Joint Initiatives

REACH Committee
2024-12-19 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-11-21 13:00 - 14:30, 2024-11-13 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Denver) | JI Ascend Center, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
As the oversight group for Pathways, the REACH Committee brings together individuals and organization representatives able to incorporate wraparound services and crisis response for youth and their families experiencing multiple challenges in the Pikes Peak region and the 4th Judicial District.
Meetings are in person at the Ascend Center.
For more information, contact Cassy Reyes.

Career Navigator Virtual Office Hours
2024-12-16 11:30 - 14:30, 2024-12-02 11:30 - 14:30, 2024-11-18 11:30 - 14:30, 2024-11-04 11:30 - 14:30, 2024-10-21 11:30 - 14:30, 2024-10-07 11:30 - 14:30
FREE SUPPORT TO PURSUE OR ADVANCE YOUR CAREER!
Do you need guidance navigating the many paths toward a rewarding career in early childhood? Have you been in the field and would like to know the opportunities for advancing your career? Joint Initiatives offers free career navigation! It includes PDIS support, assistance with college enrollment or applying for the Advancing Early Childhood Educators program (below), answering CDA questions, portfolio support, + more!
NEW! Virtual Office Hours via Zoom!
1st and 3rd Mondays | 11:30 am–2:30 pm
¡Ofrecemos nuestros servicios en Español!
For the Career Navigation flyer in Spanish, click HERE.
Download our Navigator Flyer for details and the link to virtual office hours or visit our BuildMyECECareer.com to schedule a free time to chat.
SHARE THE OPPORTUNITY
If you know someone considering a career in early childhood education, BuildMyECECareer.com has complete details for getting started, including inspiring videos highlighting those in the field!
Advancing Early Childhood Educators FLYER 11.8.24

GRAND OPENING of Juvenile Assessment Center
2024-12-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
Joint Initiatives and School District 11 have partnered to launch a new youth center at Galileo Middle School.
Services provided to El Paso and Teller County youth:

Crisis intervention
Educational enrichment
Family Counseling
Substance abuse treatment
Tutoring
Mentoring
Individual plans based on assessments
Wraparound, multi-agency supports for youth and their families
Direct financial support for basic needs

REACH Executive Team Meeting
2024-12-05 11:45 - 13:15, 2024-11-07 11:45 - 13:15 | Online + In-Person
The Executive Team of the REACH Committee meets monthly to prepare for the full committee meeting.
The location and Zoom info will be provided in the meeting invitation prior to each meeting.
For more information about the REACH Committee, please contact Cassy Reyes.

Active Shooter Survival Skills Training
2024-11-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Online
This training will include emergency preparedness training on active shooter survival skills. Topics will include: Run/Hide/Fight, preparation, and planning.

Health + Well-Being Committee Meeting
2024-10-23 12:00 - 13:30, 2024-07-24 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
The Health + Well-Being Committee is a subcommittee of the Alliance for Kids Council and meets quarterly (January, April, July, and October). The committee is made up of agencies and individuals working collaboratively to guide the work of Alliance for Kids in meeting the goals and objectives of its Strategic Plan, which are aligned with the Early Childhood Colorado Framework.
Meeting details will be shared with committee members via email. If you have an interest in joining this committee, please contact Bernadine McCarron, Foundations Wellness Manager, at bmccarron@jointinitiatives.org.

Alliance for Kids Council
2024-10-22 13:30 - 15:00 | Family Resource Center/PPUW, 1520 Verde Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, United States
The Alliance for Kids Council meets monthly.
Meeting are a combination of online and in-person. Details/Zoom for meetings will be shared with Council members via email. If you would like more information about the Council, please contact Shay Almonte, Foundations Program Director, at salmonte@jointinitiatives.org.

Beyond the ACEs Score | Parts 1, 2, and 3
2024-10-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-10-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2024-09-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences: Through the Lens of the Neurosequential Model in Early Childhood Education.
Parts 1, 2, and 3 build upon each other. Children’s mental health training provides early childhood educators an opportunity to better understand the impact of childhood trauma and how to implement strategies to prevent or reduce the effects. Through building nurturing relationships, providing positive experiences, and offering safe environments for children to live, play, and learn, individuals can contribute to the healthy development and well being of all children in our community.

Part 1: Toxic stress, often precipitated by adversity in childhood, is the body’s response to lasting and serious stress. This type of stress affects how the brain and the body grow and develop, often causing lifelong behavioral and physical health issues. Join us to learn how Adverse Childhood Experiences may have impacted your life personally, those whom you love, or those whom you work with.
In Part 2, participants will learn ‘why’ adversity, especially in the early stages of development, creates the foundation for all future growth.
In Part 3, participants will address the question, “So, now what?” Participants will be introduced to primary concepts of the Neurosequential Model in Education to start creating relationships and environments where all children can flourish.

