Guam Early Learning Council Convenes First Meeting

by Guam CEDDERS Continuing Education Department of Public Health & Social Services Early Childhood Guam Early Intervention System Guam Launch Information Dissemination Project Kariñu

On September 4, the Guam Early Learning Council convened its first meeting under the new administration with Co-Chairperson Elaine Eclavea at the helm. New council members were provided with orientation in the development of the council and the timeline of early childhood initiatives on Guam. Early Childhood Program Administrators provided an overview of their respective programs as well as updates on services provided to families over the last eight months. Workgroup facilitators also reported on the status of the goals and activities for their focus areas as related to the Guam Early Childhood State Plan, which was last published in 2015. The next quarterly meeting will take place in December. Workgroup members spent the afternoon participating in the Karinu/Guam LAUNCH Early Childhood Evaluation Forum.

Members reviewed the progress of activities over the past year as well as data from the Wilder Survey used for Guam LAUNCH Evaluation reports and learned about the latest research in the Early Childhood field. Commitments on next steps and meeting dates were made to ensure that activities will continue.

On September 4, Guam Early Learning Council Workgroup Members posed for a photo at the end of the Karinu/Guam LAUNCH Early Childhood Evaluation Forum held at the Outrigger Guam Resort.
Elaine Eclavea (standing), Guam CEDDERS Early Childhood Consultant and Guam Early Learning Council Co-Chairperson, reviewed a new grant opportunity with council members.
Bonnie Brandt (standing), Guam CEDDERS Training Associate and Karinu/Guam LAUNCH Lead Evaluator, reviewed data from results of the Wilder Survey as workgroup participants looked on.
Members of the Guam Early Learning Council Family Engagement Workgroup
(FEW) showed their great collaborative skills as they erected a structure made from uncooked spaghetti noodles, rope, tape, and a marshmallow during the afternoon session. The FEW members built the tallest structure in the room at 20.25 inches.

Guam and CNMI Early Childhood Providers and Parents Engage in ASD Training

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Training Early Childhood Guam Department of Education Guam Early Intervention System Guam Launch Project Bisita I Familia Project Kariñu
Dr. Giacomo Vivanti from the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, begins his session on ASD on Guam, April 22.
On April 22, Yolanda Gabriel, Assistant Superintendent, Guam Division of Special Education, gave opening remarks to set the stage for the Guam training sessions.
On April 22, GDOE School Program Consultant, Cathy Tydingco (standing), discussed supports for students and families with ASD with the Department of Public Health and Social Services, Bisita and Karinu program providers.
On April 23, Guam participants discuss “What does it look like?” in regards to the current early childhood services and supports for young children with ASD.
On April 24, Dr. Vivanti discusses with parents on Guam the research on evidence-based practices for young children with ASD in inclusive preschool programs.
On April 25, parents and family members from the CNMI listen attentively to Dr. Vivanti as he talks about the strategies and interventions provided during the parent session held on Saipan.
On April 26, CNMI, FSM, and Palau participants take a group photo with Dr. Vivanti.
On April 26, Dr. Vivanti (seated in the center) takes a group photo with representatives from CNMI, Guam CEDDERS, and the delegation from FSM and Palau who traveled to Saipan for the training. (seated L-R) Robin Palacios, CNMI Early Intervention Program Director; Kim Arnold, FSM- Pohnpei State Parent; Dr. Vivanti; Ansina Kony, FSM-Chuuk State Special Education (SpEd) Coordinator; Nora Renguul, Palau SpEd Coordinator. (standing first row L-R) Dr. Josephine Cruz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Consultant; Francesca Morei-Misech, Palau Parents Empowered Executive Director; Nora Pangelinan, CNMI Data Management and Compliance Program Manager; Arthur Albert, FSM National Education Assistant Secretary; Beverly Nakamura, FSM-Chuuk State SpEd Teacher; June De Leon, Guam CEDDERS Associate Director. (standing back row L-R) John Bugulrow, FSM-Yap State SpEd Coordinator; Eris Wichep, FSM-Pohnpei SpEd Related Service Specialist.

