Menu
Log in


Log in


Upcoming events

    • 05/25/2024
    • 9:00 AM
    • 11/29/2024
    • Virtual
    Register

                            

    Do you have employees who need

    Medication Administration class?

    CCAL is offering two free registrations free of charge when you join the Child Care Association of Louisiana

     Virtual Medication Administration

     Dianne Constant, Agenda for Children

    Virtual Presentation - Saturday May 25, 2024

    9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon 

    Target Audience:  Owners, Directors, and Teachers

    This three-hour class provides staff training on how to properly administer medication to children in early learning centers. Participants will learn the state’s policies and procedures to follow to implement a clear guiding principle for medical administration. Upon completion of this training session, participants will receive a certificate to demonstrate compliance with the Louisiana Department of Health. Dianna Constant has been part of Agenda for Children’s team since 1990. She has over forty years of experience in early childhood education. She spent twenty years directing and operating her own childcare center and has more than two decades of experience as a trainer and technical assistance advisor for early childhood programs. She serves on the board of United Way of St. Charles and is actively involved with the Parish Networks in New Orleans and Houma supporting interaction improvements in Early Child Care Center and has served on the Child Care Health Care Consultant board since 2000. Dianna holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Youth and Family Services from Nichols State University. Certifications include Certified Reliable CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler, Pre-K), CLASS Affiliate Trainer (Pre K), Inter-Rater Reliable in GOLD by Teaching Strategies, Child Care Health Consultant, Louisiana Pathways Trainer Level II.  Dianna is a lifelong resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana.  



    • 06/22/2024
    • 8:45 AM
    • 12/30/2024
    • Virtual
    Register

    Virtual

    Ready Set Eat Food Safety Class 

    Dianna Constant, Agenda for Children

    Target Audience:  Owners, Directors, and Teachers

    Ready Set Eat Food Safety Presented by Dianne Constant, Agenda for Children 

    Ready Set Eat Food Safety is a session on how children grown and develop. This is an interactive session that includes information on handling children with special needs. After completion of this three-hour training class, participants will be able to:

    ·       Define the grasping status

    ·       Describe a positive and supportive learning environment for feeding children

    ·       Be able to discuss how language and feeding are related.

    ·       CLASS language is used. This CLASS meets the food safety requirement of the Louisiana Department of Health

    Dianna Constant has been part of Agenda for Children’s team since 1990. She has over forty years of experience in early childhood education. She spent twenty years directing and operating her own childcare center and has more than two decades of experience as a trainer and technical assistance advisor for early childhood programs. She serves on the board of United Way of St. Charles and is actively involved with the Parish Networks in New Orleans and Houma supporting interaction improvements in Early Child Care Center and has served on the Child Care Health Care Consultant board since 2000. Dianna holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Youth and Family Services from Nichols State University. Certifications include Certified Reliable CLASS Observer (Infant, Toddler, Pre-K), CLASS Affiliate Trainer (Pre K), Inter-Rater Reliable in GOLD by Teaching Strategies, Child Care Health Consultant, Louisiana Pathways Trainer Level II.  Dianna is a lifelong resident of Thibodaux, Louisiana.  


    • 10/16/2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
    • 3125 W Pinhook Road, Lafayette
    Register



    CCAL Acadiana Road Show 

     Wednesday, October 16, 2024

    3125 W. Pinhook Road 

    Lafayette, Louisiana

    2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

    Agenda

    • Welcome and Introductions - Danielle Credeur, Sugar N’Spice Children's Academy 
    • CCAL Advocacy Update - Cindy Bishop, Executive Director & Lobbyist  
    • Regulatory Update - Jonathan Pearce,  Legislative Chairman 
    • Technical Support:  How to get Help with CCAP, Edlink, KinderConnect & CBC Issues 
    • Fall Education Conference - October 18th and October 19th 
    • Register at childcarelouisiana.org/events 
    • Door Prizes and Adjournment  

    If you have any questions, ideas or suggestions please call or text 225 933 5435

    The Acadiana Region encompasses the following parishes:

    Lafayette Parish 

    Acadia Parish

    Iberia Parish

    St. Landry Parish

    St. Martin Parish

    St. Mary Parish 

    Vermillion Parish

    Evangeline Parish



    • 10/18/2024
    • 7:30 AM - 4:15 PM
    • Virtual
    Register



    Virtual Registration 

    Fall Education Conference - Friday Only

    Friday, October 18, 2024

    9:00 AM till 4:15 PM

    We plan to email all virtual participants a link to our ZOOM Platform no later than 5 PM on Thursday October 17th. 

