vaece - Southern Early Childhood Association

THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Volume 2014-2015
Number 2, Winter 2015
www.VAECE.org
email: [email protected]
INDEX:
VAECE Conference
Information
page 2
2015 Officer Elections
pages 3-5
Component
Connections
pages 6-8
Advocacy & Public Policy
pages 9-12
NAEYC Accreditation
and CDA
page 12
Spotlight On...
page 13
Contact Info
page 14
Plus much more!
VAECE HOTLINE
1-888-22VAECE
(1-888-228-2323)
Call for
information about:
Membership
How do I join?
How do I contact my
local affiliate?
Annual Conference
Where is it?
When is it?
How do I volunteer?
How do I register?
Abundant Opportunities
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Debi Deloose
I have found myself thinking
on the many things VAECE and the
early childhood community can give
thanks. We have the privilege and joy
of working with children and families,
and have the opportunity to positively
affect their lives while having our own
enhanced by the experience. We have
the opportunity to work with fellow
early childhood professionals on the
issues that affect the lives of children
and their families. We have abundant
opportunity to learn more about our
field as well as opportunities to share
our ideas and thoughts with others. We
have much to be thankful for.
As we reflect on that which we
in the early childhood community
have to be thankful for, we must
also keep in mind all those
affected by the tragic events
this fall in family child care
homes in two of our Virginia
communities. Let us hope that
the spotlight these sad events
have brought on the early
childhood community will
lead to awareness on the part
of the policy makers and the
public of the needs of children
and their families.
I recall a presenter I heard
a number of years ago say, “and
we can all agree that…” It does
not really matter what she felt we
would all agree on, of course the
attendees did not, but a fruitful, open
dialogue followed. I would like to say
this was the incident that represented
how most disagreements are handled
but it was not.
Our task as we speak on behalf
of the children and families of the
Commonwealth is to model respectful
dialogue. While early childhood
educators may not always speak with
one voice, we do need to listen, learn
and continue our work to be informed,
be involved, and to advocate in a
respectful manner. This is crucial to
remember at all times, but essential as
we are presented with opportunities to
raise public awareness.
May we work together so that
we can continue to have much to be
thankful for.
WINTER 2015
Virginia Association for Early
Childhood Education
59th Annual Conference
March 19-21, 2015
Richmond, Virginia
March 20 Banquet Speaker: Senator Creigh Deeds Building A Public Systems of Mental Health Care for the 21st Century: The Case for Early Intervention Senator Creigh Deeds represents the 25th Senate District in Virginia, where he chairs the Joint Subcommittee to Study Mental Health Services in the Twenty-­‐First Century. The National Alliance on Mental Illness honored Sen. Deeds with the Richard T. Greer Advocacy Award for his efforts to reform mental health. His legislative work and accomplishments have been recognized by the Virginia Education Association, BikeWalk Virginia, the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters, and the Virginia Community Healthcare Association. March 19 Motivational Luncheon: Dr. John Almarode From Stoplights to Sticky Notes: Creating Smart Thinkers Dr. John Almarode, Assistant Professor in the College of Education at James Madison University, works with pre-­‐service teachers and actively pursues his research interests including educational neuroscience and the design and measurement of classroom environments that promote student engagement and learning in STEM disciplines. John has presented locally, nationally, and internationally on the application of neuroscience to classroom, school, and home environments. He has authored multiple articles, reports, book chapters, and two books. March 20, Public Policy Luncheon: Margaret Nimmo Crowe Early Childhood Education Policy in Virginia. Margaret Nimmo Crowe is the executive director of Voices for Virginia’s Children, where she has worked for a total of ten years. She led the Campaign for Children’s Mental Health, a broad-­‐based advocacy initiative that is increasing access to children’s mental health services in the Commonwealth. She is frequently quoted in the media as an expert on children’s mental health policy. March 19, Gerin Martin and Sandy Slack Successful Boys: It’s Up to Us! Gerin is an endorsed HighScope trainer and special educator supporting preschool
aged children with disabilities in community placements. Sandy has written several
articles that HighScope has published on a variety of early childhood topics. Their
latest endeavor has been co-authoring a book on supporting boys using active
learning strategies. Conference venue: Richmond Marriott |Large exhibit hall with many vendors | Group rates available | Tours | Topics include: Administration, Curriculum & Play, Infants & Toddlers, School-­‐age Care | For more information about the VAECE conference, please see our website at http://vaece.org/conference.html 2
VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
2015 Officer Elections
We are pleased to present the slate of officers for the 2015 election. Please get to know them through
these short biographies. Watch for an email ballot coming in February. Elections will be done electronically
this year. Election results will be announced at the VAECE conference.
There are 3 positions members will be voting to fill in 2015.
• 4th Vice President of Outreach: This individual serves as the liaison between the communications and outreach leaders
(volunteer and paid) and the VAECE Board.
• Treasurer: This individual provides leadership in the financial affairs and maintains the financial records of VAECE.
• Member at Large: This individual serves as a spokesperson for the general VAECE membership at the state level.
4th Vice President of Outreach Nominee
Quniana Futrell, M.Ed.
Present Position: SEAEYC Co-President
Past Positions related to the early childhood field:
I began my journey in this filed almost 14 years ago as
a Navy Child Development Home Program Assistant. I have worked in
every area of this field. I have served as a teacher assistant, lead teacher,
school–age coordinator, assistant director and senior director. I have had
the opportunity to be a Virginia Star Quality Rater for Smart Beginnings
South Hampton Roads from 2010-2013. Currently, I serve as an Assistant Professor at Tidewater Community College, teaching future leader
of this sector the key elements to produce great professionals. I am an
independent contractor for the Planning Council assisting Navy Families
in need of Respite care for their children with special needs. I also serve as
a Professional Development Specialist for the CDA Council. Lastly, I am a
Star Mentor for VSQI servicing programs in the Eastern Region of Virginia.
