In my last blog post, Moving On After the Shutdown, I proposed that everyone create a short- and long-term personal agenda focused on advocacy for high-quality early childhood education. Now is the time to take the first step on that journey by joining me and my Teachstone teammates at the 2013 National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference next week. The list of sessions is already online and is so packed full of insightful presentations that it's difficult for me to narrow my recommendations. For some time slots, I'm actually trying to determine how to clone myself so that I can be in multiple places at once!

Below you will find a summary of the sessions that stick out in my mind for those interested in QRIS systems, federal policy, and scaling professional development initiatives. (This is where you will find me, with a notebook and cup of coffee in hand!) If you see me, please introduce yourself; I promise not to talk your ear off about early childhood education, CLASS, and my favorite restaurants and sights in Washington, DC.

New Advances in Using the ERS

November 20, 2013, from 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

 

The DoD Military Child Care Initiative

November 21, 2013, from 10:00 a.m–11:30 a.m.

 

Designing Effective Cross Sector QRIS

November 21, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

 

An Update on the USDOE and HHS Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Program

November 21, 2013, from 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

 

Statewide Child Care Setting QRIS: Characteristics, Strengths, Weaknesses

November 22, 2013, from 8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. (bring coffee!)

 

A Simple Recipe for Quality Care: Blending Key Ingredients from the ERS and CLASS

November 22, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

In addition to attending sessions, Teachstone staff will also be presenting four sessions during the conference. These sessions span the continuum from introductory sessions for those who know little about the CLASS system to expert sessions for those wanting to provide feedback to teachers after an observation.

Providing Effective CLASS Observation Feedback to Teachers—Using Feedback to Inspire Change

Attend this session if you have a solid background in the CLASS system and need to learn how to provide feedback to teachers after the observations occurs.

November 20, 2013 from 8:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.


Exploring the CLASS Framework—Understanding the Interactions That Matter

This is my session and provides an overview of the CLASS system with an opportunity to view classroom videos and discuss each of the pre-K dimensions. It is perfect for those new to CLASS. We will have three hours to learn together about teacher-child interactions.

November 20, 2013, from 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

 

Using the CLASS Tool to Measure and Improve Interactions as Part of Quality Rating and Improvement Systems (QRIS)

This session is for state leaders, researchers, and policy makers interested in learning how the CLASS is used within QRIS systems across the country.

November 23, 2013, from 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.

 

What Does the CLASS Measure Mean for my Classroom—How to Make the Most of your CLASS Observations

Teachers from Head Start programs and early education programs will learn what the CLASS means for them and the children within their classroom in this session.

November 23, 2013, from 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.

Teachstone staff will also be available to discuss the CLASS measure at the following times and locations within the Exhibit Hall.

Learn, Measure, Improve: A Brief Introduction to the Toddler CLASS Measure

Kaplan Early Learning Booth

November 21, 2013, at 1:30 p.m

 

Learn, Measure, Improve: A Brief Introduction to the Pre-K CLASS Measure

Kaplan Early Learning Booth

November 22, 2013, at 1:30 p.m.

 

CLASS Discussion Hours

Brookes Publishing Booth (#1535)

November 21 and 22, 2013

11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.

Finally, I would love to meet each and every one of you in person to connect, discuss, and celebrate the work that we do. Please join me at the CLASS Cocktail Hour on Thursday, November 21 from 5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. If you can attend, please RSVP to Lisa Rogoff.

Hope to see you next week! Don’t forget your sweater, as it is always cold in conference rooms.