Past Events & Trainings

Policy Council Leadership Conference 2010

More than 50 parents and staff came to sunny Lake Chelan November 17-18 for our 2nd Annual Policy Council Leadership Conference.  The event included great training on leadership, diversity, policy council roles and responsibilities, meeting planning and facilitation, advocacy and more.

Since folks have requested access to some of the materials used at this training, we wanted to make them available for programs to use in their local trainings and meetings:

General handouts:

Leadership and personality style exercise

Diversity Exercise

Meeting 101

HS/ECEAP/EHS Directors Meeting - Dec 1-3, 2009

Event: WSTC Winter HS/ECEAP/EHS Directors Meeting
Dates: December 1-3 , 2009
Location: Tukwila - Embassy Suites
Registration Fees: $225 3 days, $160 2 days, $85 1-day
Hotel Fees: $158+tax single
Deadlines: WSA registration - 11/28/09,  Hotel 11/11/09

Register Here - WSTC Winter Directors Meeting

Tobacco Cessation Webinars - November 6th and 13th

WSA has been partnering with the Washington State Department of Health, the Legacy Foundation and Puget Sound ESD to expand this very successful Pierce/King County tobacco cessation pilot project to ECEAP, Head Start and EHS programs across the state. 

 Given the state’s budget woes, this year the training will be done online, in a series of four free webinars.  This will be a good start in developing the skills you need to help your families become tobacco free.  

Sign up below for each webinar: 

Why Address Tobacco Use and SHS with Families

Date: Friday, November 6th, 2009 

Time: 9:00AM -10:00AM

Registration Site: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/778875058  

The Spirit of Motivational Interviewing

Date: Friday, November 6th, 2009

Time: 10:15AM – 12:15PM

Registration Site: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/426934659  

How to Talk to Families About Tobacco Use

Date: Friday, November 13th, 2009

Time: 9:00AM – 10:45AM

Registration Site: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/376926051

 Resources to Help Families Quit Tobacco

Date: Friday, November 13th, 2009

Time: 11:00AM – 11:45AM

Registration Site: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/377005258  


Some Reasons to Join this Effort

*Nearly 50% of Head Start and ECEAP children are exposed to-secondhand smoke in their own homes.

*Nearly 50% of Head Start and ECEAP children have asthma.

*An average tobacco user spends nearly $2500 per year in cigarettes.

*Find out about great local cessation resources where you can refer families.

*Learn about the tobacco link to early development and learning.


For any questions or assistance with registration contact  TCRC@freeclear.com or (206) 876-2560.

Policy Council Leadership Conference - November 17-18

Registration is open for the 2nd Annual WSA Policy Council Leadership Conference, this year being held Nov. 17-18 in Chelan. This was an incredibly successful event last year - we got great ratings and comments from both parents and staff who attended, and we've heard since from several directors who thought the participants' experience and training really helped their Policy Councils be more successful and effective.

In a nutshell, our fabulous trainers Joel Ryan, Lori Pittman (PSESD Head Start), and Deborah Northern (PSESD ECEAP) will be covering the following:

* Policy Council Roles and Responsibilities (separate training for HS and ECEAP)
* HS/ECEAP Governance
* How to plan and conduct a successful meeting
* Advocacy
* How to engage other parents
* How Policy Council relates to the board, the program, the staff

Here's a Flyer, and our Conference Agenda.

Here are the details:

Event: Policy Council Leadership Conference
Dates: November 17-18, 2009
Location: Chelan - Campbell's Resort
Registration Fees: $165
Hotel Fees: $70+tax single, $100+tax double
Deadlines: WSA registration - 11/10/09,  Hotel 10/16/09

REGISTRATION LINK - Policy Council Leadership Conference

Don't forget to make your hotel reservations - a great bargain in an incredible (and not rainy) location, even in November! To make your reservations, contact Campbell's Resort at 800-553-8225 by 10/16/09.

1-Day Training - Working with Parents with Intellectual Disabilities

Event: One-Day Training - Working with Parents with Intellectual Disabilities
Dates: October 27, 2009
Location: Spokane - Red Lion Hotel at the Park
Registration Fees: $70 WSTC Member, $105 non-member
Who: Family support staff/managers, Health/Disabilities Specialists, Directors, and anyone who works with parents
Deadlines: WSA registration - 10/26/09

Register Here - 1-Day Adult DD Training

In conjunction with our Fall WSA Meeting in Spokane October 28-30, we’re doing a special 1-day training the day prior, October 27th – Working with Parents with Intellectual Disabilities. This is an issue that is arising with an increasing number of our programs, and there is very little specialized training out there to help HS/ECEAP programs work most effectively with these families.

