Child Care Provider Education (McKinley County)

Six weeks after attending workshops, child care providers in Lea County visited the Lea County Extension Service to borrow equipment, curriculum, or receive additional training on a technique or program that was taught during the 2010 workshop such as the “Glo-Germ Hand Washing Activity” and “The Animal Trackers Physical Activity Curriculum”. The center based providers who have used the Better Kid Care Series for their new employees, reported that there is a higher retention rate with new hires. The providers seemed to be staying in their job because of the initial training they received from the Penn State series versus no training at all.

95-100% of participants (of counties reporting evaluation data) increased their knowledge level on behavior management, child development, ages and stages for infants & toddlers, developing baby’s senses, food allergies, financial assistance, healthy snacks, discipline, child abuse and neglect, working with parents, stress management, professionalism, early childhood classroom, play, and food safety. These topics met the 7 child care licensing regulation competencies. 318 providers from Lea, San Juan, and McKinley counties (including the Navajo Nation Child Care & Development Program) attended workshops at 5 individual centers and 2 Regional Child Care Conferences. They acquired 17 continuing education credits. A total of 5,406 continuing education hours were provided by Cooperative Extension.

Crownpoint Child Care Providers Training
To meet with federal and state regulations child care providers attended a 4 part workshop on May 20, 2010 in Crownpoint. Child care providers in the eastern part of McKinley County attended all four sessions in order to renew their certification as Child Care Centers. Their training was provided by quality educators in various topics that meet with the seven competencies. Stress management/power point and activities were attended by 42 people, part 2 provided child care providers with helpful tips on center professionalism. Two hour credits were earned evaluation was provided by The Navajo Nation Child Care and Development Fund Program. Evaluation copies were provided for the Home Economist. The evaluations help to maintain quality in new programs by covering topics/tips shared by clientele.

Regional Early Care and Education Conference
Several workshops and half day conferences are provided on a yearly basis to help child care providers acquire continuing education credits in order to keep their jobs and insure quality care for their clientele. The Regional Early Care and Education Conference this year provided child care training on March 7,2010. Eight topics were covered during the time allotted; participants were required to attend 4 of the topics of their choice. Participant attended the conference to receive credits to assure their employment as day care providers. The Home Economist provided 2 child development sessions: “The Early Childhood Classroom” and “Play and The Young Child”. About 47 child care providers attended the back to back sessions and received helpful tips on how to set up learning center, and how to choose age appropriate toys. By providing helpful topics participants can choose the one’s they think will benefit their needs. Participation during the workshops is usually 100% it is very seldom that we have people who do not want to be active and complete the activities. Connection provides evaluation at the end of each session which is collected and copies of each evaluation is given to each presenter. The workshops are very informative and child care providers take with them new ideas and activities that can be shared with the children and their counterparts.

Rock Springs Connection Child Care Provider Training
There are a large number of child care providers who need continuing education who need education credits in order to keep the day care center operating in good standing with the federal and state government. It also increases the likelihood that children are provided with quality care and educational venue for adult learners to improve child development practices. County Extension Agents coordinate and present educational workshops on a variety of subjects that meet regulation and policies. 27 adults attended a two hour Child Development and Food Safety workshop on June 23, 2010 at the Rock Springs Chapter House. Participants were provided with several hands-on activities and child development pre/post evaluations. Our next training will be in November 2010 as we complete the second part of Food Safety and continue with part 2 of Child Development. Pre and Post evaluations were provided and collected by the educators.