Our Child Care Aware of ND team was excited to attend the ND Early Childhood Conference last week. We were able to Connect with so many programs and providers from across the state; Learn from a variety of keynote and breakout presenters; and Grow professionally by being able to present two different breakout sessions during the conference! It was a great two days!
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Keely Ihry standing at a booth for Child Care Aware with bags and books at a table
Lindy Caro presenting on being a child care director
Faith Reiger presenting on the power of a read aloud
group picture of conference attendees
Congratulations to our newest LETRS® graduates! These educators have dedicated two years to building a strong background and depth of knowledge that can be leveraged as effective teaching strategies to improve student literacy outcomes. Congratulations on this major accomplishment!
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
group of people smiling at the camera in front of a screen for Lexia LETRS unit 8
group of people smiling at the camera
We are helping the Afterschool Alliance conduct a nationwide survey to learn more about families’ experiences with afterschool programs. We need more input from North Dakotans! Please take a few minutes to complete this survey before the end of the week. All responses are anonymous, confidential, and will be used for research purposes only. Please click on the survey link to get started: https://edge.surveyresearchfeedback.com/e.asp?p=AFS2401&S=C. Thank you so much for your input!
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
graphic that says there's still time to make your voice count, North Dakota input needed! ND Afterschool Network
Meet Carol, this week’s Tutor Spotlight 🌟 Her favorite part of tutoring? Building relationships and seeing students grow—especially those returning from the previous year. And when those Kinders "take off"? Pure magic. ✨ Her message to others: “It works!” Thanks for your heart and dedication, Carol! 💖 #AmeriCorps #ReadingCorps #MakingADifference #EarlyLiteracy
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Tutor Spotlight for Carol Vix from Our Redeemer’s Christian School. Her favorite part of tutoring is connecting with kids, especially those she’s worked with in previous years, and watching them grow. She loves seeing how Kindergartners “take off” after going through the program. Carol wants everyone to know: “It works!” A smiling woman with short gray hair, glasses, and a bright pink jacket is pictured on the right.
💙 Afterschool staff — you play a key role in keeping kids safe! Join this free virtual training on April 28 from 1–2:30pm CT. Learn about child abuse risk factors, healthy development, and prevention strategies. 📲 Register now or scan the QR code! https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/dGqwrUWcQOyGJYKxF1piaw#/registration #ChildAbusePrevention #AfterschoolMatters #SafeKidsND
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
A promotional flyer titled "The Role of Afterschool in Championing Safe Childhoods." The flyer highlights that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and is dedicated to raising awareness and taking action to strengthen families and protect children. Event Date and Time: April 28, 2025 1:00 - 2:30pm CT Call to Action: Register Here or Scan QR Code (with a visible QR code to the right) Session Details: Free, virtual session for Afterschool will cover: Child Sexual Abuse Risk Factors Healthy & Concerning Sexual Development Prevention Strategies for Afterschool Programs At the bottom are logos for Families Flourish ND and the North Dakota Afterschool Network. On the right side of the flyer is an image of children sitting on the grass, one of whom is writing in a notebook.
Our teachers of teachers have been checking out Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling! Faculty at VCSU in the elementary education program recently built Scarborough's Reading Rope creating a powerful visual about the interaction of language comprehension and word recognition.
