Working & Playing with Children Workshops
Positive
Discipline - That Works!
Talking with Children in Times of Violence
Intentional Language - Understanding the Words
We Use with Children
Cooperative Games
Supportive Communication with Parents
Routines, Rituals, and Transitions
Playground Design - Building Outdoor Spaces that
Work
Designing Space for Children
Raising Children in a Violent Society
NEW De-escalation
with Children
Prevention of Sexual Abuse in Young Children
Parent/Child Interactions & Self Esteem
Fatherhood Today
Movement & Gross Motor Activities
Computers in The ECD Classroom?
Children's Rivalry
High Octane Kids!
Successfully Working with Challenging Behaviors
Helping Children Resolve Conflict & Manage Anger
Active Listening
Water Safety Training
Is
it Important to Have Men in the Lives of Children?
Supporting Children's Play
NEW What Are the
Benefits of High-Quality Early Childhood Programs?
NEW What's Up with Time Out?
Supervision & Employment Topics
Team
Building
Professional Communication
Supervision Skills for Managing Successful Employees
Working with Angry Customers
Recruiting, Hiring, Training, & Retaining Great
Staff
Professionalism in Childcare
Positive Workplace Cultures
NEW Working
with Change & Transition
Child Development Topics
Infant
Insights
Toilet Learning & Other Toddler Themes
Preschoolers' Play
NEW Children &
Brain Development - What's All the Fuss?
NEW Emerging
Language for Infants and Toddlers
Additional Programs
NEW
Why & How Businesses Can Support Quality Childcare
Environmental Installations
45-hour Child Care Provider Training Course
Prevent Drowning
Getting Parents Involved in ECD Programs
Program Consultations
100% Customer Service
NEW
Speaking through an Interpreter
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
Working & Playing with Children Workshops
Positive Discipline - That Works!
-Our most popular session-
Teaching children how to behave rather than reinforcing inappropriate choices is the focus of this entertaining session. This talk includes: why not use punishment, humorous vignettes illustrating eight management techniques and a discussion of the challenges in implementing the philosophy. An energetic workshop on helping children learn appropriate behavior.
1.5 - 6 hours (return to topic menu) (PDF printable handout)
Talking with Children in Times of Violence
Does talking with children about the war make it worse?
How do I bring the conversation up?
Should I tell them how I feel?
How can I help a child when I am feeling helpless myself?
How much should I tell them?Children can be overwhelmed and confused during stressful times. Having limited experiences with raising children during times of war, many adults may find it helpful to have some paths for talking with children. This workshop will explore developmentally appropriate responses. Active listening, empowering children, modeling, and emotional development will be discussed in a format that will supply adults with skills to use with children.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu) (PDF printable handout)
Intentional Language - Understanding the Words We Use with Children
By evaluating the phrases children are being told daily, parents and care providers understand the impact of their words. This workshop looks at ten common expressions adults use with kids. Discovering language flaws and finding ways to better express ourselves supports healthy relationships with children. Avoiding the pitfalls in communicating with children is the primary focus of this exciting session.
1.5 - 2 hours ~ a full 6-hour day course is available (return to topic menu)
This workshop demonstrates many activities used to teach children the value of collaboration, participation, and team work. A lively, active participation workshop!
1 - 3 hours (return to topic menu)
Supportive Communication with Parents
Parents are allowing child care providers to take care of their most important possession in the world, their child. Without question, there is going to be some conflict between any two people and their ideas about what is appropriate for young children. This workshop helps child care providers work with parents in a supportive tone. This encouraging style allows child care providers to do their job, take great care of kids!
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Routines, Rituals, and Transitions
Whether we are smoothing out the edges on "who had it first" or working with the challenge of a full-blown temper tantrum, there are times when every parent could use a few fresh ideas. Bedtime hassles, homework blues, and rousting the tardy are issues this workshop series covers. Using alignment, active listening, and a little child development know-how, parents can support children through the tough times. Find out why bribery, sarcasm, and threats don't work, especially in the long run.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Playground Design - Building Outdoor Spaces that Work
Learn how to extend your program into an open-air learning space. This workshop also looks at Risk Management Programs, playground accidents, wheeled vehicle paths, slides, ziplines, climbing structures, guidelines, space arrangement, loose materials, activities, and surfacing materials.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Make environmental design components work for your program. Lighting, wall color, flooring, room equipment, activity space, traffic patterns, storage, food prep areas, transition space, entrance ways, controlled access points, and parent information centers are all variables that can promote your philosophy of care.
