Monthly News and Updates from IdahoSTARS

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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.

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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.    

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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.

 

 

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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.

 

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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. 

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IdahoSTARS Badges are Back!

 

Earn IdahoSTARS Badges in 8 Early Childhood Education (ECE) specialty areas and receive a certificate and a $100 financial recognition (for up to two badges).

What are IdahoSTARS Badges?

Badges are a recognition of completed professional development that consists of both LEARNING (gaining knowledge of early learning content) and DOING (putting this knowledge into action). These badges follow national trends for increasing quality practices and will support the work of early care and education programs in Idaho. Each badge represents expertise in a domain or specialized area of early childhood development and care.

Why does IdahoSTARS have a Badge program?

We want IdahoSTARS Badges to provide access to professional development recognition for everyone in the ECE field in all the different ways that you choose to continue learning, improving your practice and providing consistent care. We know that you are professionals dedicated to continuous quality improvement and doing the best for children and families in Idaho. Continued training and improvement in quality practices is always worth celebrating!

How do I earn a Badge?

Each badge is awarded by earning a combination of at least 10 points through approved activities that are outlined in detail in our BADGE GUIDE. Point-earning activities include certifications, training, Targeted Technical Assistance (TTA), employment history, and/or coaching cycles. Child care professionals can earn as many of the eight badges as they choose, but each badge may be earned only once. If you earned a particular badge last year, it won’t be awarded again. To learn more about each individual badge and how to earn points, please refer to our updated BADGE GUIDE or find it in RISE Help under the PDS (Professional Development System) tile.

In which Early Childhood Education specialty areas can I earn a badge?

IdahoSTARS offers eight badges:

  • Business Practices Badge
  • Child Development Badge
  • Environments, Curriculum & Instruction Badge
  • Pyramid Model Badge
  • Health, Safety & Wellness Badge
  • Inclusion & Diversity Badge
  • Montessori Badge
  • Partnerships with Families & Communities Badge

How is a Badge recognized?

Upon completion of required activities and an approved application, Badges are recognized by a certificate and will appear on Professional Development Records (PDR) in RISE. Additionally, providers who are eligible for incentives and have a verified PDS Level 1 or above, a $100 recognition will be awarded for up to two badges.

Why is the financial recognition a different amount this year?

The $100 per Badge recognition is a reduced amount from the last two years. Badges were previously funded by federal supplemental pandemic relief funds for child care and those funds are no longer available. The IdahoSTARS project team felt strongly that we wanted to be able to continue financial compensation for the those completing Badges. Without the federal dollars, IdahoSTARS knew that this would be difficult, however, our team managed to fit the recognition dollars into the IdahoSTARS budget at a reduced amount. We know that this financial recognition is important to you.

Am I eligible?

Any provider that has a profile in RISE and is a Level 1 or higher is eligible to apply. If your Professional Development System (PDS) level is "Level 1 unverified," upload proof of your highest education level in RISE. If you don’t have your diploma, contact PDS@idahoaeyc.org for an exemption form.

How do I apply?

Once you have completed all activities and ensured you are eligible to apply according to what is outlined in our BADGE GUIDE, click on the link below to submit an application:

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/e3027541cc7a4c46921314cdf35e103b

Questions? Look at the FAQ page at the end of the BADGE GUIDE or call 2-1-1 and ask for the IdahoSTARS training office or email trainingoffice@idahostars.org

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IdahoSTARS badges recognize your expertise in early childhood education. Each badge represents a domain or specialized area of accomplishment in early childhood development. Earn points through certification, training, Targeted Technical Assistance (TTA), employment history, and/or coaching cycles. Each badge is awarded by earning a combination of at least 10 points through approved activities. Each badge is recognized by a certificate and on your Professional Development Record (PDR) in RISE.

To learn more about each individual badge and how to earn points, please refer to our updated 2022 - 2023 BADGE GUIDE

A downloadable PDF version can be found in the RISE Help Section under the PDS (Professional Development System) tile.

To submit an application for a badge click here.

ELIGIBILITY

Any child care provider with a verified PDS level AND who is eligible for IdahoSTARS incentives is eligible for a Badge Recognition. Is your PDS Level 1 - unverified? Upload proof of your highest level of education in RISE! If you don’t have your diploma, contact PDS@idahoaeyc.org for an exemption form.