CEDDERS and Guam LAUNCH Co-Present at SAMHSA 2017 Summer Grantee Training Institute

by Guam CEDDERS Guam Launch

From June 13 – 16, Cohort 6 Project LAUNCH grantees gathered in Rockville, Maryland for the Summer 2017 Grantee Training Institute. The Training Institute was an opportunity to learn new strategies and gain support and guidance from national experts, graduated Project LAUNCH sites, and other Cohort 6 grantees. During the Training Institute, CEDDERS Training Associate, Bonnie Brandt, and Guam LAUNCH Project Director, Helene Paulino, co-presented during a break out session titled: Culturally Grounded Approaches to Supporting Families and Communities through Project LAUNCH. Their presentation highlighted the Cultural Cafés which CEDDERS facilitated in 2016 to gather and validate information about cultural values, strengths, and practices that might influence families’ participation in Guam LAUNCH activities. During the presentation, participants were provided with an overview of the cultural café process, key findings, and recommendations for how this strategy might support decision making related to cultural adaptations in service delivery and evaluation.

Early Childhood Comprehensive System Evaluation and Planning Forum

by Guam CEDDERS Community Services: Technical Assistance Guam Launch

Participants of the Early Childhood Comprehensive System Evaluation & Planning Forum posed for a photo at the end of the day. The forum was held on May 19, 2017 at the Dusit Thani Resort Guam.
Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, facilitates group discussion with the Early Learning Workgroup. Pictured (L-R) Cindy Respicio, Head Start; Leonel Arcangel, DPHSS; Gerry Huffer & Jenny Huffer, Adventures in Learning; and Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS.
Participants enjoyed the energizer activity “Peel the Banana” which was led by Jenika Ballesta & Vera Blaz during the Early Childhood Comprehensive System Evaluation & Planning Forum.
Bonnie Brandt, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, gives a thumbs up during her data presentation at the Early Childhood Comprehensive System Evaluation & Planning Forum on May 19, 2017.

Cultural Conversations Café

by Guam CEDDERS Guam Launch

Bonnie Brandt, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, provides a recap from the previous Guam LAUNCH Cultural Conversations Café held in February and March during the Guam Launch Cultural Conversations Café event held on July 14 at the Guam Hilton Resort & Spa.
Bonnie Brandt, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, provides a recap from the previous Guam LAUNCH Cultural Conversations Café held in February and March during the Guam Launch Cultural Conversations Café event held on July 14 at the Guam Hilton Resort & Spa.
Bonnie Brandt, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, explains procedures during a table activity with Chuukese Cultural Representatives during the Guam LAUNCH Cultural Conversations Café held on July 14, 2016 at the Guam Hilton Resort & Spa.
Bonnie Brandt, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate, explains procedures during a table activity with Chuukese Cultural Representatives during the Guam LAUNCH Cultural Conversations Café held on July 14, 2016 at the Guam Hilton Resort & Spa.
On July 14, 2016, participants from the previous Guam LAUNCH Cultural Conversations Café gathered to validate data collected at the prior Cafés. Representatives from the Chamorro and Chuukese groups as well as Guam CEDDERS and Guam LAUNCH staff posed for a group photo during the Café.
On July 14, 2016, participants from the previous Guam LAUNCH Cultural Conversations Café gathered to validate data collected at the prior Cafés. Representatives from the Chamorro and Chuukese groups as well as Guam CEDDERS and Guam LAUNCH staff posed for a group photo during the Café.

3rd Annual Week of the Young Child

by Guam CEDDERS Department of Public Health & Social Services Guam Launch Project Bisita I Familia Project Kariñu Tinituhon WOYC

The Guam Early Learning Council, in collaboration with Early Childhood Agencies, facilitated training event in celebration of the 3rd Annual Week of the Young Child held on April 9-15.

