West Central Child Care Connection offers many training and
professional development opportunities
for child care providers.
You are welcome to print out a PDF version of the entire Training Calendar
or view the individual scheduled workshops below. We will not be holding any trainings in July or early August and will resume trainings opportunities again in late August. A new Training Calendar covering August through December 2010 will be up on this website mid August.
JANUARY ~ FEBRUARY
~ MARCH ~ APRIL ~ MAY ~ JUNE
Monday, January 25
Quality Counts Bidders Conference
Attend one of the Bidder’s Conferences listed below to find out more about the Quality Counts Grant Program and how you can access grant money!
One change for this year is that first time applicants are mandated to attend one of the Bidders Conferences before they are eligible to apply. Others whom have applied in past years are not mandated to attend, but will be awarded the 10 bonus points on their grant for attending, as has been in the past.
Carthage, IL
Wednesday, January 27
Quality Counts Bidders Conference
Attend one of the Bidder’s Conferences listed below to find out more about the Quality Counts Grant Program and how you can access grant money!
One change for this year is that first time applicants are mandated to attend one of the Bidders Conferences before they are eligible to apply. Others whom have applied in past years are not mandated to attend, but will be awarded the 10 bonus points on their grant for attending, as has been in the past.
Carrollton, IL
Saturday, January 30
Quality Counts Bidders Conference
Attend one of the Bidder’s Conferences listed below to find out more about the Quality Counts Grant Program and how you can access grant money!
One change for this year is that first time applicants are mandated to attend one of the Bidders Conferences before they are eligible to apply. Others whom have applied in past years are not mandated to attend, but will be awarded the 10 bonus points on their grant for attending, as has been in the past.
Quincy, IL
Monday, February 1
Come join in networking with other providers, just like yourself, to discuss the what, how, and why involved in writing a successful grant. We will have the opportunity to talk about what has been written for and received or not received and whether it proved useful or not. This training is unique in that we are offering it in the daycare home environment.
If you have never written a grant before, come and hear how easy it is to get equipment for your home!.Carthage, IL
Back to Top
Tuesday, February 2
Come join in networking with other providers, just like yourself, to discuss the what, how, and why involved in writing a successful grant. We will have the opportunity to talk about what has been written for and received or not received and whether it proved useful or not. This training is unique in that we are offering it in the daycare home environment.
If you have never written a grant before, come and hear how easy it is to get equipment for your home!Barry, IL
Wednesday, February 3
Come join in networking with other providers, just like yourself, to discuss the what, how, and why involved in writing a successful grant. We will have the opportunity to talk about what has been written for and received or not received and whether it proved useful or not. This training is unique in that we are offering it in the daycare home environment.
If you have never written a grant before, come and hear how easy it is to get equipment for your home!.
Quincy, IL
Back to Top
Tuesday, February 2
Love and Logic Series - Class 1 of 6
Love and Logic is a class designed to gain practical and proven “Love and Logic” techniques for working with kids of all ages. It’s simple, fun and works! For parents, childcare workers, grandparents, teachers...anyone caring for children. (CEUs available)!
Quincy, IL
Back to Top
Wednesday, February 17
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Module 3) - Brain Development
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education. The goal of PITC is to help infant/toddler care teachers and caregivers recognize the crucial importance of giving tender, loving care and assisting in the infants' intellectual development through an attentive reading of each child's cues. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care consists of 4 modules (12 hours of training per module). Modules 3 and 4 will be offered in the Spring of 2010 with Modules 1 and 2 to follow later.
Module 3 will be covered in 4 evenings. This workshop (session 1 of module 3) presents information about the basic physiology of the brain followed by key findings from recent brain development research. Emphasis is placed on those findings that are most relevant to the care of infants in groups. These include: the effect of stress on early brain development; the importance of appropriate stimulation; the role of nurturing, responsive care in optimal development; and the potential long-term consequences to the child of inappropriate, neglectful, or unresponsive care.
