Category: Training

Effective Case Management: Training for Family Service Workers & Home Visitors

Family Service Workers and Home Visitors play an essential role in your program, especially in the area of case management. They begin by establishing a good working relationship with each parent. Effective work with families starts with an understanding of where parents are and where they want to go. Build connection with families by allowing adequate time for conversation and listening with an open mind. Create a safe environment for parents to share their strengths and open up about areas of challenge. It’s important that there is a system in place to link families to needed services and resources.

We see case management as a process that includes:

  • Establishing a good working relationship with the family
  • Implementing a goal setting process with the family
  • Linking the family to needed services and resources
  • Following up with the family regularly and maintaining good documentation and
  • “Closing the loop” to ensure that the family receives all needed services.

“Closing the loop” is a follow-up system that confirms that each family is linked to all needed services. The Family Service Worker or Home Visitor checks in with the family on a regular basis.  They assist the family in accessing services, follows up to ensure that the parent is satisfied with the services and provides guidance and support until all services are received.

Another key piece of case management is documentation. As we say, “if it’s not written down, it didn’t happen”. It’s vital that all interactions with the families and service providers are documented. Case notes must tell a story – from the initial referral… to all follow-up efforts… to delivery of services.

We utilize a strengths-based model, using each family’s individual strengths to assist them in achieving their goals. Families are the first and most important teachers of their children. They are our partners and play a critical role in their family’s development. Families have expertise about their child and their family.

This highly interactive & practice-based training will include:

  • Key concepts & strategies in case management
  • Successfully managing your caseload
  • Follow-up & connecting families to services
  • Documentation
  • Time management
  • Organizational skills

Looking for training on “Effective Case Management” for your Family Service Workers & Home Visitors?  Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

CLASS Training Using the “STAR” Method

Effective CLASS training consists of keeping the participants highly engaged by utilizing a “learning by doing” approach. It’s based on the principles of adult learning, which results in high impact learning. This hands-on strategy allows the teaching staff to take back the information that they learn in the training and implement it in their classrooms. Adult learning is most effective when the participants can see, feel and experience the information that is being presented.

We conduct highly interactive and practice-based CLASS training using the STAR method.

  • Specifics are presented.  Our trainings include specific content regarding the CLASS tool as well as strategies to increase CLASS scores. We share with the participants what CLASS observers will be looking for and what the expectations are regarding CLASS. The training includes a description of the dimensions, indicators and behavioral markers in terms of the Head Start classroom. We will address what high scoring domains and dimensions look like and what they don’t look like. The training will address best practices as it pertains to teaching behaviors and interactions.
  • Take a look.  Our CLASS trainings include opportunities for the participants to view video clips of high-scoring behaviors and low-scoring behaviors. We take each domain & dimension and show videos of what they should look like and should not look like. We will take time to discuss the video clips and talk with the participants about what they saw in the videos and how they can deliver high scoring behaviors in the classroom. The training will include exploring the behavioral markers, including what a “7” looks like in each domain and dimension.
  • Activities for practice.  Our CLASS training consists of keeping the teaching staff engaged by ensuring that the training is highly interactive. In addition to presenting the content, practice-based activities are implemented throughout the training. This strategy allows the teaching staff to have hands-on experiences with the new information in order to facilitate true learning. Adult learning is most effective when the participants can see, feel and experience the information that is being presented.
  • Reflection & Reminders.  In addition to content, videos and activities, the training consists of multiple opportunities for discussion. Small group and large group discussion about the videos and activities allows for active learning. Pair & share as well as question & answer sessions provide the participants with time for reflection. The training will include activities that result in the teaching staff having items to take back to their classrooms as reminders. Some of these items can be posted in the classrooms to remind them of things to ask children that are aligned with high scoring behaviors.

Are you looking for custom designed CLASS Training Using the “STAR” Method? Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

CLASS Training to Increase Your Instructional Support Scores

High CLASS scores in each of the domains are a must in Head Start. High scoring classrooms are a great indicator of positive teacher/child interactions as well as effectively supporting children’s learning and development. This leads to successful CLASS Reviews as well as best practices in the classroom.

