Professional Development and Technical Assistance in Early Childhood Education Personalized for Your Community
Explorations Unlimited, LLC provides a range of professional development services in either/both English and Spanish. These services include: single workshops, workshop series, designing and teaching a training program (such as a CDA training program), and designing and teaching college courses. All services are based upon developmentally appropriate practice as delineated in the NAEYC DAP Position Statement. (https://www.naeyc.org/resources/developmentally-appropriate-practice/) Best practices in adult education are used to provide the framework for all professional development.
On-Site Technical Assistance
We provide on-site technical assistance for a minimum of two hours, which could include:
Videography of teaching staff in action with a focused discussion afterward
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Material making for the classroom
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Observations and recommendations; written report optional
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In-depth program assessment with a written report
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Bibliography development (a list of books created to meet a client's specific needs)
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Curriculum development
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Program procedures and policies
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Strategic planning
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Facilitated staff meetings
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Classroom demonstrations
Child Development Associate (CDA) Training and Support
The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education (ECE) and is a key stepping stone on the path of career advancement in ECE. It is administered by the Council for Professional Recognition. The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is based on a core set of competency standards, which guide early care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children.
Explorations Unlimited, LLC, with Children’s Friend, provides over 140 hours of professional development (to meet all professional development [training/classes] requirements), mentoring and technical assistance to support qualified adults towards obtaining a CDA credential.
Child development covers the full scope of skills that a child masters over their life span, including development in:
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Professional Development includes:
- Planning a safe, healthy learning environment
- Advancing children's physical and intellectual development
- Supporting children's social and emotional development
- Building productive relationships with families
- Managing an effective program
- Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
- Observing and recording children's behavior
- Understanding principles of child development and learning
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Observation of CDA candidate during teaching practicum with follow-up notes and meeting (on-site or via Zoom)
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Review and edits of CDA Portfolio items
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Limited support on Microsoft Word (e.g. focus on editing own written material, computer shortcuts and other basic tasks)
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Mentoring
Mentoring
Mentoring is individualized and is responsive to the mentee’s self-identified needs and interests. Use of videography, reflective practice and classroom/program demonstrations with children are some of the options available for support.
On-site or Zoom meetings are provided as an integral component of the growth process.
Workshops and Workshop Series
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Parents/Guardians
Find the Right Service
From our variety of offerings, we can assure you that you will find an effective service to help you meet the needs of young children, their families, and your own personal and professional growth. Reach out to us to find out how we can assist you.