Neuroscience research has repeatedly confirmed that exposure to toxic stress—inescapable, traumatic experiences, such as chronic abuse or neglect—disrupt the development of healthy stress response systems in the brain and can lead to serious long-term consequences for children. (See this excellent series from the Harvard Center on the Developing Child for more information.)
I just had the opportunity to spend two days with Head Start leaders at the National Head Start Association’s Leadership Institute in our nation’s capitol. I grew up in the DC Metropolitan area, so this was like a "coming home" for me. As a former Head Start director, this was also like a professional homecoming, as I mingled with former colleagues, Head Start directors, and executive directors.
About a year ago, I attended the National Head Start Association’s Winter Leadership Institute in Washington, DC, and had the opportunity to sit in on an Instructional Support workshop given by my colleague, Sara Beach. It was one of the first times Teachstone® had delivered this type of a session, and based on the packed house and overwhelmingly positive evaluations, we knew we had stumbled across a real need in the Head Start community.
2013 was such a fantastic year, it’s hard to imagine that 2014 could beat it. But looking at what's planned for the year ahead, I’m pretty sure ’14 is gonna give ’13 a run for the money.
I may not be Cher on top of the battleship USS Missouri, but I have sung that famous song "If I Could Turn Back Time” numerous times since becoming a Teachstone MyTeachingPartner™ (MTP) Coach.
