GNJK Extended Learning Virtual Workshops – Private Registration

The Early Childhood Leadership Institute (ECLI) has provided professional development to technical assistants within New Jersey’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, as well as, NJ’s Infant/Toddler Specialists through an orientation, reflective sessions and ongoing training which continues to build upon foundational content staff have received over the past four years. This year we are excited to announce the continuation of GNJK Extended Learning  Virtual Workshops as a way to engage in conversations with experts in specific topics and whose extensive experience provides a broader lens through which we can think about the work we do each day. Our hope is that the Extended Learning Virtual Workshops support practice in providing an opportunity for QIS, TAS and ITS to learn from one another and where staff can interact with others who are experts in the field, gain perspectives outside of their own context, and continue to build capacity on topics they identified through survey feedback. 

The Extended Learning Virtual Workshop series will comprise of four independent workshops throughout the year in which technical assistants will be able to choose workshops that are most interesting to them based upon workshop descriptions. Each two-hour virtual workshop will be structured as a guided discussion with Rowan gathering questions each participant will submit during registration related to the topic so that presenters are able to use them for creating content to share and for guiding thoughtful discussions around topics most meaningful to staff. Workshops will be facilitated through the online platform Rowan uses for all their virtual professional development sessions and which includes audio and video presence for a more personal feel and the ability to record and have as a resource for all staff. 

In keeping true to adult learning principles, registration is voluntary, allowing staff to choose those topics that are most relevant to their current needs and interests. The structure of the workshops also allow staff to engage in a thoughtful discussion with someone who has extensive knowledge and expertise and who brings a broader perspective allowing them to reflect upon practice outside of the context of NJ. Due to the conversational nature of the workshops, each workshop will have a 30-participant cap and so they are encouraged to register early for those that pique their interests. Due to the number of staff and the 30 cap per workshop, all participants will be encouraged to only register for a workshop that they can commit to submitting a question(s) for the presenter, attending the workshop on the identified date and time and participating in fully (utilize video and audio). Registration is by invitation only and all invitees will receive an email with registration and complete event details prior to each workshop.

Event and Registration Details are below.


Thursday, April 9, 2020 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Title: An Introduction to Mindfulness: Leading Change with Presence, Reflection and Pause

We hear the term mindfulness used more and more frequently in the field, but what does it really mean? How can we recognize it and reap its benefits? This workshop will explore how mindfulness can be integrated into everyday life and practice, along with an example of how one state is using it as a basis for providing presence-based coaching.

*If you register for this workshop, the presenter asks that you have a piece of candy or other small favorite treat with you during the workshop to use for any activity.

Presenter: Marnie Aylesworth, D. Ed.

Please register on or before Thursday, March 26, 2020.


Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Title: Trauma Responsive and Healing Centered Engagement: Paths Toward Resilience and Healing

Times of uncertainty and crisis impact not only individuals and families, but the communities in which we all live. How do we as leaders support ourselves, while at the same time, support programs as they face new challenges associated with crisis? This workshop will explore how common responses can be viewed through a trauma lens and how healing-centered engagement can guide practical approaches toward enhancing resilience and recovery through compassion, not just for others, but also for ourselves, in a way that enhances our sense of community, resilience and promotes healing. 

Presenter: Amanda Rich, Ph.D.

Please register on or before Friday, May 15, 2020.


Thursday, July 16, 2020 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Title: Cultivating Lasting Change starts with the Change Agent – Know Thyself

As Technical Assistants, we oftentimes look at resources or strategies through the lens of how we can help others utilize them to improve their practice and build upon the strengths they already have. In thinking about parallel process, we can apply this idea to our own learning experiences and how self-reflection and intentionally choosing strategies can help us to ensure we are actively working to improve our own effective practices and build capacity in providing technical assistance to create meaningful learning experiences for teachers/staff. This workshop will explore how being an agent of change requires, intentionality, vulnerability and a commitment to digging deep- not only for the teachers, directors and providers we support- but first and foremost for ourselves, with a reflective pre-workshop exercise and engaging activities for self-reflection and next steps.

Presenter: Constant Hine, M.A.

Please register on or before Friday, June 5, 2020.