Keynote Topics, Workshops
and Publications
Keynote Topics | Workshop Topics | Publications
__Keynote Topics_____
KEYNOTE ADDRESS TOPICS
PARTNERING WITH CHANGE: FROM RESISTANCE TO RESILENCE
Change and resistance to change are the staus quo. You can lead the way
from resistance to resilience.
LEADING ON PURPOSE: AS YOU HAVE GROWN AND CHANGED, HAS YOUR PURPOSE
GROWN WITH YOU?
Leading on purpose requires us to clarify our evolving mission and to
rediscover our core values. As we grow and our lives change, we need to
"take a sounding" on what we stand for. Are you the leader you
were years ago? Have your core values about diversity changed? Come, gain
perspective to strengthen you as a leader.
SERENE LEADERSHIP IN TRYING TIMES: finding and tending to the sources of our serenity and joy in the face of tribulation.
THE POWER OF ONE: inspirational acts all start with one good idea, one person's willingness to take a risk for the greater good, and one act of kindness.
LEGAL AND ETHICAL DILEMMAS: common sense practices to carry us through even the thorniest of issues.
BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF PROBLEM SOLVERS: leading the way for communities that solve their own problems, and for individuals to take ownership of their own work.
LEARNING FROM OUR PAST TO GAIN STRENGTH FOR OUR FUTURE
For 40 years, caring Head Start professionals have lovingly touched children's
lives while uplifting families. Each child's hope, confidence, resilience,
and multiple intelligences have been developed and honored. Today, we
stand at another crossroad. The question is: How do we learn from our
past to gain strength for the challenges of our future? The answers lie
within. Let's tap into our deeper resources together!
__Workshop Topics_____
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution for the conflict avoidant
When standards are ahead of traditions: 'But we've always done it this way!'
The NAEYC code of ethical conduct requires us to talk directly with a colleague with whom we have a conflict. However, 80% of early childhood professionals are conflict avoidant. What do we do when standards are ahead of tradition? Let's look at how we can introduce and sponsor needed change in our programs.
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Managing difficult emotions: emotional intelligence theory and
practice for directors
Letter of the law or spirit of the law? Decision-making theory and
practice from a new perspective
So be it! The art & science of decision-making for administrators.
Research on emotional intelligence (EQ) tells us that women, more
than men, ruminate on decisions longer than necessary. A study of early
childhood leaders reveals 80% avoid implementing difficult decisions.
Regaining perspective on our decision-making processes may be helpful,
given these findings. What constitutes a "fair", "just"
and/or "wise" decision by early childhood administrators? In
this interactive session, we'll compare traditional decision-making processes
while practicing streamlined, uplifting new approaches.
Leadership
So be it:: the art and science of decision-making, or Thin-slicing
your decisions: Can we trust our gut feelings on diversity?
Can you trust your "gut" in making decisions? Research on
bias and on-the-spot decision-making raises concerns. Discover steps we
can take to feel and be more confident in the integrity of our decision-making
process.
The straw that didn't break the camel's back: maintaining optimism
and resilience in challenging times
Managing Change
MANAGING CHANGE: "We have to do what!? Why? We've always done it this way."New accreditation standards, new curriculum ideas, new staff and families
from heritages other than our own can either overwhelm or energize us.
The choice is ours. As the saying goes: "if we change the way we
look at things, the things we look at will change." To embrace change
rather than feel at its mercy, come learn change management theory, practices
and tips on how to enjoy going with the flow.
Motivation
ENGAGING YOUR AUDIENCE: Proven Practices for Workshop Presenters
Have you ever been excited about the subject matter you are presenting,
but fear the audience won't share your enthusiasm? To turn yawners into
active participants, use engaging emotional intelligence (eq) techniques
and methods.
The presenter will "practice what she preaches" by modeling and using exercises, tools and tactics to ensure lively, uplifting sessions.
BURNED OUT OR FIRED UP: The POWER OF ONE to Make a Difference
Budget cuts, staff shortages, threats of law suits, being called "glorified
baby-sitters" can leave us feeling powerless. How easy it is to forget
that when we "change the life of one child we change the world".
This workshop invites each of us to come back home to our unique inner
power to make a difference. As we study theories of change management,
together we will construct pathways to excellence that defeat the voices
of disempowerment. Expect to leave with strategies on how to tap into
that power and inspire others with your renewed vision.
Teambuilding
Courageous Nurturers: Conflict Resolution Strategies and Practices for the Gentle in Spirit
GETTING TO THE HEART OF THE MATTER: strategies for transforming missed
connections into partnerships or (alternate title) My way, the
highway, or making our way together: transforming misunderstanding into
connection
Our assumptions about others and ourselves can limit us. are you dealing
with a "high maintenance" peer or parent? Do you find yourself
feeling judged or perhaps judging others or too quickly? Brain research
offers tips on how to find the promise in our current and future relationships.
