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President’s PenI love to learn new things!�Recently�in�Charlotte�I�was�talking�to�Cheryl�Richards,�the�CEO�of�Northeastern�University.�I�was�talking�about�the�staff�turnover�in�our�schools�and�centers,�and�mentioning�the�studies�I’ve�seen�that�show�that�the�millennial�generation�will�typically�have�three�different�careers�in�their�lifetimes.

She�shared�the�results�of�some�research�that�Northeastern�recently�completed�that�cast�a�different�light�on�that�“three�careers”�story.�She�said�that�their�research�indicated�that�most�Millennials�entering�the�workforce�HOPE�to�stay�with�their�first�employer�for�a�long�time,�and�have�no�desire�to�“job�hop”.�

But�what�they’re�looking�for�is�lots�of�training�opportunities,�lifelong�learning�and�development,�true�mentorship,�and�a�career�path.�And�they�really�want�to�see�that�their�work�matters�and�is�connected�to�a�great�cause.�

If�they�don’t�find�those�things�with�their�employer,�then�they’ll�move�on.�But,�if�those�things�are�found�in�your�workplace,�then�they’re�yours!

The�great�news�for�us�is�that�our�people�do�work�that�TRULY�matters,�work�that�is�part�of�one�of�the�greatest�causes�we�can�imagine.�

How�does�your�center/school�do�on�the�training/learning/mentorship�part?

Then check out the articles inside this newsletter and also save our conference date on your calendar.

And�join�us�at�the�Straight�Talk�meetings�this�Summer.� There’s�one�near�you!

Bill Mitchell President

3801 Lake Boone Trail, Ste 190, Raleigh NC 27607 | (252) 234-5945 | office@nclcca.org

The Voice of Licensed Child Care Providers Like us on facebook

June 2016

NC Child Care Update

Here 's What's Inside !

Spotlight on a Member ........................... 3

NCLCCA Testimonial ................................ 3

Annual Conference ................................. 4

Food Pattern Changes ............................. 5

Earn Money by Referring Members ........ 6

Straight Talk Summer Tour ...................... 7

NC General Assembly Update ................. 8

NC Child Care Commission Update.....10-11

Changes Coming from the Feds ............... 11

Emergency Preparedness Training News ......................................... 12

NCFAST Update ...................................... 13

Subsidy Policy Changes ........................... 13

Summer Reading for Kids ....................... 13

NCLCCA Calendar of Events ..................... 14

Tips to Stay Out of Trouble ..................... 16

Have questions for us?Email office@nclcca.org or give us a call at (252) 234-5945

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I AM A MEMBER OF NCLCCA BECAUSE....

“ You r help today is so much app reciated! After a phone call this afternoon we got w hat we wanted after all. My director has been about to lose her mind wor rying about it. We are very happ y and app reciate you r help so very, very much. Thank you , again!”

Deborah CardwellKiddie Kare of Albemarle, Inc.

Deborah�expressed�frustration�on�May�11th�over�having�three�different�assessment�windows�spanning�the�course�of�over�two�months,�which�included�vacations�and�a�maternity�leave.��After�we�made�a�phone�call�to�the�NCRLAP�office�(NC�Rated�License�Assessment�Project)�we�learned�that�was�NOT�typical.�

One�phone�call�later,�their�assessment�window�was�“cleaned�up”�so�that�they�would�all�be�completed�within�a�reasonable�time�frame,�and�in�fact�they�were�all�completed�by�May�25th!�

Deborah, you’re welcome!

I Love

NCLCCA

Member SpotlightVonda KruegerCenter Name: The SandboxLocation: Hickory, NC1. How did you first get involved with

NCLCCA?I�remember�years�ago�that�people�had� the�impression�the�organization�was�against�day�care�rules�and�regulations.��I�think�I�stumbled�upon�it�by�attending�a�workshop�being�offered�by�NCLCCA.��After�that�I�got�involved�and�was�able�to�find�out�what�the�organization�was�really�about.�

2. Tell us about yourself and your center?My�first�day�care�directing�position�was�in�North�Carolina.��I�knew�I�had�to�get�my�oldest�child�around�others�due�to�our�families�living�in�Florida�and�him�being�with�me�24/7,�so�in�September�of�1985�I�opened�a�preschool�program.���It�was�my�way�of�going�back�to�work�and�still�having�my�children�close�to�me.��The�Sandbox�is�an�onsite�day�care�for�the�company�Klingspor,�which�manufactures�sanding�and�grinding�products.��That’s�how�we�got�the�name�The�Sandbox.��Through�Klingspor�we�are�able�to�offer�competitive�advantages�including�a�total�benefit�package.

