PFCCA Quarterly Newsletter !"#$%&'!()*+!
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UPCOMING ! 2017 PFCCA BOARD MEETINGS
The VOICE of Family Child Care in Georgia
Vol 2017 No.4
BUILDING RESILIENCE IN YOUNG CHILDREN BEGINS WITH LOVING RELATIONSHIPS
October 21st ./0)12% November 18th December: Winter Break +;2%-+9<5%=>2%?@=A%%%%% PFCCA Social Event (TBA)
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The PFCCA Board meets the third Saturday of the month at the Cheshire Bridge PUBLIX in the 2nd floor Public Meeting Room. " Members are warmly welcomed to attend. Only Board Members "may discuss or vote on issues, but it is a good way to find out what is going and and become more active in PFCCA activities. Join us!
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Call PFCCA at 404-421-3985 " in advance for directions and to let us know you are coming. DECAL KOALA &COGENT issues
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"Resiliency is part of the basic human makeup and can be strengthened over time. Which brings me to you, our wonderful family child care providers. According to Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child, ‘The single most common factor for
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“Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true "" " education”
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Martin Luther King, Jr. !
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children who develop resilience is at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, or other adult.’ "As one of the most important relationships in a child's early life, you play a huge role in developing that child's resilience. And resilient children grow up to be resilient adults, better able to handle all that life throws at them, from the tragedies to the smaller trials and tribulations we all face on a daily basis. From all of us here at NAFCC, thank you for all you do to build stronger, more resilient children that will grow up better able to handle the challenges of life, both large and small." from Bill Hudson, Chief Executive Officer, National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
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On the ability to bounce back in the face of adversity:
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SAVE the DATE! SPREAD the WORD Copy this page and pass it on to colleagues & friends:
$79/night - 2 double beds for up to 4 ~ FREE WiFi & Breakfast included
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Augusta, GA Permit No. 210
Augusta University Leap Early Learning Partners 277 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 104 Macon, GA 31201
Need your address corrected? Want to receive our e-newsletter blasts? Have something you would like to share? Let us know by e-mailing us at: ccrrcentralga@augusta.edu. Leap Early Learning Partners is a Child Care Resource and Referral program of Augusta University. We are funded by Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning using the federal Child Care and Development Fund. Augusta University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educational Institution.
QR Bonus Packages - Don’t Miss Out! Bonus packages are one of the many benefits of participating in Quality Rated. While always subject to funding, the packages will not be given to programs who: Are not participating in Quality Rated by 6/30/18, OR Receive a star rating after 12/31/2020, OR Have already received three or more bonus packages. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for your program to benefit from these packages, valued between $3,000 $6,000. Take a look at all that is available in the bonus packages by visiting https://qualityrated.decal.ga.gov/Shared/Help.aspx?v=bp.
And remember, programs must be rated by 12/31/2020 in order to receive CAPS funding. Get started today to make sure you don’t miss out! To get your program started, visit www.qualityrated.decal.ga.gov: Create an account and complete a brief application with demographic information about your program to get started on the path to becoming Quality Rated. Select Create Account on the left and follow the posted instructions. Confirm your account by completing the directions emailed to you. Log into your account to complete the application by entering basic demographic information about your program. Register for the Quality Rated Orientation.
Thanks for permission to share this important announcement from the latest LEAP newsletter!
277 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 104 Macon, GA 31201 Phone: 478-751-3000 Toll Free: 877-228-3566 www.leapccrr.org Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Child Care Resource & Referral of Central Georgia
OCT 2017 - JAN 2018
Early Care and Education BULLETIN!