Quincy, IL
Back to Top
Thursday, February 18
Providing healthy meals and snacks for children can be a challenge. Learn creative ways to prepare nutritious food that kids will eat.
Pittsfield, IL
Wednesday, March 3
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Module 3) - Discoveries of Infancy
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education. The goal of PITC is to help infant/toddler care teachers and caregivers recognize the crucial importance of giving tender, loving care and assisting in the infants' intellectual development through an attentive reading of each child's cues. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care consists of 4 modules (12 hours of training per module). Modules 3 and 4 will be offered in the Spring of 2010 with Modules 1 and 2 to follow later.
Module 3 will be covered in 4 evenings. This workshop (session 2 of module 3) discusses each of the six ‘discoveries’ identified by Jean Piaget, illustrated by scenes of infants and caregivers. Video segments are interspersed with lecture, discussion, and active learning experiences to deepen participants’ understanding of the material. Concepts presented include: The six discoveries: learning schemes, cause and effect, use of tools, object permanence, how objects fill space, imitation, how the infant relates to early learning (integrated and holistic) and the principles of facilitating early learning.
Quincy, IL
Thursday, March 4
Caregivers and Children and Play, OH MY!
Children, ages 0-5, spend a great deal of time playing. This training will focus on the importance of play and imagination. You will learn about the connection between play and brain development and how play supports social and emotional development. Discover the caregiver’s role in play and how play enhances the child-caregiver relationship.
Rushville, IL
Back to Top
Thursday, March 4
Shocking Revelations & Calorie Catastrophes
Did you know the average kid’s meal at Outback Steakhouse has 93 grams of fat or that the healthy-sounding turkey minis & fries kids’ meal at Ruby Tuesday’s has 893 calories & 47 grams of fat? Can you guess the 20 worst kid’s foods? Using the Eat This, Not That for Kids book by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD brings to light some of the shocking revelations & calorie catastrophes lurking in everyday favorite kid foods. This training includes kid-friendly recipes made healthier, including mac & cheese, pepperoni pizza, nachos, fettuccine Alfredo & chicken strips, as well as eight simple rules for healthy eating.
Jerseyville, IL
Tuesday, March 9
Shocking Revelations & Calorie Catastrophes
Did you know the average kid’s meal at Outback Steakhouse has 93 grams of fat or that the healthy-sounding turkey minis & fries kids’ meal at Ruby Tuesday’s has 893 calories & 47 grams of fat? Can you guess the 20 worst kid’s foods? Using the Eat This, Not That for Kids book by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD brings to light some of the shocking revelations & calorie catastrophes lurking in everyday favorite kid foods. This training includes kid-friendly recipes made healthier, including mac & cheese, pepperoni pizza, nachos, fettuccine Alfredo & chicken strips, as well as eight simple rules for healthy eating.
Quincy, IL
Thursday, March 11
Caregivers and Children and Play, OH MY!
Children, ages 0-5, spend a great deal of time playing. This training will focus on the importance of play and imagination. You will learn about the connection between play and brain development and how play supports social and emotional development. Discover the caregiver’s role in play and how play enhances the child-caregiver relationship.
Carthage, IL
Tuesday, March 16
Caregivers and Children and Play, OH MY!
Children, ages 0-5, spend a great deal of time playing. This training will focus on the importance of play and imagination. You will learn about the connection between play and brain development and how play supports social and emotional development. Discover the caregiver’s role in play and how play enhances the child-caregiver relationship.
Jerseyville, IL
Wednesday, March 17
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Module 3) - Language Development
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education. The goal of PITC is to help infant/toddler care teachers and caregivers recognize the crucial importance of giving tender, loving care and assisting in the infants' intellectual development through an attentive reading of each child's cues. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care consists of 4 modules (12 hours of training per module). Modules 3 and 4 will be offered in the Spring of 2010 with Modules 1 and 2 to follow later.
