September 2020 1 U.S. Department of Education’s Early Learning Web Site High Quality Early Learning is Essential The U.S. Department of Education’s Early Learning website offers information and resources to support our nation’s youngest learners and their families. The Education Department (ED) funds several programs that specifically focus on young learners (listed below). In addition, early learning is integrated into many ED grant programs. Some of the key investments that focus on early learning include: Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C awards formula grants to the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Secretary of the Interior, and outlying areas to assist in implementing statewide systems of coordinated, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary interagency programs and in making early intervention services available to children with disabilities, ages birth through 2, and their families. Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities IDEA Part B, Section 619, the IDEA Preschool Grants program, provides formula grants to states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to make special education and related services available for children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5 Preschool Development Grants support states to build or enhance a preschool program infrastructure that would enable the delivery of high-quality preschool services to children, and expand high-quality preschool programs in targeted communities that would serve as models for expanding preschool to all 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families. Preschool Development Grant—Birth through Five (PDG B-5) The new Preschool Development Grant—Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program, authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), provides grants to empower state governments to develop, update, and implement a strategic plan to facilitate collaboration and coordination among early childhood care and education programs serving children from birth to age five in a mixed delivery system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), administers this program in consultation with the U.S. Department of Education. Ready to Learn Television supports the development of educational television and digital media targeted at preschool and early elementary school children and their families. Its general goal is to promote early learning and school readiness, with a particular interest in reaching low-income children. Child Care Access Means Parents in School This program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services Serving Preschool Children through Title I—Non-Regulatory Guidance This guidance provides clarity regarding how districts can use Title I, Part A funds to implement high- quality preschool programs for eligible children.
Transcript
September 2020 1
U.S. Department of Education’s Early Learning Web Site
High Quality Early Learning is Essential
The U.S. Department of Education’s Early Learning website offers
information and resources to support our nation’s youngest learners
and their families. The Education Department (ED) funds several
programs that specifically focus on young learners (listed below). In
addition, early learning is integrated into many ED grant programs.
Some of the key investments that focus on early learning include:
Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C awards formula grants to the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Secretary of the Interior, and outlying areas to assist in implementing statewide systems of coordinated, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary interagency programs and in making early intervention services available to children with disabilities, ages birth through 2, and their families.
Preschool Grants for Children with Disabilities IDEA Part B, Section 619, the IDEA Preschool Grants program, provides formula grants to states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to make special education and related services available for children with disabilities, ages 3 through 5
Preschool Development Grants support states to build or enhance a preschool program infrastructure that would enable the delivery of high-quality preschool services to children, and expand high-quality preschool programs in targeted communities that would serve as models for expanding preschool to all 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families.
Preschool Development Grant—Birth through Five (PDG B-5) The new Preschool Development Grant—Birth through Five (PDG B-5) program, authorized under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), provides grants to empower state governments to develop, update, and implement a strategic plan to facilitate collaboration and coordination among early childhood care and education programs serving children from birth to age five in a mixed delivery system. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF), administers this program in consultation with the U.S. Department of Education.
Ready to Learn Television supports the development of educational television and digital media targeted at preschool and early elementary school children and their families. Its general goal is to promote early learning and school readiness, with a particular interest in reaching low-income children.
Child Care Access Means Parents in School
This program supports the participation of low-income parents in postsecondary education through the provision of campus-based child care services
Serving Preschool Children through Title I—Non-Regulatory Guidance
This guidance provides clarity regarding how districts can use Title I, Part A funds to implement high-quality preschool programs for eligible children.
Milestone Tracker Mobile App for Parents in Spanish!
The Centers for Disease Control is pleased to announce that its free app, the Milestone Tracker, is now available in Spanish! This mobile app is part of a suite of free, family-friendly materials available through the Learn the Signs Act Early program. The Milestone Tracker allows parents to track their child's development in a fun and easy way that gives them:
Tips to help their child learn and grow
A way to track milestones and recognize delays
Ability to share this information with their child's health care provider
Specifically, the app offers the following:
Interactive milestone checklists for children ages 2 months through 5 years Illustrated photos and videos Tips and activities to help children learn and grow Information on when to act early and talk with a doctor about
developmental delays A personalized milestone summary that can be easily shared with doctors
and other care providers Reminders for appointments and developmental screenings
ED has recently updated its website for the
Birth to 5: Watch Me Thrive initiative. The
site has a range of resources geared toward
states, communities, families and providers
interested in promoting early
developmental and behavioral screenings.
4 things early learning coalitions can do with these resources: 1. Use the resources to inform their staff about the Preschool Development Grants. 2. Share the resources in a provider meeting so providers learn about federal programs and have additional resources for their staff and families. 3. Share the Spanish Milestone Tracker App with providers and families. 4. Use the Watch Me Thrive materials to
promote developmental screenings.
4 things providers can do with these resources: 1. Share the website with staff so they will be knowledgeable about federal programs and resources. 2. Share the Spanish version of the CDC Milestone Tracker App with staff and families. 3. Use the Watch Me Thrive resources at parent meetings or include the resources in their parent newsletters to encourage families to learn more about child development. 4. Encourage families to use the Watch Me Thrive resources and the CDC Milestone Tracker App to identify possible delays and challenges in their child’s development early and help families/staff connect with the inclusion specialist at the early learning coalition to find supports for the child and their family.
The Fatherhood Connection E-Resource Flash offers early childhood professionals practical information to enhance father engagement. This month, find tips for family services staff, fatherhood coordinators, and other direct service professionals who are working with Head Start and Early Head Start fathers, whether in person or virtually.
