workshops

Indicates Early Childhood workshops

Choosing the Right Early Childhood Program for Your Child

With so many choices available for children from birth to five, it can be confusing for parents to find the one that best suits their child’s needs, and your family’s needs. This workshop explains the choices that are available and how to identify quality early childhood programs.

Creating Family-Friendly Schools

The goal of this workshop is to support teachers, administrators and support staff in their efforts to improve interactions between families and schools. Methods of developing a “welcoming” school are investigated. A checklist supports an exploration of family-friendly strategies with topics such as school climate and communication. Participants will develop a school profile on family-friendly practices and identify strategies for implementation.

Effective Parent (Caregiver) Teacher Conferences

Appropriate for faculty and parent audiences, this workshop contains a list of conference preparations, strategies that enhance positive communication during a conference, and suggestions for parents and teachers for providing follow up support to each other after a plan for improvement has been determined.

Families Reading Together

This workshop gives an outline of the importance of reading with and to young children. It offers simple, practical ideas for parents to help guide their young child towards success in reading.

FCAT For Families

This workshop addresses a variety of questions families often raise about FCAT. The information provided will assist families in developing a greater understanding of the test. Families will receive suggestions promoting their children’s success on the FCAT, including activities and interactions they can use in day-to-day life.

MS PowerPoint™ Presentation
       (requires Microsoft PowerPoint™ or Download Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer)

Facilitator's Script
Facilitator Help Sheet
Evaluation Form with Mailing Information

HANDOUTS:

1. Notes Pages
2. Fact Sheet
3. Questions for Reading
4. How to Choose "Just Right" Books
5. FCAT Samples
6. Math Tips
7. Math Sample Questions
8. FCAT Science
9. The Parent Page
10. Florida Electronic Library
11. General Test Taking Tips
12. Password Information
13. Sunshine State Standards
14. FCAT in a Nutshell (TIP Sheet)
15. Evaluation

Fathers' Involvement in Their Children's Education

The goal of this workshop is to raise awareness of fathers’ involvement in children’s education. Participants will recognize the importance of the father’s role and discuss types of involvement. The presenter will provide suggestions for schools to involve fathers in their children’s education.

Florida’s Voluntary Pre-kindergarten (VPK)

VPK is a free preschool service open to all four-year-old children in the state of Florida, regardless family income. This workshop explains to parents the goals of the VPK program, how to access VPK services, and some of the benefits of preschool education.

Helping With Homework

The purpose of this workshop is to assist parents with ideas and tips to help their children with homework and to be supportive of their children’s efforts. They will learn about the importance of homework, identify learning tools for their children, and identify creative solutions for common homework issues.

Opening Doors - Building Partnerships with Families Through the Front Office

Recognizing the critical role of the front office staff in creating a school climate in which first impressions are positive is the focus of this workshop. Strategies for maintaining an inviting and helpful front office are explored. Participants will understand a "customer service" approach in a school setting. They will identify strategies for providing quality "customer service." Effective communication strategies are included in this interactive workshop.

Transition to Kindergarten

At the end of this workshop, parents/caregivers will have a better understanding of how to make the transition from preschool or home to kindergarten a positive experience for their children. The presenter will address the importance of transition, the effects of transition on the family, effective communication between parent, child, and teacher, and enhancing parental involvement for continued success.

Transition to Middle School

The purpose of this workshop is to help parents/caregivers understand what to expect when their children begin transitioning from elementary to middle school. Participants will become familiar with the middle school environment and academic expectations. They will also become aware of ways in which they can support their children and the school’s program.

Transition to High School

The presenter will inform participants of the requirements of high school completion and encourage participants to think about life after high school. Florida graduation requirements, preparation for post-secondary life, and awareness of financial aide for post-secondary education will be addressed.

Internet@Home Workshops

Understanding NCLB School Choice

This workshop is designed to give you hands-on experience on the computer and Internet to learn more about school choice. You will visit four websites to use in learning about school choice, your district, and your school.

MS PowerPoint™ Presentation
       (requires Microsoft PowerPoint™ or Download Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer)

Facilitator's Script

HANDOUTS:

1. Notes Pages
2. Evaluation

Helping My Child Become a Better Reader

This workshop is designed to give you hands-on experience on the computer and Internet to help your child become a better reader. You will visit three websites to use with your child for reading together, building reading skills and for educational information.

MS PowerPoint™ Presentation
       (requires Microsoft PowerPoint™ or Download Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer)

Facilitator's Script

HANDOUTS:

1. Notes Pages
2. Fun Ways to Read Together
3. Websites for Families
4. Evaluation

Helping My Child With Homework

This workshop is designed to give you hands-on experience on the computer and the Internet and to assist you with helping your child with homework. You will visit three websites to use with your child for homework help by subject and grade level. The suggested websites can help with research for school projects, and to find homework tips for parents.

MS PowerPoint™ Presentation
       (requires Microsoft PowerPoint™ or Download Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer)

Facilitator's Script

HANDOUTS:

1. Notes Pages
2. Educational Websites for Families
3. Math Problems
4. Making Homework a Habit (TIP Sheet)
5. Evaluation

Understanding Supplemental Educational Services

This workshop is designed to give you instruction and information about supplemental educational services. You will watch part of an archived webcast from the U.S. Department of Education, as well as explore three websites.

MS PowerPoint™ Presentation
       (requires Microsoft PowerPoint™ or Download Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer)

Facilitator's Script

HANDOUTS:

1. Notes Pages
2. Questions for Families
3. Evaluation