Winter/Spring 2016 Professional Development Workshops For Early Childhood Educators

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1 Winter/Spring 2016 Professional Development Workshops For Early Childhood Educators Child and Youth Study: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Early Childhood Administrator Certificate, Professional Development Workshops be part of something BIG! Intervention Inclusion Diversity. Our Children. Our Youth. Our Community. Funding for these workshops is made possible through the Early Childhood Development Agreement coordinated by Early Childhood Development Services, Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Mount Saint Vincent University 166 Bedford Highway Halifax, NS, B3M 2J6 Child and Youth Study Department

2 Early Childhood Administrator - Continuing Education Course Now accepting applications for the upcoming course; September 2016 May 2017! DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JULY 8, 2016 Hear what participants are saying about the program: The overall programme exceeded my expectations because of the level of professionalism that was attained throughout the course I have rekindled my commitment to the field of early childhood education and development and have a renewed determination to make a difference I became more confident in my profession and myself This program has allowed me to see where I am able to take my career. I have always been a hard worker but this course showed me that I was able to accomplish a lot more than I ever thought myself capable of The skills we learned were not only relevant to a career in child and youth but to any field. I feel more confident in my ability to manage groups of people I would recommend this programme to any early childhood educator who wishes to aspire to a Directors position I believe all of us should be required to take the course The exercises and assignments are not overly difficult and they are relevant to the field, which makes it much easier to work through. The amount of growth I experienced personally and professionally during the past year because of the connections made with colleagues as well as the instructors and personal dedication to helping foster an even higher quality program for the children in my community could not have been accomplished in any other way during such a short amount of time. For more information or an application form, Please see our insert, or visit our website; 2

3 EARLY CHILDHOOD ADMINISTRATOR CONTINUING EDUCATION CERTIFICATE COURSE APPLICATION FORM DEADLINE JULY 8, 2016 Applicant Information Name: Date of Birth: Phone: (Personal): Current Address: City: Province: Postal Code: Employment Information Current Employer: Employer Address: Length of Employment: City: Province: Postal Code: Position: Phone (Work): (Work): Number of Years in Present Position: Emergency Contact Name: Address: Number of Years of Management Experience: Relationship: Phone: City: Province: Postal Code: EDUCATION Institution/School: Year Graduated: Institution/School: Year Graduated: Other Certificate/Diploma/Degree in: Please indicate highest level of education in Early Childhood (if different from above): Certificate/Diploma/Degree in: Along with this application, please submit a letter of intent up to one typed page. Briefly tell us about yourself and your current position, what it entails and why you have chosen to apply for the Early Childhood Administrator Continuing Education Course. What are your goals and expectations for the course? Applicants not presently in an administrative position must submit a letter of reference from their Executive Director. Signature I authorize the verification of the information provided on this form. Signature of applicant: Date: Payment: Tuition is $900 plus $130 course materials. Please make cheques/money orders payable to: Mount Saint Vincent University. Return completed application, letter of intent, letter of reference and $130 deposit to: Attn: Rhonda Rees Department of Child and Youth Study Mount Saint Vincent University 166 Bedford Highway Halifax, Nova Scotia B3M 2J6 Deposit must accompany application. Refunds for course costs only (less $50 administrative charge) will be provided seven calendar days prior to course start date. All other withdrawals are non-refundable. Full deposits will be returned to unaccepted applicants. *Course payments may be made in two $450 installments by the use of post-dated cheques dated September 2, 2016 & Nov. 18, Cheques must be received ON OR BEFORE Sept. 2, ESL Applicants must meet minimum language requirements FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY Date Received: Date Approved: Initials: 3

4 Early Childhood Education Assistance & Continuing Education Programs The Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Development Services, has a recruitment and retention strategy to encourage more individuals into the field, and to assist those already in the early child care sector to deliver quality licensed child care services in Nova Scotia. They offer two programs to provide financial support; the Early Childhood Education Assistance program offers a debt reduction incentive, and the Continuing Education Program offers reimbursement for continuing education courses offered through the early childhood training institutions in Nova Scotia. For more information on these programs, please visit their website: ALL REGISTRATION IS ONLINE Please visit our website and follow the links to register for workshops. CONFIRMATION & CANCELLATION POLICY: Participation is not confirmed until payment is received. Confirmation receipt will be sent by upon receipt of payment. All fees are non-refundable but you may allow an alternate person to attend in your absence. Please allow 48 hours advance notice if making a substitution, otherwise a $5.00 administration fee is required for a revised certificate of attendance. CERTIFICATES: A Certificate of Attendance (including number of workshops contact hours) is given out for all workshops or workshop series. Participants must attend the full scheduled workshop session in order to receive a certificate. MEALS: A light lunch is included with all full day workshops. Workshop information & online registration is on our website: A light lunch is provided for all full day MSVU and offsite location workshops. 4

