Last month, NICCA presented at the ISSA Conference 2024 in Sofia, Bulgaria. ISSA, a leading international learning community and dynamic member association, provided a great platform for us to highlight our development of the Dream Program - an employee engagement program that builds the connection between personal growth and professional success. This program, grounded in Matthew Kelly’s philosophy from the book The Dream Manager (Amazon), champions the idea that everyone benefits (both the program and the individual) from a focusing on an individual's articulation, prioritization, and pursuit of personal goals and dreams alongside their professional goals.
Here's a glimpse into the key takeaways from the presentation:
The Core of the Dream Program
The Dream Program is more than just a framework—it's a transformative approach that encourages early childhood professionals to reconnect with their values, define their purpose, and set meaningful goals. Key components of the program include:
Reflections on Dreams and Values: Helping participants identify their dreams and align them with their personal values.
Purpose and Passion: Fostering self-discovery by connecting passions to one’s professional journey.
Practical Goal-Setting: Creating a tangible action plan with accountability measures to support ongoing growth.
Presenting alongside our colleagues from the Washington County Child Care Foundation / Ivy Learning, who implemented the program within the Delaware Tribe of Indians CCDF and Head Start programs, we shared stories of real-world application, discussing both the challenges and successes they encountered during implementation. Challenges like teaching people how to dream and ensuring buy-in were overcome with strategies that emphasized open communication and building trust. Successes such as stronger relationships between teaching and coaching staff and improved staff morale stood out as testaments to the program’s positive impact.
Best Practices for Success
Attendees walked away with several best practices to consider:
Honest, Upfront Communication: Transparent dialogue builds trust.
Integration in Orientation: Introducing the program as part of staff health and wellness during onboarding sets the right tone.
Face-to-Face Connections: Personal interactions are key to maintaining engagement.
Leadership Involvement: Supervisor buy-in is crucial for program sustainability.
The presentation reinforced that while the Dream Program requires dedication and high-touch interactions, the payoff is significant: a team that feels engaged, supported, inspired, and ready to pursue their dreams both inside and outside the workplace.
Interested in exploring your own Dream Program? Contact us!