3. What is your favorite part of your job?My�favorite�part�is�the�children,�and�their�unending�and�unconditional�love.��If�you�are�having�a�low�day,�they�will�tell�you�they�love�you�or�they�will�hug�you.��

4. What is your dream for the future of early childhood education?

My�dream�is�that�childcare�workers�will�get�paid�the�salaries�that�they�deserve,�which�will�in�turn�help�us�to�pull�in�the�highest�quality�of�people�that�we�can.��Great�teachers�are�the�best�way�to�give�children�a�good�start,�but�it�takes�good�money�to�get�quality�people.��They�need�to�be�recognized�for�what�they�do.

5. What do you wish you knew when you were starting out that you know now?

I�wish�I�knew�the�lasting�importance�of�childhood�education�and�the�brain�development�in�children.��The�quality�of�the�center�is�so�important�because�we�don’t�know�what�the�child’s�home�environment�is�like.��I�know�now�how�important�it�is�to�implement�the�different�developmental�domains�into�your�program.��Even�as�a�grandma,�I�wish�I�had�taken�the�PlayDoh�out�a�little�more.

6. How has your connection to NCLCCA benefited you?Advocacy�is�the�biggest�benefit�to�me.��Knowing�that�NCLCCA�is�there�to�support�us�and�that�we�can�call�or�email�Linda�Piper�at�any�time�with�our�questions�and�concerns.��Having�NCLCCA�do�the�leg�work�pursuing�rules�and�regulations.��The�trainings�offered�through�NCLCCA�are�a�great�benefit�also! 3

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Save the DateOctober 19-21, 2016

Marriott Crabtree - Raleigh NC• Hear from DCDEE Director, Dr. Pam Shue

• Share your comments with members of the NC Child Care Commission

• Visit local child care centers on our Center Tours

• Celebrate with us at our 20th Birthday Party

• Brainstorm with other providers and learn valuable information during our breakout sessions.

WATCH YOUR EMAIL FOR A DETAILED SCHEDULE COMING SOON.Registration pricing unchanged from last year...

only $159* for a single day or $219* for all three days.

Overnight rooms at the newly-remodeled Marriott are only $139 discounted for us at more than 50% off!

We will open registration soon but you can go ahead and book your hotel room.*Non-member conference registration prices are higher so join for the best pricing!

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New Standards for CACFP Meals and SnacksThe�United�States�Department�of�Agriculture�(USDA)�recently�strengthened�nutrition�standards�for�food�and�beverages�served�to�young�children�and�others�in�day�care�settings.�Through�the�Healthy,�Hunger-Free�Kids�Act,�championed�by�the�First�Lady�and�signed�by�President�Obama,�USDA�made�the�first�major�changes�in�the�Child�and�Adult�Care�Food�Program�(CACFP)�

meals�and�snacks�since�the�program’s�inception�in�1968.

To�allow�ample�time�for�understanding�the�new�standards,�all�programs�participating�in�the�CACFP�have�until�Oct.�1,�2017�to�comply.��While�these�changes�do�not�directly�impact�our NC Child Care rules,�we�anticipate�

there�will�be�conversation�at�future�meetings�of�the�NC�Child�Care�Commission.��The�new�guidelines�DO�allow�for�flavored�milk,�with�limited�amounts�of�sugar,�for�ages�6�and�up.

Under�the�new�CACFP�nutrition�standards,�meals�and�snacks�served�will�include�a�greater�variety�of�vegetables�and�fruit,�more�whole�grains,�and�less�added�sugar�and�saturated�fat.�In�addition,�the�standards�encourage�breastfeeding�and�better�align�the�CACFP�with�the�Special�Supplemental�Nutrition�Program�for�Women,�Infants,�and�Children�(WIC)�and�with�other�Child�Nutrition�Programs.

�The�new�standards�for�meals�and�snacks�served�in�the�CACFP�are�based�on�the�Dietary�Guidelines�for�Americans,�science-based�recommendations�made�by�the�National�Academy�of�Medicine,�cost�and�practical�considerations,�and�stakeholder’s�input.�These�improvements�are�expected�to�enhance�the�quality�of�meals�served�in�CACFP.�They�also�will�help�young�children�learn�healthy�eating�habits�early�on�in�their�lives�and�improve�the�wellness�of�adult�participants.

Here are some helpful resources:One-page Summaries of the New Meal Standards• Infants• Children and Adults• Best Practices

New Meal Standards Charts• Infants• Children• Adults

Regulations• Child and Adult Care Food Program: Meal

Pattern Revisions Related to the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Final Rule

We anticipate NC leaders will be providing guidance, resources, best practices, and training for all CACFP-enrolled early childhood centers and family child care providers. Stay tuned for more information and updates to follow.