I’m really excited about our trainer, Linda Gil, who is the DDD Program Manager and who has special training and experience in this topic as well as being certified in a curriculum developed at the University of Vermont, which has done very innovative and effective work on working with parents with intellectual disabilities. Linda gets great reviews in her trainings, is very hands-on in style, and in my scouring of the state to find a trainer who would understand the needs of ECEAP and Head Start/EHS programs in this area, she came highly recommended.

Click here for a flyer, but here is a description of the course and trainer:

Course Description:

ECEAP, Head Start, EHS and other child care programs work hard to develop effective relationships and training for all our parents, and supporting parents with intellectual disabilities is sometimes challenging.


This training will provide great information and practical ideas for improving support to parents who want to parent their child or children. In this training, Linda Gil of the Division of Developmental Disabilities will share information and strategies from a national program that can be used to create effective relationships with DD adults, connect families to needed services, and develop strategies for parenting training.


Trainer: Linda Gil, MA, DDD Program Manager
Linda Gil works for the Division of Developmental Disabilities in Olympia, WA. She is the Program Manager for Staff and Provider Training. Prior to beginning work at DDD to implement a legislatively mandated children’s program in DDD, Linda was the Director of Northwest Center Child Development Program. This program included both typically and atypically developing children ages 4 months to 6 years. Parents in the program represented all socioeconomic, educational and parenting levels, including parents with intellectual challenges. Linda’s educational background includes undergraduate work in child and family studies and child development. She holds a masters degree from the University of Washington in Special Education with an emphasis on early childhood, and a post masters certificate of Management in the Human Services.

WSA Fall Association Meeting - October 28-30

Our Fall WSA Meeting is a great opportunity for Parents, Staff and Directors of ECEAP, Head Start, EHS, MSHS and AI/AN Head Start programs to get together and learn from eachother and from experts what's going on in Olympia and Washington DC, what's new and innovative in early learning programs, and participate in some practical workshops that they can bring back home.

This year's Fall Meeting will include some great topics and speakers:

  • Keynotes from Erin Jones at OSPI, who is a specialist in the 'achievement gap', and from Yvette Sanchez, new Director of the Office of Head Start.
  • Updates on state and federal legislation from Joel Ryan and Lonnie Johns-Brown, along with a discussion of our 2010 WSA Advocacy Goals.
  • A special track for parents, with workshops like Financial Literacy, Resume building/Interviewing, Parent Advocacy and grassroots organizing, etc.
  • For Directors we have special discussion opportunities with Margy Miller, the new T/TA person at Region X, and with Yvette Sanchez.
  • Topics of interest to all our community, including Challenging Behaviors, working with incarcerated and drug-addicted families, Emotional Communication with Children, how to communicate to make effective workplaces, how Early Learning programs and parents can link with K-12, and other great sessions.

Click here for a draft agenda , and here are the key details:

Event: WSA Fall Association Meeting
Dates: October 28-30, 2009
Location: Spokane - Red Lion Hotel at the Park
Registration Fees: $205, or $80 1-day registration fee
Hotel Fees: $99.99+tax single/double, $109.99+tax triple
Deadlines: WSA registration - 10/19/09, Red Lion 10/5/09

Register Here - Fall WSA Meeting

Many thanks to the great sponsors of this event:

 

2009 WSTC SUMMER INSTITUTE

WipFli Head Start Issues Training - November 3 - 5

The Washington State Association of Head Start & ECEAP/Washington State Training Consortium is pleased to announce our partnership with Wipfli LLP to present a “Head Start Issues” training seminar for Region X and northwest AI/AN and migrant/seasonal Head Start programs. This unique training opportunity is for Executive Directors, Head Start and Early Head Start Directors, Head Start program staff involved in fiscal and/or administration, auditors, and others (including governing body or policy council members) involved with or interested in the Head Start Program. This training will be held from Tuesday, November 3 – Thursday, November 5, 2009 at the Renaissance Seattle Hotel in Seattle, Washington, and our programs receive a $150 discount by using the code below.

Howard Gesbeck, Jr., CPA, JD of Wipfli LLP, will conduct this highly regarded training. It will cover a range of topics including updates:

  • Day 1: Governance and Administration & Fiscal Provisions in the Reauthorization
  • Day 2: How an Auditor looks at Internal Controls
  • Day 3: In-Kind and Head Start Q&A

The online brochure includes an agenda and a more complete description of the training content.

