It doesn’t happen often,but for the days that all of the children are resting at once, it’s worth making a professional development binder with articles and resources that you would like to spend time thinking about but are not urgent.
Your professional development binder can be used for you and your staff members as you find information that’s relevant. It may be worthwhile to also include some blank pages after each article to use for your or your staff reflection or communication.
Materials:
You don’t need much to get started, just access to a printer and a three-ring binder, and pencils or highlighters for your own notes. Alternatively, you can create a shared digital document using Google Drive (free!) or any other internet-enabled word processing software.
Be sure you’re getting staff buy-in by providing articles on topics they’ve expressed interest in and invite them to add resources as well.
Of course, Town Square articles are here to support you, but here are some more great resources:
Playvolution HQ | Creating & Curating Early Learning Resources
Everyday Education – National CACFP Sponsors Association (resources for food allergies, nutrition and safety!)
Be a critical consumer:
When you read, ask yourself the following questions:
- What do I agree with?
- What doesn’t sit right with me?
- How is this similar to what I’m already doing?
- How is this different from what I’m already doing?
- How can I apply this to a specific child?
- Would this be a good resource to share with families?
Every state has different laws regarding the licensure of family child care homes, including how many children may be present, the training and education a provider must have, and more. Some have provisions for programs that are legally license-exempt, where a program must be registered with the state but will not be inspected the same way a licensed program would be. Prior to opening a program, it is important to understand what license you will need, if any, how to obtain it, and what is necessary to remain in compliance.
Town Square has joined Myrtle’s Club as a resource to support child care providers.
“Myrtle’s Club™ was designed to support child care providers by making available high quality training opportunities on topics ranging from curriculum to business basics, services that support the business side of child care, and to increase the purchasing power for our providers. By assisting child care providers in this way, the YWCA is helping support providers on the path to improving quality and educational programs for their students.”
As a provider who is a member of the Myrtle’s Club network, you can access training, professional development, business support services, as well as materials and resources that help you maintain your licensing and enhance your work at a discount. Check out what is available and the membership levels at: YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago: Myrtle’s Club.
Start Early‘s goal is to promote high quality early childhood experiences for all young children, particularly those who are born into poverty. They offer resources and programs based upon the latest research and theories in child development. They partner with many advocacy organizations and offer publications, videos, and tools for families and professionals related to advocacy.