Instructor: Paula Hergert, M.A.Ed.
Part 1 • September 19 | Register HERE
Part 2 • October 3 | Register HERE
Part 3 • October 17 | Register HERE

Child Care Focus Group for Parents + Caregivers
2024-10-16 13:00 - 14:00
We’re inviting parents of young children (ages birth–5) to join an in-person focus group and share their experiences and insights on early childhood care, education, and access. The purpose of these focus groups is to understand the unique needs of our community and explore opportunities for expanding Early Head Start programs where they’re needed most.

This event is offered in person. Focus group is limited to 8 participants, and you must reside in El Paso County, Colorado.
Child care is offered upon request through the registration page.
After the focus group, all adult participants will receive a $125 Walmart gift card as a thank you for your time. Limit one gift card per household. ID will be required, and the address must match the address on your registration.
Download flyer HERE.

Understanding Resiliency in Young Children
2024-08-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN) experience childhood adversities and trauma at a much higher rate (2X) than children without special healthcare needs. CYSHCN are more susceptible to trauma for a variety of reasons. Join us for this virtual training to learn about trauma and resiliency in CYSHCN and how to help them gain skills to face future adversities. You will have the opportunity to walk through examples of how to help this population to develop or reinforce resiliency.
Instructor: Kyrsten Hall, MPH

Universal Pre-K Office Hours for ECE Providers
2024-07-29 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-07-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Online
Early childhood providers are invited to Universal Pre-K Office Hours, where you can have your question answered in real-time by JI staff regarding the direct placement process for the 2024-25 UPK year.
Join Office Hours HERE (Zoom)
Meeting ID: 418 525 8570
Passcode: UPK
One tap mobile: 719.359.4580

Leading Edge™ For Childcare Providers (Center-Based)
2024-06-29 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-22 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-15 09:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-08 09:00 - 12:00 | Online
Leading Edge™ For Childcare Providers (Center-Based)
In partnership with Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families/Foundations, the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center LEADING EDGE™ for Childcare Providers helps both licensed child care providers (Center-based) and start-ups. The six-week program assists child care providers in strengthening business practices when coping with the challenges of the ever-changing landscape of the Colorado workforce.

Understanding Resiliency in Young Children
2024-06-20 18:00 - 20:00 | Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families, 1600 N. Union Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO, 80909, United States
Children and youth with special healthcare needs (CYSHCN) experience childhood adversities and trauma at a much higher rate (2X) than children without special healthcare needs. CYSHCN are more susceptible to trauma for a variety of reasons. Join us to learn about trauma and resiliency in CYSHCN and how to help them gain skills to face future adversities.

Summer Group by Skill Builders
2024-06-17 09:30 - 2024-08-02 12:00 | Skill Builders, 437 Windchime Place
At Summer Skills Groups, every activity is carefully crafted to provide a balance of learning, exploration, and enjoyment. Our experienced facilitators create a supportive and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Join us this summer for an unforgettable experience where your child can grow, learn, and make lasting memories!
More info on the program, dates, and times is available HERE. (Please note the 12 pm ending time on flyer is correct.)
Register HERE.
Skills Development Focus:

Emotion Regulation: Equip your child with the tools to understand and manage their emotions effectively.

Social Skills: Foster meaningful connections and friendships through interactive group activities.

Impulse Control: Teach children how to pause, think, and make thoughtful decisions.

Positive Attachments: Cultivate healthy relationships and bonds with peers and mentors.

Communication Skills: Enhance verbal and non-verbal communication abilities for clearer expression.

Healthy Coping Strategies: Introduce coping mechanisms that promote resilience and well-being.

Diverse Range of Activities:

Role-Play: Encourage imaginative play to explore different perspectives and situations.

Art: Spark creativity and self-expression through various art mediums and projects.

Mindfulness and Meditation: Foster inner peace and emotional awareness through mindfulness exercises.

Music/Dance: Engage in rhythmic activities to promote coordination and self-confidence.

Problem-Solving Games: Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills through interactive games.

Physical Movement: Promote physical health and well-being through fun and energizing movement activities.

Narrative and Storytelling: Develop language skills and imagination through storytelling sessions.

Building a Bright Future
2024-06-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Online
Building a Bright Future: Nurturing Staff Retention and Creating Positive Workplace Environments in Early Childhood Settings
This training session is designed to empower early childhood educators and administrators in fostering environments that support staff retention and cultivate positive workplace dynamics. Through interactive discussions, practical strategies, and collaborative activities, participants will explore the essential elements of creating a nurturing and supportive workplace culture. Topics will include effective communication techniques, team building exercises, recognizing and addressing burnout, promoting work-life balance, and implementing strategies for professional growth and development. Whether you’re an educator, supervisor, or administrator, this training will equip you with the tools and insights needed to cultivate a thriving and resilient early childhood
community.
