Parents and Providers: Partners for Encouraging Compassion in Children

Sunday, April 13. 4:00pm-5:30pm. Lopez Room.

Description

Parents are the child’s first teacher but they often have a partner in their child care provider. Child care providers may spend the majority of the child’s day with them when there are continual opportunities to build self-esteem and compassion. Explore strategies and challenges in building strong communication between parents and providers, and learn how parents and providers can work together for the benefit of building compassion and strong social/emotional development of children.  

Presenter Bios 

Moderator:  Nina Auerbach, Child Care Resources 

Nina Auerbach is the founding CEO of Child Care Resources, a non-profit agency that has the vision that every child has a great start in school and in life. Nina has an MSW from Smith College, an MBA from the University of Washington and a Certificate of Management in Human Services Administration, also from UW. She is a respected advocate and expert in early childhood development who has led many community initiatives and presented at local and national conferences. In 2004, Nina received a state award in Home Based Leadership from the U.S. Small Business Administration for the creation of a successful program that helps refugee and immigrant women open their own home child care businesses. In 2006, she received the Phenomenal Woman Award from the Jewish Women’s Endowment Foundation. Prior to founding Child Care Resources 18 years ago, Nina directed a therapeutic day treatment program for preschool aged children in Snohomish County. She is an active member of the Seattle Rotary Club and is certified as an Executive Coach. 

Faye Melton, Child Care Resources

Faye Melton is currently the Director of Provider Services with Child Care Resources. Faye has over 15 years of experience in early childhood education as a teacher, program supervisor, case manager, and administration. Faye received a BA in education from Western Washington University and Masters of Social Work from the University of Washington. 

Nan Stephens, Nan's Preschool 

Nan Stephens earned her RN BSN from the University of Washington in 1974. Her work experience ranged from oncology care at Swedish Hospital to home health care with Visiting Nurse Services. Nan found her true calling when she opened her own home-based child care business in June of 1990. In eighteen years of caring for children, her greatest passion has been teaching children the joys of being a good friend and of developing “good friend skills.” A parallel challenge has been to help parents understand that while academics are important, they cannot be pushed at the expense of time spent developing a child’s social skills. Parent education in this area has been a major part of Nan’s work. The Department of Early Learning has invited Nan to address orientees as they proceed through the licensing process. Additionally, Nan received the “Great Start Award” from Child Care Resources in 2004 and was featured in the Child Care Resources film “What Quality Care Is” in 2007. Most recently, Nan was recognized by KCTS as a nominee for the Washington State Exceptional Caregiver Award. Nan gives generously of her time in mentoring other child care providers and in fundraising to support the goals of Child Care Resources. 

Molly Hanlon, Seattle Parent 

Molly Hanlon is a community volunteer and mother of three children, ages four, two, and one.  She received her Masters in Teaching from Seattle University and taught high school mathematics. Prior to graduate school, she worked at SAFECO Insurance and Eddie Bauer in technical roles. Molly serves as the President of the Hanlon Foundation, a board member of the YWCA and an active member of Social Venture Partners.