Head Start National Training Contracts
Five National Training Contracts have been awarded to develop and disseminate high quality, skill-based training guides which fully address the Head Start Program Performance Standards. The contracts address the four Head Start components, plus the area of services to children with disabilities. A sixth National Training Contract on management will be awarded in February 1994.
Once the guides have been developed they can be used by grantees individually or in clusters to provide on -site staff training. The training should be delivered sequentially and provide opportunities for interaction between learning and practice.
Training strategies will include various delivery styles, including class room instruction, distance learning, training through supervision, and self study. Through regional conferences and meetings, the National Training Contracts will provide workshops for grantees and consultants on how to use the Training Contracts will do a needs assessment that will include:The six contracts will be managed as a consortium to ensure that they provide an integrated approach across Head Start components.
- surveying groups of grantees;
- reviewing the existing related materials which are both Head Start specific and outside Head Start;
- and working with a panel of experts from the field who will contribute a broad range of training knowledge and experience to the project.
Two contracts have added responsibilities. The National Training Contract for social services will also provide technical assistance by telephone, mail, and/or on-site to the Family Service Centers. These grantees will hear more about this technical assistance at their next cluster meeting in December. When the National Training Contract for management is awarded in February 1994, it will operate a toll-free line to provide technical assistance on facilities, as well as conduct a National Orientation Training for new Head Start Directors.
Grantees and delegate agencies will receive a copy of each training guide when it is published. The first guides will be available in Fall 1994.
Workshops on how to use the guide will be available through the Technical Assistance Support Centers (TASC's) at conferences and other events which they schedule. These will begin in Spring 1994.
The Winner Trainer:
Winning Ways to Involve People in Learning
Packed with hundreds of exercises, games, puzzles, role plays, and group-in-action techniques to involve the learners in learning. 1989. Available from:
Gulf Publishing Company
3301 Allen Parkway
Houston, TX 77017
713/ 529-4301
The Adults Learning Projects
by Allen Tough
Covers the spectrum on intentional learning, from self-planned to attending classes and conferences. Interesting research data included. Available from:
Learning Concepts
2501 N. Lamar
Austin, TX 78705