Module 3 will be covered in 4 evenings. This workshop (session 3 of module 3) discusses knowledge and training to enhance the development of language and communication skills in very young children. Infants are born with the innate capacity to learn language and come to infant care with both that innate capacity and the indispensable social context of family and culture through which they learn to communicate both verbally and non-verbally. The typical progression of development and ways caregivers can interact to enhance natural development are addressed. Concepts discussed include: warning signs, nonverbal components of language, and environmental factors that have an impact on language development.Quincy, IL
Thursday, March 18
Shocking Revelations & Calorie Catastrophes
Did you know the average kid’s meal at Outback Steakhouse has 93 grams of fat or that the healthy-sounding turkey minis & fries kids’ meal at Ruby Tuesday’s has 893 calories & 47 grams of fat? Can you guess the 20 worst kid’s foods? Using the Eat This, Not That for Kids book by Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD brings to light some of the shocking revelations & calorie catastrophes lurking in everyday favorite kid foods. This training includes kid-friendly recipes made healthier, including mac & cheese, pepperoni pizza, nachos, fettuccine Alfredo & chicken strips, as well as eight simple rules for healthy eating.
Rushville, IL
Tuesday, March 23
Caregivers and Children and Play, OH MY!
Children, ages 0-5, spend a great deal of time playing. This training will focus on the importance of play and imagination. You will learn about the connection between play and brain development and how play supports social and emotional development. Discover the caregiver’s role in play and how play enhances the child-caregiver relationship.
Quincy, IL
Wednesday, March 31
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Module 3) - Special Needs
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education. The goal of PITC is to help infant/toddler care teachers and caregivers recognize the crucial importance of giving tender, loving care and assisting in the infants' intellectual development through an attentive reading of each child's cues. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care consists of 4 modules (12 hours of training per module). Modules 3 and 4 will be offered in the Spring of 2010 with Modules 1 and 2 to follow later.
Module 3 will be covered in 4 evenings. This workshop (session 4 of module 3) provides you with information and techniques you can use to help be more comfortable, knowledgeable, and open to working with children with special needs. Participants examine their own attitudes toward inclusion and disabilities through engaging reflective activities. Participants will learn how to adapt toys and materials so that children with disabilities can use them and participate in a group activity of simulating exclusion to experience either being excluded or excluding others.
Quincy, IL
Tuesday, April 6
There are times when it just seems hard to ‘get going.’ Ideas to get motivated and take action from optimism and attitude to social involvement and a positive outlook will be shared.
Pittsfield, IL
Tuesday, April 6
You are invited to a Child Care Provider Café! Join us for a laid back evening of relaxation, sharing of ideas, great conversation, and light food. A café is simply a way of hosting conversations that matter! At the café you will have the opportunity to network amongst other early childhood providers with questions or issues that are most important in your life, your work with children, and your community! The café focus is a part of the Strengthening Families Illinois initiative to help prevent child abuse and neglect while helping to support and strengthen families with young children.
Mt Sterling, IL
Thursday, April 8
<-->What is CCAP?
A Guide To The Child Care Assistance ProgramJoin this informative session to become more familiar with the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program’s (CCAP) policy and procedures, including the application process, provider qualifications, payment process and parent co-payments. The CCAP is funded by the IL Department of Human Services.
Quincy, IL
Tuesday, April 13
Quality Rating System (QRS) Orientation
Quality matters in child care. Learn about the statewide Quality Rating System (QRS) that recognizes family child care and center based providers for quality with QRS award certification. Providers serving children on the state Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can also receive a bonus to the standard payment rate. The Orientation covers eligibility requirements, application process, and supports and resources available. A provider must attend this session prior to applying to QRS.
Quincy, IL
Wednesday, April 14
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Module 4) - Harmonizing Cultural Diversity for Sensitive Infant Care
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education. The goal of PITC is to help infant/toddler care teachers and caregivers recognize the crucial importance of giving tender, loving care and assisting in the infants' intellectual development through an attentive reading of each child's cues. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care consists of 4 modules (12 hours of training per module). Modules 3 and 4 will be offered in the Spring of 2010 with Modules 1 and 2 to follow later.