Currently, I am a doctoral student attending Walden University committing countless hours of research and analytical discussions to enhance my
knowledge as an early childhood expert.
Any offices held and/or activities undertaken in behalf of the state
and/or local association:
• Presenter for the National Association for the Education of Young
Children Annual Conference , 2012-present
• National Association for the Education of Young Children Public Policy Forum, 2012-present
• Presenter for the Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education
Annual Conference, 2011
• Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education Capital Steps,
2012-present
• Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education Conference, 2012
Non-Commercial Chair
• Presenter for the Southeastern Association for the Education of
Young Children Annual Conference, 20011 – present
• Southeastern Association for the Education of Young Children Treasurer, 2011-2013
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• Southeastern Association for the Education of Young Children CoPresident, 2013-present
• Professional Development Specialist; CDA Council: December
2013-present
Community involvement in behalf of young children: Involvement
in my community consists of the following professional development trainings conducted:
• Raising the Bar Presenter, October 2010-October 2011“The Quest
for Quality” Providing Helpful insights to providers on how to achieve
more quality in their programs according to ECERS, CLASS, toddlerCLASS, and ITERS
• Raising the Bar Presenter, October 2013 “Developmentally Appropriate Practices” and “There is no place like our classroom”
• Portsmouth Reads Presenter, December 2011-“The Quest for Quality” Providing Helpful insights to providers on how to achieve more
quality in their programs according to ECERS, CLASS, toddler-CLASS,
and ITERS
• Playground Safety Presenter, Western Branch Academy March 2012
• Portsmouth day of Health Vendor, 2013
• Organizer, Strong Kids: Strong Virginia Initiative, 2013
• Norfolk Ready by 5, February 2013- “The importance of Quality Environment’s”
• Virginia Beach Grow Smart Presenter, “Routines and Transitions”
2013
Candidate’s Statement: Webster defines childhood as the early period
in the development of something. There is a respected source that says,
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are
old they will not turn from it.” This depicts the very essence of childhood
education. Children who live in poverty; are disabled or have abnormal
family structures deserve a quality early start in their education. Research
has proven, if you invest in the lives of a child early, there will be fewer
penalties you deal with when they become an adult. A position in office
of such a respected organization, will afford me the opportunity to have
a larger voice for the children of Virginia. The passion for quality change
in their lives will serve as the fuel needed to carry on VAECE’s mission in
an excellent manner.
VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
2015 Officer Elections
4th Vice President of Outreach Nominee
Brookes M. Sims M.Ed.
Treasurer Nominee
Toni Cacace-Beshears
Present Position: Director of Child Care Services for
the Piedmont Family YMCA and Past President for
CVAEYC
Present Position: CEO Children’s Harbor, Past President, VAECE
Past Positions related to the early childhood field: Co-President
of the Central Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children (CVAEYC).Prior the overseeing all child care programs (afterschool, child care, summer camp, evening and weekend child care)
for the Piedmont Family YMCA, I have worked in the early childhood
field for 10 years, beginning as a preschool and afterschool teacher
in Columbia, South Carolina to Child Care Director for the Piedmont
Family YMCA for three years. I have conducted workshops and trainings for the YMCA and our local affiliate, CVAEYC.
Any offices held and/or activities undertaken in behalf of the
state and/or local association: Co-Conference Chair for the 2015
VAECE Annual Conference; Co-President of CVAEYC; Program CoChair for the 2010 VAECE Annual Conference; Treasurer for CVAEYC
Community involvement in behalf of young children: Youth
Ministry for preschool and school-aged children at Pleasant Grove
Baptist Church; Piedmont Virginia Community College Early Childhood Development Curriculum Advisory Committee; YMCA State
Child Care Task Force
Candidate’s Statement: I have been an active member of the
CVAEYC Board for the past 6 years, and active with VAECE for the last
three years. I enjoy connecting with others in the field to share ideas,
grow as a professional, and join forces to benefit young children. My
experiences serving as a teacher, administrator, youth minister, affiliate president and advocate directly correspond with my passion
to help define the importance of quality early childhood programs in
Virginia and the ultimate impact that such education has on the later
success of children. I’m committed to providing each child a safe and
secure environment that fosters mental, social, personal, and emotional growth. I think my passion for early childhood and my diversity
of experience present a unique opportunity. As 4th Vice President, my
goal will be to help VAECE continue to support the local affiliates and
chapters in their work to make life better for the children of Virginia
and families.
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Past Positions related to the early childhood field:
Adjunct faculty at Tidewater Community College, educational coordinator, director, assistant director, school age coordinator, two year old
teacher, toddler teacher
Any offices held and/or activities undertaken in behalf of the
state and/or local association
• VAECE (Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education), President (2005-2007; and 2011-2013), First Vice President of Affiliates, Editor of Viewpoint, SECA Representative, NAEYC Affiliate
Council Representative, member
• SECA (Southern Early Childhood Association), State representative, member
• National Mentoring Alliance, member
• SEAEYC (Southeastern Association for the Education of Young
Children), President (two times), Past Treasurer, 1993-1995,
member
Community involvement in behalf of young children:
• Appointed to the Virginia Early Childhood Advisory Council,
2009- 2014
• Currently represent VAECE on the Commonwealth Council for
Childhood Success
• Tidewater Community College Advisory Committee for Early
Childhood Development (2000-present)
• Virginia Head Start Collaboration Committee (1996-present)
• Smart Beginnings South Hampton Roads, Technical Advisory
Committee, member of Faithful Beginnings, and member for
three cities Collaborative Planning Coalition
• VCPD (Virginia Cross Sector Professional Development) member
of state and regional group, 2012- present
Candidate’s Statement: Having sound financial policies and procedures is critical to any organizations health. VAECE has a history of
making a positive impact on children and families in Virginia and having the financial policies to ensure its continuation is paramount for
the organization to continue to speak and act on behalf of children
and families.
VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
2015 Officer Elections
Member-at-Large Nominee
Mary Braxton
Present Position: Licensed Family Child Care Provider and VSQI Mentor for Family Providers in Prince
William County
Past Positions related to the early childhood field: I have worked
as a Lead Teacher in the Infant Room for a Corporate Child Care and
been a county Permitted Provider, participated as an Off Base Military
provider, and have been a licensed child care provider since early in
2000. I have been in the Early Childhood Field for 24 years. Currently
I am also a VSQI Mentor in Prince William County.
Any offices held and/or activities undertaken in behalf of the
state and/or local association: I have been a VAECE Liaison for
VAFCCA for 12 years, and actively attended VAECE Meetings and
participated with various tasks forces through the years. This includes
the Student Task Force, Technology Task Force, and participated with
Public Policy providing voice for Regulated Family Child Care.
Community involvement in behalf of young children:
I also serve as the Secretary for PWAEYC, have been the Family Child
Care Outreach Coordinator with The Early Childhood Partnership
since 2013, President of a Prince William County Family Child Care
Association since 2008, and have served on the board of The Virginia
Alliance of Family Child Care Associations since 2000 in the roles of
Member at Large, Public Relations Chair, Local Leadership Committee, Secretary, Vice President, and am currently the President and
Public Policy Chair with VAFCCA. I am also serving as the Secretary
with Childcare Aware of Virginia. I have done presented as a trainer
at both local and state levels and also worked on coordination local
and state conferences.
Candidate’s Statement: As a VAECE Member at Large, I will bring
my knowledge, enthusiasm, and commitment. I am a strong advocate
for children and I have served in many roles with both local and state
organizations. I speak on behalf of quality child care on all levels, early
childhood education issues, train others at local and state training
opportunity events and network with other available organizations
and resources to benefit myself as well as be an active voice on Early
Childhood Education topics. Being actively involved in the field and at
local and state levels brings about many opportunities to be a needed
voice, learn and develop from those experiences, and provide opportunities to train others in the field as well as help to support the development of those working with the children. I have a strong interest
in Public Policy as a whole, being a voice for Regulated Family Child
Care, and strengthening relations with those in Student Programs in
the Early Childhood Field.
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Member-at-Large Nominee
Kathy Strickler
Present Position: Early Childhood Education Services Instructor-Stafford County Schools, Director
Brooke Point Kiddie Hawk lab preschool, Adjunct
professor for Germanna Community College Locust
Grove and Culpepper Campuses, Va State Occupational Child Care
Teachers Liaison (non-voting Board presence)
Past Positions related to the early childhood field: Have served
as 3rd VP of VAECE, currently Liaison with the High School ECE program Teachers that are training the future teachers of ECE and leaders
of Va.
Any offices held and/or activities undertaken in behalf of the
state and/or local association: Conference presenter, AttendeeVAECE, SECA-conference attendee, Teacher Trainer, Currently working with Bev Abrams on Fred/Stafford chapter formation,
Community involvement in behalf of young children:
CDA Council-Professional Development Specialist, Adjunct Prof at
Germanna CC Child Development, Early Childhood Education Services Instructor- Stafford County Schools 25 yrs., Sunday School Teacher,
Parent volunteer , Coordinator with Head Start on site classroom
Candidate’s Statement: I believe that there are many changes coming in the ECE field. I look at VAECE as the link to all Early Childhood
Programs in the State of Va. I feel that a strong connection between
all the organizations who are working toward the safety, health, and
nurturing of the young children of Va. is of utmost importance in this
changing political environment. I feel we have a wealth of knowledge
within our organization that needs to be shared with the upcoming
generation as they enter the field of ECE and my desire is to focus on
building the relationships between those with experience and those
who desire to learn. I would like to see more involvement of our students within VAECE as well as a structure for networking to assist the
newest members of VAECE to the field.
VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Component
Connections
Your membership in state organization VAECE includes memberships in the national organization NAEYC,
the regional organization SECA, and one of twelve local groups across the state of Virginia. Check out
what’s going on at some of these other organizations!
National - NAEYC
NAEYC has always been about change. With the input
of interested members as well as local and state leadership
NAEYC has been looking to change how it operates and
how if interacts with membership. Much of the purpose
of this process has been to
strengthen the relationships
among all of the component
parts of NAEYC and to
create an even stronger, higher performing, inclusive
organization serving the needs of members as they work to
ensure all children receive a high quality early childhood
education.
The launch of NAEYC’S new strategic direction
sets all of us on a new path. The desired results can only be
achieved through strategies of action that include the voices
of members, leaders, local groups, staff, and partners.
The VAECE Board will be looking at the new strategic
direction and will envision how the activities of your state
organization can contribute to its success.
The NAEYC Board is now in Phase III of the National
Dialogue. During this Phase the work will be to look at
the mission of the organization and the structure and
relationships among the components (national, state, local).
There will be opportunities for you to add your voice and
thoughts as to how to strengthen our organization.
The NAEYC Affiliate Council, an advisory body to
the NAEYC governing board, will also be looking at these
relationships. Virginia, because it is one of the top ten states
in membership, has two members (just one vote) on the
Affiliate Council. The VAECE President and current Past
President serve on the Council which meets in person at
PDI and at the annual conference.
They will be reporting back to the VAECE Board as
well as the membership on this work.
Regional - SECA
New Curriculum Materials
from SECA: FREE for
VAECE Members
By Susan K. Barnes
Did you open your gift from SECA? Don’t you just love
it, The 2015 Edition of What’s New in Children’s Books?
