Early Learning & Development Standards - "ELDS"
Come learn about the VA state standards for preschool. The Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS) is a research-based list of "skills and knowledge that children need to demonstrate by the end of preschool in order to be successful in kindergarten." It is expected that all preschool programs will implement the use of these standards. Join us to learn about the organization and contents of this document as well as the ways in which it can make you a more effective educator.
Participants interested in being part of our next cohort (ECE 101)* must attend this training prior to the beginning of the first cohort meeting (Sept. 23). You will receive a copy of the ELDS at the time of the training.
Trainer: Diane Postman
*The ECE 101 cohort is a group of educators who will meet five times, about once a month, to learn about a variety of instructional topics. See https://www.firstsparkva.org/vqb5-event/ece-101-cohort-registration-read-carefully/
If this training is full, or you are unable to register for technical reasons, please contact epostman@firstsparkva.org.
ECE 101 Cohort Registration (READ CAREFULLY)
Make sure you read the section titled IMPORTANT very carefully.
Every fall and winter, we offer a special opportunity for all VQB5 educators to join one of our ECE 101 curriculum cohorts. What exactly is a cohort? A cohort is a group of educators who meet monthly to learn about a variety of instructional topics. We will meet five times beginning on Sept. 23. The topics and dates are listed at the bottom of this page. All trainings will be held IN PERSON at the FirstSpark office at 11832 Cannon Blvd., Suite F in Newport News on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30. They are fun and informative! You will leave each session with lots of teaching tips PLUS you'll also receive free goodies for your classroom. That's right F-R-E-E!
IMPORTANT:
In order to qualify to be part of a cohort, you must complete an Early Learning & Child Development (ELDS) training with us. If you already have, you are eligible. If you have not, you can still be eligible. Just attend the ELDS trainings being offered on Sept. 10. (Registration is open now): https://www.firstsparkva.org/vqb5-event/ece-101-092326/
You may register any time, but our cohorts fill up fast so don't delay. On or about Sept. 20, you will receive an IMPORTANT email to finalize your registration. Please monitor your email so you don't miss this message. If you have not completed an ELDS training by the deadline, your registration will be voided. There are only 20 slots open, so do not delay.
Trainer: Diane Postman
Questions? Contact Diane at dpostman@firstsparkva.org.
Preventing & Responding to Challenging Behaviors
This training is full.
Please be advised: both trainings will be held IN-PERSON at the FirstSpark office in Newport News. Part 1 will be on Thursday, Mar. 19. Part 2 will be on Thursday, Mar. 26.
Description:
If you find classroom management challenging, you are not alone. This training is the first in a 2-part series that will help you look at and handle student behavior in a different way.
In part 1, "Preventing Challenging Behaviors", you will discover ways to set up and manage your classroom that will help to stop behaviors before they start!
Part 2, "Responding to Challenging Behaviors", delves into how to handle behaviors once they occur. You will be shown ways to respond to minor day-to-day behaviors as well as a step-by-step plan for handling chronic, more serious behaviors.
While we offer no magic solutions, come join us to create your own "bag of tricks" to help manage behaviors.
IMPORTANT: You will automatically be registered for part 2, "Responding to Challenging Behaviors".
Trainer: Diane Postman
Note: If registration is full or closed, you can contact Eric Postman about being added to the waitlist: epostman@firstspark.va
Circle Time
Love circle time or dread it? Circle can and should be a group gathering that is both fun and educational. In this training we will discuss what works and what does not. Methods for engaging children and holding their attention will be covered. Preparation, seating, rules and management strategies will be addressed. You will also will be shown a variety of enjoyable activities and guided to plan an effective Circle Time experience. Join this training to make your Circle the best it can be!
Note: This is an in person training.
Trainer: Diane Postman
If this training is full and you would like to be added to the waitlist, contact Eric Postman at epostman@firstsparkva.org