Education Commons^™

Childcare And Youth Training And Technical Assistance (Cyttap) 2014 Evaluation Report, Kit Alviz, Tonia Durden

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

The Childcare and Youth Training and Technical Assistance Project (CYTTAP) works to improve the quality and quantity of child care in states with high densities of off-installation military families. From November 2011 through January 2014, childcare providers and early childhood education professionals attended face-to-face trainings, train-the-trainer events, and low- or no-cost online trainings. The trainings included Better Kid Care on Demand (online modules on math, art, behavior, and more); Getting Started in Family Child Care (to learn about starting a family child care business); I Am Moving, I Am Learning (preventing childhood obesity); and Rock Solid Foundations (strategies for supporting …

It Takes A Village! Culturally Relevant And Sustainable Education For African American Preschoolers, Tonia Durden

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

National educational reform efforts are now focusing on improving the quality of and accessibility to quality early childhood programming for children to decrease economic and achievement gaps. However, providing opportunities for quality early childhood programs for low-income children is not a new phenomenon. Head Start, a comprehensive school readiness program, was launched almost 50 years ago to provide quality preschool programming and services for children and families living in poverty. Nationally, 48% of children under the age of five live in poverty with 66% of Black children living in low-income families. The state in which this study took place, 77% …

Childcare And Youth Training And Technical Assistance Project (Cyttap) November 2013 Evaluation Report, Kit Alviz, Tonia Durden

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

The Childcare and Youth Training and Technical Assistance Project (CYTTAP) works to improve the quality and quantity of child care in states with high densities of off-installation military families. From November 2011 through October 2013, childcare providers and early childhood education professionals attended face-to-face trainings, train-the-trainer events, and low- or no-cost online trainings. Trainings included Better Kid Care (face-to-face trainings covering a wide range of topics including partnerships with parents, health and safety, nutrition and physical activity, and curriculum planning); I Am Moving, I Am Learning (face-to-face training to prevent childhood obesity); and Rock Solid Foundations (a series of programs …

Child Care Expansion Initiative: Ripple Effect Mapping: October 2013 Executive Summary, Kit Alviz, Tonia Renee Durden

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

Ripple Effect Mapping (REM) sessions were conducted for the evaluation of the Childcare and Youth Training and Technical Assistance Project (CYTTAP) and in collaboration with the Military Child Care Liaison Initiative (MCCLI). The combined Child Care Expansion Initiative works to improve the quality and quantity of child care in states with high densities of off-installation military families through state systems building and provides professional development opportunities for early childhood professionals and child care providers. From September 2012 to February 2013, REM sessions were held in nine states. Future strategies recommended include identifying and bringing in the right Military Child Care …

Childcare And Youth Training And Technical Assistance Project (Cyttap) May 2013 Evaluation Report, Kit Alviz, Tonia Renee Durden

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

The Childcare and Youth Training and Technical Assistance Project (CYTTAP) works to improve the quality and quantity of child care in 13 states with high densities of off-installation military families. From November 2011 through April 2013, face-to-face trainings, train-the-trainer events, and low- or no-cost online trainings were attended by over 14,000 individuals. Trainings included Better Kid Care (a wide range of topics including partnerships with parents, health and safety, nutrition and physical activity, and curriculum planning); Getting Started in Family Child Care (about starting a family child care business), I Am Moving, I Am Learning (about preventing childhood obesity); and …

Extension's Capacity To Deliver Quality Early Childhood Professional Development, Tonia Durden, Claudia C. Mincemoyer, Jennifer Gerdes, Kathleen Lodl

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

In recent years much attention has focused on the role of enhancing a teacher's professional knowledge and skills in helping to improve the quality of early care experiences for young children birth–5. In the study reported here, an environmental scan of the early childhood professional development programs offered within the Extension system was conducted to identify the programs' content, delivery, scope, evaluation, and partners. Results indicate that Extension has been a player in providing professional development opportunities for early childhood professionals and with a focused effort in streamlining the current resources has the capacity to become a leader in this …

Keeping Children Moving, Active, And Healthy. Hef609, Participant Guide, Tonia Durden, Jennifer K. Gerdes, Ruth E. Vonderohe, Kayla Colgrove, Ladonna Werth, Lorene Bartos, Leslie Crandall, Carrie Miller

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

This program introduces parents, caregivers, and other adults to fun, interactive, and simple ways to encourage at-home movement activities with children birth to age 8.

Lesson Objectives: After completing this lesson, you will (1) have an increased understanding of the health benefits to children and adults of at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day, (2) understand how movement activities support children’s academic success, and social and emotional development, and (3) learn new strategies for helping children stay active and healthy.

Childcare And Youth Training And Technical Assistance Project (Cyttap) January 2013 Evaluation Report, Kit Alviz, Tonia Durden

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

From November 2011 through December 2012, 181 face-to-face trainings and 25 train-the-trainer events were offered to individuals as part of the Childcare and Youth training and Technical Assistance Project (CYTTAP) across 13 states. The trainings include Better Kid Care (face-to-face sessions that cover a wide range of topics from arts and math to challenging behaviors and physical activity); I Am Moving, I Am Learning (about preventing childhood obesity); and Rock Solid Foundations (on supporting young children's social and emotional growth and development). Positive ratings and significant change were the results across all projects.

Are We There Yet? Examining Sociocultural Contexts Of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy And Antibias Teachings In Early Childhood, Tonia Durden, Kimberly Blitch

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

What is our role in teacher education and development in preparing a workforce that has the professional competencies and skills to provide quality experiences for the culturally and linguistically diverse children in their care? We argue, it is imperative to draw upon the cultural and linguistic tools of children and families. An educational program that is culturally responsive to the child and encourages their sociocultural awareness and anti-bias beliefs toward others is critical in our emerging global society and essential to maximizing children’s learning experiences and future success. Culture still matters. Culture sensitivity, consciousness and awareness are all still integral …

Community Capacity Building: Supporting Military Children And Families Environmental Scan Of Extension Professional Development Opportunities For Early Childhood And School-Age Providers: Final Report, Jennifer K. Gerdes, D. Felix, Amanda Prokasky, Tonia Durden, Kathleen Lodl

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

The purpose of this environmental scan was to discover what professional development is offered through the Cooperative Extension System to early childhood or school age providers across the nation. A secondary focus was to assess the availability of professional development opportunities offered through the Cooperative Extension System for providers who serve children (birth–12) from military families, both on and off installation. Through this process, the strengths of Extension were highlighted and existing resources that could be replicated for use in other states were identified.

The Learning Child: Keys To Enhancing Learning. Hef595 Participant's Guide, Janet S. Hanna, Eileen M. Krumbach, Sarah Effken Purcell, Debra E. Schroeder, Mary K. Warner, Tonia Renee Durden

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

The goal of this program is to provide information about ways to create a responsive, stimulating, affirming, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children (birth–3 years).

Reflective Journeys Toward Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Tonia Renee Durden, Diane M. Truscott

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

In this qualitative case study we used Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory methodologically and theoretically to investigate the reflections of three elementary pre-service teachers as they were learning about teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students. Data sources included a questionnaire, interview transcripts, course documents, and individual written records. Cross and within case analyses were conducted using a priori and open coding for all data utilizing the analytic strategy of relying on theoretical propositions. Findings suggested that participants’ reflected beyond the classroom on influences that impact the education of diverse students and there were program specific factors that encouraged critical reflectivity …