TRAINING PROPOSAL PLANNING TEMPLATE (do not include name of trainer/training organization on template)

Training Title: Strategies for Difficult Conversations and Community Resources

1. Training Description: This training is designed to equip childcare providers with effective strategies for navigating difficult conversations with parents and
guardians. Childcare providers often encounter challenging situations that require open and respectful communication. Learn how to prepare for difficult
conversations, create solutions, execute a plan, and be able to provide families with additional resources for a range of concerns. You will leave the training
feeling confident when addressing concerns while maintaining a positive relationship with families.

2. Core of Knowledge Content Area(s) & Hours: ____ Child Development ____ Curriculum ____ Health, Safety & Nutrition
__1__ Special Needs ____ Professionalism __2__ Community

3. Bibliography/References and Resources (A minimum of three (3) current and valid sources):

Maryland State Department of Education: Early Childhood Homelessness in Maryland Powerpoint Presentation

Extension Alliance For Better Child Care (2019) Tips for Child Care Providers to Communicate with Parents Their Concerns about a Child's
Development https://childcare.extension.org/tips-for-child-care-providers-to-communicate-with-parents-their-concerns-about-a-childs-
development/#.U77DfpRdXzh accessed December 2 2023

Maryland State Department of Education (nd) Education Assistance for Children and Youth with Unstable Housing (McKinney-Vento)
https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages/DSFSS/Homeless/index.aspx accessed December 2 2023

Zero to Three (2022) How to Communicate with parents https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/how-to-communicate-with-parents/ accessed

December 2 2023

The parents place in Maryland https://www.ppmd.org/ accessed December 2 2023

CDC (n.d.) Tips for Talking with Parents about Developmental Concerns
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/parents_pdfs/tipstalkingparents.pdf accessed December 2 2023
 *Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed

NAEYC (n.d.) Recommendation's for Early Childhood Educators https://www.naeyc.org/resources/position-statements/equity/recommendations-

ECE accessed December 2 2023

4. Training Objectives (Minimum of 3; maximum of 5. Please number each objective, and include 1 competency identifier):

1. Name 3 ways to prepare for difficult conversations. (FECP.1-N.a, page 145)

2. Name the 3 elements of an effective solutions plan. (FECP.2-I.c, page 148)

3. Name 2 different resources you can provide families with if they have concerns about their child’s development. (FECP.3-N.a, page 149)

OBJECTIVE *SN TIME CONTENT OUTLINE PRESENTATION METHODS HANDOUTS/MATERIALS

(List number *CS
from above)
(Brief outline of what is (Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation, (Include correlating slide number)
*HI being presented. More large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
details will be provided in activity, etc.)
the presentation note
pages)
Sign in Power point and whole group participation for each Slide 1-4
participant to introduce themselves. Depending on group
Introduction of instructor and size and in person vs virtual- may be through chat feature.
5 mins
participants

Review course objectives

1 10 mins What does it feel like to have Participants will share out as a whole group discussion – Slide 5
a difficult conversation? focusing on their thoughts and how their body responds
during difficult conversations

2
MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
 *Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed

OBJECTIVE *SN TIME CONTENT OUTLINE PRESENTATION METHODS HANDOUTS/MATERIALS

(List number *CS
from above)
(Brief outline of what is (Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation, (Include correlating slide number)
*HI being presented. More large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
details will be provided in activity, etc.)
the presentation note
pages)
1 15 mins The importance of having Power point Slides 6-8
difficult conversations.
Whole group discussion: Types of conversations you dread If in person- for motor activity- will need
having with families—this will be a motor activity with painters tape or posters to designate areas of
movement around the room OR a poll based activity if where to stand based on the 1-3 scale
virtual. There will be a scale of 1-3 to rate how much
participants dread a certain scenario. If virtual- use poll feature

1 20 mins Best methods for how to Power point Slides 9-20

prepare for a difficult
conversation. Whole group- Breathing exercise CDC developmental checklist LINK

After reviewing methods for preparing for a difficult https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/pdf/LTS

conversation, a poll is taken on how participants are feeling AE-
after having prepared. (This can be the same movement Checklist_COMPLIANT_30MCorrection_508.pdf
activity as above or a poll if virtual)
ASQ’s for childcares LINK
Variety of links will be shared that are used to collect data
on a child’s development. https://agesandstages.com/about-asq/who-
uses-asq/child-care-programs/

AGENDA-- HANDOUT 1 (trainer created)

If in person- can poll by stand up/sit down or

show of hands etc.

