Provider Insider, Winter 2025
January, February, March 2025
Raul Velazquez - Preschool Promise Coach
Meet Nicole Singleton - Regional Inclusion Specialist
Allison Dittrich - Preschool Promise Quality Coach
Hannah Huber - Quality Improvement Specialist
Hi, I'm so excited to be a part of the incredible Clackamas CCR&R team. After serving as an educator, preschool through middle school, I've grown so passionately for the brilliance of early educators. I'm absolutely thrilled to come alongside providers to make processes feel smooth and enjoyable, while supporting as they work towards individual goals. I hope that my interpersonal and friendly demeanor encourages your experience working together to be an uplifting, positive experience.
Nina Rhodes - Quality Improvement Specialist
My name is Nina Rhodes, and I have my bachelor’s in Child and Family Studies from Portland State University and I have been working in the Early Learning Field for over 15 years. Most of this time was spent as a preschool teacher; I have worked in a Registered Family, Certified Family, and Certified Centers. The last 9 years I spent as a Head Start Teacher, working with children aged 3-5 and their families. As I start my new role here at CCR&R as a Quality Improvement Specialist I look forward to learning my position and getting to work with early educators in Clackamas County. One thing I am excited to do in my role as a QIS is to work with Early Educators to make professional development goals and help them reach these goals.
Focus on the Pyramid Model
Our Purpose
In the first five years of life, experiences and relationships stimulate children’s development, creating millions of connections in their brains. Their brains develop connections faster in the first five years than at any other time in their lives. Our hope is that these newsletters will give you tools to help support your child's social and emotional development and prepare your child to enter preschool and Kindergarten ready to learn!
The Pyramid Model
The Pyramid Model is a framework for supporting the social and emotional development of our children. The goal of the Pyramid Model is to create an environment where every child feels good about coming to school. We do this by designing classrooms that promote a child's interest in learning and by building positive relationships among children, families, and staff.
Why do we use Pyramid Model? Click the links below to learn more.
Pyramid Model Quick Tip
How to Teach Young Children About Rules and Expectations
Choose 2-3 rules that are important for your family.
Examples:
- Use gentle hands to touch
- Pick up your toys when you are done playing
Write down the rules as “do’s” (instead of “don’ts”). As an example, clean up your toys instead of don't leave a mess.
Pick rules that apply to situations where your child needs reminders.
Pick rules that your child can learn to do (e.g., appropriate for your child’s age and abilities).
Make a rules chart. Add a picture that shows your child following the rule. Have your child help or watch you make the chart.
Show and tell
Focus on teaching your child the rules.
.Your introduction to the rules should be for teaching your child in an interesting and fun way,
Show your child what it looks like to follow the rule. You might need to break it down into smaller steps. Model it. . Take turns with your child and be silly, showing them what it looks like to follow the rule and not follow the rule.
Make up a story about the rules and use it to review the rules.
After learning the rules, play a game to see if your child can remember the rules. Give a big hug or high five after they recite the rules to you. Remember that your child is learning the rules. It will take time and practice before they can follow them.
Practice makes better. You may need to review and practice the new lots of times before your child independently remembers. Celebrate your child’s effort and success. Offer specific praise and encourage your child for learning and following the rules. (Example: Wow. You picked up all your toys. Your room looks so clean!)
Hands on Learning Opportunities Resource Guide
Would you like to include more hands-on learning opportunities or field trips to your curriculum? Take a look at this resource guide that Clackamas CCR&R has put together for our providers! This resource guide is accessible year-round! Click here to find fun in your area!
Inclusive Partners Tip of the Month
Did you know….
Mindful changes to your daily routines can result in big positive changes in children’s behaviors?
Taking a trauma responsive approach to classroom management can support all the students in your group learn how to regulate their emotions and interact respectfully with other people. Having consistent daily routines and following a predictable schedule that is posted in your classroom helps children know what to expect. One way to be trauma responsive is to provide consistency so that children feel safe and secure. Clearly communicating behavior expectations in relation to routines, in simple and specific language, helps teachers and children alike. Remember, behavior is learned just like academics and gross motor skills: with ongoing teaching, frequent practice, and consistent support.
Adding more trauma responsive tools to your toolbelt is an example of an inclusive practice that supports all children regardless of age or ability. You can reach out to Inclusive Partners for support. Call us 971-673-2286 or email DELC.InclusivePartners@ode.oregon.gov
Anti-Suspension & Expulsion Cohort
Ty Morris Diversity Series - All Set 1 DIV
Cost: $60
1/7/24 Diverse Classroom Culture: Developing Cultural Competence & Diverse Lesson Plans and Activities (85353)
1/14/24 Developing Cultural Humility in Implementing Diverse Lesson Plans and Activities (85435)
1/21 Please Don't Touch my Hair: A Communities Cultural Response to Ethnic Hair in Early Learning and Classroom Settings (85436)
1/28 Why We Don't Suspend: Policies and Procedures for Anti-Suspension and Expulsion. (85437)
Zero to Three Critical Competencies Social Emotional Module (85355)
Dates: Feb. 11 & 18, Mar. 11 & 18, Apr. 8 & 15, 6pm-9pm
Language: English
CKC - 5 HGD, 4 LEC, 9 UGB, Set Two, ARC: IT
Cost: $100 (OCCD scholarships will apply)
Location: Online
Trainer: Candi Stark
Social-emotional development is the foundation for all areas of childhood development and learning. The Overview will establish your role, examine the curriculum, and explore learning environments for your participants. The six modules in this Area will explore building warm positive relationships, responsive caregiving, supporting social-emotional expression and regulation, promoting socialization, guiding behavior and promoting infant and toddler sense of identity and belonging through theoretical and practical application of the concepts presented.
Roots of Resilience (85357)
Dates: Mar. 15 & 22, 9am-230pm
Language: English
CKC - HGD 4 hours, PPLD 1 hour, UGB 5 hours, Set Two, ARC: IT, PS, SA
Cost: $100 (OCCD scholarships will apply)
Location: Online
Trainer: Kelley Lawson
This workshop begins with an introduction to nurturing resilience with young children and their families using a trauma lens. Participants examine trauma, resilience, and how trauma affects children and families. Participants engage in self-reflection and application of acquired knowledge and lived experience.
