Lending Box! · Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services 251-473-1060 . I. n. T. hIs. I. ssue: • Effective Practices in Relation to Creativity & Critical Thinking • Loose Parts:

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services 251-473-1060 www.grecs.org

In ThIs Issue:

• Effective Practices in Relation to Creativity & Critical Thinking

• Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young Children

• School-Age Course 2016

• Alabama Early Learning Guidelines

• Lending Box Program

• Featured Online Training Courses

Early Learning News A Quar te r ly News le t te r & T ra i n i ng Ca lendar

o f Gu l f Reg iona l Ea r ly Ch i ldhood Serv ices

JanuaryFebruary

March2016

Creativity and critical thinking are processes that are child-led and benefit greatly from the sensi-tive contributions of others. These processes involve making connections between things, people or places in ways that are new and personally meaningful. They occur in all areas of learning and development.Creativity is very much a process and often there is no clearly identifiable outcome or product. Yet, the outcome in terms of children’s confidence and skill in learning can be immense. In having scope to explore new possibilities and create new and exciting connections between people, places and things, children discover meanings in their worlds. They are also learning that they can transform ideas and rethink what they know. In this way, creativity can transform understanding by fostering critical thinking and allowing children to review, reinvent and make new meanings.Babies and children are naturally creative and flexible in their play, turning anything that they can reach into something that they can investigate. Creativity emerges as they become absorbed in exploring what things are like and what they can be made to do. These self-initiated investigations help them to give meaning to the things, sounds and situations around them and they seem to have their own agendas and ideas as they play. The range of this play increases significantly from around the age of eight months when most children begin to move around. This surge in capacity for physical exploration enables them to find new things and new places to explore and increases ingenuity. For example, a box can become a hiding place, a house or a cave.By directing children’s attention during play, adults often disturb a child’s flow of ideas, yet they should contribute. Simply being attentive to a child’s explorations and inventions is helpful as this promotes a sense of security and gives license to experimentation and risk-taking. More purpose-ful contributions involve tuning in to children’s ideas and helping to take them forward. Sharing and sustaining children’s thinking in this way makes adults aware of children’s interests and understandings and enables them to foster development of ideas and skills.

Effective practice: Creativity and Critical Thinking; © Crown copyright 2007; The Early Years Foundation Stage; 00012-2007CDO-EN

Creativity and Critical Thinking:What Does It Mean and Why Is It Important?

"Every child is an artist.

The problem is how to remain an artist once

we grow up." ~ Pablo Picasso


Effective Practice in Relation to Creativity and Critical ThinkingMaking ConneCtions

• Help children to make connections in their learning by linking free play to adult-led activities. For example, read the story of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and afterward set up a bridge over a ‘river’ of blue cloth in the block play area and display pictures of bridges.

• Tell stories that present different possibilities within familiar situations to stimulate children to make new connections. For example, read Way Down Deep in the Deep Blue Sea by Jan Peck where bath time becomes an imaginative exploration of an underwater world.

• Value what parents tell you about the things their children do at home. Find out about their games, pretend play, artifacts and stories that they enjoy at home and build on these contexts in the setting to stimulate creativity.

• Provide opportunities for children to express their ideas in a variety of ways, for example, through movement, dance, painting, imaginative play and language.

transforMing Understanding

• Create conditions within which children are inspired to be creative and rethink ideas. For example, create novel spaces by moving furniture or promote new relationships by changing age groupings.• Provide resources from a variety of cultures to stimulate new ideas and ways of thinking.sUstained shared thinking

• Give children time to explore and develop their initiatives. Encourage them to discuss what they are doing and what they want to achieve.

• Build on children’s ideas as you help them to see new possibilities in their play.• Listen to and discuss children’s ideas; offer suggestions and pose questions that extend their thinking.Effective practice: Creativity and Critical Thinking; © Crown copyright 2007; The Early Years Foundation Stage; 00012-2007CDO-EN

Need resources for your classroom?

Have limited time and money?

Let us help you out with a

Lending Box!A Lending Box is a set of materials and resources

from GRECS’ Lending Library that you can check out and return. We know that your time is limited -

that’s why we’ll bring the Lending Box to you and pick it back up!

Materials and resources vary. Each Lending Box has something new for you and the children to discover

together! Supplies are limited, so don’t delay in scheduling your delivery.

