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Early Childhood
The first five years of life are a period of incredible
growth in children. Thus, it is imperative that the
early childhood workforce have the knowledge and
competencies necessary to optimize children's
development and prepare them for current and future
success.
All new staff, consultants, and volunteers receive
orientation that focuses, at a minimum, on the goals and
philosophy of the program and their implementation
process.
At a minimum, staff receive 16 clock hours of
professional development per year.
Professional development topics include, but not limited
to:
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Building knowledge,
experience, and competencies to improve child and
family outcomes
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Best practices for
implementing family engagement strategies
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Health and safety
practices that ensure children are kept safe at all
times
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Methods to handle
suspected or known child abuse and neglect cases
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Research-based
approaches focused on effective curricula
implementation
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Research-based
coordinated coaching
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Full and effective
participation of children who are dual language
learners or have disabilities
School Age
Knowledge is a lifelong process. The Great Explorations
program is committed to providing staff with continuous
professional development opportunities.
Upon hire, staff receive an orientation and program
introduction. Site coordinators review the daily
routine, mandated reporting, the principles of program
quality, child and youth development, and other
components. Training is ongoing from the point of hire
with weekly opportunities for learning. Annually staff
members receive a minimum of 16 hours of training. Great
Explorations is home to three Center for Youth Program
Quality-Youth Work Methods facilitators. Trainings vary
but may include:
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Active Learning
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Communicating with
Youth (Ask-Listen-Encourage)
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Building Community
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Inviting Youth Voice
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Homework Help
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Refraining Conflict
The Great Explorations programs also participate in
regular self-assessment, including goal setting and
site-specific professional development to ensure
needs within varying student populations are met.
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