How do I register?

You must register directly with Wipfli at www.gfp.wipfli.com, by clicking on training. The cost of the training, normally $745 per participant, is being offered to Region X and northwest tribal and migrant/seasonal Head Start programs at a reduced cost of $595.00 per participant when you register before October 9, 2009. This fee includes conference materials, morning and afternoon refreshments. Please consult the online brochure for additional registration information.

When registering online,
please enter promotional code “WA1109” to receive the special $595 pricing.

We hope that you will share this registration information with others in your organization that are responsible for overseeing the programmatic and financial health of the Head Start program.

We look forward to seeing you at this important event! Please feel free to contact Katy with any questions.

It’s time again to get ready for the Washington State Head Start/ECEAP Training Consortium’s annual Summer Institute!  We’re very excited about this year’s offerings, and look forward to providing very high quality intensive 20-hour courses to our members and the early learning community at large.   I’ve attached a Save The Date flyer with some basic information, and will be sending more detailed info very soon.

Based on our survey of the membership and discussions with our programs and partners in Early Learning, we are offering the following courses at the 2009 Summer Institute:

  • Challenging Behaviors - Investigate, Collaborate, Lead and Care
  • Math & Science in the Classroom
  • Supporting Families – Relationship building, cultural communication, parent perspectives
  • Early Head Start – Home Visiting Model
  • Leadership, Coaching & Organizational Effectiveness
  • Mental Health
  • Invitation only – Collaborative Leadership Institute, Parent Ambassadors

Participants will also enjoy a barbecue or special event one evening, a movie night, and other activities.  We also have some great lunch sessions!

 

 

EARLY HEAD START EXPANSION WEBINARS 5/19 & 5/21!!

The Washington State Head Start/ECEAP Training Consortium (WSTC ) is delighted to announce a series of two great webinars, designed to help programs and organizations who are thinking of applying for the new Early Head Start slots included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  Details are as follows:

Title:   ARRA EHS Stimulus Funds: Framing Your RFP

When:    Part 1 - Tuesday 5/19 1:30-3:30, Part 2 - Thursday, 5/21 1:30-3:30

Who:      Linda Kimura and Patricia Hillman
Principal Consultants and Senior EHS Specialists for the

                Infant Toddler Specialist Group (ITSG)

The Infant Toddler Specialist Group (ITSG) specializes in designing systems and delivering training and technical assistance to ensure positive outcomes and optimum Early Head Start (EHS) services. ITSG Principal Consultants each have over 30 years of experience in the field of Head Start, EHS and Early Care and Education. All ITSG Consultants understand “Best Practices” for Infants and Toddlers.

Webinar Description and Content :

Have you developed a plan to enhance your current Early Head Start (EHS) or begin a new EHS through the ARRA/Stimulus Package? Are you wondering how to add current research-based strategies to your EHS operations? Attend our Webinars for a focus on current practices designed to ensure compliance with new EHS Federal standards.

These webinars will give you a foundation for creating an EHS program or expanded EHS program that fits YOUR needs, matches the requirements and fits YOUR resources so children and families receive services grounded in Infant/Toddler Best Practices.

CONTENT OF THE TWO WEBINARS (Part 1 and Part 2)

  • Head Start and EHS differences
  • ARRA Stimulus dollars and what we know
  • Philosophy and practices that impact your model and services
  • Community issues that impact your model and services
  • 2007 Head Start Act and select Performance Standards that impact your applications
  • EHS program and fiscal requirements
  • EHS administrative and partnering requirements
  • Key management issues
  • Discussion Questions and Answers

Click here to Register

Space is limited, so register today!

WSTC Webinar - Dual Language Learning

We're really excited about this new initiative at WSA/WSTC, Webinars!

Our very first webinar will be held February 27, 2009, from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm (we may go a bit over that time) and our first topic will be one for which we get frequent requests - Dual Language Learning.

 

Here's the pertinent information:

Date/Time:       Friday, February 27, 2009, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Topic:                Dual Language Learning
Instructor:        Claudia Dow, Bilingual Services Manager, Puget Sound ESD Head Start

Description:     First language retention is essential to second language acquisition. Learn how you can support Dual Language Learners in the process of learning a second (or third) language. Topics that this training will cover include:

  • overview of second language acquisition process,
  • the language acquisition theory,
  • the importance of daily conversation,
  • research findings,
  • what parents need to know in order to support their children, and
  • classroom strategies to utilize when working with DLL students. 

