Monthly News and Updates from IdahoSTARS

The updated badge system in RISE is a fantastic opportunity for professional development! Child care and early education professionals can enhance their skills and knowledge by integrating learning and doing activities while earning recognition for their expertise. Here are some of the exciting changes to the badge system:

1. Badge Categories: Professionals can earn badges in nine focused areas, covering essential topics that can significantly enhance their quality and expertise in their roles.
2. Multiple Earning Opportunities: Earning points toward a badge through various activities, such as IdahoSTARS training, Targeted Technical Assistance (TTAs), and coaching cycles, allows for flexibility and encourages ongoing learning.
3. No Expiration: The badges do not expire, which means you can accumulate them over time without the pressure of needing to renew them.
4. Recognition: Badges will be reflected on your Professional Development Record (PDR), and you’ll receive certificates that offer tangible recognition for your efforts.
5. Expertise Acknowledgment: If you have a particular area of expertise, you can earn the same badge multiple times as long as you engage in new activities. This encourages continuous improvement and deeper exploration of topics.
6. Financial Incentives: The financial incentive for the first two badges earned each fiscal year adds an extra motivation  to pursue these opportunities. If eligible, you can earn up $100 per badge for two badges per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30).
7. Efficiency with RISE: Professionals can easily track their progress, calculate points, and find qualifying activities related to the badges they’re interested in. RISE now does the work for you so you can focus on learning more about quality child care and education!

If you're thinking about pursuing a badge, it's a great idea to explore the available trainings and resources in RISE to get started on your professional development journey!

En 2022, aproximadamente el 12,8 % de los hogares estadounidenses sufrían inseguridad alimentaria.  Esto supone un aumento del 2,3% desde 2020.  El promedio de Idaho está cerca del promedio nacional de hogares con inseguridad alimentaria según el Servicio de Investigación Económica del USDA.  Esto se calcula en un mínimo de aproximadamente 288,237 individuos que experimentan inseguridad alimentaria en Idaho según las estadísticas de la Oficina del Censo de los Estados Unidos.

Aunque la mayoría de los hogares de Idaho tienen seguridad alimentaria, aún queda trabajo por hacer.  Los factores que pueden aumentar el riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria son el acceso limitado a alimentos nutritivos y los bajos ingresos. 

En Idaho, 35 de los 44 condados se consideran rurales.  El Atlas de Alimentos del USDA muestra áreas en Idaho donde hay bajos niveles de ingresos o bajo acceso.  Las zonas rurales también pueden corresponder a un bajo acceso dependiendo de las circunstancias tales como, si hogares tienen acceso a un vehículo y/o su proximidad a una tienda de comestibles.  Esta información es útil para ayudar a luchar por la seguridad alimentaria. 

Un desafío adicional que ha golpeado recientemente a Idaho fue la pérdida de un patrocinador del CACFP en todas las áreas, excepto en el norte de Idaho.  Sin un patrocinador de CACFP, los proveedores basados en el hogar no tienen la oportunidad de participar en el programa de alimentos que proporciona reembolsos por los alimentos servidos en entornos de cuidado infantil.  Como resultado, algunos establecimientos han optado por disminuir los alimentos nutritivos que se les dan a los niños mientras están en el programa de cuidado infantil.  Otros han optado por pedir a los padres que proporcionen los almuerzos. 

¿Qué podemos hacer para luchar por la seguridad alimentaria?

• Asegúrese de que las familias conozcan sobre WIC, SNAP, el Programa Nacional de Almuerzos Escolares, el Programa de Desayunos Escolares y el Programa de Servicio de Alimentos de Verano.
• Los programas de cuidado infantil pueden solicitar la subvención de ¡Crezcamos, Comamos! través de IdahoSTARS. 
• Cultivar un jardín en tus instalaciones.
• Compartir con las familias lo que aprendemos sobre jardinería.
• Obtener más información sobre los impactos negativos de la inseguridad alimentaria tomando la capacitación en línea de IdahoSTARS Inseguridad alimentaria infantil o la Asistencia técnica específica.
• Comience una despensa de alimentos en su instalación para que las familias donen o lleven alimentos según sea necesario.

Beneficios de la Seguridad Alimentaria

• Desarrollo físico saludable, como músculos, huesos y tracto digestivo
• Desarrollo saludable del cerebro
• Inmunidad más fuerte

In 2022, approximately 12.8% of U.S. households were food insecure, a 2.3% increase from 2020. Idaho’s average is near the national average for food-insecure households, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. According to statistics from the United States Census Bureau, there are a minimum of approximately 288,237 individuals who experience food insecurity in Idaho.

Although most households in Idaho are food secure, work still needs to be done.  Factors that can increase the potential for food insecurity include limited access to nutritious foods and low income. 

