It’s time for a check- in. We’re now in month six of living with the changes required by Covid-19 and there is a lot of information out there with suggestions and best practices. To narrow it down a bit, our resource round-up focuses on how to make the most of distance learning, simplifying Covid-compliant on-site practices and overall safety/emergency preparation, a new funding opportunity, and more. All to support your goal to provide the very best for the children and families you serve.
Teaching Online
By now, we’ve all incorporated virtual activities into our lives in ways we never expected. For some early educators that means teaching. You may feel like an online-teaching pro after months of practicing or perhaps you would like a few ideas to enhance the online experience for your little learners. Hi Mama offers Virtual Teaching 101 with suggestions on everything from setting up your teaching space to scheduling. In addition to the right tools, a laptop or tablet, internet, and software like Zoom or Google Hangouts, it’s important to have a good environment around you. One that is quite and clutter free. Communication with your families is vital. Before class, send instructions ahead of time with all the details, links, and expectations. You can even send a schedule so parents and caretakers and students know what to expect. You are the child care expert in their lives and hearing from you can provide a sense of security. For more, head over to Hi Mama here.
In the Classroom
For those who have been back in the physical classroom, keeping up with Covid-19 regulations may feel overwhelming. California For All and the Department of Public Health have put together an easy-to-use checklist for child care providers and programs to help prevent the spread of Covid-19. It covers the steps to take for: planning, cleaning, hygiene, arrival procedures, health screenings, group size and staffing, classroom space, and meals. The checklist is a companion to the Covid-19 Guidance Report.
Feel free to also check out EveryChild California, Association of Leaders of Early Learning. They are monitoring COVID_19 updates and adding to their resource list regularly. Their site is a hub for California Department of Education (CDE) Management Bulletins and PINS. You can also find forms and templates to communicate new operational procedures to staff and families.
Loan Opportunity for SB County Small Businesses
COVID-Compliant Business Partnership Program is providing funding of $2,500 and support to small businesses, like home-based child cares, who are practicing state and county health orders and directions. Eligible small businesses include those located in the county, have no more than 100 employees and have been in business for at least one year. Head over to their site for more information and application form. All applications are due by October 31, so start yours today!
Getting Prepared
September is National Preparedness Month. QSSB partner, Child Care Resource Center has a downloadable Emergency Preparedness Toolkit and informational video series for child care providers to help prepare for the quickest and most efficient response to an emergency. The materials are offered in multiple languages. There is no time like the present to ensure your site is ready.
Continued Learning
If you have a few minutes to pop on a podcast while in the car or on a walk, consider The Brain Architects Podcast from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. The show is meant to help educators and caretakers further understand how to support a child’s development during the first 5 years. As you know, these years are critical to the determination of successful long term outcomes like school readiness and graduation rates and the show takes the science of why and turns it into practical applications.
In the Community
Share with the families you serve or sign up your own family for First 5 San Bernardino’s Talk, Read, Sing Literacy Tour. This drive thru event, kicking off in October, is a making stops in Victorville, San Bernardino, Fontana, and Barstow to deliver books, community resources, and fun! All attendees must register prior to attending. Pick a Saturday date and location and sign up today!
October 3rd in Victorville
October 24th in San Bernardino
November 14th in Barstow
November 21st in Fontana
Lastly, don’t forget to check out the QSSB Calendar for ongoing trainings and the opportunity to connect with other early educators!