The world of child care has been nothing these past few years if not a whirlwind of activity. While exciting times indeed, what has become increasingly evident over the past year is how easy it can be to become reactionary to all that is occurring around us. In the words of one of our coaches there is a tendency at times to feel a bit like an Octopus with not enough arms to juggle everything and while much is happening at times it feels a bit like being on a ship without navigation, aimlessly wandering wherever the wind takes us. That being said, while the role of a Director is a fine balance of leadership and management; sadly one of the most critical responsibilities compromised in times of increased pressure is that of stepping back and setting strategic vision. So how then do we move from being reactionary (managing) to pro-active (leading) in order to propel organizational goals forward with intention and focus?
Over the past number of years, ARCQE has become famous for saying in order for technical assistance to be meaningful, service and support cannot be offered under a cookie-cutter approach- it needs to be reflective of individual need. We have learned much subsequently about this over the past four years and as such seemed a timely opportunity to re-invent ourselves in order that we continue to meet the challenge of supporting all of you in “building capacity ~ supporting quality”! For this reason, we are pleased to be launching not only our new website, but ARCQE’s first official newsletter to the child care community as a newly incorporated society!
Indeed this has been an eventful year as the organization has undergone re-branding as a means of:
- affirming a new mission and vision,
- establishing a new community-based board,
- launching new and innovative services,
- introducing a new self-directed tract for coordinating professional development & mentoring support
- initiating open workshop registration process
- developing new program and professional service pass cards & activities transcripts
- making available new supportive resources
- establishing enhanced interaction opportunities virtually via the new & improved website which featuring an index on the ARCQE Resource Library, regular polls and surveys and news alert broadcasts on all things newly evolving under the ARCQE technical assistance umbrella!
It is our sincere hope that you find our fresh new look and approach helpful, interesting and motivating! Explore our site and a sampling of the array of new things to come and be sure to let us know how you like it by taking our 5 minute survey where you’re name or agency will be entered for a draw!
Regards;
Corine Ferguson,
Executive Director,
ARCQE