Got it! Let's focus this course on U.S. Early Childhood Educators, removing references to the EYLF and aligning it with U.S. frameworks like the Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) guidelines, and the broader Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) standards in early childhood education.
Here’s the updated version for the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ course, tailored to U.S. Early Childhood Educators:
S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™: A Holistic Approach to Early Childhood Wellbeing1-Day Online Course for U.S. Early Childhood Educators
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (with breaks)
Course Overview:The S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ provides a heart-led, holistic approach to emotional, social, cognitive, and physical wellbeing for young children. This course is designed for U.S. Early Childhood Educators to integrate these wellbeing practices into their daily routines and teaching strategies, creating positive, connected, and joyful learning environments. The course content will align with key U.S. frameworks such as the Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC Guidelines, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks.
Course Schedule:
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Welcome & Introduction
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Session 1 – Emotional Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Morning Break
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Session 2 – The 7 Pillars of the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ in Depth
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Session 3 – Practical Implementation of the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ in Your U.S. Classroom
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Session 4 – Connecting the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ to U.S. Educational Frameworks
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Afternoon Break
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Session 5 – Engaging Families & Creating Community Connections
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: Session 6 – Reflect & Shine: Personal Reflection and Action Plans
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Course Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
Course Features & Resources for U.S. Educators:
This revised course schedule ensures that U.S. Early Childhood Educators are well-equipped to implement the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ in line with U.S. educational standards and frameworks like Head Start and SEL competencies. The course emphasizes cultural responsiveness, community engagement, and the integration of social-emotional learning.
How does this look? Would you like to further customize it for any specific states or regions within the U.S.?
Here’s the updated version for the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ course, tailored to U.S. Early Childhood Educators:
S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™: A Holistic Approach to Early Childhood Wellbeing1-Day Online Course for U.S. Early Childhood Educators
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (with breaks)
Course Overview:The S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ provides a heart-led, holistic approach to emotional, social, cognitive, and physical wellbeing for young children. This course is designed for U.S. Early Childhood Educators to integrate these wellbeing practices into their daily routines and teaching strategies, creating positive, connected, and joyful learning environments. The course content will align with key U.S. frameworks such as the Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC Guidelines, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) frameworks.
Course Schedule:
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Welcome & Introduction
- Welcome and Acknowledgment of participants’ locations and communities
- Introduction to the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™
- Course Goals: Understanding the importance of emotional wellbeing in early childhood, especially within U.S. early education contexts
- Reflection Prompt: “What brought you here today, and how do you currently support emotional wellbeing in your classroom?”
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM: Session 1 – Emotional Wellbeing in Early Childhood Education
- Why emotional wellbeing matters in early childhood education (aligned with NAEYC guidelines and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) standards)
- Overview of the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ framework and its application to trauma-informed, child-centered care
- Understanding developmental domains in the U.S. context:
- Social-Emotional Development
- Cognitive Development
- Physical Development
- Language Development
- Social-Emotional Development
- Activity: Group discussion – “How does your program currently support emotional wellbeing and SEL skills in children?”
- Breakout Room: Sharing practices based on different U.S. states (e.g., urban vs. rural settings)
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Morning Break
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM: Session 2 – The 7 Pillars of the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ in Depth
- Deep dive into each of the 7 Pillars:
- S — Self-Love & Kindness
- P — Positive Thinking
- A — Acts of Kindness
- R — Rituals in Nature
- K — Kindred Friendships
- L — Loving Self-Care
- E — Express Your Joy
- S — Self-Love & Kindness
- Aligning each pillar with U.S. frameworks like Head Start, SEL standards, and NAEYC guidelines
- Activity: Interactive poll – “Which pillar do you think aligns best with your current program or school community?”
- Discussion: How each pillar supports children’s social-emotional development and aligns with SEL and trauma-informed practices
- Breakout Room Activity: Role-playing scenarios for applying each pillar in practice
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Session 3 – Practical Implementation of the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ in Your U.S. Classroom
- Embedding the 7 Pillars into daily routines and activities that support SEL, anti-bias, and inclusive practices for diverse U.S. classrooms
- Aligning the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ with key standards like Head Start Program Performance Standards and NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice
- Activity: Designing a “Sparkle Moment” (a small, immediate change you can introduce to your classroom today)
- Discussion: How to consistently embed these practices within your existing program without overwhelming yourself or your classroom
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Session 4 – Connecting the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ to U.S. Educational Frameworks
- Head Start Program Performance Standards and how they align with the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™
- Connecting the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ to NAEYC Guidelines, SEL competencies, and other U.S. frameworks for early childhood
- Designing a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach to wellbeing and SEL
- Activity: Group brainstorm – “How does the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ align with the goals of your state or district’s early childhood curriculum?”
3:00 PM – 3:15 PM: Afternoon Break
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM: Session 5 – Engaging Families & Creating Community Connections
- How to involve families and communities in the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ (creating family-friendly resources)
- Culturally responsive family engagement strategies in U.S. classrooms, focusing on diversity and inclusivity
- Activity: Developing a “Sparkle Family Newsletter” or “Bringing Sparkle Home” handout for families
- Discussion: Tips for working with families in a way that aligns with your state’s early childhood education philosophy and local culture
4:00 PM – 4:45 PM: Session 6 – Reflect & Shine: Personal Reflection and Action Plans
- Reflecting on the day’s learning: “Which pillar do I feel most compelled to model more intentionally in my work with children?”
- Activity: Creating an individual action plan for how to implement the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ in your classroom, considering the SEL competencies, trauma-informed strategies, and state-specific guidelines
- Group Wrap-Up: “One word or phrase that describes how you feel about your next steps”
- Q&A session: Open discussion for any last-minute questions or challenges
4:45 PM – 5:00 PM: Course Wrap-Up & Closing Remarks
- Final thoughts and feedback
- Information on course certification and how to receive it
- Thank you and farewell
- Resources: Access to all course materials, links to further reading, and U.S.-specific resources
Course Features & Resources for U.S. Educators:
- Printable Course Workbook: With tailored resources for U.S. educators, including guidelines for connecting to Head Start, NAEYC, and SEL standards
- Sparkle Classroom Poster: Designed with U.S. educational practices in mind
- Family Engagement Handout: Focused on culturally responsive, family-centered wellbeing practices for U.S. classrooms
- Reflective Journal: For educators to track personal insights, challenges, and next steps
- Resource Links: Articles, videos, and additional readings on SEL, trauma-informed practices, and NAEYC guidelines
This revised course schedule ensures that U.S. Early Childhood Educators are well-equipped to implement the S.P.A.R.K.L.E. Method™ in line with U.S. educational standards and frameworks like Head Start and SEL competencies. The course emphasizes cultural responsiveness, community engagement, and the integration of social-emotional learning.
How does this look? Would you like to further customize it for any specific states or regions within the U.S.?