Special Projects
The following are Forum initiatives usually requested
by funders for special contracts and deliverables.
Professional development is an issue that requires
careful consideration, planning, and action before
requirements for early childhood teacher qualifications
can be modified. To this end, the Children's
Forum and the
Florida Head Start Collaboration Office
have initiated preliminary research to inform practice
in institutions of higher education, as well as
informal educational opportunities in Florida. Analysis
of educational opportunities enables policymakers
and institutions of higher education to make informed
decisions on the provision of early childhood coursework.
Two phases of research are currently in progress.
Year 1 Research.
The focus of current research in Florida is the
general status of articulation, effective strategies
being used by selected training and education programs,
and how to best move forward in expanding current
practices and formalizing early childhood education
professional development systems. The purpose of
the research is to provide accurate baseline data
about the number of programs in Florida offering
early childhood degrees, the characteristics of
faculty in those programs and the kinds of coursework
and practica experiences provided to students; and
to describe the challenges faced by faculty members
in meeting the professional development needs of
the early childhood workforce.
Year 2 Research.
In Florida, informal child development training,
or training that is not for credit, is a predominant
form of professional development for early childhood
teachers. If the issue of articulation is ever to
be fully addressed a comprehensive approach, including
research and analysis of current informal training
systems, is necessary before modifications to the
professional development system can occur. An assessment
of informal training opportunities, such as the
state mandated hours, Child Development Associate
(not for credit), and training offered for by
continuing
educational unit (CEU) authorized entities would
complete the analysis of professional development
systems for early childhood teachers in Florida.
Year 2 Brief Addendum (pdf format)
The TEACH Program addresses the problems of
poor education, low compensation, and high turnover
in the child care sector by providing early childhood
professional development opportunities for teachers,
directors, and family child care providers. Since
the Program went statewide in 1998, a database has
been maintained with data on each participant. Analysis
of three-year program data will enable Forum staff,
teachers, educators, and policymakers to become
educated on TEACH recipients, coursework, and
classroom outcomes.
TEACH Technical Report Brief (180kb)
Full TEACH Technical Report (230kb)
Provider Appreciation Day has been designated as a special day to
recognize those individuals who provide child care and early learning
for Florida's young children. Celebrated the Friday before Mother's
Day, this annual event gives children, parents and administrators an
opportunity to thank early care and education providers for their
contribution.
To learn more about Provider Appreciation Day visit the national
website at
http://www.providersfirst.com/.
Originally established
as Children's Day in 1988, the 2002
Legislature renamed this official Florida holiday
as Parents' and Children's Day.
On the first Sunday in April, communities recognize
and celebrate one of our most valuable state resources
- Florida families. Join us in commemorating
Parents' and Children's Day
by participating in or organizing community activities,
ceremonies and events that honor families.
Each year, Children's Week puts a spotlight on children and
family issues facing Florida's Legislature. The Forum partners
with other statewide advocacy groups to host events during the
legislative session and Children's Week. More than 2,000
children, child care and early learning professionals,
parents, and advocates converge in Tallahassee to educate
legislators about the importance of early childhood and family
issues. Each year, Children's Week kicks off with the annual
hanging of the hands in the Capitol Rotunda. Events last
throughout the week.
Due to the paramount importance that Gov. Lawton and Rhea
Chiles attached to early childhood and family issues,
Children's Week Partners annually present the Chiles Advocacy
Award to a Floridian who is dedicated to improving the lives of
children and families, and who has successfully engaged others
to promote policies and programs that benefit children and
families. The 2008 recipient of the award was Maryann Barry.
Visit the Children's Week website
for more information on Children's Week.
To join the Forum in its legislative day activities contact
Jason Zaborske at:
850-251-7274 or
send Mr. Zaborske an email.