Contact Joanne Langevin for more information on Lending Boxes today! [email protected]; 251-473-1060 ext 112


Training Classes

Advanced Level Training focuses on a more thorough

knowledge & understanding of developmentally appropriate practice

& highly effective application & demonstration of skills. For

professionals who have at least 3 years of experience & 30 credit hours

in child development.

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Intermediate Level Training

includes expanding knowledge & application, & refining skills.

It is most appropriate for professionals who have at least (2) years of experience & 120

hours of training, and are moving toward more

formal education.

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Basic Level Training covers a foundational

understanding & demonstration of developing skills. This training is most appropriate for entry-level

professionals who are new to early childhood and/or

school-age care.

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all - Appropriate for All Training Levels

Creating & Maintaining High Quality Environments for Children- Children’s environments have a significant effect on their behavior and on their development. Come join us as we explore how to design environments for children that are inviting, engaging, and that promote optimal learning and positive behaviors. (Catherine Kreger; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE; DHR: CD, QCCL; CDA: 1, 2, 3, 8; Intermediate Training Level; Advanced; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool) #5402- 2/18/2016; 5:00-7:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Creating a Healthy Environment for Infants and Toddlers in Early Childhood Settings-Improve the quality of in-fant and toddler care in Alabama by integrating nationally recognized health and safety standards. (Danielle Clayton & Joanne Langevin; AL Pathways: HSN; DHR: HSU; CDA: 1; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: Infants, Todddlers) #5385- 1/13/2016; 6:30-8:30pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile & #5390- 1/23/2016; 9:00 am -11:00am;Washington County Public Library; Chatom, AL *CTF

Cooking with Kids: Science, Math & Fun All Rolled Into One- Almost everyone loves to eat and cooking experiences with children can have value beyond simply satisfying our taste buds. This class will give practical ways to teach chil-dren science and math skills while having fun cooking. (Phyllis Rizzo; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE, HSN; DHR: CD, QCCL; CDA: 1, 2, 8; Basic Training Level; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool, School Age) #5389 - 1/21/2016; 6:30 pm -8:30pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Creative Activities for Young Children - Young children naturally enjoy art and other creative experiences. Learn about new materials and activities you can provide to promote children’s creativity during this hands-on session. (Catherine Kreger; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE; DHR Categories: CD, QCCL; CDA : 2, 8; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5386-1/14/2016; 5:00-7:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Communicating with Children - This training provides child care practitioners with communication tips for infants and tod-dlers, preschoolers, and school age children. Good communication skills help children adjust to transitions, enhance their play and learning experiences, build relationships, and help children learn to solve problems. (Lisa Kirkland; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE; DHR: CD, LD; CDA: 2, 8; Basic Training Level; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5398 - 2/13/2016; 8:30-10:30am; Jeff Davis Community College; Brewton, AL & #5412 -3/12/2016; 8:30-10:30am; Jackson City Hall, Jackson, AL *CTF

Challenging Behaviors in the Early Childhood Setting- Come explore effective strategies for dealing with children’s challenging behaviors and learn when additional evaluation by specialists may be indicated. (Michele Williams; AL Pathways: CGD, COA; DHR: CD, PDG; CDA: 3, 7, 8; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5405- 2/23/2016; 6:00 pm -8:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile *CTF

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Laying the Foundation for Writing: Promoting Fine Motor Skills- Writing is a literacy skill that children enjoy practic-ing. Learn some ways to engage preschool age children in prewriting/early writing activities that are enjoyable and meaningful. (Catherine Kreger; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE; DHR: CD, LD; CDA: 2, 8; Advanced Training Level; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool) #5411- 3/8/2016; 5:00pm -7:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Kids Garden: A Guide to Sowing & Growing Fun-Give children a hands-on, close-up experience with science & nature! This workshop will help participants discover innovative anytime, anyplace gardening activities & techniques to use with children. (Phyllis Rizzo; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE ; DHR Categories: CD, QCCL; CDA : 2, 3, 8; Basic Training Level; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool, School-Age) #5413- 3/15/2016; 6:30-8:30pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

