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    • 11/05/2024
    • 06/26/2025
    • VIRTUAL Registration -
    Register



    VIRTUAL REGISTRATION

    Ready Set Eat Food Safety 

    Earn 3.0 Clock Hours

    Qualifies for Health & Safety Training

     

    • 11/05/2024
    • 06/18/2025
    • VIRTUAL Registration -
    Register



    VIRTUAL REGISTRATION

    Medication Administration & Epinephrine Training

    Earn 3.0 Clock Hours

    Qualifies for Health & Safety Training

     

    • 04/02/2025
    • 1:00 PM
    • Virtual
    Register

        


                          SUSTAINABILITY LISTENING TOUR 

     You are cordially invited to participate in a unique conversation JUST for Central Louisiana (CENLA) childcare business owners.  The Child Care Association of Louisiana has recently established a Sustainability Task Force and we wish to kick off the STF activities with a "30-45 listening session" just for you.

    We will be joined by CCAL board representative Jamie Martin, who serves as the regional director for Central Louisiana. 

    Date:     Wednesday April 2, 2025 

    Time:     1:00 PM 

    Please RSVP.   We are excited about this opportunity to hear your concerns and ideas / suggestions.

    CCAL is a membership organization and as such, our volunteer Board Leadership and our Executive Director stay closely attuned to our members' needs. 

    We want to ensure the stability of all of our members. We want to see CCAL members THRIVE! 

    Please join us at 1:00 PM on Tuesday April 2nd for our CENLA Listening Session. 

    Respectfully, 

    Cindy Bishop, CCAL Executive Director & Lobbyist 

    • 04/04/2025
    • 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • West Baton Rouge Conference Center, 2750 N. Westport Drive, Port Allen, Louisiana
    • 25
    Register



      Onsite Registration for Friday April 4th 

    CCAL Spring Education Conference 

    This registration link is for ONSITE Friday, April 4, 2025

    Please register separately for Saturday April 5, 2025

    West Baton Rouge Conference Center

    2750 N. Westport Drive

    Baton Rouge, Louisiana

    Click here to download the Spring Conference Packet

    CCAL 2025 PDF Packet for the Spring Education Conference Packet

    9:00 - 10:00 AM  



    Keynote Presentation:  Brandy Woods-Smith

    LDOE UPDATE    10:30 AM - 12:00 PM


    •   Karen Powell - Moderator

    • Shelia Campbell
    • EdLink Update – Robert Klein 
    • Child Care Assistance Program – Melinda George
    • Licensing Updates (Bulletin 137) –Andrea Burl 
    • Child Care Criminal Background Checks – Kayla Batiste
    • Child and Adult Food Program - Debbie Gary

    OR

    Teachers’ Roundtable Discussion

    Coach Stacey Byes-Byarse  


    Pamela Marshall


      Registration is limited to early childhood teachers and support staff. 

      Teacher’s Roundtable Discussion is a dynamic forum for educators to collaboratively explore and share innovative practices, challenges, and insights related to early childhood education. This interactive session fosters a sense of community among teachers, creating a space where they can engage in open dialogue about effective teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and the latest research in early childhood development. Participants exchange practical tips, success stories, and valuable resources, enhancing their professional development. The roundtable format encourages peer-to-peer learning, allowing teachers to address common concerns and find collective solutions. Overall, the Teachers Roundtable Discussion serves as a platform for educators to connect, learn from each other, and contribute to the continuous improvement of early childhood education practices. Stacey Byes-Byarse has been in the early learning field for over 20 years. She established It Takes a Village Academy in 2014. In 2020, It Takes a Village Academy acquired its second location.  Pamela Marshall is the proud owner and Executive Director of Shiloh Gardens Academy in New Orleans. She recently opened her second location – Shiloh Gardens Academy & Early Learning Center. 

