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May 2015
2nd Annual Infant and Toddler
Conference Recap

April's Month of the Young Child was a huge success in the District of Columbia as we highlighted the needs of young children and their families. To close out the month, OSSE's Division of Early Learning hosted its 2nd Annual Infant and Toddler Conference: Growing Young Minds, Nurturing Healthy, Happy and Secure Children, in support of Mayor Bowser's priority to improve quality care and education for the District's youngest residents. Nearly 1,000 attendees, presenters and exhibitors as well as special guests, keynote speakers and featured authors joined OSSE staff April 28th- April 30th at the Kellogg Conference Hotel at Gallaudet University for engaging and interactive professional development. 
 
For the 3rd year in a row OSSE co- sponsored the 2015 Tots to Teens Expo; a unique family- friendly- focused, kid friendly event for residents of Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia on April 25th at the Walter E. Convention Center.  Read more.
OSSE's Office of Grants Management (OGMC) will host its annual Community- Based Organizations- Grants Management Conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. The Grants Management Conference offers Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) the opportunity to learn about local grant funding available to assist families and communities with practical resources. Most importantly, this conference will provide CBOs with information on how to best meet the needs of District of Columbia students’ and improve their educational outcomes.
May 10- May 16 is National Black Child Development Week. Learn More
Events
Gearing Up for a Successful 2015-2016 Enrollment Audit:
Residency Verification, Form Updates and Data Procedures training
(Pre-K Incentive Programs)
 
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
1:00 pm-2:30 pm
Online Webinar
 
This webinar is a necessity for all for Pre-K Incentive Program Enrollment Audit POC’s.  This training will provide timely information regarding the enrollment process for the 15/16 school year. We will discuss and outline changes that have been made to the residency verification forms in order to prepare all CBO’s for the upcoming audit this fall.  Register online.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Sean Flora at sean.flora@dc.gov or 202-727-7224.
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Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center Celebration of Excellence in Early Learning
Saturday, June 20, 2015
7:30 pm- 11:00 pm
Buy Tickets Online

 
Professional Development
  • Bird Math at National Zoological Park: Friday, May 15, 2015; 1:00 pm- 3:30 pm. Register by web.
  • Infant CLASS; Responsive Care giving: Wednesday, May 20, 2015; 1:00 pm- 4:00 pm. Register by web.  
  • Field Trip Fridays, Washington Youth Gardens: Friday, May 22, 2015; 9:00 am- 4:00 pm. Register by web.
Healthy and Happy Children
Smartphones and Social Media: Ethical Implications for Educators. Read more on how social media can cause a distraction in the classroom. 
Source: www.naeyc.org 
Did You Know?

Did you know school gardens can help kids learn better and eat healthier? So why aren't they everywhere?
Read more.
Provider Spotlight
Metropolitan Police Department visits Southeast Children's Fund/ Sunshine Early Learning Center on Friday, April 3rd to promote safety. Read more. 


Nominate a program/ provider to be featured in an upcoming Provider Spotlight.
Resources
  • On April 30th, the Committee on Education conducted its Budget Oversight Hearing with testimonies from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education and the State Board of Education. Read more about the DC Council and view hearing online. 
  • In recognition of Child Abuse Awareness month, OSSE hosted Pass the Pinwheels event on April 10, 2015. Attendees were asked to wear blue to take a stand against child abuse while the pinwheel symbolizes hope and promise that every child will be raised in healthy, safe and nurturing environments. There were several presenters who spoke about various resources to prevent child abuse and national hotlines for parents and caretakers to call if they notice such behavior. View the photos.
  • Teacher Enrichment Training Solutions Monthly Newsletter: Inclusive Early Childhood Environments.
  • OSHA Safety Training, the 30-hour Compliance Course. Learn more.