In this Issue
- A Participant's Experience with T.E.A.C.H.
- Spotlight on: Professional Development Registries
- Vote Phyllis Kalifeh for NAEYC Governing Board
- Forum Corner
- Early Learning Coalition Briefs
- Legislative Updates
- Economic Stimulus for Child Care Equals Jobs
- State and National News
- Calendar of Events
Forum Corner
New Officers Slated for Forum Board of Directors
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| Ann Levy recognizes Bob Buesing as the Forum's new Board Chair |
In an official passing of the gavel, Ann Levy, the Forum's sitting Board Chair and an early childhood consultant, recently recognized Bob Buesing as the Forum's new Board Chair. Buesing, an attorney for Trenam & Kemper, previously served as the Board's Vice Chair. Other new Board officer appointments include Wil Blechman of the Florida Association of Infant Mental Health as Vice Chair and Barbara Saunders, an early childhood consultant, as Secretary. In addition, two new members-at-large will be joining the Board at its next meeting: Mary Bryant, of Seattle, WA, will be rejoining the Board and Nancy Kline, Superintendent of the Martin County public schools, will be joining for her first term of office.
Learn more about the Forum's Board of Directors
Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County Awards $20,000 Contract to Forum
The Children's Forum was recently awarded a contract for $20,000 by the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County to investigate existing professional development systems and suggest plans, based on local interviews and research, to develop a cohesive structure by which to manage local efforts. Professional development systems in early childhood education are a growing trend throughout the country and encompass many facets of learning and advancement for child care providers by providing various pathways for professional growth. By ensuring high-quality training for child care professionals, assisting them in selecting the trainings best suited to achieve their goals, providing financial aid options, supplementing income with wage stipends tied to achievements, and tracking all of this information in a sophisticated database, the early childhood workforce can move forward to new levels of professionalism.
Let the Forum Help Your Outreach Efforts
As a nonprofit organization, the Forum understands that successfully generating attention to your organization and the child care workforce is no easy task. It requires thinking strategically, shaping the message and targeting the right audience. Our seasoned team can develop and execute strategies to establish your identity and build support for your organization and community. From website design and consulting, graphic design and public advertising services to creating professional development systems like Quality Rating Improvement Systems and Registry management, the Forum can tackle any project at a price you can afford. For more information, contact Jenna Brown, Communications Director, at 850-681-7002 or jjbrown@thechildrensforum.com.
Forum Staffer to Serve as Southeast Representative for ECA
Carol Montealegre, Director of the Quality Counts Career Center and a Forum employee, has been appointed to serve for one year as the Southeast Regional Representative for the Early Childhood Association of Florida (ECA). As an affiliate of both the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA), ECA is the largest organization for early childhood professionals in the state of Florida.