In Idaho, 35 out of 44 counties are considered rural. The USDA’s Food Atlas shows areas in Idaho with low incomes or low access. Rural areas may also correspond to low access depending on circumstances, such as whether households have access to a vehicle and/or their proximity to a grocery store. This information is helpful as we fight for food security. 

An additional challenge that recently hit Idaho was the loss of a CACFP sponsor in all areas except Northern Idaho. Without a CACFP sponsor, home-based providers do not have the opportunity to participate in the food program, which provides reimbursement for food items served in child care settings. As a result, some facilities have been chosen to decrease the amount of nutritious food given to children in child care. Others have decided to ask parents to provide their lunches. 

What can we do to fight for food security?

• Ensure families are aware of WIC, SNAP, the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Summer Food Service Program opportunities.
• Child Care facilities can apply for the Let’s Grow, Let’s Eat grant through IdahoSTARS. 
• Grow a garden at your facility.
• Share what we learn about gardening with families.
• Learn more about the negative impacts of food insecurity by taking the IdahoSTARS online training Childhood Food Insecurity or Targeted Technical Assistance.
• Start a food pantry at your facility for families to donate or take food as needed.

Benefits of Food Security

• Healthy physical development such as muscles, bones and digestive tract
• Healthy brain development
• Stronger immunity

 

1. 1. Comments may be emailed to ICCPStatePlan@dhw.idaho.gov

 

The State Plan serves as the State Lead Agency’s (IDHW) application for a three-year cycle of CCDF funds. It is the primary mechanism the Office of Child Care uses to determine Lead Agency compliance with the statute and regulation requirements.

 

The draft of the 2025-2027 Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) Idaho State Plan is available to view at

https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/providers/child-care-providers/child-care-resources. 

 

The public comment period starts May 31, 2024, and ends June 24, 2024. Comments should be submitted in the following ways:

        a. Comments may be emailed to ICCPStatePlan@dhw.idaho.gov

 

1. 2. Comments may be mailed to:

Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
Attn: Child Care Team, 2^nd floor
P O Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036

 

1. 3. Comments may be delivered to:

 

Idaho Department of Health & Welfare
Attn: Child Care Team, 2^nd floor
450 West State Street
Boise, ID 83720-0036

 

Public Hearings

 

June 21, 2024

11:00 am MT

Meeting Link: https://idhw.webex.com/idhw/j.php?MTID=m2d7183629b08ff3eceba1714e3f6df90

To Join From a Mobile Device: +1-415-527-5035 United States Toll 

Meeting Number: 2825 444 2700

Meeting Password: v2gY6UNtdE8 (82496868 when dialing from a phone or video system)

 

June 24, 2024

1:00 pm MT

Meeting Link: https://idhw.webex.com/idhw/j.php?MTID=ma9116426a5f481e0fab59a4712f7ae53

To Join From a Mobile Device: +1-415-527-5035 United States Toll 

Meeting Number: 2831 868 7218

Meeting Password: eBEv6qMuT36 (32386768 when dialing from a phone or video system)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just as an experienced guide leads adventurers through uncharted territories, a coach in IdahoSTARS is your compass, navigating the seas of professional growth and development.  Picture this journey as a three-step cycle, each phase seamlessly blending into the next to create a continuous loop of improvement and learning.  

Your coach will help you set goals, observe your progress, and give you feedback while you reflect on your progress.   

 

What must you pack on this journey?  

·    A trusting relationship   

·    An open mind   

·    Solution-focused thinking  

·    The ability to self-reflect  

·    A growth mindset transforming “aha” moments into action  

·    Goal writing/setting tools for accountability   

·    The ability to have fun and celebrate successes   

  

Why might you want to take this journey?  

·    The opportunity to develop relationships  

·    Support in the form of resources, knowledge, and accountability  

·    Networking  

·    Increased confidence as you meet your goals  

·    Hands on experiences that extend typical professional development  

·    A better understanding of the coaching process enabling you to coach peers  

·    Better outcomes for children  

  

If you want more information about the coaching journey, you can watch a brief trailer here: https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/video/practice-based-coaching-overview 

  

You can also watch more in-depth trainings about the coaching process on RISE:  

·    Modules 1 & 2: Introduction to Practice-Based Coaching and Collaborative Coaching Partnerships   

·    Module 3: Shared Goals and Action Planning   

·    Modules 4, 5 & 6: Focused Observation, Reflection & Feedback, & Application   

  

With the coaching cycle as your compass and your coach by your side, may your teaching path be studded with gems of innovation, discovery, and joy. Onward to endless coaching adventures!  