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
picture of educators holding strands and weaving together a rope that demonstrates the interaction of language comprehension and word recognition
🚨 NOW HIRING! 🚨 📚✨ Make a difference in your community! We're looking for part-time Reading & Math tutors for the 2025-2026 school year! ✅ Support young learners in your local schools ✅ Earn a monthly stipend & an education award ✅ Be a role model and help students succeed! This is your chance to give back AND get rewarded! 🌟 📢 Tag a friend who would be perfect for this & SHARE this post! Let’s spread the word! 📢 👉 Apply now: https://fs16.formsite.com/servetogrow/Tutor-App25-26/index
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
tutor applications open now for AmeriCorps Reading and Math Corps
🚨 Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2025 ND Literacy Summit! 🚨 Join us in Fargo for The Next Chapter in advancing literacy instruction across North Dakota. 📚✨ Don’t miss this opportunity to encourage, equip, and empower—secure your spot today! 🎟️ https://members.ndrea.org/ndrea-events/Details/ndsor-literacy-summit-july-30-31-2025-1345155?sourceTypeId=Hub #TheNextChapterND #2025NDLiteracySummit
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
north dakota science of reading literacy summit: the next chapter: encourage, equip, empower; July 30-31, 2025, Fargo ND, Register Today
🌟 Meet Jennifer, NESC Executive Director & a passionate advocate for Out-of-School Time (OST) programs! 🌟 Since 2021, Jennifer has been on the ND Afterschool Network Leadership Team working to ensure OST programs go beyond the classroom—fostering confidence, creativity, and real-world skills for every student. Her dream? A fully accessible, hands-on learning space where kids explore, grow, and thrive. 🚀 What’s one book that changed her perspective? *The First Days of School* by Harry Wong—because setting the stage for success starts on day one! 📚💡 #OSTMatters #Leadership #StudentSuccess #BeyondTheClassroom
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
ND Afterschool Leadership Team Meet Jennifer! NESC Executive Director On the Leadership Team Since 2021 What Do You Wish Everyone Knew About Out-of-School Time Programs? One thing people don’t often realize about out-of-school (OST) time programs is how much they provide crucial opportunities for strengthening and supporting learning from the regular school day. OST programs also provide character education, leadership opportunities, creativity, and real-world skill-building. High-quality OST programs help students develop confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging—directly impacting their success in school and life. They also offer experiences like STEM projects, arts, healthy living, field trips, and career exploration that they might not otherwise have access to. Our programs offer a safe, enriching environment where students can thrive beyond the classroom. They also support working families before and after school and during the summer.
If You Could Design Your Dream Out-of-School Time Program, What Would It Be? My dream out-of-school time (OST) program would be a dynamic, hands-on space where kids can explore their passions, develop real-world skills, and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. We would have full staffing and funding to be open daily during the school year before and after school and throughout the summer months. It would have student Choice-Based Learning where students pick what interests them, building autonomy. It would also be Flexible & Accessible: Free (or very low-cost), with transportation and meal support for families in need. This program will empower kids to dream big, explore widely, and develop the skills they need to thrive in any path they choose. What Is One Book That Changed Your Life? One book that really changed my perspective working in education was The First Days of School by Harry Wong. It’s a game-changer for anyone in education, providing practical, effective strategies for classroom management and student success. It continues to help us understand the importance of setting expectations early, building strong routines, and creating a positive learning environment. It’s a must-have resource for any educator in the regular day classroom or in OST programs!
Thinking about getting your CDA? We offer scholarships! Apply here: https://forms.office.com/r/UT6BPdPzP4
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Questions contact pdadvising@ndchildcare.org CDA Scholarships Child Care Aware of ND is offering CDA Scholarships to cover the cost of the CDA application fee for both the initial CDA or a CDA renewal Now available You will be required to complete an application and provide the following documentation: 120 Hours of Training Completed for Initial CDA or 45 hours for Renewal Employment verification
🌟 Meet Cindy! 🌟 For Cindy, the best part of tutoring is watching students hit their milestones and light up with excitement when they reach their goals! 🎯📖 She’s seen firsthand how powerful tutoring can be and wishes everyone knew just how much it truly works. 💡✨ Thank you, Cindy, for your dedication and the incredible impact you make every day! 💙 #ReadingCorps #AmeriCorps #MakingADifference
3 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Tutor Spotlight Cindy Sabot Independence Elementary Favorite Part of Tutoring I love seeing kids make measurable progress and how excited they are to reach goals. I Wish Everyone Knew It works!
📢 **Save the Date!** 📢 Looking for funding opportunities? Join us on **May 6th** for a **Grant Writing Workshop** designed just for you! 📝✨ Learn tips and strategies to secure funding and support your program. Register here: https://registry.ndgrowingfutures.org/register.aspx?evid=40171 #GrantWriting #ChildCareProviders #SaveTheDate
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Flyer for Grant Writing Workshop (Growing Futures Approved). An introduction to grant fundamentals: how to find grant opportunities, how to write a grant proposal, how to manage a grant. May 6, 2025 from 6:30-8:00PM central time over Zoom. PRESENTED BY REALIZING RURAL Jasmin Fosheim and Cassidy Blade are sisters living in rural South Dakota. Both balancing new families and serving their community in various capacities, Jasmin and Cassidy are passionate about the advantages of rural life. This passion and belief that rural is an asset, not a detriment, led them to create Realizing Rural. Since 2020, Realizing Rural has provided grant writing, project management, marketing, and consulting services for rural businesses, organizations, and communities in North Dakota, South Dakota, and beyond with the mission of shifting the rural narrative from surviving to thriving. REACH OUT TO TRAINING@NDCHILDCARE.ORG WITH ANY QUESTIONS. Click here or scan to register. BROUGHT TO YOU BY A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN CHILD CARE AWARE OF NORTH DAKOTA AND THE NORTH DAKOTA WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER
🌟 Tutor Spotlight: Emily! 🌟 Emily’s favorite part of tutoring? The incredible relationships she builds with her students! 💙 She says it’s the most rewarding thing you’ll ever do—and we’re so grateful for the impact she makes every day. Thank you, Emily! 📚✨ #ReadingCorps #AmeriCorps #TutorSpotlight
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Reading Corps Tutor Spotlight - Emily Gonzalez Kennedy Elementary. Favorite Part of Tutoring: I love the relationships I develop with my students. I wish everyone knew it is the most rewarding thing you will ever do.