Module 4 will be covered in 4 evenings. This workshop (session 1 of module 4) uses video, personal reflection, as well as large and small group discussions, to encourage participants to become aware of their cultural expectations and biases and begin to see social realities through the eyes and experiences of others. This expanded way of seeing provides the caregiver with a basis for increased cultural awareness and sensitivity to families in infant/toddler care. The session includes
the changing reality of culture, developing cultural responsiveness, and developing skills in authentic dialogue.
Quincy, IL
Thursday, April 15
You are invited to a Child Care Provider Café! Join us for a laid back evening of relaxation, sharing of ideas, great conversation, and light food. A café is simply a way of hosting conversations that matter! At the café you will have the opportunity to network amongst other early childhood providers with questions or issues that are most important in your life, your work with children, and your community! The café focus is a part of the Strengthening Families Illinois initiative to help prevent child abuse and neglect while helping to support and strengthen families with young children.
Carthage, IL
Tuesday, April 20
Building Character & Self-Esteem
Everyone wants the best for the children in their care, but building character and self-esteem can be challenging. Explore teachable moments that focus on building positive traits and a positive self-esteem.
Pittsfield, IL
Tuesday, April 20
INCCRRA Professional Development Opportunity: Come and learn about Gateways to Opportunity and all the Professional Development Opportunities available to you! You will learn about INCCRRA and all the administered programs; such as the Great START wage supplement, the new Gateways Scholarship Program that replaced TEACH, Professional Development Advisors and more. Come with any questions you may have and be prepared to learn about some new exciting opportunities available!
Quincy, IL
Thursday, April 22
What is CCAP?
A Guide To The Child Care Assistance ProgramJoin this informative session to become more familiar with the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program’s (CCAP) policy and procedures, including the application process, provider qualifications, payment process and parent co-payments. The CCAP is funded by the IL Department of Human Services.
Mt Sterling, IL
Wednesday, April 28
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Module 4) - Responding to Families in Culturally Sensitive Ways
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education. The goal of PITC is to help infant/toddler care teachers and caregivers recognize the crucial importance of giving tender, loving care and assisting in the infants' intellectual development through an attentive reading of each child's cues. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care consists of 4 modules (12 hours of training per module). Modules 3 and 4 will be offered in the Spring of 2010 with Modules 1 and 2 to follow later.
Module 4 will be covered in 4 evenings. This workshop (session 2 of module 4) helps participants become more aware of their own cultural assumptions and how these assumptions may affect their interactions with families from cultures different from their own. Activities are provided to assist participants in experiencing the depth of their own cultural roots. This session builds on the second five keys of the video, Essential Connections, in supporting culturally responsive relationships with families. The session’s content includes a discussion of the following: seeking out cultural and family information, clarifying your own and the family’s values and negotiating cultural conflicts.
Quincy, IL
Thursday, April 29
You are invited to a Child Care Provider Café! Join us for a laid back evening of relaxation, sharing of ideas, great conversation, and light food. A café is simply a way of hosting conversations that matter! At the café you will have the opportunity to network amongst other early childhood providers with questions or issues that are most important in your life, your work with children, and your community! The café focus is a part of the Strengthening Families Illinois initiative to help prevent child abuse and neglect while helping to support and strengthen families with young children.
Quincy, IL
Tuesday, May 4
Create Success with Mixed-Age Groups in Family Child Care
Parents select Family Child Care for the special benefits these settings offer. Some benefits include, but are not limited to, the location, siblings staying together, fewer children in the setting, and having one caregiver. However, these benefits do not prevent Family Child Care providers from the challenge of doing activities with children of varying ages. In this training providers will increase their knowledge of caring for mixed-age groups and learn how to do activities with children of different age levels in such a way each child benefits cognitively, socially and emotionally.