 

IdahoSTARS conducts an annual analysis of the child care workforce in the state. Our research is presented in the Statewide and Regional Workforce Reports, which provide detailed information about the demographics of Idaho's child care workforce, including race, ethnicity, gender, education, pay rate, childcare experience, education, and type of employment. We also highlight the factors that affect the child care workforce and programs, which is important information for families, businesses, and Idaho's economy.

Take some time to view the 2024 Workforce Reports below and share with others:

2023 Statewide Workforce Report

2023 Statewide Workforce Report - In Spanish

Our previous reports have covered topics such as the impact of supplemental grants on programs, the challenges faced by child care programs, and issues that contribute to the high turnover rates in the child care workforce. To access our past and regional Workforce Reports, please visit https://idahostars.org/About-Us and look under Publications.

If you have ideas about the information we could provide for future workforce reports, don't hesitate to get in touch with outreach@idahoaeyc.org.

The Local Market Rates (LMR) are the maximum monthly amounts that the Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) will pay per child. The LMR is based on an analysis of private pay or unsubsidized rates of child care in Idaho based on age (infant, toddler, preschooler, and five and over) and county of active, licensed child care programs. The market rate for infants is set at 85% of maximum care for infants, 80% of the rate for toddlers, and 75% for children over 3.  The rates are then broken down by the type of care (child care center or family/group care) and the amount of care (full or part-time).   

 The LMR survey is conducted every three years in conjunction with the Idaho State Plan. The next evaluation will begin in February 2024 and is scheduled to be implemented in October 2024. Child care program owners and directors can help ensure the market rate is accurate by updating their rates in the Program Information Review (PIR) in RISE on a regular basis.    

 

Finding the right Pediatric First Aid/Pediatric CPR Course:

• Must be an in-person course with a certified instructor or a hybrid course (online with an in-person skills test).
• Certificate of course completion must include your name, the name of the instructor/organization issuing certification, the course completion date, the course expiration date, and the course title. If you took a hybrid course, please include verification that both the in-person portion and the skills test were completed.
• Must specify Pediatric (or “infant,” “child,” “toddler”) for BOTH First Aid and CPR.

Please note:

• • “Standard First Aid” courses do not meet the requirements for Pediatric First Aid
  • “Basic Life Support (BLS)” courses may meet requirements for Pediatric CPR but do not include Pediatric First Aid.

Before your course:

• Verify with the instructor that the course includes Pediatric CPR and Pediatric First Aid and has a hands-on in-person skills test.  
• Verify the certificate you will receive upon completion states Pediatric/Infant/Child/or Toddler for both First Aid and CPR.

After your course:

1. Upload a copy of your certificate into RISE under My Documents on My Profile.
2. Click Submit Documents for Approval and choose Upload a Document.
3. Under Document Type, choose “Pediatric CPR & Pediatric CPR” or “Pediatric First Aid” and “Pediatric CPR” separately if needed.
4. Fill out all relevant information.
5. Make sure to upload both sides of your certificate in one submission.

 

 

Questions? Email customersupport@idahoaeyc.org or reach out to your regional office.

 

 

The Pyramid Model is a framework that supports the social, emotional, and behavioral competence of all children in early care and education settings across Idaho (local school districts, Head Start Programs, and community early childhood education programs).

The Idaho Pyramid Collaborative brings together dedicated early childhood professionals who are passionate about creating supporting environments for children’s social and emotional well-being.  This collaboration aims to provide a platform for networking, professional development, and sharing best practices among educators and caregivers.

The benefits of joining:

1.  Access to evidence-based practices for promoting social-emotional development.
2. Networking opportunities.
3. Professional Development.
4. Resources and Tools to enhance the quality of early childhood programs.
5. Ongoing support and collaboration to implement the Pyramid Model effectively with training, coaching, and technical assistance.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit the following:

1. Attend a Pyramid Model Introduction Session:  March 12, 2024, 5:30 PT/6:30 MT
   1. To register:  https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/29a267aacc9c40c79fa2bb86578ebf77
2. Submit a completed application: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/5473200/Idaho-Pyramid-Model-Collaborative-Application

Important Dates

Application Period:  February 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024

Notification of Acceptance:  May 31, 2024

Launch Event and Orientation:  June 4, 2023, 5:30 PM PT/ 6:30 PM MT

Limited Space

Please note that space in the Idaho Pyramid Model Collaborative is limited.  Due to the high level of interest anticipated, we encourage early submission of applications.

For inquiries or further information, please contact Kim Brooks at kbrooks@uidaho.edu or check out our website Idaho Training Clearinghouse > Topics > N-Z > Pyramid Collaborative (idahotc.com). 

Join us in creating a positive impact on the lives of young children through the Idaho Pyramid Collaborative.  Together, we can build a strong foundation for their social and emotional development.

 

RISE and the Child Care Search will be unavailable due to maintenance from Monday, Nov 6 at 6:00 PM until Tuesday 12:00 PM.