|
|
What's New
Early Head Start Performance Standards & Devereux Early Childhood Assessment for Infants and Toddlers (DECA-I/T) Program Crosswalk
Any programs pursuing Early Head Start grant opportunities will want to reference this new crosswalk that articulates how the DECA-I/T Program supports Early Head Start programs in meeting performance standards and ensuring that infant/toddler social and emotional health receives appropriate emphasis throughout the entire program. To access this new crosswalk, click here.
New DVD on Preventing and Addressing Challenging Behaviors at HOME!
The DECI is the lead advisor for development of a new video-based resource to help parents promote healthy social emotional development in their young children.
DECA for Foster Families
In June 2008, the Devereux Early Childhood Initiative formed an exciting Partnership with Heartland for Children, HFC, a non-profit agency in Central Florida.
Planning your Fall Pre-service
It’s that time of year when programs begin to plan for pre-service training for the fall. DECI is offering a wide variety of trainings that can excite, inspire, and educate staff in an effort to start the year off right. |
 Letter From Our Director
Spring is upon us. As we look to ending the school year and evaluating the progress we have made with the children we have been working with, it is a time to celebrate and also a time to reflect on the potential that we have sparked in children. Full Story >> |
Highlighted Programs
The Consortium: For resilient young children
Helping teachers help children what a great job! That’s the role of a Promoting Resilient Children Classroom Coach. Promoting Resilient Children is a program of the Consortium for Resilient Young Children (CRYC), a partnership of nine early childhood and mental health organizations in the Greater Cincinnati area. The purpose of the CRYC is to promote children’s social and emotional development. Full Story >> |
Announcements
Welcome National Newsletter Advisory Board Members!
DECI is pleased to announce the formation of our National Newsletter Advisory Board. This group assists in the development and review of each newsletter prior to national dissemination. We appreciate their time and efforts! Members include:
- Larry Griffin, Kaplan Early Learning Company
- Margaret Mobley, Promoting Healthy Social Behaviors in Child Care Initiative, NC
- Karen Close, Saratoga Head Start, NY
- Lori Sheridan, Rutland Co. Head Start, VT
- Eva Carter, NCCIC
- Ed Yonamine, Good Beginnings
Update on Survey Monkey feedback on the DECA Program Resources
Thank you to all who submitted feedback on our DECA Kit Revision process! We received over 200 responses, with some highlights summarized below. All of your comments were useful, and we will be contacting many of you for further participation as we move into the formal revision process later this year.
Sample responses:
* 86% of DECA users thought that the scale titles of Attachment, Initiative, Self-Control, and Behavior Concerns should remain the same on future editions of the DECA.
Selected comment: “Consider re-wording Attachment to be “Relationship-building” and “Self-control” to be “Self-regulation.”
* 82% of DECA users thought the descriptions of Strength, Typical, and Concern should remain the same.
Selected comment: “Perhaps use “Area of Need” instead of “Concerns.”
* 76% of DECA users thought the scoring process should remain the same.
Selected comment: “Larger font please!”
* 74% of DECA users thought all 37 DECA items should remain the same.
Most frequently commented on items include:
#8: fail to show joy or gladness at a happy occasion
#9: touch children/adults inappropriately
#14: have no reaction to children/adults
#28: say positive things about the future/act optimistic
The survey will remain open until April 20th if you’d like the chance to add your feedback! |
Self-Regulation Tips for Infants and Toddlers
From the New DECA-I/T Strategies Guide
In the first year of life, infants depend on adults to respond to their needs and wants as they get to know them. This helps infants develop the skills needed to become more independent. When an infant cries because he is hungry or needs to be changed, a caregiver who gently responds with loving attention is telling this baby, “Your needs are important.” The baby begins to calm down with help from a familiar caregiver.
Toddlers who are provided with consistent, nurturing care start to develop the ability to regulate some emotions and behaviors on their own. For example, a toddler who is sleepy might get his blanket and ask to be rocked. Activities and routines that support children’s growing capacity to self-regulate will help infants and toddlers better control and express their emotions, focus on tasks, and transition from one thing to the next.
Tips for Infants to support Self-regulation:
- Talk with infants about specific sequences of events. “After we change your diaper, we will have lunch.”
- Sing or play lullabies as you get an infant ready for nap time. This helps the infant relax and also provides a cue that nap time is approaching.
Tips for Toddlers to support Self-regulation:
- Minimize waiting time by including toddlers in transitions. “Tyler, will you hold the paintbrushes while I get out the paper? Then you can paint at the table.”
- Take pictures of a toddler engaging in daily routines. Use these pictures to create individual routine cards or a poster to look at and use with children. “There you are, Toby, washing your hands. Let’s go to the sink now.”
|
LPM News
Congratulations to our newest Devereux Recognized Local Program Mentors! | |
Q & A with the DECA Trainers