      Afternoon Workshops  1:15 - 3:15 PM  (Pick Only One) 



      Child Care Owners and Directors Bootcamp

      Brandy Woods Smith,  Child Care Millionaire 


      Toys, Trikes and Tantrums 

      Dianna Constant, Agenda for Children 

      This two-hour workshop provides early childhood educators with a blueprint for success with young children in the early learning classroom. Participants will learn an underlying cause of preschool behaviors and learn effective techniques to prevent problem behaviors that sometimes occur in the preschool classroom. Dianna Constant has been part of the Agenda for Children team since 1990. She has over forty years of experience in early childhood education. 



      Firm but Fair: Effective Staff Discipline

      Dr. DeShannon Burrell - Elite Caregiver Training Institute 

      How Do We Do It?   Reprimand In a way that supports Growth and Development rather than diminishing morale. Let’s walk through the keys of positive discipline in the workplace regarding our staff. Dr. DeShannon L. Burrell is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and her Doctorate in Naturopathic Health. She has thirty years of experience in the childcare field. Within this field, she has worked as childcare staff, director, administrator, and trainer.  

      Medication Administration & Epinephrine Training 

      Angelique White-Williams, APRN, CCHC


      Composure:  Keep Calm and Teach - Danielle Davis and Nirenza Taylor

      A Workshop on Conscious Discipline 


      CCAL HOTEL ROOM BLOCKS

      CCAL has a discount room block secured with the Hampton Inn and Suites in Port Allen for discount hotel rooms at the rate of $99 plus tax per night for Thursday, April 3rd or Friday April 4th.

      To book a hotel room, call the Hampton Inn and Suites directly at 225 389-6655 and ask for a reservation under the CCAL Room Block to get the discounted hotel room rate. The hotel rate includes breakfast.

      CCAL has a discount room block secured with LaQuinta Inn and Suites, 2720 N. Westport Drive in Port Allen. The discount room rate is for Thursday, April 3rd or Friday, April 4th. 

      To book a hotel room, call 225 831 3253 

      If you need anything at all, please call or text us at 225 933 5435.

      • 04/04/2025
      • 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
      • Virtual
      • 130
      Register



      Virtual Platform

      Spring Education Conference for Friday Only

      Friday, April 4, 2025

      9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 

      Keynote Presentation:  Brandy Woods-Smith

      10:30 - 12:00 Noon

      LDOE Update

      Karen Powell - Moderator

      • Shelia Campbell
      • EdLink Update – Robert Klein 
      • Child Care Assistance Program – Melinda George
      • Licensing Updates (Bulletin 137) –Andrea Burl 
      • Child Care Criminal Background Checks – Kayla Batiste 
      • Child and Adult Food Program - Debbie Gary

      1:15 PM - 3:15 PM

      Child Care Owners and Directors Bootcamp

      Brandy Woods-Smith,  Child Care Millionaire 

      Note:  Virtual Participants will receive a link to our

      ZOOM Platform by 5:00 PM on Thursday, April 3rd.

      If you do not receive the ZOOM Link,  text your name and email to 

      Cindy Bishop @ 225 933 5435  Then add  

      Need Friday Virtual ZOOM Link to your text.

      • 04/04/2025
      • 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
      • Hampton Inn and Suites, 2755 Commercial Drive, Port Allen
      Register


      Child Care Association of Louisiana

      Child Care Health Consultant Business Meeting 

      In Conjunction with Our CCAL Spring Education Conference

      Friday April 4, 2025

      Hampton Inn & Suites

      2755 Commercial Drive

      Port Allen, Louisiana

                                       Conference Room 

                                    9:00 AM till 12:00 Noon 

      Lunch will be held at the West Baton Rouge Conference Center 2750 N. Westport Drive, Port Allen.  One block from the Hampton Inn and Suites. 

      Child Care Health Consultant Business Meeting Agenda

      Guest speakers:

      Sonia Fields-Gutierrez, Director of Accountability will share LDOE's latest PowerPoint presentation on health and safety education parameters and guidance. She will be joined by Karen Powell and Janet Grigg. 