1.5 - 3 hours (on site option) (return to topic menu)
Raising Children in a Violent Society
- This presentation makes a powerful keynote -
This workshop investigates where children are being exposed to violence and what we can do about it. From developing strategies for handling children's aggression to working toward using respectful language, this program puts adults in the driver's seat when helping children with violence and its effects.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
NEW De-escalation with Children
De-escalation is the reduction in the intensity of a conflict. Unlike escalation, which often occurs rapidly and unintentionally, de-escalation tends to be slow and only happens intentionally through much effort. A variety of approaches are possible: the gradual reciprocal reduction in tension approach (GRIT), cooling off periods, changing communication strategies and patterns, and others. This presentation will introduce ways to bring a child back to a reasonable state. De-escalation training is both imperative and unnatural. Learning to control yourself, your physical stance, and how to have a helpful discussion, are topics this workshop includes. This information puts adults working with escalated behaviors in supportive positions.
1.5 - 3 hours (return to topic menu)
Prevention of Sexual Abuse in Young Children
-A must for every adult who cares for young children-
This informative class reveals who is abusing children and how. From here, effective strategies can help protect young children. Learning how to empower children decreases their risk of abuse.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Parent/Child Interactions & Self Esteem
This lively workshop addresses many hot topics,
~How we are talking with children
~The difference between praise and encouragement
~How to avoid self-defeating patterns
~Time to consider responsibility and independence
~Discipline approaches
~Looking into a day in the life of a child
~Humor and fast paced stories make this a workshop you'll be talking about.
2 hours (return to topic menu)
Loving the mother and supplying the money to support the family is no longer the end of the dad's involvement in raising their children. A quick tour of fatherhood from the 1700's through today starts this presentation. The changing role of dads in the lives of children leaves today's male parent with an undefined function. Anecdotes about how dads differ in raising children are discussed. Studies looking at why dads are needed in raising children are reviewed. A discussion of what participants like about being with their children explores what makes fathers tick. The evening concludes with a look at defining the new role of dads for the new millennium.
1 - 1.5 hours (return to topic menu)
Movement & Gross Motor Activities
Large muscle development and indoor space constraints do not have to be mutually exclusive. This workshop acknowledges both the adults' and children's needs and suggests ideas for fun gross motor experiences. Movement with books, music, singing, and games make this a participatory session.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Computers in The ECD Classroom?
Through critically exploring the pros and cons of the classroom computer, preschool teachers can decide if this $1,000 piece of curriculum is justified and valuable, or elaborate and wasteful. This session will also look at evaluating software, NAEYC's position statement on Technology and Young Children, and what Developmentally Appropriate Practice means in reference to computers.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Learn how to help children with rivalry, competition, resentfulness, envy and conflict. Competition for parent or care provider's support, the other side of each rivalry story, the role of active listening, working with all feelings, parental fairness, labeling problem children, and how to help when children are fighting, are some of the topics examined in this session.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Got a child or two who usually are bouncing off the walls? Hanging from the ceiling? Constantly in motion? This workshop looks at causes, prevention, and intervention with energetic kids. Avoiding labels like hyper and difficult helps to start this session on a positive note. Strategies that help the child, family, and child care providers are discussed.
2 hours (return to topic menu)
Successfully Working with Challenging Behaviors
Are these children spoiled? manipulative? stubborn? obstinate? pushy?
The problem with these labels is that they imply that the children's behaviors are contemplated and intentional. We quickly find that usual reward-and-punishment strategies do not work with these children. Working with these kids often makes people feel frustrated, overwhelmed, guilt-ridden, and exhausted. Sometimes we reach the point where we feel the situation is hopeless. So what do we do? This session looks closely at these children and works to develop systems that help them, support you, assist their classmates, and empower their parents.
2 hours (also available as a six week course)(return to topic menu)
Helping Children Resolve Conflict & Manage Anger
Valuable lifelong lessons are learned from childhood disputes. Helping children learn to disagree is a skill many of us have never been exposed to. This presentation stresses resolving conflict through mediation, triads, and supportive intervention. Helping children with emotional development, specifically working with anger, will be addressed.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Is it Important to Have Men in the Lives of Children?
