This session will be held at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Learning Institute. This session will explore how Illinois and Colorado used statewide surveys to better understand their workforce needs and vulnerabilities. From the survey data, both states identified challenges related to hiring and retaining staff. The presentation will highlight the data and recommend strategies to mitigate turnover. Strategies shared will focus on developing directors/administrators and wage supplement programs for early childhood professionals. Participants will discuss how the Illinois and Colorado strategies may be applied to their states and localities.

This session will be held at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Learning Institute. A nurturing heart is an essential part of family child care, but quality care is hard to sustain without sound business and professional practices in place. The Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS) was designed as a tool to measure and guide such practices. This session will include an update on national norms, an overview of changes to the second edition, and interactive activities on how to incorporate the BAS into leadership academies and QRIS. 

This online module is designed to provide Illinois early childhood leaders with an overview of the Program Administration Scale (PAS). Learn how formal assessment can help you identify strengths and target areas for improvement. You’ll spend time exploring what each item of the PAS measures, have the opportunity to practice scoring, prep for a formal assessment, […]

The heart of effective staff relations is recognizing and appreciating individual differences. This online module provides a comprehensive model for supervising staff, promoting their ongoing professional development, and creating a strengths-based team. You’ll learn about the importance of tailoring your supervisory style and professional development strategies to the individualized needs of each staff member, how […]

This online module is designed to provide you with an overview of the Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS). Learn how formal assessment of your business and professional practices can help you identify program strengths and target areas for improvement. You’ll spend time exploring what each item of the BAS measures, have the opportunity […]

This online module introduces you to operations management and looks at the director’s critical role in managing the day-to-day operations of the program. You’ll learn about the necessary components of effective operations management including: systems and the importance of systems thinking; stakeholder analysis and management; the strategic planning process; how systems, policies, and procedures are […]

This online module is designed to provide Illinois family child care providers with an overview of the Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS). Learn how formal assessment of your business and professional practices can help you identify program strengths and target areas for improvement. You’ll spend time exploring what each item of the BAS measures, […]

This online module examines the key issues pertinent to managing a fiscally responsible early childhood business. You’ll study the legal requirements and tax implications that relate to the operation of programs with differing ownership status. You’ll be introduced to the language of accounting and work with budgets, calculations, and financial reports to practice making informed […]

This online module considers the importance of the physical environment in early childhood programs. It begins with an overview of the essential elements of environments and how to design and equip indoor and outdoor environments to support children’s development and learning. You’ll then learn how to ensure that the environment welcomes all children and adults, […]

Program evaluation plays an important role in the administration of high-quality early care and education programs. This online module provides a framework for understanding and implementing effective evaluation practices. You’ll learn how to select appropriate evaluation tools to achieve your program goals. You’ll learn how to implement continuous quality improvement, the leadership practice of assessing […]