POWER YOURSELF Professional Growth Opportunities

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1 POWER YOURSELF 2015 Professional Growth Opportunities

2 DEAR EARLY CHILDHOOD LEADER, Professionals participate in McCormick Center s professional growth offerings for a variety of reasons some are overwhelmed by the daily demands of their role and need support; others are looking for innovative ideas to incorporate into their programs. Let us help you capitalize on your strengths and target areas for professional improvement. As part of National Louis University, many of our professional growth offerings can be taken for college credit and integrated into your undergraduate or graduate degree studies. They may also count toward credentials in your state professional development system. Many of our offerings are held at our center in Wheeling, Illinois just 20 minutes from O Hare airport. We also provide online learning and professional development on customized topics across the country. Empower yourself. Join us in the following learning opportunities and reach your leadership goals. Is there a topic missing from this brochure? Call us to see how we can work with you to meet your needs. Warm regards, SUE OFFUTT, PH.D. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Advisory Board Kay Albrecht Blakely Bundy Bee Jay Ciszek Leonette Coates Tom Copeland Jerry Cutts Stacie Goffin Ed Greene Luis Hernandez Holly Knicker Tom Layman M.-A. Lucas Karen Ponder Margie Wallen Lana Weiner Cass Wolfe Join Us 2014 McCormick Center staff Dedicated to building the leadership capacity of the early childhood workforce, the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University offers professional development opportunities aligned with: Job-embedded professional development to increase the knowledge and competency of early childhood leaders; College course work and credential credit to enhance the professional growth of the workforce; Continuous quality improvement planning to support ongoing cycles of program improvements; Quality rating and improvement assessments to measure and improve the quality of early learning programs; and Public dialogue to promote greater understanding of the critical role of early childhood leaders in the provision of quality services for children and families.

3 We Inspire Early Childhood Leadership PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS We offer professional development designed to transform program administrators from the inside out by providing opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead an exemplary early childhood program. Program administrators are: Owners and directors of community-based programs Executive directors, site managers, and education coordinators of Head Start programs Principals and early childhood coordinators of school-based programs Assistant directors, supervisors, and emerging leaders FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDERS We can help family child care providers build the knowledge and skills they need to create a financially stable, stimulating, and nurturing environment for the children in their care. Family child care providers are: Licensed family child care providers Family child care network coordinators TRAINERS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIALISTS We can help in the change-agent work of trainers and technical assistance specialists with resources to support organizational change, improve programs operations, and foster a culture of continuous quality improvement. Trainers and technical assistance specialists are: Professional development coordinators CCR&R trainers and quality specialists Organizational consultants Coaches and mentors College instructors We Offer Customized Leadership and Management Training The McCormick Center offers customized professional growth opportunities on a variety of topics from leadership capacity to management skills. Review the following menu of possibilities and give us a call. We ll work with you to design a high-impact professional growth experience for your conference or quality improvement initiative. POSSIBLE TRAINING TOPICS: Developing personal and professional self-awareness through reflective practice Designing peer learning teams to support instructional excellence Managing change that benefits children, staff, and families Using the Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care for quality improvement Building supports for families and fostering their engagement Building supports for staff and fostering their engagement Applying facilitative leadership to resolve technical and adaptive difficulties Shaping the advocacy role of early childhood leaders Applying marketing principles and public relation tools to enhance enrollment Shaping an organizational climate to foster rich learning for staff Using the Program Administration Scale for quality improvements Connecting program planning and evaluation with norms of continuous quality improvement Managing an early care and education organization so that it remains stable and continues to grow Using tools to enhance program productivity, children s learning, or connections with families For more information, contact us at or visit McCormickCenter.nl.edu.

