On May 26, Trying Together hosted our first virtual UnConference to discuss topics relevant to child care centers as they begin to re-open to a ‘new normal’ due to the effects of COVID-19. A recording of this event is available below for those who were unable to attend. UnConference Details We are facing a “new normal” in our field that has never been envisioned before. COVID-19 has taken our state, our country, and our world on a tumultuous journey, invoking fear, anxiety, reflection, and change-making at unprecedented levels. As an early childhood educator, you are most likely thinking about how to continue supporting children and families while maintaining high-quality programming, business operations, and personal health for both you and your colleagues. This free three-hour online Unconference will help you virtually connect with other educators while gaining information about the steps you can take to prepare for and respond to the effects of COVID-19 on early childhood programming. About UnConference: Re-Opening to Our ‘New Normal’ was hosted via Zoom. It began with a “rapid-fire” keynote by four speakers, featuring Michelle Figlar of The Heinz Endowments, LaTrenda Leonard Sherrill of LaTrenda Consulting (and Board Member of Trying Together), Muffy Mendoza of Brown Mamas, and mental health expert Diana Schwab. The keynote was followed by two workshops. Participants chose from the following: Coping with COVID – HR Thoughts and Tips for Child Care Centers; Building Community and Connection with Digital Technologies; How to Stay Healthy and Provide Safe Child Care During COVID-19; and Everyday Interactions Matter: Noticing the Simple and Ordinary. For more information, view the workshop descriptions. UnConference Objectives Through successful participation and completion of the UnConference, participants: became familiar with regional, state, and national resources to support child care programs in response to COVID-19; gained appropriate strategies recommended for caring for young children and families in response to COVID-19, including health and safety practices and innovative ECE practices (social-emotional learning); discussed appropriate strategies for supporting the early education workforce in response to COVID-19; and learned how to create authentic connections with families and community members using digital tools. More Information For questions, please contact UnConference Director, Yu-Ling Cheng, at conference@tryingtogether.org. TweetSharePinShare0 Shares TweetSharePinShare0 Shares