Most Head Start programs score lowest in the Instructional Support domain.  This is understandable as some of the indicators within Concept Development, Quality of Feedback and Language Modeling are complex.  We offer hands-on, practice-based CLASS training designed to increase instructional support scores.

Effective CLASS training consists of keeping the teaching staff highly engaged by utilizing a “learning by doing” approach. It’s based on the principles of adult learning, which results in high impact learning. This hands-on strategy allows the teachers to take back the information that they learn in the training and implement it in their classrooms. Adult learning is most effective when the participants can see, feel and experience the information that is being presented.

Our CLASS training includes showing video clips that demonstrate the interactions and teaching strategies that you want your teachers to display. We will take each dimension within Instructional Support and show videos of what it should look like and should not look like. We take time to discuss the video clips and talk about what the teaching staff saw and how they can deliver high scoring behaviors in their classrooms.

Our hands-on training includes specific examples and strategies in terms of the Head Start classroom. The training participants will have many opportunities to see what high-scoring Instructional Support look like. A variety of learning styles will be utilized, such as:

  • Small group activities;
  • Video clips;
  • Practice scoring;
  • Pair and share;
  • Question and answer sessions; and
  • Interactive exercises.

Are you looking for highly interactive & practice-based CLASS training? Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

Policy Council and Board of Directors Training: Building a Strong Governance Team

The Policy Council and Board of Directors play an important role in your program. The Policy Council is responsible for the direction of your Head Start program and the Board of Directors has a legal and fiscal responsibility to administer and oversee your Head Start program. It’s critical that you provide comprehensive training for your Policy Council and Board of Directors so that they can successfully fulfill their role.

Our highly interactive training for Policy Council & Board of Directors includes topics such as:

  • Roles & Responsibilities – A key element of a successful Head Start program is having a Policy Council & Board of Directors that is knowledgeable about their roles and responsibilities. This includes the new Head Start Program Performance Standards as well as the Head Start Reauthorization regulations. Shared governance is another important part of their role.
  • The history and vision of Head Start – Just as it’s important for staff to be familiar with the history of Head Start, it is important that the Policy Council and Board of Directors are familiar with it as well. Knowing where Head Start came from and where it’s going is critical information as they carry out their governing duties to your program. The mission, vision and guiding principles of Head Start are valuable information to share as well.
  • A strong partnership with the Management Team – It’s essential that your Policy Council and Board of Directors receive training on the value that comes from a strong partnership with the Management Team. Good communication, transparency and trust are key components to creating a successful partnership. A strong partnership will result in a system of effective and efficient governance of the Head Start program.

Our training will inspire your Policy Council and Board of Directors to be fully engaged and invested in your Head Start program. We will explore what your Policy Council and Board of Directors would like to achieve for your Head Start program while they are a part of the governing body. This will show your Policy Council and Board of Directors the tremendous value that they bring to your agency.

Are you looking for highly interactive & engaging training for your Policy Council & Board of Directors? Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

Mentor Coaching Training: The Building Blocks of Effective Mentor Coaching

Mentor Coaching is an important piece of professional development and has become a foundational element in Head Start and Early Head Start programs.  Mentor Coaching is ongoing, grounded in classroom practice, individualized, reflective and intensive.  It provides teachers with an opportunity to self-reflect, set goals, receive feedback and improve their craft.  Effective mentor coaching impacts teacher practice and improves outcomes for children.

We offer highly interactive & practice-based Mentor Coaching training.  It addresses the best practices of Mentor Coaching, including how Mentor Coaching works, coaching models, what good coaches do as well as resources & tools for Mentor Coaching.  Our Mentor Coaching training and Mentor Coaching services are based on the Practice-Based Coaching model.  This model includes (1) planning goals and action steps, (2) engaging in focused observations and (3) reflecting on & sharing feedback regarding teaching behaviors.

The Mentor Coaching training includes topics, such as:

  • Strategies to establish a collaborative partnership;
  • Coaching versus evaluating (coach vs. supervisor);
  • Finding the time to coach;
  • Coaching models;
  • The coaching cycle;
  • How to affect change through the mentor coaching process;
  • Adult learning principles;
  • How to share feedback effectively.

