Ivy Learning Resource & Referral Newsletter | April 2024

Apr 22, 20243 min read

Welcome Ryan Our New Northeast Business Consultant!

Hello providers! My name is Ryan Sierra. I am a lifelong resident of the Hulbert/Tahlequah area. My wife, Marissa, and I are raising three wonderful boys, Jayden, Maximus, and Solomon.

I am your new Business Consultant for the NE Region. Eight years ago, I started and became the director of a childcare center in Tahlequah. Prior to that, I was an elementary school teacher in Muskogee. Education is very important to me. In particular, early childhood education has become my passion.

I am excited at this opportunity to work with each of you. I am here to assist with your business needs. Together, we can ease the stress of running a childcare business so your focus remains on providing the best care possible for our children.

I look forward to meeting you all!

Investing in Relationship's with Families

"Rigorous evidence has shown that when families and schools have strong relationships, children win: They are more likely to stay in school, graduate, and do well academically as well as socially," declares Rebecca Winthrop in her article on the Brookings website. And from the introduction to an Exchange video series on partnering with families: "Building relationships with families is an ongoing process that takes time and energy and is deeply worth the investment." In one of the video clips, early childhood director Zaina Keenan says, "We have an intake interview for families when their child enrolls. We ask them about what cultural traditions and holidays they celebrate, so we as educators have a general understanding of what’s important to families." In another clip, Elmira Baghdaserians, professor of child development, talks about how important it is for teachers to help every child and every family feel valued and affirmed for who they are, and how grateful she is to have those kinds of teachers for her child. She explains that, "having been an immigrant, coming to America…not knowing any English and feeling ashamed of who I was, it really makes me genuinely happy to know that my child can have a different experience, that he can feel good about who he is rather than ashamed or excluded."

And from the introduction to an Exchange video series on partnering with families:

The Role of Play

The role of play in children’s development: a review of the evidence

https://cms.learningthroughplay.com/media/esriqz2x/role-of-play-in-childrens-development-review_web.pdf

There is a considerable body of research which is indicative, relating children’s play and aspects of their learning and development. This evidence includes work in evolutionary and developmental psychology, anthropology, neuroscience and educational studies. However, while researchers in these fields have hypothesized about how play might enhance child outcomes, much of this evidence merely establishes associations rather than firm, causal relationships. In fact, there is little or no conclusive evidence regarding possible explanatory mechanisms.

North Central Region Corner

Hello North Central Providers,

Provider Appreciation Week is just around the corner, and we want to express our thanks for all that you do each and every day for the children in your care! Thank you for your dedication, creativity and commitment to providing high quality early childhood experiences and ensuring that each child is supported in their growth and development. Be on the lookout for the North Central staff to be dropping by with resources and great information-Heather, Renae, Tracy and Jan will be out and about!

Northeast Region Corner

Hello Northeast Providers,

May 10th is Child Care Provider Appreciation Day!

Northeast region Resource and Referral team wants to say "Thank you" for making a difference in the lives of children every day. "Thank you" for strengthing communities. "Thank you" for your compassionate hearts and investing in our children. Giving children a brighter future is the most important job! Less than one-third of children in America have a parent that can be a stay-at-home parent. Childcare providers are a partner in raising America's children. You as a provider are essential. Happy Provider Appreciation Day!

--The Book Corner

The Very Hungry Caterpillars First Spring

Author Eric Carle

“There are so many ways to spend a bright spring day. Join The Very Hungry Caterpillar and explore everything the season has to offer!

Celebrate spring with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his friends in this exploration of the season. Young readers can learn all about seasonal sensory experiences, like watching clouds change shapes, feeling cool rain on your skin, sniffing fresh blooming flowers, and so much more! “

It looks like spilt milk will also be a good cloud book to follow this book.

Activities to go with the book: https://www.asprinkleofpink.com/the-very-hungry-caterpillars-first-spring-craft/#google_vignette

This is a fun link to make a fun beautiful flower to go with the book.

You are Brave

by Margret O’Hair and Astoria SanchezJust because you are different, that doesn't mean you can't succeed and share your gifts and passion with the world! That is the timely and important message of You Are Brave. This book helps readers learn their own self-worth and encourages kids to overcome obstacles by sticking up for themselves and others, trying new things, and showing the world how brave they are!

Events and Trainings

See upcoming events here!

Thrive Meeting North Central in Ponca City, Saturday May 4th, 10:00am-2:00pm with speaker Dr. Jane Humphries of Fiddle Focus. Email thinton@ivylearning.org for more information.

Thrive Meeting Northeast in Tahlequah, Saturday May 18th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm with speaker Ashley Boomer. Email rsierra@ivylearning.org for more information.

Be looking for the information in your email. We have several more FREE Conscious Discipline training events happening over the next several months, and we need YOUR help in getting the word out! Please email jboomer@ivylearning.org for more information.

Virtual Training Series on Tues/Thurs evenings in May
2 different Saturday in-person Training Events in June
2 different 2-day, in-person Training Events in June
One 2-day, in-person Training Event in July
Weeklong Conscious Discipline Academy in August

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 & 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