Forum Presentations
Effectively Facilitating Professional Learning in Early Childhood: An Introduction to the New California Adult Learning Early Educator Competencies
Adult learning science clearly outlines the environmental conditions and instructional methods that are most effective in facilitating adults’ professional learning and growth. This workshop draws on this research to introduce the foundations that all early childhood educators who work directly with adults providing training, technical assistance, mentoring, coaching or other professional learning experiences need to know to create positive and engaging learning environments for adults. The presenter will introduce the new California Adult Learning Early Educator Competencies by guiding the participants through several learning activities that reflect the adult learning practices described in the competencies.
Culturally Responsive Self-Care: A Foundation for Trauma-Informed Practice in Early Childhood
This workshop introduces culturally responsive self-care as an essential foundation of trauma-informed early childhood programs. The presenter will share stories of the inspiring, accessible and authentic self-care practices she documented from a diverse range of early childhood professionals working directly with, or on behalf of, young children and their families in 35 states and 9 countries. Participants will learn about research about the importance of self-care, a variety of self-care strategies and tools they can use right away. The session will include time for interactive small and large group discussion.
Presenter Biography
Julie Nicholson, PhD is a Professor of Practice in the School of Education at Mills College and Senior Fellow for Childhood Education International in Washington, DC. Julie conducts community-engaged scholarship and her teaching, research, advocacy and publications emphasize social justice and equity for young children, families and the early childhood workforce. Her research on play examines culturally responsive play across the lifespan, play memories and amplifying children’s voices in play research and play advocacy. Her recent books address inclusive early learning environments for transgender and gender-expansive children, trauma-informed practice and culturally responsive self-care for early childhood. Julie directed and was lead author for three book projects developed through WestEd in collaboration with the California Department of Education, Early Learning and Care Division: Responsive Practices for Young Children and their Families Experiencing Homelessness, Creating Equitable Early Learning Environments for Young Boys of Color to Disrupt Disproportionate Outcomes, and The Power of Play—Including Risky Play—for Young Children’s Learning.