4 Aim4Excellence ONLINE NATIONAL DIRECTOR CREDENTIAL This online national director credential, equivalent to nine semester hours of college credit, is self-paced, easy-to-navigate, interactive, and relevant to your work. The credential covers the essentials of operating a high-quality early childhood program. NAEYC recognizes Aim4Excellence as an alternative pathway for meeting the director qualifications for programs pursuing NAEYC accreditation. Aim4Excellence is also recognized in a number of state professional development and Quality Rating and Improvement Systems. College credit and noncredit options are available. Participants may register for all nine modules to earn their credential or select one or a few modules to build competence in a specific area. Pricing: $175 per module Credit: College credit available for an additonal fee. MODULES 1. Leading the Way 2. Recruiting, Selecting, and Orienting Staff 3. Promoting Peak Performance 4. Managing Program Operations 5. Building a Sound Business Strategy 6. Planning Indoor and Outdoor Environments 7. Supporting Children s Development and Learning 8. Creating Partnerships with Families 9. Evaluating Program Quality For more information, visit aim4excellence.nl.edu or call AIM4 (2464). I have been in child care for 11 years and have never received training like this. Aim4Excellence is a great tool that has helped me expand my knowledge and understanding of the different dynamics it takes to run a center. MELISSA O BRIEN, DELAWARE AIM4EXCELLENCE.NL.EDU

5 Program Planning and Evaluation PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION SCALE (PAS) The PAS measures the quality of leadership and management practices in center-based programs. The McCormick Center offers several levels of PAS training ranging from a brief two-hour overview of the instrument to a five-day intensive reliability training for assessors/coaches with an opportunity to become certified. Trainings can be customized to meet the needs of your local or state quality improvement initiative. A complete listing of PAS trainings is available on our website. PAS OPTION 1 WIDENING THE LENS When the goal is expanding awareness of the importance of assessing quality from an organizational perspective Audience: Center directors, managers, technical assistance specialists, college instructors, researchers, and policymakers PAS OPTION 2 LEADING THE WAY TO QUALITY When the goal is program self-improvement Audience: Center directors and managers PAS OPTION 3 SUPPORTING DIRECTORS AS THE GATEKEEPERS TO QUALITY When the goal is facilitating quality improvements Audience: Technical assistance specialists, mentors, and organizational consultants PAS OPTION 4 RELIABILITY TRAINING When the goal is research, evaluation, or monitoring quality Audience: Researchers, program evaluators, technical assistance specialists, and organizational consultants Pricing: $1,025; includes texts, handouts, materials, and lunch each day. Dates: April 13 17, 2015 September 14 18, 2015 Location: McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership National Louis University Wheeling, IL For more information, or to schedule training in your area, contact Jill Bella at or jill.bella@nl.edu GETTING READY FOR THE PAS: SELF-PACED ONLINE MODULE This introductory module offers a convenient way to learn about the PAS and prepare for a formal assessment. It is designed for individual use. In addition, a group rate is available for large projects and government agencies. This module meets requirements for training in ExceleRate Illinois QRIS after January 1, I loved seeing how the tool will show me strengths, as well as help me focus on areas of improvement. I came to this training because it is a new required tool for our state, but I left with an appreciation for the usefulness of the PAS tool. DEBORAH ROLLINS DIRECTOR ALSO AVAILABLE ARE SESSIONS RELATED TO PAS ITEMS SUCH AS: Accidents Happen Why Risk It? Creating and Strengthening Your Risk Management Plan Communication Is A Two Way Street: Creating and Maintaining Family Partnerships Creating an Effective Conflict Resolution Policy Bore-ientation? How to Keep Your Orientation from Being a Real Snooze