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Dear Early Care and Education Provider,
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We are well into the new school year, and I hope your program has settled into a “normal” routine for your staff and for the children and families you serve. I assure you that we at the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) recognize you are the people out there on the “front lines” serving the citizens of Georgia, and we want to support you in every way we can. I was recently excited to see the following statistic about your work: At the beginning of the new state fiscal year (July 1, 2017), out of approximately 4,800 licensed providers in Georgia, over 4,700 of you were in Good Standing
A MESSAGE FROM
Lynn Manfredi/Petitt Your PFCCA of GA President I don’t know about you, but this has been a roller coaster of year – especially the past few months. Between hurricanes, floods and devastation in the SE, destruction in the Caribbean – especially Puerto Rico, murder and mayhem in Las Vegas and wildfires in the NW, My brain is in a spin… Given all that, plus an empty child care nest in my own life that refuses to fill (making us consider retirement), along with the sudden death of a lifelong friend - I am having a hard time staying focused. I know I am not alone. We all have challenges in our lives, yet most of us find ways to keep going. A personal trick is to name challenges, allow them to sink in, then refocus on what’s working. A positive attitude actually changes brain waves and allows us to see more of the good stuff. What’s the good stuff in YOUR life? For me, these past months have been full of the positive, even as the wind whirled around us. I re-set my main space for younger ones (1-3’s) and stored materials that I keep for older children. It all fit in one closet! My husband, Bob and I drove to Mobile for the NAFCC Conference – and the beach! Joe Perreault and I met with Bill Hudson, the new NAFCC Executive Director and explored the path of making PFCCA an affiliate member. Bill came to Atlanta last week for the National Black Child Development Institute Conference, where we continued the conversation. We were also treated to an excellent panel about the education of child care professionals, including one terrific talk that made my day! Along with all that, we have plenty to eat…and drink… minimal needs for purchases right now… in short, we are blessed! Although I am in limbo about future steps in my life, I am grateful to note that I had enough money saved to cover these unsure months. My husband and I are enjoying a taste of retirement, while we wait for child care children to show up… I feel sure they will (or something equally good to do). Just writing about all that is going well in my life eases my worries. I keep a gratitude journal that does the same thing, for the day to day. Try it! You may have to keep it open on the counter and jot things down quickly, on the run, but I guarantee that a focus on the upbeat parts of each day will help you see more – and more – and more joy. Today we had a couple of neighbor children drop in for care for just a few hours. It reminded me how much I LOVE this work. We made biscuits, explored art materials and played dress up and pretend cooking... We took a sprinkly walk to the park and back without getting too wet. As I settled in to write this message to you, I took a minute to read what the section in our PFCCA website already says about family child care. I was in the website because one of our members sounded the alarm that the announcement about our Spring 2018 conference had the wrong date! [Yikes! Thanks!!] I quickly fixed it to read: March 24, 2018. Whew! We are planning a great time for you in Savannah, with reasonably priced rooms at La Quinta and a fabulous, musical and uplifting keynote: Dr. Thomas Moore! Check out the flyer and spread the word! While you are at it, consider the article (below), written by Sandy Byrd about Family Child Care. NAEYC and NAFCC are working together in a project called: “The Power of the Profession.” The goal is to gather shared images of our field that promote our work with power. Our VP and Power of the Profession Task Force chair, DiAnne Coggins, is developing a version based on PFCCA input. Provider Sheryl Buncic wrote one of her own. You can do it, too! It is a challenge to get each version into words… and a joy to see ourselves in such a positive light.
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What is Family Child Care and Why is it Important? What is family child care? “Family child care is a service wherein child care is provided in a caregiver’s home. Many family child care homes provide high quality programs for infants and toddlers, preschoolers, school age, and children with special needs. Significant research has provided evidence that warm, loving, and home-like settings are natural learning environments for children during early childhood. While offering the safety and comfort of home, and providing a consistent caregiver throughout the years, family child care is the preferred arrangement for many parents.” (From the National Association of Family Child Care Website: www.nafcc.org , July 2015) In GA, providers who care for 3-6 children are expected to be registered/licensed in Georgia by Bright from the Start: Department of Early Care and Learning (BFTS GA DECAL). In January 2016, Georgia’s official name for this profession will be changed to: Family Child Care Learning Homes (FCCLH). Those who are regulated are visited regularly by child care licensing consultants who document a provider’s adherence to BFTS GA DECAL’s Rules and Regulations, paying particular attention to health and safety guidelines. A new, voluntary Quality Ratings (QR) initiative, open to all BFTS GA DECAL programs in GA, focuses on raising the bar to enhance early education and quality for children in care. Why is family child care important? Most family child care (FCC) providers are gifted in creating relationships. They are small business owners who welcome other people’s children into their lives; some for a year, some for decades. While child care staff may come and go in commercial settings, many family child care providers keep the same children from birth until they are ready for Pre-K or kindergarten. This creates a strong bond between each provider and the families in their care. Everyone benefits. Authentic, caring relationships, built from provider continuity and adult cooperation surround each child with warm, responsive care, promoting healthy brain development in children, peace of mind for parents and a sense of support for providers. FCC Providers and families who use their services see it as a safe, stable, high quality home away from home for the children while parents are at work or in a training program preparing to enter the work force. Not all children can handle being in large groups; some have special needs (diagnosed or just surfacing) that are best suited to small, casual, home-like settings. FCC providers can often be flexible in meeting parental needs and expectations. Working together insures individualized care. Many providers are open more 60 hours a week and may offer non-traditional hours including early morning, evenings or nights, weekends and sometimes, even holidays. Flexibility makes FCC an important choice for nurses, flight attendants, third shift workers and First Responders. This diversity of options is an important benefit, offered by family child care providers, which should not be overlooked. Here are some reasons that parents choose family care (see the PFCCA website for further details). • children receive care in a home situation • child-provider ratios are small • homes can be close, convenient, flexible and culturally congruent • infants feel right at home, with individual needs met naturally • regulated providers have yearly training along with personal experience • child (and adult) turnover is low; some relationships last a lifetime! • parents and providers work as team to raise a child (From the PFCCA Website www.pfccaofga.org, written by Sandy Byrd with lamp ☺ )
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Public Policy Committee Updates by Joe Perreault, Chair NAFCC Affiliation Lynn and Joe continue to believe it would be good for PFCCA to be a state affiliate of NAFCC but there are two significant questions: the number of shared members and Directors and Officers insurance. Both would be too expensive for a small but growing organization like ours. Lynn wants NAFCC to consider an “emerging state association” type category with reduced requirements. Bill Hudson, CEO of NAFCC is taking this idea to the board. NBCDI Conference Town Hall Meeting Joe, Lynn, Bob (Lynn's husband) and Bill Hudson took advantage of their complementary NBCDI Conference Town Hall Meeting on Sept. 30th at the Atlanta Omni Hotel. It was worth their time, especially since Lynn was able to remind them that Family Child Care was there and worth their recognition. Each panel member added some FCC thoughts as they talked after that. Yea!