Our training also includes going into classrooms and “practicing” the Mentor Coaching services that were trained on the first day.  This day of practice coaching will include observations, reflection and feedback.

In addition to Mentor Coaching training, we also offer On-site Mentor Coaching Services as well as Long-distance Mentor Coaching Services.  We will custom design a Mentor Coaching plan for your program.

Are you looking for Mentor Coaching training, On-site Mentor Coaching services or Long-distance Mentor Coaching? Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

Hands-On CLASS Training

Are you looking for CLASS training that is relevant to your Head Start classrooms and that inspires your Head Start teachers? Are you looking for CLASS training that is highly interactive and fully engages your Head Start teachers in practice-based learning?

As you know, it’s important to have and maintain high CLASS scores. High scoring classrooms are a great indicator of positive teacher/child interactions that effectively support children’s learning and development. This leads to successful CLASS Reviews as well as best practices in the classroom.

Effective CLASS training consists of keeping the teachers highly engaged by utilizing a “learning by doing” approach. It’s based on the principles of adult learning, which results in high impact learning. This hands-on strategy allows the teachers to take back the information that they learn in the training and implement it in their classrooms. Adult learning is most effective when the participants can see, feel and experience the information that is being presented.

We offer highly interactive and practice-based CLASS training designed to increase CLASS scores. The training will be custom designed to meet the specific needs of your Head Start program. It can cover all of the domains and dimensions – or it can focus on specific domains or dimensions. This hands-on training will include specific examples and effective strategies in terms of the Head Start classroom. The training participants will have many opportunities to see what high-scoring domains and dimensions look like.

Our CLASS trainings include showing video clips that demonstrate the interactions and teaching strategies that you want your teachers to display. We take each domain and dimension and show videos of what each dimension should look like and should not look like. We take time to discuss the video clips and talk about what the teachers saw and how they can deliver high scoring behaviors in their classrooms.

Are you looking for highly interactive & custom designed CLASS training? Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

EHS Training: Baby Steps to School Readiness

School readiness is the first step to ensure that no matter where a child starts, it will not determine how far they can go. How can your high quality infant-toddler classrooms maximize learning? This highly interactive training looks at how Early Head Start programs can unlock children’s potential and provide them with a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

The first three years are critical in a child’s social and cognitive development. Responsive caregiving is the key to providing high quality infant/toddler care. Research shows that infants and toddlers who have been nurtured in caring, individualized environments produce the greatest positive outcomes.

We offer custom designed training will share practical strategies to provide responsive caregiving. We will clarify what school readiness means for programs serving infants and toddlers. Utilizing recent research on brain development and infant-toddler CLASS, caregivers will learn valuable skills to enhance the learning environment. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to strengthen their capacity to provide high quality teacher-child interactions.

This on-site, practice-based training will include:

  • The Early Head Start expectations regarding school readiness for infants and toddlers;
  • Strategies to provide teacher-child interactions that are high quality and based on current brain research;
  • How to design learning environments that promote cognitive development and foster social/emotional skills; and
  • Opportunities to develop an action plan to increase awareness and responsiveness to all children within the classroom.

Are you looking for highly interactive & custom designed training on “Baby Steps to School Readiness” for your Early Head Start staff? Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

Leadership Development Training: Building Strong Leaders at Your Centers

We often hear about leadership development opportunities for Content Area Managers and other staff on your Management Team. We believe that it’s also important to develop the leaders at your centers. The leaders at our centers have daily contact with the children and families and make important programmatic decisions on a regular basis.

It’s important to have strong leaders in place across your program. We need Center Directors to provide leadership for their center…guiding their staff and taking accountability for their center. We need Family Service Workers and Home Visitors to provide our families with excellent customer service – and help them to be engaged in their child’s education and on the road to self-sufficiency. And we need Content Area Managers to ensure that high quality services are being provided effectively and efficiently… and that their content area stays in full compliance.

