ProjectCHILD Quality Consultant Team

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Need CDA Assistance: Contact Your Higher Education & Workforce Development Navigator, Ashley Baldridge Today!

When you renew your CDA®, you do not just get a new expiration date. You get a shareable digital badge you can post anywhere that shows you are current and credentialed.

If your CDA lapsed, our Renewal Amnesty gives you a path back, open now through April 2027. https://bit.ly/3SLzw9E

I am excited to share that enrollment is open for the Extending Preschool Children's Thinking course!

This course is free, offered for college credit and perfect for two-year-old teachers, preschool teachers and teachers of school-age-children who are looking to deepen conversations with children while getting information and ideas on spaces and materials for the classroom.

Course Highlights:
* Virtual Class via Zoom - no travel needed!
* Dates: Wednesdays, 6:00 to 8:30pm
September 2nd, 9th & 23rd
October 7th & 21st
November 4th & 11th
December 2nd
* Earn free college credit or DCFS In-service hours
* Apply strategies and ideas directly into your own care setting

NEXT STEPS:
1. Review the flyer below for all the details.
2. Scan the QR code on the flyer or click here ECE 1601 to
reserve your spot in the class.
3. After completing the Google form, you will receive
your formal college registration forms and additional next
steps to finalize your enrollment.
4. Mark your calendar for the first class: Wednesday,
September 2nd at 6:00pm on Zoom.

If you have any questions about the course, enrollment process, or requirements, feel free to reply to this email.

I am looking forward to working with you and your staff and exploring new ways to make preschool children's thinking deeper and more meaningful!

Last week, the Project CHILD Consultant Team had the opportunity to attend the NAFCC National Conference together in Chicago!

Getting our entire team in one place is easier said than done. Most days we’re spread across Southern Illinois coaching, training, and supporting early childhood providers and programs. So having the chance to learn side by side, share ideas, and connect as a team was something we truly appreciated.

We came home with new resources, fresh ideas, and renewed inspiration that we’re excited to bring back to the providers and communities we serve. Thank you, NAFCC, for a wonderful conference!

When you pause to wonder what is behind the behavior, you open the door to understanding.

Curiosity shifts the moment from reaction to connection and creates space to teach what is needed.

ECACE Scholarship Application is Live

2026-27 ECACE Scholarship Application Available
Priority Consideration Date: May 31st

Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity Scholarship Program

The below reflects program information for the 2026-27 academic year, which in some cases is different from previous years. Please be sure to read the page in its entirety prior to applying for the scholarship. See the Processing Updates for further details.

CLICK HERE for the FULL Information: https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/ecace.html?fbclid=IwAR1Gj_vXkBK0SxtWy-E77lX71HbHJKGAUxOt-RTUx8gz2rLyMoKUeQUCdGc

Reach out to your Higher Education & Workforce Development Navigator at your local Child Care Resource & Referral Agency for guidance & support.

Ashley Baldridge- Project CHILD

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 618-244-2210 ext. 101

ECACE Scholarship Program The below reflects program information for the 2026-27 academic year, which in some cases is different from previous years. Please be sure to read the page in its entirety prior to applying for the scholarship. See the Processing Updates for further details.

We had the best time kicking off Week of the Young Child with our Rend Lake College students at our Embrace Your Inner Child pop-up event!

There were games, bubbles, rock painting, sidewalk chalk, popcorn, treats from Happy Camper Brews, and the most beautiful weather! We also wore blue to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month and the importance of safe, supportive communities for children and families.

Special shoutout to Studio RLC Cosmetology School for bringing their entire classes over and playing with us! 🤗

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, played a little, and helped make the day so fun! 💙✨

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