Classroom Observation and Feedback

Preschool

For more than 20 years, Joe has been training, modeling and coaching preschool educators on developmentally appropriate practices, learning environment design, classroom structure and routines, behavior management, teaching to expectations and speaking with children using clear and concise language that is developmentally appropriate. His approach to working with teachers is reflective, always trying to help staff enhance their knowledge and skill level, as opposed to simply telling them what to do. Joe has transformed hundreds of classrooms over his career, helping educators create highly structured learning environments that are consistent and reliable, and ensure the success of each student as they are working towards the goal of school readiness.

Infant/Toddler

In conjunction, he is equally adept working with the caregivers of infants and toddlers. Joe’s approach is similar, however his work with caregivers is steeped in the importance of creating nurturing relationships with children, bonding and attachment through the lens of a primary-caregiver model, all of which is facilitated through a routine-based instruction model.

Curriculum, Assessment and Outcomes Measurement

Data collection is never more important than the individual child and could never take the place of a quality preschool curriculum. However, all educators need to quantify the progress being made by children (across the developmental domains of learning) and use this information for curriculum development.

Joe is an expert on curriculum, assessment and outcomes measurement. He assists educators to understand the child development data they are collecting through observation, assessment and work samples, and then to use this information to develop plans for individual children, small and large groups.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice (DEIB-J)

Joe has worked with a multitude of programs, providing guidance as they move forward on the journey to become culturally aware and competent. He focuses on behaviors and attitudes related to language, communication, socio-economic factors, racial diversity, religious diversity, age diversity, sex/gender diversity, sexual orientation and disability. From this perspective, Joe assists programs in developing and implementing policies and procedures that become the foundation for working effectively with children, families and staff. His work is steeped in the mission and philosophy created by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) on this topic.

When the foundation is in place, in addition to Joe, he has the resources to harness the knowledge and expertise of a core team of experts in the field who can support this monumental endeavor with training, mentoring and technical support, as needed.

Pandemic Restoration – Moving Back to Best Practice

The COVID-19 Pandemic had a catastrophic impact on the world, and particularly within the industries that provide care services. The early education and care field has been practically decimated by the events surrounding the pandemic—the likes of which we hope to never experience again. Whether early childhood centers closed, experienced reduced enrollment, suffered monumental staffing shortages or enrolled children without experience in group care before, the pandemic had a tremendous impact on operations and the mental health of all involved.

The effects have been extreme for very young children and are characterized by social and emotional delays, intense separation anxiety and depression, just to indicate a few outcomes. As expected, these types of issues are also evident in the staff providing services as well.

Based on the extreme circumstances, Joe is providing intensive consultation and support to programs and staff of all levels as they move back to best practice. He guides the administration to redefine policies and procedures, and provides coaching and mentoring to direct support staff as they navigate the next phase of working with young children and their families.

As a former Executive Director, Joe has a full understanding of the challenges that are presented to the individual who occupies this role. The expectations of this person are quite demanding, and all stakeholders rely on their sound judgement to ultimately achieve success. Often a support person is not available for deep discussions, problem solving, and ultimately creating transformative change.

Joe employs Reflective Practice, which is the ability to reflect on one's actions so as to engage in a process of continuous learning. He uses the method to take a deep dive into the root cause of an issue and identify appropriate solutions. 

Additionally, Joe is trained, extremely knowledgeable and experienced in Total Quality Management (TQM), a structured method of in-depth analysis that emphasizes comprehensive organizational management. The focus of this method is to enhance the quality-of-service delivery, through a process of continual improvement of internal protocols and procedures.

Joe provides comprehensive training and professional development opportunities that are both informative and engaging. Each learning event, whether a keynote address, workshop or session designed for a specific person, is developed and implemented to ensure increased knowledge and enhanced performance. Joe has developed a series of trainings for program leadership, staff of all levels and clients. However, learning opportunities can be created by Joe to meet the specific needs of organizations and individuals.

Leadership and Management Topics

■ Ethical Practice
■ Reflective Practice - Exploring Reflective Practice
■ Reflective Supervision - Exploring Reflective Supervision
■ Shared Governance - Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the Operational Leadership and the Board of Directors
■ Leading Effective and Efficient Meetings
■ Can We Talk? - Strategies for Effective Communication

Early Childhood and Child Development Topics

■ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging - Understanding and Embracing an Anti-Bias Approach 
■ Social and Emotional Well-Being - Nourishing and Maintaining the Social and Emotional Well-Being of Young Children
■ Back to the Basics - Classroom and Behavior Management Strategies for Dealing With Children Presenting Challenging Behavior
■ Mixed Age Groups - Caring and Educating 
■ Care Coordination - A Comprehensive Case Management System
■ Active Supervision 
■ Connecting the Dots - How to Effectively Implement a Skills Based Curriculum
■ The Role of Play in Early Childhood Programs
■ Everyone is Special - Welcoming Children who have Special Education Requirements
■ Family Engagement and Family Literacy
■ Creating Nurturing Relationships - with Infants and Toddlers
■ Routine Based Instruction - with Infants and Toddlers

Curriculum

■ Observation and Assessment
■ Curriculum and Assessment
■ Curriculum and Learning Environments
■ Curriculum, Lesson Planning and Individualization
■ Phonological Awareness
■ Literacy Development
■ Physical Development
■ Sensory Integration
■ Motor Development and Big Body Play
■ A Successful Start - Supporting a Positive Transition to Kindergarten

Having a thorough understanding that nonprofit organizations are business entities that provide essential services to their clients, Joe provides technical support to organizations related to all aspects of business and operational functioning. Joe has extensive experience with program assessment, strategic planning, organizational structure, and facilitating conversations regarding core principles including mission, vision and values.