The Director's Link Newsletter (Winter 2008)
Help Wanted: Mentors

[Cover Story by Shirley Flath] Dedicated professionals who are eager for new challenges. Successful candidates will empower others in positive growth and reap personal satisfaction beyond measure. Are you interested in this position? If you are, you'll join the ranks of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Alexander the Great. History and legend tell of princes and kings who had mentors. Read more »

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

Last chance to register! 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 15-17, 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. To register, contact Terese Amidei at (847) 640-9590 or tamidei@childrenshomeandaid.org.
• 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.

Participants can now register online. For more information including sponsorship opportunities, download a conference brochure or contact Donna Jonas at (800) 443-5522, ext.5058 or donna.jonas@nl.edu.