What I really treasure are all of the great classroom strategies
and extension ideas that are included with each book review,
and there are over fifty books reviewed this beautiful color
2015 edition. If you missed opening your valuable gift (the
link was sent to you via email in the middle of December)
you can still get it, either as an E-Pub or as a PDF, from
the SECA website. Just go to southernearlychildhood.
org and click on the Members Only page and then select
Curriculum Ideas from the menu. As a VAECE member,
you are a SECA member and your membership number
is the same as is your NAEYC member. While you are
on that SECA curriculum page, take a moment to scroll
down and see all of the other resources SECA has for you
there: articles on storytelling by Donald Davis and links
storytelling websites; ideas for using props and enhancing
learning through music; director resources for dealing with
employees and managing staff from multiple generations,
and much more. Check out the conference page too for
your members discount! The SECA conference is in New
Orleans this year, January 15-17, 2015. If you want to learn
more about the many benefits you have as a SECA member,
or if you have questions, please feel free to contact me,
your Virginia SECA Representative, at [email protected].
There are over fifty
books reviewed
this beautiful color
2015 edition.
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VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Component Connections
State - VAECE
Local - Central Virginia AEYC
VAECE’s Fiscal Plan
Central Virginia AEYC hosted their
annual Fall Mini Conference, Saturday,
October 11, 2014 at the Westminster
Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville,
VA. Presenters included Bob Garrity,
of Garrity Mediation, “How To Build,
Maintain, and Strengthen Relationships
in the Workplace” for teachers and
directors; Mary Margaret Gardiner,
of Teachstone, “Introduction to the
PreK CLASS”; Stephanie Massie
and Trisha Edwards “Child Initiated,
Teacher Framed: A Focus on Following
the Child’s Interests and Effective
Questioning”; and Jennifer McDonald,
Our Neighborhood Child Development
Center, “Don’t Praise Me: Changing
Your Language To Better Encourage
Children.”
CVAEYC regularly hosts two mini
conferences a year in the Spring and
Fall. Typical attendance ranges between
30-40 participants but this year, over
80 attendees participated in the event!
One attendee was quoted, “I had a great
time! The speakers were interactive and
fun. I enjoyed being around other early
childhood professionals, advocating,
and networking. I look forward to the
Spring event.”
During the summer of 2014 the Executive Board of VAECE met for
a financial planning meeting. This meeting was not just a “plug in the
numbers” meeting but was a day long discussion of the goals of VAECE;
the financial issues facing VAECE (as well as other similar organizations);
and a discussion of how we can continue to speak and act on behalf of the
children of Virginia while still maintaining our fiduciary responsibilities to
our members.
The resulting proposed 2015 budget reflects the work of that group.
Changes and modifications to the 2015 budget from the 2014 include:
• A reorganization of categories in order to be more transparent in our
activities.
• A refinement of the explanations of each category, again to be more
transparent.
• A minor increase in the VAECE dues.
• A policy change that will for the next few years limit the amount of
money taken from investments in order to prevent budget shortfalls.
The proposed budget was then presented to the full board at the
September meeting. The full board includes representatives from each of
the 12 local groups in Virginia. A budget was passed and a synopsis of that
budget can be seen here.
VAECE Budget 2015
Income Revenue Dues
23548
Investment / Interest 15250
Advertising
500
NAEYC / SECA
1500
Other 600
Chapter Transfers 4700
Conference Income 170000
216098
Expense Local Group Support 7350
Scholarship/ Awards/ Grants
5648
Contracted Services/ Fees
39434
Communications 4820
Conference Expenses 144941
Other800
Marketing / Outreach 200
Operating Expenses
10355
Committee Task Force
2550
216098
Over the next year the VAECE board will continue to look at ways to
be good stewards of the organizations funds. Areas that will be looked at
include:
• Ways to reduce conference costs while continuing to provide a quality
program.
• Seeking potential new revenue streams.
• Additional budget cuts that have low impact on services to members.
Members are encouraged to attend the annual meeting at the annual
conference in March to hear more about VAECE’s accomplishments and
to hear more detail regarding the 2015 budget. If you have any questions
or comments about the budget or if you wish to have a copy of the more
detailed budget, please contact us at [email protected].
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VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Component Connections
Local - Northern Virginia AEYC
2014 Fall NVAEYC
Mini-Conference
Over 170 early childhood professionals
attended NVAEYC’s annual conference
on Saturday, November 22, 2014.
The theme of the conference was
Keep Calm and Let an Early Childhood
Education
Professional
Handle
It! – developmentally appropriate
opportunities that support young
children in achieving success. The
conference included 13 workshops over
three sessions, with sessions for both
directors and teachers, covering topics
such as diversity, behavior management,
classroom projects, and networking.
Many thanks to State Senator Barbara
Favola for providing attendees with an
update on public policy in Virginia.
Kim Dockery, chief academic officer
for Fairfax County Public Schools,
received the Outstanding Service to
Young Children award. You can read
more about her accomplishments and this
recognition here.
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2014 Outstanding Service to Young Children Award
Kim Paddison Dockery has worked in education for over 30 years,
first as a teacher in Georgia, Missouri and Virginia, and then teacher,
assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent in Fairfax
County Public Schools. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from
Colorado Women’s College and Master of Science degree in early
childhood education from Wheelock College
in Boston, Massachusetts. She completed
her special education endorsement at George
Mason University, and doctorate degree
at the University of Virginia in the area of
administration and supervision: educational
leadership.
Dr. Dockery is currently chief academic
officer for Fairfax County Public Schools. In
her previous role as assistant superintendent
of special services, she was instrumental in
implementing the Bridge to Kindergarten
program. This program was developed
for children who had not had a preschool
experience prior to entering kindergarten, as well as to provide support
for their families. The first Bridge to Kindergarten program was
implemented in over 20 schools during the summer of 2013, providing
more than 700 rising kindergarten students with a three week summer
experience in their base school to ensure a successful transition to
kindergarten in the fall. This school readiness initiative provided
an emphasis on learning school routines and a focus on developing
self-regulation skills. The program was met with much success and
embraced by all who were involved. Dr. Dockery was instrumental
in beginning this initiative, finding the funding to support it, and she
has continued to work tirelessly for the success of this program. This
past summer, she helped expand the program to more than 50 schools,
doubling the number of schools participating and serving more than
1,100 children and their families.
