Camp Fire First Texas Will Welcome New President/CEO in October
Fort Worth, Texas (September 15, 2020) - After receiving interest from more than 150 candidates, Camp Fire First Texas is excited to announce Lauren Richard will take the reigns as the next president/CEO of Camp Fire First Texas on October 12. The organization began searching for a new leader in January 2020 following the retirement announcement of Ann Sheets, current president/CEO. A Transition Task Force comprised of board members and community leaders was formed and oversaw the search process. They originally anticipated a June transition, but when the COVID-19 health crisis occurred, the team adjusted the timeline. “Our Transition[...]
Scholarships Now Available for Early Education Apprenticeship Program
Elevate Your Career in 2020 T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Texas is partnering with Camp Fire Early Education Apprenticeship Program. Camp Fire Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) is an educational and career pathway for early educators in licensed child care programs. It is the first U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for early educators in the State of Texas. The EEAP includes: Improve Quality - Early Education Instruction - Boost Earning Potential - Increase Professionalism Only one, simple application for both the T.E.A.C.H. Texas Scholarship and the EEAP. Apply Today Questions? [email protected][...]
Another First for First Early Education Apprenticeship Program in Texas
Fort Worth, Texas (August 17, 2020) – Almost one year ago, Camp Fire First Texas based in Fort Worth, Texas, introduced the first Early Education Apprenticeship Program (EEAP) in the state when it received Department of Labor (DOL) approval. The program has cleared another significant milestone by being approved by the DOL as an Early Childhood Educator I Apprenticeship. This additional occupation carries significant impact for those who are enrolled in the apprenticeship program. The primary difference between the previous designation and new option is it allows for greater participation allowing for apprentices who are early in their career[...]
Registered Apprenticeships in Early Education Gaining Momentum
Growing awareness of the importance of early education in a child’s growth and development has increased the demand for quality early education.
Thriving Thursday: Connecting while Apart
Many families continue to practice social distancing and early learning programs are teaching children about mainting safe distances. All of these changes may be confusing to children who are used to spending time in large groups or are now distanced from extended family members or neighbors. Separation from loved ones can be difficult, especially for younger children who may not understand COVID-19 precautions. This Thriving Thursday, we are proving resources to watch, read and do to help children navigate the feelings they may be experinecing and develop some fun alternatives to maintain the connections that are vital to[...]
Reopening Your Child Care Program
New recommendations were shared by the state for reopening child care programs. Camp Fire connected with local state licensing representative, Connie Presley, to discuss "live" what these reocmmendations mean, tips for following the new recommendations and answer questions from the audience. Watch the recorded live session below. Click on the Graphic or this link to start the video.
Camp Fire First Texas is First in Texas
Camp Fire First Texas is First in Texas Camp Fire First Texas has a long history of forward thinking, so it’s no surprise that Camp Fire is leading the way for early education apprenticeships in Texas. There is little known about early education apprenticeships, since apprenticeships generally lean toward “traditional” industries such as manufacturing and construction. However, the U.S. Department of Labor website states, “apprenticeship is also instrumental for training and development in growing industries, such as health care, information technology, transportation and logistics, and energy.” So why the need for apprenticeship in early education? The Insight Center states, “Over[...]
What Do I Do With What I Learned?
I often hear conversations from participants in early childhood training courses discussing how the Professional Development session will be helpful to them as an individual and for others. I also hear participants discuss the stress of Professional Development and question why they are even attending. From listening to these two different types of conversations, I started to reflect and ask myself, “Do Early Childhood Administrators and Teachers understand the importance of Quality Professional Development?” And beyond that, “When attended, are the resources presented in the training used in the facility or classroom?” It is a known fact that[...]
Where Are They Now?: Lauren Titsworth
Camp Fire Child Development Center is celebrating its 25-year anniversary. That’s 25 years of imagination, belly-laughs, playground games, snuggles, and story time. But is also so much more than fun. Camp Fire has served as a leader in youth development in our community for more than 100 years. When the Child Development Center opened in 1993, it opened yet another pathway for hundreds of youth to find their spark and become the leaders of tomorrow. And that’s exactly what our former youth (now young adults!) are doing. Meet Lauren Titsworth! Lauren attended the Camp Fire Child Development Center from 2000-2003 (ages 2-4). Camp Fire: Do you[...]
Encouraging Risky Play
As a mom of an almost 4-year-old boy and a 1-year-old girl, I have found myself saying the words “Be Careful” more and more often. And I know that I can do better.Careful isn’t the way that I want my children to approach the world. I want them to approach it boldly – with intrigue and interest. I want them to try new things, set off on adventures and be fascinated with all the facets of the world around them.I’ve read the research that repeatedly shows that play is how children learn about the world around them, and that[...]
Happy Baby Day 2019
Oh Baby, Baby… February 8, 2019 is the first ever statewide celebration of the first three years, a day acknowledging and celebrating this incredible period of growth in infants and toddlers. My husband and I (Papaw and Memaw) are blessed with six grandkids that have different strengths and are absolutely brilliant. As a grandparent, I get to see my grown children and their children through a bit of a different lens. There is an art to being supportive without smothering or overstepping roles. To start, it’s really beneficial to be optimistic. I’m typically a glass half-full type of person[...]
Saturday Parties: When life throws you a curve
I plan a party every Saturday for early childhood educators. My role at Camp Fire is providing professional development options for early childhood educators in North Texas. Each week the main speakers change, but I am consistently planning a big event for 50-100 people. I enjoy this – even though it takes a tremendous amount time and energy. For example, I am currently wrapping up our “Saturday parties” that will take place in April, May and June. I need to determine presentation topics, presenters, locations, presentation times and fees. I work with a great team that, along with[...]
