​Corinne Carr
President of Child Care
​Providers Coalition of Kansas 

 A Publication of Child Care Aware of Kansas 
Kansas Child 
Summer 2017
Corinne  Carr is currently serving as president of CCPC. She has owned Special Blessing's Child Care since 1992. She holds an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education from Butler Community College, a CDA from the Council of Professional Recognition, and NAFCC accreditation to meet high quality standards in child care. Her outdoor classroom "Outdoor Adventures" is certified through through Nature Explore and New Dimensions Research Foundation. 
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"My passion is to help others for those who helped me along the way. Through my enthusiasm for the field of family child care, I have become involved in many local, state and national organizations as an early childhood professional. I will continue to be of service on the CCPC Board as a past president. I am inspired to Inspire others!"

     Child Care Providers Coalition of Kansas (CCPC) is a nonprofit organization founded by and for family child care providers coalition of Kansas. Voting membership is open to all licensed family child care providers in Kansas. Supportive memberships are also available for child advocates, agencies supporting early childhood education and families. 
      CCPC is governed by a diverse board of directors representing all of Kansas. Our goals include promoting professionalism in family child care, strengthening local associations and support systems for providers, and advocating for the needs of family child care providers on different local and state committees and commissions. CCPC also supports regulatory requirements that protect the health and safety of Kansas children. CCPC provides a network for providers to mentor, collaborate, and encourage each other. The organization supports strength and unity and recognizes the beauty of diversity in family child care as well as the daily challenges providers face. 
     Child Care Providers Coalition of Kansas annual professional development event and conference includes educational speakers. It's also a forum to recognize providers with awards for Kansas Child Care Provider of the Year and the Hunter Award for those outstanding individuals/Community. 
     Members receive a bi-monthly newsletter that includes state and national information. For more information about CCPC, visit our website at: http://www,ccpcofks.com or email us at ccpcofks@gmail.com. 

"Belonging to a professional organization or network and informally networking with other providers has been associated with higher scores on measures of global quality and provider sensitivity" 
​(Kontos, Howes, Shinn, & Galinsky, 1995; Doherty et al.,2000)

     In the life of a Family Child Care Provider, there is never a typical cookie cutter kind of day! At Special Blessing's Child Care, We use a child-led approach. W follow the Kansas Early Learning Standards with our curriculum, while basing the standards of child-focused activities and hands-on learning, effective learning. Children learn through PLAY! Children are making choices and pursuing their own interests. The shelves are lined with baskets and wooden bowls (naturalistic approach) for the children to engage in educational early learning activities. All children have a deep innate curiosity that drives and pushes their own interest, increases their rich intensity of wonder, and supports their ability to gain knowledge to understand the world around them. This child-led approach values children's individuality!
     Our program is embedded in nature-based learning. Our outdoor classroom was certified in 2012 through Nature Explore, and continues to be maintained. We have a North American Butterfly Association certified garden and certified habitat for wildlife. Soon we will be planting our garden plots in the " Outdoor Adventures"--
blooming with flowers throughout in addition to an herb garden, vegetable garden and strawberry patch for tasting, touching and smelling. We use some of the produce in the classroom and have a garden market where families can take home garden produce. Children gain learning opportunities on nutrition and healthy eating at home an child care. It is known that children who participate in the garden activities are more likely to try the produce. The children have water available for use with a pump w?handle and metal buckets to water their plants daily. We recently received a garden grant which will help us purchase gardening items, Nothing is better than a day in the outdoors!
     Children have multiple opportunities in defined spaces: multicultural housing, dirt digging, messy materials area, balance beam, climbing wall, music wall mud kitchen, circulating water fall, and much more. We recently purchased a grinding table where children are able to grind wheat into flour, which will result in hands- on educational process while making bread. This will give children the opportunity to explore natural materials ans support their learning through identifying ways they can transform the materials. 
     Being a Family Child Care Provider is more than a full-time profession and is not just about being a small business owner. It  is not an hourly job. Being a Family Child Care Provider is a total commitment and dedication of ourselves and our families as we all fully immerse ourselves in our individualized communities. We advocate for early childhood and children, their silent voices need to be heard. I am personally involved at local, state, and national level on councils, regional positions, leadership, work groups, and teams involving family child care. Being an active early childhood in-home provider for 25 years, and a partner with ECKAN Early Head Start for 10 years, I have forever found my love for this occupation: Our Future!

