It's been a wonderful adventure working in the field of human services and school-age care for almost three decades. Experiences bridge that of Crisis Intervention Counseling, Site Program Director, Summer Day-Camp Manager, and instructor at Macomb Community College, teaching School-Age Care. Formerly, work was that of staff trainer at Rochester Community Schools developing curriculum and resource materials for its innovative before-and-after school programs. Rochester's programs served more than 1500 children a year!
This website -- is an outlet for sharing a passion of previous work and meeting the needs and interests of children! As the late American actor Danny Kaye said, "Life is a great big canvas, and we should throw all the paint on it we can." By sharing ourselves, talents, skills and hobbies in our classrooms, programs and homes, we can give children a gift they will carry into the rest of their lives!
Life is shared with my wonderful husband, three children, three step-children, thirteen grandchildren and a very large cat who thinks we're HIS pets! Family, traveling, dreaming, yummy desserts, sunny days, learning, and just 'being'...is what makes life complete!
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CONSULTING AVAILABILITY
QUESTION: Why would a School Age Care Director consider engaging a professional consultant/trainer?
ANSWER: It’s important that parents and educators see ‘Before and After School’ staff members as professionals who believe in quality, education, and the development of children.
Quality programming starts at the door. It speaks volumes and tells others who we are and what we're doing.
Ask yourself:
• Is the program organized?
• Is it stimulating?
• Are children learning…are they having fun?
• Are children's needs being met?
• Would evaluation help to improve job performance?
• Would direction assist in deciding what specific training each employee needs?
To ensure the best possible programming, an ‘objective eye’ can often guide and provide a plan and direction.
Fees are negotiable based on individual budget constraints and needs. Evaluations and Assessment can be designed to meet your needs. Two hour, one day or short term assignments are available...
Additionally... Are your employees missing hours to meet State of Michigan licensing requirements? Customized training sessions can be conducted for small groups needing 1.5 or more hours. Often meetings during 'Consulting' can also be counted towards training hours.
For more information, please contact
Barb Shelby - Rochester Hills, Michigan
All consulting is designed to motivate staff, encourage the use of best practices, and promote pride and professionalism in the field of child care.
References available upon request
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A NOTE RECEIVED 'AFTER AN ASSESSMENT AND CONSULTING' ASSIGNMENT ...
Barb,
I just want to thank you for all you've done for us! We are getting compliments for our program left and right. Parents are super pleased. Now I know what a good program looks like; you can be assured we will keep it up. It's remakable with what you've done!
Thank you,
Kathie Flanigan
Lead Caregiver K-Club and SAC
Rochester
You may be also be interested in the page that contains articles on... The Importance of Program Assessment; Setting Goals; Keeping the Fire Lit! If you are considering contacting me, please read "Keeping the Fire Lit.".. the six points outlined--is the beginning of the process.
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COMMENTS FROM 'TRAINING WORKSHOPS' ...
Dear Barb,
I was blown away far beyond my expectations! The participants were truly engaged. In their final refections they spoke of how valuable your segmant was -- and how instrumental it will be when incorporated into their programs.
Oh the ideas I will use with my students! Your time and expertise was greatly appreciated!
Sabina Turner
Program Educator
MSUE-4C
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I loved this presentation! Informative and creative. Wish it would have been longer than the three hours.
Sandra Agar, Site Director (7 Years)
Alganac Childcare
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The best training I've yet attended! The entire presentation was interesting and informative. I'd like to attend other seminars with Barb as the presenter!
Bernadetter Sprecher
Site Director (30 Years)
L'Anse Creuse
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I loved everything about the presentation! It was fun with new ideas -- I laughed a lot!
Thank you,
Sherri Wright, SACC Head Caregiver (10 years)
L'Anse Cruse
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I liked it all! I wish it would have lasted all day. Creative, positive, helpful and friendly! Thank you for making it so much fun and informative,
Laura Bastian, Lead Teacher (10 years)
Kindercare Learning Center
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It was great fun! From the moment we walked in-- the warmth and inviting set-up showed the time and love that went into the planning. Great thinking and teaching outside of the box!
Crissy Ritz
Reach for the Stars, Provider (20 years)
This was not the same old stuff over again! This was motivating and energetic where I really wanted to be here and take everything in. Very informative--great ideas in new ways to have fun with children. Thanks!
Paula Ritz
Reach for the Stars (20 years)
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