Research Notes (Fall 2007)
Portrait of Leadership in an Early Childhood Learning Organization

Early childhood programs are subject to increasing expectations for staff qualifications and greater accountability for child and program outcomes. Roots and Wings: Portrait of Leadership in an Early Childhood Learning Organization is a case study of leadership in a community-based early childhood program which effectively blends public funding for Head Start, child care, and pre-kindergarten to provide a program of excellence. Findings from this study shed new light on the leadership principles and practices that are effective in addressing the many adaptive challenges embedded in the current culture of change. Read more »

Half-Day Workshop: Navigating the Internet
National-Louis University, Chicago Campus (Map and Directions)
Friday, December 14, 2007

Last chance to register! Maximize the power of your Web browser and improve your online researching skills. Visit many popular early childhood Web sites and learn how to save and organize your favorites. This half-day, interactive workshop will be held at National-Louis University's Chicago Campus in Room 4036 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participant portion of the training cost is only $35. To register, download a brochure and complete the registration form or contact Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu.

Supporting Directors as the Gatekeepers to Quality
National-Louis University, Wheeling Campus Annex (Map and Directions)
February 11-14 and May 21-22, 2008

Designed for college instructors, directors of multi-site programs, education coordinators, independent consultants, and resource and referral specialists, "Supporting Directors as the Gatekeepers to Quality" will provide in-depth training on how to use the Program Administration Scale (PAS) to help directors of center-based programs prepare for Illinois Quality Counts: Quality Rating System. Funding is provided by the Grand Victoria Foundation. Participant portion of the training cost is only $150. To apply, download a flyer and complete the application form by January 11, 2008. For more information, contact Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu.

Half-Day Workshop: Communicating Your Marketing Message to the Digital World
National-Louis University, North Shore Campus (Map and Directions)
Friday, January 11, 2008

Learn how to integrate technology into your program's marketing and outreach efforts by designing and distributing print and electronic publications. Discover today's "hot" Internet-based communication tools that can help keep you connected with parents and staff. This half-day, interactive workshop will be held at National-Louis University's North Shore Campus in Room 627 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participant portion of the training cost is only $35. To register, download a brochure and complete the registration form or contact Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu.

Beginner Technology Course
National-Louis University, Elgin Campus (Map and Directions)
January 15, 29 and February 5, 12, 2008

This course provides an introduction to computer technology as an administrative tool in the management of child care programs. Lab sessions will be held at National-Louis University's Elgin Campus in Room 119A from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Additional content will be delivered online.

Topics include:

• Maximizing the potential of the Internet as a tool for research and online communication
• Creating memos, flyers, newsletters, and forms with Microsoft® Word
• Developing slide show presentations with Microsoft® PowerPoint®
• Constructing spreadsheets with Microsoft® Excel

Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS). Participant portion of the training cost is only $75. Participants may also receive two semester hours of graduate credit from NLU (ECE534, Technology in Child Care Administration I) by paying an additional fee. Enrollment is limited and priority will be given to administrators whose programs serve IDHS-funded children. To register, download a brochure and complete the registration form or contact Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu.

Leadership Connections
The Westin Chicago North Shore (Map and Directions)
May 14-17, 2008

Join us at the luxurious Westin Chicago North Shore for this highly acclaimed professional development opportunity especially designed for center directors, lead teachers and supervisors, trainers and consultants, technical assistance specialists, and family child care providers. Three stimulating days of training, exhibits, networking, and fun! Meet and learn from national experts in leadership and program management. Total conference package is only $375 before February 1, 2008.

This includes:

• Thursday: Opening Luncheon and Keynote, Public Policy Forum, Networking Reception, Spotlight on Best Practices, and Pamper Yourself Activities
• Friday: Continental Breakfast, Skill-Building Clinics, Box Lunch, Marketplace, Meet the Authors, and Afternoon Ice Cream Treat
• Saturday: Continental Breakfast, Seminars, and Closing Luncheon and Keynote
• Plus: Executive Portfolio, Yellow Pages of Professional Resources, and LOTS of Raffle Prizes and Gifts

There is also a full day of preconference activities offered on Wednesday, May 14, 2008.

• Getting Ready for the PAS: This workshop provides an overview of the Program Administration Scale and a requirement for those seeking to apply for start levels three and four of the Illinois Quality Counts: Quality Rating System. Pre-registration required, $15.
• Chicago Children's Museum Tour and Documentation Workshop: Explore the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier and enjoy a workshop on documentation. Space is limited and pre-registration required, $70.
• Belmont-Cragin/Gertrude B. Nielsen Child Care and Learning Center Tour: Explore the Reggio inspired Belmon-Cragin Center in Chicago then tour the premiere Gertrude B. Nielsen Child Care and Learning Center in Northbrook. Space is limited and pre-registration required, $70.

Look for registration materials in your mailbox or download the conference brochure. Online registration will be available soon! For more information including sponsorship opportunities, contact Donna Jonas at (800) 443-5522, ext.5058 or donna.jonas@nl.edu.