6 Program Planning and Evaluation BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SCALE FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE (BAS) The BAS measures the quality of professional and business practices in family child care programs. The McCormick Center offers several levels of BAS training ranging from a brief two-hour overview to a four-day intensive reliability training for assessors/coaches with an opportunity to become certified. Trainings can be customized. Some training options are also available in Spanish. A complete listing of BAS trainings is available on our website. BAS OPTION 1 MORE THAN A NURTURING HEART When the goal is expanding provider awareness of the importance of assessing quality from a business and professional perspective Audience: Family child care providers, technical assistance specialists, college instructors, researchers, and policymakers BAS OPTION 2 CATCHING ON TO THE BAS When the goal is program selfimprovement Audience: Family child care providers BAS OPTION 3 PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN FAMILY CHILD CARE When the goal is facilitating quality improvements Audience: Technical assistance specialists, mentors, and consultants BAS OPTION 4 RELIABILITY TRAINING When the goal is research, evaluation, or monitoring quality Audience: Quality monitors, researchers, program evaluators, network coordinators, technical assistance specialists, consultants, and coaches Pricing: $750; includes texts, handouts, materials, and lunch each day. Dates: April 28 May 1, 2015 September 29 October 2, 2015 Location: McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership National Louis University Wheeling, IL Business and professional practices as outlined in the BAS impact quality by providing a commonly understood platform for best practices that lead one to success. These practices also help guide child care family-based programs to meaningful goals. KRISTINNE SEIBEL, COORDINATOR GETTING READY FOR THE BAS: SELF-PACED ONLINE MODULE This introductory module offers a convenient way to learn about the BAS and prepare for a formal assessment. It is designed for individual use. In addition, a group rate is available for large projects and government agencies. This module meets requirements for training in ExceleRate Illinois QRIS after January 1, ALSO AVAILABLE ARE SESSIONS RELATED TO BAS ITEMS SUCH AS: Put It In Writing: Knowing What Belongs in Family Child Care Contracts and Handbooks Accidents Happen Why Risk It? Creating and Strengthening Your Family Child Care Risk Management Plan Communication Is A Two Way Street: Creating and Maintaining Family Partnerships Marketing Matters For more information, or to schedule training in your area, contact Robyn Kelton at or robyn.kelton@nl.edu

7 Technology TECHNOLOGY TRAINING It is easy to feel overwhelmed with the pace of technology developments impacting the early childhood field. Whether you re a computer whiz or need a little hand-holding and step-by-step instruction, the McCormick Center s professional growth offerings in technology will move you to the next level. TECH INSTITUTE: WE HAVE AN IPAD, NOW WHAT? ADMINISTERING IPAD USAGE IN ECE PROGRAMS Pricing: $45 per day / $90 for both Date: December 4 5, :00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Location: National Louis University, Chicago Campus 122 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL WEBINAR: FAMILY ENGAGEMENT AND MARKETING: AN ECE LEADER S GUIDE TO ACCOMPLISHING BOTH Pricing: Free Date: February 12, :00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. CST Co-presented by: Giovanni Arroyo, Media Specialist at McCormick Center Luisa Cotto, Manager of Engagement and Communications at United Way of Miami-Dade PUT GOOGLE TO WORK FOR YOU! Pricing: $45 Date: March 6, :00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Location: Kishwaukee College Malta Rd. Malta, IL For additional information or to register, visit McCormickCenter.nl.edu and search Tech15. Change Management TAKING CHARGE OF CHANGE (TCC) LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE Leading an organization through change that drives quality improvement is a complex job. If you need fresh ideas or want to connect with other leaders on the change journey, join us for the 23 rd Taking Charge of Change cohort. Engaging sessions will help strengthen your leadership style to promote peak performance, enhance shared decision making, and build a strong organizational climate. Not from Illinois? Learn more about how the content of this program can be delivered in your state through Training-for- Trainers: The Director s Toolbox Management Series. Pricing $650 Illinois participants; $2,500 out-of-state participants Includes: 6-day Convening Institute (Aug. 3 8, 2015) 2-day Connecting Institute (Nov , 2015) 1-day Culminating Institute (May 11, 2016) Books, materials, and assessment tools Breakfast and lunch each day 2016 Leadership Connections (May 12 14, 2016) national conference registration Lodging (single occupancy) during the three Institutes and Leadership Connections conference $500 mini grant for quality improvement Credits Earn 6 points and 108 contact hours toward the Illinois Director Credential College credit is available for an additonal fee. For more information, contact Safiyah Jackson at or sjackson27@nl.edu

8 Organizational Climate EARLY CHILDHOOD WORK ENVIRONMENT SURVEY (ECWES) The Early Childhood Work Environment Survey (ECWES) assesses ten dimensions of the organizational climate of early childhood programs. The resulting Work Environment Profile provides a summary of staff perceptions of organizational practices with suggestions for strengthening the quality of work life in programs. For information on how to conduct an organizational climate assessment of your program, visit McCormickCenter.nl.edu. EARLY CHILDHOOD JOB SATISFACTION SURVEY (ECJSS) The Early Childhood Job Satisfaction Survey (ECJSS) is a career guidance and goal-setting tool for early childhood practitioners seeking greater insight into the factors that support job fulfillment. Visit McCormickCenter.nl.edu to access this free resource. Also available is ordering information for Measuring Work Attitudes in the Early Childhood Setting, the technical manual for the ECWES and the ECJSS. For more information, contact Jill Bella at or jill.bella@nl.edu Even though the staff has been around each other at least a decade, the data collected by the ECWES showed the need to enhance collegiality. QUANYSHIA WOOTEN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

