Newsletter

🌱 The RTG Let’s Start a Garden 2026 Mini-Grant is Now Open! Ready to grow something wonderful with the young children in your program? The RTG Let’s Start a Garden Mini-Grant is now accepting applications.

The gardening grant details and application can be accessed here. Note: Applications must be submitted by April 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Priority will be given to those programs that received a gardening mini-grant last round in 2025. There is funding available for new programs too.

Please review the application for eligibility requirements, instructions, and the materials supported through this gardening grant here.

Programs may request up to $500 to support the creation or enhancement of a garden learning space for children. Programs awarded the full grant will receive the funding through an ACH transfer. Receipts for all gardening purchases will be submitted in the Gardening Grant final report.

We look forward to supporting early care and learning programs in St. Joseph County as they plant, grow, explore, and learn through the joy of gardening! 🌿

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Touching Hearts! Inspiring Minds! Embracing Possibilities!

What are the 7 Pillars and 7 Skills of Conscious Discipline, and why are educators across St. Joseph County talking about them?

Through Conscious Discipline and TIPS ECHO, early educators and program leaders are strengthening their ability to support all young children—and those who struggle the most—with social-emotional development and mental health during the critical years from birth through age five.

Learn how these approaches are supporting educators, children and families across our community in the March RTG Newsletter.

March RTG 2026 Newsletter (English) – here. 
 Boletín de RTG de marzo de 2026 (Español) – aqui.

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🌟 2nd Annual Early Childhood Celebratory Dinner – Month of the Young Child 🌟

Join us as we gather to celebrate our dedicated early childhood community and also recognize 2025 achievements!   Register here no later than noon on March 25th!

📅 Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Come as you are! We know many will be arriving after a joyful (and busy!) day with young children, so casual attire is encouraged.

🍽 Dinner & Program: 6:00–7:30 PM  (5:30 - 6:00pm is check-in)

📍 Ballrooms A & B, Community Learning Center (Downtown Library), South Bend, IN

🍴 Delicious Dinner catered by Allie’s Catering

✨ This event is FREE!
Early registration helps with planning for food and all the festivities and secures a seat.

Kindly RSVP only if you are able to attend. Event Confirmation via Calendar Invitation will be provided after registration. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 💛

 Registration required by March 25th at noon. Register here, thank you!

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