The Hilton/Head Start Training Program Final Report: 5 Year Visual Executive Summary (2002 through 2007)
Implementing and Sustaining the Change
Graduate Activities
As a way to stay connected to the 240 graduate teams from the first phase of SpecialQuest (1997 - 2002), 40 individuals were recruited to serve as SpecialQuest Ambassadors. The Ambassadors are from these graduate teams and promote “Continuing the Quest” in and beyond their communities.
In 2007, each SpecialQuest Ambassador developed an individualized Action Plan to support the mission of the Ambassador Program. Overall, these plans included the following types of activities: (a) making connections across EHS/MSHS programs; (b) introducing programs to the SpecialQuest Multimedia Training Library, (c) utilizing tools, resources and training materials to support leadership in the community, (d) participating in discussions and facilitating forums on SpecialQuest Online, (e) supporting Phase I teams in participating in online workshops provided by the Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program, (f) connecting programs to the SpecialQuest website and (d) building and expanding the SpecialQuest network.
As a result, Ambassadors:
- Contacted Phase I graduate teams
- Oriented new contacts in high-turnover programs to SpecialQuest and the Ambassador Program
- Collected current contact information for the dissemination of the SpecialQuest Multimedia Training Library
- Demonstrated the use of the SpecialQuest Multimedia Training Library
- Encouraged teams to explore SpecialQuest Online and participate in online workshops
- Conducted training for other programs highlighting SpecialQuest Multimedia Training Library materials
- Connected with child care licensors to promote SpecialQuest materials
- Met with state Part C providers and state ICC providers to share about Early Head Start and SpecialQuest
- Presented SpecialQuest materials at local, regional, and national conferences, as well as various educational institutions.
A map of the United States, including Puerto Rico, displays all Phase I and Phase II Graduate programs, all SpecialQuest Learning Coaches, SpecialQuest Ambassadors, and all SpecialQuest Trainers. As the map illustrates, the growth of the SpecialQuest network is evident, with thousands of individuals and roughly 500 programs completing all 4 years of SpecialQuest in both Phase I and II. Ambassadors, along with Learning Coaches, SpecialQuest trainers, and graduate teams from both phases provide a network connecting communities across the entire country.
