The University of New Mexico Family Development Program is one of three national pilot sites chosen by the Families and Work Institute in New York City to participate in Mind in the Making, a comprehensive training for early childhood professionals. Ellen Galinsky, president and co-founder of the Families and Work Institute, will visit UNM in June to train Family Development Program staff.
UNM President Louis Caldera will host a reception at his home June 25 for Galinsky and her associates, state education leaders and community partners.
Mind in the Making grew from findings that indicate interest in early learning is at an all-time high. The Families and Work Institute is a prominent, national research center for family, workforce and community change. The UNM Family Development Program is a statewide outreach program of UNM’s College of Education.
“Teaching practice improves when teachers are engaged in understanding their own and other’s learning, are more mindful in promoting their own practice in promoting the learning of children, and when they better understand the best child development knowledge,” said Galinsky.
Galinsky is a notable national policy leader and advocate for family and work issues. She provided leadership for the 1997 White House Conference on Early Childhood and has appeared regularly at national conferences and in the media, including Today, Good Morning America, 20/20 Nightline, and Oprah. While at UNM, Galinsky plans to meet with the campus Work-Life Initiative Committee to discuss issues relating to work/family life balance.
Mind in the Making: New Mexico will bring valuable new information to communities about early learning and brain development. About 150 early childhood educators will receive training during the first year of the program. Specially selected community partners for the pilot program are the City of Albuquerque division of Child and Family Development; Pueblo of Laguna division of Early Education; and UNM Children’s Campus.
National research from scholars and early childhood authorities like T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., clinical professor of Pediatrics, Emeritus, Harvard University, will be used in New Mexico. Participating teachers will gain a better understanding of how children learn and what can be done for children to set the stage for lifelong engagement in learning.
New Mexico will serve as a pilot site to test the implementation of early learning modules. The modules are designed for early childhood teachers who want to improve how they help young children grow and learn. Modules are for beginning and experienced teachers.
As a complement to the modules, a 13-part television series, “Mind in the Making: the Science of Early Learning” will begin to air on public television in 2005.
Contact: Greg Johnston (505) 277-1816
Posted by at June 15, 2004 10:12 AM