Our MissionTo be the key resource of comprehensive child care services that support and enhance the quality of the early care and education system.

Wisconsin Rapids Office1107 West Grand AvenueWisconsin Rapids | WI 54495office hours:8:30am - 4:30pm

715-423-41141-800-628-8534fax: 715-423-2444ccrrcw@tznet.comwww.ccrrcw.org

Merrill Office407 West Main StreetMerrill | WI 54452office hours:9:00am - 5:00pm

715-539-97791-800-628-8534fax: 715-539-9771childcareconnection@g2a.netwww.childcareconnectioninc.org

Serving: Adams | Clark | Langlade | Lincoln | Marathon | Marquette | Portage | Taylor | Waushara | and Wood Counties

Issue #17January, February, March 2014

The Resource Connection

CCC & CCR&RCW Announce Childcaring, Inc. Merger

Child Care Connection, Inc. (CCC) and Child Care Resource and Referral of Central WI, Inc. (CCR&RCW) are excited to announce, effective January 1, 2014 CCC & CCR&RCW have merged to become one organization – Childcaring, Inc. “We believe that families, child care providers and community members interested in early childhood issues will appreciate the streamlining of services and the ease of working with one organization as well as positively acknowledge the attempt to be good stewards of state and local resources.  We look forward to serving you in 2014 as one “new” agency with two office locations,” stated Kelly Borchardt, executive director of Childcaring, Inc.

Incorporated in 1993 and 1989 respectively, the two agencies worked independently until 2010 when the child care referral program was regionalized throughout the state and CCR&RCW began processing referrals for all ten counties.  “CCC and CCR&RCW started working more collaboratively together by holding joint staff meetings; sharing a voice over IP phone system; combining data reports and developing one strategic plan.  We quickly began to see how a full merger would benefit both agencies and the communities that we serve,” Micki Krueger, assistant director at Childcaring said.

In 2012, the two boards and staff met regularly, started planning for a strategic merger and voted to finalize the merger as of 12/31/13.   With generous support from Incourage

Micki Krueger, assistant director (pictured left), and Kelly Borchardt (right), executive director of Childcaring, Inc. talk with board members at November 2013 board meeting.

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The Resource ConnectionThis newsletter provides information, not recommendations or endorsements.page 2

YoungStar CornerMicro-Grant funds are available to programs participating in YoungStar and taking part in quality improvement efforts. These funds, available once per year to programs that complete technical assistance, are meant to help programs meet their quality improvement goals.

The amount of the Micro-Grant will be determined by the type of program participating.

* $1000 for a licensed Group Child Care program or School Age program * $500 for a licensed Family Child Care program * $250 for a certified Family Child Care program  During the technical assistance process, a Technical Consultant will help the program complete all the steps necessary to receive Micro-Grant funds. Many programs choose to use their grant to purchase materials for children. However, the Micro-Grant can be used in many ways. Grants can be used to pay for training, credit-based education, or to pay the costs of participating in the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program. Many programs also invest in adult resources, curriculum and assessment materials, and improvements to the physical environment. Others use their grant towards Registry certificates or accreditation costs.

Kelly Borchardt ~ Executive Director

Micki Krueger ~ Assistant Director

Linda Francis ~ Office & Financial Manager

Mary Olson ~ Quality Improvement Specialist

Bobbie Jo Mork ~ Quality Improvement Specialist

Kristine Manternach ~ Quality Improvement Specialist

Peggy McMahon ~ Quality Improvement Specialist

Lori Shafranski ~ Quality Improvement Specialist

Carrie Steinke ~ Quality Improvement Specialist

Kao L. Xiong ~ Quality Improvement Specialist / Bi-Lingual

Gayle Schiszik ~ Training Coordinator/Certifier

Rachele Cherek ~ Program Coordinator

Tracy Verjinsky ~ Program Coordinator

Shelley Weiler ~ Resource & Referral Assistant

Jessica Nass ~ Office Assistant

Adams, Clark, Marathon & Marquette CountyContact Childcaring if interested in developing an advocate group at 800.628.8534

Portage CountyPortage County Child Care Association - Joan Garski at 715.341.5873 Portage County Leaders- RoxAnne Forrest at 715.342.2999

Langlade County: Contact Donna Murra at 715.350.4159

Lincoln County: Contact Karen Grund at 715.536.9058 or Dolly Tanck at 715.536.7581 Taylor County: Meet the 3rd Monday of month For more information, call Kelly Emmerich at 715.748.6192

Waushara CountyContact Krista Sobieski at 920.566.0545

Wood County Marshfield Area Child Care Association– Krisann Mauritz at 715.387.2218 Wisconsin Rapids Child Care Advocates Council– Beth Knuth at 715.423.5312

Provider Support / Advocate Groups

Childcaring Staff

Community Foundation and North Central Health Protection Plan Fund of the Community Foundation of North Central WI, the organizations were able to work with Forward Community Investments to help plan the details of the merger and meet with Kinziegreen to design a new organization name and logo.  Board members and staff from both agencies worked diligently to combine board policies, employee handbooks and budgets.

