LEAD DE DSP Training Details

Schedule

This nine-week Training for Direct Support Professionals will have in-person and virtual components.

The Summer LEAD program will begin on June 4th, 2024, and will run through July 29, 2024. The first two sessions (6/4 & 6/5) and the last session (7/29) will be in-person in Dover, DE. All other sessions will be held virtually on Tuesdays, 10:10 AM – 2:00 PM.

The calendars for Summer upcoming programs are listed below.

SESSIONSDates
SESSIONS 1 and 2
IN PERSON 		June 4, 2024, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm in Dover, DE
June 5, 2024, 10:00 am – 3:30 pm in Dover, DE
Welcome & Introduction to the Program & Identifying Your Skills
SESSIONS 3-9
VIRTUAL 		Tuesdays, 10:00 PM - 2:00 PM via Zoom (June 19 - July 23)
Seeing Yourself as a Leader and a Professional, Building Your Skills to Enhance Your Organization Career, and Planning for the Future
SESSION 10
IN PERSON 		July 29, 2024 10:00 am – 3:30 PM in Dover, DE
What Comes Next: Making a Plan to Stay Connected and Continue to Collaborate, Wrap Up

In addition to these set meetings, there will be between session classwork, quarterly virtual Networking and Learning events, and online participation opportunities.

Involvement of Agencies and State Leaders: The National Leadership Consortium recognizes that the buy-in of leaders who represent the agencies of participating DSPs is essential to ensure they have the time and support needed to fully engage in the Training Series. To include agency leaders throughout the process, we will ask them to join various sessions and discussions throughout the Training Series. Specifically, agency directors and executives will be invited to participate in two Leadership Challenge discussions to provide input and identify opportunities to support DSPs in their efforts to address identified workforce challenges (exact dates and times TBD).

Sessions

Throughout the sessions, participants will engage in a variety of different session types and activities. Those include:

• Small and Large Group Discussions DSPs will share thoughts, stories, and ideas about various topics throughout the Training Series. They will also reflect on presentations and use discussion time to apply learning to their own roles and organizations.

• Self and Organizational Assessments DSPs will complete several individual assessments to identify personal leadership strengths and developmental goals related to leadership styles, professional assets, and conflict management approaches. They will also complete an organizational assessment to help them evaluate agency practices related to culture, commitment to inclusion and choice for people with disabilities, governance, management and leadership approaches, and promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Experiential Exercises and Simulations DSPs will engage in a range of exercises, including simulations that allow them to practice specific skills and approaches during the training so that they feel more confident as they apply what they've learned within their organizations.

• Leadership Challenges Small groups of DSPs will develop a Leadership Challenge designed to facilitate progress and address barriers related to a significant issue or area of need facing the Delaware workforce, including recognition and support for DSPs. They will be led through a series of exercises and discussions that will help them identify the issue(s) and develop resources and job aids that will be presented at the conclusion of the 9-week program.

• Presentations The National Leadership Consortium will invite local and national speakers to present to participating DSPs on various topics throughout the 9-week program. Speakers will be field experts (including people with disabilities) in essential skills of Direct Support Professionals, workforce development, culturally competent and inclusive organizational development, and leadership. During the training program, participating DSPs will be identified who may be interested in returning to future programs to share stories and present relevant strategies and topics.

Topics

Here is a sample of the rich topics that will be explored during the LEAD Training:

• Introduction to the DE DSP Leadership Development Program

• History and Human Rights

• Leading Effective Teams

• Fostering a Sustainable Workforce

• Strategic Leadership to Enhance Organizational Practices

• Transforming Organizational Culture

• Enhancing Accountability and Interpersonal Communication

• Networking and Building Connections

• Strengths Based Leadership

• Advocacy and Your Role in Systems Change

• Next Steps in Your Career and Leadership Development

• Wrap Up/Staying Connected

Click here for more information about the National Leadership Consortium About Us and Training Facilitators, Caitlin Bailey and Kristen Loomis.

Apply Here!

Please reach out to Kristen Loomis, kloomis@natleadership.org, with additional questions