IMPORTANT NUMBERS Update on number of Licensed Providers. We have information on the current number of licensed FCCLH showing a continuing decline: Number of Licensed FCCLH homes as of 1/1/17: 1,871. Number of Licensed FCCLH homes as of 4/14/17: 1,711.
Child Care Affordability Group-CAP On September 5, Lynn and Joe met with the organizations forming the plan to increase state funding for CAPS so more children can be served. The group consists of five major GA child advocacy organizations (Atlanta Woman’s Foundation, GA Budget and Policy Institute, GA Early Education Alliance for Ready Students, Quality Care for Children, and Voices for Georgia’s Children) and several other groups including PFCCA. They are receiving strategy support from a national organization, Spitfire Strategies. Strategy. The group endorsed a strategy to seek a 10% increase in state funding for CAPS during each of the next several years. GBPA staff shared a draft document stating the dollar amount which would be needed this year. We reviewed a detailed timeline document for all tasks needed between now and the beginning of the legislative session in January and agreed to meet monthly. Mindy Binderman, GEEARS, will serve as facilitator for the group. There will be a brief common statement of what is needed, a joint organizational letter to the Governor seeking insertion of these funds in his budget, a strategy to get family and caregiver/provider stories demonstrating the value of CAPS and the need for additional funds, and a detailed plan to reach out to the public and advocacy groups. Need for Family and Caregiver/Provider Stories. Each group was asked to secure parent and caregiver/ provider stories. We have asked Marie and Sandy to make this part of their Member Outreach phone calls in Oct or Nov. You can also send us written stories to pfccaofgeorgia@gmail.com Thanks! New Child Care legislation introduced. On 9-14, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and U.S. Representative Bobby Scott (D-VA) introduced the Child Care for Working Families Act. The bill number in the senate is S 1806 and in the house it is H. R. 3773. The bill amends and strengthens the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) by ensuring that no family under 150% of state median income pays more than seven percent of their income on child care. Families would pay their fair share for care on a sliding scale, regardless of the number of children they have. The bill would also support universal access to high-quality preschool programs for all 3- and 4-year olds. In addition, the bill would significantly improve compensation and training for the child care workforce to ensure that our nation’s teachers and caregivers have the support they need. NAFCC endorsed this legislation and encourages its members (and PFCCA members) to contact their legislators to become co–sponsors of the bill.
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It’s that time of year, again:
Is It Allergies or a Cold? How to Tell the Difference It’s sometimes difficult to know whether the problem is hay fever or a common cold (upper respiratory infection). The diagnosis is often made when parents seek their pediatrician’s advice for a lingering “cold” that their child can’t shake. While symptoms of allergies and colds often overlap, there are a few telling differences. The tip-offs for hay fever are • A clear, watery nasal discharge • Itching of the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth • Spasmodic sneezing Fever is never from an allergy; it almost always suggests an infection. Antibiotics will not help allergies or a common cold from a virus. Colds or allergies can sometimes lead to ear or sinus infections; when this happens, antibiotics can be helpful. With a cold, nasal secretions are often thicker than in allergy and can be discolored (as compared with the clear, watery discharge of allergies). The child who has a cold may have a sore throat and a cough, and the child’s temperature is sometimes slightly raised but not always. Itchiness is not usually a complaint with a cold, but it is the hallmark of an allergy problem. A plain old cold usually doesn’t last much more than several days before it starts to get better and go away; allergy symptoms can go on for weeks to months. Source: Guide to Your Childs Allergies and Asthma (Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics) The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend. based on individual facts and circumstances.
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Soup from a Stone: Imagine that! Recipe dictated to Lynnie by: Milo (age 3), Brooks (age 4) as we made it for a Fall family gathering: Ingredients: First fire/heat under a pot Water/Soup Stock & add a STONE! Carrots Onions Mushrooms Cabbage Celery Meat (beef of chicken) Peas and Corn Tomatoes Broccoli Barley Pepper & Salt
Bread/Biscuits Nice table cloth.
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STONE SOUP - An old folk tale… “Soup from a stone? Imagine that!” Order this classic story from your favorite books store – if it is not in stock – or from the library. I read several versions and we chose our favorite… Read one several times, make a list together and ask parents to send in ingredients to add to the chicken or vegetable broth. Begin with a clean stone and add chopped ingredients, writing down as you add each one. Simmer for about an hour or so or cook in a crock pot. It is fun to act out the story with real or pretend ingredients… Make sure you keep safety in mind if you use a hot pot in reach. Enjoy soup for lunch or for a Fall Family FOOD gathering.
