Training Information » Make Me a Star

Make Me a Star is a personalized training program designed with you in mind.

The mission of Make Me a Star is to:

• Improve the quality of child care in Northwest Michigan
• Help child care providers complete licensing and training requirements
• Build relationships between providers
• Assist providers navigate the Great Start to Quality rating system

What makes Make Me a Star different from other training?

Make Me a Star is more than just training. Make Me a Star creates a small professional learning community for participants. Not only will participants earn training hours, they will have the opportunity to learn from other providers, build a support system, and perhaps most importantly – have an opportunity to have direct input on the training topics.

Benefits of Make Me a Star:                                                        

• Improved program quality through ongoing support and training
• Consistent and connected training on relevant topics
• Ongoing support from a highly trained and experienced Child Care Specialist (also called the hostess) who will provide training and/or coordinate trainings offered by other professionals
• Support for navigating the Great Start to Quality rating system
• Opportunities to socialize with other providers
• Free training hours

What can you expect with Make Me a Star?

Star Cafe 

Each month, Make Me a Star participants will come together for a Star Café. Star Cafés make up the first half hour of each Make Me a Star gathering. Light snacks are served. Star Café is an opportunity for you to network with other providers, have meaningful conversations about child care, and learn from one another. Star Café is modeled after the World Café model. To learn more, visit www.theworldcafe.com.

Training:

Each month providers will engage in an hour to an hour and a half of training.Training topics come from concerns, topics, and suggestions from you and your fellow providers.

Training Certificates:

Training certificates are available to document training hours. Occasionally you may need to complete an extension activity (homework) in order to receive your certificate (see extension activities below). In addition, your training hours will be recorded in Great Start Connect.

Extension Activities:

Make Me a Star allows child care providers and trainers to extend training beyond one night. The purpose of training is to reflect on your current practices and to make changes in your daily activities that improve the quality of care you provide. With this in mind, your Child Care Specialist (hostess) may have follow up activities to extend your knowledge that will need to be completed in order to earn your training hours.

Make Me a Star groups meet in each of the 10 counties served by Child Care Connections. For more information on how you can join please contact Candice Case at 231-941-7767.