updated June, 2003

Implementing a Reflective Approach:
Professional Development and
Organizational Leadership Through
Reflective Practices

MODEL FOR PROFESSIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 71k

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS
 

The Portage Project is offering an innovative year long seminar designed to support  the implementation and use of  Reflective Practices in programs serving young children and their families. Opportunities for individualized consultation and planning, as well as training and group learning experiences will be offered. Participants will learn facilitation skills and enhance their capacity to support use of Reflective Practice strategies for personal, group and organizational benefits, and will design and implement a project that applies a reflective approach to one aspect of their organization. 

Participants will learn new facilitation skills and enhance their capacity to support use of Reflective Practice strategies for personal, group and organizational benefits, and will design and implement a project that applies a reflective approach to one aspect of their organization. 

What are Reflective Practices?

Reflective practices involve the thoughtful processing of how individuals, teams and organizations carry out their work. This approach makes mindful the impact of relationships with the children and families served by our programs, within all levels of the organization and with collaborating partners within our communities. Organizations and teams employing the use of reflective practices create a safe environment in which to share, reflect, support and provide information, and make decisions. Staff members listen, observe, find capacities, question and share multiple perspectives. 

Why implement a Reflective Practice Approach?

A Reflective Practice approach can strengthen relationships between providers and the families they serve as well as with one another.  The resulting trust and sense of safety from these relationships promotes greater efficacy and an enhanced sense of satisfaction with our work.  A Reflective Practice approach also enhances professional and personal growth, increases supervisory and administrative capacity, supports the quest for continuous quality program improvement, and the integration of program mission and values in the work. 

Who could benefit from this approach?

Administrators, supervisors, coordinators or team leaders in programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, Early Intervention and other community based programs. 

Consultants and technical assistance providers with an interest in developing their own reflective capacity to support others in their work. 

Benefits for participants and their organizations:

  • Knowledge of Reflective Practice theory and strategies

  •  
  • Skills to facilitate and train individuals in your program in the use of Reflective Practices

  •  
  • Practical strategies for implementing a Reflective Practice approach in your organization

  •  
  • Resources, materials, and networking opportunities

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  • Development of a project to benefit your organization
If you have questions contact: 

Karen Wollenburg 
wollenburgk@cesa5.k12.wi.us
or Elizabeth Olsen 
olsene@cesa5.k12.wi.us

to schedule a seminar for your organization.

Portage Project 
CESA5
P.O.Box 564
Portage, WI 53901

800-862-3725
ext. 258 or
ext. 257