ProjectCHILD Quality Consultant Team

10/10/2026

10/06/2026

🎃 Pumpkin Washing Station

A fun, hands-on autumn activity for toddlers aged 12–24 months. Children can wash and scrub small pumpkins using water, soft brushes, sponges and cloths, enjoying plenty of sensory exploration while developing fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, concentration and independence.

What you need: Small pumpkins, shallow water tray, soft brushes, sponges, cloths/towels and waterproof aprons.

Words to introduce: pumpkin, orange, wet, dry, wash, scrub, brush, splash, clean, dirty, smooth, bumpy.

💡 Practitioner Tip: Follow the child’s lead—allow plenty of time for filling, splashing, brushing and repeating rather than focusing on getting the pumpkins “clean.”

⚠️ Safety: Always supervise closely, use shallow water and age-appropriate equipment, and check pumpkins and resources for damage before play.

© Early Years Education Helper

10/02/2026

The Individual Professional Development Funds application and the CPR and First Aid Reimbursement application are both available now for FY2027.
Funding is limited and is awarded on a first come, first served basis.
The applications will soon be available on our website - www.projectchild.net, but can also be accessed at the following links:

CPR and First Aid application:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oHqAFDkfhVKlSK04p-re6As_2F3qsTc9/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=105139769903520218303&rtpof=true&sd=true

Professional Development Funds application:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19GjyjVdtUO3PThh38BtOMAepDZ8AGKiG/view?usp=sharing

Please call our office if there are questions at 618.244.2210.

Guidelines and Application Project CHILD: Child Care Resource & Referral 327 Potomac Blvd; Ste C Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 618.244.2210 July 1, 2026 –June 30, 2027 In partnership with Project CHILD, the Illinois Department Early Childhood (IDEC) is providing funds to assist child care practition...

09/18/2026

🚙 TODAY!

Need a car seat check? We’re here to help! 💛

Join Spero’s Parents as Teachers and Doula team, along with the Mount Vernon Fire Department and ProjectCHILD, for a FREE Car Seat Safety Check.

📅 Today, September 18
⏰ 3–5 PM
📍 Mount Vernon Fire Department
714 S. 42nd St., Mount Vernon

Stop by and make sure your child’s car seat is installed and being used safely!

09/18/2026

💙🚗 September is Car Seat Safety Month!🚗💙

A new month is a great time for a quick safety check — especially when it comes to the little ones riding with us. From choosing the right seat to making sure it’s installed correctly, every detail matters. 🧸

📅 Save the Date: September 18
⏰ 3:00–5:00 PM
📍 Mount Vernon Fire Department
714 South 42nd Street, Mount Vernon, IL

Spero, ProjectCHILD , and the Mount Vernon Fire Department will be there with certified technicians to provide car seat checks and help families make sure their child’s seat is installed safely.

Start September with safety in mind. 💙🚙

09/10/2026

🌟 Thinking About a Career in Early Childhood? Or Ready to Take the Next Step? 🌟

There are so many ways to grow, learn, and build a career while making a difference in the lives of young children and families!

Join us for this FREE virtual training:

🎓 Career Pathways in Early Childhood Education and Care
📅 Tuesday, September 15, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:00 p.m.
💻 Virtual via Zoom

Ashley Baldridge, Higher Education & Workforce Development Navigator, will help participants explore:

• Career opportunities in early childhood throughout Illinois
• Education and professional development pathways
• Resources and financial supports that may be available
• Information about earning a CDA
• How a Navigator can support you as you plan your next steps

Whether you're brand new to early childhood, working toward a credential or degree, or wondering what opportunities are available to you, this is a great place to start!

✨ Your work with children matters—and there are resources available to help you grow in the profession.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register, and please share with someone who might be interested in beginning or growing their early childhood career!

09/09/2026

📣 FREE VIRTUAL TRAINING for Early Childhood Professionals!

💬 Building Language Through Meaningful Interactions
📅 Tuesday, September 15
⏰ 6:00–8:00 p.m.
💻 Virtual — join us from home!

Some of the most powerful teaching we do happens during ordinary conversations with children.

How do we turn those everyday moments into interactions that build language, relationships, curiosity, and thinking?

Join us for two interactive hours packed with practical strategies for working with children. We’ll explore meaningful back-and-forth conversations, developmentally appropriate questions, the T.R.E.A.T. framework, and ways to extend children’s thinking without taking over their play or doing all the talking!

✨ Free training. Practical ideas. Strategies you can use tomorrow.

Scan the QR code on the flyer to register, and please share with an early childhood teacher who might want to join us!

08/25/2026

Register for your spot at the September Sip & Support!

08/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/196JJoj45K/

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

07/30/2026

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!