I’m a Big Kid Now! Potty Training Basics- Learn to implement practices and partner with parents in ways that promote children’s success with toilet learning. (Phyllis Rizzo; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE, ICFC ; DHR Categories: CD, CCPF; CDA : 1, 3, 4, 8; Basic Training Level:; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: Toddler, Preschool) #5396-2/11/2016; 6:30-8:30pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Infection Control- Most cases of the flu occur between late December and early March. Infection control measures can be as simple as hand washing and as sophisticated as high-level disinfection. In this information-filled session, you’ll identify how you can prevent the spread of disease in early learning environments. (Judy Cunningham; AL Pathways: HSN ; DHR : HSU; CDA : 1; Basic Training Level:; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5415 - 3/21/2016; 6pm - 8pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Introduction to the Inclusive Classroom- Come join this session where you’ll learn how to share developmental con-cerns with parents and how to create welcoming environments that meet the needs of all children. (Michele Williams; AL Pathways: CGD, COA; DHR: CD, CCPF; CDA: 4, 7, 8; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5417- 3/22/2016; 6:00pm-8:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Go Healthy! It All Begins with You - Being a healthy role model not only is important for the children but enables the care provider to have the energy and good health to meet the demands of the job. This training explores key concepts and actions for modeling healthy behaviors for children. (Lisa Kirkland; AL Pathways: HSN; DHR Categories: HSU; CDA : 1; Basic Training Level:; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5391- 1/23/2016; 8:30-10:30am; David Burt Building; Ever-green, AL *CTF

Director’s Forum: Hiring and Firing- Topics for discussion will include recruiting staff, Interviewing strategies, orient-ing new staff and managing probation periods, addressing poor performance, terminating staff, and more. (Ann Sands & Cheryl Gwin; AL Pathways: MA ; DHR Categories: ADM ; CDA: 5; Intermediate Training Level:; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5418- 3/02/2016; 10:00am-12:00 noon;GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Improving Transition Times- This training focuses on helping children as they move from one activity to another throughout the day. Analyze your program’s daily schedule to find new ways to introduce children to, and help them with, transition times. (Lisa Kirkland; AL Pathways: ICFC, LEE; DHR Categories: CD, PDG; CDA : 2, 3, 8; Basic Training Level:; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5399 - 2/13/2016; 10:45am-12:45pm; Jeff Davis Community College; Brewton, AL & #5419 - 3/12/2016; 10:45am-12:45pm; Jackson City Hall; Jackson, AL *CTF

Director’s Forum: Becoming Aquainted with the Program Administration Scale (PAS); Learn to implement practices and partner with parents in ways that promote children’s success with toilet learning. (Ann Sands; AL Pathways: MA; DHR Categories: CD, ADM; CDA : ; Basic Training Level:; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5382-1/06/2016; 10:00am-12:00 noon; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

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School-Age Course 2016

Current research has established the importance of quality after-school programs because of their tremendous impact on children’s academic

achievement, overall happiness, and self-esteem. To address this reality, this updated 12-hour course presents information on school-age child care, and offers practical applications and activit ies that can be put to use immedi-ately in your program. We’ll explore topics l ike arrangement of the learn-

ing environment, how to deal with challenging behaviors & techniques for keeping children happily engaged. (Alabama Pathways: ICFC, CGD, LEE, PPD, DIV, HSN; DHR Training Categories: CD, LD, PDG, CCPF, QCCL, HSU;

CDA Subject Areas: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8; Age Group: School-Age; Training Level: Intermediate)

#5409 March 3, 10 & 17, 2016; 8:30am - 12:30pm

Getting Started! An Introductory course

Are you new to childcare? Thinking about taking your love of children and making a career out of it? If so, then “Getting Started” is the course for you! This training course is for people who are just beginning their early care & education career. We will introduce you to the foundational information you need to provide safe environ-ments, nurturing interactions & developmentally appropriate experiences for the precious children in your care.This basic-level, 12-hour course is taught over 3 days and the training credit you receive will meet Alabama Department of Human Resources’ 12-hour training requirement to work in child care. You must attend all sessions to receive verification of successful completion.

