Forum Corner

Children's Forum Publication Helps Parents Prepare Kids for Success

The Best We Can Be: Parents and Children Growing Together is a Forum publication designed to provide support for life's most rewarding and challenging job: parenting. This resource demonstrates how parents can use everyday activities and materials to strengthen their relationships with their children, promote their early learning and prepare them for success in school and in life. We have heard excellent feedback from the field about the quality and value of The Best We Can Be books. The books are $10 and quantities of up to 1,000 books can be ordered at one time. All orders include free shipping regardless of the amount. Order your books today.

For more information, call Jenna Brown, Communications Director, at 850-487-6344.

Board Member Dr. Wil Blechman Wins Award

Dr. Wil Blechman, a Children's Forum Board Member, was the 2008 recipient of the Nancy D. Thomas Collaboration Award that recognizes individual efforts to foster and maintain collaboration among programs and services for all children including those with disabilities and their families. He was chosen among numerous nominations and was recognized for his achievements at the One Goal Summer Conference. Retiring from his medical practice in rheumatology, Dr. Blechman became interested in research on brain development in early childhood. His interest became a passion and his leadership in Kiwanis International established the focus of Young Children: Priority One. His involvement and leadership on issues impacting young children are numerous. "He is most deserving of this recognition" stated Phyllis Kalifeh, CEO of the Children's Forum. "He is the epitome of collaboration and leadership on behalf of young children. He brings an outside perspective and strengthens our collective voice for what is so incredibly important." Dr. Blechman also delivered the keynote address at the One Goal Summer Conference to an audience of nearly 1,000 conferees.

Forum President and CEO Phyllis Kalifeh Keynote Speaker at Conference

Phyllis Kalifeh, president and CEO of the Children's Forum, was a keynote speaker at the One Goal Summer Conference's research luncheon July 17 along with Dr. Rebecca Marcon. As co-principal investigators for the Partners in Education and Research for Kindergarten Success (PERKS), findings were shared from the longitudinal study funded by the U.S. Department of Education to increase teacher effectiveness and improve child outcomes in Florida's Voluntary Prekindergarten program.

Free Forum T-Shirts Still Available

The Children's Forum T-shirt reflects your membership commitment to be a part of an organization making a difference in the early care and education field. Offered in a variety of sizes, the T-shirt is only available to Children's Forum members. For a limited time, the Children's Forum is offering a free T-shirt ($12 value) for those who join or renew their membership online at www.thechildrensforum.com. Offer only available online and while supplies last.

Book your Back-to-School Staff Training for August & September and Save

Take advantage of the Forum's excellent training for school-age providers, plus save money on training fees and travel costs by inviting the team to bring our trainings to you! With over 17 workshop topics available for half-day and full-day presentations, we provide interactive presentations, perfect for both experienced and new staff. During the 2007-08 school year, we trained over 2,500 after-school providers through both our public regional events and private trainings. Our client list includes early learning coalitions, school districts, parks & recreation departments, YMCA's, local children's organizations and many more.

Contact Jenn Faber, School-Age Services Director, at 239-489-4386 or jfaber@thechildrensforum.com for details on hosting an after-school training in your area. Events booked to occur prior to September 27 will receive a $100 discount off our training fees.

School-Age Services Fall 2008 Training Schedule

The Forum's School-Age Services Fall 2008 Training Schedule will be posted on our website the week of July 28. Download training registration flyers or register online at www.thechildrensforum.com. The training schedule includes regional seminars and mini-conferences.

Events and Online Registration Made Easy

The Children's Forum now offers an Online Event Registration System that helps you manage trainings, symposiums, luncheons, meetings and other business-related occasions that require registration. Designed as a web-based, data management platform, the Online Event Registration System permits the majority of attendees to register and pay for an event online, saving you hours on the phone and less time processing paperwork.

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Now Available: New Opportunity for Program Directors

How would you like the chance to interact with other directors around the state, get timely information on issues affecting your programs and contribute to efforts to support and improve the care and education of young children in Florida?

All this, AND at the same time, fulfill the "professional contribution requirement" for the renewal of your Director Credential?

That opportunity is now available through membership in the Children's Forum. Just look for our new Membership Brochure and check the box for "Director's Network Member." At an annual rate of $50, your membership in the Network will entitle you to all of our regular benefits plus the ability to participate in committees targeted to your specific interests as program directors. Through your active participation on one of our committees, you will receive written confirmation of your work for submission with your Director Credential renewal application. You can find our membership form on our website at www.thechildrensforum.com/director-cda.htm.

Children's Forum Career Opportunities

The Children's Forum, a statewide non-profit organization with an uncompromising vision to make Florida a quality child caring state, is currently seeking candidates to join our team. We offer a competitive salary with an excellent benefit package.

View current openings

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