In our latest training, we explored how to boost learner retention and math achievement! From the Curve of Forgetting to powerful Retrieval Strategies, we covered key techniques like Spaced Learning Over Time (SLOT) and Interleaved Practice Format (IPF) to help students retain and apply their learning. A huge shoutout to North Dakota teachers for their dedication to student success—your hard work makes all the difference! 💙📚 #MathSuccess #RetrievalStrategies #SpacedLearning #ThankYouTeachers
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
group of people sitting at tables
picture of Ryan Lyson presenting
Last week, North Dakota mayors got in the AmeriCorps Week spirit! Bismarck, Fargo, and Jamestown are just a few of the North Dakota locations served by Reading and Math Corps tutors! #AmeriCorps
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
The City of Fargo Office of the Mayor Proclamation: WHEREAS, More than 30 years ago Congress established AmeriCorps- formerly the Corporation for National and Community Service to unite national service programs under one agency, create service opportunities that strengthen communities and expand pathways to education, careers and civic participation for those who serve: and WHEREAS, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Senior programs provide opportunities for more than 200,000 Americans annually to serve their country through se1vice at nonprofits, schools, public agencies and community and faith-based groups across the country; and WHEREAS, In North Dakota more than 276 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Senior volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds helped to meet local needs at more than 99 locations, by tutoring and mentoring youth, restoring the environment, assisting capacity building nonprofits and more; and WHEREAS, National service represents a robust public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages non-federal resources to strengthen community impact and increase the return on taxpayer dollars; and WHEREAS, Through their service, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Senior volunteers improve the lives of their families, strengthen communities and foster civic engagement in North Dakota as a whole NOW, THEREFORE, I, Dr. Timothy J. Mahoney, Mayor of Fargo, North Dakota do hereby proclaim March 9-15, 2025, t o be AmeriCorps Week. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of The City of Fargo, North Dakota to be affixed this 12th day of March, 2025 Dr. Timothy J. Mahoney Mayor, Fargo North Dakota
Office of the Mayor City of Jamestown North Dakota Proclamation: WHEREAS, more than thirty years ago Congress established AmeriCorps - formerly the Corporation for National and Community Service - to unite national service programs under one agency, create service opportunities that strengthen communities, and expand pathways to education, careers, and civic participation for those who serve; and WHEREAS, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs provide opportunities for 200,000 Americans annually to serve their country through service at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based organizations across the country; and WHEREAS, in North Dakota more than 276 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds helped to meet local needs at more than 99 locations, tutoring or mentoring children and youth, mentoring youth, restoring the environment, and capacity building nonprofits; and WHEREAS, national service represents a robust public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages non-federal resources to strengthen community impact and increase the return on taxpayer dollars; and WHEREAS, volunteering prepares AmeriCorps members for future careers and improves the mental wellbeing of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, and their commitment to service reflects the dedication and patriotism of those who serve; and WHEREAS, through their service, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers improve the lives of their families, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement in the North Dakota as a whole; and WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of the AmeriCorps members and volunteers who serve each year, the nearly 1.3 million AmeriCorps alumni and millions of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, and their community partners, as well as to encourage more Americans to follow their footsteps in service; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Dwaine Heinrich, Mayor of the City of Jamestown, do hereby designate March 9-15, 2025, as AmeriCorps Week in the City of Jamestown, North Dakota , and urge. citizens to thank AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their service and to find their own ways to give back to their communities.. Dwaine Heinrich, Mayor