Jan. 26 - Jan. 28, 20168:30am - 12:30pm

Session #5393

Mar. 22 - Mar. 24, 20168:30am - 12:30pm

Session #5416

Alabama Early Learning Guidelines - This basic-level, 18-hour course is broken down into nine (9), two-hour segments. You must attend Session #1-Orientation before taking any other session. You will receive a two-hour certificate for each session you attend & successfully complete. After completing all 9 sessions, you will receive an official Alabama Early Learning Guidelines credential from Ala-bama Department of Human Resources. The sessions are broken down as follows:#1 - Orientation (#5387)- 1/16/2015; 8am - 10am; Mobile#2 - Observations & Assessments (#5388) - 1/16/2016; 10:15am - 12:15pm; Mobile#3 - The Role of Parent & Caregiver (#5394) - 1/30/2016; 8am - 10am; Mobile#4 - Self-Concept & Emotional Development (#5395) - 1/30/2016; 10:15am - 12:15am; Mobile#5 - Social Development (#5403) - 2/20/2016; 8am - 10am; Mobile#6 - Language & Literacy (#5404) - 2/20/2016; 10:15am - 12:15am; Mobile#7 - Physical Development (#5407) - 2/27/2016; 8am - 10am; Mobile#8 - Cognitive Development (#5408) - 2/27/2016; 10:15am - 12:15pm; Mobile#9 - Putting It All Together (#5410) - 3/5/2016; 8am - 10am; Mobile

JanuaryFebruary

March2016

Calendar of EventsA Pu l l -Ou t Sec t ion for Pos t ing & Copying !

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DON’T FORGET... You must pre-register for training classes. Only those whose names are listed on the roster will be able to attend - bring your confirmation to class with

you! Don’t have a confirmation? Not sure if you’re registered?

Call LaTanya @ 251-473-1060 ext 106.

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DON’T FORGET... You must pre-register for training classes. Only those whose names are listed on the roster will be able to attend - bring your confirmation to class with you!

Don’t have a confirmation? Not sure if you’re registered? Call LaTanya @ 251-473-1060 ext 106.

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Understanding Diversity and Respecting Differences (APT)- Particpants will learn the importance of valuing diversity and how to help children learn to respect differences in others. Topics include integration of appreciation for diversity into evryday learning situations as a way to preveny bullying. (Monica Byrd; AL Pathways: CGD, DIV, ICFC; DHR: CD, CCPF; CDA: 3,4; Basic Training Level; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool) #5397 - 2/13/2016; 10:00 am-12 noon; Monroe County Public Library; Monroeville, AL

We’re All in This Together: Practical Tools for Building Partnerships with Families- What do partnerships between families and early childhood staff look like? We have relationships with many people in our lives. Relationships turn into partnerships when the people involved share a common goal and the responsibility for reaching that goal. Part-nerships start with positive relationships. In this session, participants will discuss how partnerships benefit children, families and staff.(Allison Goff; AL Pathways: ICFC; DHR: CCPF; CDA: 4; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: ALL) #5401 - 2/17/2016; 5:00-7:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile *CTF

Planning for Positive Guidance: Powerful Interactions Make a Difference- Guiding children’s behavior is something done throughout the day, not just when a child acts in a way that is unsafe or unacceptable. During this session, participants will discuss ways to guide behavior by establishing predictable routines, setting clear rules with children, and modeling kindness and respect. Together, these actions help children feel noticed, confident, and secure. (Allison Goff; AL Pathways: CGD, ICFC; DHR: CD, PDG; CDA: 3,8; Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: Toddlers, Preschool) #5383-1/07/2016; 5:00pm-7:00pm;GRECS Training Room; Mobile *CTF

Moving and Grooving in the Preschool Classroom (APT) - Participants will learn ways to encourage young children to participate in creative movement and dance; identify several activities that are personally enjoyable; and use a variety of music to enhance each developmental domain (cognitive, language & literacy, physical, and social-emotional devel-opment). (Tiffany Armstrong; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE, DIV; DHR: CD, LD; CDA: 2, 3, 8; BasicTraining Level; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool) #5406 - 2/25/2016; 6:00pm-8:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Math and Science with Infants and Toddlers - Infants enter the world ready to learn. They begin to acquire and pro-cess information through their sensory systems. Through active exploration, children discover the basic characteristics of objects and people. In this session, participants will discover fun hands-on ways to incorporate Math & Science in their infant & toddler classrooms. (Allison Goff; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE; DHR: CD, QCCL; CDA: 2, 8; Intermediate Training Lev-el; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: Infants, Toddlers) #5414 - 3/16/2016; 5:00pm-7:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Milestones in Language Development- Acquiring early language skills is critical for later academic success. Explore the major receptive and expressive language developmental milestones from birth through 5 years of age and learn to create activity plans that facilitate language development. (Dr. Abigail Baxter; AL Pathways: CGD, LEE, COA; DHR: CD, LD; CDA: 2, 8; Advanced Training Level; Advanced; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: Preschool) #5384 - 1/12/2016; 6:00pm-8:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