With millions of children being raised without fathers, and most early care educators and elementary school teachers being women, are men needed? This workshop will look at startling research on the effects of fatherlessness and low male involvement in early care and education. Through examining men's roles and societal influences, participants will help propose recommendations for the function of men in the lives of young children.
1.5 - 3 hours (return to topic menu)
As parents, child care providers, and teachers, Active Listening may be the most powerful interaction we have with children. Through reflection and acceptance, children begin to feel understood. Then true problem solving can begin.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Through understanding the function of play, adults can define their role in children's most natural learning style. By asking ourselves difficult questions, we can start to comprehend how our involvement helps or hinders children's discovery of their world. During close, informed, and continuing observations of spontaneous play, adults can learn about each child's personality, learning style, and preferred mode of learning. This is the groundwork for developing powerful curriculum. Grasping the importance of play sets the wheels in motion for adults to become planners, assessors, communicators, scribes, players, mediators, and stage mangers. Filled with stories, this workshop helps all adults understand the significance of their role while children are engaged in the multifaceted exercise we call "play."
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
NEW What Are the Benefits of High-Quality Early Childhood Programs?
Does quality matter? Research confirms what many parents and teachers know: high-quality early care and education makes the difference in children's healthy development. Developmentally appropriate care and learning sets the stage so that children are ready for a fulfilled life.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Why are some programs banning the use of Time-Out? Wasn't this touted as the answer to scolding and corporal punishment? In this lively presentation we will examine the ambiguity surrounding Time-Out, look objectively at this discipline approach and explore the ramifications of its use. Participants will be asked to consider if Time-Out is punishing children for making mistakes in their behavior, relying on blame and shame to bring children "back into line," or imposing external control this inhibiting children's ability to develop internal controls. The discussion will then turn to alternative guidance techniques that help children learn positive alternatives from their mistakes, reduce mistaken behavior, and resolve conflict without punishment.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Supervision & Employment Topics
Where there is a team, the force is greater than the sum of its parts. This workshop examines factors that influence employee motivation, adopting a "learn from your mistakes" attitude, and goal setting. Learning how to enhance teammates' feelings of inclusion helps to make your crew successful in many ways.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
The skills needed to successfully communicate in the workplace include talents that may not be part of our normal expertise. From understanding "Tact and Diplomacy" to avoiding self-defeating patterns, this program explores how to phrase the tough stuff. The fragile bridge of communication can be strengthened or shattered whenever there is a challenge. This training works with typical struggles professionals encounter of a frequent basis. Learning to reword and deliver your ideas can make for a win/win environment.
2 - 4 hours (return to topic menu)
Supervision Skills for Managing Successful
Employees
This workshop details specific strategies for supporting child care professionals. Topics include flattening the structure, motivating staff to take the reins, a review of numerous evaluation methods, checking the supervision climate, and successful employment discharge. New supervisors and seasoned directors will benefit from this detailed examination of supervision.
2 - 6 hours (6 week program available) (return to topic menu)
Why are our customers getting upset? What do customers want? What made this experience? By discovering problem solving tips and strategies we can regain customers confidence and loyalty. Each time we are presented with a customer challenge, we have the ability to strengthen or destroy our relationship. Principles of conflict resolution, active listening, mediation and are included in this session.
2 hours (return to topic menu)
Recruiting, Hiring, Training, & Retaining
Great Staff
In supporting today's employees we need to include both traditional and nontraditional modes of leadership. The old command-and-control styles are being replaced by coach-and-collaborate systems. Involving our team in solving challenges has many benefits including employee ownership, professional growth, and job satisfaction. The session looks at why companies that manage people positively outperform others by 30% - 40%.
2 hours (return to topic menu)
Child care providers today understand that we don't just watch children... that is babysitting, one of the larger insults to our profession. We care for children and support families. Child development, discipline, self esteem, and social skills are a few areas in which families are approaching us for support. This workshop discusses child care not as an occupation, but a profession. Today's child care providers are experienced specialists that support our most delicate resource, families.
1/2 - 1 hour (return to topic menu)
How do some workplaces create and maintain positive attitudes and work habits? This program is filled with ideas that help employees develop pride in their work. Looking at the Stress Response that occurs during frustrating situations, discussing the principles of conflict resolution, discovering Active Listening, and learning to use an organizational climate survey, this presentation helps programs run smoothly and productively.
