Region 1&2 ECSE Snippets
May 2024
The Region 1&2 ECSE Snippets purpose is to provide monthly communication with practitioners regarding regional happenings, upcoming trainings and resources. It is each practitioner's responsibility to check with their district/supervisor regarding use of the resources and participation in professional development opportunities.
If you have any suggestions for resources, trainings, or regional happenings to spotlight please send them to Wendy Carter at wcarter@bric.k12.mn.us.
Region 1&2 Spotlight
Upcoming Professional Development
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI)
Resource Highlights
Inclusive Children's Literature (NEW!)
Equity
Autism Resources
Family Engagement
Housekeeping
Bemidji EQIP Team attends EQIP Statewide Retreat
The Evidence-Based Quality Intervention Practices (EQIP) statewide retreat was held on Friday, April 26th in Maple Grove, MN. The Bemidji Early Intervention team from Region 2 attended this year. Pictured from left to right: Back row: Trina Ingmire, Erin Brittain, Lisa Friedt, Marcie Gargano. Front row: Kat Peterson, Jennifer Kondos, Debby Yates.
Here are a couple of quotes from the team members:
"The retreat was a fun way to learn and connect. It was helpful to see and hear how other teams across the state are implementing EQIP and what they have found works for them along the way. We came away feeling inspired with new ideas to try!""It was exactly what our team needed. It was nice to hear where other teams are at in the innovation and what Bemidji has done over the years."
Do you know someone to spotlight?
Do you know of someone doing something fantastic in their classroom or on home visits? Or maybe it’s you! Do you have a new strategy, curriculum, or resource that others could benefit from? The Region 1&2 Spotlight is here to highlight all of the amazing things happening for young children in our area. If you or someone you know has something to share, please let me know and I would love to include it in future editions of the ECSE Snippets! Contact Wendy at wcarter@bric.k12.mn.us
Open Office Hours - Early Learning Services
May Session
Supports for Social and Emotional Well-Being of Children, Families and Professionals
Thursday, May 23, 2024, 11 a.m. – noon
As early learning professionals continue understanding how stress and trauma impact the social and emotional well-being of young children, families, and themselves, this session will share information and resources available to explore, implement, and lead your work within schools and programs. Lauren Moberg, Director of Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health (MACMH) and Teya Dahle, Department of Human Services (DHS) Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Coordinator, will provide an overview and update of information and professional learning opportunities that are available for individuals and groups now and as you plan for next year. We also invite you to share any questions in the registration link that you would like to have answered during the presentation.
Early Childhood Screening Training
Pre-register for the May 23 training by May 9 so resources may be sent by U.S. mail.
Minnesota Act Early and Follow Along Series About Autism Spectrum Disorder
The goal of this series is to support early developmental monitoring, developmental screening, early signs of ASD, connections to resources, and identification of developmental disabilities in young children (birth–age 5).
May 6 – Help Me Grow-Early Intervention and Help Me Connect
June 3 – Mental health supports
July 8 – Overcoming common barriers and waitlists
August 5 – EIDBI and healthcare coverage
Is There An App For That? Developmentally Appropriate Uses of Technology in Early Childhood
NEW DATE: October 25th!
The youngest among us are no strangers to digital technology. Yet families and educators are inundated with conflicting advice about screen time. In this workshop, Erin Walsh will cut through conflicting information and translate the latest research for early childhood professionals. Using stories, warmth, and humor Erin will share ways that technology can both help and hurt children’s learning and development and explore practical strategies for helping young children thrive in a world dominated by screens.
Sponsored by Bemidji Early Childhood Collaborative (BECC)
Date: Friday, October 25, 9:00-12:00
Cost: $40 per person (responsibility of individual districts). *Please talk with your ECSE Leader for information on the possibility of this cost being covered by regional funds.
Location: Calvary Lutheran Church
2508 Washington Ave SE, Bemidji
Tip Sheets: Music and Emotional Regulation
This tip sheet was created in a partnership between the Center for Early Education & Development at the University of MN (CEED) and the MacPhail Center for Music. It explains how music enrichment can help children build emotional regulation skills and get ready to learn and grow.
Tip Sheet: Music and Emotional Regulation
Like what you see? Check out the companion tip sheet for more ideas. There are suggestions for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers!
Applying It: Engaging in Musical Play with Young Children
Image by Avraham Nacher from Pixabay
Think about your favorite children’s book. Who are the main characters? Animals? Children? Adults? Do they look like you? Do they have a disability? Who are the authors?
As you make decisions about books to include in your classroom library, remember to consider including disability and diversity through children’s literature.
Children’s book author and illustrator, Eric Velasquez says,
“Once a child sees himself represented in a book, his existence is validated, and he feels that he is part of the world.”
This new section will feature a children’s book each month that includes diversity in the author, illustrator, or primary characters.
When We Are Kind
When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.
Hearing Loss in Children
This CDC website includes website addresses, contact information, and brief descriptions for organizations, agencies, and corporations that provide information related to children with hearing loss and their families. It is a great resource for practitioners and families to increase their understanding of hearing loss.
Recognizing Bias and Promoting Equity in Early Childhood Settings
Developing Sense of Self
This short video from the Center of Excellence for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation encourages teachers to embrace children’s cultures to support their sense of self.
Recognizing Bias and Promoting Equity in Early Childhood Settings (6:19)
Early Literacy: Parents Play a Key Role
Explore these Developmental Milestones checklists from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the CDC Milestone tracker app, and other resources. How might you use these with families?