Learning Cycle for Direct Care Professionals

Upon Hire During the first two weeks of employment, staff will participate in an orientation that will include observation, self-paced eLearning modules, video instruction, classroom instruction, guided practice and policy review. Topics covered include Health and Safety, Ethical Practices, The Glenholme Motivational Management Approach, Corrective and Creative Discipline, Crisis Prevention / Intervention, Student Characteristics and Strategies, and Policy and Procedures. Initial Employment Learning Staff will successfully complete five self-paced eLearning courses that provide knowledge and guidance to meet the needs of the students in the milieu and implement the Glenholme program. The courses include knowledge assessment and, in some cases, performance assessment. Topics include Creating a Strong Foundation, Making Connections with Children, Teaching and Shaping, Making Decisions with Confidence, and The Art of Engagement.

The Direct Care Certification Program
The Direct Care Certification Program is a learning initiative of the Glenholme School that provides staff with the opportunity to acquire advanced competence through computer based coursework and demonstration projects. Staff will participate in five blended learning courses that provide advanced knowledge and understanding of the Glenholme Direct Care competencies. They are assigned to a class with no more than four others and assigned a lead mentor. This cohort of students and mentor meet occasionally, but most of the communication will be done Online. This means class members from different areas and shifts learn from each other and develop new learning relationships

The pace of completion will be flexible, but could be achieved within one year. The course mentor will guide the staff member through the materials and provide feedback on participation and quality of demonstration. Projects, presentations and observation will attest the staff member's successful implementation of the skills. Staff will receive Glenholme Certification upon successful completion of all four courses.

1. Conducting Engaging Activities
Research shows that engagement and achievement in meaningful activities fosters emotional and social growth. Staff members need to infuse instruction into every aspect of the young person's day to foster growth.

2. Creating a Healthy Community
The environment is of utmost importance in the life of a young person. It must be safe and secure and foster pride, achievement and responsibility.

3. Promoting Positive Performance & Growth
To help young people grow and prosper staff must identify and encourage strengths and guide people to every greater levels of achievement. Understanding and employing proven systems is stressed in this course.

4. Fostering Autonomy, Independence, and Self Control
Helping young people to establish goals, self evaluate is an important and vital role for staff.