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Earn $25, $35 or $45 for referring other providers or vendors to us!

The�first�member�who�joins�based�on�your�referral� will�earn�you�$25.

The�second�referral�will�result�in�$35.The�third�and�subsequent�referrals�will�result�in�$45.

Offer�good�6/1/16-8/31/16. Once�we�hear,�either�from�you�or�from�the�new�member,�that�you�were�the�source�of�the�referral,�

we’ll�contact�you�to�find�out�how�you�would�like�to�receive�your�bonus!��It’s�not�automatic,�so�you�have�to�let�us�know!

It PAYS to Bring New Members to NCLCCA!

10/2015

Annual Membership Dues for Center Members Dues are based on Total Licensed Capacity of all centers in the company: up to 36 $125 37-99 capacity $200 100-149 capacity $225 150-299 capacity $280 300-1,999 capacity $1.00 per child 2,000+ capacity $ .70 per child

• Memberships expire each year on March 31st • We realize enrollment numbers are typically less than actual capacity, however

dues are calculated based on licensed capacity since that figure is readily available online.

• Once application is received, our membership committee will review your application, ensure you are placed in the correct membership category, connected with appropriate interest groups, etc. Once approved, our staff will mail your membership certificate and be available to assist you with online access and additional contacts you might like to add to your online account.

BEST OPTION: JOIN ONLINE AT www.nclcca.org so you have INSTANT Members Only Access!

Username (can be email address or 4-20 characters using numbers and/or letters)

Temporary Password (customize it when you sign in)

Organization/Center Name Phone

Email (print clearly) # of Centers

Main Contact’s Full Name Position/Title

Mailing Address

City State/Zip County

Total number of employees at all locations, full and part-time

Tax Status for-profit non-profit

How did you hear about us? Who do we thank?

Complete if you operate ONE center/school: Complete if you operate MULTIPLE centers/schools: Facility ID/ Licensed License Number: Capacity

Number of Total Licensed capacity centers/schools Of all sites combined

Star level How many additional contacts would you like to have as sub-accounts, receiving our emails?

Check all that your center is involved with: Subsidy NC Pre-K CACFP Accredited _________

Check any that your centers/schools are involved with: Subsidy NC Pre-K CACFP Accredited (list org.)________________

NOTE: Please provide a list of names, mailing addresses, phone, facility or license numbers, licensed capacities and email addresses for each location.

Dues amount from chart above $______________ Promo Code? ________________ Debit/Credit Card Check (payment due in full, payable to NCLCCA; mail to NCLCCA, 3801 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 190, Raleigh, NC 27607)

Amount $ After Promo Code

Name as it appears on Card

Card Number Exp Date (MM/YYYY)

Billing Address (if different from above)

Billing Zip Code Phone Card CVV number (3 or 4 digits)

Contributions or gifts to NCLCCA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions for income tax purposes. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses subject to restrictions imposed as a result of association lobbying activities. NCLCCA estimates that the non-deductible portion of your current dues allocable to lobbying is 50%. I acknowledge that I am subject to a $25 reject fee if items are returned for insufficient funds.

Signature:________________________________________ Printed Name________________________________

nclcca16

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7

Straight Talk Summer Tour

NCLCCA Member: $15 per person Non-Member: $30 per person (Join NCLCCA at the meeting and save $15.)

All staff from member centers receive the member discount. Register early; space is limited and onsite registration may not be an option. If space is available there will be an

additional $10 charge, with MasterCard, Visa, AmEx or exact change payment only for onsite registration. Each Straight Talk will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm. Plan to arrive around 6:15 pm to get signed in.

Information...an overview of important issues Clarification...ask questions and hear straight answers Big Picture...see how issues affect you outside your four walls Training...1.5 hours preparing you to better manage your program Investment….consider this an investment in your business!

What are the new staff training requirements going to be?

How has the Emergency Preparedness training changed?

How long will it take us to finish once we start?

Will monitoring visits on the DCDEE website start showing more information?

How will our subsidy payment be impacted when NCFAST rolls out?

Explain the 83% payment rate for school agers!

What is changing with criminal background checks for NC to be in compliance with our Federal funders?

What area of the rules will the Commission be talking about next?

What’s considered sanitation policy or rule and what are they telling us to do that could just be a recommendation?

What changes from the 2016 Legislative Session will impact us?

What’s the latest with the tool that is potentially replacing Environment Rating Scales?