Case studies will help us build partnerships instead of stand-offs
Creating a Community of Problem Solvers: Winners not Whiners
Could you use policies, procedures and practices to put an end to whining,
gossip and negativity? Could you benefit from a proven 5-step process
for effective supervision of difficult staff members? Have you wanted
to feel more confident confronting inappropriate behavior when it happens
(80% of early childhood leaders are conflict avoidant)? Would you like
to learn how to turn whining into problem-solving? Bring the butterflies
in your stomach and expect to leave with a belly laugh full of confidence.
From Frenzy to Freedom: Teambuilding for Busy
People
Because you rarely:
- have time,
- feel relaxed,
- have "real" conversations with colleagues,
- feel appreciated,
- feel reenergized,
- learn something you don't already know,
- enjoy a belly laugh, and/or
- take time for yourself (if you check 3 of more), this workshop is for you.
You deserve a time dedicated to renewing inspiration and collegiality. You need to rekindle your sense of humor. You could use some liberating perspective: remember why you chose this important work?
"Teambuilding for busy people" is an energizing 3 hours of learning while having fun. Join us. You may return to work with a smile on your face. Imagine!
MANAGING THE POWER DYNAMICS WHEN WOMEN WORK WITH WOMEN: Keeping
the best and throwing out the rest
Women share our most intimate secrets with each other. We celebrate our
sisters, cheering them through hard times. There's nothing on earth like
a girlfriend. When women work with women, however, catfights can strike.
Gossip, negativity, backbiting and sabotage can tear down sisterhood.
Recent research on power dynamics among women at work illuminates the
root cause of these dynamics. Children learn from everything we do. Let's
show them how to value differences and resolve conflicts peacefully. Join
in this interactive, enjoyable workshop on how women can work productively
with women.
Legal & Ethical Issues
Challenging Interpersonal Issues: Mental Health or ADA Issues?
A teacher blames performance problems on depression and stress and considers
her job and relief requests 'guaranteed' under the ADA. Family or health
issues affect other staff, too. How do you negotiate the alligator-laden
moat between ADA compliance and holding staff to a high level of performance?
AVOIDING THE ROCK AND THE HARD PLACE: MAKING ETHICAL DECISIONS THAT WORK
Baby Brianna's dad staggers in the door, smelling of beer, demanding to take Brianna home. Head toddler teacher, Bessie, whispers she will tell you about another teacher's drug abuse, if you promise not to tell anyone. You discover angry red marks on pre-schooler lin's back; Lin's parent are Hmong, and do not speak English. Ohio law requires you to report even if you "have the suspicion" of abuse. We face ethical dilemmas daily that can squeeze us between a rock and a hard place. let's practice how to prepare for these challenges with confidence and respect for differences.
LEGAL & ETHICAL ISSUES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
ECE professionals are called upon daily to make decisions that have legal ramifications. Few of us are trained as attorneys, and not many of us can afford lawyers on retainer. This workshop covers the essentials of personnel law (hiring, firing), the ADA, release time issues. Ethical issues that accompany legal issues will be acknowledged and discussed. Case studies of actual situations (disguised) will deepen the discussion.
Link to Online Discussion May 21-26, 2007, moderated by Ms. Bruno from the McCormick Center for Leadership in Early Childhood Education
LEGAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES AT RELEASE TIME:
Jasmine's uncle, on the authorized list, appears intoxicated when he comes to pick Jasmine up. Tyrone's mom, in a bitter custody battle, forbids you to release Tyrone to his dad. No one is home at Antonio's house when the bus driver arrives as scheduled to drop Antonio off. All 3 children say they would rather stay with you than go home! What do you do when these legal and ethical issues come up at release time? Come learn and share your ideas in this hand-on workshop with child care professional and attorney, Holly Elissa Bruno.
CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE:
Jasmine's mom appears drunk when she comes to pick up her baby. Jasmine's dad, not on the authorized list, bangs on your door and demands you give him Jasmine. You don't think Jasmine will be safe with either parent. What can you do? We'll tackle these and other challenging real life situations together in this hands-on workshop.
Preventing child abuse and neglect: legal and ethical issues
Comments from past attendees of this workshop:
"It is a workshop like no other and you will come away with knowing
how to handle some pretty tough situations."
"As a result of the information I received at the workshop, I have
already made adjustments to my parent handbook. I am also working on the
grant which would allow me the opportunity to create a program to reach
to families."
