If you’re anything like us, you’re wondering how on earth it can be October already! Our calendar for the coming month is packed, and this issue of REACH is your guide to all of the good things we have in store.

In this month’s Provider Spotlight, FCC educator Tredena Trott shares how she stays connected to her colleagues in the field…and our 1st State Family Child Care Conference is one of her many ways! If you’re a family child care educator, don’t miss your chance to join us at the conference in November.

DIEEC’s Early Childhood Educator Leadership Board is a fantastic opportunity for ECE educators to share their perspectives with us. Feedback from the board has a direct, positive impact on our work at DIEEC, and we invite you to apply and join the conversation.

In early November, we’re celebrating Children’s Book Week. Our entire staff at DIEEC will head out to serve as guest readers at programs around the state, and we are so excited to connect with you around our shared understanding of how important early literacy is for our children. Even if you’re not hosting a guest reader, you can still take advantage of the resources we’ve shared for promoting literacy and a love of reading.

For those of you working on Quality Improvement Plans, we have important information about working with your QI specialists toward the November 15th Quality Improvement Award application deadline. If you’ve already received an award, we have supports available to help with the financial management side of things!

If you’re an early bird already thinking ahead to spring, check out our new Let’s GROW Outside! opportunity – applications open on October 14.

There’s plenty more in this issue- read on! May your month be free of tricks, and full of treats.