A) Monday, July 11—Ahoskie B) Tuesday, July 12—Jacksonville C) Wednesday, July 13—Southern Pines D) Wednesday, July 20—Greenville E) Monday, August 1—Asheville F) Tuesday, August 2—Hickory G) Wednesday, August 3—Charlotte H) Thursday, August 4—Winston-Salem I) Tuesday, August 9—Burlington J) Wednesday, August 10—Raleigh

Coming this summer to a city near you! JOIN US!

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Legislative Update:The�NC�General�Assembly�began�it’s�2016�legislative�“short�session”�the�last�week�of�April.��Since�then�we�have�sent�regular�email�updates�to�our�members,�which�is�good�reason�to�make�sure�we�have�an�accurate�email�address�for�you�in�our�system�and�to�become�a�member�of�NCLCCA�if�you�are�not�already�one.��

Here is a recap of state buget activity related to child care so far this session:}��Both�the�governor�and�the�state�House�included�funding�in�their�state�budget�proposals�for�the�next�fiscal�year�for�an�800-student�NC�Pre-K�expansion.�

}��The�House�budget�proposal�also�included�reimbursement�rate�increases�for�subsidy�children�ages�3�to�5�in�Tier�1�&�2�counties�(80�counties�statewide).

}��House�budget�leaders�also�proposed�an�average�4�percent�salary�increase�for�teachers,�which�will�indirectly�impact�NC�Pre-K�in�the�private�sector.

}��The�state�Senate�was�still�working�on�its�budget�proposal�when�this�newsletter�was�published,�but�it�may�have�been�passed�by�the�time�this�update�reaches�mailboxes.

For the NC Pre-K expansion, subsidy rate increases or teacher pay raises to become law, they would have to remain in the final budget approved by the General Assembly. The final step in the process is that both the House and Senate will appoint budget conferees who meet in closed session to resolve differences and hammer out a compromise budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year, which begins July 1 and ends June 30, 2017. It is expected that the General Assembly will wrap up its work by July 4th or soon after since this is an election year.

Other legislative activity that impacts child care includes:Several�study�bills�have�been�approved�as�a�result�of�the�Early�Education�and�Family�Support�subcommittee�that�took�place�before�the�session�started.��The�focus�of�the�bills�and�studies�are:

}��Increased�coordination�of�state-level�child�care�programs

}�Costs�of�NC�Pre-K

}�Subsidy�rate-setting�and�waiting�list�management

} Application�process�for�child�care�services

Additionally,�House�Bill�474�(Exclude Year-Round Track-Out Program from Child Care)�was�a�bill�leftover�from�last�year’s�legislative�session�that�legislators�passed�quickly�this�year,�despite�NCLCCA’s�fforts�to�stop�it�or�work�out�a�compromise.��Pushed�by�the�NC�Alliance�of�YMCAs,�the�bill�provides�a�licensing�exemption�for�YMCAs�and�other�track-out�programs�for�students�in�year-round�schools.��The�bill�had�widespread�support�in�both�the�House�and�Senate�from�both�Republicans�and�Democrats.�

NCLCCA�leaders�led�a�valiant�fight�against�House�Bill�474,�which�included�an�action�alert�to�members.��Outreach�to�legislators�from�our�members�caused�House�leaders�to�delay�the�vote�to�hear�from�NCLCCA,�but�ultimately�we�could�not�even�convince�the�Division�of�Child�Development�and�Early�Education�(DCDEE)�to�do�anything�to�help�us�stop�or�change�the�bill.��Legislators�appeared�to�see�it�as�a�solution�to�a�short-term�problem�for�parents�and�have�said�that�they�do�not�believe�that�child�care�licensing�rules�apply�to�children�over�the�age�of�five.�

Finally,�there�continues�to�be�much�controversy�and�attention�being�given�to�House�Bill�2,�often�referred�to�as�“the�bathroom�bill.”��The�ongoing�controversy�and�media�spotlight�on�the�bill�continues�to�impact�the�legislative�session�in�a�number�of�ways.�

Does this update leave you wanting more information?��If�so,�you�should�consider�becoming�a�member�of�the�NCLCCA�Advocacy�Council.��This�is�a�group�of�NCLCCA�members�who�want�to�know�more,�and�learn�it�faster.��These�NCLCCA�members�are�most�engaged�in�the�advocacy�process.��If�you�are�interested�in�learning�more�about�how�the�NCLCCA�Advocacy�Council�works,�please�call�the�office�at�252-234-5945�and�talk�to�Linda�Piper�or�email� linda@nclcca.org.

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9

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10

SUBSIDY NEWS•��NCFAST,�the�computer�program�for�case�management,�provider�enrollment�and�payments�that�is�designed�to�improve�the�way�HHS�and�the�100�count�DSS�offices�conduct�business,�will�roll�out�starting�in�October�with�4�pilot�counties.�The�rest�of�the�state�will�begin�in�either�November�(western�NC)�or�December�(eastern�NC).

