The theme of the 2017 STEM Institute is Children as Inventors.  With this in mind a number of elements have been added to support Head Start education staff to navigate new knowledge and experiences supporting innovation in our environments.  We have selected a number of hands-on workshops, model classroom environment based on the resource books, Loose Parts and will be hosting our first Curriculum Fair.

The STEM Institute kick off on Monday, March 27th at 5:00 pm – Welcome Reception with our exhibitors and sponsors.  Opening Keynote – Tuesday, March 28th at 9:oo am with Dr. David T. Crowther, University of Nevada, Reno.  Closing Keynote – Wednesday, March 29th at 2:30 pm with Ms. Amanda Bryans, Office of Head Start.

Pre-Institute – two unique events to choose from!

Monday, March 27, 2017

Head Start Program Performance Standards Implementation

Presented by the National Center on Early Childhood Development, Teaching, and Learning – the six-hour session will explore in depth the implementation of Head Start’s new Program Performance Standards in three key areas – Education and Child Development Program Services, Additional Services for Children with Disabilities, and Adjusting to Service Children with Increased Duration of Services: Environment, Curriculum, and Staffing.

Session 1. Education and Child Development Services

This session will provide a high-level overview of the new Head Start Program Performance Standards around education and child development services. Content will focus on evidence-based practices that align with the standards, promoting school readiness and positive outcomes for children.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

• Recognize the connection of school readiness to education and child development services
• Identify importance of innovation and efforts to continuously improve services to support school readiness and positive outcomes for children​

Session 2. New Head Start Performance Standards: Additional Services for Children with Disabilities

This session will provide a high-level overview of the new HSPPS around additional services for children with disabilities. Content will focus on evidence-based practices that align with the standards, promoting inclusive practices that support school readiness and positive outcomes for all children.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

• Explore the additional services required by the new Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS)
• Describe individualizing for children with special needs and supporting families
• Discuss the standards in relation to teaming with parents and collaborations with local IDEA agencies

Session 3. Foundations of Home Visiting in Head Start

This session provides an overview of the home-based model in Head Start. The HSPPS related to the home-based option are discussed, highlighting evidence-based practices. Planning and implementing home visits and socializations through joint planning and the use of an evidence-based curriculum are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

• Understand the components of the home-based program option
• Understand the expectations and requirements of the home-based program option
• Explore what makes a home visit a unique opportunity to promote school readiness and positive child outcomes

Presenters:

Donna Ruhland, Laura Landis, and Lorena Reynolds

The Coaching and Learning Organization: Strategies for Achieving Extraordinary Outcomes with Staff and Families

Ms. Christine Mattos – Masterful Strategies.

In this six-hour session, Participants will engage in coaching conversations where techniques for effective listening and for asking effective questions will intentionally transform how we relate to each other every day in our most significant and meaningful work.  Goal setting strategies will be presented for discussion and one of the most effective secrets to creating, sustaining, and deepening the quality of our relationships will be revealed for consideration among the engaged participants in this interactive workshop.

Site Tours

This year we will be offering a limited number of seats on shuttles to visit local programs associated with the University of Nevada, Reno and Community Services Agency Head Start.

Science and Math Curriculum Fair

The Curriculum Fair is a special training model that celebrates teacher creativity, skill and expertise.  As a part of professional development teachers present, and display preschool and infant/ toddler curriculum activities that focus on math and science early learning concepts.  The projects and activities grow out of plans made by teachers who often work together in teams and find their inspiration from the children.  Teachers will describe how their ideas grew from the interests of the children.

At the Curriculum Fair each participant will present inquiry-based science and/or math curriculum ideas they have used in their classrooms that promote or enrich STEM education. Presenters will have one 8-foot table and the space in front and behind it for their display. Proposals for Curriculum Fair presenters are welcome and will be reviewed by Region IX STEM Committee for acceptance.  Please review the description of this event to help plan your curriculum projects and Curriculum Fair proposal.  Teams of teachers are encouraged to apply!

Materials and Resources

Final Program – 2017 The Early Childhood STEM Institute

2017 Institute Pictures – Photo Album  

Opening Keynote Presentation – The Importance of Engaging Young Students in Science