Quality Start OC

Join us this week at PLI! See you there!

🌲 Exciting News from OC Public Libraries! 🚗🌊

California State Parks and the California State Library are offering FREE State Parks vehicle-day use passes! Available at all library branches across California, these passes unlock access to stunning parks, lakes, beaches, and monuments statewide. 🏞️✨

Start planning your next outdoor adventure!

For more information, please visit; https://ocpl.org/parkpasses

These photos were taken at this year's Early Learning Summer Institute. Attendees had the opportunity to experience what a Peace Place might look like in a classroom.

To learn more about the materials and furniture featured, visit our
Peace Place Padlet: https://tinyurl.com/Peace-Place

🎆Happy 4th of July!🎆

As we come together to celebrate freedom and unity, let's take a moment to appreciate the small, meaningful moments in our lives.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday with your loved ones. Your commitment to fostering a love of learning is truly inspiring. Have a wonderful 4th of July!

What an incredible turnout at the Early Learning Summer Institute in June! Early childhood professionals came together for a day filled with engagement, networking, and learning. From feeling inspired by the keynote speaker Kristi Mraz, exploring what the various vendors had to offer, experiencing the calmness of the Peace Place, and participating in engaging sessions, the energy was amazing. We are immensely grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a success. We cannot wait to see you all at next year's Summer Institute!

Did you know that is a special day that marks the journey to freedom for the last enslaved African Americans in the U.S. on June 19, 1865? This day is a reminder of the importance of freedom, love, and equality for everyone!

In our community, we celebrate the beautiful that makes us strong and united. Let’s teach our little ones about the power of and the importance of coming together as one.

Happy Memorial Day! Today we honor and remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. This day is not just a holiday; it's an opportunity to teach our young ones about the values of courage, service, and gratitude.

Here are a few thoughtful ways to commemorate Memorial Day with your students:

Art Projects: Encourage children to create artwork, such as American flags, thank you cards for veterans, or poppy flowers as symbols of remembrance.

Music and Songs: Sing patriotic songs like "This Land is Your Land" or "America the Beautiful" to instill a sense of pride and respect.

Class Discussions: Have a gentle discussion about the importance of Memorial Day, emphasizing themes of bravery and gratitude in a way that is understandable for young minds.

Let's use this day to teach our children the importance of honoring those who have served and to foster a sense of gratitude and respect in their hearts.

🌟 THANK YOU to Jimmy Casas for delivering an incredibly inspiring presentation at our Spring Leadership Academy on April 16th! 🙌

Your insights on managing difficult situations in schools, living your excellence, and effective leadership truly left a lasting impact. 🚀

To all who attended, your presence made the day truly special.

Let's continue to strive for excellence together! 💫

Our Quality Start OC team had the privilege of attending a phenomenal presentation on "Building Your Bounce: Promoting Adult Resilience" this past Saturday at the Great Wolf Lodge!

Alongside over 60 childcare teachers, providers, and administrators we learned that resilience is not just a trait but a muscle that can be strengthened. 💪

When we nurture our well-being through the development of resilience and self-care skills, we enhance our personal health and are better equipped to care for and nurture the young minds entrusted to our care.

Let's continue to champion resilience, both in ourselves and in the children we care for. Together, we are building a brighter, more resilient future for all.

Interested in attending professional learning opportunities like this one? Visit www.qualitystartoc.org

Come and join us for our FREE professional learning opportunities in April.

To register, click the link on our bio and select 'Professional Learning Opportunities.'

Do not miss out on these terrific professional learnings.

The early years are so very important. Team up with parents and caregivers to make sure their child’s development is on track by using and sharing the new and improved version of ’s FREE app.

Visit cdc.gov/MilestoneTracker for a printable poster for your classroom and to learn more.

It's important to help parents understand that getting outdoors with their children in the springtime fosters a love of nature, encourages physical activity, and promotes health and well-being. We are fortunate to live in California where we can create lasting memories outdoors almost year-round. Follow the link below to share with families 10 Kid-Friendly Hikes in Orange County.

https://tinybeans.com/los-angeles/kid-friendly-hikes-in-orange-county/

Come and join us for one of the FREE professional learning offerings for March.

🌷 Don't forget to spring forward this weekend! Daylight Saving Time begins, so set your clocks ahead one hour on Sunday. Longer days and brighter evenings are on the horizon.

Let's embrace the extra daylight and welcome the arrival of spring! 🌼

It’s !