•��Providers�should�be�getting�their�business�NCID,�reporting�it�to�their�county�DSS,�and�contracting�with�FIS,�the�third�party�payment�processor.

•��NCFAST�tab�on�left�side�of�DCDEE�website�contains�a�great�deal�of�helpful�hints�and�resources.

•��Several�subsidy�policy�changes�were�effective�in�March�related�to�calculating�employment�for�self-employed,�number�of�time�a�family�can�change�providers,�parent�fee�adjustments,�post-secondary�education,�foster�care.

•��Blended�rates�policy�changing�July�1;�will�stop�paying�differential�for�full-days�during�the�school�year,�will�be�paid�83%�of�the�full-time�rate�year�round.��Providers�were�not�part�of�this�discussion.��Providers�need�to�crunch�numbers�and�account�for�these�dates�as�you�set�your�rates�before�going�into�NCFAST.��NCLCCA�will�be�forthcoming�with�details�about�this�topic.

•��New�policy�to�allow�for�15�paid�holidays�in�every�county.��Could�include�holidays,�professional�development�days,�religious�observations,�it’s�up�to�the�center.��Ten�emergency�closure�days�for�weather�or�building�issues�will�also�be�paid

RULEMAKING NEWS•��Recommended�rule�language�is�coming�that�would�allow�emergency�medications�to�be�stored�out�of�the�reach�of�children�in�family�child�care�homes�as�it�already�is�in�centers.���The�rule�for�centers�is�within�sanitation�so�they�agreed�to�write�similar�language�to�go�in�the�rule�for�homes.

•��Recommended�rule�language�is�also�in�the�works�to�allow�substitutes�in�NC�Pre-K�to�serve�long-term�vacancies�longer�than�12�weeks.�

•��Commissioners�received�a�report�on�the�number�of�medication�administration�violations�and�the�need�for�child�care�staff�to�have�medication�administration�training.���

•��For�those�who�are�hoping�to�one�day�have�your�own�curriculum�approved,�you�are�a�step�closer.��Commissioners�are�working�on�a�plan�to�review�curricula�within�the�next�few�months�as�well�as�a�new�review�schedule�that�will�be�more�provider-�and�publisher-friendly.�

•��DCDEE�staff�has�converted�rule�text�to�a�chart�in�several�places,�including�staff�health�requirements�and�record�retention�rules.��Response�to�the�improved�format�has�been�positive.

•��Fluoridated�toothpaste�is�being�added�to�the�list�of�items�such�as�diaper�cream,�which�must�be�kept�out�of�reach�of�children�but�is�not�required�to�be�locked.

•��They�are�dropping�the�reference�to�“subsequent�editions”�as�related�to�the�environment�rating�scales.

•��Adding�a�definition�for�“uncompensated�provider”�to�differentiate�between�a�volunteer�who�is�NOT�counted�in�staff�child�ratio.

Highlights from the NC Child Care Commission Meeting May 16 & 17

Continued on next page

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Changes are coming as a result of the new federal Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) requirements. Here are some highlights as shared by DCDEE staff at the recent meeting of the NC Child Care Commission:

•��Working�on�DCDEE�website�to�show�5�years�instead�of�3�years�of�data,�and�more�details�about�each�visit

•��Completion�of�ITS-SIDS�will�be�needed�prior�to�caring�for�infants

•��Language�in�rule�to�require�a�more�detailed�medical�action�plan�for�children�with�allergies�and�other�chronic�conditions

•��Pools�should�be�enclosed�by�a�4�ft�fence•��New�training�requirement�for�infant�teachers�around�shaken�baby�syndrome�and�abusive�head�trauma

•��CPR�and�First�Aid�will�be�required�for�all�staff�providing�direct�care�to�children

•��Fire�extinguishers�and�identifying�information�on�children�should�available�on�vehicles

•��More�direction�around�caring�for�children�with�special�needs�will�need�to�be�given

•��Developmental�screening�for�children�of�all�ages�will�be�required

•��Inservice�training�hours�revised�to�align�with�recommendations�(not�broken�out�based�on�hours�worked)�but�will�allow�several�of�the�pre-service�trainings�that�are�required�to�count�in�annual�training�hours

•��Inservice�training�will�be�referred�to�as�“ongoing�training”�in�the�future.