RECOGNITION

Child care providers can earn as many badges as they choose, but only one badge per domain. If you earned a particular badge last year, it won’t be awarded again. For providers who are eligible for incentives and have a verified PDS Level, a $500 recognition will be awarded for up to two badges. We've been able to offer the $500 recognitions through stabilization funds that were offered through the pandemic that will end July 1, 2023. We are happy to report, you'll still receive a recognition when badges return on October 1, 2023, but due to stabilization funding ending, that recognition will be $100 per badge.  

DEADLINE

Each badge has its own specific requirements. The application will close on June 15, 2023.

BADGES FALL 2023

We've had such great success with badges that we will be bringing them back on October 1, 2023. We will use your feedback to improve our processes and procedures before the fall relaunch. 

You can earn the following EIGHT badges:

  • Business Practices Badge
  • Child Development Badge
  • Environments, Curriculum & Instruction Badge
  • Pyramid Model Badge
  • Health, Safety & Wellness Badge
  • Inclusion & Diversity Badge
  • Montessori Badge
  • Partnerships with Families & Communities Badge

Questions? Call 2-1-1 and ask for the IdahoSTARS training office or email trainingoffice@idahostars.org

You can also refer to the frequently asked questions page in the badge guide.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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We want to hear your voice, so we've created a way you can provide feedback to us at anytime.  On the footer of IdahoSTARS webpage, there is a link IdahoSTARS Feedback that will take you directly to our feedback page. Click on the link to share your feedback directly with our decision makers. Feedback will be compiled and shared through our newsletter every quarter. Compiled feedback will also be a standing agenda item at IdahoSTARS  meetings. Help us best serve child care professionals and children in Idaho with your feedback!

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Summer Safety - Health Consultant Corner

Kathy Gates, BSN, RN, IMH-E®, Child Care Health Consultant

It is beneficial for adults and children to get outdoors and enjoy fresh air and the warmth of the summer sun. Active outdoor play promotes a healthy body weight, strong bones, and muscle development. There are also opportunities for social and emotional development. Outdoor activities increase the opportunity to build relationships with others. Being active outdoors can help a child reduce anxiety and irritability which will aid in the reduction of indoor challenging behaviors. With careful planning, children and staff can enjoy the outdoors while staying healthy and safe. Here are helpful tips to ensure the health and safety of the children in your care during the summer months:

SUN PROTECTION

Avoid scheduling outdoor play during the hottest part of the day. Ensure that shade is available. Instruct parents and caregivers to dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing including hats. Place infants under 6 months of age in a shady area and out of the direct sunlight. Sunscreen containing a SPF 15 or higher and UVA/UVB protection is recommended every time children and adults go outside. It is best practice to obtain written permission from parents before using sunscreen on a child. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside. It is important to prevent severe sunburns in childhood to lessen cancer risk in adulthood.

HYDRATION

Make sure all children stay well hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water. Avoid high sugar drinks. Keep kids hydrated and cool. Younger children do not regulate their body temperatures as well as adults in warmer temperatures. They become so engaged in active play that they do not always acknowledge they are thirsty. Regularly scheduled water breaks are necessary to prevent dehydration. Observe children for any sign of overheating and/or dehydration including flushed skin, fast pulse, nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness, or confusion. Seek immediate medical care if a child exhibits symptoms of a heat-related illness.

TRANSPORTATION

When transporting children, always account for every child and NEVER leave a child in a parked car. Even when it feels cool outside, the interior temperature of a car can reach dangerous levels quickly and having a window partially open does not prevent temperatures from rising. The temperature inside a car can increase almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes. A child left in a parked car is at greatest risk for heat stroke and death.

Toddler tragically dies after being found in hot vehicle at Tennessee daycare

PLAYGROUND SAFETY

Each year in the United States, more than 200,000 children ages fourteen and younger are patients in hospital emergency departments from playground related injuries. Falls are a common cause of injury. The most common injuries from falling off playground equipment including swings and slides are injuries to the face, head, or arms. Children require constant supervision. The playground should be age and developmentally appropriate and well-maintained. Routinely inspect the play equipment for any hazards. Remove any broken or hazardous play equipment from the play area immediately. The surface under the play equipment needs to be safe, cushioned, and well maintained. Prior to children getting on the playground, check the temperature of the equipment and surface under and around the equipment to reduce the risk of harmful burns. Ensure that the surface under the play equipment is impact absorbing and the proper depth to reduce fall injuries.

