GCCA CONNECT Fall Conference for Owners and Directors- Session Descriptions

Yay!! Thank you for joining our GCCA CONNECT Fall Conference for Owners and Directors!  Check out the sessions below so that you can work with your team to get the full benefit from the sessions at our conference!

First Plenary Session:

Coy Bowles, COYCO: Connect to Your Calling

Session Description:  This session will outline the importance of self-care for ECE professionals, so that you in turn build strong social emotional foundations for children in your care.  Taking actionable steps to connect and protect your purpose for entering ECE-and understanding your colleague’s stories to support them-will help develop an environment that focuses on the needs of children during this critical time of their development.  Join Coy Bowles as he inspires you to connect you with your why, your story, and your calling to create and maintain solid foundations for young children!

Breakout 1 Sessions:

Jenna Rubin, Fisher Phillips: Protect Your Business: Legal Trends in Accommodations for Staff and for Children

Session Description: How do you accommodate special requests from parents or staff?  Can you and should you make accommodations each time?  What are the legal requirements and considerations that you need to know as you review the requests made to you and your business?  Know your responsibilities and rights-and potential consequences-so that you can handle each situation with the confidence and protection of your center!

Cindy Vian, 1Place Childcare: Understanding & Measuring the True Cost of Compliance Violations

Session Description: This workshop will provide a snapshot of the key concepts and practical tools necessary to understand and measure the true cost of compliance violations in childcare centers. The session will cover the types of costs involved, methods to quantify these costs, and strategies to mitigate and prevent compliance violations.

Kathe Petchel, Hinge Advisors: Build Your Team: The 5 Stages of Group Development and How to Successfully Navigate Each Stage

Session Description: Based on research from Bruce Tuckman, UC Berkeley, 1965, Stages of Group Development remain relevant today. The 5 stages are predictable and based on social science research. Once everyone on the team understands the stages, the team will progress quickly, removing drama and replacing it with productivity.

When joining a childcare organization, the new staff member must adjust quickly to be successful. The current team, while feeling relief that a new hire has started, must understand how the team culture and ability to welcome the new hire sincerely will be vital in the success and long-term retention of new team members. Savvy administrators include this concept when hiring a new staff member. This way all team members are aligned from the beginning, and can easily identify each stage.

Michelle Smith Lank, Kids World Learning Center, GCCA: Building a Brighter Future: Strategies for Staff Recruitment and Retention in Early Childhood Education

Session Description:

Join us for an engaging session focused on the critical topic of staff retention in Early Childhood Education (ECE). We'll explore how recruiting and retaining qualified and passionate educators enhances the quality of care and education for children, ultimately influencing the overall success of ECE businesses. Participants will discuss effective recruitment and retention strategies, the role of staff morale in productivity, and the long-term benefits of a stable workforce on community reputation and enrollment rates. Through interactive discussions and shared real experiences, attendees will leave with actionable insights to foster a supportive environment that keeps staff motivated and committed. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your ECE business from the inside out!

Breakout 2 Sessions:

Ruth Ann Rose and Rashad Pitts, Rose Marketing: Your Route to Lead Generation

Session Description: The world is turning digital, and adapting your childcare business online can be overwhelming! Here, you’ll learn key strategies to help you maximize your online presence & boost your enrollment.

Troy Polen, Jackrabbit Tech: Enhancing Family Involvement in Child Education

Session Description: Join Troy as he provides actionable strategies to foster meaningful family engagement and support children's educational journey.

Sharon Foster, Bells Ferry LC, GASP!, GCCA: Boss, Manager, Leader: Which are You?

Session Description: Step into the world of leadership and discover whether you're a boss, a manager, or a true leader! This dynamic session is designed especially for owners and directors of child care centers who are eager to elevate their leadership game and staff retention. We'll dive into the distinct characteristics of bosses, managers, and leaders, and explore how effective leadership can transform your center and your staff. Through engaging activities, insightful discussions, and practical strategies, you'll learn how to inspire your team, foster a positive work environment, and lead with confidence. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and become the leader your team deserves!

Breakout 3 Sessions:

Debbie Ausburn and Tom Rawlings, Taylor English: Plan Today to Protect Your School: 120 Days to a Strong Child Protection Policy

Session Description: When you have a serious injury or have a former or current client accuse someone in your organization of bad treatment, you need to be able to respond quickly. This timeline and related videos will help you be prepared and determine next steps when you face this situation. Protect your business today by protecting your children.

GCCA Panel: Exploring Diverse Pathways: Navigating Funding Streams for Your Childcare Center

Session Description: This outline provides a structured framework for the panel discussion, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of funding streams for childcare centers and encouraging engagement with the audience through interactive discussions and real-life examples.

Keedar Whittle, EducatorsNOW: We Have a Guest in the Building....Helping Your Teachers Handle Conversations with Confidence in Their Roles

Session Description: We all know how education has shifted over the years, particularly with COVID accelerating the trend of bringing in outside help to carry out our educational mission. Now, with a growing need for visitors in our buildings, it's crucial to explore ways to maximize the relationship between schools and these visitors. In this workshop, we will cover four key objectives to enhance this dynamic.

Nicole Williams, Child Development Schools: Building Teacher Retention from Day One: Strategies for Childcare Owners & Directors

Session Description: Join Nicole for an insightful and engaging session designed specifically for childcare owners, focused on building retention from the very first day with new hires. This session will delve into the importance of Nicole's "3 Propers" philosophy—Proper Onboarding, Proper Training and Development, and Proper Implementation—and how these elements are crucial for enhancing staff retention.

Final Plenary Session: DECAL Panel: Join DECAL staff for updates and information from Inclusion Support, CAPS, GA PreK, and QIP to learn more about each department.