PDG Newsletter July 6, 2022 Business Child Care Advocates (BCCAs) in the Spotlight Business Child Care Advocates (BCCAs) are ready to assist! They work in regions across Wisconsin conducting outreach to businesses for Project Growth. BCCAs also connect businesses and regulated child care providers and provide technical assistance to businesses and providers participating in Partner Up! Learn more about BCCAs and who to contact on the Project Growth website. Spotlight: Bob Pekol Family and Childcare Resources of N.E.W. Counties/Tribes Served Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, and Shawano counties, including Oneida Nation and Menominee and Stockbridge-Munsee tribes Contact Information bob@fcrnew.org | 920-391-5826 About I was a teacher for five years working with all ages and my favorite age group was the three and four-year-olds. After that, I served as a District Executive for Bay-Lakes Council. After that, I started at our agency as a Technical Consultant, helping child care programs with quality improvement. The Most Exciting Part of Being a BCCA The most exciting part of being a BCCA is getting to meet new people and teaching them about the importance of child care within our communities. Goal(s) for the Next Year My goal for the next year is to continue to advocate for child care and the important work they do…one business meeting at a time. View Bob Pekol’s spotlight. Spotlight: Sarah M. Agena Childcaring, Inc. Counties Served Adams, Clark, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Marquette, Portage, Taylor, Waushara, and Wood Contact Information sarah@childcaring.org | 715-841-9490 About Besides working as a Business Child Care Advocate for Childcaring, I’m also the dietitian for the Wisconsin Beef Council and the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association, the Marketing and Social Media Coordinator at District 1 Brewing, and a Portage County Business Council Ambassador. The Most Exciting Part of Being a BCCA I love working with the businesses in our area to provide new opportunities and guidance for employee’s child care needs. Goals for the Next Year Personally, I'd like to get back to riding my bike. Professionally, I'd like to continue to make connections with as many existing and new businesses in the area. View Sarah M. Agena’s spotlight. Featured Community Innovation Grant Awardee: Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Community Innovation Grants (CIG) were awarded in early 2021 to support young children, ages birth to 5, and their families in our communities. Awardees used the funds for early care and education (ECE) programs/projects that address the issues of equity, workforce, access, affordability, quality, kindergarten readiness, and local collaboration. We’ll continue featuring one awardee and their grant activities over the coming newsletters. Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is committed to growing and providing opportunities for its citizens. The Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is partnering with the Red Cliff Early Childhood Center, Zhawenimikaang Child Care Center (Child Care Development Fund), Red Cliff Historic Preservation Department, Project LAUNCH, the Red Cliff Minobimaadiziiwin Tribal Farm, and the Bayfield School District to implement their community innovation project. This project will help provide educational, cultural, and social/emotional support to all children enrolled and will assist with scholarships for child care families. Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s Community Innovation Grant project prioritized Red Cliff tribal families and trial Early Care Education providers by: Furnishing two classrooms and the outdoor learning area with materials, toys, furniture, extra clothing, snow/rain suits, and equipment. Obtaining the Teaching Strategies Curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschool. Strengthening culture and language integration through the purchase of artwork from a local tribal artist and using labeling in the classrooms that are in both English and Ojibwemowin. Preparing meals for children using produce and eggs purchased from the tribal farm. Congratulations to Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa for completing their grant activities in 2021 and best wishes in sustaining your important community work into the future!