Tips for Staff Working Remotely with Fathers
Review and apply these tips during public health emergencies, natural disasters, and other crisis situations. At the beginning of the school year, staff will be working with some fathers they know because their children have previously attended the program; other fathers have children who are just beginning the program.
Most of the tips will work with all fathers. When tips apply primarily to the newly enrolled fathers, an asterisk (*) is
used.
Tip 1. Continue building relationships with fathers. Tip 2. Reach out to fathers in a variety of ways. Tip 3. Offer supports to fathers to address their urgent needs and biggest stressors. Tip 4. Stay connected with program staff.
Be kind to yourself as you begin to establish relationships with fathers in a new way. Remember that for many
people, interacting in a virtual environment is unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Ask for support from colleagues and
supervisors when you need it, and in turn, offer your support to them. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small
successes.
Visit the website to access additional information for each tip.
Birth to 5 Father Engagement Guide
Explore this practical guide to learn more about how staff build strong, meaningful, and authentic relationships with
fathers in Head Start and Early Head Start programs. It highlights strategies early childhood leaders can apply right
away. It also offers ideas for practice and reflection. Featured topics include:
Strategies for Program Leaders to Support Father Engagement Professional Development Strategies That Promote Father Engagement Strategies to Use Father-Focused Data for Continuous Learning and Quality Improvement Creating Father-Friendly Environments in Early Childhood Programs Strategies to Build Partnerships with Fathers Program Strategies to:
o Promote Father Engagement in Their Children's Teaching and Learning o Maximize Fathers' Connections with Community Partners o Provide Access and Continuity of Services to Fathers
1. Download the brochures from Child Care Aware and provide them to families searching for child care. 2. Use Child Care Aware’s Social Media Guide to cultivate and sustain two-way interactions between CCR&Rs and
families. 3. Use the information on engaging fathers remotely for the socially distanced or virtual Dads Take Your Child to
School Day. 4. Share the resources on fathers with providers to encourage them to engage fathers in their child’s learning at
home.
4 things providers can do with these resources:
1. Use the brochures from Child Care Aware on Working Together for Kindergarten Success, Learning to Read and Write Begins at Birth, and Parents: Is Your Child Care Center Prepared for Disaster to give to parents at parent meetings or as additional information for parent newsletters.
2. Share with staff the resources on engaging fathers and have staff plan ways to increase father engagement in their children’s learning.
3. Discuss with staff ways to use the social media guide to increase family engagement in their program. 4. During a staff meeting, review the tips and suggestions on working remotely with fathers and encourage staff to
focus on engaging the fathers of the children they teach in their children’s learning at least once during the
month.
Getting timely information from organizations helps early learning coalitions receive the most up-to-date information
as it becomes available. Monthly or weekly newsletters from different organizations will help coalition staff find the
best information and resources in a rapidly changing time. Below are some informative newsletters that have great
resources for families and providers.
Early Learning Newsletter: https://www2.ed.gov/about/inits/ed/earlylearning/newsletter.html#mailinglist
Kids don’t come with instruction manuals – and it can be overwhelming! However,
you can do this – and we’re here to support you. The Florida Children’s Home Society
offers resources to support families during challenging times. They provide a Help Line for Families to call or text a counselor that is
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A Message from the Children’s Home Society of Florida
The Children’s Home Society of Florida delivers the right solutions at the right time to keep more kids safe at home with their families. They build upon parents’ strengths and empower them to raise their children in healthy, nurturing homes.
By partnering with parents, providing more services before crises happen, and meeting children and families where it’s most convenient and comfortable for them, they help build strong families, keep families together, and prepare kids and teens to achieve success.
Some families face severe challenges that may bring them into the foster care system. When that happens, the Children’s Home Society partners with parents, foster families and community organizations so children can quickly and safely return home – and spend less time in foster care. If a child is never able to safely return home, they work hard to find the right forever family for that child through adoption.
Every day, their team works with parents and kids to empower them and encourage them. With innovative technology solutions and a dedicated, experienced team throughout the state, the Children’s Home Society is changing the face of foster care and positively impacting children and families’ lives for generations to come.
Learn more about the services and solutions they provide: counseling, adoption, early childhood, case management, Community Partnership Schools, innovation.
“Being a parent is tough, let’s do this together.” Is their motto.
The Children’s Home Society offers support for parents:
I am pregnant or parenting 0-5 years-old: Read More
I am parenting 6 and older: Read More
If you’re struggling with the behaviors of your child or teen – including truancy and delinquency – we can help. Learn more about Teen Life Choices.
If your child has a diagnosed mental health challenge, we can help you navigate the complex system of resources. Learn more about Family Visitation Centers.
Availability and locations may vary. Please check the service links for more details. If you are looking for additional resources in your area, please call your local office for more information.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national
network of local crisis centers that provides free and
confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or
emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are
committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide
prevention by empowering individuals, advancing
professional best practices, and building awareness.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is:
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
4 things coalitions can do with these resources:
1. Sign up for newsletters from different organizations to help staff stay informed about new or updated resources.
2. Connect with the Children’s Home Society as a partner to help foster care families locate resources or child care.
3. Learn more about the services and solutions the Children’s Home Society provides for counseling, adoption, early childhood, case management, Community Partnership Schools, innovation.
4. Share resources and information about suicide prevention with staff, providers and families.
4 things providers can do with these resources:
1. Subscribe to newsletters from different organizations to find resources to share with their teachers. 2. Share information and resources from the Children’s Home Society with teachers and families. 3. Feature some of the resources from newsletters at staff meetings and discuss ways to share the information
with families. 4. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, mental health has become an important issue for families and early childhood
educators. Discuss the resources that are available through local crisis centers and the National Suicide Prevention website and ask their staff to share with families that may need these resources, such as those families dealing with loss of a family member.