Among the other early childhood programs that Dr. Dockery
continues to support is the Neighborhood School Readiness Team
project, now in 15 neighborhood school teams and expanding to several
more this year. This important initiative is a partnership between Fairfax
Futures, Fairfax County Office for Children and Fairfax County Public
Schools. It helps ensure children’s smooth transition to kindergarten.
It is implemented by teams comprised of early childhood educators,
county, school, and community representatives who understand the
distinct social, emotional, economic and academic needs of young
children and families within each neighborhood.
Without the support of leaders such as Kim Dockery, it would not
be possible for these projects to enhance the school readiness of our
county’s youngest children.
VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Advocacy & Public Policy
VAECE Cap Steps • January 18 & 19, 2015
“To act and speak on behalf of all young children in Virginia”
You’re invited!
Child care in the Commonwealth has
been much in the news this fall. Some of the
news is good: the work of the Commission
on Youth (workshop on quality); the
formation of the Children’s Cabinet and
the Commonwealth Council on Childhood
Success; the submission of the application
for the Federal Preschool expansion grant;
and the CCCBG reauthorization (still
waiting U.S. Senate vote). Some news
is not good: the Washington Post series
highlighting the deaths of children in child care in Virginia and the tragic deaths of three
children in unregulated child care this fall. The good and the bad have brought child care
in Virginia to the attention of all and our goal is to harness that interest and work toward
action. Capital Steps is an opportunity to do just that.
What is Cap Steps?
Cap Steps is VAECE’s annual legislative Hill Day, held on the 3rd Sunday and
Monday of January every year.
This annual VAECE event is an opportunity to speak and act on behalf of the children
in Virginia. It is about learning and action!
When is it?
January 18 and 19, 2015 beginning at 3 p.m. on Sunday and ending around 1 p.m.
on Monday.
Virginia Awarded
Preschool Development
Grant!
Virginia’s application
for a federal Preschool
Development Grant was
successful! In his December
10 announcement Governor
McAuliffe Governor’s
press release outlined
this great news for at-risk
kids in 11 communities.
Through the grant, the
Commonwealth will receive
$17.5 million, per year,
for four years to provide a
“VPI+” preschool program.
This will include 100 new
classrooms by the 4th year,
and improved quality in 96
existing classrooms. This
great step is a small but
vitally important. VAECE
hopes it will energize all
early childhood advocates
to continue to build our
birth to 5 system in the
Commonwealth.
Where is it?
Homewood Suites, 5996 Audubon Dr., Sandston, VA 23150, will be the base of
operations. Lodging will be available for those attending.
What happens?
Members and friends of VAECE will gather on Sunday to receive updates on the
“state of the State” as it affects early childhood and receive training and pointers in
how the legislative process works and how you can be an effective voice. On Monday
attendees will travel by shuttle to legislative offices in Richmond and meet with their
delegates and senators.
How do I learn more?
Contact VAECE at [email protected] with any questions.
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VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Advocacy & Public Policy
Public Policy Statement for Action by the 2015 Session
of the Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI)
VAECE supports the expansion of the eligibility requirements for
at risk pre-K children and incentives for local school divisions to make
maximum use of the VPI funding that is already in place.
Virginia Star Quality Initiative
VAECE supports continuation of the Virginia Star Quality Initiative,
a Quality Rating Improvement System. It provides parents with a tool for
selecting high-quality early childhood care and education programs for
infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, and raises the quality of participating
early childhood programs.
Child Care Assistance
VAECE supports additional funding to make child care affordable and
accessible to low-income working families that are no longer on TANF.
Additional funds will increase the number of children served and move
the state toward fair-market reimbursement rates to providers. Funding
to children receiving direct child support supplements with TANF funds
should also be restored.
Licensing Standards
VAECE supports background checks, strong standards for Licensed
Child Day Centers, and supports continual improvement of Department
of Social Services child care professional training and program standards.
National Background Checks
VAECE supports Fingerprinting and National Background checks for
Licensed Child Day Center employees and volunteers.
Scholarships and Training for Early Learning Professionals
VAECE supports continued and increased funding of scholarships for
students in early childhood training, to assist individuals in obtaining a
CDA, Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Tax Credit for Child Care
• Working family child care tax credit: Establishes, an individual income
tax credit for child-care expenses incurred during the year by a parent or
legal guardian for a child age six years or younger enrolled for at least 11
months during the year in a child-care program participating in the Virginia
Star Quality Initiative.
• Employer quality child care program tax credit: Establishes an individual
and corporate income tax credit for amounts paid or incurred by employers
for the operating costs of quality child care programs used by the children
of their employees. The bill defines a quality child care program as a
center-based or similar program that is participating in Virginia’s Quality
Rating and Improvement System.
Working with partner organizations,
VAECE also supports:
• Funds for home visiting programs (CHIP of Virginia/
Parents as Teachers, and Healthy Families Virginia)
to help vulnerable parents become their child’s
first teacher. Funds should be provided to Early
Intervention to ensure that young children with
developmental delays reach their full potential.
• Continued funding of the Virginia Early Childhood
Foundation (VECF) and the development of publicprivate partnerships.
• Reinvestment of Comprehensive Services Act (CSA)
savings in community-based programs and services
for children’s health.
• Restoration of funding for literacy and early reading
intervention programs to ensure children reach their
full potential.
• An Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Health Insurance access for children.
• Foster Care reforms to increase access to programs
and services.
• Children’s mental health supports including crisis
intervention
and stabilization. • The Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Project.
• Licensing and state inspection to assure quality and
safe Family Child Care.
THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
VAECE is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization
of people interested in the education and welfare of
young children and their families. VAECE members
work to provide educational opportunities for adults
who work with young children, to advocate for
legislation at the state and local level for quality
educational opportunities, and to implement programs
and services for young children and their families.