9 Leadership Connections NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Leadership Connections brings together early childhood administrators, family child care providers, trainers, technical assistance specialists, and policymakers to hear inspiring keynote speakers, take part in a public policy forum, attend skill-building sessions, and network with other leaders in the field. DON T MISS OUT ON THE 15 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THIS HIGHLY ACCLAIMED NATIONAL CONFERENCE. REGISTER NOW! May 13 16, 2015 Westin Hotel, Wheeling, IL Thursday includes a breakfast buffet, two conference sessions, an opening keynote luncheon, a public policy forum, and the 5 th Annual Paula Jorde Bloom Leadership Colloquium. Friday includes a breakfast buffet, three conference sessions, a lunch buffet, special interest sessions, and optional dine and discuss events at local restaurants. Saturday includes a breakfast buffet, two sessions, and a closing keynote luncheon. Pricing Before February 28, 2015 $450 After March 1, 2015 $500 Leadership Connections seemed more intimate than other national conferences I ve attended. It had speakers and sessions as respected and thought-provoking as the larger events offered to the early childhood community. MELISSA NAGENGAST, PENNSYLVANIA Is your organization interested in hosting a preconference meeting at Leadership Connections? Let us help arrange your organization s meeting at the Westin. Then you and your participants can join us for the conference. For more information about registration, sponsorship opportunities, or advertising, contact Marleen Barrett at or mbarrett@nl.edu

10 Resources McCormick Center Funders FREE ONLINE RESEARCH AND RESOURCE LIBRARY Research Notes, published quarterly, provide a quick-read summary of research relating to important early childhood administrative, professional development, and workforce issues. Articles and Insights is a searchable library of practical resources designed to support the specific needs of early childhood leaders. Visit McCormickCenter.nl.edu to download these free resources. DIRECTOR S TOOLBOX MANAGEMENT SERIES Written by McCormick Center founder Paula Jorde Bloom and other early childhood experts, this series includes seven books on important and timely topics related to early childhood administration. They are perfect self-paced guides for busy directors or as a resource for workshop presenters. Trainer s guides are also available. This series is published and sold by New Horizons, Inc. Visit newhorizonsbooks.net for ordering information. BLUEPRINT FOR ACTION Blueprint for Action provides a framework for understanding early childhood centers as organizations and how change takes place in programs. This book is published and sold by New Horizons, Inc. Visit newhorizonsbooks.net for ordering information. Bright Horizons Family Solutions Chicago Department of Family Support Services Delaware Early Learning Council FDC Foundation Governor s Office of Early Childhood Development Harrison and Company Illinois Action for Children Illinois Department of Human Services Illinois Network of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies Illinois State Board of Education Josephine P. and John J. Louis Foundation Kaplan Early Learning Company Kendall College Lakeshore Learning Materials Michael W. Louis Charitable Trust National Louis University New Horizons, Inc. Robert R. McCormick Foundation Taproot Foundation W. Clement and Jesse V. Stone Foundation Workforce Solutions of the Upper Rio Grande

11 LEADERSHIP ATTERS. ABOUT THE AT NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY At the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership, we empower individuals to build the leadership and management skills they need to create and sustain exemplary programs for young children. Through professional development, evaluation, research, and public awareness, we promote best practice in program administration. By working with states, professional organizations, and directly with early childhood practitioners, we raise the bar on program quality. Because, when it comes to early childhood education, leadership really does matter. Founded in 1985, the McCormick Center builds on National Louis University s 128-year history of accomplishments in the field of early childhood education. From its founding as a vital force in the kindergarten movement of the 1880 s, NLU has remained rooted in educational progressivism and dedicated to advocacy for children and social change. The McCormick Center is committed to these same ideals. To learn more about the McCormick Center, visit McCormickCenter.nl.edu AT NATIONAL LOUIS UNIVERSITY 6200 Capitol Drive Wheeling, Illinois McCormickCenter.nl.edu