    Keynote Speaker -  Vernon Mason     9:00 - 10 AM 

    LDOE Updates          10:30 AM till 12 noon 

    • Moderator - Karen Powell, Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Early Childhood Care and Education
    • Mellyn Baker, Assistant Superintendent of Early Childhood Care and Education 
    • Shelia Campbell – Executive Director, Early Childhood Education Operations
    • Edlink Update - Robert Klein
    • CCAP Update – Melinda George
    • Licensing Updates – Andrea Burl
    • Child Care Criminal Background Checks – Kayla Batiste
    • Adult and Child Food Program - David Thibodeaux

    Lunch break till 1:15 PM

    FRIDAY AFTERNOON BREAKOUT SESSION   

    1:15 – 4:15 PM

    Leading for Success and Happiness! 

    Vernon Mason

    Being an early childhood leader or entrepreneur should be a gift, not punishment. Vernon will share practical steps to set you up for success and happiness even in the most challenging times. Stop being the fixer, empower your leader. 

    Embark on a transformative journey with this veteran director turned speaker and author.  He redefines early childhood leadership as a gift, not a punishment. In this empowering keynote, discover practical steps to ensure both success and joy in your leadership role, even amid challenges. This roadmap extends beyond problem-solving, emphasizing the art of empowerment and inspiring growth within your leadership team.

    Navigate the dynamic world of early childhood leadership with insights, shifting from a fixer to a nurturing leader. Gain valuable tools to cultivate a positive and resilient mindset, enabling graceful navigation through challenges. Uncover strategies for fostering a collaborative work environment where team success becomes a collective achievement.

    Join us in this enlightening experience as the presenter shares wisdom on achieving both success and happiness in early childhood leadership. It's time to embrace your leadership role as the extraordinary gift it should be, setting a course for a fulfilling and joyful professional journey.

    • 10/18/2024
    • 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • West Baton Rouge Conference Center, 2750 N. Westport Drive, Port Allen, Louisiana
    • 33
    Register



     CCAL Fall Education Conference ONSITE

    Friday, October 18, 2024 

    West Baton Rouge Conference Center 

    Registration Check In Starts at 740 AM

        

    8:55 AM  Welcoming Remarks – Tafta Miller, President 

    9:00 AM  Keynote Speaker Vernon Mason

    10:00 – 10:30 AM   Mimosa Break 

    10:30 AM till 12 PM  LDOE Updates 

    • Moderator - Karen Powell, Deputy Assistant Superintendent, Early Childhood Care and Education
    • Mellyn Baker, Assistant Superintendent, Early Childhood Care and Education
    • Shelia Campbell – Executive Director, Early Childhood Education Operations
    • Edlink Update - Robert Klein
    • CCAP Update – Melinda George
    • Licensing Updates – Andrea Burl
    • Child Care Criminal Background Checks – Kayla Batiste
    • Adult and Child Food Program - David Thibodeaux 

      OR

    Teacher Roundtable Discussion 

    Limited to teachers and support staff 

    Pamela Marshall, Shiloh Gardens Academy

    Stacey Byes-Byarse, It Takes A Village Academy

    • Effective Teaching Strategies
    • Classroom Management Techniques
    • Latest Research Early childhood education 

    12:00 PM – 1:15 PM         

    Lunch and Corporate Sponsor Recognition - Cindy Bishop

    Door Prize Giveaways – Tara Emery and Tafta Miller

    Swearing In of New CCAL President Tara Emery 

    BREAKOUT SESSIONS      

    1:15 – 4:15 PM

    Leading for Success and Happiness! 

    Presented by Vernon Mason

    Being an early childhood leader or entrepreneur should be a gift, not punishment. Vernon will share practical steps to set you up for success and happiness even in the most challenging times. Stop being the fixer, empower your leader. 

    Embark on a transformative journey with this veteran director turned speaker and author.  He redefines early childhood leadership as a gift, not a punishment. In this empowering keynote, discover practical steps to ensure both success and joy in your leadership role, even amid challenges. This roadmap extends beyond problem-solving, emphasizing the art of empowerment and inspiring growth within your leadership team.

    Navigate the dynamic world of early childhood leadership with insights, shifting from a fixer to a nurturing leader. Gain valuable tools to cultivate a positive and resilient mindset, enabling graceful navigation through challenges. Uncover strategies for fostering a collaborative work environment where team success becomes a collective achievement. Join oin us in this enlightening experience as the presenter shares wisdom on achieving both success and happiness in early childhood leadership. It's time to embrace your leadership role as the extraordinary gift it should be, setting a course for a fulfilling and joyful professional journey.

