2008 - Friday & Saturday Workshop Course Description

The workshop descriptions include which part of the ‘Core of Knowledge’ will be satisfied and the description of the workshop. There will be an assessment of knowledge at the end of each workshop to demonstrate what you’ve learned

Infant, Toddler & Two-Year Olds Track:

I/T-1 – “Working with Parents” – This class is a must-do!  Gain insights that will help you better understand the unique needs of infant/toddler parents; build trusting and valuable partnerships with the families in your programs. -- Kim Noble & Candace Baker – Professionalism

I/T-2 – “Media Effects on Young Children” – This workshop will explore the staggering statistics concerning TV/media use in the home and how such media exposure can affect the young child’s cognitive, emotional, physical and social development -- Janice Nieliwocki – Curriculum

I/T-3 – “An overview on Autism” – Learn to recognize early symptoms in preschoolers and the difficulties and controversies in diagnosing preschoolers with ADHD. -- Melissa Kane – Special Needs

I/T-4 – “What can I Really do with Children under 2?” – Develop a curriculum appropriate for these young “students”.  Leave with activities, songs, stories, plans, forms and much more. -- Kori Wilson – Curriculum 

Preschool Track:

P-1 – “On the Front Line – Legal Issues for Direct Care Staff” – Focus will be on legal issues which impact direct care staff; issue of confidentiality and custody issues; look at safety concerns, parent issues and personnel issues as they relate to line staff. -- Janice Nieliwocki – Professionalism

P-2 – “Bounce Back with a Winning Attitude – Overcoming Negativity” – In this powerful program of self-discovery, participants are guided through a five step model of attitude enrichment.  Participants take a look at risk-taking, attitudes toward communication, their strengths and areas for improvement. -- John Irvin -- Professionalism 

P-3 – “Handling Challenging Behaviors in Preschoolers” – Learn positive guidance techniques to create a positive environment for the preschool child; creative jobs, strategies and techniques will be shared.  Gain a whole new view on discipline! -- Kori Wilson – Health & Safety 

P-4 – “The Scientific World of Toys” – Explore the world of toys with your team.  Gain a new perspective on toys and discover what’s inside them and how they work; includes unit themes, curriculum, objectives and hands-on exploration.  Bring your pocket tool kit! -- Bonnie Herdershot & Wendy Rommel – Curriculum

School Age Track:

SA-1 – “Handling the Challenging Behaviors of School-agers” – Learn how to turn tattling, teasing, arguing and fighting into teachable moments.  Create an after school program that minimizes conflict and encourages unity.  Take away ideas and strategies for age appropriate guidance and classroom management.  -- Kori Wilson – Child Development

SA-2 – “Why Kids Do What They Do – And What to Do About It” – This session will provide an overview of what all children need to grow and thrive; help childcare providers better understand the behaviors of their charges.  We will discuss the “Crucial C’s: connect, capable, count and courage” and what children do to misbehave when they don’t get those ‘Crucial C’s’.  We will also learn how to use encouragement strategies with children and families. -- Becky Lebow – Child Development

SA-3 – “Building Character through Community Service” – Focus on the connection between community service and ethical development in your children; select an appropriate project to implement with children in the classroom; identify the benefits of service learning. -- Sue Mogard – Community

SA-4 – “Encouraging Professionalism” – Encourage the Direct Care Staff to consciously think and act as the professionals this industry commands; interactive discussion to define “professional”; controversial issues including appearance, supervision, personal presentation and behavior outside the center in relation to their impact on the quest for professional recognition. -- Janice Nieliwocki – Professionalism  

Owners & Directors Track:

O/D-1 – “Interpreting Play to Parents” – Learn the importance of play through play environments, curriculum planning, and explaining how they work, which is congruent with the family’s cultural value system. -- Sue Mogard – Professionalism

O/D-2 – “The What and How of Inclusion” – Melissa Kane – Special Needs

O/D-3 – “How to Deal with Difficult People” – Learn about personality styles (the ones that give you the most trouble); Effective techniques to deal constructively with the “Dominate” to the “Loyalist”; discover traits about your own personality in the process. -- Janice Nieliwocki – Community

O/D-4  – “Taming the Beast- Making Stress Work for You!” – Stress has a terrible impact on our quality of life; but it doesn’t have to be that way. This enlightening and empowering program will help develop an understanding of stress and the impact that it has on our lives.  We can see where our stress comes from and learn how to take positive action so that we can turn the negative effects of stress into powerful life forces.  -- John Irvin – Professionalism 

Those attending the full Friday-Sunday Session Schedule can earn a total of 12.5 hours toward MSDE Credentialing Credits!