The Family Child Care Train-the-Trainer graduates
in Smithers, BC. Congratulations to all of you!

In late August, the Canadian Child Care Federation was asked to facilitate a Family Child Care Train-the-Trainer for the staff of the Interior Regional Child Care Resource and Referral Programs in Smithers, BC.

I had the honour of traveling to Smithers to facilitate this day and a half workshop. The 15 participants, who traveled from Northern and Central British Columbia, had many unique experiences to share. We discussed the challenges encountered in training small groups of caregivers, motivating caregivers to attend training and how to facilitate distance education. The training provided a great opportunity to learn from one another and share experiences, which is so important when we often work in isolation. At the end of the training, everyone had learned new skills and ideas to take home and use. It was a great experience for everyone thanks to the planning of Rae-Lynn (Regional Coordinator) and her colleagues.

Testimonials from participants:

“We received many ideas on how to present information and we thoroughly enjoyed Diane’s presentation.”

“Someone new to facilitation would benefit from this training session.”

“Diane’s stories and sense of humour were very enjoyable. She did a wonderful job.”

“I loved the energy and knowledge Diane brought to this training session.”

In Ontario:
a message from Andrea Gingras, Child Care Providers Resource Network of Ottawa

We are trying something new this year in our quest to reach all home child care providers with the best in training. By dividing the three levels of the national family child care training program into a series of theme-based workshops facilitated by dedicated trainers, we hope to reach a broader segment of providers.

“The Business series” utilizes 6 specific units:

• Your Child Care Home
• Starting Off Right
• The Business of Family Child Care
• Connecting with Your Community
• Risk Management

• Financial Planning and Management plus a Filing Your Income Tax workshop
  
  All providers receive a comprehensive binder of information and a certificate of participation following the four weeks. So far we have full workshops and a waiting list!

Are you interested in being a trainer? Check out our website, www.ccprn.com for January 2006 dates for the “Train-the-Trainer” theme-based workshops.

The City of Ottawa will be using the CCCF’s Family Child Care Training Program throughout its licensed agencies starting in 2006!

In Manitoba:
a message from Maxine Balbon, Red River College

In the Summer 2004 issue of the e-bulletin, a message from Freda Robinson indicated how Red River College is currently using the second level of the Family Child Care Training Program as a main curriculum along with the addition of a supplement that meets Manitoba’s current regulations.

The 40-hour Family Child Care Training Course for licensed family child care providers has been offered at Red River College since the fall 2004 by distance education and by continuing education. 

New! The Family Child Care Training Program at Red River College is running this fall with 19 students in the Continuing Education Class which takes place on Saturday mornings from September 17 through to December 3.  In the Distance Education class, there are 20 students who have started the teleconference sessions from September 21 through to November 2.  We have guest speakers on the topics of behavior management and business management.  There is a possibility we may have a speaker on conflict resolution as well.  We are planning three home visits during the course and a party to wind up.  Everyone is enthusiastic and enjoying the course!

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