Resources for trainers: http://www.ecetrainers.com/welcome.html

Resources and Idea exchange: http://www.childcareexchange.com/index.php

Information on Preventing Sexual Abuse: http://www.stopitnow.com/mn/

Up to date information on services to children with disabilities : http://www.yourlink.org

Education and Research on Children, Youth and Families http://www.cyfernet.org/

And for your personal time:

A Short Guide to a Happy Life
In this treasure of a book, Anna Quindlen, the bestselling novelist and columnist, reflects on what it takes to "get a life"—to live deeply every day and from your own unique self, rather than merely to exist through your days.

Or you can join a on line book discussion http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/?z=y

Training of Trainers in the News

The following MECSATA sponsored trainings will be offered on line this winter and spring. All of these opportunities are six week courses and will help to enhance your with your trainer skills!

"Teaching the Art of Training” Delivery Skills

Mondays 7:00-7:45 PM CST March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2 and 9 2007

In this course, learners will:

• Identify and explain the concepts and components of a training experience

• Articulate and implement effective adult learning strategies

• Describe the competencies necessary for being effective trainers

• Use various facilitation techniques and methods when delivering training

• Know a variety of communication techniques that encourage learning

• Identify their personal areas for strength and development.

“Teaching the Art of Training” Design Modules

Thursdays 7:15-8:00 PM CST April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10, 2007

In this course learners will

• Explain the theory of adult learning and the elements of a training design

• Identify own learning styles and understand the impact on training design

• Assess learning needs and develop learning techniques, methods and strategies to meet training objectives

• Design effective trainings using knowledge of the learning cycle and various levels of design

• Apply elements of training to a specific topic to begin a design for future use

“Effective Practices for Online Professional Development”

Monday evenings, March 5, 12, 16 26 and April 2 and 9, 2007 from 8:00 – 8:45 pm

In this course, learners will:

• explain the context of learning and how it impacts on line education.

• describe how to create an on line environment conducive for learning.

• recognize relationship dynamics in the on line teaching-learning process.

• determine which instructional modalities and methods facilitate interactive learning.

• identify which components of on line education facilitate student and instructor assessment.

• determine how to develop an on line course utilizing course design components.

Cost of the trainings: $75.00 for 30 in-service hours (certificates will be available).

*Current MECSATA members receive $10 off their total fee

NOTE: These classes are limited to 15 participants.

For more information and/or to request a registration form contact:

MECSATA
contactus@mecsata.org
651-290-9704, ext. 104

Leadership Courses

Eager to Learn invites you to participate in an opportunity to invigorate your leadership skills with our new on line educational leadership courses. Whether you are a provider, advocate, or parent this leadership series will help you identify your unique strengths, realize your potential and define your personal leadership style.

These courses will be continually offered allowing for opportunities for all that want to be a true “leader.”

The courses are facilitated by Karen Fogolin , Associate Director of the Minnesota Child Care Resource and Referral Network and a leadership expert!

Developing Your Personal Best – Part I

This course will challenge participants to raise their leadership lid and apply dynamic leadership principles in your everyday life.

.Developing Your Personal Best – Part II

This course will examine the core leadership principles and ingredients. Participants will study the power of influence and integrity.

The Journey to Identifying Your Unique Gifts and Appreciating Those Who Differ

This course will enhance participants' understanding of themselves, their motivations, their natural strengths, and their potential areas for growth.

For more information on these and other Eager to Learn courses visit www.eagertolearn.org

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Training to Shift Perspectives

January 25, 2007

Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.

Søren Kierkegaard

In a recent article in Exchange , " Shifting Perspectives: A Training Strategy to Try ," Margie Carter presented a training strategy designed to shift teachers to curriculum planning that is responsive to children's interests and eagerness to learn. In introducing this strategy they explained...

"When teachers try to plan for or respond to children's activities, what is guiding their thinking? At a conscious level I think they often have a set of learning goals, behavior expectations, or classroom rules in mind. Unconsciously, they may also be influenced by their own childhood experiences or family of origin patterns that are deeply ingrained, often unexamined, and sometimes lead to knee- jerk reactions. Because our jobs are focused on staff development and not psychotherapy, those of us trying to improve the quality of children's experiences in program settings frequently find ourselves puzzled as to how to help teachers see things differently. We may offer some child development knowledge, a planning form, or behavior management strategies; but too often these don't transfer to new situations teachers encounter.

"If their learning is to significantly impact their behavior, teachers have to go through their own process of constructing knowledge to get beyond superficial understandings and grasp ideas at a deeper level. For me, this means finding ways for teachers to see the child's perspective and letting that inform their planning and interactions."

The full text of this article is available to you here .