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| Directors' Network News and Notes
September 2010 |
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Director's Challenge |
Family Stress
...from the director's perspective...
Take the survey! |
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Greetings!
Happy September! Did you have the opportunity to refresh your center a bit in August? We spent time with many of you and were impressed with the scrubbing, painting, organizing and ENERGY!
We've noticed that families have a special relationship with the month of September. Most people in education - either professionally or through their children - view September as the real start to the new year. Think about #2 pencils, brand new sneakers, freshly waxed school hallways...September brings up strong memories.
Sometimes the memories inspire families to get engaged in a really positive way. Other times, it can cause them to worry excessively about academic achievement. Sometimes, the expectations of September are enough to push an otherwise somewhat stressful lifestyle much closer to the hairy edge.
Let's consider cutting families some slack this month. Let's practice being empathetic. Their lives, like our own, are busy and they are pulled in many different directions. How can our centers be a calm haven, rather than another source of stress? We've seen you in action - we know you are capable of being a support, a model, and - on occasion - a refuge to families across our region. Hat's off to you.
Please continue to let us know how this network can serve you best. Thank you for the work you do,
Amy and Candace
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| Career Opportunities for Directors and Administrators
Of course, we hope you love your job. It can be inspiring to consider the opportunities are available to smart, capable leaders in our region...
In Maryland...
Celebree Learning Center (Bel Air)
Assistant Director and Director
Play and Learn (Crownsville)
Center Director
La Petite Academy (Manassas)
Northern Virginia Family Service (Oakton)
Deputy Director, Early Childhood Division
Assistant Director
Abracadabra Child Care and Development Center (Alexandria)
Director
In Washington, DC
DC Prep
Operations Manager
The Auburn School
Preschool Director
US Air Force
Child Development Program Specialist
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TIP OF THE MONTH: Effective Communication
The best advice I have for other or new directors about communicating effectively...
"Be brief, concise and consistent."
"Take a deep breath and think through your response."
"TRENDS IN THE NETWORK: You are most often challenged by staff who...
- Gossip.
- My staff seems medium when they have the potential to be great!
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Out and About
Staying up-to-date and inspired...
Washington, DC
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News You Can Use
"#8 The young mind is active, capable and self organizing."
Brain development and its implications: brain development in accessible language for staff and families. Might just inspire you, too!
How could you share this information with your teachers and families?
"In the final analysis, the issue is not whether preschool education is "good" or "bad" in regard to challenging behaviors but whether it is geared to the social-emotional needs of children."
Consider the role of preschool and children's 'problem behavior'. Best case scenario - do we help? What about not best case?
We know that preschool can be an ameliorating force for children at risk...let's do that and more - let's play up for each and every child we encounter. |
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Lunch and Learn 2010-2011 Series
Please join your peers for a series developed just for Directors and Program Administrators.
FALL - Developing Staff: Building Your Team
WINTER - Bookkeeping and Budgeting
SPRING - Organizing the Directors' Office
SUMMER - Biting in the Center: The Role of the Director
September 15, 2010 - that's this week!
12:30-2 pm
Developing Staff: Building Your Team
Support and inspire your staff so that they can form strong, supportive teams in classrooms, with families and throughout your center. You'll leave with concrete ideas that you can implement immediately.
January 12, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Bookkeeping and Budgeting for Directors and Program Administrators
The children keep us motivated but our finances keep the center doors open! Our special guest speaker is both a CPA and the owner of two child development centers in Northern Virginia. She knows who we are, how our industry operates and exactly what we need to know to keep our books in good order.
March 16, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Organizing the Director's Office: Tips to Save Time and Reduce Stress
Our speaker has over 20 years experience as a leader in education and is a certified, professional organizer. She'll offer creative and practical ideas to help organize your desk, files and office. You'll leave feeling inspired and empowered!
Register now - space is limited
June 15, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Biting in the Center: The Role of the Director
We regularly train teachers and talk to parents about responding appropriately to biting in early childhood classrooms. There is a critical role that the Director can and should play in individual incidents and systemically. Learn how to be the most appropriate, supportive and effective when dealing with this sensitive, timeless issue.
This series is offered as a courtesy to our Directors' Network, directors and program administrators in the DC/VA/MD region, at no cost to you. |
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