Leadership Development Training is a great step to building strong leaders. We offer on-site, highly interactive Leadership Development Training that includes topics such as:

  • Leadership versus management;
  • Building a culture of teamwork;
  • Identifying your supervisory style;
  • Professionalism in the workplace;
  • Your role and responsibilities as a leader;
  • Setting expectations and accountability;
  • Identifying ways that staff can support each other as professionals;
  • Giving staff the tools to be successful;
  • Delivering exceptional customer service;
  • A focus on compliance monitoring (always staying “Review-ready”);
  • Going above and beyond in attitude and action.

This custom designed training provides staff with an opportunity to learn about what it takes to be a leader – and it provides them with opportunities to “practice” being a strong leader.

Are you looking for highly interactive & practice-based Leadership Development Training for the leaders at your centers? Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

Training for Family Service Workers: “Empathize, Encourage & Empower: Building Successful Relationships with Parents”

It is essential that families are fully engaged in the lives of their children, including being invested in their child’s education. Establishing meaningful family engagement in your program is critical.  It’s the basis for many other programmatic activities and requirements. The Family Service Worker is the first point of contact for our families. Engaging families and establishing a good working relationship with them is a foundational element in Head Start.

We’ve found that building successful relationships with parents includes:

  • Empathize: Finding the right approach for effective work with families starts with an ability to extend empathy… to understand where they are and where they want to go. Engage and build connection with families by allowing adequate time for conversation and listening with an open mind.  Initiate “rich” conversations with families that get to the heart of where families are and where they want to be.  Create a safe environment for them to share their strengths and open up about areas of challenge.
  • Encourage: To encourage means to “walk along side of” and that is exactly how we want to approach our work with families. Take the time to extend assurance, to work together to create solutions and to offer support in a patient and helpful way. This will lead to meaningful connections.Take time to discover what the family is all about and what is important to them – recognizing their strengths and needs.
  • Empower: Helping families to be involved in their child’s learning is a key component to empowering families. This sets them up for success during their time in Head Start – and after Head Start. Recognize the importance of the parents’ role as their child’s first and most important teacher. Build partnerships as they enter the educational process. Assist as families learn to advocate for their children. Being involved in their child’s education will allow families to grow and be on their way to self-sufficiency.

Are you looking for highly interactive & practice-based training on“Empathize, Encourage & Empower: Building Successful Relationships with Parents”? This training will be custom designed to meet the important role of your Family Service Workers. Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.

Training for Home Visitors: The Home Visitor as the Coach

Home Visitors have such a short period of time with families each week, yet such a big to-do list. In home-based programs, the Home Visitor is the person who brings all that Head Start or Early Head Start has to offer into the homes of our families. It’s important that Home Visitors are highly organized, focused and clear about their role.

Too often, Home Visitors take over the parents’ role of being their child’s first and most important teacher. They do this by planning the activities, bringing the materials and working directly with the child at the home visit. As a Coach, Home Visitors will be surprised at what happens when they step out of the spotlight and focus on what’s happening between family members. In the role as Coach, Home Visitors will learn to pivot to the parent-child relationship and the everyday interactions that support the child’s development. Coaches stay in the moment, use daily routines and help parents observe, reflect and adapt their behavior to meet their child and family’s needs. The role of the Home Visitor is to empower the parent(s) to support the child’s growth and development. This approach looks for ways that parents can “get it right” so they have more confidence. This confidence will increase the parents’ skills and abilities – and support their child’s readiness for school.

We offer highly interactive & practice-based training that focuses on best practices of Home Visiting – the Home Visitor’s role as the Coach, how to Engage Families during Home Visits,  how to have Successful Socializations … and more! It’s essential that Home Visitors have the skills and confidence needed to lay the foundation for school readiness.

This Home Visitor training includes topics such as:

  • The Home Visitor as the Coach
  • Building strong relationships with families
  • Establishing boundaries; Safety & Awareness
  • Utilizing the Home as a learning environment
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Successful socializations
  • Adult education techniques
  • Working with challenging families

Are you looking for highly interactive & practice-based Training for your Home Visitors on “The Home Visitor as the Coach”? This training will be custom designed to meet the unique role of your Home Visitors. Give us a call at (704) 451-3255 or email us at kristinecortina@hsessentials.com.