Track 8
Adult Learning III – Strategies for Providing Effective Early Childhood Technical Assistance and Support

Sandra Morris
Co-director, Instructor and Inclusion Outreach Coordinator Child Care plus+: Center on Inclusion in Early Childhood The University of Montana Rural Institute

Susan Harper-Whalen
Co-director, Instructor and Inclusion Outreach Coordinator Child Care plus+: Center on Inclusion in Early Childhood The University of Montana Rural Institute

Adult Learning III fills the need for solid and practical skills in the provision of effective technical assistance.  Participants in this track receive a workbook that includes the information covered in the sessions, learning activities completed during the sessions, and forms for future use.  Participants develop individual action plans, and receive a Peer TA and Support Packet to guide their practice in real-life TA events after they return to the work place.

Adult Learning III is designed for anyone who provides technical assistance for early childhood practitioners of any duration or intensity including: early childhood trainers/faculty, lead teachers, mentor coordinators, mentors, licensors, food program monitors, home visitors, consultants, program directors, etc.

Learning Outcomes:  Upon completion of this track, participants will be able to

• Define technical assistance and the practices that make technical assistance most effective.
• Apply their knowledge of the Developmental Stages of Early Childhood Professionals (L. Katz) and the characteristics of learners at each developmental stage to identify strategies to use with individuals depending upon their stage.
• Apply NAEYC guidelines for Professional Development to technical assistance events.
• Describe and use a step-by-step process for delivering effective technical assistance which includes 1) developing relationships and building trust; 2) gathering information; 3) delivering effective technical assistance; and 4) evaluating the technical assistance outcomes and processes.
• Support the change process and use practical strategies for fostering change.
• Recognize the impact of early childhood dispositions on the learning process.
• Learn methods for overcoming and dealing with resistance.
• Establish 1 - 2 learning goals based on the above learning outcomes and develop an action plan for goal achievement.

An additional $30.00 materials fee is required for this Track

Back to List of Tracks