
River Valley ECA
July Newsletter
Dear Teachers,
Email Amanda Fuentes at amanda.fuentes@uafs.edu or call (479)788-7249
Better Beginnings
Don't forget about the FREE resources from the Better Beginnings website. Click the image to access curriculum and circle time pintables. .
Meet your 2025-2027 Officers
Links for your Classroom
Training Feedback Form
What training(s) are you interested in? What training do you need? We want to hear from YOU! Click the image to fill out out professional training feedback form!
Upcoming Conferences
Building Bridges Through Powerful Partnerships
Tuesday, August 5 - Thursday, August 7
A-State Early Childhood Education Conference- Jonesboro
Email Libby James at CHS@AState.edu for more information.
Learn by doing through songs, stories, movement, and hands-on activities
Build social-emotional skills and classroom routines that work
Understand the “why” behind child development and professional practices
Connect with peers and mentors who will provide continuous support
Discover practical tools and classroom resources that can be used right away
Plus, ongoing coaching and mentoring beyond the training!
Please email Melissa Sutton at MSutton@AState.edu with questions.
Good News! The CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program is Back!
Make your CDA credential active again!
The CDA® Renewal Amnesty Program has returned for a limited time, and it's a
fantastic opportunity you won't want to miss! This year, the CDA® is celebrating its
50th anniversary, and as part of the festivities, the Council is bringing back this special
program to help you reactivate your credential.
If your CDA® credential expired any time on or after January 1, 2020, you're in luck!
This program is designed to give you a chance to complete the renewal process and get
your credential active again.
Are You Eligible?
Here's what you need to know to see if you qualify:
● Your CDA® expiration date must be January 1, 2020, or later.
● You'll need to meet all current renewal requirements.
● You'll apply online using YourCouncil. If you;re not sure how to access your
account, there are resources available to help you!
This amazing opportunity is available from February 1, 2025, to July 31, 2025, at 11:59
PM EST. Remember, all applications and payments (just $125!) must be submitted
online by the July 31st deadline. No exceptions or extensions will be granted, so be
sure to mark your calendar!
Get Ready Today!
Don't wait until the last minute! You can start preparing now by downloading the free
CDA® Renewal Procedures Guide from the Council's website. This guide has all the
detailed information you'll need about the renewal requirements. Give yourself plenty of
time to gather everything so you can take full advantage of this limited-time program!
Upcoming Trainings
Intro to Explorers Preschool Curriculum Direct
(1.5 hours of PDR credit)
This self-paced training can be completed at any time.
Register:
Contact: Marcy White, MWhite@AState.edu
Arkansas New Staff Orientation
(8 hours of PDR credit)
Register:
https://arkansas.learningterritory.com/
Contact: ARNSO@AState.edu
Using Books to Promote Healthy Eating
(2 hours of PDR credit)
Available through June 30
PDR Course # 72946
Contact: Gwendolyn Murphy, GMurphy@AState.edu
Starting Well with Families of Infants and Toddlers (In Spanish)
(2 hours of PDR credit)
Available upon request
Contact: Miriam Jackson, MirJackson@AState.edu
High-Quality Classroom Interactions -
ABC Refresher 2024-25
(3 hours of PDR credit)
The following link will take you directly to the Refresher home page. To receive the 3
hours of PDR credit, you must view any six of the 20-minute sessions, follow the
directions through the same link, and complete the Google doc.
Register: https://sites.google.com/view/abcrefresher2024-
2025/homeContact:Michelle Ford, BrFord@AState.edu
Supervision Solutions
PDR Course # 73784
Contact: Angie Murrey, AMurrey@AState.edu
Connecting with Each Child
PDR Course # 73788
Contact: Michelle White, MiWhite@AState.edu
Baby Steps
PDR Course # 73793
Contact: Linda Lord, LLord@AState.edu
Schedules and Transitions
PDR Course # 73785
Contact: Angie Murrey, AMurrey@AState.edu
Protecting Our Children
PDR Course # 73783
Contact: Angie Murrey, AMurrey@AState.edu
Keys to Successful Guidance
PDR Course # 73781
Contact: Susie Norys, SNorys@AState.edu
BETTER BEGINNINGS TRAININGS
ERS The Basics
PDR Course # 73782
Contact: Susie Norys, SNorys@AState.edu
ERS The Basics
PDR Course # 73782
Contact: Susie Norys, SNorys@AState.edu
ECERS 3
PDR Course #75974
Contact: Michelle Ford, BrFord@AState.edu
ITERS 3
PDR Course #75975
Contact: Michelle Ford, BrFord@AState.edu
SACERS
PDR Course # 73786
Contact: Lynn Waldroup, LWaldroup@AState.edu
FCCERS 3
PDR Course # 73787
Contact: Michelle White, MiWhite@AState.edu
Work Sampling
Work Sampling Introduction
(12 hours)
Monticello
July 16 - July 17, 8:30-3:30
PDR# 76151
Contact: Kimberly Benson, KBenson@AState.edu
Work Sampling Introduction
(12 hours)
Searcy
July 21 - July 22, 8:30-3:30
PDR# 76153
Contact: Angela Morrison, AMorrison@AState.edu or Becca Dougan,
Work Sampling Introduction
(12 hours)
North Little Rock
July 22 - July 23, 8:30-3:30
PDR# 76242
Contact: Libby Billingsley, EBillingsley@AState.edu
CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE
2024-25 Conscious Discipline Pre-K Training Opportunities
2024-25 Conscious Discipline Infant/Toddler Training Opportunities
For more information about Conscious Discipline trainings, contact Melissa Sutton,
MSutton@AState.edu or Debi Dunning, DDunning@AState.edu
2025-2026 Conscious Discipline Training Opportunities
2025-26 Conscious Discipline Pre-K Training Opportunities
2025-26 Conscious Discipline Infant/Toddler Training Opportunities
For more information about Conscious Discipline trainings, contact Melissa Sutton,
MSutton@AState.edu, or Debi Dunning, DDunning@AState.edu
ADMINISTRATOR TRAININGS
Introduction to ASQ3
Ages & Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ®-3) is a valid and reliable
developmental screening tool designed for use by early educators and health care
professionals. It is easy to use, family-friendly, and creates the snapshot needed to
notice possible delays and celebrate milestones.
Register: https://forms.gle/pYfLPQFjhKvHmacr5
Directors Orientation Series
Register: https://sites.google.com/view/directororientation/home
Contact: Gaynell Jamison, GJamison@AState.edu
Pre-Licensing Class (No PDR credit for this course)
Individuals interested in opening a new child care center, family home, or out-of-
school time program.
Contact: Miriam Jackson, MirJackson@AState.edu
Behavior Help Support
Behavior Help offers services to assist child care programs in managing
challenging classroom behaviors, as well as the social and emotional well-being
of your children, families, and staff. If administrators or staff would like support
from a technical assistance provider or mental health consultant, please
complete an online BehaviorHelp support request form.
Conscious Discipline Academy
2024-25 Conscious Discipline Pre-K Training Opportunities
2024-25 Conscious Discipline Infant/Toddler Training Opportunities
For more information about Conscious Discipline trainings, contact Melissa Sutton,
MSutton@AState.edu or Debi Dunning, DDunning@AState.edu
2025-2026 Conscious Discipline Training Opportunities
2025-26 Conscious Discipline Pre-K Training Opportunities
2025-26 Conscious Discipline Infant/Toddler Training Opportunities
For more information about Conscious Discipline trainings, contact Melissa Sutton,
MSutton@AState.edu, or Debi Dunning, DDunning@AState.edu