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.
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[...]
Department of Labor Green Lights New Early Education Apprenticeship Program, First of its Kind Offered in Texas
Fort Worth, Texas (August 2, 2019) – On Monday, July 29 the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) approved the first Early Education Apprenticeship Program in Texas. This new program will be administered by Camp Fire First Texas in North Texas. “The approval from the DOL is a critical factor for the Early Education Apprentice Program (EEAP) because it solidifies the program as a state-recognized apprenticeship which includes a state issued, non-expiring Child Care Development Specialist credential in addition to providing support of mandatory wage increases, on-the-job learning, coaching from a highly-skilled early education mentor, and accumulation of college credit,” said[...]
All Behavior Has a Purpose
At Camp Fire, it isn’t only our youth who take time to reflect and strengthen their social emotional skills, our leaders and staff do too. Here is a personal account from one of our Early Childhood Education professionals. I was teaching, and I had a child that acted out often. I found myself struggling with how to support this child and help her grow. Discussing this with my mentor, my mentor said, “All behavior has a purpose.” What is this child trying to communicate with you? What is the need that is not being met? This statement and the[...]
The Value of Play (It’s not just for kids)
You may have heard the quote “Play is a child’s work.” Since typical synonyms for work are labor, toil, drudgery, exertion and grind – that quote makes play sound like serious business. In reality, play kind of is serious business. Maybe our definition of “work” would change if we added more play. Children learn through play and use it to cope with change and the external world.Adults can, too.There are many types of play, and all can be good for children and adults. Play:relieves stress,improves brain function,and provides joy.Play can be open-ended or guided with specific learning objectives. Games with rules are fun and teach turn-taking,[...]
Refresh Yourself
It’s that time of year – teachers are feeling overwhelmed. School has begun. It’s very busy at work. You’re dreaming of your summer vacations. We’ve just gone through a heatwave. Before we know it, the holidays will be here. You’re feeling overwhelmed. You ask yourself this question, “When will I have time for ME?” Although I might not have the answer you would like to hear, I do have some suggestions. Taking care of you is the best medicine you can give yourself. In order to be the best “YOU” there is, you must take time out to[...]
Camp Fire First Texas Posthumously Awards Community Education Advocate
Fort Worth, Texas (April 2, 2018) – Camp Fire First Texas has posthumously awarded Sandra Lamm with the Rosie Mauk Award. Lamm, who passed away on March 22, dedicated her life to improving early childhood experiences for our community’s youngest citizens. Camp Fire’s Rosie Mauk Award recognizes significant contributions to the improvement of child care or conditions which affect children, and is given in honor of Rosie Mauk, who served as campaign chair during the addition of the early childhood education programs to the First Texas Council. The award was presented during Camp Fire’s annual Early Childhood Conference on[...]
Leading and Team Building in Your Center
Working in an early childhood education center can be stressful. Being the director of a center can be an even bigger challenge. As if being responsible for growing young minds isn’t enough, your tasked with the responsibility of growing your staff’s minds as well. So how does a director ensure they aren’t just the boss – but instead, they are a leader as well?The late Paula Jorde Bloom stated that “leadership starts in the head”. Leadership is a way of thinking about yourself and the important role you play in your program.But what does this statement really mean? For me, this[...]
Working With the Expert
Last weekend I watched my two-year old chase his older (middle) brother and a friend around the yard. My (almost) 14-year old (gulp!) chatted openly and easily about a recent outing to the lease with his dad. In this moment I thought how lucky I am to have this easy conversation and happy kids, but I also realized I was so close to blowing it.Let me explain.In my career, one aspect of my role is to promote and put forward the experts. This has ranged from cardiologists, neurologists, research scientists and epidemiologist to SAP change managers, recruiters, workflow designers,[...]
The Cost of Child Care
It’s been seven days since baby John died at an unregulated child care program in Fort Worth.Seven days.Seven days of hurt for a family and a community, for something that could be prevented.Over the last seven days, I’ve thought back to the many times we have responded as an organization each time we hear this kind of story; seek out licensed child care, accreditation programs may be higher quality, here’s a list of how to spot red flags—and quality. Ultimately—this issue is largely one of economics. John’s mother, who is now urging other families to use licensed child care centers, is not to blame[...]
To Train or Not to Train; that is the question
The Dream.This is it, I am ready. My first day as a child care center director. I have so many plans! I can’t wait to “fix” things and make it my center.The Reality.I get to the center and six people have quit. I have one staff member and myself. My eight years as an assistant director at a stable center did not prepare me for this situation, neither did my years spent in the classroom. When I reached out to the district manager she told me to “figure it out” and “by the way don’t forget the financials are due to[...]