Changes to criminal background requirements are also part of the Child Care Development Fund changes:

•��Feds�will�require�that�all�50,000�current�employees�be�rescreened�so�we�will�likely�be�asking�for�an�extension

•��Cost�for�background�check�may�go�up•��Limit�of�180�days�an�individual�can�be�separated�from�employment�before�a�new�criminal�background�check�is�needed.��Currently�the�CRC�

letter�is�good�for�3�years�regardless�of�whether�the�child�is�working�or�not

•��Provisional�employment�can�be�allowed;�law�change�will�be�required.

•��Required�to�disclose�disqualifying�reason�with�the�individual�and�to�provide�results�of�the�criminal�background�check�to�the�provider.

•��Additionally,�although�not�required�through�the�CCDF,�DCDEE�is�building�a�new�system�to�include�a�portal�for�applicants�to�go�in�with�their�NCID,�where�they�can�send�electronic�information�to�us.��New�system�would�give�DCDEE�authority�to�send�qualifying�letter�by�email.��

From�a�monitoring�standpoint,�NC�is�in�good�shape�compared�to�other�states.��California�has�over�60,000�homes�and�New�York�has�over�45,000�homes,�none�of�whom�have�ever�had�to�be�licensed.��Now�they�are�subject�to�a�monitoring�visit�once�a�year.��There�are�many�states�in�much�worse�shape.This document was prepared by NCLCCA staff and is not to be considered official minutes of the meeting.

Save the Date ! NC Child Care Commission Upcoming Meeting DatesMon & Tues, July 25 &26

Mon & Tues, Sept 26 &27

Mon, October 24 (Special Rules Meeting only)

Mon & Tues, Dec 12 &13

Monday�meetings�(when it is a 2-day meeting)�include�a�time�for�public�comment.��Meetings�typically�begin�around�9:00�am�and�last�until�3:00�or�4:00�pm.��Most�recently�they’ve� held�meetings�on�the�campus�of�Dorothea�Dix.

Highlights from the NC Child Care Commission Meeting May 16 & 17

Continued on next page

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ExchangeEveryDay is a free service of Exchange Magazine. View this article online at ChildCareExchange.com. NCLCCA members receive a free subscription to Exchange Magazine. Email office@nclcca.org for more information.

New ONE DAY Emergency Preparedness & Response Training offered by NCLCCA!We�have�shared�that�while�there�are�EPR�trainers�all�over�the�state�who�are�required�to�teach�three�trainings�a�year,�NCLCCA�is�partnering�with�trainers�who�are�committed�to�doing�more�than�the�minimum.��In�fact,�we�can�save�you�precious�time�and�energy�by�offering�both�parts�of�the�EPR�training�in�the�same�day.��

This is great news! Click the links below for more information on the One Day EPR options:

• Saturday, June 11 at Appletree Child Development in Raleigh

• Saturday, July 30 at Providence Preparatory School in Charlotte, NC

• Saturday, August 27 at Creative Day School in Elon/Burlington

• Saturday, September 24 at Wee School in Wilson

We still have two weeknight EPR options that include two 2-hour sessions if that works better for you:

• Wednesday, June 22 and Tuesday, July 12 at Chesterbrook Academy in Cary

• Monday, June 27 and Monday, July 18 at Chesterbrook Academy in Huntersville

Why should you sign up for NCLCCA’s EPR Training?

In�the�same�way�NCLCCA�leaders�ask�difficult�questions�on�your�behalf,�our�NCLCCA�trainers�are�asking�for�clarifications�and�getting�answers�on�your�behalf,�too.��For�example:•��We�were�proactive�about�becoming�approved�to�offer�the�training�in�ONE�day�to�save�you�time..

•��We�pointed�out�issues�with�the�training�materials�that�mistakenly�led�attendees�to�believe�that�storage�of�a�gallon�of�water�per�child�was�mandatory.��That�page�of�the�resource�materials�has�been�modified.

•��Our�trainers�will�reach�out�to�you�if�something�changes�later,�and�give�you�an�update.

•��Our�trainers�are�keeping�us�in�the�loop�so�that�we�know�what�questions�to�ask�and�it�has�truly�been�a�partnership.

For all the dates as well as other upcoming events, check out our calendar and register now!

NCFAST Is Making Progress!•��Have�you�been�to�the�DCDEE website�to�see�all�that�has�been�posted�regarding�NCFAST?��NCLCCA�is�very�impressed�with�their�communication�and�their�attention�to�detail.��Check it out here.

• Have you signed up for the Subsidy Provider Email List yet?��It’s�easy.��Send a blank message to sccaproviders-subscribe@lists.ncmail.net.��The�subject�line�and�the�body�of�the�email�should�be�blank.��You’ll�get�a�confirmation�email�and�all�you�do�is�reply�to�it.

•��Do�you�have�your�NCID�yet?��Read�this�handout�to�get�instructions.