Senator Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Ph.D., presented a legislated resolution to the ICC, congratulating them on sponsoring the Early Childhood Parent Conference held at Pacific Star Hotel on April 9. Pictured L-R: Laura Taisipic, DOE Parent Services; Cathy Tydingco, DOE School Program Consultant; Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Senator in the 33rd Guam Legislature; Karlyn Borja, Interagency Coordinating Council Chairperson; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Consultant; and Pauline Camacho, Project Kariñu Lead Family Partner.
Senator Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Ph.D., presented a legislated resolution to the ICC, congratulating them on sponsoring the Early Childhood Parent Conference held at Pacific Star Hotel on April 9. Pictured L-R: Laura Taisipic, DOE Parent Services; Cathy Tydingco, DOE School Program Consultant; Dr. Nerissa Bretania Underwood, Senator in the 33rd Guam Legislature; Karlyn Borja, Interagency Coordinating Council Chairperson; Elaine Eclavea, Guam CEDDERS Consultant; and Pauline Camacho, Project Kariñu Lead Family Partner.
Governor Eddie Baza Calvo signed the proclamation for the Week of the Young Child on April 11, 2016 at the Governor's Complex in Adelup. Attending the proclamation signing were representatives from various Early Childhood Agencies.
Governor Eddie Baza Calvo signed the proclamation for the Week of the Young Child on April 11, 2016 at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup. Attending the proclamation signing were representatives from various Early Childhood Agencies.
On April 15, early childhood providers and parent leaders gathered to attend a training on "Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Social and Emotional Competence," at the Sinajana Mayor's Office during the Week of the Young Child. The training was facilitated by Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate.
On April 15, early childhood providers and parent leaders gathered to attend a training on “Bringing the Protective Factors Framework to Life in Your Work: Social and Emotional Competence,” at the Sinajana Mayor’s Office during the Week of the Young Child. The training was facilitated by Vera Blaz, Guam CEDDERS Training Associate.

Four Sisters Complete Strategic Planning Retreat

by Guam CEDDERS Guam Launch Project Bisita I Familia Project Kariñu Tinituhon

 

Group photo of 22 individuals
Staff from the Four Sisters (Project Tinituhon, Kariñu, Bisita, and Guam LAUNCH) pose for a photo at the completion of the Strategic Planning Retreat held on September 23 at the Outrigger Guam Resort.
Six people around table, one writing on large post-it paper on table.
Project Kariñu’s service delivery team provide input while Dr. Lilli Perez records the information during an activity on September 23 at the Outrigger Guam Resort.

  • Individual standing in front of projected diagram.

    Kristen Hassmiller-Lich, provided technical assistance on how to create a systems map using a web based program. Kristen Hasmiller-Lich was part of a team of consultants from the National Maternal Child Health (MCH) Workforce Development Center that visited Guam to provide training and technical assistance to the Guam Cohort 2 Leadership Team on June 24-26, 2015 at the Multi-purpose room 129, Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building, University of Guam.

  • Two individuals standing in front of a diagram presenting to a room full of seated individuals.

    Dorothy Cilenti (standing left) and Kristen Hassmiller-Lich (standing right) facilitated a session on program flow diagramming during the National MCH Workforce Development Center, Guam site-visit, on June 24-26, 2015 at the Multi-purpose room 129, Jesus and Eugenia Leon Guerrero Building, University of Guam.

  • Participants standing in ascending order on stairs posing for photo

    Guam Cohort 2 Leadership Team gathered for a group picture with the National MCH Workforce Development Center Consultants, Kristen Hasmiller-Lich (1st row bottom left), Dorothy Cilenti (2nd row far left), and Sharron Corle (3rd row far left). The Guam Cohort 2 Leadership Team is a team of early childhood agency administrators and representatives and parents that have been receiving technical assistance from the National MCH Workforce Development Center on how to improve early care & education services and early childhood health & human services integration on Guam. Parents were involved with the team along with representatives from the following agencies: Division of Public Health; Maternal Child Health Program; Child Care Development Fund; Bureau Of Social Services Administration; Immunization Program; Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program; Women Infant Children Program; Project Karinu; Project Bisita I Familia; Project Launch; and Project Tinituhon.

National MCH Site-Visit TA

by Guam CEDDERS Bureau of Social Services Administration Community Services: Training Department of Public Health & Social Services Early Childhood Guam Launch Project Bisita I Familia Project Kariñu