      Agenda

      9:00 AM Welcome and Introductions - Dianna Constant
      9:15 AM LDOE Update from Karen Powell, Janet Grigg and
      Sonia Fields-Gutierrez
      10:00 AM Networking Break
      10:15 AM Challenges and Opportunities Facing CCHCs - All
      10:45 AM Recruitment of New CCHCs – Angelique White Williams, APRN
      11:45 AM Questions and Answers - Everyone
      12:00 PM Wrap Up and Lunch at the West Baton Rouge Conference Center

      CCAL has a membership category specifically for CCHCs. 

      CCAL has appointed a CCHC Ad-Hoc Committee chaired by Dr. Angela White-Williams.

      If you register for the CCHC Business Meeting, you are welcome to attend the afternoon breakout session at the West Baton Rouge Conference Center from 1:15 - 3:15 PM.

      Click on the link for the class schedule and let us know which class you are interested in.  You can text this information to Cindy Bishop @ 225 933 5435 or email David Roberson at david.roberson@checkmate-strategies.com 

      Let him know that you are registering for the CCHC business meeting. 

      CCAL 2025 PDF Packet for the Spring Education Conference

      If you have any questions, reach out to CCAL at 225 933 5435 via text or call. 

      For those interested in staying overnight on Thursday,  CCAL has a room block at the Hampton Inn and Suites in Port Allen and at the LA Quinta Inn and Suites also in Port Allen. Ask for the CCAL Discount Room Rate. 

      • 04/05/2025
      • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
      • West Baton Rouge Conference Center, 2750 N. Westport Drive, Port Allen, Louisiana
      • 72
      Register



      ONSITE REGISTRATION

      CCAL Spring Education Conference

      Saturday April 5, 2025

      Approved for Six Clock Hours

      by Louisiana Pathways and LDOE 

      Virtual and Onsite Registration Options Available

      West Baton Rouge Conference Center

      2750 N. Westport Drive

      Baton Rouge, Louisiana

      Saturday Onsite Sessions Include:

        Please register separately for Friday 4/4/2025 at

      childcarelouisiana.org/events

      CLICK BELOW TO DOWNLOAD OUR SPRING CONFERENCE PACKET

      CCAL 2025 PDF Packet for the Spring Education Conference 


      Culturally Responsive Literacy Practices in an Early Childhood Setting - Dr. Dionne Nichols-Condoll   

      The presentation will focus on culturally responsive teaching practices including literacy in an early childhood setting and how culture, language, and uniqueness help educators teach literacy skills in a way that increases literacy achievement for all young scholars. 

       

      Bubbles and Boundaries:  Teacher Self-Care for 2025   

      Lisa LaRochelle / Patrick Sciambra   

      Tulane Infant Mental Health - Tikes Program

      This presentation is intended for any and all early childhood educators.  Teaching young children can be incredibly stressful!  Research clearly shows that caregivers who are stressed are more likely to use harsh discipline.  This session address stress management and self-care in a fun and educational way. Teachers will learn about stress and how it impacts both the brain and the body.  Participants will then gain insight into how trauma impacts functioning, explore the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and finally will develop their own individualized self-care plan.  We aim to support teachers in taking care of themselves, so they are better able to take care of the children in their classrooms!  



      From Insurance Crisis to Insurance Confidence: 

      Controlling the Narrative - Samantha (Sam) Phillips 

      Navigating the childcare insurance crisis requires resilience and proactive strategies. In this session, Sam Phillips, a leading expert in business insurance for Early Care and Education (ECE), will address the challenges of securing coverage in today’s challenging insurance landscape. Learn how to craft compelling applications, avoid common pitfalls, and master the art of storytelling to position your program as a desirable risk to insurers. Sam will share practical techniques for reducing exposure, showcasing your commitment to safety, and protecting the future of your program. Don’t let insurance hurdles compromise the care you provide—join this session to gain the tools and insights needed to safeguard your childcare business.  