SEL Day is a global, grassroots campaign for social-emotional learning to support children’s academic recovery, mental health, and well-being.

Visit selday.org to find out how you can showcase, promote, advocate for, and support SEL.

Happy International Women's Day!

Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women worldwide.

Every year the National Women’s History Alliance chooses a theme for Women's History Month. This year’s theme is centered on “Women who advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion.”

International Women's Day presents a critical opportunity for educators, parents, and caregivers to deeply engage children in discussions about gender equality. By highlighting women's successes and confronting gender stereotypes, we play a crucial role in shaping a more equitable future.

Check out the website internationalwomensday.com to explore resources that promote understanding, challenge stereotypes and biases, and boost self-confidence, all aimed at ensuring International Women's Day is celebrated successfully, whether in the classroom or at home.

Quality Start OC proudly stands with the remarkable women in education who are shaping the lives and futures of the next generation of female leaders.

We will be conducting focus groups to collect information from families regarding preschool needs in Orange County. This information will be used to help plan and implement programs and services that support preschool enrollment in the County. If you are a family of a current preschool child, looking for a preschool, or had a preschooler in the past school year, please consider responding.

https://ocde.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_becfmtmYtM7kJn0

Happy President's Day! 🎩✨

Today, we honor the leaders who have shaped our nation and inspired generations to strive for greatness. As we celebrate this historic day, let's also recognize the incredible impact educators have in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. 📚🌟

Here's to building a brighter future together!

📚✨ Celebrate Black History Month and explore the rich tapestry of Black history and culture with these powerful and enlightening reads! 🌟 From captivating stories of resilience and courage to inspiring biographies of trailblazers, this book list curated by Scholastic offers a diverse collection of literature to honor the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. 📖💫

Check out the recommended titles here: http://tinyurl.com/yjh3n2vf

Together, let's amplify diverse voices and continue the important work of promoting inclusivity and understanding. Happy reading! 📚❤️

🏮 Happy Lunar New Year! 🏮

represents a time of renewal, family gatherings, and honoring traditions. By incorporating Lunar New Year into your curriculum, you are creating meaningful learning experiences and fostering a sense of inclusivity and appreciation. 🌏✨

Ring in the Year of the Dragon around Orange County and share this event list from Orange Coast Magazine with parents: http://tinyurl.com/nhzdwuww

Wishing you all a prosperous and joyous Lunar New Year! 🎉🐲

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history. But for early childhood educators and parents, it's also an opportunity to plant the seeds of inclusion and understanding in the hearts and minds of our youngest learners.

This month, let's go beyond one-time lessons and embrace Black history and culture throughout the year. Fill your classrooms and homes with diverse books, music, and art that celebrate Black joy, resilience, and achievements. Have open conversations about race and identity, fostering empathy and respect for all backgrounds.

By exposing young children to the rich tapestry of Black experiences, we empower them to see themselves reflected in the world around them and celebrate the beauty of our differences.

Calling all educators! FREE professional learning opportunities for February are here. Come check out , , , , and . Click the link in our bio to access 'Professional Learning Opportunities.' See you there 😀

The Orange County Department of Education, Early Learning team is hosting the 2nd Annual Early Learning Summer Institute on June 18, 2024, in Orange County, CA.

The 2024 Early Learning Summer Institute committee is seeking presenters passionate about intentional play experiences, social-emotional foundations, STEAM opportunities, and inclusive practices in early childhood settings. Persons wishing to submit a proposal must apply by February 9, 2024.

Click on the link in our bio and select ‘Summer Institute Proposal.’

Orange County Families!

Are you a parent looking for a preschool, have a child in preschool, or have a child that just transitioned from Preschool/TK to Kindergarten? If so, the Early Learning Team at the Orange County Department of Education invites you to share your experience.

We are conducting a survey on the topic of PRESCHOOL. This survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete.

To take the survey, please click the link in our bio and select the ‘UPK Family Needs Assessment.’ The survey is available in English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese. Thank you!

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

On this , let's reflect on his powerful words and commit to fostering a world of compassion, understanding, and equality. Each act of kindness is a step towards positive change. Together, let's be the light that drives out darkness.

Happy New Year! 🎉

Start 2023 with FREE professional learning opportunities! Join us this January for well-informed training sessions covering TK, Infants and Toddlers, Mixed Age, and Preschool. Our expert-led sessions provide valuable insights and practical strategies. Don't miss out!