5 Winter/Spring 2016 Workshops at a Glance Knowledge is Power! Take Charge of your Self Care! 6 PD hours Saturday March 19, am - 4pm Presenter: Charlene Pickrem Empowering Infants as Competent Learners in an Emergent Curriculum Setting 6 PD hours Saturday April 2, am - 4pm Presenters: Krista Ahearn & Angela Silva Basic Management (4 days/24 PD hours) Saturdays, 9am-4 pm: April 2, May 7, May 28, & June 2016 Presenters: Bronwen Lloyd, Denise Stone & Susan Willis Inspiring Spaces & Environments 6 PD hours Saturday April 9 OR Saturday May 14, am-4pm Presenter: Liz Hicks Teaching Mathematics to Young Children 13 PD hours ONLINE & ON SITE; Saturday April 16 (9am- 4pm), Wednesday April 27 & Wed. May 4 (online, 6-8:30 pm), & Sat. May 28, 2016 (9-12pm) Presenter: Chris Cocek The Circle Never Ends 6 PD hours Saturday April 23, am - 4pm Presenter: Kathy Black Communicating Success: Building Stronger Relationships Between Educators, Families & Communities 6 PD hours Saturday April 30, am - 4pm (Sydney, NS) Presenters: Colin Morrison & Karen Carey Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviours in Young Children within the Child Care Environment: The Early Childhood Educator's Role 3 PD hours Saturday May 14, pm-3 pm Presenters: Linda Mann & Erin Kelly Behaviour IS Communication: Effective Communication, Behaviour Management & Positive Relationship Building with Young Children 6 PD hours Saturday June 4, am - 4pm Presenters: Colin Morrison & Karen Carey Fun and Play The Risky Way 6 PD hours Saturday June 18, am - 4pm Presenters: Bernadette Fegan & Caileigh Flannigan An Introduction to Child Mental Health (2 PARTS) 12 PD hours Saturday June 18 & Saturday June 25, am - 4pm both days Presenters: Susan Adams & Judy Elliot

6 Knowledge is Power! Take Charge of Your Self Care! Date: Saturday March 19, 2016 Halifax Time: 9 am- 4 pm Cost: $55 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 358 Presenter: Charlene Pickrem Description: As a Child & Youth Care Worker/Practitioner for the past twenty-three years Charlene is aware of her own personal journey with the costs of caring. The workshop content & strategies have been designed to address all those working in fields where vicarious trauma, burnout & compassion fatigue can be prevalent. The workshop will provide an introduction to the potential costs of caring. Research findings & Charlene s experience with vicarious trauma, burnout & compassion fatigue will be examined & shared to provide individuals the ability to identify the precursors, symptoms & potential interventions in their own work culture & lifestyle. Participants will work interactively in the workshop process engaging in therapeutic activities, ice breakers, behavioral styles assessment, & a work life balance exercise. The workshop is designed to guide & support participants develop self awareness, self efficacy & knowledge as an opportunity to take charge of ones' selfcare as well as rejuvenate, recharge or reignite the joy within your practice. Presenter Biography: Charlene Pickrem has twenty three years of experience in the Child & Youth field as a Residential Child & Youth Care Worker, with HomeBridge Youth Society, & as an instructor of a Child & Youth program. A Mount Saint Vincent two time graduate Charlene attained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & Anthropology & completed her Master of Arts in Child & Youth Study this past year. As an individual who experienced vicarious trauma & burnout she focused her thesis on Burnout in Residential Child & Youth Care Workers & is eager to share her experiences & awareness with others. Empowering Infants as Competent Learners in an Emergent Curriculum Setting Date: Saturday April 2, 2016 Time: 9 am - 4pm Cost: $55 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 358 Presenters: Krista Ahearn & Angela Silva Description: This session will examine the Image of the Child in relation to infants, & the ways in which Emergent philosophy supports & empowers these capable young learners. We will explore what Emergent Curriculum means for infants & their educators, & investigate some of the ways teachers can begin to implement &/or expand this philosophy in their classrooms. Presenter Biography: Krista Ahearn has been an Early Childhood Educator for the past 7 years, & has been working with infants at Peter Green Hall Children's Centre for 5 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of King's College, a two year diploma in Early Childhood Education from the Nova Scotia Community College, & is currently enrolled in the Masters of Child & Youth Study program at Mount Saint Vincent University. In 2015, Krista attended the Canadian Study Tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy. She is extremely passionate about advocating for infants & toddlers as competent learners. Angela Silva has been a toddler teacher at Peter Green Hall for 11 years. She has a two year diploma in Early Childhood Education from the Nova Scotia College of Early Childhood Education. Angela attended the 2015 Canadian Study Tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy. She adores that every day infants & toddlers make new discoveries about themselves & the world around them. 6