"I am the Business Manager at our center, so I don't really attend
many
workshops, but I felt this was really important for me to attend. Perhaps
some centers don't look beyond teachers and directors to attend. I am
constantly the person that the staff looks towards to identify qualifed
pick-up people if there is a question, perhaps because I answer the phone
and I am the first person families see in the office, so I get the bulk
of the questionable situations."
"It was practical, focused on real issues and balanced law/policy
with ethically honoring family cultures."
Self-Care
Give me your tired, your weary, your restless teachers yearning for
a Carribean cruise:
Burn out is only 10 feet away at any moment. Early childhood professionals
give and forget to take time for themselves. Directions wonder what they
can do to help staff help themselves. Let's look beneath the surfacr to
find what restores our souls, nousihes our imaginations and fuels resistence.
ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE: Letting go of the super caregiver syndrome and taking care of you
Early care and education professionals have high EQ: we read people as well as we read books. We are skillfully attuned to reading other people's needs and desires. As professionals, we are expert at providing just the right care intervention at just the right time. "Teachable moments" are a familiar part of our emergent curricula. Do you know whose needs we consider last? You got it! Our own. Come to this fun-loving, interactive, creative workshop where we will learn and practice ways to be kind to ourselves. After all, if I burn out, how can I nurture anyone else?
Supervision
Supervision Practice for the Conflict Avoidant: 5 steps to holding staff accountableSUPERVISION PRACTICES FOR THE CONFLICT-AVOIDANT: TRANSFORMING THE BUTTERFLIES IN YOUR STOMACH INTO A BELLY LAUGH OF CONFIDENCE
Effective supervision can be daunting for the conflict-avoidant, "nice"
administrator. Bring the butterflies in your stomach, and expect to depart
with a belly laugh of confidence, as you learn and practice the 5 steps
for holding staff accountable.
EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION: DIRECTIVE, REFLECTIVE, COLLABORATIVE
Do you have a vision for your supervision? We are often highly skilled
at helping children unfold to become their best. Helping adults grow can
feel like a prickly challenge. This interactive workshop will help you
find the vision in your supervision. You will gain confidence in how to:
1)confront staff who are not performing; 2) support those who are; and,
3)halt the gossip/negativity cycles.
COUNSELING STAFF OUT THE DOOR
or (alternative title) GIVING STAFF DIFFICULT FEEDBACK
Our national research shows that the vast majority of child care professionals are uncomfortable with direct confrontation. We would rather avoid the problem in hope that it will just go away. Instead, the problem looms larger as our self esteem, and staff morale plummet. We can turn this pattern around. Come learn a proven 5 step process for effective staff confrontation. Even if you come with butterflies in your stomach, you will leave this workshop with the tools you need to take action appropriately and respectfully.
Partnerships with Families
HEARING PARENTS IN EVERY
LANGUAGE (PDF Format)
Building partnerships with diverse families, no matter how great our differences,
matters deeply to our children. To do this honestly, we need first to
examine our own values and biases. We need also to open ourselves to the
dreams, values and hopes of families from very different circumstances.
Then, we need to create spaces where all are welcome to learn together.
Safe home: building relationships with families to prevent child abuse
and neglect
Welcoming all today's families: enlarging the circle for lgbt
children and parents
Adult readiness for multiculturalism: the 'ask and listen' process
(handout is Hearing Parents
in Every Language)
Communication
FINDING THE CHARM IN YOUR OWN STORY: Adult readiness for children's literacy
No one else on earth has your story. You are the only one who has lived
your life. Why are we providers so reluctant to share our stories? Has
some one has made us feel our story isn't good enough? We want our children
to respect themselves and their uniqueness. To do that, we need to find
the charm in our own heritage, and share that with our children. Get ready
to watch their eyes glisten as we learn to smile in sharing our own memories.
Diversity
ENLARGING THE CIRCLE: Taking a look at where we stand on welcoming LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) families, children and colleagues
Alternate title: As massachussetts goes, so goes the nation? taking
a look at where we stand on welcoming LGBT children, families, and colleagues
Where do you and your program stand on welcoming lgbt parents, peers and
children? Recent legislation points the way to more acceptance of this
diversity. Not everyone is at the same place in openness or readiness,
however. This workshop is an invitation to gently explore our attitudes,
practices, and possibilities.
HEARING PARENTS IN EVERY
LANGUAGE (PDF Format)
Building partnerships with diverse families, no matter how great our differences,
matters deeply to our children. To do this honestly, we need first to
examine our own values and biases. We need also to open ourselves to the
dreams, values and hopes of families from very different circumstances.
Then, we need to create spaces where all are welcome to learn together.