PFCCAOFGA.ORG
Looking for menu ideas? Do these fit the new USDA standards – or not? Let us know! from the Creative COMFY Day School Breakfast Page 4 Lunch
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
healthy O cereal grapes & yogurt
raisin toast & peanut butter apples slices
scrambled eggs, rye toast w/butter & strawberries
granola bars & almond butter seedless tangerines
yogurt in fruit smoothies OCT blueberry 2017 - JANmuffins 2018 with
with Milk (& GAEYC Technical the Year with Milk (& Assistance water) with Milk (& Specialist water) with Milkof (& water) with Milk (& water) water)
Our very own Technical Assistance Team Leader, Blizard, has beenblack selected the Protein peanut butter hummus & feta Amanda cheddar cheese beansas & cheese Technical Assistance Specialist of the Year by the Georgia Association for the Education of Carbohydrate rice cakes whole wheat pita on bagels in spinach wraps Young Children (GAEYC). She will be honored at the GAEYC Awards Ceremony on Saturday, th Vegetable/Fruit apple sauce October 7 . cucumber slices spinach leaves lettuce & tomato bits
chicken chunk stir-fry rice zucchini shreds
Vegetable/Fruit carrot shredswas described tiny tomatoes beans on the cob In the nomination, Amanda as someone raw whogreen is “respected as acorn down-to-
broccoli bits
earth, real-world (gorp: advisor concerning(black child olives) care. She helps providers discover what(salsa) works Other/Extra faces) best for themselves by asking questions and offering suggestions for sustained program popcorn/cereal peanut butter improvements.”oatmeal cookies blueberries &
(sesame seeds)
bunny grahams O’s pretzels rice chex & chocolate pudding oranges smiles cantaloupe chunks, We are thrilled to see Amanda be honored for her great work and congratulate her on this recognition!
PM Snack*
& crème cheese
Updated CACFP Meal Pattern Requirements In preparation for the implementation of updated CACFP meal pattern requirements, Nutrition Services has created a number of resources to provide guidance to institutions and sponsors. These updated meal pattern requirements went into effect October 1, 2017. Below is a list of policy guidance and memoranda that provides additional information about the updated CACFP meal pattern requirements: Questions and Answers on the Updated Meal Pattern Requirements for the CACFP: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/Q&AUpdatedMealPatternRequirementsCACFP.pdf Implementation of the Updated Child and Adult Care Food Program Meal Pattern Requirements and the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs’ Infant and Preschool Meal Patterns: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/ImplementCACFPMealPatternReqmts.pdf CACFP Updated Meal Pattern Online Resources: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CACFPUpdatedMealPatternResources052017.pdf Transition Period for the Updated CACFP Meal Patterns: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/TransitionPeriodUpdatedCACFPMealPatterns.pdf Vegetable and Fruit Requirements in the CACFP, with Questions and Answers: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/VegetableFruitReqCACFPQA052017.pdf Grain-Based Desserts in the CACFP: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/GrainBasedDessertsCACFP.pdf Grain Requirements in the Child and Adult Care Food Program; Questions and Answers: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/GrainReqmtCACFPQ&A.pdf Crediting Tofu and Soy Yogurt Products in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP): http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/CreditingTofuSoyYogurtProductsCACFP.pdf Nutrition Requirements for Fluid Milk and Fluid Milk Substitutions in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, Q&A: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/FluidMilkRequirementsCACFPQA.pdf DECAL Revised Forms to Reflect the CACFP Updated Meal Pattern Requirements: http://decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/DECALRVDFormsReflectCACFPUpdatedMealPatternReqmt.pdf
For questions regarding policy and memoranda, contact Sonja Adams, Policy Administrator at Sonja.Adams@decal.ga.gov. For questions regarding the updated CACFP meal pattern requirements, contact your assigned Technical Assistance (TA) Coordinator or email the TA Team at NutritionTA@decal.ga.gov.
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SEASONAL LEARNING FUN!
SLAP TREES Explore outside. Observe trees. Gather fall materials from the environment. On big paper, children draw their own abstract tree shapes and branches with brown markers or crayons. On another day, they dip one hand in yellow paint, one in red and rub hands hands together to make orange. Then: SLAP hands to add fall â&#x20AC;&#x153;leavesâ&#x20AC;? to the tree. Use left over paint to mix colors and finger paint on table or on big paper for more FALL Fun! On another day, glue or tape real twigs and leaves for realism.
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As mentioned on an earlier page, we are collecting stories, trying to capture images of Family Child Care at it’s best for the NAEYC/NAFCC Power to the Profession Project. DiAnne Coggins is our Task Force Chair. Here is one from our own Sheryl Buncic! It is worth a read. How would YOU describe our amazingly wonder-filled profession?
