WINTER 2008
Ounce Trainers
PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES::
Contact: Gail Mahr
651-290-9704 ext. 200
Not by Chance:
Contact: Gail Mahr
651-290-9704 ext. 200
Ounce Scale MN Child Care Project
Contact: Mary Scott
651-433-2182
Surge Support Child Care Project
Contact: Julie Wasiluk
651-290-9704 ext. 119
Contact: Cory Woosley
651-746-4024
The Ounce Scale MN Child Care Project Update
Happy New Year to you all! A few weeks back Huda Farah sent me a note wishing me “a year and life filled with peace, joy, warmth and laughter.” Those words feel so right, that I am forwarding the words and sentiment on to you.
There is not a lot new to report. The Ounce Research Project (ORP) finished data collection in December. 76 providers/teachers and 118 families participated in this final round of videotaped observations, audio recorded speech samples and mail surveys. Work to enter this information into the research database continues. Some preliminary analysis is also in process. I am eager, and impatient, as I wait to hear results from all of the efforts.
The participants in the ORP Control Group are now eligible for free Ounce training, which must be taken before the end of this fiscal year (June 30th). Classes are being offered in each of the CCR&R districts. The on-line registrations are booming and, to my knowledge, the others have all had sufficient numbers to run.
I attended the in-person session on Parent Aware in December. It was very helpful to understanding the big picture of Minnesota’s Quality Rating System (QRS) and how all of the separate professional development components fit together. The Ounce Scale is recognized as an approved assessment tool within this framework. The QRS has great potential for raising the number of Minnesota children fully prepared for learning success, and child care/early education settings are a critical piece of this goal. I would encourage all of you to access information on the pilot projects, the long-term plans and on the role of trainers in the QRS assessment process.
Planning is underway for a Trainer Retreat on March 28th and 29th. I hope that you received the email to SAVE THE DATES! Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, I will not be able to attend. If you have specific questions, needs or requests regarding The Ounce Scale Minnesota Child Care Project, please let me know. I will do my best to insure that the Ounce informational session responds to your feedback.
Take care. Keep in touch! Stay warm!
Mary Scott
maryscott@frontiernet.net 651.433.2182