The PSESD Head Start program serves children that speak 15+ different languages and have a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, and Claudia is a great trainer!

Click to register for Dual Language Webinar - 2/27/09

Space is limited, so register today!

 

Parent Ambassadors Program Applications Available

As many of you know WSA was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Peppercorn Foundation to support a new advocacy training program called the “Parent Ambassadors Program.” The Parent Ambassadors Program is a year-long peer to peer training program for ECEAP and Head Start parents. Parent Ambassadors will receive high-quality advocacy training over a year and be expected to train parents back in their local communities. Ambassadors will also serve as lead organizers for WSA advocacy campaign activities.

There are three positions we need to fill for the Parent Ambassadors Program:

Parent Ambassadors
WSA is seeking 20 ECEAP and/or Head Start parents to serve as parent ambassadors in 2009. Parent Ambassadors will receive year-long advocacy training and be required to provide training, information, and resources to parents at their local program and in their communities. Ambassadors will serve on the front line of our advocacy campaigns including attending hearings, testifying, contacting lawmakers, setting up events and activities, and organizing ECEAP and Head Start parents. All expenses for travel to WSA conferences and training venues will be subsidized by WSA. Ambassadors will receive a small stipend at the completion of the program. We are looking for parents that are committed to advocating for their children and communities, serve in a leadership role at a local program either through policy council or in another area, and have the desire and demonstrated skills to complete the year long project.

Parent Coordinator (paid position)
We are also looking for a high level parent to serve as a “Parent Coordinator.” The parent coordinator will serve as a mentor and coach to parent ambassadors. You will work with the project manager in developing the advocacy training program, provide high level advocacy training, and be an information link to ambassadors. A successful applicant will be a current ECEAP or Head Start parent who has a background in advocacy, good communication and conflict resolution skills, knowledge of the legislative process at both the state and federal level, and a demonstrated commitment to organizing parents.

Project Manager (paid position)
We are looking for a high level “Project Manager.” The project manager will develop and manage the Parent Ambassadors advocacy training program, develop an advocacy manual, provide direct training, coach ambassadors participating in the program, and work with WSA to set up events and activities. A successful applicant will have strong knowledge of Head Start and ECEAP programs and policy councils, demonstrated experience working with low income parents, a background in legislative and grassroots organizing, experience conducting high quality training to staff and parents, good writing and communication skills, and experience managing a project.

The application information is below. Applications are due Monday, January 12th at Noon, and decisions will be made by Friday of that week. Applications should be sent to WSAparents@yahoo.com.

We’ve had a lot of interest from current and past parents and staff from around the state, and we’re looking forward to a great year!

If you have any questions, call Joel or Katy at 253-373-9100, or email WSAparents@yahoo.com.

WSA WINTER MEETING & ADVOCACY DAY

Our annual Winter Meeting is coming right up!  As you know, the budget situation in Olympia is very grim this year, so we need as much help as possible down in Olympia to make sure our legislators know how important it is to support children and families. The WSA Winter Meeting will be held January 27-29 at the Red Lion Olympia, and Advocacy Day will be Wednesday, January 28th.

WINTER MEETING DETAILS – January 27-29, Red Lion Olympia
I have attached the draft agenda, and think it’s going to be a fabulous event. In addition to the usual updates, discussion of legislation and advocacy training, we’ll be having special sessions on such topics as:

• Block Play: Building Math & Science Skills in Children
• Best Practice Panel: Innovative Programming in ECEAP and Head Start
• Stress and Calming at Work and Home
• Inclusion film and discussion
• Food Allergies and Nutrition
• Adverse Childhood Experiences

Pre-Conference Training Day: We’re also partnering with the Washington Dental Service Foundation to provide FREE Cavity Free Kids Training on the day before the conference, Monday January 26th. For Eastern Washington folks not able to make it to Olympia, they are offering the training February 9th in Moses Lake.  Scroll down the page for more information in the next section.

Registration: We do online registration for our events now - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. Deadline for registration is 1/19/09, after which there will be a $50 late fee.

Hotel: Each individual guest must make their own reservations by calling toll-free 1-800 RED LION for our Central Reservations or you may contact the hotel directly at (360) 943-4000 extension 605.  Deadline for reserving your hotel room at conference rate is 1/12/09, and our rate is $95.95 plus tax for single/double occupancy.

ADVOCACY DAY - Wednesday, January 28th, Olympia WA
Advocacy Day is a great opportunity for parents and staff to help us change government for the better and help ECEAP and Head Start children and families.