•��Do�you�have�regular�internet�access?��If�not,�you�need�to�be�thinking�about�your�options.

You should have received a POSTCARD with instructions on how to set up your direct deposit through FIS Merchant Services, the third party payment processor.

Let us know if you have any NCFAST questions!

Subsidy Policy Changes as of June 1, 2016As�part�of�the�process�of�automating�subsidy�so�that�policies�are�consistent�from�county�to�county,�the�following�policy�changes�are�in�effect�now:1.��Families�can�now�complete�the�redetermination�

process�by�mail�or�phone�upon�request.2.��Child�care�assistance�can�continue�for�at�least�

90�days�(instead�of�30�days)�following�a�job�loss�or�transition�after�education�activities.

3.��A�90-day�phase�out�period�will�be�given�(without�adjustment�of�the�parent�fee)�for�families�whose�income�is�over�the�Federal�income�guidelines�but�at�or�below�85%�of�state�median�income.

4.��In�situations�where�a�five�(5)�work�day�notice�would�have�applied,�it�will�now�require�a�ten�(10)�work�day�notice.��This�includes�when�a�parent�no�longer�needs�or�wants�service,�the�child�moves�out�of�the�country�or�the�child�is�admitted�to�an�institution�and�is�not�able�to�use�service.

5.��When�a�provider�increases�stars�or�if�there�is�a�market�rate�adjustment,�providers�can�request�a�rate�change�in�the�next�90�days,�and�it�will�be�in�effect�the�first�day�of�a�month�after�the�90�day�notice.��(Clarification�has�been�requested�on�this�one.)

6.��Discounts�for�early�payments�will�no�longer�be�used�to�calculate�subsidy�payment�rates.

7.��Providers�no�longer�need�to�submit�written�scholarship�and�sliding�fee�scale�policies.��Subsidy�payments�will�be�based�on�the�current�market�rate.

If�you�receive�information�from�your�local�subsidy�administrator�offering�clarification�or�explanation�of�these�policies,�please�forward�to�office@nclcca.org�so�we�can�keep�an�eye�on�how�they�are�being�interpreted�from�county�to�county.

How to Encourage Summer Reading for KidsStudents�learn�a�lot�about�reading�throughout�the�school�year�as�they�complete�exercises�and�activities�designed�to�strengthen�their�comprehension�and�reading�skills.�How-ever,�the�summer�months�can�slow�down�or�even�result�in�a�loss�of�reading�progression�for�many�children.�Parents,�educators,�and�caregivers�can�work�together�to�stop�the�summer�reading�slump�by�coming�up�with�a�plan�that�encourages�students�to�read�during�those�hot�summer�months.�This�is�where�the�home-to-school�connection�is�vital�in�helping�keep�children�on�track,�giving�them�a�good�start�to�the�new�school�year,�and�reducing�the�amount�of�time�teachers�have�to�spend�reviewing�previously-covered�material�at�the�beginning�of�the�school�year.At�Kaplan�Early�Learning�Company,�we�understand�the�importance�of�summer�reading�for�kids�and�strive�to�help�build�the�home-to-school�connection,�which�is�why�we�of-fer�a�variety�of�children’s�books,�free�resources,�and�tools�to�help�children�progress�in�their�reading�skills.Read more here�to�identify�6�Summer�Reading�Tips�as�well�as�additional�resources.

13

14

Calendar of Events:

Date Event Location

Sat June 11 One Day EPR (page 12) Raleigh

Wed June 22 First Half Of Two-Part EPR (page 12) Cary

Mon June 27 First Half Of Two-Part EPR (page 12) Huntersville

Mon July 11 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Ahoskie

Tues July 12 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Jacksonville

Tues July 12 Second Half Of Two-Part EPR (page 12) Cary

Wed July 13 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Southern Pines

Mon July 18 Second Half Of Two-Part EPR (page 12) Huntersville

Wed July 20 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Greenville

Mon July 25 Child Care Commission Quarterly Meeting (page 11) Raleigh

Tues July 26 Child Care Commission Quarterly Meeting (page 11) Raleigh

Sat July 30 One Day EPR (page 12) Charlotte

Mon Aug 1 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Asheville

Tues Aug 2 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Hickory

Wed Aug 3 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Charlotte

Thurs Aug 4 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Winston-Salem

Tues Aug 9 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Elon/Burlington

Wed Aug 10 Straight Talk TOUR (page 7) Raleigh

Sat Aug 27 One Day EPR (page 12) Elon/Burlington

Sat Sept 24 One Day EPR (page 12) Wilson

Mon Sept 26 Child Care Commission Quarterly Meeting (page 11) Raleigh

Tues Sept 27 Child Care Commission Quarterly Meeting (page 11) Raleigh

Wed Oct 19-Fri Oct 21 NCLCCA Annual Conference - Celebrating 20 Years! Marriott Crabtree - Raleigh

