The NESA professional development system is designed to develop and deliver high quality professional development for Even Start that is consistent with statute and addresses the integration of the four components. It is a research-based system that is designed to generate improved participant outcomes . The delivery of training must be ongoing and sustained with a defined Scope and Sequence to be effective. All professional development will be evaluated to determine both participant satisfaction and participant growth with opportunities for Transfer & Application in post training opportunities. To ensure the high quality of the professional development system all training must be delivered by responsive and knowledgeable facilitators who deliver a consistent message.

All professional development will conform to the sequence below:

2. Collect research
To begin the process of developing content for training, review relevant research addressing the identified need. For example, if the professional development committee determines a need for training on observation, research must be collected, cited, and summarized on why effective observation is beneficial for program instruction and/or program administration.

3. Establish objectives for training
Once research has been collected and analyzed, develop objectives for the training. Who is the target audience? What is the end result of the training? What should participants be able to do once they complete the training?

4. Develop content outline
Based on the research compiled and objectives for the training, develop a content outline. Outline specific training areas and the information to be presented in each area.

5. Develop training activities
Each training area or section of the content outline needs to be presented in a way that engages the adult learner/participant. For each section of the content area, develop varied and appealing staff development activities.

6. Develop opportunities for guided practice
After presenting content in each training area, design training activities that allow participants to identify and practice strategies reflected in the research. Include in the training some time for participants to develop plans for incorporating the presented strategies into their own programs.

7. Create trainer criteria
After training development is complete, begin to plan the process for delivering the training workshop. The first step in this process is establishing master facilitators and additional content specific criteria for identified training. At minimum, potential facilitators must: participate in the workshop for facilitators; have experience conducting professional development and facilitating groups; be available to present workshops within a designated area or across the country; and meet additional criteria established by the developers.

8. Develop train-the-trainer workshop
Based on the needs assessment and workshop content, master facilitators work with the content developers to create a train-the-trainer workshop. The purpose of this workshop is to:

• ensure identified facilitators have the requisite skills to present the workshop;
• provide facilitators with the content knowledge to deliver the workshop; and
• review the complete training package with the facilitators.

10. Conduct a field test of the training
Lead facilitators, in conjunction with content developers, present a training workshop to the prospective facilitators, and other key individuals.

11. Revise training materials
Based on feedback solicited from the field test of the training workshop, and the evaluations of the training, revise applicable training resources.

12. Coordinate logistics
Generally, training workshops will be scheduled through the NESA office. The lead trainer is responsible for contacting the NESA office and maintaining communication with the site coordinator.

13. Present the training workshop
Identified facilitators deliver the training workshop at the site identified.

14. Evaluate and analyze results
Facilitators complete an evaluation for each training workshop. This information should be compiled and analyzed and then used by the content developers, master facilitators, and other facilitators to modify and improve the training workshop or the training materials.

15. Conduct follow-up
During the first and second month following the training workshop, the facilitators should work with NESA to follow-up with participants to determine the application of the training workshop content at the monthly regional meeting.

Protocol for Identifying Facilitators

1. All facilitators must complete an application documenting their knowledge of Even Start Family Literacy and their experience as a facilitator/trainer.
2. The following identifies the qualifications that facilitators must possess:

• Experience in Even Start Family Literacy
• Knowledge of Even Start statute, guidance and best practices
• Knowledge and understanding of the content area of the training
• Documented evidence of successful training experience
• Updated training and technical assistance (provide training first)
• Willingness to travel
• Willingness to be evaluated by EDLINK officials
• Willingness to participate in on-going professional development and continuous improvement process

Reimbursement Schedule