FOOD SAFETY

Perishable food that is unrefrigerated at picnics or other activities is vulnerable to bacteria that grows quickly in warm temperatures. Ensure that food is cooked thoroughly. Wash your hands often when preparing and serving food. Never leave food out for more than one hour. It is advisable to store food in a well-insulated cooler packed with ice. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea.

WATER SAFETY

Water-related activities are popular during the summer months. As with other outdoor activities, constant supervision is imperative. Drownings are the leading cause of injury deaths for young children ages 1 to 4 years. According to the CDC, three children die every day due to drowning. Often, we think of drownings occurring in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and larger bodies of water. Insignificant amounts of standing water can contribute to drownings. For example, drownings can occur in wading pools or standing buckets of water. Caring for Our Children does not recommend the use of wading pools. Their rationale is that “portable wading pools do not permit adequate control of sanitation and safety, and they promote transmission of infectious diseases.” The use of sprinklers or hoses would be preferable to wading pools. Water tables and toys must be cleaned and sanitized. Children should wash their hands before and after any water play.

WEATHER AND AIR QUALITY

Outdoor play is advantageous for children; however, children should not go outdoors when weather conditions pose a safety or health risk. Children need protection from adverse weather events. According to Caring for Our Children, adverse weather considerations include a heat index at or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Children do not adapt to extreme temperatures because they have greater surface area-to-body mass ratio than adults. Children need protection from air pollution. Teachers should check the air quality index each day to determine if outdoor play is feasible. Poor air quality can contribute to asthma attacks and can contribute to permanent decreased lung size and function. Child Care Weather Watch is a great resource for childcare providers. This resource aids teachers in monitoring the temperature, humidity, and air quality. Facilities can sign up for EnviroFlash. This resource provides frequent air quality updates. The National Weather Service will also provide accessible forecasts and current weather conditions on mobile devices.

 

If you have questions or need additional information regarding Summer Safety, please contact your regional Child Care Health Consultant by dialing 2-1-1.

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Muchos niños necesitan estructura en su día, y necesitan algunas reglas a seguir. Cuando el juego es simplemente un "gratis para todos" sin rutinas o pautas para que los niños las sigan, a menudo se angustian y actúan mal. Cuando llegan a este punto, las consecuencias para ambos pueden ser bastante terribles.

Los niños necesitan principios rectores establecidos, una dirección clara y un seguimiento coherente. Las instrucciones vagas que vienen como reacciones pueden tener poco efecto y ser confusas para los niños (por ejemplo, "Deja de eso" o "Sé amable con tus amigos").

Aquí hay algunos consejos a seguir para establecer un clima de respeto y diversión para todos este verano:

Como cuidador, ¿te encuentras hablando de esta manera, con poco efecto? Los niños a menudo buscan hacer exactamente lo contrario de lo que los adultos les dicen, ya sea por distracciones o simplemente por desobediencia anticuada. Pero los niños también se portan mal por otras razones: es posible que no hayamos expresado nuestras expectativas con suficiente claridad antes de tiempo, o que hayamos caído en un patrón de cumplimiento inconsistente de esas expectativas. Los niños prosperan si podemos tener expectativas claras de comportamiento y hacer cumplir esos estándares de manera consistente.

Los niños deben entender claramente los principios básicos que rigen nuestras decisiones cotidianas. Sí, debe haber reglas, reglas que pueden ajustarse a medida que los niños maduran o a medida que cambian las circunstancias, pero esperamos que los niños siempre puedan señalar la declaración de misión que buscamos cumplir todos los días, esa base sobre la cual se construyen nuestras reglas, expectativas y consecuencias.

