WSTC Virtual Head Start/ECEAP Directors' Retreat

Monday 9-11:30AM

Introductions, Icebreaker, and Panel presentation on racial equity and bias. 

We have an amazing panel! 

• Vickie Ybarra, Director, Office of Innovation, Alignment, and Accountability
• Deborah Northern, Seattle Public Schools Equity & Engagement Manager
  
• Erin Jones
  
• Erin Okuno, Executive Director Southeast Seattle Education Coalition
  

State Agency Leaders - Updates from DCYF ECEAP, Licensing and Childcare.

All your questions answered!  DCYF Panelists include:

• Kelli Bohanon, DCYF Director of Early Learning Programs
• Karin Ganz, Pre-K ECEAPAdministrator
• Jason Ramyke, Child Care Subsidy Administrator
• Jennifer Helseth, Health Systems Analyst
• Judy Bunkelman, Licensing Monitor & Risk Management Coordinator

State Policymaker Panel and Discussion.  State Policymakers and our lobbyist Melissa Johnson will update us on the current situation and what to expect in 2021.  Discussion on what challenges programs are facing and what additional supports are needed from the legislature and state agencies as we continue struggling with COVID-related program changes.

Panelists include:

• Senator Claire Wilson, Assistant Majority Whip, Vice-Chair Early Learning and K-12 Committee
• Senator Christine Rolfes, Chair, Ways and Means Committee
• Senator Andy Billig, Senator Majority Leader
• Representative Tana Senn, Chair, Human Services and Early Learning Committee
• Rayanna Evans, Office of Financial Management Budget Analyst

Dr. Lauren Ashbaugh - Supporting Staff to Thrive in their Work During a Pandemic

Dr. Ashbaugh is a licensed clinical and school psychologist who is passionate about sustainable, evidence-based practices that promote resilience in staff as well as students. She worked with Auburn Riverside High School to develop a sustainable, effective model of staff self-care and support.  She is currently working the Tacoma Public Schools. She believes strongly in the promotion of research-based practices and data-driven decision making.  She provides training and consultation while also seeing individuals in her private practice. 

This session will have STARS credit attached, and is also available as a stand-alone training if you would like additional staff to attend.  Registration for additional staff available at https://bit.ly/ashbaugh

Outdoor Preschool - Going Beyond Playgrounds

Aliza Yair, program specialist for the Outdoor Preschool Pilot Program at DCYF and directors of three outdoor preschool programs will share experiences about different models of operating outdoor preschool and how Head Start and ECEAP can adapt their practices and lessons learned to our own expansion of outdoor activities and curriculum with COVID-19.

Jeff Utecht, Re-Imagining Preschool

Jeff Utecht, an internationally acclaimed educator and author, will provide a framework for shifting your early learning program from center-based to distance learning.  Jeff provided professional development for over 5,000 teachers in Washington in “moving schools online”.  His intentionally designed structure supports high-quality distance learning for the teacher, the child and the parent and is appropriate for Head Start and ECEAP as well as K-12.  Our programs are likely to be offering remote services to many famlies 0-5 through the 2020-21 school year due to COVID, and developing an effective framework and approach to make it engaging and work for both staff and families will be critical.

This session will have STARS credit attached, and is also available as a stand-alone training if you would like additional staff to attend.  Registration for additional staff available at https://bit.ly/utechtprek

Director Discussion Time

Let's not reinvent the wheel!  This is an opportunity to learn from each other and identify issues that need to be addressed.  Topics will include Reopening, Remote Learning, Facilities, and more. 

Office of Head Start Updates

With special guest Dr. Deborah Bergeron, Director of the Office of Head Start.  Joining her will be Kathy Schuknecht, Regional Program Manager, Office of Head Start, and Cathy Garland, Administrator, Head Start Collaboration Office.

Federal Policy Panel and Discussion

A panel of feceral policymakers and advocates will update us on what's happening in DC that affects Head Start, childcare, and our families in general.  Panelists include Katie Hamm, VP of Early Childhood Policy at the Center for American Progress, Tommy Sheridan from the National Head Start Association, and we have invited Senator Patty Murray.