Staff Training
Staff Training
Importance of Staff Training
Research has shown that high-quality 4-H programming requires effective professional development of educators. The availability of effective professional development is critical to enhance their competencies (Garst et al., 2014). Furthermore, effective professional development can help advance educators’ abilities to facilitate learning experiences by improving their content knowledge, understanding of desired learning outcomes and pedagogy (Barker, Grandgenett, & Nugent, 2009; Hunzicker, 2011, Smith, 2013).
Training Topics
Introduction to 4-H Youth Development (module 1)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the positive effect that 4-H has on youth
- Learn about the eight Essential Elements of Positive Youth Development and how to create these elements
- Learn about life skill development
- Learn about experiential learning and how to use it
Culture of 4-H (module 2)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about and identify elements that compromise the culture of 4-H
- To be aware of the Idaho 4-H Policies and Procedures and know how to access it and know you are responsible to enforce the policy
- Learn about the origin and authorization of use of the 4-H name and emblem
- Use and apply policy regarding the appropriate use of the 4-H name and emblem
Organizational Structure of 4-H (module 3)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the three structural levels of 4-H
- Learn how 4-H fits into the extension system
- Identify state 4-H staff and know their areas of expertise
- Learn about the county extension office structure
4-H Financial Management (module 4)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the procedures to establish new clubs/groups
- Learn how clubs/groups can secure tax-exempt status
- Learn about the documentation required to successfully file annual reports
- Learn about basic considerations when working with market animal sale committees
4-H Risk Management (module 5)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about basic risk management principles
- Learn four primary risk management strategies
- Learn about the relationship between risk and liability
- Learn about the components of a risk management plan
- Learn practical application through assessment scenarios
Introduction to 4-H Volunteer Management Systems (module 6)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the different components of volunteer management
- Understand the importance of building relationships with volunteers
- Learn the ISOTURE model
- Learn about the volunteer application, certification and renewal process
4-H Online and Enrollment Management (module 7)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn what 4-H Online is and why Idaho 4-H uses it
- Learn about the basic functions of 4-H Online
- Learn where to find resources about 4-H Online
Training Topics
Recognition (module 8)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about, and appropriately apply the five types of recognition used in 4-H
- Learn about the value of intrinsic and extrinsic awards
- Learn how to select appropriate awards that match the type of recognition
Annual Reporting and Documenting Issues (module 9)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the required annual reporting through CALSPlan and 4-H Online
- Learn about the Civil Rights policy
- Learn about documenting program conflict issues
4-H Committees, Boards, Associations and Councils (module 10)
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the different types of 4-H committees
- Know the intent of having organized committees
- Understand the importance of purpose and mission
- Know how to work with committees effectively and efficiently
4-H Delivery Modes (module 11)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the characteristics of the seven 4-H delivery modes
- Learn how to identify the most appropriate delivery mode to reach programming goals
- Learn how to categorize program delivery
4-H Club Program — Starting a New Club (module 12a)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about securing approvals
- Learn about promotion and recruitment
- Learn about conducting the initial meeting
- Learn about securing required documents
- Learn about planning subsequent meetings
- Learn about basic year-end considerations
4-H Club Program — Strengthening Existing Clubs (module 12b)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about recruiting volunteers and members
- Learn about the club organizational framework
- Learn about enrollment and project selection
- Learn about club officers and finances
- Learn about community engagement and exhibitions
- Learn about recognition opportunities
Training Topics
4-H Event and Program Planning (module 13)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn strategies to gather information regarding community needs
- Learn how to use the logic model to plan programs
- Learn how to create effective lesson plans
State, National and International Opportunities for Teens through 4-H (module 14)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to identify opportunities for youth participants, volunteers and professionals regarding state, national and international programs
- Learn how to locate these opportunities on the various websites
- Learn how to share information with youth and adult partners
- Learn how to engage in these programs
Community Partners (module 15)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to identify community needs
- Learn how to identify community partners
- Learn how to identify the purpose, structure and process of the levels of community relationships
- Learn the components of a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
- Learn how to draft a MOU with a community partner
Introduction to Assessment and Evaluation in 4-H Programs (module 16)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn the terms used in evaluation, the distinction between commonly used terms and why the distinction is important
- Learn about the 4-H Common Measures, what they are and how to use them
- Learn about the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and what is required for evaluation in 4-H
- Learn about logic models and how they are used in project planning
Satisfaction on the Job: Work-Life Balance (module 17)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to balance our job and personal life
- Learn how to identify what brings satisfaction at work
- Learn how to identify what brings satisfaction away from work
Introduction to the 4-H Professional Research, Knowledge and Competencies (PRKC) model (module 18)
Learning Objectives:
- Learn what PRKC is
- Understand how PRKC applies to youth development work
4-H FFA Partnership
Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the structure and history of 4-H and FFA.
- Understand and value the working relationship between 4-H and FFA.
- Understand and apply best practices in a positive working relationship between 4-H and FFA.