VAECE Acts and Speaks on Behalf of
All Young Children in Virginia
Public Policy Contacts:
Patricia Victorson ([email protected])
Debi Deloose ([email protected])
Toni Cacace-Beshears ([email protected])
VAECE Hotline 1-888-228-2323 or
[email protected]
www.vaece.org
10 VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Advocacy & Public Policy
2015 Unified Early Childhood Legislative Agenda
Voices for Virginia’s children convenes an Early Childhood Policy Action Network to develop a Unified Early Childhood
Legislative Agenda. This group is made up of advocates for young children from differing organizations in early care and
education. Through numerous meetings over the fall, they work together to develop a common message for legislative
support of early care and education issues. VAECE is represented in this network by Pat Victorson and Debi DeLoose
2015 EARLY CHILDHOOD POLICY NETWORK UNIFIED AGENDA
BUILD THE PATH TO VIRGINIA’S PROSPERITY
2
GUARANTEED
SAFETY
1
5
3
4
HIGH QUALITY
ENVIRONMENTS &
SKILLED EDUCATORS
MIXEDDELIVERY
ALIGNING RESOURCES
TWO-GENERATION
APPROACH
The Path to Virginia’s Prosperity starts with early childhood education. We must continue to construct this
path to achieve our goals of student success and a prepared future workforce. We’ve broken ground on the
pathway and have a solid foundation in place [starting with home visiting and early intervention for infants
and families to a successful preschool program for at-risk four year-olds]. Yet due to limited resources and
lack of infrastructure, we cannot reach all of the young children and families who could benefit.
To ensure Virginia’s future prosperity it is time to build our early childhood system.
TO BUILD THE PATH TO VIRGINIA’S PROSPERITY WE MUST:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Continue investments in two-generation approaches to addressing poverty and school readiness
Ensure safe child care environments for all children
Improve quality by improving the skills of early childhood educators
Maximize the Virginia Preschool Initiative through a mixed-delivery approach
Align our existing resources across agencies to improve coordination and collaboration
Despite a difficult budget climate every year in recent memory, our state has recognized that investments
in early childhood pays off when children enter school ready to learn and are prepared for the future workforce. As we face continued budget pressure, we hope that Virginia will not take any steps backwards on
this pathway by investing in the elements that provide the biggest bang for the buck.
The Early Childhood Policy Network is a forum for stakeholders to share common interests in early childhood
issues and come to consensus on shared priorities. The members of the Early Childhood Policy Network include:
Child Care Aware Virginia • Child Development Resources • Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU • ChildSavers
• CHIP of Virginia/Parents as Teachers State Office • JustChildren/Legal Aid Justice Center • Learning Care
Group • Prevent Child Abuse Virginia/Healthy Families Virginia • Nurse-Family Partnership • Smart Beginnings
Historic Triangle • The Children’s Center • Virginia Alliance of Family Child Care Providers • Virginia Association of
Community Services Boards • Virginia Association of Early Childhood Education (VAECE) • Virginia Association for
Infant Mental Health • Virginia Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics • Virginia First Cities • Virginia Head
Start Association • Mission Readiness • Virginia Child Care Association• Virginia Council for Private Education •
Virginia Education Association • The Commonwealth Institute
11 VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Advocacy & Public Policy
NAEYC Accreditation:
Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success
In August, Governor McAuliffe signed an Executive Order
establishing a Children’s Cabinet whose charge is to develop
and implement a policy agenda that will help better serve
Virginia’s children and to foster collaboration between state and
local agencies. As a part of that effort, the Governor also signed
a second Executive Order establishing the Commonwealth
Council on Childhood Success. Toni Cacace-Beshears serves
on the CCCS as the VAECE representative and serves on
the School Readiness Workgroup (Access to and quality of
Preschool and Child Care subgroup.) The subgroups have been
meeting since early fall. The full Council will meet in January.
The next meeting of the full Council will be Thursday,
January 15th at 3pm in the East Reading Room of the Patrick
Henry Building (1111 East Broad Street Richmond, VA 23219).
There will be an opportunity for public comment at that meeting,
additional details will be forthcoming.
Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success: Workgroup
on Health and Well Being (Meeting) • January 15, 2015, 01:00
PM, hosted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success: School
Readiness Workgroup (Meeting) • January 15, 2015, 02:00 PM,
hosted by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Commonwealth Council on Childhood Success (Meeting)
January 15, 2015, 03:00 PM, hosted by the Office of the
Lieutenant Governor
NAEYC Public Policy Forum
Please consider joining the Virginia Team for the NAEYC
Public Policy Forum!
When: March 8 – 10, 2015
Where: Washington Plaza Hotel, 10 Thomas Circle Northwest, Washington, DC 20005
Who: Advocates and emerging leaders regardless of
experience who are ready to take action!
The Policy Forum is a unique opportunity for you to:
• Get the tools, resources, and experiences you need to
become an effective early childhood education advocate
• Interact with peers who have experience in public policy
and expand your network of support
• Meet with your legislators and start building long-lasting
relations with their offices
Registration will open up in January 12, 2015. The team and
individual registration deadline is January 23, 2015.Interested?
Contact Pat Victorson, [email protected]
12 The fees for pursuing and maintaining NAEYC
Accreditation will increase effective January 1,
2015. Click here for more information.
http://www.naeyc.org/academy/primary/updatedfees
Are you aware that twice a year NAEYC revises
Guidance for Assessment, a supplement to
NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards
and Accreditation Criteria? This document
both explains how the criteria are assessed by
NAEYC and clarifies the intent of the criteria.
Click here for the latest edition of the Guidance
document.
http://www.naeyc.org/academy/files/academy/file/
RevisedGuidance_20141001.pdf
We congratulate the following programs in VA
who achieved accreditation/reaccreditation in
September, October, November 2014:
• YMCA Child Development Center at
Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg
• Multi Program Child Development Center,
Fort Lee.
• JoAnn Blanks Child Development Center,
Fort Belvoir.