• You can tell the law makers what HS/ECEAP means to you and your family.
• You have the right for your opinion to be heard.
• You will have the chance to meet and talk with other parents and family members who care about early childhood education too.
• You will learn new ways to have your voice be heard.

Advocacy Day Schedule:

8-10am           Make-and-Take Room Open
10-11:30am    Advocacy Day Training and Caucusing
11:15 am         Box Lunches Available
11:15-2:30pm WSA Members meet with Legislators
2:30-3:15pm   Rally on the Capitol Steps – WEAR RED!!

It’s time to make your appointments with your legislators! If you don’t know which legislators to call, just plug in your address here.

Advocacy Day only: If you’re bringing folks down to Olympia for Advocacy Day or coming yourself, please email me (Katy) your numbers by 1/19/08. Lunches will be available at a reduced rate, $8 per person, and they must be ordered in advance.

WSA EXCELLENCE AWARDS – GET YOUR NOMINATIONS IN!
We will also be honoring winners of our Second Annual WSA Excellence Awards, and nominations are open, and a form is attached. It’s a very simple process! Don’t let Joel pick these himself – he needs your help! Awards will be given for:

  • Parent Excellence Award
  • Staff Excellence Award
  • Director Excellence Award
  • Excellence in Innovation Award

WSA BOARD OPENINGS
Finally, we have two open board positions to be elected at the Winter meeting:

  • ECEAP Staff Representative
  • Head Start Parent

Click below for information and application:

WINTER MEETING SPONSORS
We are very grateful to our generous meeting sponsors – click on their logos and see what they have to offer!


 

Free Cavity Free Kids Training!!

WSA is partnering with the Washington Dental Service Foundation to provide free training to Head Start, EHS and ECEAP staff on the Cavity Free Kids curriculum:

Western WA - January 26th, 10-4pm, Olympia Red Lion

Eastern WA - February 9th, 10-4pm, Family Services of Grant County (Moses Lake)

In preparation for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry/Head Start Dental Home Initiative, designed to link all Washington Head Start children with a dentist and “dental home,” all Washington’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs are offered this opportunity for training or retraining in the Cavity Free Kids curriculum.

What is Cavity Free Kids? The Cavity Free Kids curriculum presents oral health as an ongoing part of preschool education through:

  • classroom activities that use oral health concepts to meet the requirements of the Child Learning Outcomes (Domain Elements) in language development, literacy, math, science, creative arts, social& emotional development, and approaches to learning and physical health and development
  • parent education materials for use in parent meetings and home visits

The Early Start curriculum is oral health education designed for pregnant women, infants and toddlers.

Who will benefit from the training? Everyone benefits– whether learning how to use Cavity Free Kids for the first time or retraining to brush up on the curriculum. This training is designed to “Train the Trainers” …so plan to send those people (administrators, teachers, health coordinators & technical assistants) who are responsible for training classroom teachers, home visitors, family advocates and others. Ideally, send two people from your organization for the training.

 

WSTC Winter Directors Meeting - Dec 2-4, Tukwila

The annual Winter Directors Meeting of the Washington State HS/ECEAP Training Consortium is coming up next month, December 2-4 at the Embassy Suites in Tukwila, and as a result of our discussions with ECEAP and HS/EHS Directors over the last year, we’re changing things up a little.

We’ve added an extra day onto the beginning to give ECEAP directors an opportunity to meet and discuss issues outside of their usual DEL ECEAP meetings. The 3rd day will be focused on Head Start/Early Head Start issues, and the 2nd day will be a day for everyone to mix it up.

Participants can choose to attend one, two, or all three days of the conference.

Here’s a brief rundown of what will be offered each day:

DECEMBER 2nd (Day 1) - ECEAP Day - ECEAP directors requested a special day to discuss issues and challenges of special interest to ECEAP programs and here it is! The Day 1 agenda includes:
- ECEAP legislative update
- Emergent ECEAP issues
- Forum with Jone Bosworth
- Best practices panel

DECEMBER 3rd (Day 2) - Combo Day - Most issues in Early Learning are common to both ECEAP and Head Start, and we have a great opportunity on Day 2 to help guide the DEL study on how to design and implement the Washington Head Start proposal. Our Day 2 agenda includes:
- Washington Head Start Summit
- Immigration issues
- WSA Advocacy goals - Child Care subsidies, Home Visiting/WA Early Head Start
- Improving foster care & early learning connections and systems