PROFESSIONALISM AND HOSPITALITY: Welcoming families of all shapes
and sizes
TOMORROW'S CHILDREN TODAY: Adult readiness for multiculturalism
We open our doors to our homes. We know what it means to be hospitable:
"Come in, make yourself at home. Tell me about your child. Can I
offer you something to eat?" Our rituals of welcoming are familiar
and comforting. What do we do, however, when a family very different from
ours stands at our door? How can we welcome a person whose language, rituals,
and style differs significantly from our own? In this workshop, we will
use rich case studies to practice our readiness for multiculturalism.
As Massachusetts goes, so goes the nation? How Welcoming is Your Program for Families with 2 Moms or 2 Dads?
Adult readiness for multiculturalism: the 'ask and listen' process
(handout is Hearing Parents
in Every Language)
Supporting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Staff and Families
We are committed to embracing the rich diversity each child and their
family brings to our doors. Welcoming lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
families is as important as welcoming children of any other diversity.
How can we work within ourselves and with our staff to acknowledge our
biases? How do we welcome each new family, and for that matter, each new
staff member, to our organization respectfully and wholeheartedly?
Massachussetts law allows same sex marriage. No matter what state you are in, lgbt(lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) families, children and professionals seek to be welcomed into quality early childhood programs. All of us benefit from identifying our own feelings, while assessing our program's readiness for lgbt diversity.
The hidden diversity: children with PTSD. Steps we can take to build healing relationships with children and their families
The best of intentions: partnering with families to strengthen resilience and protect children from neglect and abuse
You may never know: Healing relationships go a long way to reverse and prevent the deleterious effects of neglect and abuse on children and their families
Unseen diversity: how healing relationships can heal broken hearts
Research on children and ptsd reveals that healing relationships with adults can reverse ptsd's delerious effects. You may never know how much help you have given to a child and her family through your loving, professional relationships with them. Ending isolation is a key protective factor.
Power Dynamics
Managing power dynamics when women work with women: creating gossip-free zones.
When women work with women, marvelous dynamics ensue: support, creativity, humor. However, our national research shows that 68% of childcare professionals also experience gossip and negativity at work. Children learn by observing everything we do and say. For their sakes and ours, let's focus on proven theories and strategies to replace non-productive dynamics with respectful practices. Come learn the latest research on women's changing work dynamics and how you can be a leader in the positive transformation.
Gender Dynamics
Women working with Women
In this interactive, humor-based workshop, we will identify women's power
dynamics at work, look at the research on why these dynamics exist, and
create ways to save the best and throw out the rest. Every step we take
to import our work relationships pays off threefold with the children
and families we serve
__Publications_____
Ms. Bruno has published the following articles. Just click on the title to download the file to your computer:
Teachers May
Never Know: Using Emotional Intelligence to Prevent and Counter Child
Neglect and Abuse
To be published soon in Dimensions of Early Childhood Education
HEARING PARENTS IN EVERY
LANGUAGE (PDF Format)
Gossip Free Zones: Problem
Solving to Prevent Power Struggles (PDF)
Published in the September issue of Young Children
So
Be It: The Art and Science of Decision-Making In Early Childhood Programs
(PDF)
This is published in the Summer 2007, Vol. 3, No. 1 NCCCC Journal:
the voice For Children on Campus.
Guidelines
for Implementing an Anti-gossip Policy (PDF)
Please read this if you would like to learn more about how to counter
gossip and negativity in your organization.
Note: This article will be published in the September 2007 "Young
Children" Journal.
- Written with Margaret Leitch Copeland and originally published in "Leadership Quest", Fall 1999.
If you want to know how to prevent and deal with legal and ethical issues at the end of the school day, read:
Comments from a past attendee of this workshop:
"I can't believe how much the content of this conference has already
been beneficial to us here at our early intervention center. We have made
changes in wording in our handbook and been diligent about having the
correct legal documents regarding legal guardians in our files. While
we have never had problems in the past, we feel more confident about reducing
the potential for any (regarding custodial rights, etc.) in the future."
- R.A. Miller, MSW, LSW
On the topic of self-care for leaders, please see:
To read about honoring differences, respectful modes for communicating across cultures, go to "hearing parents in every language"
- Beginnings Workshop (PDF Format)
For an updated, in depth look at TQM and customer service, especially
to internal customers, such as our own employees, read:
This article analyzes the practice and consequences of hierarchical
and flat organizational structures:
Our national research study shows that 80% of child care leaders are
uncomfortable confronting staff who are not performing. To find out what
you can do to promote quality with your own underperforming staff, see:
Women's organizations have special strengths and distinct challenges.
To function well together, read this:
