Whether online or in-person, young children’s learning is grounded in engaging interactions and relationships. What should that look like in the era of remote, hybrid, and physically distanced teaching? In this webinar, panelists will share strategies for engaging young children (Pre-K to grade 3) and their families during these challenging times to lay the foundation for long-term success.
Participants will:
- Reflect on the importance of interactions and relationships for young children’s learning;
- Discover strategies for building positive relationships and productive interactions during distance and hybrid learning;
- Learn about the CLASS framework for understanding and measuring high-quality interactions;
- Explore why family engagement is more important than ever; and
- Gain strategies for building relationships with families and engaging them to support children’s learning.
Presenters:
Dominique McCain, Managing Director, The Commit Partnership
Dominique McCain is managing director at The Commit Partnership in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, which supports equitable education beginning with high-quality early childhood education. Previously, she was director of instructional strategy for the Dallas ISD Early Learning Department, where she oversaw all curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development for the district’s PK-2 grade classrooms. She has also served as senior manager of Dallas ISD’s Teacher Preparation Program. She began her career as a classroom teacher in Aldine ISD and later worked as a teacher leader and instructional coach.
Lawonda Roman, Professional Services Manager, Teachstone
Lawonda Roman is professional services manager at Teachstone, which works with schools and early childhood programs worldwide to improve the quality of educational experiences through a focus on classroom interactions. She provides training and coaching services based on Teachstone’s flagship framework and assessment, the CLASS. She has over 20 years of experience in early childhood, ranging from Pre-K – 3rd grade. Previously, she served as a central staff employee with Dallas ISD, working with teachers, coaches, and administrators to change their educational lens by focusing their efforts on intentionality and interactions. She holds a Masters Degree in early childhood education and Masters Degree in school counseling.
Cecelia Doyle, Early Learning Coordinator, South Washington County Public Schools (MN)
Cecelia Doyle is the early learning coordinator at South Washington County Public Schools in Minnesota where she coaches more than 30 preschool teachers in best practices to close the opportunity gap. She was dean of the school of education at Rasmussen College where she grew the program from 4 to 24 campuses and nationally online while innovating a workforce credentialing program that celebrated 3,000 early childhood graduates. While there she was selected Master Leader in Education in recognition of leadership in making a difference for children, families, and communities (Exchange Magazine). She has served as a professor at the University of Minnesota, Concordia University, and Metropolitan State University. She earned her Doctorate in education – adult learning from the University of Minnesota where she studied young immigrants’ school experiences and the impact on mainstream teachers.