• Child Care & Learning Center, Washington.
• Hopkins House- Helen Day Preschool
Academy, Alexandria.
• The Goddard School, Chantilly.
• Red Apple Child Care dba Starling Child
Care and Learning Complex, Henrico.
• NSU Child Development Lab, Norfolk.
CDA:
Important Note from the CDA Council: In the
new CDA Credentialing process, the observation
of a candidate is part of the Verification Visit
that takes place AFTER the candidate submits
the CDA application. Read more.
http://www.cdacouncil.org/the-cda-credential
Have you seen the CDA Council’s latest White
Paper on Diversity? Click here to read CDA
Council’s White Paper titled, Diversity and
Inclusion in Early Care and Education.
http://www.cdacouncil.org/storage/documents/DiversityWhitePaper_final.pdf
VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Spotlight On…
The Virginia Cross-Sector Professional
Development Team:
Collaboration Across Early Childhood Systems
Research shows that when early childhood professionals
have specialized training and education, children benefit.
(NAEYC, 2009, Where we stand on professional preparation
standards.)
The Virginia Cross-Sector Professional Development
Team (VCPD) promotes planning, development, implementation and evaluation of professional development to ensure
coordination of early childhood professional development.
Members of the VCPD represent state agencies and organizations--including the Virginia Association for Early Childhood
Education (VAECE)--that offer professional development in
early childhood (prenatal to age five). VAECE past-president,
Toni Cacace-Beshears, represents VAECE at the state level.
VCPD team members are committed to working together
to build a unified professional development system to support all families and their children in Virginia. This includes
but is not limited to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who
may experience risk factors for school readiness, economic
disadvantages, and cultural and linguistic differences; dual
language learners; and young children with disabilities and
special health needs.
VCPD goals are to: promote and utilize competencies
for early childhood professionals; develop quality assurance
mechanisms for early childhood professional development;
offer cross-sector training and education opportunities; and,
to maximize funding for professional development. VCPD
goals are addressed through the efforts of five workgoups and
five regional consortia.
• The Quality Assurance Workgroup develops guidelines
and indicators of quality professional development.
• The Creating Connections to Shining Stars Conference
Workgroup provides a high quality, cross-sector conference for early childhood professionals.
• The Sustainability/Integration Workgroup embeds the
VCPD in Virginia’s early childhood initiatives, secures
continued funding, and builds Virginia’s early childhood
professional development capacity.
• The Regional Consortia Workgroup provides support to
the five regional consortia and assures communication regarding VCPD initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.
• The Governance Workgroup oversees the management of
the VCPD, conducts monthly teleconferences and quarterly face-to-face meetings, coordinates the partnership
agreement, and maintains communication with state level
agencies and organizations.
13 The VCPD website, www.vcpd.net, includes a wealth of
information including resources for early childhood professional development; a compilation of online training modules and webinars; and links to frequently used documents
(e.g., Milestones, Foundation Blocks) and the TIPS calendar.
Also available are our trainer competencies, “What Makes
an Effective Early Childhood Professional Development Provider?”
Additionally, the website includes contact information
for our five regional consortia (Northern, Central, Piedmont,
Western, and Eastern). These regional consortia provide a
mechanism for greater local communication and networking
regarding VCPD initiatives throughout the Commonwealth.
Each regional consortium is led by a team of facilitators with
administrative support from a Child Care Aware of Virginia
regional agency. Regional consortia members work together
to share resources, plan cross-sector professional development, and offer regional summits.
A highlight of upcoming VCPD activities is the 2015 Creating Connections to Shining Stars Conference. This year’s
conference is planned for July 8-10, 2015 at the Wyndham
Oceanfront Hotel in Virginia Beach. This statewide conference will focus on evidence-based, quality, early childhood
practices and include hot topics in the field of early intervention, care and early childhood/early childhood special
education, such as behavior, coaching in early childhood,
curriculum and assessment, social-emotional development,
infant mental health, and inclusive practices. For additional
information or to view the Call for Proposals, visit http://
www.vcpd.net/creating-connections-to-shining-stars-2015/.
Accepted proposals will qualify for a registration discount.
Conference registration will open in March 2015.
To learn more about VCPD and/or to join our activities,
contact Dr. Jaye Harvey, VCPD Coordinator, at jhwellons@
vcu.edu or 540.588.7358.
VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
WINTER 2015
Contact Information
VAECE HOTLINE • 1-888-22-VAECE • (1-888-228-2323) •
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
(VOTING MEMBERS):
AFFILIATE CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
(VOTING MEMBERS)
President/NAEYC Affiliate
council rep.
Debra DeLoose
[email protected]
(H) 703- 451-2047
(C) 571-422-1226
Central Virgnia AEYC,
President
Jennifer McDonald
[email protected]
(W) (434) 202-8639
Past President
Toni Cacace-Beshears
[email protected],
[email protected]
SECA Rep
Susan Barnes
[email protected]
(H) 540-246-6313
(W) 540-568-8114
President-Elect
Holly McCartney
[email protected]
(C) 540-478-4558
(W) 540-568-8753
First VP for Affiliate Support
Cindy Brown
[email protected] (C) 757-339-1097
(W) 757-245-8635
Second VP for Professional
Development
Christine Scibetta
[email protected]
(H) 703- 455-5622
(C) 703-338-1973
Third VP for Public Policy and
Liaisons
Pat Victorson
[email protected]
(H) 703-730-7449
Fourth VP for Outreach
Atleacia Gibson
[email protected]
(H) 757- 761-9500
Secretary
Stephanie Massie
[email protected]
(H) 434-531-9488 Treasurer
Johnnie Humphrey
[email protected]
(H) 804-526-1558
Member at Large for
Membership
John Almarode
[email protected]
540-568-4950
14 Lord Fairfax AEYC, President
Maureen Keeler
[email protected]
[email protected]
(H) 540-667-9350
NRV Chapter of VAECE,
President
Karen Myers
[email protected]
(C) 540-521-7674
Northern VA AEYC, Co-president
Ginny Holloway
[email protected]
[email protected]
(H) 703-922-4481
Northern VA AEYC Co-pres.