7 Basic Management Development for ECE s ** **This workshop qualifies for the Nova Scotia Department of Education & Early Childhood Development reimbursement Continuing Education Program. For more information on eligibility & requirements, please visit their website: Dates: Saturdays: April 2, May 7, May 28, & June 25, 2016 Time: 9am-4pm Cost: $200 or $55 per single day session Total PD hours: 7 hours each, or 28 PD hours total Location: Evaristus hall room 367 all days Presenters: Bronwen Lloyd, Denise Stone & Susan Willis Description: This four day workshop series will run on four Saturdays from 9a.m. to 4p.m. at MSVU. The program intends to provide an overview of basic centre administration knowledge to Early Childhood Educators interested in, or currently working in administration positions at their centres. The program may be taken inclusively or as single day sessions. A range of topics related to effective management & administration in early childhood centres will be covered, including: Budgeting & finance, Public relations & marketing, Developing quality programs, Leadership skills & policy development Saturday April 2, 2016; Human Resource Management: This session will identify & examine the role of the leader in creating collegial & collaborative work environments. Topics will include personnel recruitment & selection, employee orientation, retention strategies & developing policy & entitlement packages. Presenter: Susan Willis- Willis & Associates Saturday May 7, 2016; Professional Development & Team Building: This session will focus on topics such as creating effective professional development, team building & communication strategies. Presenter: Susan Willis- Willis & Associates Saturday May 28, 2016; Financial Management & Strategic Planning: This session will provide an overview of the financial management of the early learning & care program. Topics will also include a review of strategic initiatives including strategic planning & marketing. Presenter: Susan Willis- Willis & Associates Saturday June 25, 2016; Leading the Way: Problem Solving Behavior & Inclusion Issues (morning) Two controversial issues that frequently arise in child care facilities are related to behavior guidance & inclusion of children with special needs. These topics are often emotion driven & require a leader who can use a problem solving approach to ensure resolutions are positive & respectful of all stakeholders involved. In this workshop, participants will be provided the opportunity to review their understanding of positive behaviour guidance & inclusion, review a variety of problem solving methods, & identify leadership skills necessary to support staff & families in working together to reach agreeable solutions/resolutions. Presenter: Denise Stone Regulated Child Care in Nova Scotia: Requirements, Standards and Consultation (afternoon) In this workshop, participants will receive an overview of the current government structure regarding regulated child care in Nova Scotia. Through discussion & reflection, participants will be provided the opportunity to develop a shared understanding of the roles & responsibilities of government & child care licensees in ensuring children are cared for by knowledgeable, competent staff, in quality child care environments. Presenter: Bronwen Lloyd 7

