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Greetings!
Welcome to the first e-newsbrief for early childhood educators in the DC/VA/MD area. 
 
We've been providing training, workshops and CDA classes in our region for many years and love spending time with you - the professionals whose effort and dedication bring excellence to early childhood education in our region. 
 
Many of you have asked for an electronic newsbrief with information and opportunities to connect to early childhood educators in and around DC/VA/MD.
 
Let us know what you think!  We are excited to continue to support you in this new format and your feedback is important to us.
 
Thank you very much.
Did You Hear?
 
Effective early childhood teachers share twelve common characteristics.  How many do you see in yourself and your co-teacher?  We recommend that you and your teaching partner read this and celebrate all the ways that you are effective together. 12 Characteristics article by Laura Colker
  1. Passion
  2. Perseverance
  3. Willingness to take risks
  4. Pragmatism
  5. Patience
  6. Flexibility
  7. Respect
  8. Creativity
  9. Authenticity
  10. Love of learning
  11. High energy
  12. Sense of humor
Check it out...
 
Consider this field trip for your 2-5 year olds! The Building Zone at the Washington Building Museum was created with you and these kids in mind.  There are big soft Legos, a cozy reading area with architecture picture books, bulldozers and trucks to zoom and many pretend play props like hard hats and tool belts.  Of course traveling by metro is always a crowd pleaser and the WBM is right at the top of the Judiciary Square metro stop - couldn't be easier.  Don't forget your camera! Building Zone at WBM
 
What Are Teachers Talking About?
 
Are you curious about The Project Approach?  A project is an in-depth investigation of a topic undertaken by a class, a group of children, or an individual child in an early childhood classroom or at home. The Project Approach website has lots of information and examples of 'projects'. We were especially impressed with The Lunch Project of these 3-5 year olds.  If this approach is for you, document your project, we'll display it here for your peers and families to see!
Tell Us About It...
 
Take this month's survey: Teaching Together and Getting Along
 
You said it...
 
The most popular training topics in January and February 2008 were:
  1. The Problem with "Say You're Sorry"
  2. Connecting with Families
  3. Everyday Sensory Activities with Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers
 
Thank you for the hard work you do to support children and their families everyday!
 
Very sincerely,
Amy Augenblick and Candace Radoski
Foundations for Families
Supporting Children, Empowering Families, Strengthening Our Community www.foundationsforfamilies.com
About the DC/VA/MD Early Childhood Teachers' Network
 
Foundations for Families' ECT Network is dedicated to supporting excellence in early childhood education throughout our region. 

Foundations for Families supports early childhood teachers and professionals by providing a monthly e-newsbrief with:

Information and resources to enhance the knowledge base, skills and competencies of professionals in early childhood programs;

Guest commentary by leaders in our early childhood community;

Research on local professional development issues; and

Connection to other educators, events and opportunities in our area.

Save 15%
Do you and your peers need professional development hours?  We have really fun, hands-on training for teachers just like you.  Suggest one of these topics to your Director or administrator and if it is booked before April 15, your center will save 15%!
 
  • The Code of Ethical Conduct in Early Childhood Classrooms
  • Creating Strong Partnerships with Families
  • Fostering Language Development
Offer Expires: April 15, 2008 is the last day to schedule training and receive the discount - actual training date is flexible.