PRUEBA ESTO: Siéntate con tu grupo y explícales lo importante que es que haya reglas establecidas que todos conozcan y entiendan. Déjelos participar sugiriendo reglas a medida que las escribe. Luego reduzca la lista a unos cuatro a seis que son realmente importantes para su grupo. Una vez que todo su grupo haya acordado la lista, escríbalos en un pedazo grande de papel y haga que todos lo firmen, incluido usted. Publíquelo para que todos lo vean y dígale a su grupo que es un "documento activo". Explique que un "documento activo" significa que si no están cumpliendo con algunas de las expectativas que han acordado juntos, se sentarán como grupo y hablarán de ello. Mantenga las expectativas básicas, pero asegúrese de mostrarles a los niños cómo se ven estas expectativas. Por ejemplo, si determinan que "respetarse mutuamente" es una regla importante, comparta con el grupo cómo pueden demostrar la regla conociendo los nombres de los demás, no hablando cuando otros están hablando, siendo corteses, turnándose, etc. Haga que las reglas sean fáciles y tangibles y dejes claros los ejemplos.

Fundamente sus propias expectativas en la realidad.

Las expectativas deben estar ancladas en la realidad para anticiparse a los errores y prever el mal comportamiento. Es demasiado fácil perder la perspectiva de lo que es el comportamiento normal en cada edad y etapa de desarrollo. A menudo sobreestimamos su capacidad para tener autocontrol, para mantenerse enfocados en una tarea y para manejar bien las situaciones sociales. Es normal que un niño de 2 años se enoje si no obtiene algo que quiere; es normal que un niño de 3 años lo pierda si hay un cambio en su rutina a la hora de acostarse; es normal que un niño de 5 años sueñe despierto en medio de un juego de T-ball; es normal que un niño de 12 años esté de mal humor; es normal que un adolescente sea irresponsable de vez en cuando. 

Hay una línea fina. Necesitamos esperar responsabilidad personal y el desarrollo de habilidades sociales apropiadas después de que los niños hayan aprendido los estándares, pero no debemos sorprendernos cuando fallan en esas cosas: cometer errores es parte de cómo se desarrollan los cerebros de los niños. Lo más importante es que estos errores están abriendo caminos para un mayor aprendizaje. Nuestras respuestas a sus errores y malas decisiones deben fomentar ese proceso natural de maduración.

Diviértete y mantente a salvo.

Los niños están contigo para divertirse, pero también necesitan estar seguros. Lo necesitan y sus familias lo esperan. USTED DEBE proporcionar ambos, pero la seguridad debe ser su primera prioridad. Los cuidadores que solo se enfocan en la diversión pueden dejar que alguien haga algo que puede no ser lo mejor para la seguridad. Si algo le sucediera a un niño como resultado de este lapso en el juicio, tendría consecuencias devastadoras. ¡La seguridad es lo primero y lo último! La toma de riesgos saludables puede generar confianza y ayudar a enseñar las consecuencias naturales. Desafortunadamente, sin orientación, los niños ya pueden tomar riesgos que resultan en consecuencias graves y a largo plazo. Proporcionar a los niños opciones saludables para tomar riesgos ofrece la emoción que buscan con consecuencias negativas mínimas. La toma de riesgos saludables puede reducir la probabilidad de tomar riesgos poco saludables. Ejemplos de toma de riesgos saludables para niños pequeños incluyen: Explorar en un patio de recreo, probar nuevas actividades o nuevos alimentos, jugar a fingir juntos y dejar que sean el líder y enseñarle, montar montañas rusas y emocionantes atracciones o escalada en roca en interiores y participar en actividades que crean emoción sin el potencial de consecuencias poco saludables.

Mantén la línea.

A medida que establezca límites y consecuencias con los niños, es casi seguro que probarán y protestarán. Cumpla con sus límites, sea justo pero consistente y empatice con las reacciones emocionales de cada niño. Los niños necesitan saber que usted está constantemente conectado y emocionalmente allí con ellos, sin importar los errores que cometan. Recuerda que a medida que avanza el verano, puedes cansarte. Nuestro trabajo como cuidadores es guiarlos constantemente, incluso cuando estamos cansados, cuando estamos preocupados, cuando estamos frustrados o enojados. Puede llegar a un punto en el que tenga ganas de relajar algunas de las reglas y regulaciones. Esto es natural, pero manténgase firme en sus estándares. Al permanecer fiel a lo que eres y al ambiente que has creado con tus hijos, lograrás tus metas.