What is a growth mindset? We will define the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset, understand why it's important, and learn how to implement a growth mindset in the Early Childhood setting. We will take a look at your own mindset (language and interactions) to discover how it affects the children in your care, as well as explore resources to support developing a growth mindset as a professional in early care and education. Trainer: Amy Cochran, The Family…

Mealtimes can be a messy and fun learning opportunity but mealtimes can also be difficult and stressful. During this session, we will have a lively conversation sharing suggestions on how to turn the battle of fuss into making mealtimes more manageable and a positive experience. Trainer: Gayle Anderson, The Family Conservancy Register

When adults talk about children and attention they are often referring to “paying attention” - getting the child to listen to what a teacher or peer is saying. In this session we will use the term engagement to emphasize that the goal is helping children remain involved in activities and events that interest them. Sustained engagement leads to ongoing discovery, which results in more learning than does merely paying attention to something an adult is saying or doing. Trainer: Shari…

Sportscasters describe what is happening during a game just as teachers can describe their own actions and the actions of children in order to expand children's language. Dictionaries provide multiple ways to understand the meaning of words, just as teachers can use several words and phrases to support a child's understanding of a new word or concept. In this session we will practice using these strategies throughout the day and design a plan for continuing to enhance your language modeling…

Everyone experiences loss and the accompanying grief. Families are often faced with the loss of a loved one, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, death of an infant or child, a parent, grandparent, or close friend. This session is designed to provide information and resources to child care providers who might be experiencing grief themselves, or help provide support to families in their care that are faced with what seems to be the overwhelming burden of loss. Trainer: Gayle Anderson, The Family…

Keys to success at large-group time include planning activities that appeal strongly to children and teachers who suggest an idea and then follow children’s leads. We will try out storytelling and reenacting stories, cooperative games, and movement activities with and without music using these strategies. Trainer: Shari Williams, The Family Conservancy Register