Training, Tools, and Learning for Technical Assistance Specialists and Coaches


Training for Technical Assistant Specialists and Coaches



The McCormick Institute’s Center for Early Childhood Leadership works with individuals, organizations, and state agencies to develop informed and experienced trainers, coaches, and mentors who can support the Whole Leadership development of early childhood administrators.

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Why Training is Beneficial

Training for technical assistants and coaches can be tailored based on the center-based or family child care administrators being coached, and may include content related to:


  • Using the PAS and BAS as tools for coaching administrators
  • Establishing rapport and aligning goals
  • Tailoring support to administrators’ developmental career stages
  • Adapting coaching strategies to meet the unique needs of family child care
  • Using assessment data to help administrators create and implement quality improvement plans
  • An overview of the PAS or BAS and an in-depth look at specific PAS or BAS items
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"I would say that this might just be the best online training I have ever attended. The presenters are knowledgeable and relatable. It's apparent that they put a lot of thought into the presentation and its preparation."

PAS TTA Participant, Diane Farley, Coach/Mentor/Quality Specialist (e g , technical assistance role)

Different Training Options

Program Administration Scale (PAS) Overview Trainings









Business Administration Scale for Family Child Care (BAS) Overview Trainings





BAS Transformative TA: Supporting Excellence in Family Child Care




PAS and BAS item-specific trainings can be adapted to a train-the-trainer model to support TAs and coaches in their work with center and FCC administrators













Miscellaneous Trainings

Change is Good…You Go First!


Whether you're leading a classroom, a team, or an entire school, motivating yourself and others to embrace change is one of the toughest challenges in education—and often a major source of frustration. So, how do you take the first step and inspire others to follow? This session delves into the fascinating science behind how people change and offers practical, proven strategies to overcome common barriers and lead the way with confidence and purpose.


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The Honeycomb and Beyond: Learning to see your program from a systems perspective, developing systems to sustain quality, and understanding how power influences operations


Similar to a honeycomb, early care and education programs are complex systems. Without an understanding of systems thinking, a director is at a disadvantage and less likely to develop and sustain quality practices over time. Through a simulated game, participants will gain an understanding of the interconnectedness of their organization to a larger system. Participants will learn that they can no longer focus on one aspect of a system, such as classroom quality, and expect the organization to make lasting, sustainable change. Instead, a systems approach that considers a variety of components beyond the classroom must be addressed. Power differentials within a child care program will be explored, giving participants the opportunity to identify with structures of power and explore how power is used and viewed among staff. Participants will embark on a journey evaluating the practices that currently exist in their programs and how they can develop and improve upon systems to create more efficiency and effectiveness.


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FAQs or Process for Working With You

  • How do I get started?

    Contact us! We will set up a meeting with you to learn more about your group’s needs and create a customized training program.

  • Are the trainings in-person or online?

    We have live in-person training, live virtual training, and self-paced online learning options. 

  • Is there a way to customize the training?

    Absolutely! We work with you to customize the package that best suits your group’s needs.

  • Can your trainers travel to where my group is located?

    Yes! Our staff frequently travels to different locations nationwide to deliver these professional learning sessions.

  • Is there any evidence of the impact of this work?

  • What other resources do you have?

    We have a library of eResources which include articles about topics relevant to early childhood administrators. 

History for Training Program

The McCormick Institute’s Center for Early Childhood Leadership has a rich history of developing leadership in early childhood administrators.

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