8 Inspiring Spaces & Environments - Bus Tour Date: Saturday April 6, 2016 OR Saturday May 14, 2016 Time: : 9 am - 4 pm Cost: $55 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 both dates Presenter: Liz Hicks Description: This full-day workshop will introduce the participants to principles of inspiring spaces & a chance to talk with Centre Staff about their values in the classrooms & listen to a presentation from these Staff that will feature their thought processes behind their environments as well as explain & talk about their passions for their practice. Three early learning centres (four locations) will be visited for the purpose of viewing how their indoor & outdoor play spaces which have been designed to provide children with a sense of curiosity & expand play options. These Centres are Peter Green Hall Children s Centre, St. Joseph s Children s Centre, and Giant Steps Children's Centre (two locations). Discussions & ideas on ways in which environments could inspire children, parents & the community will occur before the tour & during the tour. Peter Green Hall Children's Centre - established in 1967, and moved into the present location in An innovative non-profit centre that has been written about in prestigious ECE journals in North America. The Bus tour visited this Centre a few years ago and now they would like to feature their newly renovated space, and tell you how their values and philosophy are reflected in this new space. St. Joseph s Children's Centre (Quinpool location) evolved from St. Joseph s Orphanage on Quinpool Road in They are a non-profit centre that is also known for innovative program delivery. We will be visiting the Quinpool location which has recently been renovated. Giant Steps Children's Centre (Westwood & Wyndham locations in Upper Tantallon) opened as a private part day centre in It now has three locations offering full day care and part day programs from 18 months of age through to 12 years. We will be visiting two of these locations - the original and a custom built Centre. (participants will be provided with a box lunch, & will be bussed to the centres, departing & returning to MSVU) Presenter Biography: Liz Hicks has over 31 years working within the early childhood field, as an elementary school teacher, administrator of & teacher in a part day program for 23 years, 5.5 years as an inclusion facilitator for Partnerships for Inclusion, part time faculty with NSCECE, & she is also a private consultant working with various Centres in H.R.M providing professional development in a variety of topics, environmental & inclusion rating scales, & program coordination. Her passion is to help educators (& administrators) find & develop their potential, so they can help children find & develop their potential. The Circle Never Ends Date: Saturday April 23, 2016 Time: : 9 am- 4 pm Cost: $55 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 Presenter: Kathy Black Description: For more than a century, early childhood teachers have been including circle in their daily routine, as a tool to influence young minds. Today, many classrooms include children with diverse needs, which can sometimes impact the overall group experience. Kathy will offer a variety of suggestions for teachers who are looking for ways to make circle time a success for all children. Participants will explore hands-on, interactive activities & discover how to implement circle time throughout the daily routine. During the PM session, Lori Paul RAc. (Registered acupuncturist) will offer a session on acupressure to calm children. Lori will discuss the four acupressure points, which can calm children who experience fear, anxiety & overstimulation. Lori will also discuss certain foods & a variety of teas that can help relax children & adults. Presenter Biography: Kathy Black has been in the field of early childhood education for over 28 years. Kathy worked 15 years as an early childhood educator, with children from 4 months to 12 years of age. During Kathy's role as a consultant and licensing officer for the past 13 years, she has had an opportunity to view a variety of early childhood environments throughout the province. Since 2005, Kathy has enjoyed facilitating a variety of curriculum based workshops to early childhood educators. 8