Family Childcare: My thoughts By Sheryl Buncic
Family childcare is genuine love in action. Often working alone, family childcare providers are both teachers and caregivers to the children they serve, and mentors and helping partners to parents. In family childcare, kids learn about themselves, others, and the world in which they live. Friendships are formed, feelings are shared and articulated, character is developed, lessons are taught……all of it taking place in a well-organized, cozy, clean home environment of extended “family”. Parents often choose a family childcare environment which reflects their own values and parenting efforts. Parents are looking for a quality arrangement that protects and provides loving guidance to the most cherished apple of their eye, their child. Parents share a gratified feeling in knowing that while away at work, their child who is attending a family childcare, is receiving the love, attention, and training they deserve. Unlike commercial childcare, teacher to child ratios are kept small. It is comforting and reassuring for the working parent to know they daily leave their child in a “family home” environment where the provider is a caring, educated teacher who daily oversees the mental, physical, and spiritual development of their young infant or child. Family childcare is a very special, unique calling for the childcare provider. Loving caregivers extend their hearts and their hands, helping children grow, and families thrive. How is this done? How do you develop children while enhancing families? It occurs through a multitude of large and small acts of love that are carried out consistently and repetitively. Family providers are responsible for creating the most comprehensive lesson plans for children in down to conveying the most simplest of ideas to the kids. Providers ask themselves where each child is in the learning process; what has each child accomplished, and what does each child still need to learn? Much time is spent outside the childcare classroom organizing materials, choosing toys, décor and equipment, and constantly updating lessons. Incorporating new ideas into a fun, engaging, State-approved curriculum is key. This curriculum is meant to keep infants and young children engaged and interested in learning so that they grow, develop, and master milestones. Family childcare providers display patience. They kiss little boo-boos, wipe tears away, understand tantrums, greet kids happily upon arrival, and hopefully end a child’s day on a high note. Family providers display affection and understanding when showing children how to overcome behavioral issues such as hitting, lying, pouting, and cheating. They lead children to right and acceptable behavior and help mentor parents to establish certain rules of discipline at home, reinforcing concepts learned at family childcare. Parents certainly want well-behaved, thoughtful, grateful, kind children who think for themselves and take responsibility for their actions. In family childcare, children celebrate birthdays, recognize their own accomplishments and the accomplishments of their friends. Children get to enjoy special events which honor their parents and grandparents. They learn about and celebrate holidays such as Thanksgiving, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. Seasonal decorations, hands-on games and activities, artwork, and parties help to enhance all of these wonderful occasions.
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Family caregivers display gentleness. From applying healing ointment and band aids to sharing stories that teach life lessons, providers sing lullabies, bathe the infant who spit up, and administer the yucky medicine; each task requires gentleness. By example, family providers sing silly songs, practice the cute nursery rhymes, and train kids to follow directions, learn their colors, shapes, numbers, ABCs, and 123s. Parents should find that fairness, honesty, obedience, kindness and caring are taught in the family childcare setting. Family learning homes teach cooperation, cleanliness, responsibility, self-control, cultural diversity and acceptance, and gratitude. Family childcare recognizes it is both an honor and a privilege for the teacher/caregiver to invest in the lives of the children and families they serve. Nature walks, puppetry, finger plays, imaginary play, stroller rides, sidewalk chalk, outdoor games, playground fun, and gardening can all be a part of family childcare. Family childcare calls for tender-hearted compassion. From blowing bubbles and face play to dancing and exercise, providers diaper the sore, red bottom caused by antibiotics, trim kids fingernails and toenails to keep germs at bay, kiss little cheeks, hold tiny hands, and count little piglets. Showing love and concern for the little ones in care, family providers lovingly interact with babies and children. The wisdom and experience needed in knowing how to manage a child’s heart, their wants, thoughts, needs, hopes, feelings, and dreams are all a part of the opportunity family childcare providers have to daily mold, shape, and pour into the children in the “family” childcare setting. There are parts of the day consisting of rules, routines and structure, and parts of the day that are unstructured, where teachable moments often occur. Beyond the caregiving and teaching aspects of family childcare, family providers are also responsible for the business side of their learning home. Family providers usually manage checks and cash weekly, keep organized files pertaining to State information, maintain payment histories, pay quarterly taxes, as well as keep a detailed account of all purchases, inventory, and business expenses for the childcare. Family providers will provide individual feedback to parents to convey up-to-date information so parents stay aware of their child’s development. Often, providers will send pictures and texts from their cellphone to brighten a parent’s day. Furthermore, families are informed of sickness, events such as Moms n’ Muffins or Dads n’ Donuts, children’s birthdays, canned food drives, upcoming holidays, and all happenings within the childcare through informative emails and newsletters. Unlike commercial childcare settings who have assistant administrators and various people appointed to handling these different tasks, family providers work alone and find that all of these varied tasks for the business aspect of their learning home falls squarely upon their own shoulders. Providers work alone due to the many state requirements placed on having a helper, and most providers do not make enough money to pay a helper adequate funds. Family childcare looks for ways to encourage and build up both the child and their family. Family childcare teachers are attentive, providing care and training on an individual basis, and caregivers know their children very well. In turn, the children become comfortable with the interactions and routines of their provider and know the expectations of their caregiver quite well. Many Christian, or spiritual family providers, teach children who God is, what He wants for them and from them, how to reflect on God, enjoy quiet time, how to pray, and memorize scripture. Painting or coloring Old and New Testament figures, enjoying stories of biblical characters using felt boards, singing kiddie worship songs, and learning to think of others through word and deed are practiced. Family providers take time to teach manners, how to tie a shoe, how to button little coats, and thoroughly wash hands. They train children to share and take turns so everyone has fun, to use the potty, and practice setting a table.
