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The BlueMoon is published bi-monthly by the Kentucky Arts Council. Please
send comments, questions and information to The Blue Moon, Kentucky Arts
Council, Old Capitol Annex, 300 West Broadway, Frankfort, KY 40601-1980 or
call 502/564-3757V/TDD Toll Free: 1-888-833-2787
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Using the environmental rating scales of the STARS for KIDS NOW initiative developed by the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development, the child care directors were helped to understand the significance of the arts to child development. STARS for KIDS NOW is an initiative that focuses on improving the quality of child care through the improvement of environment rating scales that assess everything from furnishings within the child care facility to music and movement activities. The environment rating scales are infused with all of the arts disciplines. Childcare facilities that are a part of this program are eligible for incentives and technical assistance. Bet Stewart and Normandi Ellis of Story Weavers presented their “page to stage—stage to page” method of developing literacy skills. Using exciting, inspirational activities, the Story Weavers demonstrated how easy and fun developing these skills can be. One of the most popular activities involved the use of the “Story Weaver’s Story Wheel” which allowed participants to improvise scenes involving possible problems they might encounter. The childcare directors found this to be a helpful and entertaining exercise that they felt would be an excellent enhancement of their preschool programs. Evaluation of the workshop by the directors was very positive. When asked if the importance of the topic was made clear, an average rate of 4.93, with 5 being the highest score, was given. When asked if they felt that the training was valuable to them the average score was also 4.93. Many of the directors also expressed that they would like more arts training made available for child care staff and directors. The workshop participants were all very excited at the prospect of the introduction of artist residencies within their facilities through the ArtStart! Program. More information on STARS for KIDS NOW can be obtained from regional Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, by calling the Division of Child Care in the Cabinet for Families and Children at (502) 564-2524 or on the Web at http://www.state.ky.us/agencies/gov/ecd/index.htm. The Kentucky Arts Council welcomes questions regarding the ArtsStart! Program and artist residency applications. For more information, please contact Lisa Rosenbarker, Program Coordinator at (859) 985-1226, by fax at (859) 986-1299, or by e-mail.
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Articles
In collaboration with the
Jefferson County Early Childhood Community Council, ArtsStart! sponsored a
one-day arts enhancement workshop for child care facilities in early June.
The purpose of this workshop was to help Jefferson County child care
directors understand the significance of expanding their arts activities
within existing curriculums and to introduce the ArtsStart! program. 
