When it comes to nurturing the next generation, the role of child care professionals is absolutely vital. In Southeast Iowa, there’s a community-wide effort to support these professionals through the Southeast Iowa Early Childhood initiative. By providing resources, training, and opportunities for growth, this initiative ensures that child care providers have the tools they need to create safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environments for young children.
In this blog, we’ll explore the exciting work being done in Southeast Iowa to support child care professionals, including the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) project, opportunities for professional growth, and the critical role early childhood development plays in our communities.
The Importance of Early Childhood Development
Early childhood is the foundation for a lifetime of learning, social interaction, and emotional health. Research consistently shows that the experiences children have during their first five years significantly shape their future. Their brains grow rapidly, forming the neural connections that determine how they process information, handle emotions, and build relationships.
For child care professionals, this means every interaction counts. Whether it’s a caregiver encouraging a toddler to share, a teacher helping a preschooler explore new ideas, or a professional comforting a child during a tough moment, these everyday moments contribute to lifelong skills.
Southeast Iowa Early Childhood recognizes this immense responsibility and is committed to supporting the professionals who play such a critical role in shaping the next generation.
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS): A New Initiative
A major milestone for Southeast Iowa Early Childhood is the launch of the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) project. This initiative is designed to help child care professionals foster positive social, emotional, and behavioral skills in young children. The goal is simple: to prevent problematic behaviors and ensure children have the tools to thrive in group settings.
The PBIS project, spearheaded by Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) Boards across 10 counties—including Des Moines, Henry, Jefferson, and Washington—provides hands-on support to childcare homes and centers.
Key Features of the PBIS Project:
- Training Opportunities: Participants will gain valuable insights into strategies for promoting positive behavior in young children.
- Face-to-Face Coaching: Coaching ensures that the training is effectively implemented in real-world child care settings.
- Behavioral Consultation: Professionals will have access to experts who can offer guidance on addressing specific challenges.
Most importantly, all services offered through the PBIS project meet the requirements for Iowa’s Quality for Kids (IQ4K) initiative, ensuring child care providers are recognized for their efforts to deliver high-quality care.
Exciting Opportunities for Professionals
The Southeast Iowa Early Childhood initiative is actively building a team of experts to deliver the PBIS project. Iowa State University Extension & Outreach, Henry County, is currently hiring three Early Childhood PBIS Consultants/Coaches. These professionals will work directly with child care providers across 10 counties, offering training and hands-on coaching.
Job Highlights:
- Qualifications: A master’s degree is preferred, but a bachelor’s degree in early childhood, education, special education, or a related field is required.
- Responsibilities: Coaches will work one-on-one with child care professionals, ensuring they have the skills to implement PBIS strategies effectively.
This is an incredible opportunity for early childhood professionals who want to make a meaningful difference in their community. Interested candidates can apply by submitting their application, resume, and cover letter to jansmith@iastate.edu by July 25.
Early Childhood Development Is Everyone’s Business
One of the core beliefs behind Southeast Iowa Early Childhood is that early childhood development is a community-wide responsibility. Families, educators, policymakers, and community members all play a role in creating environments where young children can thrive.
The initiative encourages everyone in the community to participate in the ECI Family Survey, which helps identify the needs and priorities of local families. By gathering input from parents and caregivers, Southeast Iowa Early Childhood ensures its programs and resources are tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in the region.
Training and Resources for Child Care Professionals
Child care professionals in Southeast Iowa have access to a wealth of resources to help them grow in their careers and provide exceptional care. In addition to the PBIS project, Southeast Iowa Early Childhood offers:
- Workshops and Seminars: Covering topics such as developmental milestones, managing challenging behaviors, and fostering inclusive classrooms.
- IQ4K Support: Guidance on meeting Iowa’s Quality for Kids standards, ensuring providers receive recognition for their commitment to quality care.
- Networking Opportunities: Events where child care professionals can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
The Bigger Picture: Why Invest in Early Childhood?
Investing in early childhood development has far-reaching benefits for families, communities, and society as a whole. Children who have access to high-quality early learning environments are more likely to succeed in school, have better social skills, and grow into productive adults.
For communities, the impact is just as significant. Strong early childhood programs lead to reduced rates of crime, higher graduation rates, and a stronger workforce. Supporting child care professionals is one of the most effective ways to build a brighter future for everyone.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, there are many ways to support the work of Southeast Iowa Early Childhood:
- Spread the Word: Share information about the PBIS project and other resources with local child care professionals.
- Participate in Surveys: Help shape future initiatives by providing input through tools like the ECI Family Survey.
- Advocate for Early Childhood: Reach out to policymakers and community leaders to emphasize the importance of investing in early childhood programs.
Southeast Iowa Early Childhood: A Resource for Child Care Professionals
At its core, Southeast Iowa Early Childhood is about empowering child care professionals to do their best work. By providing training, coaching, and resources, this initiative ensures that every child in Southeast Iowa has the opportunity to thrive.
If you’re a child care provider or someone passionate about early childhood development, there’s no better time to get involved. Explore the resources, join the conversation, and help build a stronger future for our children.
For more information about how Southeast Iowa Early Childhood is making a difference, visit their website at www.earlydevelopment.org.
Conclusion
The work being done by Southeast Iowa Early Childhood is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. By investing in child care professionals, this organization is laying the groundwork for healthier, happier, and more successful children.
Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or simply someone who believes in the importance of early childhood development, there’s a role for you to play in this important work. Let’s work together to support Southeast Iowa Early Childhood and ensure every child has the chance to reach their full potential.
For more details, be sure to visit www.earlydevelopment.org. Together, we can make a difference!