9 Teaching Mathematics to Young Children Dates: ONLINE & ON SITE; Saturday April 16 (On site 9am-4pm), Wednesday April 27 & Wed. May 4 (Online, 6-8:30 pm), & Sat. May 28, 2016 (On site 9am-12pm) Cost: $125 Total PD hours: 13 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 & Online from your home computer Presenter: Chris Cocek Description: In this four part series, participants will explore the components of creating an effective mathematics program for young children. This thirteen-hour session will provide the participants with the opportunity to learn about the key math skills young children are required to develop & learn how to create interactive activities to foster these skills. Each session will be interactive & participants will be expected to engage in discussions, activities, & reflections. Participants will be required to read articles in advance of some modules & will also be asked to share with their peers a math activity centre that they created and/or revised by applying their learning from the various modules. Concepts covered will be applicable from preschool and up. Session 1a: Introduction to Early Learners Math Concepts (3 hours) Saturday, April 16 am to 12 noon What are the skills that our early learners are required to know? This session will focus on the concepts such as number sense, estimating, geometry, & problem solving. Session 1b: Teaching Mathematics Through Play (3 hours) Saturday, April 16 1pm to 4pm Play is work of the child said Maria Montessori & math learning can be effectively fostered through a play based learning environment. This session will introduce participants to the theory & developmental stages of play based learning. The exploration of play activities in a child s understanding of math will include the use of manipulatives, art, & physical activities. Session 2: Math Anxiety & Asking Good Questions (2 hours) Wednesday, April 27 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (online) Have you heard children say I don t like math!? Effective teaching can avoid the negative attitude students develop towards mathematics. This session will look at methods to create a positive learning environment for mathematics & how to ask students effective questions that extend their learning. Session 3: Planning Math Activities & Literacy Connections to Math (2 hours) Wednesday, May 4 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm (online) How do you create effective math activities? This session will explore the concept of creating I can statements that allow students to assess their own ability to successfully complete math activities. An overview of valuable literacy sources that can be used to connect students to math concepts will also be discussed. Session 4: Incorporating Technology into Math Learning & Math Centres (3 hours) Saturday, May 28 9am -12 noon The final session will have participants learn about some of the technological tools that can be utilized to foster student learning of mathematics. There will also be time for sharing & discussion of each participant s math activity centre! Presenter Biography: Chris Cocek is a currently a math coach with Halifax Regional School Board. He is also an instructor for St. Francis Xavier University and Mount Saint Vincent University in mathematics and educational technology. Prior to his current position, Chris was a P-9 classroom teacher. He is currently completing a PhD focusing on the online learning experience of educators. Communicating Success: Building Stronger Relationships Between Educators, Families & Communities Date: Saturday April 30, 2016 Time: 9 am-4pm Cost: $55 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Cambridge Suites Sydney, 380 Esplanade Presenter: Colin Morrison & Karen Carey Description: Research has shown that education for children & treatment for behaviour is most effective when teachers, parents, students & community providers are all working closely in collaboration. However, early childhood educators in today s world experience increasing demands with limited resources, & often feel unprepared or lack proven strategies & skills to effectively engage parents. This workshop is designed to help early childhood educators develop skills & strategies in effective communication with parents, & an opportunity to develop awareness regarding the unique needs & competing stressors encountered by both families & students. Presenter Biographies: Colin Morrison has over 20 years experience working with children & youth in the mental health field. Colin has served primarily as case coordinator for families & children in the Child & Family Day Treatment Program at the IWK. He has extensive experience in developing & running groups with children, particularly in the area of emotional & self regulation. Karen Carey has over 15 years experience working with children & youth in the mental health field. Karen has served as a case coordinator with Child & Family Day Treatment in the past, & currently serves as a Transition Support Worker with the IWK Complex Case Team. She has developed specific parenting programs in the past targeted at children with complex behavioural issues, & has extensive experience as Incredible Years Parenting group facilitator. Colin & Karen have seen positive & long lasting benefits for children AND families when they are provided education, strategies, guidance, empathy, & support. They see effective communication & open collaboration as the 9 key ingredients in supporting positive futures for the children & families under their care.

10 Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviours in Young Children Within the Child Care Environment: The Early Childhood Educator's Role Date: Saturday May 14, 2016 Time: 12 noon 3 pm Cost: $30 Total PD hours: 3hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 Presenters: Linda Mann & Erin Kelly Description: Promoting healthy eating behaviours in young children is important for forming lifelong habits & health. By exploring recent studies & the application of best practices, we will describe how the meal & snack environments in child care centres & the responsive feeding practices of caregivers can impact the healthy eating behaviours of young children. Through small group discussions, participants will share their own experiences & how we can have a more responsive feeding approach that will guide, support & promote healthy eating behaviours. Presenter Biographies: Linda Mann is an Associate Professor with the Department of Applied Human Nutrition at Mount Saint Vincent University. Linda's research expertise is in child care centre nutrition & the promotion of healthy lifestyles. She participated in the advisory committee that informed the development of the Standards for Food & Nutrition in Regulated Child Care Centres & stemming from that work she coordinated an action research project to develop & disseminate menu planning tools. She is a Co-Principal Investigator for the Nutrition Standards in Child Care Project. Her other active research areas include the Student Meal Study & the MSVU Wellness for All project. She is also a research collaborator on the Early Years Centres Evaluation project. Erin Kelly is a Registered Dietitian & the research project coordinator for the Nutrition Standards in Child Care Project. She also coordinates the research efforts surrounding the provincial Early Years Centre initiative & has been a part-time faculty member with the Department of Applied Human Nutrition at Mount Saint University. Erin completed a Masters of Applied Human Nutrition with special emphasis in family studies in Her research interests interlace critical socio-ecological perspectives with population health promotion. She is interested in families with young children & the societal supports that enable or disable healthy living practices. Behaviour IS Communication: Effective Communication, Behaviour Management & Positive Relationship Building with Young Children Date: Saturday June 4, 2016 Time: 9 am-4pm Cost: $55 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 Presenter: Colin Morrison & Karen Carey Description: All behaviour is communication. Research has shown that the most common reason children exhibit challenging behaviours is because they are unable to have their needs met or understood. Research also tells us that effective communication with children requires communication styles, behavioural approaches & open environments & settings that are appropriate to the child's age & cognitive ability. Understanding how children communicate & self regulate is crucial for rewarding interactions with them. This workshop will provide information on ways to effectively communicate with school aged children, providing practical tips on how to manage challenging behaviours while building positive relationships, as well as emphasis on establishing better home/school collaborations. We will look at a variety of age groups & mental health disorders, discussing communication styles, strategies & support mechanisms that can be implemented when working in school based environments. Presenter Biographies: See page 8 10

