October 31, 2024

Kickstarting the New Year: Why January is Perfect for Professional Development

As we head toward the holiday season, January might not be top of mind just yet. But here’s a thought: the first two weeks of the year are prime time to set your team up for a great second half of the school year. With students on break and budgets often wrapping up, it’s a unique chance to invest in meaningful professional development for teachers and coaches. And studies back this up—training that’s well-timed and well-planned can boost teacher effectiveness by over 20% in just the first year, creating a ripple effect in the classroom.

The first two weeks of January are a golden opportunity for this. With students on break and a budget often set aside for these very purposes, it’s an ideal time to plan high-impact training sessions. January professional development can help teachers return with fresh tools and insights, directly benefiting their students and the school community as a whole.

Female teachers shaking hands

What Does Effective PD Look Like?

Effective professional development isn’t just about filling time; it’s about helping teachers feel supported and bringing out their best. Quality training connects directly with what teachers are already doing, giving them practical tools to take back to their classrooms. With this focus, we’ve created a range of support areas that are both flexible and impactful.

At ChildrenFlow, we understand these principles and offer a range of support areas designed specifically for early childhood educators and coaches. Our offerings are flexible, allowing us to partner with schools in ways that truly make an impact. Here’s a look at some of the ways we can support your team:

  • Multilingual Learner Support (MLL Flow): Our MLL Flow framework helps teachers support multilingual learners from birth to age five, mixing hands-on strategies with foundational knowledge they can use right away.
  • Training on Positive Interactions and Environments: Positive interactions are key in early childhood, and this training focuses on fostering those and creating nurturing spaces where children and teachers thrive.
  • TeacherFlow Training for Coaches: This program empowers coaches to support teachers in practical ways, especially in multilingual classrooms. It’s about building skills that bring lasting, positive change.
  • Direct Coaching: Our direct coaching pairs teachers with experienced mentors for one-on-one support, offering personalized feedback and guidance that builds confidence and skill.
  • Strategic Planning: We collaborate with school leaders on tailored strategies for their goals, whether that’s creating impactful learning environments or improving team collaboration.
  • Custom Workshops and Consultations: Every school is different. We design workshops and consultations that fit your unique needs, whether it’s building intergenerational teams, enhancing leadership, or something specific to your program.
  • CLASS® Assessments: Conducting assessments to measure progress.

A Partnership That Begins with a Conversation

Planning for professional development doesn’t have to be complicated—finding the right partner can make all the difference. At ChildrenFlow, we’re all about creating meaningful training that fits your team. If you’re curious to see how we can support your goals, let’s talk. A quick call is all it takes to see if we’re the right fit.

Let’s make this January one to remember for your team and your students!