In-Depth Spark Guide Training for Program Leaders
Strengthen your capacity to support your program and educators with this two-part training opportunity for program leaders.
Register now
Elevate your leadership and strengthen your program
This training was designed specifically for early learning and childcare program leaders who are ready to deepen their commitment to culturally responsive practice and lead meaningful change in their programs.
Training Goals:
- Build your skills and confidence to effectively adapt and apply what you learn in your program.
- Equip yourself to share knowledge and practical strategies with your staff, support their training, and implement aligned practices.
What You’ll Experience:
- Phased Approach: The training supports learning and application through a two-session phased approach:
- Introductory Session: A 3-hour interactive session that introduces key concepts and helps you begin thinking about culturally responsive leadership in your own context.
- In-Depth Session: A hands-on full-day virtual that allows you to dive deeper into the Spark Guide strategies, engage in meaningful reflection, and develop action plans tailored to your program’s needs.
- Collaborative and Interactive learning: Learn alongside other program leaders from across the province, gaining insights not only from the Spark Guide but also from the real-world experiences of your peers.
- Funding Support: Programs are eligible for compensation for the hours dedicated to this training. This funding is only available to eligible participants who have completed the full 10 hours of training. Imagine Institute for Learning will administer the release time funding directly. Please DO NOT apply to the Government of Alberta directly for compensation.
Imagine Institute for Learning created this training in partnership with PolicyWise.
Part One: Introducing the Spark Guide for Program Leaders
Join one of the three-hour online, real-time virtual sessions designed to provide a strong foundational understanding of the Spark Guide’s key principles and concepts. This session ensures program leaders are well-prepared for part two, the full-day in-person training.
Session objectives:
- Introduce the Spark Guide.
- Understand the program leader’s role in modelling culturally responsive practices.
- Understand the program leader’s role in facilitating sessions to support your programs and educators.
- Share and explore strategies to support culturally responsive practices.
What you’ll experience:
- Convenient Access: Participate from your own location, minimizing disruptions to your daily responsibilities.
- Engaging Content: Enjoy multimedia presentations, case studies, and interactive discussions that keep you fully engaged.
- Community Focus: Foster connections with fellow program leaders while learning.
Get ready to strengthen your skills and enhance your understanding of the Spark Guide!
New dates are regularly being added.
Register nowPart Two: Empowering Culturally Responsive Program Leaders
Join other program leaders in your region for an all-day session designed to empower you through a “train the trainer” approach and become a Spark Guide champion in your community!
Session objectives:
- Build on the foundations laid in the introductory session with a focus on learner-led engagement.
- Bring your experiences and culturally responsive practices to share with fellow program leaders, fostering collective growth and learning.
- Learn how to tailor and adapt what’s in the guide to meet the unique needs of diverse child care programs across the province.
What you’ll experience:
- Interactive Methods: Engage in hands-on activities and group exercises for dynamic, immersive learning.
- Comprehensive Resources: Receive hand-outs with practical resources and templates to support effective implementation of the guide in your program.
Attend this training to enhance your skills and confidence to promote culturally responsive practices!
New dates are regularly being added.
Register now
Find more resources, events, and training on the Spark Resource Hub
Access trusted tools and learn about events and activities that can grow your skills!
The Spark Resource Hub connects educators and program leaders to practical resources for strengthening culturally responsive child care. In the calendar you’ll find upcoming activities and events available across the province and online. The Resource Hub is a one-stop place to find the supports you need to spark ongoing learning and growth in your program.