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| Directors' Network News and Notes
March 2011 |
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2011 List of Services |
Whether you are in DC, Maryland or Virginia, and if your needs are for staff training, professional development, parent education or consulting - we've got you covered. |
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Director's Challenge Survey | |
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Greetings!
Spring is almost here!
Did you enjoy that moment of warm spring weather last week? As much as we loved a day of open windows in our office, we know that teachers and kids loved extended outdoor time even more!
But this week is colder and young children might be
inside more. Being outside less can result in more behavior challenges, but that doesn't have to be the case.
So many research-based classroom strategies can result in behaviors* that feel great to children and their teachers, like:
- Increased motivation
- Increased attention/on-task behavior
- Increased learning
- Increased socialization
- Decreased challenging behavior
These are examples of what usually happens after a teacher implements a choice-making strategy in the classroom. This is just an example of the concrete and positive impact we enjoy when we commit to and implement best practice teaching strategies.
So, the question is, does your teaching staff know about research-based, best practice strategies, and how and when to use them?
The question for directors and administrators is, how are we supporting the systematic use of effective classroom strategies? How are we setting teachers up to be successful? How do we know when they are? How do we measure and monitor? How do we help teachers get back on track, if necessary? How do we encourage and reward their excellence?
We know that outcomes for children improve when research-based, excellent teaching practices are in place in centers and classrooms. You play an important role in making sure best practices are implemented and we appreciate that.
Please continue to let us know how this network can serve you best. Thank you for the work you do.
Yours in a shared commitment to best practices at every level,
Amy and Candace *What Works Brief #15, Using Choice and Preference to Promote Improved Behavior. Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning, August 2004
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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 DC:
Adas Isreal Congregation
Early Childhood Education Director
CDI/Head Start
Education Manager
Frederick Douglas Center (UPO)
Center Director
In Maryland:
The Park School of Baltimore
Lower School Assistant Principal
Learn more
In Virginia:
Little Beginnings
Executive Director
Learn more
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At a recent Director's Network meeting, Luellen Matthews, Director at Crystal City Children's Center, shared compelling information about her health benefits. Because the quarterly meetings represent such a small percentage of the entire network, we wanted to be sure you all had access to this.
Luellen writes, "With the rising cost of health care and the nominal budgets that most of us deal with in this industry-I just wanted to pass onto you what Kelly did for us again this year in regards to rate increases for our health insurance (Blue Cross is our provider---we offer two plans a HMO and a Point of Service Plan but they have many, many options to choose from).
My premium increase this year was .79%, less than a 1 per cent increase. This simply would not have been possible as a small business. With Kelly's ability to bargain as a large broker we had an insignificant increase in our health insurance.
As director's we have to work diligently to keep costs in check and yet have a viable benefit package available for our employees so we have a real career path for those individuals that have chosen ECE as their profession."
Luellen added that you are welcome to get in touch to talk with her about her experience. She works with Mike Kelly for her health benefits and web-based payroll management (with associated costs that she calls 'more than reasonable'):
Kelly Benefit Services
301 International Circle
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
410-891-2632
www.kellybenefitstrategies.com
Thank you, Luellen!
Do you have a top-notch service provider or vendor? Let us know and we'll help spread the word. |
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TIP OF THE MONTH: Baby Buddies
We think this is a great idea...
"One way we welcome the new babies and families into our baby room is with a sturdy tote bag filled with information and a BPA free waterbottle. Both have our logo and contact information on them, of course! One of the most popular inserts is the class list - along with contact information and photos of the families in the room. It can be hard to remember all those names but parents need to build connections, too. We also match up each new family with an existing family. We ask that they try to arrange a play date or at least make a phone call. Sometimes new families want to ask questions of other parents, not the adminsitration or teachers.
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Out and About
Staying up-to-date and inspired...
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
Washington, DC
March 15-19, 2011
Baltimore, MD
March 23-25, 2011
Arlington, VA
March 27-30, 2011 |
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News You Can Use
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) "Learn the Signs, Act Early" program aims to improve early identification of children with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Check out and share their new resources for parents!
- Milestone Moments - a 42 page booklet with milestone checklists and tips to help parents support their child's development from 2 months to 5 years. It includes guidance about what to do if developmental concerns arise.
- Track Your Child's Development (also available in Spanish) - a brochure with a checklist of key milestones from 6 months to 4 years and a message for parents about tracking development and what to do with developmental concerns.
If you are interested in using these brochures, the program will customize them for you! Just send your contact information and logo along and they'll take care of it for you.
Does your staff know the signs and how to encourage families to act early? If additional training would help, please let us know. (2011 Catalog)
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Lunch and Learn 2011 Series
Please join your peers for a series developed just for Directors and Program Administrators.
SPRING - Organizing the Directors' Office
LATE SPRING/EARLY SUMMER - Back by popular demand: Bookkeeping and Budgeting!
SUMMER - Biting in the Center: The Role of the Director
FALL - Creating a Positive and Productive Workplace in Our Centers
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!
May or June - watch for a firm date!
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.
Register here if you'd like to get information about the exact date. 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.
Register now - space is limited
September 21, 2011
12:30-2 pm
Creating a Positive and Productive Workplace in Our Centers
For teachers and directors, the differences between a positive and productive center and a negative and destructive can be ticked off readily: high absenteeism, lots of gossip, little trust, low motivation, cliques and zero teamwork OR few call-outs, collaboration, laughter and joy, solid energy, fluid and positive teams. What kind of center to you want to lead? Come share your strategies or gather ideas from your peers!
Register now - space is limited
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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Network Links and Resources
February 2011 Accounting and Tax
CPA Lori O'Brien also owns two child development center - she knows how your business operates! |
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