Child care providers working in Harrison, Monona, and Shelby counties are invited to a professional development day on Saturday, May 16 at Willow Lake Recreation Area near Woodbine. The event starts at 8:00-a.m., with registration.

Two workshops are being offered:

8:30-am-to 12:30-p.m. –  MyPlate for My Child Care: 4 Easy Steps
Research suggests the groundwork for lifelong dietary habits may be laid down during the preschool years. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate provide four recommendations that can be implemented in the childcare setting. Participants will assist in preparing some new exciting recipes for a light lunch.

1:00-p.m to 4:00-p.m. –  Nature Explore: Wonder-Filled Beginnings
Part of the Nature Explore series from the Arbor Day Foundation, participants in this workshop will gain engaging strategies for documenting infant and toddler learning, and tips for choosing natural materials that meet the unique needs of infants and toddlers. The class will be going outside if possible so appropriate dress is suggested.

Providers may choose one or both workshops for up to a total of 7 hours of licensing credit. Providers are to sign up for each workshop via the Training Registry at https://ccmis.dhs.state.ia.us/TrainingRegistry and submit payment before May 11.

Each workshop is taught by approved ISU Extension and Outreach specialists. Due to generous funding from Harrison, Monona, Shelby Early Childhood Area, the event is low-cost to providers serving these counties. Support is also provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach offices in corresponding counties, and Iowa Child Care Resource and Referral. Priority is given to Harrison, Monona, and Shelby county providers but other providers may also register.

For more information, contact the Shelby County extension office at 712-755-3104.