Tips and resources to support children birth to age five

Bridging the gap between public schools and early learning providers

I am the Early Learning Coordinator for a small district in Central Washington. We are hosting "Tea and Talk" discussion groups for early learning providers in our area. I want to make sure that the discussions are relevant and meaningful for all participants. The ultimate goal is to strengthen relationships in order to support successful transitions to kindergarten as well as increase awareness of and access to local resources for children and families. Any great ideas for some questions/topics? Any great advice?

Thanks so much.

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Permalink Reply by Sarah Weir on December 4, 2009 at 11:47am

check out the community cafe model. here is an example - very brief -of how we are doing it in our community. feel free to contact me if you'd like further info: sarah@wccda.org
http://www.king5.com/news/learning-for-life/Community-Cafe-Brings-P...
Enjoy!

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Permalink Reply by Erin Okuno on December 29, 2009 at 1:58pm

This sounds like a great project. Is there a theme, such as kindergarten readiness, 0-5 health, early literacy, family outreach, etc.?

I don't know the providers in your area but reaching out to non-English speakers is another good way to be inclusive. I have some tips for working with translators that I can send over if you are interested.

Good luck and I hope you let us know how the project goes!

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Permalink Reply by Gretchen Stahr Breunig on March 9, 2010 at 8:58am

Hi, Josie-- I am serving as program coordinator to Pierce County Linkages, which is a county coalition of local coalitions of districts and early learning. P-3 alignment is the buzz to help bridge early learning milestones to K-3 milestones. Creating a common understanding of the continuum of learning and building respect among adults who care for each child are the keys. Check out the Starting Strong Conference coming up in August 2010 in Yakima (hosted by ESD 105) and Puget Sound (hosted by PSESD). Be in touch.

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Permalink Reply by Patricia Nan Anderson on March 12, 2010 at 5:12am

The key here - as other responders have implied - is to conduct a conversation among equals, not a lecture that implies parents don't know or don't care. Too often we educators know so well what people "should" do that we forget to acknowledge our audience's own point of view and expertise. Parents are the experts on their children.

So plan to listen more than talk. Make the objective of the first meeting getting people to feel so valued and listened-to that they want to come to the second meeting.