    The Five Stages of a Team - Kathe Petchel

    The 5 Stages of a Team weaves in the research on Stages of a Team from the beginning when the team is initially formed and explains the stages a team progresses through until the adjourning stage when you say goodbye to someone. This is based on research out of Berkeley, California from the '70s and is super relevant today. 

    Financial Management Without ARPA Grant Funds & Calculating Tuition to Maximize Your Profitability 

    Donna Daily - Childcareowner.com 

    In the Fall of 2023, a significant change impacted the childcare industry: the ending of Stabilization Grant funds for childcare businesses. This has resulted in substantial financial distress for many childcare owners. This workshop will provide participants with a framework for getting back on track with financial management without ARPA grant funds. In addition to readjusting to the loss of grant funds, one of the most important keys to a child care business's financial health and stability is charging tuition rates in all classrooms that cover the cost of delivering care and provide a desired level of profitability. This workshop, with its practical focus on calculating the cost to deliver care – all fixed, variable, direct, and indirect costs, equips you with the necessary tools to make informed financial decisions, ensuring you are well-prepared for the future.

    Using Literature to Foster Social Skills

    Leah Lormand, MS, LCSW

    This presentation will introduce literature that focuses on social development for young children. Participants will learn the importance of developing social skills early and the stages of this development in children 0-5. Next, we will engage in literature enrichment activities. Then participants will develop their own lessons based on read-alouds that focus on social skills. Emotional regulation will be addressed as well. Louisiana’s youngest learners can use stories with fun characters to learn social skills. It is valuable to know that literature can be accessed to solve real-life problems. 

    Medication and Epinephrine Administration

    Dianna Constant, Agenda for Children

    Marjorie Pittman, RN

    Denise Gillespie RN

    This three-hour breakout session provides staff training on how to properly administer medication to children in early learning centers. Participants will learn the state’s policies and procedures to follow to implement a clear guiding principle for medical administration. Upon completion of this training session, participants will receive a certificate to demonstrate compliance with health and safety training requirements. Marjorie Pittman has been a licensed registered nurse for the past 18 yrs. Currently, Mrs. Pittman works as an RN Ambulatory Clinic Coordinator. She worked as an Operating Room RN for 15 years. Dianna Constant has been part of the Agenda for Children team since 1990. She has over forty years of experience in early childhood education.

    Teachers Roundtable Discussion

    Stacey Byes-Byarse and Pamela Marshall

    Teacher’s Roundtable Discussion is a dynamic forum for educators to collaboratively explore and share innovative practices, challenges, and insights related to early childhood education. This interactive session fosters a sense of community among teachers, creating a space where they can engage in open dialogue about effective teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and the latest research in early childhood development. Participants exchange practical tips, success stories, and valuable resources, enhancing their professional development. The roundtable format encourages peer-to-peer learning, allowing teachers to address common concerns and find collective solutions. Overall, the Teachers Roundtable Discussion serves as a platform for educators to connect, learn from each other, and contribute to the continuous improvement of early childhood education practices. Stacey Byes-Byarse has been in the early learning field for over 20 years. She established It Takes a Village Academy in 2014. 

    Pamela Marshall is the proud owner and Executive Director of Shiloh Gardens Academy in New Orleans. She recently opened her second location – Shiloh Gardens Academy & Early Learning Center. She has 20 years of experience in early childhood education. 

    Register at childcarelouisiana.org/events


    Exhibitors        

    6’ table with 2 chairs    $375

    Break   Sponsor                     $400

    For registration assistance, call Cindy Bishop at 225 933 5435 or email cindy.bishop@checkmate-strategies.com and David.roberson@checkmate-strategies.com





    • 10/18/2024
    • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Hampton Inn and Suites, 2755 Commercial Drive, Port Allen
    Register


    Child Care Association of Louisiana

    Child Care Health Consultant Business Meeting 

    In Conjunction with Our CCAL Fall Education Conference

    Friday October 18, 2024 

    Hampton Inn  & Suites

    2755 Commercial Drive

    Port Allen, Louisiana

    This facility is within walking distance of the

    West Baton Rouge Conference Center.

                                     Conference Room 

                                  9:00 AM till 12:00 Noon 

    Child Care Health Consultant Business Meeting

    Guest speaker:

    Sonia Fields-Gutierrez, Director of Accountability will share LDOE's latest PowerPoint presentation on health and safety education parameters and guidance.

    CCAL has a membership category specifically for CCHCs. 