Powerful Communication with Parents and Families- This training is about ways to communicate powerfully with parents and families —ways to help them learn more about what you are doing with the children and to draw out their support and help. Learn how to use good communication skills to handle sensitive situations with parents and families. The great news is that these communication skills work with children, too. (Lisa Kirkland; AL Pathways: ICFC; DHR: CCPF; CDA: Intermediate Training Level; 2 hours/.2 CEUs; Age Group: Toddlers, Preschool) #5392 - 1/23/2016; 10:45am-12:45pm; David Burt Building; Evergreen, AL

Let’s Stay Safe-Join in on this session where you’ll explore common safety hazards and learn simple ways to ensure that all environments are safe for children in child care settings. (Frank Holderfield; AL Pathways: HSN; DHR: HSU; CDA: 1; ALL Training Levels; 2 hours/ .2 CEUs; Age Group: All) #5400 - 2/16/2016; 5:00-7:00pm; GRECS Training Room; Mobile

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Make the Most of Your Training ExperienceArrive on time & stay for the entire class.

Be prepared!• Take a break before you come - you will get more

out of the training if you’re well-rested.• Eat a snack before you come to class - it’s hard to

concentrate on an empty stomach.• Bring writing tools and paper to take notes!

Take care of your personal business before class begins!

• Make transportation arrangements ahead of time.• Check on your children.• Visit the restroom.

Let us have your full attention!• Silence your cell phone.• Focus on the trainer.• Reserve your conversations for group discussion times.

Try a new idea when you get back to your classroom - it will be a rewarding experience

for you & the children.

Pat yourself on the back - you are investing in yourself and growing professionally!

Online Training Courses - $11 each!Each month, we feature an online training course

& offer it to you for only $11!

Using the Arts as a Teaching Tool (.1CEUs/1 Hour) - This course familiarizes students with ways the arts can

be used to help children develop physically, as well as cognitively. It discusses how including the arts in education

contributes to the social, physical, creative & intellectual development of children. (DHR: CD; Pathways: LEE, CGD)

Media and Child Development (.1 CEU/1 Hour) - This course discusses the types of electronic media children are exposed to and identifies the effects me-dia can have on their growth and development. It discusses media violence and reviews effective strategies to use with

media-traumatized children. Media safety and security guidelines and technologies are identified. (DHR: CD, QCCL;

Pathways: CGD)

Infectious Diseases (.2 CEU/2 Hours) - This course discusses communicable diseases among children. It also

addresses the importance of excluding ill children from child care facilities and measures for preventing the spread of

illness. (DHR: HSU; Pathways: HSN)

To register for these special online training courses, contact Robert Sheldt ([email protected]).

Ask about our other online courses!

Alphabet SoupUse this reference guide to determine what the acronyms and numbers listed on your Training Attendance Verification and in the quarterly training calendar stand for to get the most out of your training experience.Alabama Pathways to Quality Care & Education Core Knowledge Areas - The Alabama Pathways to Quality Care & Education Core Knowl-edge Areas (APCKA) serve as a foundational checklist of knowledge, skills, and abilities that early childhood and school-age care professionals can also use to guide and track their professional development.CGD - Child Growth and Development HSN - Health, Safety and NutritionLEE - Learning Experiences and EnrichmentDIV - DiversityCOA - Child Observation and Assessment (Planning for Individual Needs)ICFC - Interaction with Children, Families and CommunitiesPPD - Personal and Professional DevelopmentMA - Management and AdministrationCDA Content Areas - GRECS training programs can be used to meet the for-mal Child Development Associate (CDA) early childhood education training re-quirements. Refer to the CDA Assessment System and Competency Standards books for more details. 1. Planning a safe, healthy environment to invite learning2. Steps to advance children’s physical & intellectual development3. Positive ways to support children’s social and emotional development4. Strategies to establish productive relationships with families5. Strategies to manage an effective program operation6. Maintaining a commitment to professionalism7. Observation and Assessment8. Principles of Child Development & LearningDHR Training Categories - The Alabama Department of Human Resources re-quires child care professionals to obtain professional development hours each year in 6 categories. Refer to the Minimum Standards for Day Care Centers and Nighttime Centers for more information regarding the specific number of hours and other requirements.CD – Child DevelopmentLD – Language DevelopmentCCPF – Child Care Professional & the FamilyQCCL – Quality Child Care & LicensingHSU – Health, Safety & Universal Precautions PDG – Positive Discipline & GuidanceADM - Administration / Management

We are celebrating over 20 years of collaboration with the Children’s Trust Fund supported through the Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention!