1.5 - 4 hours (return to topic menu)
NEW Working with Change & Transition
Learning to grow with change is a challenging skill. This active participation presentation includes topics addressing "Strategies for Coping with Change," "Vocabulary for Workplace Changes and Transitions," and "Separation Anxiety & Work Place Lessons." Enjoy this honest and humorous training about treasuring the lessons that come through change and transition.
2 hours (return to topic menu)
Child Development Topics
This workshop examines infancy issues ranging from sleeping patterns to attachment concepts. The How & Why of playing with babies and an introduction to brain development research are included in this deliberative session.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Toilet Learning & Other Toddler Themes
From toilet learning to temper tantrums, this seminar discovers why toddlers can be exciting and baffling. By looking at the complex child development issues that occur from nine months to three years, we begin to understand the stress and wonderment this age group has around their "emergence of self."
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Child-centered curriculum, play theory, types and functions of play, creating environments that support a constructivist philosophy, and getting to know Piagetian basics are embraced in this understandable program. Participants leave this session ready to become conscientious decision makers with children's natural learning style, play.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
NEW Children & Brain Development - What's All the Fuss?
By understanding how a child's brain develops, adults can make vital decisions on their child's care. Topics in this workshop include,
• Understanding the Research
• Brain Facts
• Ideas for Promoting Healthy Development
• What does brain research indicate?
• Glossary of Brain Terms
• Sensitive Periods, Critical Periods
• Boy Brains - Girl BrainsThe experiences young children receive in the first years of life are critical to brain development. As a child receives loving care and stimulation, neural connections are formed. These connections form the wiring system of the brain. Early experiences largely determine the strength and function of the brain's wiring system. Warm responsive adults, who cuddle, talk to children and provide learning experiences, promote healthy brain development for children.
1.5 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
NEW Emerging Language for Infants and Toddlers
An infant's brain is ingeniously structured for language. When an infant is three months old, her brain can distinguish several hundred different spoken sounds. Over the next several months, her brain will organize itself more efficiently so that it only recognizes those sounds that are part of the language she regularly hears. This inspiring presentation investigates brain development, Baby Signs, best ways to talk with young children, as well as discussions on Restrictive vs. Responsive Language and Open-Ended Questions. Wondering how young children learn language is the center of the exciting session.
2 - 4 hours (return to topic menu)
Additional Programs
NEW Why & How Businesses Can Support Quality Childcare
To increase the productivity of any business, employees need to be assured the care their child is receiving is adequate, reliable and of high quality. To have a well-qualified workforce tomorrow, we must start with nurturing today's growing brains.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
Designing new spaces or renovating existing programs, this service helps avoid costly mistakes. Locating equipment, working with sound continuums, optimizing space, creating caring environments are the goals of these consultations.
(return to topic menu)
45-hour Child Care Provider Training Course
A course on the foundations of quality care. Energetic evenings learning about children and enjoying them. This course is for anyone wanting ideas on working positively with children in the profession of early care and education.
45 hours (return to topic menu)
Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death in the United States, and the second leading cause of death for people ages 5 to 44. For children ages 1 to 2, drowning is the leading cause of injury death. (U.S. Lifesaving Association) This program examines why and how children drown and what we can do to prevent it.
2 - 2.5 hours
(Water Safety Training Web Site)
(return to topic menu)
Getting Parents Involved in ECD Programs
Where are the parents? By identifying blockades to family involvement this session looks to create family friendly environments. Practical suggestions help participants bring ideas back to their programs and start including families in care of children.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
On site consultations for owners, directors, and lead teachers. This service can include observations, mentoring, supervision, and coaching. These visits can help with specific challenges facing a program or offer more general suggestions for improving quality.
(Return to topic menu)
Learn how customer service can make your child care program the best in its field. Quality care coupled with customer service methods can lead child care providers to satisfying families' need for outstanding care.
1 - 2 hours (return to topic menu)
NEW
Speaking through an Interpreter
Guidelines to help the interpreter communicate what you are saying
There are many types of interpreters a child and family care professional may need to use, from a child whose parents don't speak English to a professional translator. Included in this presentation are suggestions for both the novice and expert. With some familiarity of the process, using an interpreter can become comfortable for both you and your client.
30 - 60 minutes (return to topic menu)
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