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News

Our goal is to ensure that young children have quality, nurturing, and safe child care and education. Here you can find news and resources to support the system of early learning - whether you are a caregiver, teacher, administrator, parent or advocate.

If you have questions or information to share through the weekly Digest, please send to: info@BrightBeginningsMC.org

Latest Weekly Digests

     March 16, 2023 | Early Care and Education Weekly Digest
      March 9, 2023 | Early Care and Education Weekly Digest
      March 3, 2023 | Early Care and Education Weekly Digest

For past editions and more early childhood development news, click here.


Resources & Tools


It Takes a Coalition

It takes a coalition to provide coordinated support and solutions for child care and education. Here are some of those that have come together during and after the pandemic to build an even stronger early learning system:


FOR EDUCATORS

  • STEAM Starters: Tinkering for Early Learners Online Training Modules Available Now! This training provides practical online learning experiences that help build confidence in planning, facilitating and launching tinkering activities with children that stimulate STEM learning. Register through CECO here

  • CPIN  provides free ECE classes for educators. Get your professional development hours and learn new ways to work effectively with children and families. Check out their calendar for upcoming events in Region 5, which includes Monterey County. 

  • Want to join the CA Early Childhood Mentor Program? Join your colleagues in the 4-session Regional ECE Mentor Community of Practice series focused on leadership. Share these flyers and register here.  

  • Launch young readers through Reading Rockets! Explore this great resource to help little ones as they learn literacy skills. Includes Pre-K thru 3rd grade strategies. 

  • You may be eligible for the 2023 ECE Higher Education Stipend, if you are taking courses and are working in an early education site or licensed child care home. Applications now available. Learn more and help share these flyers. 

  • New funding opportunity for child care centers! The California Department of Social Services has released funding for General Child Care (CCTR). Learn more and apply today. Applications are due Friday, March 31. Need help? Contact Laura Keeley-Saldana at laura@brightbeginningsmc.org

  • Want to improve your computer skills for your child care business? El Pajaro is offering a workshop in Spanish to help you learn Microsoft Office, video conferencing, email, and social media. Workshop dates are: 

    • Saturday, March 18 9:30am-11:30am (virtual)

    • Saturday, April 4 9:30am-11:30am (virtual)

  • Learn about the latest requirements and information for your licensed family child care home or center at the next Community Care Licensing Webinar on Tuesday, March 28 from 6:00pm-7:00pm. Put a hold on your calendar for the next ones on June 27, September 26 and December 12. 

  • Get up to $100 reimbursed for required health and safety training for licensed and non-licensed child care and education providers. Learn how, or call MAOF at (831) 757-0775. 

  • Professional development opportunities are available for ECE providers at the Monterey County Office of Education's Early Care and Education Department. Check out their virtual magazine.

  • ECE Community College students: ECE Career Educational Support grants are available for help with tuition & textbooks. The Child Development Training Consortium is offering these funds on a first come first served basis.

FOR FAMILIES

  • Save the date for the King City Spring Carnival Resource Fair. Bring your family and enjoy arts, crafts, giveaways and resources. Special Kids Connect will be hosting the event on Saturday, March 25 from 11:00am-1:00pm at King City High School

  • March is National Disability Awareness Month. San Andreas Regional Center provides services to children and adults with disabilities including assessments, interventions and support. Connect with other moms and their children (0-5) at the Maternal Well-Being play groups. In person and ZOOM groups are being offered. Learn more or call Sandra Avina at (831) 796-6118. 

  • Families are invited to join the free Stay and Play followed by story time at various Monterey County Free Libraries. There are three times and locations; share this flyer: 

  • Want to track your child’s developmental milestones? Check out the milestone tracker app from Learn the Signs, Act Early to track your child’s development and seek resources if you have a concern.

  • Fun activities for you and your family are happening at the Salinas Library. In person and online events including Toddler Tales, Lego Master Builders, Kids Eat Right, and Family Crafternoons. Check out their calendar of events for times and dates. 

  • Looking for child care? Go to Montereycountychildcare.org or Mychildcareplan.org for help finding the right care for your child.

FOR ALL

  • Save the date for the King City Spring Carnival Resource Fair. Bring your family and enjoy arts, crafts, giveaways and resources. Special Kids Connect will be hosting the event on Saturday, March 25 from 11:00am-1:00pm at King City High School

  • March is National Disability Awareness Month. San Andreas Regional Center provides services to children and adults with disabilities including assessments, interventions and support. Connect with other moms and their children (0-5) at the Maternal Well-Being play groups. In person and ZOOM groups are being offered. Learn more or call Sandra Avina at (831) 796-6118. 

  • Families are invited to join the free Stay and Play followed by story time at various Monterey County Free Libraries. There are three times and locations; share this flyer: 

  • Want to track your child’s developmental milestones? Check out the milestone tracker app from Learn the Signs, Act Early to track your child’s development and seek resources if you have a concern.

  • Fun activities for you and your family are happening at the Salinas Library. In person and online events including Toddler Tales, Lego Master Builders, Kids Eat Right, and Family Crafternoons. Check out their calendar of events for times and dates. 

  • Looking for child care? Go to Montereycountychildcare.org or Mychildcareplan.org for help finding the right care for your child.

A special thanks to the team that supported the COVID-19 Response & Recovery efforts: Bright Beginnings Backbone, Child Care Planning Council, First 5 Monterey County, MAOF Resource & Referral, Quality Matters Monterey County, and the United Way of Monterey County.

For more information, please contact sonja@brightbeginningsmc.org.