      Toys, Trikes and Tantrums

      Dianna Constant, Agenda for Children

      This breakout session provides educators with a blueprint for success with young children in the early learning classroom.  Participants will learn an underlying cause of preschool behaviors and learn effective techniques to prevent problem behaviors that sometimes occur in the preschool classroom.  


      Safe Sleep (1 hour) and Ready Set Eat Food Safety (1 hour) 

      Denise Gillespie, RN, CCHC, ECHST 

      The Safe Sleep Training Course provides essential knowledge on creating a safe sleep environment for infants in childcare settings. Participants will gain an understanding of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), including risk factors and prevention strategies. The course will cover best practices for safe sleep, including standards for cribs, tummy time, and sleep environment. Additionally, we will review the importance of having a clear safe sleep policy and a medical emergency plan. Through discussions and practical guidance, caregivers will learn how to implement these standards to ensure the well-being of infants in their care. Ready Set Eat Food Safety is a session on how children grow and develop. This is an interactive session that includes information on handling children with special needs. After completion of this  training class, participants will be able to define the grasping status, describe a positive and supportive learning environment for feeding children, be able to discuss how language and feeding are related.


      Tracking and Organizing CCAP Remittances 

      M.I.C.E. – Motivate, Inspire, Cultivate, Empower 

      Danielle Credeur – Sugar N’Spice Children’s Academy and Inspire Management Group

      For the first hour, center owners and directors will learn how to effectively and efficiently track and organize their CCAP Remittances, their CCAP redeterminations and their semi-automated invoices (also known as SAIs). Come prepared with your laptop and your CCAP paperwork to roll up your sleeves and get your Child Care Assistance Program paperwork organized so that your center can easily stay on top of CCAP payments received, owed and pending.

      During the second hour of the workshop, we will explore the essential pillars of personal and professional growth. M-I-C-E!! MOTIVATE – INSPIRE – CULTIVATE – EMPOWER!  Motivation is the driving force behind any action. Danielle Credeur is from Lafayette and resides in Scott, Louisiana. She is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Sugar n’ Spice Children’s Academy and Inspire Management Solutions.



      Playing with a Purpose: Relearning How to Play to Address Developmental Skills - Sydney Bordelon, MOT, LOTR

      This two-hour workshop is designed to empower early learning educators on the importance of play to target age-appropriate skills. The session includes instructional information as well as hands-on opportunities to incorporate the skills in the classroom. Sensory Integration: What the heck does that even mean?  We will be reviewing following sensory systems: tactile, gustatory, olfactory, vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive.


      Introduction to Trauma Informed Care

      Amber Rosean M.Ed 

      Raising A Village - Early Childhood Consultant and Trainer

      In any setting, we likely work with various people including  children, parents, co-workers,  supervisors and colleagues.  Working with other people means that we are likely working with someone who has had a traumatic experience. Through foundational research on experiences of childhood adversity, we’ve learned that at least 70% of adults in the United States have experienced at least one potentially traumatic event.  Introduction to Trauma Informed Care explores how incorporating a trauma-informed approach in our work with children and families can help better assist the people we serve and improve the workplace for everyone.  



      How to Engage Students During Center Time 

      Lowlette Evans, LP Early Childhood Consultant

      During this two-hour workshop, early childhood educators will be provided with support strategies. They will learn the importance of asking open-ended questions and get a better understanding of how the questions relate to children.   Participants will explore and demonstrate their understanding of open-ended questions at work time/center time. 




      Cultivating Mental Wellness and Self Care for Leaders and Entrepreneurs - Annette Nicole James, MA, CLC

      is a presentation that helps leaders to prioritize self-care to avoid compassion fatigue and burnout.  Not only will participants learn the importance of self-care they will also learn various strategies that can be implemented into their daily lives so that they’re more intentional about practicing self care for their overall mental well-being. 

