Using the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards, this module will look at the differences between “community” and a “sense of community, including ideas for creating and strengthening a sense of community. Participants will explore the ideas of the surrounding community as a resource and how to support children and youth engagement within it.

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: FCR (2 hours)     CDA Content Areas: 3 (1 hours), 5 (1 hour)

Families are central to the lives of children and youth. It is essential that all school-age and youth programs be “family friendly” and inviting so that families feel welcomed and valued. Using the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards, this session will explore ways to partner with families to enhance the experience of children and youth. 

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: CPD (1hour); FCR (1  hour)     CDA Content Areas: 4 (1 hour), 5 (1 hour)

This module will focus on how the personal and professional development of school-age and youth providers profoundly impacts the children, youth, families and colleges they work with. National Afterschool Association (NAA) Standards in human relationships and administration will be discussed. 

Contact Hours: 2 hours       Gateways Content Areas: PPD (2 hours)    CDA Content Areas: 6 (2 hours)

This course provides information on caring for children with special needs in typical child care settings. The training helps increase the knowledge and comfort level of participants to enhance their ability to care for young children with disabilities in early childhood environments. It will discuss adaptations and modifications that will assist all children to participate in activities. This meets the DCFS requirement for early childhood providers in special care inclusion training. The course will provide 7 contact hours and/or 1/2 Gateways credential point.

Esta capacitación está disponible en español aquí.