Outstanding Attendance at Preschool Network Conference on October 3!

On October 3, 2012 the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School hosted an event in partnership with the Regional Preschool Network, Thom WRCP, and the Orange Elementary Public Schools to provide a day of workshops for parents and area child care providers. Professional presentations by Certified Human Behavior Specialists provided attendees with opportunities to understand new and effective practices and philosophies for working with children and students.

In all, the three workshops offered had a total of attendance of 250! From local schools the event was attended by, Narragansett; Gardner; Petersham Center School, Ralph C. Mahar; UMASS; Deerfield Academy, Quabbin; Ashburnham- Westminster; The Perkins School for the Blind; CAPS Collaborative; and the Orange Elementary Public Schools. Other organizations represented were, THOM WRCP (Thom Western Regional Consultation Program); PCDC (Parent Child Development Center- Head Start)- Greenfield; Greenfield STARR Program; Hampshire Franklin Daycare; Bethany Christian Nursery School- Gardner; REACH Early Intervention; ABC Easthampton; Criterion Heritage EI Program- Hadley and Holyoke; Totspot Child care- Pittsfield (at least 5 staff); Little Bears Learn & Care; Valley Opportunity Council- Holyoke; Southern Berkshire Child Care Program- Sheffield MA; and Educare.

Participants were asked to complete Evaluation Forms after each session. Below, please find some highlights from the comments sections of these forms:

Session I: BRAIN GYM

“Loved practicality of it, it is easy to do and takes minimal time but there is a large benefit.”

“I am a parent that has 2 young girls. Transition is hard and I think this will help!”

“I now have the knowledge & information to put some of the activities to use at home!”

Session II: BEYOND BOSSING, BEGGING AND BRIBING

“Another great workshop- the humor- the suggestions- the life experiences shared were wonderful to listen to even at the late hour. So many great tips, thoughts and advice!!!”

“ABSOLUTELY AWESOME!”

“I gained a lot of strategies to try and share with my co-workers.”

“I will put the 3 steps (rules, consequences, consistent follow through) into my newsletter for parents because it is clear & easy to understand- Thank you”

Session III: EMOTIONS COACHING

“Jeanine[the presenter] is a marvel at what she does. Every bit is useful and her stories make it enjoyable. Her LOVE of children is strong and pleasant to see.”

“Triggers, humor, informative, as parent found information very valuable.”

“Connection from child to adult concepts back to child behavior, the way the presenter did her presentation, that there is work that I need to do to better my relationship with my children! To give them and myself an emotional language.”

Thank you to CAPS Executive Director, Dr. Edward McCaul for taking the lead on this outstanding program. Thank you to the Regional Preschool Network and Thank You to all who were able to attend. I hope that the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School can serve as the site for future workshops with the same level of success as we saw on October 3!!!!