"Children are like wet cement. Whatever falls on them makes an impression. - Dr. Hiam Ginnot

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Sharing Web Resources



·         Follow some of the outside links that you have not yet explored. Where do they lead?

On the home page of this website, on the bottom right there is an area to locate child care in our local area.  You simply put your zip code in, and hit the “search” button.  I found that after searching, local child care facilities are not listed instead something called “CCR&R” locations are available.  After searching on the NACCRRA site, I was unable to find out what CCR&R means.  (I ended up googling it and found that it means “Child Care Resource and Referral,” how in the many years I’ve worked in this business did I not know this acronym?).

NACCRRA has changed its name, no longer named NACCRRA, now being called Child Care Aware of America.  Don’t follow the link that says “Click here for more information,” as the link leads you to a page not found.  There is a mailing address listed if you want more information though.

On the bottom of the page, right corner, there is an area entitled “Take Action”.  Here you can find the “Legislative Action Center” with loads of information on current legal issues as well as updates on previous ones discussed.  Click on “send an email to your elected officials” will offer current issues that your state is involved in that you could email an official in support or to voice your opinion on your lack of support.

·         Thoroughly search one area of the site. What do you find?

Following the “Parents” tab on the home page, you will find  an area that helps you find a child care facility.  When you follow that link, it brings you to the new website www.childcareaware.org (the new NACCRRA name and I’m guessing new site).  There are two links you can follow, one for child care providers and one for parents and guardians.  The child care provider’s link will take you to additional resources with helpful tools to “begin your career as a child care provider”.  On this main page there is also a link to “Alex the Bear”.  Alex the Bear is a video that can be used to help children and parents with the transition into a child care setting.  Such a cute video!  If this is the new site, I like where its going!

·         Does the website or the e-newsletter contain any information that adds to your understanding of equity and excellence in early care and education?

The website offers a great deal of updated information on current issues and trends within the Early Childhood field either through news articles, journals, or public service announcements.  Excellence is a reason NACCRRA exists, to promote excellence in all child care facilities.  Interested in hearing broadcasts on popular topics that assist in promoting excellence, there is an area entitled “tune into NACCRRA radio” http://childcareaware.org/naccrra-radio that has great information.

·         What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain this week from exploring the website and/or the e-newsletter?

One area that I really enjoyed reviewing this week was entitled “Stay at home or return to work?”  This is area is a step by step process that enables you to both think through the process and decision of staying at home or returning to work by reading and considering different factors.  You can even type in comments concerning each topic and save your comments to print or return to finish if you’re not able to complete the entire topic.  I love it!  I love the support that this topic brings as it’s a decision that isn’t taken lightly and many parents go back and forth over, some with regrets later on.  (I found this link by following a “Quick Links” lead on the main page of the newer website www.childcareaware.org  

4 comments:

  1. Thank you for posting the link to NACCRRA radio. The site also provides a link to Bam Radio http://www.bamradionetwork.com/ They offer very good programming. What a great source for teachers and parents!
    Carolina

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  2. Thanks Shelly... and Carolina! I found an interest in several of the areas you highlighted on the NACCRRA site. I am quite familiar with Child Care Resources and Referral Agencies in Michigan and their work but was not aware of of a national effort. They are all part of the quality initiative now and have a new title as Great Start Regional Resource Centers. Here is the site for the one in my region of the Upper Peninsula. (http://www.4c-up.com/index.php) I love how well rounded the site is, with information for both providers and parents. Thanks for sharing!

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  3. Shelly,

    I enjoy reading your articles because of the new information that you are able to share. I think that the NACCRRA is a great site promoting excellence. It's a wonderful site for parents and teachers to explore for simple encouragement.Also I found it easier for me to listen rather than to just read article on issues most of the time. Thats why I think this site is so perfect.

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  4. I do agree that the NACCRRA is a great website to listen to and read from time to time, they do have some good information. I even was able to check out some organizations that give out the CPR First Aid training in my area...

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