By Victoria Ward
Dear colleagues,
We’ve redesigned this newsletter just a bit to make it easier to scan. Scroll down for regular updates and resources tailored to your specific needs!
I am personally excited about a new training for program directors, offered at no cost to you, on August 22 and September 5. Coaching staff is a proven way to increase retention, and yet it can be tricky when you are also their supervisor. Learn how to do this effectively before this new school year starts!
This training, by Dr. Sarah Sexton, is called Promoting Staff Retention Using A Capacity-Building Framework for Supervisory Coaching. I attended it at NAEYC’s Professional Learning Institute this spring, and I am pleased to bring it to you!
A few more quick updates:
It may be summer, but our partners at Vermont Afterschool are still offering coaching to the programs they serve!
Our partners at the Child Development Division (CDD) recently announced the newly revised STARS program, and are distributing resource bundles full of new books and materials to strengthen program quality. These bundles are only available for a brief time, so scroll down to select and request yours!
Also in partnership with the CDD, our Community of Practice focused on developing a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan will wrap up next month. We are so proud of the efforts of the family home program owners and center program directors in this CoP—in August, they will each have a CDD approvable CQI plan.
Finally, I am thrilled to welcome two new staff members to our expanding SPARQS team: Jessica Williams, representing Caledonia and Essex counties, joins our statewide team of Quality Support Specialists, and Deanna Murray of Middlesex joins our Assessment team! As our team grows, it means shorter wait times for your program to receive the resources and assessments you seek.
Remember, the SPARQS team is here to support you. Request what you need through the portal on vtaeyc.org/sparqs.
Quality Resources
Bookmark SharedServicesVT.org! Shared Services VT is a resource platform for the Vermont Business and Technical Assistance Program (BTAP), administered by First Children’s Finance, and SPARQS. Shared Services VT provides access to local and national resources that improve business sustainability and quality of early childhood education programs in Vermont.
Access Quality Resources on SharedServicesVT.org
ECE Jobs Board on SharedServicesVT.org
Voices from the Field
There was overwhelming interest in our CLASS facilitator trainings earlier this month. So, we’re offering it again:
CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-K–3rd Observer Certification Training
Date:Â Wednesday, August 21, 2024Â –Â Friday, August 23, 2024
Time:Â 8:00Â AM-4:00Â PM
CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-K–3rd Observer Certification Training is a three-day, hands-on training that prepares individuals to certify as CLASS observers with proven reliability in measuring the quality of educator-child interactions across a diversity of settings. With this comprehensive training, participants develop their understanding of the CLASS tool, learn how to formally observe interactions, and become certified to document the quality of interactions, setting the stage for data-driven program improvement.
Cost: Free, SPARQS is pleased to sponsor this training for participants
Trainer:Â Nichole Bearor
Location:Â Online, zoom information will be shared in your confirmation email.
For Early Childhood Educators
Applications are now open for VTAEYC’s 2024 Exchange Program Fellowships: make a difference through advocacy!
Specialize in one of four intersections: community, equity, planet, or creative arts. Exchange Fellows will receive a $1,200 stipend for this 9-month journey from October to June.
The VTAEYC Exchange aims to inspire learning and action through advocacy in the areas where early childhood intersects with society’s most pressing issues. With leadership from the Vermont early childhood education community, the work is led by Fellows who explore, engage, and offer opportunities and resources to their communities.
Applications due:Â August 15, 2024
Learn More and Apply for an Exchange Fellowship
For Program Directors and Owners
Promoting Staff Retention Using A Capacity-Building Framework for Supervisory Coaching
Dates:Â Thursday, August 22, 2024Â & Thursday, September 5, 2024
Time:Â 12:00Â PM-2:00Â PM
Total Training Hours: There will be a required assignment in between sessions for an additional 2 hours of professional development. The total training hours will be 6 hours.
Coaching is an adult learning strategy that can build the capacity of individuals to create sustainable change. The predictable nature of coaching helps the coachee internalize a process for making deliberate decisions about their work. Learn to apply a capacity-building coaching framework to supervisory discussions to improve work force performance.
Cost: Free, SPARQS is pleased to sponsor this training for participants
Trainer:Â Sarah Sexton, Ed.D
From SPARQS Partners
STARS Resource Bundles from the CDD
The Child Development Division just announced its newly revised STARS program! This revision to Vermont’s child care quality recognition and improvement system puts the spotlight on interactions that support Vermont’s children and families to thrive.
To promote the revised model and help your program continuously strengthen quality, the STARS team designed 17 different resource bundlesÂ
Depending on your license type, you may choose between three and five bundles for your program. Only one submission per license number will be accepted.
View Resource Bundles Here
Make Bundle Selection Here
Find Your Resource
SPARQS involves partnership from the Child Development Division, Vermont Afterschool, and Shared Services VT. The bottom three links send you to one of our resource partners.
Subscribe Me For SPARQS Updates
SPARQS Portal: Request Coaching, Quality Supports, and Scored or Unscored Program Assessments
Access Self-Directed Resources From Shared Services
Request Coaching From Vermont Afterschool
Visit the Child Development Division’s STARS page
If you are still not sure what you need, email the SPARQS warm line.
STARS questions? The STARS team at the Child Development Division holds regular office hours on Thursdays between 12:30-1:30 PM via Microsoft Teams. Access the STARS page for the link.
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