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
2
MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
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
(List number
from above)
*SN
*CS
*HI
TIME
CONTENT OUTLINE
(Brief outline of what is
being presented. More
details will be provided in
the presentation note
pages)
PRESENTATION METHODS
(Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation,
large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
activity, etc.)
5 mins
Sign in
Introduction of instructor and
participants
Review course objectives
Power point and whole group participation for each
participant to introduce themselves. Depending on group
size and in person vs virtual- may be through chat feature.
1
10 mins
What does it feel like to have
a difficult conversation?
Participants will share out as a whole group discussion –
focusing on their thoughts and how their body responds
during difficult conversations
*Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed
3
MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
OBJECTIVE
(List number
from above)
*SN
*CS
*HI
TIME
CONTENT OUTLINE
(Brief outline of what is
being presented. More
details will be provided in
the presentation note
pages)
PRESENTATION METHODS
(Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation,
large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
activity, etc.)
1
15 mins
The importance of having
difficult conversations.
Power point
Whole group discussion: Types of conversations you dread
having with families—this will be a motor activity with
movement around the room OR a poll based activity if
virtual. There will be a scale of 1-3 to rate how much
participants dread a certain scenario.
1
20 mins
Best methods for how to
prepare for a difficult
conversation.
Power point
Whole group- Breathing exercise
After reviewing methods for preparing for a difficult
conversation, a poll is taken on how participants are feeling
after having prepared. (This can be the same movement
activity as above or a poll if virtual)
Variety of links will be shared that are used to collect data
on a child’s development.
*Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed
4
MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
OBJECTIVE
(List number
from above)
*SN
*CS
*HI
TIME
CONTENT OUTLINE
(Brief outline of what is
being presented. More
details will be provided in
the presentation note
pages)
PRESENTATION METHODS
(Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation,
large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
activity, etc.)
1 and 2
CS
SN
30 mins
How to lead a solutions
focused conversation.
Power point
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)
Then come together as a
whole group share out (slide 39)- Each group will elect 1
person to share their ideas
1
SN
CS
HI
30 mins
Case studies with agenda to
be completed and role play
activity to practice sharing
information
Power point
Small group- case studies- each group given a difficult
scenario- the participants will complete a meeting agenda
for case studies
Then come together as a whole group
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)
*Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed
5
MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
OBJECTIVE
(List number
from above)
*SN
*CS
*HI
TIME
CONTENT OUTLINE
(Brief outline of what is
being presented. More
details will be provided in
the presentation note
pages)
PRESENTATION METHODS
(Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation,
large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
activity, etc.)
2
SN
CS
HI
30 mins
Create a solutions plan
together
Return to small groups to turn their meeting agenda about
case study into a solutions plan. (see slides for examples)
Return to whole group
Whole group role playing- each small group will present
the information from the solutions plan as if they are
talking to the family
(handouts with sentence starters will be provided to
support the groups)
3
HI
SN
30 mins
Provides resources to their
parents based on the child’s
needs
Power point and exploration of online resources
Whole Group- Review links for resources
Talk about compiling list of local resources in your area and
what that can look like (example of google drive) and a list
of resources will be provided to get each childcare started
with compiling resources (as part of solutions plan)
*Indicate Special Needs (SN), Cultural Sensitivity (CS), and Housing Insecurity (HI) where addressed
6
MSDE/DECD – Office of Child Care
January 2024
OBJECTIVE
(List number
from above)
*SN
*CS
*HI
TIME
CONTENT OUTLINE
(Brief outline of what is
being presented. More
details will be provided in
the presentation note
pages)
PRESENTATION METHODS
(Utilize a variety of methods - PPT presentation,
large group, small group, video, scenarios, role play,
activity, etc.)
10 mins
Summary and Q and A/ wrap
up
Assessment
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.