Family Child Care Matters!

by Corinne Carr, Owner and Operator, Emporia, Kansas

     It is vital be a louder voice, a stronger force, for the silent child. I started advocating at a state level. When I became involved nationally, I gained more knowledge and understanding of advocacy. While running my program, I still make time to pick up that phone or send a letter to a legislator or my governor for this cause. I am passionate about. I look forward to connecting with other leaders as we advocate and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and our profession. We need to tell everyone:"Family child care matters! We keep America working!"
Corinne Carr 
Emporia, Kansas 

Family Child Care Magazine 

"Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder. Let the challenges make you strong.” unknown

     As early childhood professionals, we are the foundation for powerful positive ways in interacting and communicating with our children and families.  We live in a very scary society these days. Senseless acts of violence all over the world, some as close as our own backyard. We can be very influential to families who walk through our door daily and entrust their children in our care.  The power of positive thinking is essential in our business!

A Challenge For My Fellow Early Childhood Professionals!
     We are building the platform for the future! I challenge “YOU” to think of three positives a day; morning, noon, & night, start building your platform. It takes 28 days to form a habit. Start Now!  We are role models who should teach positive behaviors and encourage ways for families to practice those positive ways in the home. We place these values of respect, understanding, empathy and compassion in their lives every day. Most people don’t think of families as a culture but they are. They do what they do. We tend to be habit forming humans. We all have our individual beliefs and values. It is pertinent that we are understanding of those values and beliefs while being a positive support to families and children. While respecting others cultures.

Let’s Be Realistic
     We are expected to have a smile on our face greeting children & caretakers, parents every morning, no matter what is going on in our personal or professional life. Our profession can oftentimes leave us feeling isolated.  The expectations of running our business, creating an enriched learning and loving environment while addressing the emotional needs of not only the children in our care, but oftentimes the parents isn’t always easy.

So, what do we do?  We seek affirmations now and again. 
     When seeking those affirmations, there are some actions that are ill-advised.  Have you ever thought of yourself as the CEO of your business?  We know that it is not best practice to mix personal & business. It can be a very sticky situation when mixing the two together. It is unproductive and hurtful to your program and business to slip into the habitual lifestyle of rampant whining, judging, and complaining. It becomes so easy to get sucked into the world of misanthropy.  Think of it like a contagious disease - ultimately affecting everyone around you.

How Should We Approach the Affirmations We Seek?
     We seek connections with other providers, family, community or organizations where we feel accepted, supported and celebrated. Look around your surroundings, there is positivity lurking everywhere; right before your eyes!

Most Importantly - The power of positive thinking can help you.
Some things to consider:   

• What's happening negative in your LIFE or business? Will it mean anything to you 5 years from now?
• Some negatives can be trivial and avoided by open lines of communication
• Consider having a positive perspective and be a good role model.
• If you listen to 9 complainers are you going to be the 10th to fuss?

I bet you in every negative conversation, is a positive, if you look hard enough. "There are Seven Strengths that we can use while supporting children and families: Belonging, Friendship, Kindness, Curiosity, Confidence, Courage and Hope” by Monet Lizabeth Eliastam

Let’s talk more about communication or addressing the lack of it.
     Lack of communication or a simple misunderstand can create negativity within our business.Even though this negativity was inspired by a simple lack of communication it  can become harmful, even detrimental. Communication is KEY in our business.

How to solve this?

1. Be an active listener and hear what the other person is saying.
2. Reflect back:
   1. What I hear you say is.... Is this what you mean?
   2. Do you take time to talk to parents individually?
   3. Are you quick to respond? Sometimes a response is not needed, just a listening ear.  
   4. Do you have quarterly conferences with your families? This is a good time to open those lines of communication! A time to look over those business policies and re-iterate them. This is a time to discuss concerns with families. It is good to always start the conversation off with a positive comment and end with a positive comment. By starting conversations and freely communicating in a positive manner this would resolve the negativity you might be experiencing in your program.

I happen to hear many of negative comments or misguided conversations and believe we can impact change through the power of positivity - in our homes, in our programs, with our families and in the world.

Back to that challenge - Let’s Do This Together. 
     For 28 days think of something positive three times a day.  If you want, share them! We can support each other and affirm our positivity.
Don’t Forget: "Look for something positive in each day, even if some days you have to look a little harder. Let the challenges make you strong.” unknown
 

​     Time Management, Multi-tasking & Making lists is an everyday occurrence. But is it working? Are you accomplishing anything or just doing busy work? Do you create a post-it-note-sky? I set out to do things and get interrupted or even forget what the task even was!

                                                          Imagine an Airplane

                                                   Keep it real! Keep it Positive!

     Don't let everyday occurrences bog you down. (Traffic Control) Put your life on Airplane Mode! (To stop and focus on the time management plan) Fly the friendly skies! (Do not get bogged down in the chaos of the clouds).  We must take control!! (Roger)

Become the Jet Engine!
     The definition of Jet engine: "An engine in which a very strong stream of heated air and gases shoots out from the rear of the engine and pushes the engine forward." (Webster's Learner's Dictionary)  
We must make change!! We must jet forward! (Over and Out) Along the way we are bound to hit some air pockets or turbulence (Did I hear a gasp?). Pull down the oxygen mask and breathe!

