Training & Facilitation
It is Kids Central’s objective to provide educational opportunities to individuals, caregivers, professionals, and partner agencies in support of our mission, values, and goals. Kids Central’s Training and Facilitation Department enhances the skills, knowledge and abilities of staff while promoting awareness of and sensitivity to cultural backgrounds and the needs of the most vulnerable children and families. Kids Central is committed to provide best practice training opportunities to do the job efficiently and effectively with energy and enthusiasm.
The staff at Kids Central receives training through a variety of venues, including New Employee Orientation. This training includes an overview of Kids Central’s System of Care, describes Kids Central’s mission, philosophy and goals, and introduces the employee to the various departments and lines of authority within the corporation. Kids Central’s Training Team maintains many Trainer certifications including, but not limited to: Child Welfare, Family Team Conferencing, Family Centered Practice, Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, Bridges Out of Poverty, Adoption Competency, Non-Abusive Physical and Psychological Intervention, Supervising for Excellence, and Myers-Briggs. These professional certifications allow for a vast variety of in-service training opportunities. In-service training opportunities are often contracted by local, state, and national experts.
Kids Central provides the State-mandated Pre-Service training to all child welfare professionals. Trainer/Facilitators present eight weeks of classroom training, followed by intensive field training based on a professional development training plan to assist the new child welfare professional in their goal to achieve individual certification in their job class.
Training staff members:
Penny Beehler, Director of Training and Professional Development
(352)387-3465
Penny.Beehler@kidscentralinc.org
Joe Saladino, Supervisor of Training and Facilitation
(352)387-3455
Joseph.Saladino@kidscentralinc.org
Jennifer Clark, Training Administrative Assistant
(352)387-3530
Jennifer.Clark@kidscentralinc.org
Jordan Bernay, Trainer/Facilitator
(352)387-3529
Jordan.Bernay@kidscentralinc.org
Andrea Davis, Trainer/Facilitator
(352)387-3524
Andrea.Davis@kidscentralinc.org
Ayanna Davis, Trainer/Facilitator
(352)387-3404
Ayanna.Davis@kidscentralinc.org
David Saunders, Trainer/Facilitator
(352)387-3514
David.Saunders@kidscentralinc.org
Erika Summerfield, Trainer/Facilitator
(352)387-3442
Erika.Summerfield@kidscentralinc.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the latest status of the new Certification Process?
A.In the last legislative session, the Certification process changed. The Department of Children and Families is no longer issuing Child Welfare Certification. On October 3, 2011, the Florida Certification Board was approved as a Child Welfare Credential Entity. The Florida Certification Board has prioritized granting child welfare certification by reciprocity (“grandfathering”) for all eligible professionals.
- To be eligible for reciprocity, one must have a current Department issued child welfare certification. In addition to currently certified staff, individuals who have completed the Phase I Post Test and the Phase II Field Based Performance Assessment by December 31, 2011, will also be granted reciprocity.
- Reciprocity into the FCB credentialing system will be completed at no cost to the Agency or certificate holder.
New information from the Florida Certification Board has been communicated. It is Kids Central’s Training and Facilitation Department’s desire to make this a smooth process. Kids Central will be the sole communicator with the Florida Certification Board.
Q.What should you do now?
A.Contact Jennifer Clark with any questions or concerns at 352-387-3530 or Jennifer.Clark@kidscentralinc.org
Q: How do I register for a course offered by Kids Central?
A: Contact Jennifer Clark at jennifer.clark@kidscentralinc.org or by phone at 352-873-6332 ext: 3530
Q: I see Pre-service training on the calendar, what does that mean?
A: Pre-service training is required for all new child welfare professionals. These trainings are required for certification. Contracted providers register new employees to attend.
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