Coordinator Corner

Where is the time going? School is in full swing and children and families are (hopefully) adjusting to their routines. The leaves have changed and are falling and the weather is most definitely moving in the direction of cold.  What has been happening with MECC as all of these seasonal changes take place?  Lots!

Our coaches are busy working with licensed providers to get them registered in the new statewide Quality Rating Improvement System, Colorado Shines. To learn more about Colorado Shines, visit their website at http://coloradoshines.com . There is a section for families and one for providers and lots of information is available.  Launching a statewide data system is a huge undertaking and has had steep learning curves as we all learn how to navigate the system.  The end result is more information for families about quality and the licensed centers and homes in their area and better data to illustrate the impact of the work being done.

We have also had some big events.  We screened the signature episode of The Raising of America at the Sunflower Theater. We had a diverse group of attendees and some great conversation – and yummy food that was donated by Pepperhead, Stonefish Sushi and Loungin’ Lizard.  We hosted Colorado Children’s Campaign to share our local data.  We also spent a day with the Lt. Governor, showcasing several early learning centers in the area and the Towaoc and Cortez library as he kicked off his annual literacy tour.  Further descriptions and photos of these events can be found on our website: monteloresecc.org .

If you have questions about your child’s development and would like more information, check out the Early Learning Development Guidelines at http://earlylearningco.org . There is a wealth of information about development in the early years, as well as activity ideas to do with your child(ren).

We also have two ongoing professional development trainings happening: Expanding Quality in Infant and Toddler Care, and Teacher Classroom Management.  Over thirty teachers and caregivers are currently involved in these classes.

We are involved in two regional collaboratives: one is funded through the El Pomar Foundation and with this funding in partnership with the Early Childhood Council of LaPlata County and Seeds of Learning, we are offering mini-grants for new licensed infant and toddler slots, coaching for center directors and post bachelors stipends for those continuing their early childhood education beyond a bachelor’s degree.  The other regional work involves creating a Model Community Framework with Assuring Better Child Health & Development where we are coming together to create a roadmap for developmental screenings with early learning and health providers throughout the region. This process will help to ensure that children’s development is on track.

Another collaboration is with the Dolores School District and a Transition to Kindergarten program funded through the Buell Foundation.  We are working with parents, preschool teachers and kindergarten teachers to develop and implement a program that will ease the transition into kindergarten and increase school readiness. A new component is the Little Cubbies program for children not attending Teddy Bear Preschool but are planning to attend Dolores Elementary.  

Our new school readiness calendars are available email me or call the office at 970-564-3211 to get your copy! For more information about any of the many things happening with early childhood in our community, feel free to contact me at vangim@monteloresecc.org .

Happy Autumn!

Vangi

 

Building On Success

The research is clear that the early years are the most effective time to invest and lay a foundation for future learning and achievement. Our community has made great strides supporting young children and their families and we have more to do to ensure that all children are healthy, valued and thriving.

Today, thanks to the dedicated hard work of hundreds of early childhood stakeholders across the state, we have an updated roadmap, the Early Childhood Colorado Framework, to help continue to build on our successes and achieve an integrated and comprehensive early childhood system – across early learning and development, family support and education, and health and well-being.

Developed by a broad coalition of stakeholders from across the state and multiple interest areas, the updated Framework connects essential components of a robust, family-focused early childhood system to tangible results, including state and local economic and social benefits.



As a powerful pathway for community collaboration and conversations, the Framework prioritizes services and supports for children and families, and illustrates the connections between home, neighborhoods and schools. The Framework makes it clear - communities can better align early childhood learning and development,  family support and health to achieve better outcomes for children and all of Colorado.

Not one individual, organization, or agency can do it all, but together our collective work at the state level, in local communities, and through public-private partnerships will help us ensure all young children in Colorado are ready to succeed in school and in life.

The Early Childhood Colorado Framework is located at earlychildhoodframework.org  and a direct link to the brochure is here: http://earlychildhoodframework.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/ECLC-FRMWRK-062415-LORES.pdf .

 

Meet a MECC Member

Meet Brandi Curtis! Brandi was born and raised in Dove Creek, CO. She is currently taking college classes in order to receive an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. Brandi completed the courses and received a large center directors certificate in July of 2013. She began working at Dove’s Nest Early Care and Education Center as a sub in 2009, Brandi has worked in almost every position at the center before becoming the Director in August of 2013. She has been married to her wonderful husband for eight years and has two amazing sons ages 7 and 4. Spending time with her family is Brandi's favorite thing to do.  

A Bit of Change

Tyra Hughes has served the past four years as MECC's AmeriCorps member and termed out at the end of August. We are happy to have her on staff with us. She is filling Lindsay Havran's shoes as Professional Development Coordinator and will continue with family night support and coordinating the Children's Festival. She lives in Mancos with her husband of 9 years and two beautiful daughters, three and six. She enjoys being artistic (when she makes the time), spending time with her family, and taking her husband down in a serious game of yahtzee.

 

 

For Parents and Providers