Caring for the Caregiver allows us opportunities to mentor Family Child Care providers. We appreciate all who participate to make this project possible and help educate parents and caregivers on the prevention of child neglect and abuse.


CPR & First Aid Training on Saturdays!

Our friends at Complete Safety Works are offering Heart Saver First Aid and Adult, Child & Infant CPR/AED

training on the second Saturday of every month!

You must register through and make payment to Complete Safety Works for this important training session.

Heart Saver First Aid / Adult, Child & Infant CPR / AED

(First Aid - $35; CPR - $35; Both First Aid & CPR - $45)

Call 479-6788 for more info or registration.

We’re OPEN on Saturdays!

Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services’ Lending Library and Resource Place

will be open on the 1st Saturday of each month from 9:00am - 12:00pm -

By Appointment Only.

Scheduling an appointment is easy! Simply call or email Joanne Langevin before

the close of business on the first Friday of each month.(251-473-1060 ext 112;

[email protected])

Loose Parts: Inspiring Play in Young ChildrenWe have often marveled at the long hours children can spend playing with simple materials like boxes, rocks, shells, sand, or water. Our observations have led us to question the conventional wisdom of providing children with sophisticated toys. As you’ve probably noted yourself, children are often more interested in the packaging than in the toys themselves. Children usually prefer play that stimulates their curiosity and gives free reign to their imaginations and creativity. We believe that one of the best ways to enhance their natural curiosity is to introduce a wide variety of the materials we call “loose parts” into their play settings.

What are Loose Parts? In early childhood education settings, loose parts mean alluring, beautiful, found objects and materials that children can move, manipulate, control, and change while they play. Children can carry, combine, redesign, line up, take apart, and put loose parts back together in almost endless ways. The materials come with no specific set of directions, and they can be used alone or combined with other materials. Children can turn them into what-ever they desire: a stone can become a character in a story; an acorn can become an ingredient in an imaginary soup. These objects invite conversations and interactions, and they encourage collaboration and cooperation. Put another way, loose parts promote social competence because they support creativity and innovation. All of these are highly valued skills in adult life today.

the VaLUe of Loose Parts - Anyone who has watched children play with toys or playground equipment knows that they quickly tire of things with a sole purpose. Once they’ve mastered the key function of an object—pushing the button to make a figure pop up or climbing a ladder, for example—they are ready to move on. The intrigue and the challenge are gone. In other words, children make their play choices based on how much variability those ma-terials offer. A stick is a richer choice than a slide because it can become a fishing pole, a spoon for stirring a concoction, a magic wand, or a balance beam for snails. Loose parts offer almost number-less variables, prompting children to create their own stories. With so many materials available for ECE classrooms, you need to make choices that maximize children’s development and make sense financially. Happily, loose parts can often be had for free, and they offer a bonus: they encourage you, and the children’s parents, to reuse, renew, and recycle.

For more ideas on loose parts and information on how loose parts support curriculum, visit http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2015/loose-parts. Copyright © Redleaf Press. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

Visit us on the web!

www.grecs.org

Support Children’s Trust Fund programs by purchasing this specialty car tag. The tag is available at your local Probate office. It is tax deductible & proceeds directly fund community-based prevention programs.

Mark Your CalendarGRECS and The Resource Place

are CLOSED on Friday, January 1, 2016for New Year’s Day

GRECS and The Resource Placeare CLOSED on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016

for Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday

GRECS and The Resource Placeare CLOSED on Monday & Tuesday,

Feb. 8th & Feb. 9th, 2016 for Mardi Gras

GRECS and The Resource Placeare CLOSED on Friday, March 25, 2016

for Good Friday

Gulf Regional Childcare Management Agency, Inc.3100 Cottage Hill Road; Building 4, Suite 400; Mobile, AL 36606Phone: 251-473-1060; Fax: 251-473-1084

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Documents

Lending Box! · Gulf Regional Early Childhood Services 251-473-1060 . I. n. T. hIs. I. ssue: • Effective Practices in Relation to Creativity & Critical Thinking • Loose Parts: