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The Chamber in Hays is pleased to announce the upcoming Child Care Provider Quarterly Professional Development Series, a free event designed to support the growth and education of local child care providers.
All area child care professionals are encouraged to attend and take advantage of the opportunity to receive credit toward annual recertification requirements.
The event will be hosted Tuesday, Jan. 21 at The Rose Garden Banquet Hall & Catering, 2350 E. 8th St.
The professional development session will feature Josh Tanguay, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and owner of Western Kansas Therapy Associates, as the keynote speaker.
Tanguay’s presentation, titled “Having Difficult Conversations with Caregivers,” aims to help child care professionals navigate challenging discussions around children who may need additional therapy or services.
He will also address ways to manage concerning behaviors exhibited by children, address problematic interactions between caregivers, and set realistic expectations for everyone involved.
This presentation will teach attendees effective communication strategies, gain insights into conflict resolution, and improve their approach to fostering positive relationships with caregivers.
In addition to the keynote address, The Chamber will provide free fingerprinting services from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Attendees will have the chance to get fingerprinted on-site, which assists them in meeting the requirements for their professional licenses.
Preference for fingerprinting will be given to child care providers and their spouses whose fingerprints expire within 45 to 60 days of each scheduled event.
This convenient service is designed to help area child care professionals stay current with regulatory obligations while saving them time and resources.
“We believe in providing valuable resources and support to our local child care community,” said Sarah Wasinger, president and CEO of The Chamber in Hays.
“With presentations that focus on essential skills and knowledge, as well as services such as complimentary fingerprinting, we aim to empower providers and contribute to the overall well-being of the children in our region.”
Child care professionals who attend the series can expect a welcoming atmosphere that fosters collaboration and networking among their peers.
In addition to educational sessions, attendees will also be entered into a prize drawing, adding an element of excitement to the evening’s events.
“We are proud to bring industry experts and essential resources together under one roof,” Wasinger said. “It is part of our commitment at The Chamber to strengthen professional communities across northwest Kansas.”
A special thank you is extended to the Robert E. & Patricia A. Schmidt Foundation for its generous sponsorship of the Child Care Provider Quarterly Professional Development Series. This support allows The Chamber to offer the event at no cost, removing financial barriers and ensuring all interested providers have the opportunity to participate.
RSVPs for the event are requested by Jan. 17 to help organizers accurately plan for refreshments and seating.
Child care providers can reserve their spots by calling The Chamber at (785) 628-8201, emailing [email protected], or registering via the provided link on The Chamber’s website.
“With professional insights from Josh Tanguay, free fingerprinting services, and a setting that encourages collaboration, this upcoming event offers child care providers the tools they need to continue delivering exceptional care for the children in their communities,” Wasinger said.
For more information, contact The Chamber in Hays, Kansas, or visit its official website, hayschamber.com.