Apples to Applesauce! Tasty!
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Caregivers check for feverish foreheads, impart time outs when needed, play dress-up, have pretend tea parties, drop everything and read, and show how to feed and care for invisible pets and pretend baby dolls. Providers teach older kids to brush their teeth, sort, and pick up toys while teaching infants how to feed themselves, begin using a cup, how to crawl, walk, clap hands, and use words. Family providers convey to all of the children that each child is truly a special, unique masterpiece. Providers in a family childcare learning home are thoughtful and supportive. Providers help not only the children in their care, but are also involved with problems that may crop up within families. After all, whatever issues the families face, certainly affect their children firsthand (family illnesses such as cancer, a sibling’s recent infection, the stress of having a new baby, moving, or buying a new home). Family childcare providers can extend their love to a child’s family by enjoying potluck dinners, game nights, by preparing meals to celebrate the birth of a new sibling, or even by creating a care package to give to a child who has endured a sustained illness. Providers may help make a special welcome home poster for the parent who was on an extended business trip, or help a child purchase and wrap birthday or Christmas presents to surprise family members at special times of the year. Some family childcare providers will attend birthdays, baptisms, funerals, the parent’s renewal of marriage vows, bar-mitzvahs, or dedications held at the family’s home or church. Holding a canned food drive or a charity auction at family childcare helps those less fortunate and introduces children to giving and esteeming others. Family childcare providers can be a listening ear, a helping hand, a guiding force, and prove a valuable asset to a family facing difficult trials and challenges such as death, divorce, cancer, or job loss. Family providers support through word, deed, and prayer. Some are willing to work extra hours. At times, providers can help families financially by not charging overtime or by accepting less pay for a specified season. Also, family providers do not often ask for time off. Being available to parents when parents work means when the provider receives any time off, it generally coincides with the parent’s time off. Page 5Family childcare takes strength, stamina, and endurance.
To maintain a clean home where the trash is OCT 2017 - JAN 2018 emptied, dishes are washed, and where all surfaces, doorknobs, toys, manipulatives are sterilized regularly, takes time and energy. There are times when a child will throw up at the end of a work day, contract bacterial pneumonia, or expose others to conjunctivitis. Not only do all surfaces, toys, and the diapering area need be in sterilized daily, As you know, a child’s first to years school can setbut the that tone carpet for the area where the throw up occurred, has to be futurethoroughly school years. For this reason it isisimportant to make they shampooed so there no residue whensure babies are placed on the carpet upon arrival the are prepared socially,Difficult, emotionally, intellectually, andthese physically to enter next morning. but very necessary, cleaning processes must take place even after the kindergarten. of Education has day part-of teaching, training, strolling kids around providerThe hasGeorgia enduredDepartment a long, hard, physically(GaDOE) demanding neredthe with the Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) in an neighborhood, or staying active with kids on a playground. It is the business of family childcare to effortdiligently to help both schools and families with the transition to kindergarprovide a clean environment. This is a home environment; the actual residence where the ten. family provider and her family live. Caregivers must maintain a sanitary residence for the sake of their own familyand members doing everything to ensure each childfor in attendance stays well. We are pleased excitedwhile to announce the launchpossible of a parent resource website the GKIDS Readiness These helpasaaprovider a high-quality reputation.readiness, Family caregivers wash Check! The protocols site will serve resourcemaintain for parents to learn morechildcare about kindergarten the skills assessed crib andReadiness cot bedding, sterilize feeding to trays, equipment, andatconsistently on the GKIDS Check, and activities helpcleanse supportchildcare their child’s development home. The exchange site includes Spanish translation and closed captioning. toys, books, puzzles, games, and manipulatives. This keeps the childcare setting safe and usable, the residence clean and livable, and the curriculum fresh and inviting for children who attend. Strength, Please share this site with your students’ families at upcoming events, such as meet and greet, open house, curricendurance, tenacity, and organization necessary on a regular basis to maintain these standards ulum night, and parent conferences, as well asison your system/school webpage. We also ask thathigh you share this properly, because most family childcare providers work alone. information with your elementary school principals and teachers (pre-K and K). The website may be accessed using
Child Care Services Rules & Regulations Updates
the following links: GKIDSReadinessCheck.gadoe.org or (a shorter version) KReady.gadoe.org.