Mon Oct 24 Child Care Commission Quarterly Meeting (page 11) Raleigh

Mon Dec 12 Child Care Commission Quarterly Meeting (page 11) Raleigh

Tues Dec 13 Child Care Commission Quarterly Meeting (page 11) Raleigh

Registration�for�all�events�is�available�on�the�Calendar�on�our�website�at�www.nclcca.org. If�you’re�an�NCLCCA�member,�please�take�a�few�seconds�to�log�in�with�your�username�and�password�so�you’ll�be�able�to�track�your�event�registrations,�print�receipts�for�payments,�look�up�your�expiration�date�and�more.�Forgot�your�username�and/or�password?��Not�a�problem!��Use�your�email�address�with�the�“forgot”�links�and�

the�system�can�email�your�username�and�send�you�a�link�to�reset�your�password.�Short�on�time?��Give�us�a�call�or�shoot�us�an�email�and�we’ll�walk�you�through�it!��

Email�office@nclcca.org or call 252-234-5945.

15

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16

Straight Talk Summer Tour

NCLCCA Member: $15 per person Non-Member: $30 per person (Join NCLCCA at the meeting and save $15.)

All staff from member centers receive the member discount. Register early; space is limited and onsite registration may not be an option. If space is available there will be an

additional $10 charge, with MasterCard, Visa, AmEx or exact change payment only for onsite registration. Each Straight Talk will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm. Plan to arrive around 6:15 pm to get signed in.

Information...an overview of important issues Clarification...ask questions and hear straight answers Big Picture...see how issues affect you outside your four walls Training...1.5 hours preparing you to better manage your program Investment….consider this an investment in your business!

What are the new staff training requirements going to be?

How has the Emergency Preparedness training changed?

How long will it take us to finish once we start?

Will monitoring visits on the DCDEE website start showing more information?

How will our subsidy payment be impacted when NCFAST rolls out?

Explain the 83% payment rate for school agers!

What is changing with criminal background checks for NC to be in compliance with our Federal funders?

What area of the rules will the Commission be talking about next?

What’s considered sanitation policy or rule and what are they telling us to do that could just be a recommendation?

What changes from the 2016 Legislative Session will impact us?

What’s the latest with the tool that is potentially replacing Environment Rating Scales?

A) Monday, July 11—Ahoskie B) Tuesday, July 12—Jacksonville C) Wednesday, July 13—Southern Pines D) Wednesday, July 20—Greenville E) Monday, August 1—Asheville F) Tuesday, August 2—Hickory G) Wednesday, August 3—Charlotte H) Thursday, August 4—Winston-Salem I) Tuesday, August 9—Burlington J) Wednesday, August 10—Raleigh

Coming this summer to a city near you! JOIN US!

Coming This summer!

10 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR CENTER OUT OF TROUBLE1.��Understand�and�comply�with�all�HR�regulations�that�apply�to�your�organization�(including�but�

not�limited�to�ADA,�FMLA,�Equal�Opportunity,�harassment,�paid�time�off�rules�and�other�leave�of�absence�issues).��Regulations�can�vary�based�on�the�number�of�employees�you�employ.

2.��Make�sure�you�are�paying�your�employees�properly.�Know�the�rules�regarding�overtime,�training�days,�continuing�education,�company�meetings,�and�all�forms�of�compensable�time.

3.��Make�sure�your�exempt�employees�are�properly�classified�and�you�are�aware�of�the�new�ruling�that�goes�into�effect�December�1st�regarding�the�salary�threshold�for�exempt�employees.��

4.�Document�all�performance�issues�and�conduct�annual�performance�reviews.�5.�Make�sure�you�are�properly�completing�I-9’s�and�complying�with�E-verify.6.�Make�sure�your�Independent�Contractors�are�really�IC’s�and�not��employees7.�Have�and�enforce�a�well�written�Employee�Handbook.8.�Take�all�employee�complaints�seriously.9.��Make�sure�your�supervisor�and�managers�are�trained�on�the�basics�of�HR�and�can�recognize�

potential�problems.��10.�Never�fire�an�employee�in�anger.

** The Bonus Tip – ALWAYS REMEMBER, JUST BECAUSE YOUR COMPETITORS DO IT, DOES NOT MEAN IT IS CORRECT AND NOT A BIG POTENTIAL PROBLEM!

Deb King - DJK HR Consulting 919-368-1935 • deb@djkhrconsulting.com • www.djkhrconsulting.com