Over 50 early educators gathered every Saturday in October to enhance their teaching skills. Funded by the Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee, the Conscious Discipline immersion program included hands-on training provided by Jessica Flowers, Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor.
Early educators learned a variety of behavior management techniques to help foster a positive learning environment. As stated by Dr. Becky Bailey, creator of Conscious Discipline, “Discipline is not something you do to children; it is something you develop within them.”
During each of the four workshops, Flowers incorporated interactive Conscious Discipline techniques that got participants moving and grooving. Her energetic and dynamic presentation style kept participants engaged through dancing, singing and group discussion. Each exercise played a precise role during the training by demonstrating the variety of behavior management techniques that Conscious Discipline has to offer.
Childcare Resources is the lead collaborating agency responsible for facilitation of the entire Conscious Discipline immersion program. An introductory session was held in June 2017, hosted by Indian River Academy and funded by The Learning Alliance. Other collaborating organizations include: EOC of Indian River County – Head Start, Indian River County School District VPK, Little Rising Stars and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each organization selected early educators to participate in the program and have committed to using Conscious Discipline techniques in their organizations.
Throughout the school year, Flowers will return to provide further coaching to 25 selected participants who will build upon their commitment to utilize Conscious Discipline within their classrooms.
Childcare Resources of Indian River, a partner agency of the United Way of Indian River County and Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee, provides opportunities for the children of income-eligible families to attend high quality childcare centers so their parents can work and/or attend school full-time.
Childcare Resources also implements an outreach program to improve the quality of early childhood education throughout the county. From parent meetings and professional development workshops to coaching opportunities and learning communities, early educators and administrators have access to a wide variety of options to gain knowledge and improve the quality of care in their classrooms.
To learn more about Childcare Resources, visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org or call 772-567-3202.