Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

naeycSupporting Teachers, Strengthening Families

Generously supported by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

The Big PictureDoris Duke Charitable FoundationChild Abuse Prevention Program

Program Mission: To protect children from

abuse and neglect in order to promote their

healthy development.

Strategy: To infuse successful prevention

practices into normal, non-stigmatizing systems

that large numbers of families with young

children encounter on a regular basis.

Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Families

Goal:

To support early

childhood professionals

in efforts to strengthen families…

Strategies:• Actively engage early

childhood professionals in these efforts

• Prepare & support early childhood professionals

• Identify & support leaders in the field

Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

Goal and strategies: another view

Strengthen

families

Engage field

Prepare & Support

Identify &

support

leaders

Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

Family Strengthening Strategies:Engage, prepare, & support…

• Developmentally appropriate practice• Reciprocal relationships with families• Recognize risks/signs of abuse & provide

appropriate support• Help address challenging behaviors• Build on child and family strengths• Know professional responsibilities & seek

professional development opportunities

Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

NAEYC Priorities

Families & ChildrenLeadership

Development

Quality Programs

& Accreditation

(Relationships, Families,

Communities)

Professional

Development

Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

Supporting Teachers, Strengthening Families National Leadership Program

• Two cohorts (2005 and 2006) • Participants:

– Meet face-to-face twice during the year– Develop & implement Action Plans – Receive a grant of $1,000– Are linked to resources, materials, & support – Connect through regular conference calls & email– Participate in reporting & evaluation activities  

Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

Action Plan Activities

• Presentations & trainings• College courses• Collaboration/coalitions• Connections with other

DDCF grantees• Mini-conferences• State-level advocacy • Funds/in-kind

support/donations • Statewide affiliate office • New services for families

Promoting excellence in early childhood educationPromoting excellence in early childhood educationnaeyc

What does this mean for me?

• Can be replicated

• Range of ideas & opportunities for professionals at all levels

• Low- or no-cost

• Connects with current practice

• Materials are readily available from NAEYC, CSSP, CSEFEL, etc.