11 Fun and Play The Risky Way Date: Saturday June 18, 2016 Time: 9am-4pm Cost: $55 Total PD hours: 6 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 108 Presenter: Bernadette Fegan & Caileigh Flanagan Description: The pros & cons of risky play is a common topic in early childhood education circles. There are many different views surrounding the value of children s risk-taking in outdoor play environments. This workshop will examine what is to be understood by risky play, the challenges & barriers adults face in accommodating children s risk taking in play & strategies to promote risk-taking in the outdoor environment while still fulfilling due diligence & duty of care. The workshop will have a morning indoor session where we will delve into the research relevant to the need for children to take risks; the importance this has on child development including both physical & mental wellbeing; definitions of risky play & what are the stepping stones & stumbling blocks for parents & those who work in the field of early childhood education. The afternoon session we will take what we have learned in theory & put it into practice with an outdoor play session so be sure to come dressed appropriately for the weather! Presenter Biographies: Bernadette Fegan has worked & gained experience in the field of Early Childhood Education & Development since 1982 in Japan, United Kingdom, Malta, Dubai, Bahrain & Canada. In 2009 she gained a Master of Arts in Child & Youth Study from Mount Saint Vincent University, publishing her thesis Parents, Early Childhood Educators & Grade Primary Teachers Perspectives on School Readiness. She established M.I.N.D. Early Childhood Development Consultancy ( & is committed to making improvements in the early childhood development & education field in Nova Scotia. Under this umbrella she has become an advocate for nature based play & is a member of the committee Sports 4 Life. She is currently a part time faculty member of the Department of Child & Youth Study at Mount Saint Vincent University. Caileigh Flannigan is a child psychotherapist & play practitioner who is pursuing certification as a Certified Play Therapist under the Canadian Association for Child & Play Therapy (CACPT). She is an outdoor play & loose parts researcher, & she presents workshops to educators & caregivers on these areas. She has a community led group that promotes local, unstructured play within the HRM. Her interests are incorporating play techniques & psychotherapy for children with autism, behavioural concerns, anxiety, depression or who have experienced trauma or neglect. An Introduction to Child Mental Health Date: Saturday June 18 & June 25, 2016, NS Time: 9 am- 4 pm Cost: $110 Total PD hours: 12 hours Location: Evaristus Hall room 401 both days Presenters: Susan Adams & Judy Elliot Description: This workshop will introduce mental health topics in the preschool years. The workshop will use lecture, case study, & small group formats. The following areas will be covered: Typical or Troubled: Understanding normal child development, Evaluate What You See: The role of effective observational skills, Developing a Common Language: Making sure everyone is saying the same thing, Learning the Language: Promoting effective ways to talk with children, parents, & other professionals, Effective Documentation: How documentation can help, Promoting Children s Social Skills, Problem Solving & Emotional Regulation Skills: Practical strategies & activities. Presenter Biographies: Susan Adams, BA.,B.Ed.,M.Ed & Judy Elliot, BA., B.Ed., MA have many years experience between them working with children & youth in the Mental Health field, in both classroom & group settings. They have developed & facilitated skill building & process groups, & worked extensively with families & schools to support children & youth in their emotional & social growth, & academic success. Susan & Judy recognize the important role that caregivers & educational staff have in the child s life, & the need to work as a team on their behalf. They strongly believe that all aspects of a child s growth are enhanced by positive strategies, interaction, & planning. 11

12 ALL REGISTRATION IS NOW ONLINE Please visit our website and follow the links to register for workshops For additional information or to receive a copy of our electronic brochure please contact: Rhonda Rees Professional Development Coordinator Department of Child and Youth Study (902) rhonda.rees@msvu.ca 12