On February 18, the Valdez 0-3 with Families Alliance is offering a FREE Childcare Symposium to support families and others providing care to children in Valdez. Door prizes include educational toys, grocery store gift cards and more! Come for a session or the whole day!

Where: Valdez Civic Center
When: February 18, 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Who: Parents, grandparents, paid/prospective caregivers

Schedule:

9:00-10:15 a.m.: Creating spaces where kids are safe to learn and grow (Vanessa Plourde-Smith & Tracey Adams from thread Alaska). This session will include indoor and outdoor environmental safety strategies and best practices for your child care program, including routines, schedules, and teacher/child interactions. It will explore ways to organize your home child care for success, learning, and JOY.
10:30-11:45 a.m.: All about licensing panel discussion (Staci Collier & Christina Hulquist with the State of Alaska Child Care Program Office, Cynthia West from the State of Alaska, Healthy and Equitable Communities Team, Plourde-Smith and Adams). This facilitated panel discussion will cover the childcare licensing process, resources to help providers through the licensing process, and the benefits of licensing.
11:45-12:45 Lunch/Networking provided by informational booths hosted by state and local partners.
12:45-4:45 First Aid/CPR certification (George Kenney, Prince William Sound College). This 4-hour certification course is open to childcare providers, parents, teachers, and others who work with children. Pre-registration is highly encouraged to ensure the instructor-to-student ratio.

Lunch is included, and free childcare will be provided to participants who preregister. To register or for more information, contact Katey Connell at [email protected] or call 907-835-4910.

The following organizations sponsor this event: The City of Valdez, Providence Valdez Medical Center, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Prince William Sound College, thread Alaska, and the Alaska Child Care Program Office.