If virtual- poll feature

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MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
 *Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed

OBJECTIVE *SN TIME CONTENT OUTLINE PRESENTATION METHODS HANDOUTS/MATERIALS

(List number *CS
from above)
(Brief outline of what is (Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation, (Include correlating slide number)
*HI being presented. More large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
details will be provided in activity, etc.)
the presentation note
pages)
1 and 2 CS 30 mins How to lead a solutions Power point Slides 21-39
focused conversation.
SN Small group- what else have you done / said when having a
difficult conversation to ensure it moved in a positive
direction (If virtual- this will take place in a breakout room) CULTURAL SENSITIVITY SLIDE 29

Then come together as a

whole group share out (slide 39)- Each group will elect 1 SPECIAL NEEDS SLIDE 38 (wait and see
person to share their ideas approach)

1 SN 30 mins Case studies with agenda to Power point Slides 40-48

be completed and role play
CS activity to practice sharing Small group- case studies- each group given a difficult GROUP ACTIVITIES
information scenario- the participants will complete a meeting agenda
HI for case studies

Then come together as a whole group AGENDA-- HANDOUT 1 (trainer created)

Whole Group role play- each small group will role play
giving this information from the agenda to a parent so the
whole group can watch (as each scenario is different and
may be shared in different ways)

4
MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
 *Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed

OBJECTIVE *SN TIME CONTENT OUTLINE PRESENTATION METHODS HANDOUTS/MATERIALS

(List number *CS
from above)
(Brief outline of what is (Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation, (Include correlating slide number)
*HI being presented. More large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
details will be provided in activity, etc.)
the presentation note
pages)
2 SN 30 mins Create a solutions plan Return to small groups to turn their meeting agenda about Slides 49-62
together case study into a solutions plan. (see slides for examples)
CS SOLUTIONS PLAN HAND OUT 2 (trainer made)
Return to whole group
HI HANDOUT 3 EMAIL TEMPLATE (trainer made)
Whole group role playing- each small group will present
the information from the solutions plan as if they are DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS HANDOUT 4 for
talking to the family quick reference (trainer made)

(handouts with sentence starters will be provided to Each participant will get handouts but a poster
support the groups) size of the handout will be provided that will be
shared as a group so all participants can see
what is written

3 HI 30 mins Provides resources to their Power point and exploration of online resources Slides 63-73
parents based on the child’s
SN needs Whole Group- Review links for resources Links

Talk about compiling list of local resources in your area and https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/
what that can look like (example of google drive) and a list state-text.html
of resources will be provided to get each childcare started
with compiling resources (as part of solutions plan) https://www.ppmd.org

https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/Pages
/DSFSS/Homeless/index.aspx

HANDOUT 5 (state provided handout on

homelessness)

5
MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
 *Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed

OBJECTIVE *SN TIME CONTENT OUTLINE PRESENTATION METHODS HANDOUTS/MATERIALS

(List number *CS
from above)
(Brief outline of what is (Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation, (Include correlating slide number)
*HI being presented. More large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
details will be provided in activity, etc.)
the presentation note
pages)
https://earlychildhood.marylandpublicschools.o
rg/families/judy-center-early-learning-hubs

https://gigisplayhouse.org/annapolis/about/

https://autismsocietymd.org/about-us/history-
mission/

10 mins Summary and Q and A/ wrap Assessment Slides 73-78

up
Course eval

*SN – Special Needs – include content that addresses special needs such as adaptations, modifications, inclusionary practices, person first language, and ADA
guidelines for both the participants and the population they serve.

*CS – Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity – include content that addresses the needs of a diverse population such as practices or modifications that reflect and
respect the various cultures in the classroom.

*HI – Housing Insecurity – include content that addresses the needs of children and families that may be experiencing homelessness such as modifying activities
and providing resources to families.

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MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024