DECEMBER 4th (Day 3) - Head Start/Early Head Start Day - We're deep into the regulation process for last year's Head Start reauthorization, and a new President and staff is on its way. How will these changes affect programs? Our Day 3 agenda includes:
- Head Start Reauthorization/Federal Update
- Update from Region X/Booz Allen Hamilton
- Emerging Head Start/EHS issues
- Gates Foundation

Agenda (draft)

Dates:                     December 2-4, 2008
Location:                Embassy Suites Tukwila, 15920 West Valley Hwy, Seattle WA

                                 425-227-8844
Registration Fee: 1 day - $85
                                 2 days - $160
                                 3 days - $225
Hotel info:               Rate: $158/night, available until November 11, 2008


WSA Policy Council Leadership Conference - November 20-21

The first annual WSA Policy Council Leadership Conference is coming up in November! 

This is an opportunity for ECEAP and Head Start policy council parents and staff to have a great time learning the ins and outs of:

  • HS/ECEAP Governance
  • Policy Council Roles and Responsibilities (Head Start and ECEAP folks will be separated for a while for this)
  • How Policy Council relates to the board, the program, the staff
  • How to plan a successful meeting
  • How to read a budget
  • Advocacy
  • How to engage other parents

Draft Agenda (PDF)

Policy Council Leadership Conference Flyer (PDF)

Space is limited, so register early! Click here for details and registration info.

We will have a person available to translate the presentations and most materials into Spanish, so feel free to send monolingual Spanish-speaking parents. Sorry we won’t have other languages for our first go-round!

Here are the pertinent details:

Who:                        HS/ECEAP Policy Council leaders, staff members who

                                  work with Policy Council
When:                      November 20-21 (9am 11/20 – 3:30pm 11/21)
Where:                    Red Lion Seattle Airport, 18220 International Blvd, Seattle
Registration fee:   $150 for full conference, $85 for partial
Hotel room cost:   $119 + tax – Hotel Deadline is 10/29/08, so get your

                                  reservations made soon (1-800-RedLion)

Registration deadline is November 7th.

And guess what? We have a brand new online registration system!!!

You guys are going to be the guinea pigs for this one – this event will be our first attempt at on-line registration. I’m hoping there won’t be too many glitches, but I can’t make any promises. I’d appreciate it if you would make a note of things that are especially irritating or need to be changed in the registration system so I can try to fix it along the way, or at least fix it for the upcoming Directors’ Meetings.

This new system will free up time so we can provide more quality services to our members, and will also enable you to pay with credit cards in a secure system if you wish.

So here it is – click here to register.  It should allow you to enter more than one person in your program under one ‘account’.  If you have any problems, call (253-373-9100) or email Katy.

This is another event spurred by WSA members themselves - iIn our discussions and surveys with our members, we detected a lot of interest in providing the kind of comprehensive, high-quality training for parent leaders that will make local Policy Councils stronger and more effective both with their own Head Start and ECEAP program and in advocating for our families with elected officials.

 

Fall WSA Meeting In Kennewick - October 15-17

The WSA Fall Meeting will be October 15-17 at the Kennewick Red Lion. State association meetings are a great opportunity to get up to date information on state and federal legislative proposals, best practices, pending regulations, and to learn from your colleagues.

  • Fall Meeting Agenda (draft - we still have a couple changes to come)
  • Registration Form (and stay tuned for our new online registration, which should be available soon!  In the meantime, you can fax forms to Katy)

We have a terrific agenda planned, which includes:

  • Foster Care  - We’re working with Casey Family Programs to develop and provide training to programs on the best strategies and practices in working with foster care children and families in Head Start and ECEAP programs
  • Supervisor/Leadership Training – a 3 hour training session (STARS credit) with John Naegele, focusing on dealing with change and transitions, and having difficult conversations
  • OSPI Kindergarten Readiness Assessment – Mary Seaton from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Natalie Vega-O’Neill from Thrive by five will discuss the development of this assessment
  • Legislative Update and WSA Advocacy Goals – with Joel Ryan and our lobbyist, Lonnie Johns-Brown
  • Success Stories Campaign – we’ll be capturing success stories on video and on paper and get member feedback on how to better highlight the success of ECEAP and Head Start families
  • Great training for parents and staff (with STARS credit) – Katie Christianson, a Nurturing Pathways instructor and owner of Jitterbug Dance in Walla Walla, will do sessions on ‘Dancing to Develop the Whole Child’ and ‘Attachment and Bonding’.  We’ll also have sessions on grassroots organizing, working with autistic children, child safet, and more.
  • Other sessions include:  ECEAP Directors Meeting, Head Start Directors Meeting, Working with Children of Incarcerated Parents; Child Safety;  Child Care Development Block Grant planning, and much more!

