Training

This twelve-hour training can focus on technical assistance or directors, supervisors and others in leadership positions.

The training is highly interactive and provides opportunities to practice strategies presented throughout the two days. A workbook is included in the price of the training. Join us bi-annually for our training.

We can bring this training to your area or any derivatives.

A study conducted in 2006 by Debra J. Ackerman, Ph.D., National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University, offered the following findings about the preparation of consultants:

"Consultants themselves may lack the skill set necessary to be effective. While they usually come to the field already possessing a college degree and some type of early childhood-related experience (Wesley & Buysse, 2004), as change agents they need an additional specialized knowledge base. Training may therefore be required not only in the content area of their work, but also in the consulting process, the kinds of strategies that can bring about change, and effective communication and conflict management skills (Buysse & Wesley, 2005; File & Kontos, 1992, 1998; Klein & Harris, 2004)."

Based on this study, the Francis Institute for Child and Youth Development created a curriculum and training to improve the effectiveness of coaching for education and human services organizations.

Developed around research on best practices from the business community and other fields, Strengths-Based Coaching® A Journey into Coaching is designed to build upon the knowledge, skills and beliefs of technical assistance specialists, consultants, and other leaders. The curriculum teaches individuals to integrate their knowledge into an effective approach for coaching or on the skills required to successfully incorporate coaching in their role as a leader.

Supervisors who focus on coaching are able to reduce the time they spend on crises management and move from surviving to thriving as staff members become active partners in creating better programs for children.

"Strengths-Based Coaching® has helped our Quality Improvement Coaches to bring focus to each visit with the clients they serve. Our coaches now have the skills and knowledge they need in order to work as a team with their clients to develop and communicate a clear purpose for their quality improvement work together." -Jennifer Hecker, Director, Kansas Quality Rating System, KACCRRA

"Strengths-Based Coaching® changed the entire way I look at my job. I'm excited again because I see there is a possibility for positive change. It's working! This is going to improve the quality of the teachers and the program. I definitely feel more capable and I have more tools to work with. I have direction for forward movement." -Shalyn Martin, Director, Milestone Academy

Leaders and technical assistance professionals in education and human service organizations focus on five foundations: adult learning theory, core beliefs, how we approach others, relationship building and communication on the first day.

These foundations support the seven stages consisting of setting goals, supporting the implementation of goals, reviewing progress towards goals.

Specific skills and tasks at each stage in this process guide coach and coachee toward shared vision, goals and quality improvement.

Change isn't easy. Learn about conditions that lead to change and discuss how to apply that information in your work.

Come ready to think in a new way about effectively supporting others through change. You will try out a practical, strengths-based strategy you can use tomorrow!

Turn staff on to excitement! Learn 10 tips to support adults to become enthusiastic, contributing members of your team.

Inspire each staff to work toward a shared vision and mission as an integral part of your organization. Get everyone on board!

Tough conversations happen! What are the keys to resolving issues and moving toward establishing a mutual goal? How do we share news that may be unwelcome?

In this session you will explore and practice techniques for handling these conversations in your leadership role.

Communicating with staff or families is vital...but can be challenging!

Join us to explore strategies to overcome barriers to communication. Discover tips for enhancing your communication with staff and families.

Having a vision for your program can set your heart on fire and spark the dreams of staff, children, and families! In this dynamic, interactive session, you will explore your role as a visionary leader.

Come develop ideas for writing and using your vision as a compass for program success.

Discover a framework to guide your daily tasks and decision-making as you focus on your vision.

Examine strategies to strengthen relationships, create positive connections and inspire growth and commitment within the community of your program.

Who we are and what we believe about other people affects our relationships and interactions. Explore your own beliefs about human nature, and the Core Beliefs of Strengths-Based Coaching®.

Discover ideas for motivating and working with adults starting at their current level of experience and education and moving toward higher quality.

How do we gather information about programs and practitioners? What is our purpose for conducting observations?

Join us to discuss strategies to maximize our effectiveness as objective observers of programs' strengths and opportunities for improvement.

What are the components of effective goals? How can we partner with staff to develop and achieve program goals?

Learn how to support others in developing intentional, concrete action steps that become a commitment for change. Explore strategies to support staff working to achieve goals.

• Distinguish among the roles played by a family childcare business owner.
• Write and evaluate a business concept statement.

• Identify critical personnel and resource team solutions.
• Choose an appropriate legal structure.

• Identify family childcare business features and benefits.
• Determine governmental and professional licensing requirements.

• Profile the local childcare industry and identify trends.
• Define target market.
• Determine the business' direct, indirect and future competition and its distinctive services.

• Identify market advantages/disadvantages related to the business location.
• Develop promotional strategies.
• Begin the process of pricing services.

• Identify costs associated with running a family childcare business.
• Learn to use basic accounting tools such as cash flow statement, income statement and balance sheet.
• Project income based on pricing.

• Set policies for operating the childcare business.
• Consider entrepreneurial oversight to improve the business.
• Complete the business plan and parent handbook.