CJUSD Holds First Annual Early Childhood Education Staff Development Conference

Colton Joint Unified School District’s first early childhood education conference, “Harvesting Tomorrow’s Potential,” took place Monday, Sept. 28 at Rogers Elementary School. The event offered preschool educators a chance to learn, connect and gain inspiration about the work they do every day to ensure that the community’s youngest learners get the head start they need for lifelong success. Early childhood education, and in particular, early literacy, is a priority in CJUSD. Early literacy also is a focus of Superintendent Jerry Almendarez’ Community Cabinet, and the district has adopted the theme: “Today’s Readers, Tomorrow’s Leaders” to emphasize the importance that reading at grade level by third grade has on future success. “Study after study has shown the importance of preschool – not only for school readiness, but for life readiness,” Melissa Williamson, CJUSD Director of Child Development told educators Monday. “This is where it starts.” The day-long Harvesting Tomorrow’s Potential program included training for 77 teachers, instructional assistants and support staff. Strategies to build communication, language and literacy skills in young children were a focus of the program. Participants also received an update on licensing requirements. They also received CPR and first aid training, and learned about the state’s Desired Results Development Profile (DRDP) assessment tool. Williamson coordinated Monday’s event. Staff from the California Preschool Instruction Network and the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools helped lead activities. Guest speakers included Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Mike Snellings and CJUSD Board Member Joanne Thoring-Ojeda. “What you do is important,” Snellings told educators Monday. “This is the first of what’s going to be an annual event.”