Online Discussion with Holly Elissa Bruno
Legal and Ethical Issues in Early Childhood
May 21-26, 2007

Join early childhood professionals from across the country for a week-long online discussion with Holly Elissa Bruno. Ms. Bruno has served as Assistant Attorney General for the state of Maine, Assistant Dean at the University of Maine School of Law, and Strategic Planner for the University of Maine system. Currently she is partner in Bruno Duraturo Consulting of Boston where her work focuses on personnel law issues such as hiring, firing, and the American with Disabilities Act. She holds a J.D. from the University of Maine School of Law and has published several articles on leadership in Exchange and Leadership Quest.
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Computer Technology Training Specifically Designed for Early Childhood Administrators
National-Louis University, Lisle, Illinois Campus (Map and Directions)
June 1, 8, 15, 22 and Online

Learn how to:

• Maximize the potential of the Internet as a tool for research and online communication
• Create memos, flyers, newsletters, and forms with Microsoft® Word
• Develop slide show presentations with Microsoft® PowerPoint®
• Construct spreadsheets with Microsoft® Excel

This technology training includes 28 contact hours of traditional classroom and online instruction. Participants will receive two Illinois Director Credential (IDC) management competency points. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants. Funding has been provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Participants' portion is only $50 for all instruction, a copy of Microsoft® Office XP: A Training Manual for Early Childhood Administrators, and a flash drive. There is also the option to earn graduate credit by paying an additional fee. For more information, download a flyer or contact Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu. Last chance to register, this course is almost full!

Taking Charge of Change – OUR 15TH YEAR!
National-Louis University, Wheeling, Illinois Campus Annex (Map and Directions)
Summer Institute: July 30 – August 4, 2007

Join the ranks of over 400 directors in Illinois who have taken part in this extraordinary professional development experience. Taking Charge of Change is guaranteed to transform how you think about your role as an early childhood leader. Training begins with a six-day residential institute July 30 – August 4, 2007 at the McCormick Tribune Center for Early Childhood Leadership in Wheeling. Topics focus on individual and organizational change and the director's role as change agent. A comprehensive model for improving the quality of early childhood programs is presented. A follow-up retreat will be held November 15-17, 2007 where participants report on their progress in implementing a program improvement plan. Taking Charge of Change culminates with four days of training in conjunction with Leadership Connections in May 2008.

This training opportunity is limited to 28 participants. Priority is given to early childhood administrators of DCFS-licensed and license-exempt programs serving low-income children. Funding has been provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Participants' portion is only $400 for all housing, food, texts, and materials. Application deadline is May 31, 2007. For more information, download a brochure or contact Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu.

Fall Management Institute: Building Financially Fit Families and Staff
National-Louis University, Wheeling, Illinois Campus Annex (Map and Directions)
Save the Dates: October 12-13, 2007

Center directors are uniquely positioned to help the families and staff they work with build the necessary skills to become financially literate. This October the McCormick Tribune Center for Early Childhood Leadership will offer an institute designed to educate early childhood leaders about the benefits of educating their families and staff on responsible money management, budget techniques, payday loans, the credit process, where to seek help if credit problems occur, and how to build savings and investments. For more information, download a brochure or contact Debra Trude-Suter at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5056 or debra.trudesuter@nl.edu.

7th Annual Leadership Connections a Great Success!

Alive with the energy of 500 enthusiastic early childhood professionals, the Chicago Marriott O'Hare was the site of the seventh annual Leadership Connections conference earlier this month. Thanks to all of the presenters and participants who made this year's conference such an invigorating event. A special thank you to our sponsors for their generous support:

Save the dates: Next year's conference will be held May 8-10, 2008. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Donna Jonas at (800) 443-5522, ext. 5058 or donna.jonas@nl.edu.