                Take Control of your day! (Be the pilot
of your flight) Take control of your life!


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      The Flight Plan    

Develop!!
     It is time to develop your Time Management Plan and be realistic about your schedules and time frames to accomplish the task. You may have layovers now and then. (Time to focus, power back). Don't get on board the same flight plan. (Pleasing others). They steal your time!! You may miss the next, Flight! Make sure your jet engine fuel is full! (Avoid those negative sputterer's).

Design!!
      It is time to create and design a Time Management plan that will work best for you! Try to create a plan that is measurable with outcomes. Break down each time management task so it does not become overwhelming. Mark each task doable with each step (Check Controls) and organize. I do better when I see progress! You may have to connect with the (Control Tower) for ideas. You may need a familiar network to analyze by visually observing. They may have the skills to convey what you need to change, omit or to elevate. You may have to thrust forward in a new direction.

Prioritize!!
     (Find your seat & buckle up) What needs to be dealt with first or what is important that cannot wait? Make short term and long term goals. Think about your time frame? Know what is more urgent? What tasks can wait? (Flight control).  Do not let the tasks become overbearing and crash down on you. Take it like a Pro! Complete the tasks one by one until completions are mastered. Map out your goals. Take breaks now and then, refuel yourself!

Delegate!!
​     Delegate duties to your co-pilot. Duties that are acceptable to have someone (co-pilot) else accomplish for you. Nothings better than having a second in command once in a while! A co-pilot can assist and relieve you of those daily duties. Direct your co- pilot with some Time Management responsibilities. Work together as a TEAM! Try to keep the number of your landings equal to the number of your take offs. (Productive Outcomes) Take offs may be optional but landings are mandatory. Be Positive through your navigation. (Jet forward with vigilance)

There is a silver lining beyond the clouds!  (Persevere & Celebrate the clear landings)

You will reach your desired destinations!

Take Control of Time Management!

I wrote the words to this song and expressed my passion and love for Family Child Care! 
I sang it at a State Conference in 2016, Fun Memories! Fun Times! Memories Last a Lifetime! ​
​There is No Place Like Home!

By Dexter Lane, Nature Explore program Writer and Consultant
We continue to be fascinated and blessed by stories arising from our diverse Nature Explore family.  While readying for new stories in the new year, we’ll continue to celebrate highlights from blog posts of 2015.  Sherry Trebus ensuring the development of outdoor classrooms throughout central Texas.  Allison Welch making an offer her local school board couldn’t refuse.  These are stories that inspire us.  And we hope they seed you with fresh ideas for your own great work with children in nature.
 Worms Lure New Members
My Big Backyard, Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis, TN
We are thankful for the visionaries at My Big Backyard.  They proved that an intentionally designed outdoor space for children, powered by a dedicated and expert staff, and featuring innovative programming, can be wildly successful both educationally and financially.  Before Memphis Botanic Garden added the outdoor classroom, its membership consisted largely of seniors and individuals.  That changed.  After several months of activities in spaces such as Seedling Circle, Backyard Bluff, Wormville, and Treetop Adventure, the Garden’s membership soared 300%.  And area children’s time in nature soared as well.
A Seed Planted in a Class of One
Allison Welch, Murray, NE
Allison didn’t have a lot of competition for her kindergarten teacher’s attention.  In fact, she had none.  The only child in her class (in a school of about 13), Allison received a lot of attention from a teacher who wove nature into activities throughout the school day.   After-school hours were spent largely outdoors, too.  These influences, along with her learning from Nature Explore, inspired Allison while she was President of her local Parent Teacher Organization.  She raised $20,000 in seed funding, and had an outdoor classroom design in hand before meeting with the school board for approval.  Cougar Hollow, the Nature Explore classroom at the Conestoga Elementary School now hosts children and families for classes, activities; even parties.  And Allison is the outdoor classroom’s Coordinator.  Her whole community is reaping the rewards of Allison’s learning in that kindergarten class of one.
Exponential Growth Starts From the Power of One
Sherry Trebus, Workforce Solutions of Central Texas, Killeen, TX
After a military study found that the majority of childcare services in central Texas were below national standards, Sherry Trebus took action.  Killeen, Texas, is home to Fort Hood, one of the largest military bases in the U.S.  Its staff and soldiers deserved improved services for their children.  Workforce Solutions, a state agency, was tasked with addressing this critical need.  Sherry is the point person on this project.
Sherry assists Central Texas childcare programs in preparing for certification, both state and national.  She knows that daily outdoor connections with nature provide essential learning experiences for children.  Any program that engages her services is required to develop a Nature Explore Classroom.  Program by program, teacher by teacher, child by child, Sherry is making a tremendous difference in the quality of childcare services in Central Texas.  For her outstanding work, Sherry, and Workforce Solutions, were awarded the Arbor Day Foundation’s 2015 Rachael Carson Award.
 Nature Transforms a Boy, Photos Transform His Family
Corinne Carr of Special Blessings Child Care, Emporia Kansas
Corinne Carr believes passionately in nature’s power to heal children labeled with “behavioral issues.”  She has seen “problem behaviors” dissolve when children are immersed in nature.  She knows that this labeling is very harmful, as it determines how the adult sees the child, and influences how the child sees himself.
Corinne once admitted to her home-based childcare program a boy described by his struggling mother as a “free spirit.”  She correctly predicted that his behavior would be challenging.  Yet she soon found that when he played freely in the Nature Explore Classroom, first thing upon arriving, he calmed for hours.  During his focused and social play outdoors, Corinne texted photos to the boy’s mother.  Seeing this transformation unfold in her child, mom then made time in nature a part of their busy family life.
If Corinne’s name sounds familiar, you’re probably remembering our 2013 blog post, “Inspired to Inspire Others.”  Her childcare business may be small, but Corinne’s heartfelt and creative work inspires us hugely.
- See more at: http://community.natureexplore.org/2016/looking-back-and-counting-our-blessings-part-2/#sthash.TFXU5H5a.dpuf