Along with the new name, Childcaring, Inc. has a new agency mission and logo. The mission reads, “To be the key resource of comprehensive child care services that support and enhance the quality of the early care and education system.” The new agency logo is symbolic of the mission of Childcaring’s dedication and outreach to enhance early care. 

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Carole Panzer, Redeemer Learning Center, former CCC board president and current Childcaring, Inc. board president, “I believe that all of the current stakeholders can be assured that the merger between CCC and CCR&RCW is both logical and suitable to improve and specialize the services that are already established.  And together we can look to the future with confidence, as the new agency strives to better meet the needs of those that they serve.”

Jane Marquardt, Bright Horizons Children’s Center stated, “As the former board president for CCR&RCW, and the current vice president

for the merged Childcaring, Inc. board, I am looking forward to the positive things to come for families and child care providers. I’m sure this will have a

positive impact on the communities and counties served.”

The Resource Connectionpage 3

Training OpportunitiesVisit our online training calendar for the most up-to-date training opportunities.

Child Care Trainings

Shaken Baby SyndromeTraining in identification, prevention and the grave effects of shaken baby syndrome. Saturday, January 18 · 9:00-10:30am Childcaring, Wisconsin Rapids $10 / Register by January 10

Stewards of Children, Darkness to LightStewards of Children is a sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. Tuesday, January 21 · 6:00-9:00pm Streitel Conference Center at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield Free to MACCA members, non-members $10 payable at door/ Registration is limited! Please register by January 14

Germs, Worms, Mud, and Crud: Strengthening Hand-Washing PracticeParticipants will build a better understanding of the rationale for hand-washing requirements. Monday, January 27 · 6:30-8:30pm Aspirus YMCA; Wausau $10 / Register by January 20

Social Emotional Competence: SEFEL Pyramid Model Training SeriesThe Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (SEFEL) is focused on promoting the social emotional development and school readiness of young children birth to age 5. The Pyramid Model Training Series is a model for supporting social competence and preventing challenging behavior in young children. Jan. 29, Feb. 3, 17, March 10, 24, April 7, 23, May 7 · 6:00-9:00pm (Must attend ALL sessions) Mid-State Technical College, Stevens Point $ 50 / Please register by January 22 Child Portfolios - A Way to Document a Child’s Ongoing DevelopmentAre you thinking about using Portfolios in your program but not really sure where to start? Join us for an evening that will include information about portfolios and time to create one for your program! This make and take workshop will get you started. Monday, February 24 · 6:00-9:00pm St. Luke’s, Wisconsin Rapids $15 fee / Register by February 17

Developmentally Appropriate Practice: WHY We Do What We DoBest practice in early care and education is based on knowledge of how children develop and learn in the early years. DAP is about what you do with that knowledge & how you do it. Thursday, February 27 · 6:00-9:00pm Immanuel Lutheran School, Medford $15 fee/ Register by February 20

Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS)A unique opportunity to understand and implement the WMELS into your early childhood setting. Saturday, March 8 & Friday, March 21 · 8:30am-4:30pm United Way of Marathon County, Wausau $40 fee / Register by February 28

Saturday, March 29 and Friday, April 4 · 8:30am-4:30pm Loyal City Hall, Loyal $30 fee (funding supported by CESA 10) / Please register by March 21

Heartsaver CPR w/ AED Tuesday, January 14 · 6:00 – 9:00pm Location: TBD, Wausau $45 fee (includes workbook & CPR card) Wednesday, February 5 · 6:00 – 9:00pm Location: TBD, Merrill $45 fee (includes workbook & CPR card) Tuesday, March 11 · 6:00 – 9:00pm Location: TBD, Wausau $45 fee (includes workbook & CPR card)Group Centers that have 8 staff needing training, contact Childcaring, Inc.– the instructor may be able to come to your center. (Mileage rates may apply)

Caring Hands: Brain DevelopmentSponsored by: Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental HealthDate: TBD, Marshfield & Wisconsin Rapids locations

*** Childcaring provides trainings that align with YoungStar quality areas***

Childcaring offers early care training. If a fee is required for the training, this information is noted in the training details. Participants will receive a Registry certificate for all trainings unless otherwise noted. For more information or to register, call 800-628-8534.

The Resource Connectionpage 4

Surprise Drawing for Attending Trainings in 2013

Congratulations Donna Plahmer and Carolyn Zielinski!  We held a surprise end of the year drawing that included the names of CCRRCW and CCC training participants from 2013. This surprise drawing is a much deserved thank you to all the child care providers who attended trainings throughout the year. Donna and Carolyn will each receive: $50 gift card from Walmart, an oversized board book version of the Caldecott Medal Winner “The Snowy Day”, and a CD of multicultural songs and shakers.

As a child care professional, you have the opportunity to make a lifetime of difference in the lives of children and their families. We appreciate your work and dedication to remain up-to-date on the most current practices in your profession.  By attending training opportunities in the child care field, you demonstrate your continued commitment to the importance of early learning and child development. 