      • 04/05/2025
      • 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
      • Virtual
      • 153
      Register



      CCAL Spring Education Conference

      VIRTUAL PLATFORM 

      Saturday April 5, 2025

       Approved for six clock hours by Louisiana Pathways and LDOE 

        Please register separately for Friday 4/4/2025 at

      childcarelouisiana.org/events

      Insurance Crisis to Insurance Confidence: 

      Controlling the Narrative - Samantha (Sam) Phillips 

      Navigating the childcare insurance crisis requires resilience and proactive strategies. In this session, Sam Phillips, a leading expert in business insurance for Early Care and Education (ECE), will address the challenges of securing coverage in today’s challenging insurance landscape. Learn how to craft compelling applications, avoid common pitfalls, and master the art of storytelling to position your program as a desirable risk to insurers. 

      Or 

      Safe Sleep (1 hour) and Ready Set Eat Food Safety (1 hour) 

      Denise Gillespie, RN, CCHC, ECHST 

      The Safe Sleep Training Course provides essential knowledge on creating a safe sleep environment for infants in childcare settings. Participants will gain an understanding of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), including risk factors and prevention strategies. The course will cover best practices for safe sleep, including standards for cribs, tummy time, and sleep environment. Additionally, we will review the importance of having a clear safe sleep policy and a medical emergency plan. Through discussions and practical guidance, caregivers will learn how to implement these standards to ensure the well-being of infants in their care. Ready Set Eat Food Safety is a session on how children grow and develop. This is an interactive session that includes information on handling children with special needs. After completion of this three-hour training class, participants will be able to Define the grasping status, describe a positive and supportive learning environment for feeding children, be able to discuss how language and feeding are related. 


      Mid morning and afternoon breakout sessions to be determined. 


      If you do not receive the ZOOM Link,  text your name and email to 

      Cindy Bishop @ 225 933 5435  Then add  

      Need Saturday Virtual ZOOM Link to your text.


      • 04/08/2025
      • 2:00 PM
      • Virtual
      Register

          


        You are cordially invited to participate in

      CCAL NORTHSHORE SUSTAINABILITY CONVERSATION 

       You are cordially invited to participate in a unique conversation JUST for Northshore Region child care business owners. 

      Under the leadership of CCAL's President Tara Emery, the Child Care Association of Louisiana recently established a Sustainability Task Force and we wish to kick off the STF activities with a "30-45 minute listening tour" just for you.

      We will be joined by Jennifer Stevenson of Bogalusa (Garden of Knowledge) who serves as the CCAL Board Representative for the Northshore Region, Tara Emery and Cindy Bishop.

      Date:     Tuesday, April 8, 2025 

      Time:     2:00 PM 

      Please RSVP.   We are excited about this opportunity to hear your concerns and ideas / suggestions.

      CCAL is a membership organization and as such, our volunteer Board Leadership and our Executive Director stay closely attuned to our members' needs. 

      We want to ensure the stability of all of our members. We want to see CCAL members THRIVE! 

      Please join us at 2:00 PM on April 8th for our Northshore CCAL Sustainability Conversation!!! 

      Respectfully, 

      Cindy Bishop, CCAL Executive Director & Lobbyist 



      Reminders

      Please register for CCAL's Spring Education Conference scheduled for Friday April 4th and Saturday April 5th featuring keynote speaker Brandy Woods-Smith, Founder of Childcare Millionaire.  Use this link to register for all of our events:

      childcarelouisiana.org/events 

      Reminder to get a FREE CONSULTATION to see if you qualify for the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit Refund.  Email  ercsupport@hundredfoldconsultingllc.com for more information.  Tell him that CCAL referred you and that you would like to schedule a free consultation.  Time is of the essence!  This program ends on April 15, 2025.



      • 04/09/2025
      • 1:00 PM
      • Virtual
      Register

          


                            You are invited to participate in

      CCAL's Sustainability Task Force Conversation

      for Northwest Louisiana 

       You are cordially invited to participate in a unique conversation JUST for our Northwest Louisiana childcare business owners. 