Posted on: December 11th, 2013 by Dexter Lane, Nature Explore Consultant



Corinne Carr, owner/operator of Special Blessing’s Child Care, in Emporia, Kansas, has served children for twenty years.  During the past few years, since placing emphasis on the children’s outside time, she has come to understand nature’s benefits both for the children, and for herself.  Corinne’s Certified Nature Explore Classroom, and the nature-based curriculum she combines with the children’s own interests, form the basis of the amazing outdoor learning her children are blessed to receive.

The real story here is Corinne.  But first, a few glimpses into Special Blessing’s Child Care:

• -After she bought the lot next door following a house fire, Corinne’s property is now 20,000 square feet (nearly half an acre).
• -Her Certified Nature Explore Classroom continues to grow as Corinne and her husband Monte (aka Mr. C.) continually add new features.
• -The children are entrepreneurs- “selling” and giving to their families produce they grow in the gardens.
• -Special Blessing’s has three gardens: herb, vegetable and sunflower.
• -As she has four Early Head Start slots, most of the children are below age three, the age at which they leave Early Head Start to enter Head Start.  She also has two private pay children.
• -Children play and learn outdoors in all seasons.
• -Natural elements are brought indoors to further highlight nature’s role in their lives.
• -The children’s interests determine much of the learning in the Nature Explore Classroom.

For many years Special Blessing’s outdoors area was a typical playground, just a yard with plastic climbing structures, and did not showcase nature.  Corinne began adding natural elements on her own, then attended local seminars about children learning in natural environments.  Soon she was referred to Nature Explore, and her new interest developed depth, focus, and became a mission.  The natural play areas Corinne and Monte had built were added-to, adjusted and more were built, as they used Nature Explores design principles as a guide.  Her outdoor classroom was certified in August, 2012.

Adding play in nature to the children’s day renewed Corinne’s excitement in her work, and helps prevent burn-out.  “I need to be outside,” she says.  “Being a childcare provider, you’re always needed.  You always meet the needs of others- families, children.  For me, being outside with the kids- that’s my nurturing.  It calms and rejuvenates me.”

Corinne has also learned how to use play in nature to calm and rejuvenate children.  She has seen nature calm children who would usually be labeled “difficult,” and is extremely concerned about society’s rush to medicate “problem behavior.”  Once labeled, both the child and others are set on courses of behavior that often have profound influence in their lives.  She is often able to avoid the problems and the labels by engaging active children in nature-based play.

But Corinne isn’t content just to provide nature’s benefits to the fortunate children in her care.  She believes that all children deserve the chance that nature gives them to be their best selves, and is now preparing presentations about the many benefits of nature-based play.   Corrine recently became President of the Child Care Providers Coalition of Kansas.   Through the Coalition, she will soon be traveling across Kansas bringing this message to other childcare providers.

Corinne’s story movingly demonstrates the benefits nature holds for teachers as well as students.  Her presentations will be giving other childcare professionals in Kansas the opportunity to realize those benefits, too.

- See more at: http://community.natureexplore.org/#sthash.vZwYPUIb.dpuf