** IMPORTANT NOTE: This training is also valuable to daycare providers who, at some time during the day, are responsible for children of different age levels.
Quincy, IL
Wednesday, May 5
A Celebration of You - Recognition Dinner
Come join your fellow Child Care Providers and Early Childhood Professionals for a casual evening of fun, food, and recognition. Enjoy a dinner and mingle with other individuals who share your area of expertise. This is your night to be appreciated for all you do for families and children.
Along with dinner all attending will receive a gift of appreciation from us for all your hard work.
Open to those living in Calhoun, Greene, and Jersey Counties.
Jerseyville, IL
Saturday, May 8
Illinois Early Learning Standards
This workshop is an overview of the framework and program standards for children ages three to five developed by the Illinois State Board of Education. This training provides developmentally appropriate learning tools necessary to strategize ways in which to connect benchmarks and the classroom curriculum. Through discussion and small group activities, practioners will build on prior knowledge of observation and assessment in relationship to the early learning standards.
Quincy, IL
Tuesday, May 11
Create Success with Mixed-Age Groups in Family Child Care
Parents select Family Child Care for the special benefits these settings offer. Some benefits include, but are not limited to, the location, siblings staying together, fewer children in the setting, and having one caregiver. However, these benefits do not prevent Family Child Care providers from the challenge of doing activities with children of varying ages. In this training providers will increase their knowledge of caring for mixed-age groups and learn how to do activities with children of different age levels in such a way each child benefits cognitively, socially and emotionally.
** IMPORTANT NOTE: This training is also valuable to daycare providers who, at some time during the day, are responsible for children of different age levels.
Carthage, IL
Wednesday, May 12
A Celebration of You - Recognition Dinner
Come join your fellow Child Care Providers and Early Childhood Professionals for a casual evening of fun, food, and recognition. Enjoy a buffet and mingle with other individuals who share your area of expertise. This is your night to be appreciated for all you do for families and children.
Along with dinner all attending will receive a gift of appreciation from us for all your hard work.
Open to those living in Brown, Cass & Schuyler Counties.
Mt Sterling, IL
Wednesday, May 12
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Module 4) - Working With the Feelings of Parents and Caregivers
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education. The goal of PITC is to help infant/toddler care teachers and caregivers recognize the crucial importance of giving tender, loving care and assisting in the infants' intellectual development through an attentive reading of each child's cues. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care consists of 4 modules (12 hours of training per module). Modules 3 and 4 will be offered in the Spring of 2010 with Modules 1 and 2 to follow later.
Module 4 will be covered in 4 evenings. This workshop (session 3 of module 4) emphasizes the underlying emotional issues of infant care. Parents often feel heightened emotions when they bring their infants to a professional child care provider, because of inborn “protective urges.” Caregivers also feel protective and emotional about the care of infants. Heightened emotion on the part of both parties can make it more difficult to work together on behalf of the child. Video and workshop activities offer strategies that caregivers can use to ease parents’ anxieties about using care, as well as steps they can take to deal with their own feelings about working with parents.
Quincy, IL
Thursday, May 13
An Introduction to the Environment Rating Scale
This training is for family child care and center based programs and provides an overview of the Environment Rating Scales (ERS). ERS are user-friendly assessment tools that measure the quality of the learning environment for infants through school-age. After completing this training, participants will be able to use the tool(s) for program self-assessment and improvement planning.
Quincy, IL
Tuesday, May 18
Create Success with Mixed-Age Groups in Family Child Care
Parents select Family Child Care for the special benefits these settings offer. Some benefits include, but are not limited to, the location, siblings staying together, fewer children in the setting, and having one caregiver. However, these benefits do not prevent Family Child Care providers from the challenge of doing activities with children of varying ages. In this training providers will increase their knowledge of caring for mixed-age groups and learn how to do activities with children of different age levels in such a way each child benefits cognitively, socially and emotionally.
