The Family Development for Supervisors Series is an exciting new professional development training program for agency leaders and supervisors interested in empowerment-based leadership. The Series is based on the Family Development Credentialing and Training Program (FDC), a major New York State initiative that aims to redirect the way health, education, and human services are delivered to families. Supervisors of frontline workers, service coordinators, program managers, department directors, board members, and executive directors or CEOs are welcome to participate in the program.
How does the Family Development for Supervisors Series differs from traditional leadership development trainings?
- Supervisors build on skills and competencies workers learned through strengths-based family development training. Most leadership training programs provide information about how to use generic strategies in all-purpose situations.
- The interactive and reflective nature of the program encourages personal and organizational transformation. Most leadership trainings are conducted in one-day or time-intensive group seminars with little time for open discussion or personal reflection.
- All levels of leadership, from board members and executive directors to frontline supervisors, are encouraged to participate. Most leadership trainings are created for executive management or top administrators, who then become responsible for implementing change.
The Family Development for Supervisors Series consists of:
- 33 hours of intensive interactive classroom study, and an additional 3 hours for final Leadership Portfolio review to occur approximately one month after the last regular class session.
- Leadership Portfolio (comprising three components):
- Plan and complete an Independent Learning Project for each of the five curriculum chapters, in collaboration with a colleague in the class, who will serve as a "peer advisor."
Curriculum components include:
- The Family Development Credential and the Empowered Workplace
- Transforming Your Workplace through Empowerment-based Leadership
- Leadership and Self-Empowerment
- Supervising with Skill and Heart
- Cultural Competence
- At the end of each of the five curriculum chapters, develop a Leadership Empowerment Plan, in collaboration with a peer advisor, and implement the plan for one month.
- Prepare a personal reflection on the Leadership Empowerment Plan after one month that describes steps taken, challenges encountered (and how the student responded) and future steps or goals identified as a result of the plan.
There is no exam for the Leadership Credential - credentials are issued after classes are completed and final portfolios have been reviewed and approved by Cornell University.
DYCD offers competitive scholarships to eligible leaders and supervisors who would like to participate in Family Development for Supervisors Series. Leaders and supervisors of DYCD-funded organizations, or community-based or non-profit organizations located within eligible Neighborhood Development Areas (NDAs) can apply. Priority will be given to agencies that have participated in the Family Development Training and Credentialing (FDC) program and have FDC-credentialed workers on staff.
Classes are held each fall and spring at select City University of New York campuses. For more information on upcoming classes, please contact Meryl M. Jones, Director of Family Development at 212-341-9568.
Application:
Download FDC Spring 2013 Scholarship Application (in PDF)
Download FDC for Supervisors Scholarship Application (in PDF)
Additional Information:
