Our primary goals are to scaffold the knowledge necessary for understanding the process required in the writing of excellent observations and to provide strategies for the development of developmentally appropriate curriculum designed for the New Mexico PreK classroom.  Brief summaries of trainings are included below.

PreK 101

The design of the New Mexico PreK Program is introduced in this training.  The activities include the objectives required for the observations of children using the authentic assessment methods and materials. A discussion of the timeline, the procedures and the best practices used in assessing young children in the program are covered.

Refresher

The Refresher training gives the teacher and staff opportunities to “fine tune” the documentation tools and materials they use in observing children in the classroom.  This training begins to build on how to use the information gained from the documentation to strengthen the environment, the parent-teacher conferences, and the curriculum.  Attendees should bring a laptop and their binder to this training.

Knowledge Put into Practice

In this training, experienced PreK teachers exchange ideas with others about the ways they have used the observations to enhance classroom learning.  Opportunities abound for the discussion of developmentally appropriate practices that recognize children’s interests and development in order to scaffold the learning in the classroom.  Attendees should bring their binder to this training.

Self, Families and Community

Day 4 builds around the opportunities that are available to strength the home and school interactions.  Recognizing diversity in our communities, our families and our homes is important for the building of communication and provides a positive foundation for children as they enter into the world of education.  Attendees should bring their binder to this training.

Making Professional Development Work

This training is designed to recognize that the veteran NMPreK teachers have many experiences that will benefit others as the New Mexico PreK program continues to grow.  Exchanging professional knowledge, developing strategies, and implementing plans for increasing the awareness of children’s strengths and areas of needs to ensure that the curriculum fits the classroom environment will enhance the learning of all the teachers. Attendees should bring their binder to this training.