Introducing the ROCK Toolkit and Appreciating Early Learning Professionals

This spring’s online session of the Oakland Early Learning Symposium introduced the OSSS Resilient Oakland Communities and Kids (ROCK) Toolkit to over 90 early learning professionals. These Oakland-grown ROCK tools were developed in partnership with a range of early childhood educators and administrators, additional content experts and OSSS staff. At the Symposium, members of this collaborative team discussed how these hands-on tools can help create healing-centered and trauma-responsive early learning environments. 

---

The meeting was moderated by Wenonah Elms (City of Oakland Head Start) and Caroline Jones (OUSD). View the whole symposium on the OSSS YouTube channel. Highlights include:

• Julie Kurtz, Founder and Executive Director of Center for Optimal Brain Integration (COBI) kicked us off with a presentation titled “Understanding the Brain and Behavior in School.” 
• Alisa Burton (City of Oakland Head Start) and LaWanda Wesley (CCRC) provided an overview of the ROCK tools.
• Rhonda Moore (OUSD) and Melissa Luc described their experience implementing the tools in the classroom. 

​“The very good, clear, and simple information helped me understand more about how to work better with children since many times we do not know what is behind each behavior." 
 - Symposium attendee

ROCK components include workshops, Professional Learning Communities, coaching, yoga, and self-care resources – because educators are more able to offer a healing early learning environment when they are attuned to their own well-being. For this reason, and in thanks for all that educators do, OSSS also offered an in-person event to complement the online Symposium.  Despite the rain, over 60 participants gathered at BANANAS, Inc. to participate in activities including chalk drawing, stained glass, chair massages, drumming, yoga, and professional headshots. The event also included a taco bar, a raffle, and gifts provided by Tandem, BANANAS, ACOE and OSSS. Lastly, participants received professional development credits: because self-care is an important part of maintaining overall well-being and sustaining professional effectiveness.

---

This fall, Oakland Starting Smart and Strong plans to create Professional Learning Communities centered around the ROCK Toolkit. If you want more information,  please fill out this form.