Fahemeh Pirzadeh [email protected]
[email protected]
(H) 703-542-5185
(W) 703-476-8150
Greater Lynchburg Chapter,
Co-President
Janet Trent
[email protected] (H) 434-525-6651
(W) 434-384-3131
Greater Lynchburg Chapter,
Co-President
Holly Layne
[email protected]
(C) 434-444-4294
(W) 434-947-8787
PWAEYC, Co-President
Laura Basu
[email protected]
(H) 703-583-5123
(W) 703-216-5274
PWAEYC, Co-President
Stacey Godin
[email protected]
(H) 703-583-2077
(W) 571-274-7587
Richmond ECA,
Co-President
Debbi Heist
[email protected]
(W) 804-272-1704
(C) 804-305-8878
REVISED AUGUST 2014
STANDING COMMITTEES &
OTHERS (VOTING AND
NON-VOTING MEMBERS)
Richmond ECA,
Co-President
Susan Hill
[email protected]
(W) 804-740-9342
(C) 804-467-3081
Southeastern AEYC,
Co-President
Quniana Futrell
[email protected]
(W) 397-2980 (H) 927-8788
Southeastern AEYC,
Co-President
Navine Fortune
[email protected]
(C) 757-217-7218
(W) 757-823-8111
Southside AECE,
President
Joyce P. Jones
[email protected]
(C) 804-943-3092
(H) 804-530-1270
Southside AECE,
Secretary
Peggy Fulton
[email protected]
(H) 804-691-1064
Southwest VA AECE,
President
Aimee Hamm
[email protected]
Tidewater AECE, Co-President
Gretchen Tisone
[email protected]
(C) 784-5070
(W) 258-1100
Tidewater AECE,
Co-President
Bonnie Turner
[email protected]
(H) 877-0551
(C) 813-1792
Valley Chapter of VAECE,
President
Holly McCartney [email protected]
(C) 540-478-4558
(W) 540-568-8753
Legislative Consultant
Christopher Spanos,
SPANOS Consulting Group UC
[email protected]
Viewpoint
Paige Beatty
[email protected]
Week of the Young Child
Vacant
Public Policy Taskforce,
Chair
Pat Victorson
[email protected]
Accreditation / CDA
Chair
Kamna Seth
[email protected]
Tech Taskforce, Chair
Atleacia Gibson
[email protected]
Student Taskforce, Chair
John Almarode
[email protected]
Budget/Fin. Taskforce,
Chair
Vacant
Conference Taskforce,
Chair
Christine Scibetta
[email protected]
Conference
Facilitator/Manager
Sara Smith
[email protected]
2015 Conference
Committee, Co-Chair
Stephanie Massie
[email protected]
2015 Conference
Committee, Co-Chair
Brookes Sims
[email protected]
2016 Conference
Committee, Co-Chair
Joyce Jones
[email protected]
2016 Conference
Committee, Co-Chair
Debbi Heist
[email protected]
VIEWPOINT • WINTER 2015 • THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
LIAISONS
(NON-VOTING MEMBERS)
Social Services Division of
Licensing Programs
(H) 804-272-4392
(W) 804-726-7156
[email protected]
VA State Occupational
Child Care
Kathy Strickler, ECE Teacher
(W) 540-658-6080 ext. 1132
(Fax) 540-658-6072
[email protected]
VA School Age
Child Care Assoc.
Roy Hughes, President
(H) 757- 473-8887
(W) 757 - 471-5884
VA Cooperative
Extension Service
Novella J. Ruffin
(W) 804-524-5257
(Fax) 804-524-5680
[email protected]
VA Alliance of Family Child
Care Assoc.
Mary Braxton
(Phone) 703-897-1346
[email protected]
Child Care Aware
Sharon Veatch
(W) 804-285-0846
(fax) 804-285-0847
[email protected]
Voices for Virginia’s Children
Margaret Nimmo Crowe
(W) 804-644-0184, ext. 26
(Fax) 804-649-0161
VEA
Lola McDowell
(H) 804-364-7146
(W) 804-780-4821
[email protected]
Head Start
Pat Carlton
(H) 804-843-9710
(W) 804-843-2289
804-693-3497 (Gloucester)
(Fax) 804-843-2308
[email protected]
VA Preschool Initiative
Cheryl Strobel
[email protected]
804- 371-7578
TCC E C Development
Program Head
Kerry Ragno
(W) 757-822-7604
(H) 757-471-1520
[email protected]
VIEWPOINT
Bulletin of
VAECE
THE VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION FOR
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
VAECE IS ON FACEBOOK! FIND US AND BECOME A FAN.
Mission Statement
VAECE acts and speaks on behalf of all young children in Virginia.
Purpose
The purpose of this organization shall be to serve and act on behalf of the needs and rights of
all young children and to work with all groups serving the interest and well being of children in
Virginia. Some of the particular concerns of VAECE shall be:
1. To promote the professional growth of persons working with young children.
2. To improve the availability and quality of developmental and educational services and resources
for young children.
3. To advocate for and promote public policy decisions which improve the quality of life for young
children and their families.
4. To support, disseminate and utilize research related to the well being and education of young
children.
Article submission deadline for the Spring 2015 issue of Viewpoint is April 1.
Want to run an advertisement in Viewpoint? Reserve your space by March 1.
Contact the Viewpoint editor, Paige Beatty at [email protected] for more information.
Viewpoint graphic design by Landis Productions, 1911 Huguenot Road, Suite 301, Richmond, VA 23235, (804) 897-0495, www.landisproductions.com
VAECE HOTLINE
1-888-22VAECE
(1-888-228-2323)
Come visit our web page!
www.VAECE.org
email: [email protected]