    CCAL has appointed a CCHC Ad-Hoc Committee chaired by Angela White-Williams.

    If you have any questions, reach out to CCAL at 225 933 5435.

    This meeting is for CCHC CCAL members only.

    To attend, please join the Child Care Association of Louisiana when you register for this meeting or contact Cindy Bishop at 225 933 5435. 

    Thanks!

    • 10/19/2024
    • 7:00 AM - 3:15 PM
    • West Baton Rouge Conference Center, 2750 N. Westport Drive, Port Allen, Louisiana
    • 53
    Register



    ONSITE Fall Education Conference

    Saturday, October 19, 2024

    West Baton Rouge Conference Center

    2750 N. Westport Drive

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana  

    Check-in starts @ 7:00 AM 

    Classes start promptly @ 8:00 AM and conclude at   3:15 PM

    Saturday Breakout Sessions

    October 19, 2024

    Culturally Responsive Literacy Practices in an Early Childhood Setting- Dr. Dionne Nichols-Condoll

    The presentation will focus on culturally responsive teaching practices including literacy in an early childhood setting and how culture, language, and uniqueness help educators teach literacy skills in a way that increases literacy achievement for all young scholars.   

    Ready Set Eat Food Safety 

    Dianne Constant, Agenda for Children

    Ready Set Eat Food Safety is a session on how children grow and develop. This is an interactive session that includes information on handling children with special needs. After completion of this three-hour training class, participants will be able to Define the grasping status, describe a positive and supportive learning environment for feeding children, be able to discuss how language and feeding are related.

    Tracking and Organizing CCAP Remittances, Semi-automated invoices and More –

    Danielle Credeur, Inspire Management Solutions

    In this interactive session, center owners and directors will learn how to effectively and efficiently track and organize their CCAP Remittances, their CCAP redeterminations and their semi-automated invoices (also known as SAIs). Come prepared with your laptop and your CCAP paperwork to roll up your sleeves and get your Child Care Assistance Program paperwork organized so that your center can easily stay on top of CCAP payments received, owed and pending. Each of our three 2-hour sessions will be limited to only 10 participants so that we can individualize this hands-on workshop to maximize the benefit for each participant.  

    Turning Challenges into Triumphs: Strategies for Responding to Staff and Parent Negativity and Keyboard Critics  - Kathe Petchel, Hinge Advisors

    This session covers steps to take ahead of time to minimize or mitigate negative PR, keyboard critics, and social media rants from both parents and staff. We look at specific and actionable solutions to ensure speedy remedies and learn key phrases and responses to use when under pressure. Attendees will have the opportunity to share some of the challenging situations they have experienced and with the benefit of hindsight, and the groups’ collective wisdom, understand what they could have done differently.

    Enrollment Elevation 

    Chelsea Reue, Preschool Exchange

    Embark on a transformative journey as we delve into the art and science of crafting preschool tours that captivate hearts and elevate enrollments. In "Enrollment Elevation," we'll explore innovative strategies and proven techniques to turn every tour into a captivating experience. From creating a warm welcome to showcasing your center's unique charm, this presentation is your guide to mastering the intricacies of the tour process. We'll focus on how these efforts can directly improve literacy for Louisiana's youngest learners by attracting families to childcare programs that emphasize early literacy development, ensuring that children have the foundational skills they need to succeed.  

    ALERT:  Profit Is Not a Bad Word – Chelsea Reue

    As heart-centered Directors and Owners, it is easy to feel guilty or ashamed of managing a program that is profitable. During this presentation, we will address concerns around profit and explore ways to make your center more profitable to serve your staff, children, families, and yourself better. Takeaways from this presentation will include sample budgets and price structure options to balance a budget and bring profits to your center, turning profit from a bad word into an opportunity for growth. Additionally, we'll emphasize how increased profitability can enhance your center's literacy programs, providing the resources needed to improve early literacy outcomes for the children in your care.

    Sensory Story Time

    Kathleen Huff, Nunez Community College

    This presentation will spark interest in sensory learning activities connected to story times with young children. Children learn through their senses, as well as being interactive with learning materials. So why not link that type of learning to children’s literature in the classroom, in the library, and through newsletters for our families to emulate. Through interactions with materials that connect to the theme of the story it brings children to a higher level of understanding than with the story alone. All early childhood classrooms of today include children with special needs and these are great techniques to fully involve all children. 