** IMPORTANT NOTE: This training is also valuable to daycare providers who, at some time during the day, are responsible for children of different age levels.
Jerseyville, IL
Wednesday, May 19
A Celebration of You - Recognition Dinner
Come join your fellow Child Care Providers and Early Childhood Professionals for a casual evening of fun, food, and recognition. Enjoy a buffet and mingle with other individuals who share your area of expertise. This is your night to be appreciated for all you do for families and children.
Along with dinner all attending will receive a gift of appreciation from us for all your hard work.
Open to those living in Adams, Hancock, and Pike Counties.
Quincy, IL
Saturday, May 22
This Special Needs Curriculum was produced by INCCRRA and approved by DCFS.
This training counts toward the 6 hours of mandated DCFS special needs training for center directors and family home providers to receive within the first 3 years of licensed operation.
Quincy, IL
Tuesday, May 25
Create Success with Mixed-Age Groups in Family Child Care
Parents select Family Child Care for the special benefits these settings offer. Some benefits include, but are not limited to, the location, siblings staying together, fewer children in the setting, and having one caregiver. However, these benefits do not prevent Family Child Care providers from the challenge of doing activities with children of varying ages. In this training providers will increase their knowledge of caring for mixed-age groups and learn how to do activities with children of different age levels in such a way each child benefits cognitively, socially and emotionally.
** IMPORTANT NOTE: This training is also valuable to daycare providers who, at some time during the day, are responsible for children of different age levels.
Pittsfield, IL
Wednesday, May 26
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (Module 4) - Acknowledge, Ask, Adapt
The Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) is a collaboration between WestEd and the California Department of Education. The goal of PITC is to help infant/toddler care teachers and caregivers recognize the crucial importance of giving tender, loving care and assisting in the infants' intellectual development through an attentive reading of each child's cues. The Program for Infant/Toddler Care consists of 4 modules (12 hours of training per module). Modules 3 and 4 will be offered in the Spring of 2010 with Modules 1 and 2 to follow later.
Module 4 will be covered in 4 evenings. This workshop (session 4 of module 4) is a scenario-based session. Participants become aware of how they interact with families and learn culturally responsive ways of handling issues that may arise. Small groups analyze video and print scenarios from Essential Connections and Infant/Toddler Caregiving: A Guide to Culturally Responsive Care, as well as participate in role play based on real life situations. This session is aimed at: gaining awareness of one’s own cultural beliefs, learning strategies for discovering another’s cultural beliefs, learning problem-solving strategies for negotiating, and resolving cultural conflicts.
Quincy, IL
Tuesday, June 8
Quality Rating System (QRS) Orientation
Quality matters in child care. Learn about the statewide Quality Rating System (QRS) that recognizes family child care and center based providers for quality with QRS award certification. Providers serving children on the state Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) can also receive a bonus to the standard payment rate. The Orientation covers eligibility requirements, application process, and supports and resources available. A provider must attend this session prior to applying to QRS.
Jerseyville, IL
Thursday, June 10
Bounce! Dance! Jump! Wiggle! Play! We know that hours of sitting in front of the TV and playing video games is not beneficial to a child’s health. This training will focus on getting children of all ages outside and active! We will discuss the health benefits of outdoor play, share ideas, activities and games, as well as “play” many of those activities and games during the training. A list of activities and games, outdoor and indoor (for those rainy days), will be provided to each training participant.
Carthage, IL
Tuesday, June 15
Bounce! Dance! Jump! Wiggle! Play! We know that hours of sitting in front of the TV and playing video games is not beneficial to a child’s health. This training will focus on getting children of all ages outside and active! We will discuss the health benefits of outdoor play, share ideas, activities and games, as well as “play” many of those activities and games during the training. A list of activities and games, outdoor and indoor (for those rainy days), will be provided to each training participant.
Quincy, IL
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|