Newsletter September 2017

Case Study: Shared Intake
June 21, 2017
Newsletter November 2017
November 9, 2017

 

FAMILIES
SPARK Parent Council

When I moved to Aurora three years ago with a 16-month-old daughter, I was excited to discover all the incredible resources for young children in the area. We quickly filled our days at the playground, the zoo, the nature center, the children’s museum and all the story times at the library. It seemed that everywhere we went, we learned about another event or fair and we were always getting free books!
The more involved I got in my neighborhood, the more I learned startling statistics about how children were not being prepared for school that resulted in low test scores and low graduation rates. As many as half of all children under five in Aurora face risk factors with their parents that would make them less prepared for school. I started to ask myself how could this be possible in a community so rich in activities and opportunities for young people? Why aren’t all the kids in my neighborhood accessing the fabulous programs I’m taking my kids to? What can I do to change this?
I became involved in the SPARK parent council because there I am able to start answering these questions. I love learning from the diverse group of moms and learning about the challenges facing our children. I love to brainstorm new ways to reach parents in our community to educate them about different programs and possibilities. Most of all, I have loved making new friends with other moms who refuse to accept these dire statistics as the reality for our children. The other moms on  the council have been an encouragement to me and remind me that we, as parents, are our child’s first and best teacher. I always leave council meetings empowered with new ideas to teach my children better at home.
I now have three pre-school aged kids. I know that they will be ready for kindergarten, but I can’t stop there. My dream is to see every child in their kindergarten classes as ready to learn as they are. I want every child in Aurora to experience the abundance of opportunities that this amazing community has to offer. I know that SPARK, by connecting parents to resources and programs, is making this possible. I am proud to serve on the parent council with SPARK and watch my dream become a reality.
                                                                         – Diana SPARK Parent Council member
Vroom
Are you looking for fun resources to make everyday a learning experience? Check out Vroom! “Vroom turns shared moments into brain building moments. Whether it’s  mealtime,  bathtime, or anytime in between, there are always ways to nurture our children’s growing minds.” (http://www.joinvroom.org/parents)
Brain Building Basics
Brain Building Basics
PROVIDERS
“Attention Child Care Providers…….
LESS THAN 20 DAYS to submit CCAP documentation
Feeling overwhelmed or confused about how to submit the required documentation to continue to be eligible to receive CCAP payments?
The YWCA Metropolitan is here to help!
Our trained staff is ready to assist you in updating your Gateways information, printing your documents/certificates, as well as scanning and emailing required documents to the Department of Human Services. We are here to support you & make sure you have all the correct documentation submitted on time!
Please make sure all of your courses, trainings, and certification classes are completed before arriving. We ask that you bring all certificates and documents, along with your Gateways Registry ID number.
Please feel free to stop by:
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago,
Patterson and McDaniel Family Center
2055 Army Trail Rd Suite 140|
Addison, IL 60101
  • Tuesday, September 12th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
  • Wednesday, September 13th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
  • Thursday, September 14th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm”

Erickson Early Math Collaborative

The Erickson Early Math Collaborative works to improve math instruction for young children through professional development for teachers, trainers, etc., conducting research and providing a source of information on fundamental mathematics. Check out their website for more information! http://earlymath.erikson.edu/

 

COMMUNITY
SPARK E-Mail and Website Changes
 
Please note the SPARK emails have changed from @uwfoxvalley.org to @foxvalleyunitedway.org Please update our emails in your systems or have your IT department white-list our new addresses to ensure they are received! If you are having any problems receiving or sending to our emails please let us know (our number is (630) 896-4636).
 
 
 
Join us for our upcoming events!

  

ADVOCACY CORNER


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