Emergency Preparedness With all the recent emergency weather events, now is the time to ensure your emergency plans are reviewed and updated regularly. In the event of an emergency, the best way to keep children safe is to be prepared. Emergency preparedness resources are available on the DECAL website. Child Care Aware also has resources, including disaster planning guides available on the website (childcareaware.org) for centers and family child care homes.
404-421-3985
Congratulations to Central Georgia’s Newest Quality Rated Providers
Valentina Bailey Cathy Battle Childcare Network #267
Jennifer Porter Pure Love Learning Center Rainbow Child Care Center (McDonough)
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The family childcare provider understands that they report to the Department of Early Care and Learning, and that State consultants can visit unannounced at any given time during the year. Up to three times a year, the State can check to see that the family provider is following all of the State rules and regulations involved in managing a family child care learning home in the State of Georgia. New rules are constantly being added, so providers must stay up-to-date with new regulations. Along with mandatory CPR, Fire Safety, and First Aid, providers are also responsible for receiving at least 10 hours of State-approved continuing education yearly through online training, State webinars, or local seminars. Also, if the family providers are a part of the State Food Program, nutrition advocates from the State will also visit the learning home unannounced at least four times a year to ensure that State nutrition protocols are being followed and that meals are being served based on State-approved guidelines. The provider is solely responsible for purchasing food, preparing, cooking, serving, and cleaning up after nutritious meals. Providers also keep parents notified of monthly meal information. Do you consider family childcare a job of monumental proportions? I hope the ideas presented here remind each family provider what it is we actually do, how much we accomplish, how hard we work, and how multi-faceted our job as a family provider can be. Unlike commercial childcare, family providers are solely responsible for a multitude of various duties to ensure that their learning homes run smoothly. May we truly see the importance of what we provide both children and their parents. Each day is different demanding the provider possess creativity, imagination, a variety of skillsets, and expertise. I hope these thoughts regarding family childcare spur each of us to excellence regarding our family childcare learning homes. Working alongside parents, we truly have one of the most important jobs in the world.....the care and training of precious infants and young children. Daily, we accomplish tasks which provide authentic care, training, teaching, regular maintenance and cleaning, and helpful support. The services we provide to parents and their children are crucial, and we are considered extended â&#x20AC;&#x153;familyâ&#x20AC;?. Each and every day, family childcare is truly genuine love in action.
CHOOSE PFCCA AS YOUR KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM RECIPIENT Krogerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Atlanta Division customers and associates are eligible to re-enroll in the Kroger Community Rewards program. Customers and associates can designate reward points you earn to the participating schools, charity or organization of your choice by using your Kroger Plus Card. Organizations and schools do not need to enroll each year, but each Kroger shopper is required to re-enroll his or her Kroger Plus Card on an annual basis. Re-enrollment begins August 1st and dollars will accumulate for your choice of charity. Please visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com
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PFCCAOFGA.ORG
!"#$%&'$()*!! PFCCA of GA Quarterly Newsletter The VOICE of Family Child Care in Georgia
!"#$%&'$()*!!
Who we are
Fall 2016
Professional Family Child Care Professional Family Child Care Alliance of Georgia Alliance of Georgia (PFCCA GA) (PFCCA ofof GA) www.pfccaofga.org
www.pfccaofga.org
Our Vision
Our Vision Working together to increase quality child care for Georgia’s future. Working together to increase quality child care for Georgia’s future. Our Motto Dedicate ~ Educate ~ Appreciate Our Motto !
Our Slogan
Dedicate ~ Educate ~ Appreciate We are the VOICE of Family Child Care in GA
!
Our Slogan Our Mission improve lives ofChild children in Georgia We are the To VOICE ofthe Family Care in GAby promoting professional, high quality family child care through the encouragement of training, education and national accreditation.
Our Mission
Our Goals
To improve the lives of children in Georgia by promoting professional, high quality • Advocate for quality child care and early education for all children in Georgia.! family child care through the encouragement of training, education and national • Provide on-going quality training, networking opportunities and mentoring of family child accreditation. care providers to improve the well-being of the children in their care.! Develop and/or support local associations and partners dedicated to improving the quality of child care for all children in Georgia. ! • Offer family child care provider incentives, benefits and on-going training for professional development credentials, such as GA Quality Rating (QR), NAFCC Accreditation and Advocate for quality care orand earlyin education for all children in Georgia.! college levelchild certificates degrees ECE.! •
Our Goals • • • •
Provide on-going quality training, networking opportunities and mentoring of family child care providers to improve the well-being of the children in their care.! 2015.PFCCA of GA, Decatur All rights reserved. Originally developed for PFCCA of GA Develop and/or support local !associations andGA. partners dedicated to improving the by Chris Cross, Sandy Byrd and Lynn Manfredi/Petitt 2011Revised by PFCCA Board/lamp !, SB, & LDG 2/1/15 quality of child care for all children in Georgia. ! text Type to enter Offer family child care provider incentives, benefits and on-going training for professional development credentials, such as GA Quality Rating (QR), NAFCC Accreditation and college level certificates or degrees in ECE.!
