Upcoming Events & Trainings
Annual Early Head Start Conference
The 11th Annual Early Head Start and Infant/Toddler Conference, "The Essential Elements of Hope", will be held July 29 - 31, 2008 in Vancouver, Washington.
This is a great conference for Early Head Start programs and other early learning professionals as well. In addition to the quality training and networking available, this year's keynote speaker is Dr. Brenda Jones Hardin from the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Jones Hardin has devoted the past three decades of her professional life to children at environmental risk, specifically children reared in impoverished circumstances and children in the child welfare system. She is the author of the book "Infants in the Child Welfare System: A Developmental Framework for Policy and Practice.
This year the folks at Portland State have included a pre-conference track on July 29th that may be of interest to many Head Start programs - a full day designed to help programs that may be considering converting some of their Head Start slots to Early Head Start.
Schedule and registration information available here.
Department of Early Learning Trainings
The Department of Early Learning has several upcoming training events:
DECA Training:
DECA training is available in three locations in spring 2008 (Aberdeen, Federal Way and Ellensburg), for ECEAP staff and other interested early learning professionals. We are planning additional training in the fall 2008 in Bremerton, Vancouver, and Yakima communities.
Dates: |
Locations: |
Friday May 16 and Friday May 23, 8:30-4:30 (must attend both sessions) |
Hopkins Elementary, Aberdeen
|
Tuesday-Wednesday, May 20-21 8:30-4:30 (must attend both sessions) |
Dumas Bay Retreat Center, Federal Way |
Monday- Tuesday, June 16-17 8:30-4:30 (must attend both days) |
Kittitas High School, Kittitas (near Ellensburg) |
ECEAP Contractor Training:
The Department of Early Learning is providing training on how to administer the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
- New ECEAP contractors are required to attend this training. Though this training will be repeated in the fall for staff who have not yet been hired, it is best to send a team this spring to inform your planning and enrollment efforts.
- New subcontractors are encouraged to attend.
- Existing contractors are welcome to send staff to all or part of the training.
Part 1: May 29-30, 9:00 – 5:00, Puget Sound ESD, Renton
Part 2: June 26-27, 9:00 – 5:00, Dumas Bay Conference Center, Federal Way
Kaplan Online Learning
Kaplan Early Learning Company has been a great supporter of WSA and its members, sponsoring our events and providing great discounts for Head Start and ECEAP programs.
Kaplan has now partnered with the Child Care Education Institute to provide online early childhood courses. Upon completing each Professional Development course offered through Kaplan Online Learning by CCEI is approved for one clock hour of training and is eligible for 0.1 Professional Development Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits through Clayton State University. STARS credit are available as well. Child Care Education Institute's CDA Program may be used to fulfill the education requirements of the CDA as required by the Council for Professional Recognition.
For more information, check out this flyer, go to the Kaplan Online Training website, or contact Brad Kaplan at bkaplan@kaplanco.com.