    Child Care Business Valuation 101 & Value Acceleration – Donna S. Daily 

    Most child care owners do not think about building value over time as they run their business. However, the value of the child care business and associated real estate is what the owner plans to rely on to fund the next chapter of their life – often their retirement. In fact, about 75% of business owners plan to fund their retirement from the eventual sale and “value” of their child care business. This workshop is designed to help owners understand the basics of how childcare businesses are valued. Child care owners often focus on the wrong things when attempting to increase business value. This workshop is designed to help owners understand what increases and decreases a childcare business's value. We will share the proprietary Child Care Business Value Acceleration™ program created by ChildCareOwner.com to help owners implement the most effective methods for increasing the value of their childcare business in less time.

    Eliminate, Automate, Delegate to Elevate – Chelsea Reue

    Join us for our transformative presentation, "Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, to Elevate," where we'll unveil the essential strategies to streamline your workload, boost productivity, and elevate your business to new heights. Discover how to identify tasks to eliminate, automate repetitive processes, and effectively delegate responsibilities to unlock more time for growth and success. By adopting these strategies, you'll not only achieve greater efficiency and fulfillment but also create the capacity to focus on enhancing literacy programs within your center, thereby improving early literacy outcomes for the children in your care. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your approach to work and elevate both your business and the educational experiences you provide!

    Creating a Literacy Rich Environment –

    Dr. DeShannon Burrell

    Join us for an empowering presentation on fostering a love for reading and writing within homes and communities. This session aims to equip childcare owners, educators, and parents with practical strategies to create enriching literacy experiences for children. We will cover strategies on how to involve parents in their child’s literacy journey along with building community partnerships. Attendees will leave with actionable steps to support children’s literacy development, engage families with setting the home environment for a learning adventure, and collaborating with local organizations to create a supportive literacy network and establish community connections. 

    No Mine! I wanna Do it!  Help me Navigate My Big Emotions

    Kari Stephens and Karen Stevens, TIKES Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultants

    Our goal for the workshop is to help teachers utilize routine parts of their day to highlight and strengthen their classrooms social-emotional literacy. We plan to validate the concerns and frustrations commonly felt by teachers of students with big emotions. We also want to educate an equip teachers with tools such as their social stories, a curated book list, and additional knowledge about social-emotional health, that will give them the confidence necessary to teach children how to identify and regulate their big emotions. 

    Seamless Succession Planning: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Future-Proofing Your Company

    Kathe Petchel, Hinge Advisors

    It's never too early to plan your exit. In fact, we recommend you start thinking about it when you open your doors. However, as your company grows, things become more complicated, especially when real estate is acquired, children and family members join the company, and you are the market leader in your area. Join Kathe Petchel, Hinge Advisors, Business Development team member, for an informed discussion about what you should have in place now, what to consider for the future, and the key factors that will support a successful exit if and when you choose. Special content relating to second-generation succession planning, business and real estate valuations, and choosing a corporate successor will be shared. Don't miss this session designed to give you peace of mind. Future-proof your company now! 

    For registration assistance, text or call Cindy Bishop at 225 933 5435 or email cindy.bishop@checkmate-strategies.com and David.roberson@checkmate-strategies.com

    • 10/19/2024
    • 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • VIRTUAL Registration -
    Register



    VIRTUAL REGISTRATION

    Fall Education Conference for Saturday Only

    Saturday, October 19, 2024

     

    • 10/24/2024
    • 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Terrebonne Parish Library, 151 Library Drive, Houma
    Register

    You are cordially invited to attend our

    2024 CCAL Bayou Region Road Show 

     Thursday, October 24, 2024    

    1:30 - 3:00 PM

    Terrebonne Parish Library

    Main Branch

    151 Library Drive

    Houma, Louisiana 

    Agenda:

    Welcome and Introductions - Daisy Alviar, Bayou Region CCAL Board Member (Stella Learning Center)

    Greetings from Sandy Holloway, BESE Member

    Update from Cindy Bishop, CCAL Executive Director and Lobbyist

    • CCAP update
    • KinderConnect Update
    • CCAL's new food and supply savings program

    Door Prize Giveaways! 

    Please RSVP as soon as possible to hold your spot!

    It is not too late to register for CCAL's Fall Education Conference scheduled for Friday October 18th and Saturday October 19th.  Both virtual and onsite registration options available.  Register at childcarelouisiana.org/events

    Earn up to 12 clock hours! 



Childcare Association of Louisiana is statewide,  non-profit, professional membership organization that advocates on behalf of the early childhood education profession. 


Copyright © 2017  All Rights Reserved

Call or Text

(225) 933-5435

Executive Director


Childcare Association of Louisiana
P.O. Box  80053
Baton Rouge, LA 70898-0053

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software