Annual event for child care and early education providers highlights Parent Aware progress

It was the perfect day to show love to some VIPs—individuals from throughout the region who provide child care to our youngest citizens.

On February 14th, a group of 350 professionals participated in the annual Child Care Providers’ Appreciation and Training Seminar. They came from settings including child care centers, schools, Head Start, licensed family-based care, and “informal” home-based care provided by family members, neighbors, and friends.

“These providers truly are Very Important People,” said Lynn Haglin, Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director, “for they play such a key role in nurturing the healthy development of young children to help prepare them for school and life success, and we support them in this work.”

Speakers share practical information and strategies

 

Marcia Schlattman, an early childhood trainer, discussed what it really means for young children to be “school ready”, shared specific ways to help prepare youngsters in child care to begin school, and gave strategies for providers to assist parents in understanding school readiness, too.

Deidre Quinlan, a Circle of Security Trainer, gave a deeply thought-provoking presentation on the profound importance of the attachment bond between young children and their adult caregivers and emphasized that critical childhood exploration and learning occur from a foundation of safety and security.

Providers on the Parent Aware rating path are highlighted

In October 2013, the Northland Foundation began a three-year program in cooperation with Child Care Aware Minnesota Northeast District to increase the number of Parent Aware-rated child care providers serving families in the region. Parent Aware Pathways offers information, training, coaching, and peer learning to licensed child care providers located in the seven-county region.

A panel of three child care professionals (operating in Orr, Duluth, and Carlton) shared their perspectives on the journey to a Parent Aware rating and answered audience questions.

Child care professionals celebrated with prize drawings

All attendees received children’s books and other learning resources. The day ended with dozens of prize drawings for educational toys, gift baskets, hotel stays, and gift certificates donated by businesses and community organizations to help show the region’s child care providers how much they are appreciated.

 

This event was presented with generous support from the Mardag Foundation, Essentia Health, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation, and the Medica Foundation.