Selected Content Updates in Q1 2024
The VLS integrates the latest research and best practices into its professional development system on an ongoing basis. Our content team reviews new research and updates made to national guidelines. Selected content updates over the last three months include:
Training & Curriculum Specialist Course Updates
The Virtual Lab School team has been reviewing courses, updating content, and revising activities across the Training & Curriculum Specialist (T&CS) track to ensure that coaches can foster growth and learning with the most recent research and relevant information. The Communication & Language Development, Creative Expression, and Self & Cultural Understanding courses are the latest foundational courses in the T&CS track to be revised with updated content, resources, and activities.
For specific update highlights, see the Three Training & Curriculum Specialist Course Updates to Start 2024 news announcement.
Child Abuse Reporting Requirements Across Tracks
The Child Abuse Identification & Reporting course across all tracks has been reviewed and updated based on guidance and feedback from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Secretary of Defense, Military Community and Family Policy, Child and Youth Programs Division, Military Family Advocacy Program (FAP), and Service leadership. These courses have been revised to include the most up-to-date information and guidance on reporting suspected child abuse and neglect and includes the Department of Defense’s newest reporting poster.
For specific details regarding the new content, see the Child Abuse: Identification & Reporting Course Updates news announcement.
Program Manager Competency Reflection Upgrade
The Program Manager Competency Reflection in Lesson 1 of the Focused Topics course Leadership Essentials has been revised for consistency and updated to better support goal setting and action planning for continuous quality improvement. The Program Manager Competency reflection is now a fillable PDF like the Direct Care and Training & Curriculum Specialist Competency Reflections throughout the VLS. The rating scale has also been updated from a numerical rating of 1, 2, or 3 to a rating of E (Emerging), D (Developing), or M (Mastered) to support a more strengths-based orientation. Additionally, based on feedback from program leaders at our most recent in-person VLS training, an action plan has been added to the tool to support self-reflection, goal setting, and action planning.
Highlights from the Field and Recent Research
Honoring Black History Year-Round
February was Black History Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the strength of the people who helped build our nation and continue to push us forward into a bright future. Here at the VLS, we understand the importance of celebrating Black excellence year-round, and offer resources to support this in our Creating Culturally Responsive Programs Focused Topic.
Zero to Three offers a robust set of resources for celebrating Black History and incorporating racial equity into early childhood programming every day. With articles, book lists, videos, and tools for families and program professionals, Zero to Three is a great place to get started if you’re looking for ways to celebrate Black joy and incorporate it into your program at any time of year. You can access these resources at https://www.zerotothree.org/celebrating-black-history-month/.
Cyberbullying Safety for Kids and Teens
Children and youth growing up today have the world at their fingertips with mobile devices and smart phones widely available to all ages. Along with the benefits of technology use, there are risks that come with interactions that happen online. Cyberbullying has become a widespread problem for children and youth, and there is a growing need for adults to step in with guidance and support for those who are growing up connected to the internet. OneOp recently published an article on their website that has multiple resources to address cyberbullying, including links to an article from the American Psychological Association and a recent OneOp webinar featuring Dr. Dorothy Espelage entitled “Building a Safer Future: Insights on Youth Violence and Bullying Prevention.” You can access this article and its resources at https://oneop.org/2024/02/01/cyberbullying-safety-strategies-for-kids-and-teens/.
Creating a Playful, Literacy-Rich Preschool Environment
In a recent blog post from NAEYC, experts shared five ways to incorporate literacy learning in early childhood classrooms. This quick read includes tips and resources relevant to classroom professionals, administrators, and families. You can access the blog post at https://www.naeyc.org/resources/blog/creating-playful-literacy-rich-preschool-environment.
If you’re interested in learning more about supporting literacy development in your program, the Virtual Lab School hosted a Live Leadership Webinar in November 2023 focused on early literacy practices. This webinar includes research and strategies for supporting literacy in programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. You can access the recording for this Live Leadership Webinar at https://www.virtuallabschool.org/recorded-sessions/leadership/supporting-strong-literacy-practices-your-program.
Using Kindermuzik to Support Learning
Kindermuzik is a platform for interactive curriculum and classes for children ages 0-7. Aligned with ELM, this program uses music and movement to engage children in multimodal activities that can boost literacy and math learning. There are resources and tools available for program professionals and families, and classes are available in-person and virtually.
To learn more about how to incorporate Kindermusik in your program, or to share this program with families, visit https://www.kindermusik.com/.