      Under the leadership of CCAL's President Tara Emery, the Child Care Association of Louisiana recently established a Sustainability Task Force and we wish to kick off the STF activities with a "30-45 minute listening tour" just for you.

      We will be joined by Don Young of Shreveport (Young Years) who serves as the regional board representative for the Northwest Louisiana Region and Tara Emery, CCAL Pe

      Date:     Wednesday April 9, 2025 

      Time:     1:00 PM 

      Please RSVP.   We are excited about this opportunity to hear your concerns and ideas / suggestions.

      CCAL is a membership organization and as such, our volunteer Board Leadership and our Executive Director stay closely attuned to our members' needs. 

      We want to ensure the stability of all of our members. We want to see CCAL members THRIVE! 

      Please join us on Wednesday April 9th for our CCAL Listening Session on Sustainability!

      Respectfully, 

      Cindy Bishop, CCAL Executive Director & Lobbyist 

      If you have any questions, please call or text us at 225 933 5435

      Reminders

      Please register for CCAL's Spring Education Conference scheduled for Friday April 4th and Saturday April 5th featuring keynote speaker Brandy Woods-Smith, Founder of Childcare Millionaire.  Use this link to register for all of our events:

      childcarelouisiana.org/events 

      Reminder to get a FREE CONSULTATION to see if you qualify for the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit Refund.  Email  ercsupport@hundredfoldconsultingllc.com for more information.  Tell him that CCAL referred you and that you would like to schedule a free consultation.  Time is of the essence!  This program ends on April 15, 2025.


      • 04/11/2025
      • 1:00 PM
      • 04/12/2025
      • Virtual
      Register

          


                            Greater New Orleans

      Sustainability Task Force Conversation 

      You are cordially invited to participate in a unique virtual  conversation specifically for Greater New Orleans child care business owners, spearheaded by the Child Care Association of Louisiana.

      Under the leadership of CCAL's President Tara Emery, CCAL  recently established a Sustainability Task Force.  CCAL plans to kick off the task force  activities with a "30-45 minute listening session" just for you.

      We will be joined by CCAL board representatives Pamela Marshall and Olivette Temple, who serve as the regional directors for the Greater New Orleans Region.

      CCAL President Tara Emery and CCAL Vice-President Stacey Byes-Byarse will be joining the ZOOM Call.

      Date:     Friday, April 11 2025 

      Time:     1:00 PM 

      Please RSVP.   We are excited about this opportunity to hear your concerns and ideas / suggestions.

      CCAL is a membership organization and as such, our volunteer Board Leadership and our Executive Director stay closely attuned to our members' needs. 

      We want to ensure the stability of all of our members. We want to see CCAL members THRIVE

      Please join us at 1:00 PM on Friday April 11th for our Greater New Orleans Conversation on Sustainability !!!

      Respectfully, 

      Cindy Bishop, CCAL Executive Director & Lobbyist 


      Reminders:

      Please register for CCAL's Spring Education Conference scheduled for Friday April 4th and Saturday April 5th featuring keynote speaker Brandy Woods-Smith, Founder of Childcare Millionaire.  Use this link to register for all of our events:

      childcarelouisiana.org/events 

      Reminder to get a FREE CONSULTATION to see if you qualify for the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit Refund.  Email  ercsupport@hundredfoldconsultingllc.com for more information.  Tell him that CCAL referred you and that you would like to schedule a free consultation.  Time is of the essence!  This program ends on April 15, 2025.

    Childcare Association of Louisiana is statewide,  non-profit, professional membership organization that advocates on behalf of the early childhood education profession. 


    Copyright © 2017  All Rights Reserved

    Call or Text

    (225) 933-5435

    Executive Director


    Childcare Association of Louisiana
    P.O. Box  80053
    Baton Rouge, LA 70898-0053

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