- Aug 15
- 6 min read

Ivy Learning Resource & Referral Newsletter | August 2024

Updated: Aug 23

SPOTLIGHT SANDRA WHITELEY

Let's all join in celebrating the remarkable achievement of Sandra Whiteley! Her Family Child Care Home has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious PDG playground grant for the NE Region. The dedication and hard work put into the application have truly paid off. Lana Pitts, our Infant Toddler Specialist, had the pleasure of visiting Sandra on Tuesday to discuss her exciting plans for the grant, with a particular highlight being the envisioned big tricycle path that will surely bring joy and fun to the children in her care.

The journey towards winning this grant was not without its challenges. Sandra faced moments of uncertainty and doubt along the way, unsure of the outcome. However, her perseverance and commitment have shone through, culminating in this well-deserved recognition. This achievement serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for everyone involved, showcasing the impact of dedication and passion in making a difference.

We encourage all members of our community to remain vigilant for similar grant opportunities in the future. These initiatives play a crucial role in supporting and enhancing the quality of care and education provided to our children. Sandra's success is a testament to the positive influence one individual can have on the lives of many.

Congratulations, Sandra, on this outstanding accomplishment! Your unwavering dedication to the well-being and development of our community's children and families is truly commendable. Your hard work and commitment do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the invaluable contributions you make every day. Here's to continued success and impact in the days ahead!

Full article here

Quality Interactions with Young Children

Serve and return interactions shape brain architecture. When an infant or young child babbles, gestures, or cries, and an adult responds appropriately with eye contact, words, or a hug, neural connections are built and strengthened in the child’s brain that support the development of communication and social skills. Much like a lively game of tennis, volleyball, or Ping-Pong, this back-and-forth is both fun and capacity-building. When caregivers are sensitive and responsive to a young child’s signals and needs, they provide an environment rich in serve and return experiences.

https://developingchild.harvard.edu/science/key-concepts/serve-and-return/

Regional Article (2)

Include an article here. The article may be:

Research articles

An update

Tips, tools, resources

FOUR THINGS TO REMEMBER AT THE END OF SUMMER

REMEMBER TO BREATHE.

Summers can be brutal. There is so much packed into two months of work. You run, run, run! Then, suddenly, school starts. Exhale! Do not look at that wait list just yet. Wait just a few days. Give yourself and your staff a couple of days to regroup. Give them an extra 30 minutes for their lunch break and tell everyone to remember to breathe. Do not forget about yourself.

REMEMBER TO THANK YOUR STAFF.

Whether they stuck it out all summer or just came in for a few days, thank each of your staff personally. They just went through the ringer with you! They need a break, too. A small token of appreciation, a “great job” and “thank you” will do wonders for staff morale. Remember to thank your staff.

REMEMBER WHY YOU DO THIS.

Take a moment to reflect on this day and the day you opened. Remember when you had two children enrolled and you weren’t sure if opening your own childcare facility was the right choice? Now, look around. Look how far you have made it since that opening day. Think about each life you have impacted already and the lives awaiting your influence. Take a moment and remember what makes you happiest and why you do this.

REMEMBER YOUR IVY LEARNING BUSINESS CONSULTANT IS HERE TO HELP!

If you need assistance filling those openings, contact your BC today. Tracy Hinton serves the North Central region and Ryan Sierra the Northeast region. We are here to serve you!

Extreme Heat: Tips to Keep Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar

By: Dele Davies, MD, MS, MHCM, FAAP

Usually, playing and exercising outside boosts a child's physical and mental health in many ways. However, a heat index at or above 90°F, as identified by the National Weather Service, poses a significant health risk.

High temperatures and extreme heat can cause children to become sick very quickly in several ways. It can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. High heat can also make everyone more irritable. And with extreme heat increasing in areas of the United States due to climate change, "eco-anxiety" can cause emotional distress.

It is crucial for parents and caregivers to be vigilant during periods of extreme heat to ensure the safety and well-being of children. Implementing simple measures such as providing plenty of water, seeking shade, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak heat hours can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses. Additionally, dressing children in light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and applying sunscreen can help protect their skin from sunburn and heat exposure.

Education is key in preventing heat-related emergencies. Teaching children about the importance of staying hydrated, recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion, and knowing when to seek help are essential in empowering them to take care of their health in hot weather conditions. Furthermore, staying informed about weather forecasts and heat advisories can help parents make informed decisions about outdoor activities and ensure that children are kept safe.

As temperatures continue to rise globally due to climate change, it is becoming increasingly important to prioritize strategies to combat the effects of extreme heat on children's health. By following these tips and staying proactive in managing heat exposure, parents can create a safe and enjoyable environment for kids to thrive even during the hottest days of the year.

Full article here

Reading corner

Infant/Toddler

By Eric Carle (author and illustrator)

It's a busy day at school with The Very Hungry Caterpillar! From greeting the teacher to reading a book, get ready to celebrate learning in this tabbed board book with easy-to-flip tabs, easy-to-read text, and easy-to-love Eric Carle art

Activity:

Preschool

Author HarperFestival

By Kimberly and James Dean

Pete the Kitty is almost ready for his first day of preschool! Preschoolers and little ones getting ready to go to preschool for the first time will enjoy cheering Pete the Kitty's fun entry to preschool.It's a big day for Pete the Kitty: his first day of preschool! He meets his cool teacher, sings a few fun songs, and even gets to paint. Who knew preschool could be so much fun? Just don't forget your groovy backpack and your yummy snack, Pete the Kitty! Little ones will enjoy exploring what the first day of school is like with Pete the Kitty.

Activites:

School Age

by Jane Yolen (Author, Narrator),

Mark Teague (Illustrator

Everyone's favorite dinosaurs are back--and this time they are going to school. These prehistoric pupils are in a class of their own! As in their previous books, Yolen and Teague capture children's rambunctious natures with playful verse that is read by the author!

Activites:

For all the books and a great link of activities to go with stories or circle time https://www.makinglearningfun.com/

Events

Ivy Learning Events

THRIVE Meeting - Challenging Behaviors, Jessica Smith

Aug 24, 2024 – 10am to 2pm @ Vidalia’s Cafe in Tahlequah

THRIVE Meeting – Open-Ended Art, Kim Phillips

Sept 28, 2024 – 10am to 2pm @ Vidalia’s Cafe in Tahlequah

Other Events

Events/webinars from other organizations that should be flagged. Every month the Early Childhood Investigations Webinars are listed, so those are not necessary to list again.

Events and Trainings

Ivy Learning is here to serve you!

Ivy Learning Child Care Resource & Referral serves the North Central and Northeast Regions of Oklahoma, which includes 19 counties. For more information and to contact your regional representative, expand the section below.

North Central Region: Kay, Lincoln, Logan, Noble, Nowata, Osage, Pawnee, Payne, Rogers and Washington Counties

Northeast Region: Adair, Cherokee, Craig, Delaware, Mayes, McIntosh, Muskogee, Okmulgee, Ottawa & Sequoyah Counties

Request Technical Assistance from our Resource and Referral Specialists

Ivy Learning Child Care Resource and Referral can provide technical assistance to childcare providers. Technical Assistance services help providers improve or enhance the quality of childcare through structured and intentional services which supports the development of specific skills and practices. As a result, providers will be able to implement knowledge about quality in their individual care giving situations.

Request Technical Assistance