Open board positions to be elected at the Fall Meeting include Early Head Start Parent, Region X Association Parent, Region X Association Director, and Migrant Head Start Representative.  Click here for application.  Click here for the job description of a board member.

WSA Registration Deadline is October 1st, after which there is a $50 late fee. 

Kennewick Red Lion deadline is September 30th for the WSA rate of $74.95 + tax per night.  Call them at 1-800-REDLION or 509-783-0611. Mention you are with the Washington State Association of Head Start and ECEAP to receive our room rate discount.

Don't forget Dollar Per Child!  Bring your dollars and donations for the raffle.  If have any questions, please contact Katy or Andrea Nelson, our Board VP.

Finally, many thanks to our sponsors for this event - visit their websites!

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.

 

Head Start/Early Head Start Director Retreat, July 9-11, 2008

The annual WSTC Head Start/EHS Directors Retreat was held at Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat in Leavenworth in July.  Directors heard from a wide variety of experts in early learning and discussed a number of issues arising in programs throughout Washington State. 

We'll be emailing out the notes from the retreat, and the presentations are available here:

 

WSTC Summer Institute 2008

This year's Washington State Training Consortium Summer Institute at Central Washington University was a rousing success! Nearly 180 staff from Head Start, ECEAP, and Early Head Start attended one of six different credit-bearing 20-hour courses, selected based on surveys with members:

  • Creating Positive Social-Emotional Support for Children with Challenging Behaviors
  • Implementing an Inquiry-Based Curriculum
  • Management Training (Advanced)
  • Math & Science within an Ecology of Children & Childhood
  • Calming Ourselves in a Stressful World
  • Working with English Language Learners and Families

We also spiced things up this year with evening activities (a great barbecue at the fairgrounds, Movie Night with Joel, and a special session 'Wellness is More Than Your Annual Physical' with Jean Hill-Miller) and keynote speeches from Gene Sharrat and from the Washington Dental Service Foundation , who sponsored the Summer Insitute along with Kaplan Early Learning Company.

Participants seemed to have a great time, with 97% giving it an Excellent (69%) or Good (28%) rating!

     

Literacy Training

WSTC Family Literacy Training April 24-25, Renton WA
The Washington State Training Consortium, the training arm of WSA, in cooperation with the National Head Start Family Literacy Center, is offering a great series of seminars April 24th and 25th in Renton. 

This is the second of the new Regional Trainings that we’re offering through WSTC – this time our region is Puget Sound, though all are invited to come on over! Clock Hours and STARS credit will be available.

We surveyed our members about their course preferences and decided to expand the training to a day and a half to be able to offer the top 3 choices. You can choose to take one, two, or all three seminars!

On Thursday, April 24th, 1-4pm, you can attend a seminar in Strengthening Systems to Support Family Literacy. This seminar is great for directors, leadership teams, and Policy council. Participants will delve into linking family literacy throughout their Head Start/ECEAP program to make family literacy seamlessly intertwined into all aspects of individual programs.

Friday, April 25th is focused on teachers, family support staff, education managers and others interested in family literacy. From 9 am-12 noon we are offering Vocabulary Development: Key to Reading and School, which will provide teachers, family support staff and parents simple, research-based, and fun strategies to promote children’s vocabulary development in the course of day-to-day activities. This interactive session will introduce research-based materials and resources, actively involve participants, and focus on key strategies that are easy to learn and use. The afternoon session is a fun one - Home: Where Learning Begins. Participants will be able to take key messages back to their programs, access training material to take back, and plan ways to support parents to expand on the work they are already doing to promote their children’s learning.

Fees are as follows :                            

  • 1 Seminar-        $30 for WSTC Members/$50 for Non-Members
  • 2 Seminars-      $50 for WSTC Members/ $90 for Non-Members
  • 3 Seminars-      $75 for WSTC Members/ $120 for Non-Members

Sign up now! More detailed information about each seminar and our fabulous trainers can be found in the info and registration form below.  Deadline for Registration is 4/21/08.


WSA Winter Meeting & Advocacy Day

February 21st was our biggest WSA Advocacy Day ever!  Nearly 300 ECEAP and Head Start parents, staff, directors and friends stormed the Capitol in Olympia and met with their legislators to talk about the Washington Head Start proposal and other issues important to children and families.

Governor Gregoire was one of our fabulous speakers at the Rally on the Capitol Steps, and Rep. Roger Goodman, the prime sponsor of the Washington Head Start bill, provided a great keynote and stayed to listen to the great stories shared by parents and staff. 

