ACTION
Action Plans and Implications
- An overview of the Initiative
- Project Goals and Objectives
- Action Plans and Implications
- Creating a Community of Growth and Development
- Valuing Dialogue and Shared Learning
- Measurements of Success
Upon the creation of the professional development strategic plans, each of the participating agencies met with CURL staff quarterly. The purpose of these meetings was to update the current professional development goals and strategies attained by each of the agencies, talk with staff about any concerns, and facilitate conversations on how to sustain their organization’s professional development efforts beyond this initiative. These meetings also allowed CURL staff to document their observations on each agency’s progress, highlights, and challenges being faced.
Some of the Strategies Created, Developed, and Utilized by the Participating Agencies:
- Created individual professional development plans for staff
- Created a Professional Development Mentorship program
- Integrated resource personnel into curriculum through collaboration
- Improved facilities for both children and staff
- Developed new performance appraisals that were specific and aligned with the job descriptions
- Enhanced professional development by supporting staff in formal coursework
- Provided tuition reimbursement and educational grants
- Created a staff handbook and orientation training
- Established process for comprehensive strategic planning
- Established processes for regular teacher planning and meeting times
- Created classroom leadership teams
- Developed and implemented employee recognition activities
- Developed an annual training calendar based on teacher surveys
- Created an ongoing staff recruitment plan which established relationships with local colleges
- Collaborated with Loyola University Chicago on leadership and management trainings
- Utilized Professional Development Plan to leverage additional funds for professional development
- Utilized peer observation and feedback model
- Enhanced and supported retreats for teachers, management and Board of Directors
- Developed and printed marketing materials
- Created a Directors Leadership Series
- Supported staff conference attendance and memberships to professional associations
- Developing an organization career lattice