Thursday, June 7, 2012


Early Childhood Center Directors

Networking Meeting

May 10th    -   10:00 AM - noon 

Think Small, West Office - 2021 E. Hennepin Ave., Mpls



Presentation:   Preventing Legal Flare-Ups in Early Childhood Programs

Speaker:    Tom Copeland, J.D. will guide directors through common scenarios that arise in child care centers and discuss the legal ramifications. Issues highlighted will include:

o   Reducing Conflicts with Parents: Using Contracts and Policies Effectively

o   Building Partnerships with Families: Preventing Sticky Situations and Promoting Clear Expectations

o   Balancing Minority and Majority Needs in Our Programs

o   Privacy and Confidentiality in the Age of the Internet



Tom Copeland is a licensed attorney specializing in legal and business issues for early childhood programs. A national trainer, advocate and author of nine books published by Redleaf Press, Tom worked at Resources for Child Caring (now Think Small) for 28 years and served on the board of directors of  First Children's Finance. Tom’s forthcoming book, Preventing Legal Flare-Ups in Early Childhood Programs  for child care centers with co-author Holly Elissa Bruno will be available Fall 2012.



What Do Teachers Need From Their Director?

Join us for a directors’ dialogue on what’s working in your program and your questions for other directors. Come share with colleagues your examples, ideas and challenges on orienting staff, building mutual respect, sharing decision-making, ensuring staff know and comply with Rule 3 and program standards, and nurturing a learning community for adults as well as children.



All center directors and assistant directors are invited to attend the EC Directors Group. We meet on the second Thursday of the month from 10 AM – Noon at Think Small offices at 2021 Hennepin Ave. E., Mpls.



Come join us!



May 10th Meeting Agenda



1.  Welcome



2.  Presentation:    Preventing Legal Flare-Ups in Early Childhood

                             Programs

3.  Discussion Topic:    What Do Teachers Need From Their Director?



4.  State legislative update  -   Child Care WORKS



5.  Summer and fall ec directors group topics



6.   Licensing issues, updates, and networking




PARENT AWARE INFO SESSION



Immediately following the EC Directors meeting, from Noon – 1:00 PM, a Parent Aware Information Session will provide  center directors with everything you need to know to apply for the July – December  Parent Aware quality rating group. Currently rated programs are also encouraged to attend an Information Session to learn about the changes in Parent Aware since the pilot.  Parent Aware ratings for programs in the Parent Aware pilot will expire by December 31, 2012. The July cohort is the last opportunity to ensure that your program will not have a lapse in your rating. Please call Brandi baker at 651-233-2264 to RSVP.  Questions?  Contact Nancy Johnson at 651-233-2260 or njohnson@thinksmall.org

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