Monthly News and Updates from IdahoSTARS

Last week, IdahoSTARS joined the University of Idaho (U of I) Children’s Center to recognize the child care team’s outstanding commitment to quality early care and education. IdahoSTARS Director Melissa Crist and Region 2 team members Darla Amundson and Layna Franklin visited the U of I Children’s Center to celebrate their success.

The U of I team received six of the seven Quality STARS Achievements on offer. This includes:

1. Business Practices
2. Health, Safety and Wellness
3. Environments, Curriculum and Instruction
4. Child Development
5. Partnerships with Families and Community
6. National Accreditation.

They were presented with their Quality Achievers banner as well as some treats and balloons to officially mark the occasion.

"Their success stems from the unwavering commitment and passion of all staff in the field of early care and education. Their dedication to professional development, active engagement in coaching, and responsiveness to feedback reflect the high value they place on supporting children and families in Idaho," said Darla.

This success story is an excellent example of how IdahoSTARS works with providers across the state to ensure they’re not only receiving personalized support in their professional growth, but that they’re also equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide the best care to Idaho’s children.

We’re proud of the collaboration between IdahoSTARS and U of I’s Children’s Center, and are looking forward to seeing the continued success of these early care and education professionals.  

What is Quality Achievers?

Launched in May, Quality Achievers replaces the previous Quality Rating and Improvement System, Steps to Quality. It offers a voluntary pathway for child care programs to demonstrate and grow high-quality practices through personalized support and recognition.

The program recognizes programs for meeting foundational Quality Essentials in child care through their Growing Star program. It also recognizes Quality Essentials and high-quality achievements through the Star Achiever program.

Key support and recognition include:

• Coaching to improve practices and environments
• Assessments
• Recognition programs
• Incentives when programs meet their quality goals.

You can find more information about the Quality Achievers program through the IdahoSTARS website, or email QA@idahostars.org.

IdahoSTARS academic scholarships remove the financial barrier of higher education and make it easier for early care and education professionals to advance their academic journey. This is something Leslie Richard – a recent University of Idaho graduate – is very familiar with. As an IdahoSTARS scholar, she completed a degree in Early Childhood Education (birth through third grade general and special education) this month.

Leslie lives in the Post Falls area and has worked as an early childhood teacher for the last nine years. It was her experience in the classroom that fueled her desire to continue her academic career.

“There were so many kiddos coming through our program that had needs that I didn’t have the abilities or tools to be able to meet. We outsourced as many as we could, but all those amazing resources that are in the community – they can’t live in your classroom all the time. It almost felt like a disservice to those kids to not have the tools and resources in my toolbelt,” she said of making the initial decision to go back to school.

She learned about the IdahoSTARS academic scholarship program through her child care program director. The child care program was already part of the Steps to Quality Program – Idaho’s Quality Rating and Improvement System developed by IdahoSTARS. This voluntary program blends quality improvement and quality ratings to help child care centers and home-based programs improve the level of quality they offer to Idaho families. One way programs increase their quality rating is if 50% or more of staff meet increased professional development requirements including higher education.

“It helps the program, and it helps me because I have this desire to go back. My boss introduced that to me and I was really excited. It gave me the incentive to think I can make this happen.”

Last year alone, IdahoSTARS awarded 58 students nearly $200,000 in scholarship funds. The program is currently supporting 36 scholars across eight different colleges and universities in Idaho. The Project supports continued education to help professionals gain skills at every stage of their career. Ultimately, it’s about creating better outcomes for Idaho’s children.

It also helps to create better outcomes for  scholars. For Leslie, receiving an IdahoSTARS scholarship made it possible for her to return to school. “Being a stay-at-home mom initially, we didn’t have the finances saved up to be able to go to school without going into major debt. I know this is a dream that I want to fulfill, and my husband was 100% willing to support me. We just didn’t have the finances on that fixed of an income,” she said.

“As soon as I knew that it was a possibility, I immediately put in for the academic degree scholarship through IdahoSTARS … we scraped by for a little bit and then the scholarship came through. It allowed me to take all the credits that I could and actually provide for our kids at the same time. It was such an amazing blessing.”

The scholarship not only made it possible for her to gain the skills needed to provide more immediate support to children with additional needs in her classroom, but she’s confident that she can now set them up to thrive through their entire academic journey.

“Basically, this sets me up for success no matter what I do. It gave me the ability to go back to school as well as the possibility to gain the knowledge and wisdom that I have to pour into kiddos. That is my ultimate goal – being able to help kids not only regulate themselves socially and emotionally but to be able to further their own education. To take them from where they are now to where they need to be in the future,” she said.

Beyond professional development, the benefits of this IdahoSTARS academic scholarship could be felt through Leslie’s personal life as well. The additional financial security meant not having to find a second job. It meant she had more time to spend with her family. She was able to set an example for her kids and demonstrate the positive outcomes that came from pursuing her goals.

“It was a really cool thing to be able to set that example for my kids. We would sit at the kitchen table and do homework together and it would show them that, ‘Hey, we can do hard things together. We can do this. We can accomplish this.’

“There were moments when I was taking college math and my daughter was taking high school math, but they would have similar topics. I could say, ‘I know what you’re doing right now. I can help you with this.’ Or there was a moment when I was struggling and she said, ‘Oh, I just learned this in math,’ so she was able to help me. It was that perseverance factor and support. It was so cool.”

Leslie also built a new community of support in her life through her time at the University of Idaho. Classmates, professors, advisors – she developed an “academic family” who helped her throughout her journey. Overall, her experience was overwhelmingly positive, and she can’t wait to put it all into practice, helping the children in her classroom succeed.

While she may be finished with her degree, Leslie will continue to work with IdahoSTARS for on-going professional development to help maintain their program license and certification. Engagement in the IdahoSTARS Professional Development System (PDS), provides an array of specialized trainings and opportunities that help improve knowledge, competence, skill and effectiveness. Even better, eligible child care providers can receive PDS incentives and recognition for completing their trainings.

Through these services, the Project is helping to elevate child care providers across the state – something that Leslie has seen firsthand.

“It gets the profession to a higher level … The programs I’ve seen that are certified through IdahoSTARS and are in that Steps to Quality program have been noticeably higher quality than other programs I have seen in the area,” she said.

“I’ve been able to talk to a few other people who have benefitted from IdahoSTARS professional development. It incentivizes them to be better for the field they’re in. It’s a really cool thing. I had two younger gals that I was doing one of my internships with. They were both able to use their IdahoSTARS incentives to go back to school. It was amazing.” 

When asked what advice she would give to anyone considering a similar path to hers, she said, “Follow your dreams. Know there’s support in place for you to be able to get to that next level … There is a saying that I learned about kids being like a three-legged stool. If the school, the family and the community can band together, we can hold kids up and help them raise to a higher level. If we can all work together, it guarantees their success so much more.”

Along with our professional development system, IdahoSTARS is currently offering four academic scholarship options for early care and education professionals:

• Workforce Scholarship
• Single Course Scholarship
• Future Educator Scholarship
• Emerging Leaders Master’s Degree Scholarship

You can find more information about each, including how to apply, by checking out the Academic Scholarships page on our website.

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!

 

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.