Newsletter
ELD eNewsletter – February 2017
By: Aarika Guerrero, Communications Assistant
Sidney Traen, Program Development Specialist, started with the ELD in November 2016. In her role, her primary focuses are Child Care Resource and Referral (CCRR) Contracts, Focus Child Care Network Grants, and Professional Development for License Exempt Providers. Sidney comes to the ELD with a wide array of experience including: being a K-12 teacher, Early Childhood Educator, Educational Coordinator, Center Director, CDA approver, Trainer, Mentor, and government program specialist, which has allowed her to hit the ground running upon joining the division.
When asked what her background and experience will contribute to her role with the ELD, Sidney shared: “My varied experiences and Project Management training allow me to see issues from many angels, assess risks and benefits, and set a plan in place to movement towards goals.” Most recently, Sidney was with the Washington Department of Early Learning, and joining the ELD permitted her to be closer to family in Eugene, which was perfectly timed and she and her husband, Joshua, are expecting a baby boy in May 2017.
The work Sidney does for the ELD is important because “providing the infrastructure for accessible supports to providers ensures that families have the quality care they need.” In her time with the ELD, Sidney shared the collaborative atmosphere of her team and seeing their ideas and the ideas of the community come to the realization has been the most rewarding and motivating.