Bismarck Proclamation: WHEREAS, more than thirty years ago Congress established AmeriCorps – formerly the Corporation for National and Community Service – to unite national service programs under one agency, create service opportunities that strengthen communities, and expand pathways to education, careers, and civic participation for those who serve; and WHEREAS, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps Seniors programs provide opportunities for 200,000 Americans annually to serve their country through service at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based organizations across the country; and WHEREAS, in North Dakota more than 276 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers of diverse ages and backgrounds helped to meet local needs at more than 99 locations, tutoring or mentoring children and youth, mentoring youth, restoring the environment, and capacity building nonprofits; and WHEREAS, national service represents a robust public-private partnership that invests in community solutions and leverages non-federal resources to strengthen community impact and increase the return on taxpayer dollars; and WHEREAS, volunteering prepares AmeriCorps members for future careers and improves the mental wellbeing of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, and their commitment to service reflects the dedication and patriotism of those who serve; and WHEREAS, through their service, AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers improve the lives of their families, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement in the North Dakota as a whole; and WHEREAS, AmeriCorps Week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of the AmeriCorps members and volunteers who serve each year, the nearly 1.3 million AmeriCorps alumni and millions of AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers, and their community partners, as well as to encourage more Americans to follow their footsteps in service.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Michael Schmitz, Mayor of the City of Bismarck, on behalf of this Commission, do hereby designate March 9-15, 2025 as AMERICORPS WEEK in Bismarck and urge citizens to thank AmeriCorps members and alumni and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers for their service and to find their own ways to give back to their communities. Signed this 12th day of March, 2025. Michael Schmitz, Mayor Bismarck Board of City Commissioners
Next week is Youth Voice Week! We encourage you to share the perspectives of the youth in your programs on social media and to share your stories with your representatives. #YouthVoiceWeek
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
picture that has two girls standing at a podium with the following text: #youthvoice week. March 24-28 (Afterschool Alliance and CYESS)
The 2025 ND Science of Reading Literacy Summit marks the next chapter in advancing literacy instruction across North Dakota! This year’s theme—Encourage. Equip. Empower.—reflects our commitment to supporting educators with evidence-based strategies that translate into real classroom impact. Join us in Fargo for an inspiring experience featuring national literacy experts, hands-on breakout sessions, and role-aligned learning opportunities designed to encourage collaboration, equip educators with actionable strategies, and empower them to create literacy-rich environments where all students thrive. PLUS – don’t miss bonus film screening the evening prior to set the stage for inspiring conversations and deeper learning. More details coming soon! Book your spot for this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with fellow educators who are passionate about literacy! 📅 Date: July 30-31, 2025 | 🎬 Film Screening: July 29 📍 Location: Fargo, ND Registration launches early April!
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
save the date graphic for the North Dakota Science of Reading Literacy Summit: The Next Chapter: Encourage.Equip.Empower. July 30-31, 2025 Fargo ND, Registration launches April 2025
Shoutout to our educators who have been attending NDMTSS Foundations: System Change & Refinement! These school teams have been focusing on building the infrastructure necessary to support MTSS implementation.
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
presenter speaking to a group of people
group of people talking at a table looking at a screen
group of people sitting at tables talking
Looking to learn more about wellness? Sign up for Promoting Wellness on April 17th and explore ways to keep kids physically active through fun and developmentally appropriate activities! https://registry.ndgrowingfutures.org/register.aspx?evid=40113
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
Promoting Wellness Flyer - 2 hours online - level one. Register Here with a QR code. This engaging course provides practical strategies for fostering healthy habits in young children. Participants will explore ways to keep kids physically active through fun and developmentally appropriate activities. The course will also highlight the benefits of outdoor learning, offering insights into how nature enhances children’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Additionally, participants will learn how structured mealtime routines can encourage healthy eating habits and how to collaborate with families to support lifelong wellness. Through interactive discussions and real-world applications, this course equips educators and caregivers with the tools to create a foundation for healthy living in early childhood settings.. Thursday, April 17th from 6:30-8:30pm cst, online-Zoom. Child Care Aware of North Dakota. Questions? Contact us at training@ndchildcare.org or 1-800-997-8518 (option 2)
We're closing out this AmeriCorps week with a real example of the impact AmeriCorps volunteers have on those they assist! "Ms. Kim, you should smile today because you help me read." Kim, a Reading Corps tutor at Osgood, recently received this note from a student. Moments like this remind us that the work of AmeriCorps tutors is incredibly valuable! #AmeriCorps #AmeriCorpsWeek #AmeriCorpsWorks
4 months ago, South East Education Cooperative
a note from a student that reads spreaidng smiles: Ms. Kim, you should smile today because... you help me read. Shows student progress on writing.