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pfccaofga.org
! 2015.PFCCA of GA, Decatur GA. All rights reserved. Originally developed for PFCCA of GA by Chris Cross, Sandy Byrd and Lynn Manfredi/Petitt 2011Revised by PFCCA Board/lamp !, SB, & LDG 2/1/15
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YOUR PFCCA BOARD
THIS is what a hardworking Board looks like! Thanks to Bob Watkins and Trecisa Brown for this great picture of the PFCCA Board, taken at our Town Hall Meeting last spring. (R-L) Sandy Byrd, Sandra Ramsey, Trecisa Brown, Karen Numura, Marie Allen, DiAnne Coggins, Francine Frawitz, Lynn Manfredi/Petitt, Joe Perruault, Delia Gonzalez
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PFCCAOFGA.ORG
Professional Family Child Care Alliance of Georgia P rom otin g Qual ity Child C are
www.pfccaofga.org ~ PFCCA Phone: 404-421-3985 Dedicate ~ Educate ~ Appreciate
Current PFCCA of GA Board of Directors and Organizational Leaders Updated 4/22/17 by lamp â&#x2DC;ş
Executive Committee Officers: President: Lynn A. Manfredi/Petitt (until 5/18) Vice-President: DiAnne Coggins (until 5/19) Treasurer: Delia Gonzalez (until 5/19) Secretary: Francine Krawitz (until 5/18) Administrative Advisor: Sandy Byrd (on-going)
Standing Committee Chairs: Organizational Development Committees ! ! ! ! ! !
Membership Coordination: Chair: Delia Gonzalez Member Recruitment and Regional Outreach: Chair: Rose Marie Allen Finance/Fund Development: Chair: Sandra Ramsey Nomination/Elections: Chair: (OPEN for 2018): By-Laws/Policies & Procedures: Chair: Joe Perreault with Sandy Byrd CARE & Recognition: Chair: Karen Nomura
Professional Development & Communication Committees ! ! ! ! !
Conference (Spring 2018): Co-Chair: Sandra Ramsey & Sandy Byrd Communication & PR: Chair: DiAnne Coggins Spring Town Meeting (2019): Chair: OPEN Newsletter: Chair: Charmaine Minniefield Public Policy: Chair: Joe Perreault Jury Duty Exemption Task Force Chair: Sheryl Buncic
! !
Website & Creative Design: Chair: Trecisa Brown with Denis Gray, Webmaster Group Home Statewide Liaison: Doreen Holmes Ladson
Founding Advisors: Sandy Byrd (past Steering Committee Chair), Pamela M. Fields (1 st Elected President), Julie Phillips (Leap), Patricia Sullivant (QCC)
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Professional Family Child Care Alliance of Georgia We are the VOICE of Family Child Care in GA: Promoting Quality Child Care across the state Dedicate ~ Educate ~ Appreciate
www.pfccaofga.org 404-421-3985
PFCCA Membership Registration (good for one year) Date: ________________ First Name: ___________________Last Name: _________________________Birthday___/___ Organization/Business Name (If applicable): _____________________________
mo/day
Address:________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: ____________________ Zip: ______________ County: _______________
Email: _______________________________________
Phone: _________________________________ Cell Phone: ____________________________
Family Child Care Provider Survey: Are you a Family Child Care Provider? Are you GA Quality Rated?
Yes Yes
Are you a member of NAFCC?
No
Yes
No If so, for how many years? _________ No If so, what is your rating? _________
NAFCC Accredited? If so, for how many years? ______
CDA? If so, for how many years? ____
Please circle your highest ed diploma or certificate: HS/AS/TCC/BA/BS/MS/MA/PhD in _____________
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP $15*: (There is power in numbers when we speak for providers! Add your voice today.) FCC PROVIDER (or former provider): $15 per year [*All categories are good for one year from the month you joined.] PARENT: $15 per year. (Parents who have/had children in family child care and want to support the work of PFCCA) ADVOCATE: $15 per year (Individual ECE professionals who work to support Family Child Care Learning Home Providers) CCR&R staff Program staff Military staff other _______________________
SPONSORSHIP: $250 - $500 (and up) annually Sponsors are businesses, corporations, groups or individuals who want to support the work of PFCCA & receive quarterly newsletters. Contact PFCCA for information about annual sponsorship levels by email: pfccaofgeorgia@gmail.com or by phone: 404-421-3985
Please make checks or money orders payable to: PFCCA and mail to: Delia Gonzalez, PFCCA Treasurer: 3480 Ansley Park Dr. Suwanee, GA 30024 ~ 678-446-6135 ~ pfccamembership@yahoo.com
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: Questions? Need more information? Interested in volunteering? •
To learn more about our work, sign-up as a member, join a committee and/or pay on-line, visit our website:
•
PFCCA phone 404-421-3985 or email: pfccaofgeorgia@gmail.com
www.pfccaofga.org We are an all-volunteer, 501c3, non-profit organization. Your time and talents are welcome! Join us today! form updated: 2/7/17 lamp !
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