We also had a great WSA Fall meeting that included some great training and lots of opportunities for WSA members to get together and share their experiences.   Some of the breakout session topics included:

  • Working with English Language Learners and their families
  • Never Underestimate the Power of Parents
  • Grassroots Organizing
  • Working with Children with Social, Emotional and Behavioral Issues
  • Best Practices/Innovation Session with the Bremerton school district
  • Town meeting with Jone Bosworth

Rep. Ruth Kagi, a great champion of early education, presented the first annual WSA Excellence Awards to members of the Head Start and ECEAP community who accomplished great things in 2007. WSA parents, staff, and directors do amazing things within their programs, communities, and in advocating with their elected officials and beyond. The WSA Excellence Awards recognized folks who have made a significant contribution to children and families, whether it is through hard work and enthusiasm, innovation, leadership, or just all-around excellence.

The 2007 Parent Excellence Award went to Frank Parker, a hardworking and involved grandfather with Early Childhood Opportunities Northwest who donated countless hours and expertise to enhance learning experiences for children in Head Start in Bellingham.

The 2007 Staff Excellence Award went to Linda Chugani of Neighborhood House in Seattle, for her creativity and deep commitment to the children and families in her diverse classroom.

The 2007 Director Excellence Award went to Jim Skucy, who has provided exemplary leadership in his 18 years at Benton Franklin Head Start.

The 2007 Excellence in Innovation Award went to Skagit/Islands Head Start staff, who demonstrated innovation in the areas of bilingual language learning in a wide variety of ways.  We look forward to hearing from the folks at Skagit/Islands at future WSAmeetings, as we learn from each other how to implement innovative, successful programs.

For more information about each of our winners, click here.

Head Start/Early Head Start Directors Meeting

Nearly 40 directors from Head Start, EHS and ECEAP programs met December 5-6 for the Winter Directors Meeting.  Among the topics discussed and presented were:

  • HS/EHS Reauthorization and Funding (Joel)
  • ECEAP/Head Start Linkage Proposal
  • ECEAP Expansion RFP (Joyce Kilmer)
  • Region X Update (Nancy Hutchins)
  • 2008 WA Legislative agenda (Caucus Staff)
  • Collective Bargaining Legislation (SEIU/AFT)
  • and much more.

If you're interested in more detail about what happened in the meeting, we've attached a number of useful PDFs, including notes from the meeting, handouts and various PowerPoint presentations from guest speakers.

Head Start/ECEAP Linkage Proposal

Guest Presenters:

WSA Fall Meeting, 2007

Over a hundred people attended the WSA Fall Meeting this year October 10-12 in Wenatchee, as well as 35 who attended the special one-day WSTC Management/Human Resources training that kicked off the event on October 9th.  Both events were a great success.  In addition to our usual schedule of director & affiliate meetings, advocacy goal discussions and elections, participants enjoyed:

  • Two great keynote speakers: Jone Bosworth and Dr. Gene Sharratt
  • Training opportunities in grant writing, family literacy, grassroots organizing and media
  • Introductions to a number of great opportunities for Head Start and ECEAP programs, including the statewide roll-out of both the Health Care Institute (info below) and Pierce County’s Smoking Cessation program, and the Collaborative Leadership Institute program for emerging leaders in early learning
  • A fabulous reception complete with Mariachi band from Wenatchee High School!

The membership approved new Advocacy Goals for 2008 and welcomed four new members of the WSA Board of Directors, Damaris Allred, ECEAP parent representative from Educational Opportunities for Children and Families (Vancouver), Wendy Shuell, Regional Rep-Staff from EOCF, Amanda Jennings, AI/NA representative from Lower Elwha Head Start, and Cathy Garland, Head Start Director representative from Children’s Home Society.

Some of our speakers and trainers provided copies of their PowerPoint presentations and handouts, available below.  If you have more questions about any of these or if you have photos of the event to share, please contact Katy Warren.

Attachments

(Note: All PowerPoint presentations have been converted to PDF due to file size.)

October 9th Management/HR Training

Gil Sparks Employment Law Presentation

Heather Kawamoto Presentation

WSA Fall Meeting Oct 10-12

Gene Sharratt Keynote Presentation

Ariella Herman -- Health Care Institute

Susan Murray Grant Writing Presentation

Collaborative Leadership Institute Flyer

Joel Ryan Head Start Reauthorization Presentation

WSA Advocacy Goals