We assist Arkansas early childhood professionals to better understand diversity, appreciate cultural differences and similarities, learn strategies to support English Language Learners, and promote inclusion through training and technical assistance The goal of Welcome the Children is to assist early childhood professionals to better understand diversity, appreciate cultural differences and simila
rities, learn strategies to support English Language Learners, and promote inclusion. To accomplish this goal, statewide personalized training and technical assistance is delivered to Arkansas early childhood professionals in the following topic areas: (1) Diversity in children and families, (2) Inclusion of children with disabilities, and (3) English Language Learners. There are two ways to participate in welcome the children project workshops:
(1) Participants: Register for Workshops already scheduled throughout the state on the TAPP Registry. Check under "Training Opportunities" to see what is currently scheduled in your area: http://professionalregistry.astate.edu/registry.asp
Check frequently for updates! Welcome the Children workshops are:
*FREE to Arkansas Early Childhood Providers
*Interactive and engaging
*Ideal for groups of 10-25 for customized learning
*Opportunities for follow up technical assistance
*In-depth workshops on practical real-world topics
*Able to be scheduled at your site
*Also available at centralized locations in the state
We are pleased to offer training on the following topics:
Diversity in Children and Families
Contact: Tanya S. Miller
(tmillerw@uark.edu; 501-682-9915)
Exploring Differences within Families
Today's families are seldom like the stereotype shown on old 1960's TV shows. Come learn about the diversity of modern families, resources you will need for working with today's families and basic anti-bias principles. Cross Cultural Perspectives: Focus on Latin American Families focuses on creating staff self-awareness and addresses how to approach cross-cultural communication with Latin American children and families in a more competent manner. Inclusion of Children with Disabilities
Contact: Dianna Varady
(ddvarady@uark.edu; 501-682-2209)
Including Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
This training is designed to provide early childhood professionals information about (1) the history of Inclusion, (2) the benefits of Inclusion for both children with and without disabilities, and (3) general strategies for including children with disabilities in early childhood programs - including identifying resources for supports. Length: 6 hours
English Language Learners
Contact: Darlene Kurtz
(darlenek@uark.edu; 501-682-9904)
Enhancing Language Development for English Language Learners focuses on building English proficiency with preschool children who come from homes where another language is spoken. Emphasis is on effective teaching methods to grow pre-literacy skills. Working with Bilingual Interpreters – For English Speakers builds communication between preschool educators and parents who speak a different language; learn how to effectively dialogue through an interpreter. Building Skill Sets of Bilingual Personnel is dedicated to bilingual staff members working in early childhood education programs addressing their role as bilingual interpreters with skill development tools and bilingual resources. Professional development specifically for bilingual staff members. Length: 3-6 hours. All WTC sessions are approved as professional development by ADE and TAPP. CEUs will be offered through the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville. Workshops support quality for AR Better Beginnings. WTC is funded by AR DHS-DCCECE and administered by Partners for Inclusive Communities, University of Arkansas
1-800-342-2923 (V/TTY)
