LLF skill development programs propose new ways to look at traditional challenges of teaching young children and engaging their parents. Programs for administrators explore the logistics, budgeting, and evaluation issues of  programs for families.  Programs for direct service providers stimulate creativity and enhance planning skills.

For Administrators:

Staffing, Budgeting, Evaluating Strategies for Engaging Families

Principals and directors discuss the  benefits and how-to’s of developing parents’ informal education skills.  Staffing, scheduling, budgeting, and evaluation of large group activities that engage parents in partnership with the school are explored. Participants consider the community resources that can help with informal education. Clear goals and appropriate outcome indicators support planning and potential grant development. 1 hour of phone-based technical assistance supports the workshop.

New Strategies for Enhancing School Climate and On-Time Attendance

Principals and directors explore site-based approaches to improving school climate and school attendance using the Perfectly Punctual Campaign and Community Build strategies.

For Direct Service Providers:

Immersion Program in Visual Literacy

3-5 days on site series plus follow-up support

Professionals learn to use visual clues systematically to explore everyday objects and environments and incorporate the strategy into enrichment programs for parents and children. Participants explore sample materials and create their own materials for classroom, out-of-school time, and/or parent programs. The intensive on site professional development program is supported by 2 follow-up group sessions over a six month period and up to 10 hours of individual phone support over a 9 month period.

Introduction to Visual Literacy

One-day workshop introduces visual vocabulary and the ways it can be used to help parents recognize their own creativity. Participants review the research that supports learning through looking, explore the immediate surroundings for visual clues to the meaning and history of everyday objects and environments,  and apply the process to activities and learning outcomes for children. Participants make and share lesson plans and activities to support their current work. The workshop is supported by up to 3 hours of phone-based technical assistance.

Creating  Large Group  Informal Learning Activities for Families

The one-day workshop devotes half a day to school based activities and half a day to community-based activities exploring themes with wide appeal and application. Brainstorming themes is followed by role playing activities and developing lists of follow-up materials for take homes. Logistics, costs and the relative benefits of school-based and community based experiences are discussed. The workshop includes up to 3 hours of phone-based technical assistance over 6 months.