011 Earth Day Celebration

May 2011 Mental Health Awareness Month

May 10, 17 & 19, 2011 Provider Meetings

Provider Appreciation Reception

May 30, 2011 Memorial Day

Coalition Offices Closed

April

April 16, 2011 Making the Most of Music

9:00-12:00

April 30, 2011 Dealing with Difficult Behavior

9:00-12:00

May

May 2, 4, 9 & 11, 2011

Celebrating Literacy (4-part) 6:00-9:00

May 3, 2011

Stomping Out the A.N.T.S. 6:30-8:30

May 7, 2011

Birth-Three Standards 9:00-2:00

May 10, 2011

Stomping Out the A.N.T.S. 6:30-8:30

May 14, 2011

Conscious Discipline 9:00-4:00

May 21, 2011

Stomping Out the A.N.T.S. 9:00-12:00

May

May 21, 2011 Making the Most of Music

9:00-12:00

May 26, 2011 Three Year Old Standards

6:30-8:30

Check our website calendar

at www.phelc.org

for more information about these

and other trainings.

SPOTLIGHT on Providers is published quarterly by the Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties, Inc. for the provider community. It is distributed electronically to all providers and is also available on the website www.phelc.org.

If you would like to submit an article to be included, please refer to the chart below regarding future submission deadlines:

Submission Deadline

For Issue Delivery Date

December 1, 2010 Winter 2011 January 2011

March 1, 2011 Spring 2011 April 2011

June 1, 2011 Summer 2011 July 2011

September 1, 2011 Fall 2011 October 2011

Articles should be typed, double spaced, in 12 point Times Roman font and no more that 500 words. Any accompanying photos or artwork should be in high resolution format and sent as a separate attachment along with the article (not inserted in the article). Photo releases should accompany any photo submission.

It is preferable that articles and photos are submitted electronically to k.borrego@phelc.org with the subject title Spotlight on Providers. In addition, they may be submitted on CD if necessary. All submissions are subject to editing for content and space availability.

June

June 14, 21, & 28, 2011 Play Power (3-part)

6:30-8:30

June 18, 2011 Sensory Friendly Classrooms

9:00-2:00

June 25, 2011 Autism: A Historical Perspective

9:00-12:00