2013 was the first year of the surprise drawing, but we are also planning another drawing for the end of the 2014 training year, so remember to sign up for available training opportunities. Congratulations Donna and Carolyn and thank you to everyone who attends Childcaring training.  You are a powerful resource!

To ensure consistent training practice, Childcaring has developed these basic training policies. We ask that you please be mindful of these policies when registering for upcoming trainings, thank you.

• Training participants are required to pre-register (unless otherwise noted in flyer or other promotional materials).  Typically, payment must be received at least 5 days prior to date of training – look for a registration and payment deadline on the flyer/promotional materials.

• Training fees will vary depending upon the cost of presenter and duration of training. 

• Childcaring will cancel trainings due to low registration. Participants who have pre-registered will be notified by Childcaring staff, by telephone, to confirm a canceled training.

• Childcaring staff will make the decision to cancel a training event, no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of the training, and notify pre-registered participants by telephone. Training may be cancelled due to low registration, inclement weather, etc.

• If Childcaring cancels a training event, pre-registered participants will not be charged. Training fees may be transferred to a future training, or a refund will be issued (at Childcaring discretion). 

• If you need to cancel your attendance, contact Childcaring by NOON on the day of the training, and you may not be charged – dependent upon the materials developed/purchased for you.

• Childcaring will arrange for Registry certificates, handouts, and other materials (where applicable) for PRE-REGISTERED participants only.

• New and rescheduled training information will be available via:   -The Resource Connection Newsletter -Childcaring website and email list serves and; -Postal mailings

Childcaring Training Policies

The Resource Connectionpage 5

Healthy Choices

The IRS has announced that the 2014 standard mileage rate will be $.56 per mile for business trips. The 2013 standard mileage rate is $.565 for such trips.

“Our staff is all on board!”

“I am thrilled about our new mom’s corner and have a new baby just starting who is breastfeeding.”

“Thank you so much for working with us!”

Keep these steps in mind to start your year off on a healthy note.Tips for a safe and healthy life:· Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains every day.· Limit foods and drinks high in calories, sugar, salt, fat, and alcohol.· Eat a balanced diet to help keep a healthy weight.

From the Heart of Wisconsin Breastfeeding Coalition: We are excited! As of January, 2014, we will be recognizing several child care centers who completed the “ten steps” to becoming recognized as breastfeeding friendly centers. Our coalition coaches worked together with center directors to implement the steps, and the centers were able to do the training at a staff meeting using the website YouTube modules. A small grant we received helped purchase items which centers needed to complete the requirements. Please contact Peggy if your center would like to do this project! Peggy.stalheim@co.marathon.wi.us, 715-261-1952

Some Comments:Applying the Language of Conscious DisciplinePresented by: Kristine Hutchinson Training Sponsored by: Child Care Advocates CouncilIn this one day seminar, participants will have the opportunity to review the seven powers for conscious adults as well as the seven skills of Conscious Discipline. We will dig deep into the language of each skill and practice new skills and language using role playing and games. This will be an active day full of learning, real-life scenarios, mistakes and achievements. Participants should dress comfortably and be prepared for a fun and interactive day. To sign up send registration fee (include name, address and telephone number) to: Caroline Casper, 6918 Knowledge Avenue, Rudolph, WI 54475. Any questions call 715-435-4747 / Snow Date: January 18, 2014 Saturday, January 11 · 9:00am-3:00 pm (There will be a ½ hour lunch break) St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Wisconsin Rapids $15.00 (includes lunch), Make checks out to CCAC

Attendance Reporting Requirements Participants are provided with information to report attendance for reimbursement from Wisconsin Shares.

Thursday, January 30 6:00-8:30pm Westfield High School, Westfield Call: (920) 559-2799 to register FREE / Register by January 22

Bulletin Board

Fun Winter Project!Make these snowmen out

of recycled milk jugs.

Add lights or light sticks inside to make them glow.

Non-Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDWisc Rapids WIPermit No. 31

2014 Childcaring Board of DirectorsCarole Panzer, PresidentJane Marquardt, Vice PresidentRuth Sattler, SecretaryAshton Gebert, TreasurerKim GachnangBrad GastLenna HamiltonPat MarkusonSheila MichelsJamie MollicaDonna MurraCandy ParksGinny RuschJulie RodgerTammy SchreiberJay ShraderMandy StanleyRich ThwaitsKim Van HoofMelissa Wrycha

Xav tau kev pab pes/txhais daim ntauw xovxwm no thov hu tuaj rau Kao Lai Xiong 715-539-9779 Hnub Mondays - 9:30 txog 3:30pm.

Partner Program

Wisconsin Rapids Office1107 West Grand Avenue | Wisconsin Rapids | WI 54495

Merrill Office407 West Main Street | Merrill | WI 54452

Vision For all Central Wisconsin children to benefit from the best child care possible.

Stay CONNECTED with Childcaring, Inc.With all the exciting trainings and information coming up, we send a lot of information out via e-mail. Please be sure to update your email address with us. Call us, or send us an email. See the front cover of this newsletter for contact information. Look for our new Childcaring FB page, website, and email addresses coming soon!