Professional Development


We're committed to your growth and professional development on both an individual and programmatic level.

Fair Futures Professional Development Opportunities:

Upcoming Trainings, Workshops, & Events

Fair Futures offers Trainings, Workshops, and Refreshers, designed to help you increase your knowledge and strengthen your skills.  Please see a list of upcoming mandatory and optional opportunities below. 
To download a PDF of all Mandatory Trainings for Fair Futures Staff, click here.
Optional Training
1 on 1 Platform Support Sessions
Sign up for a 1 on 1 session with Matt and/or Katie to learn the basic functionality of the Fair Futures platform, set and close goals, pull reports, transfer and add youth and more.

Multiple Dates Available
Sign up for as many sessions as you feel are needed.
Sign Up Today
Open to any Fair Futures staff that will be using the platform. Small groups are welcome.
Optional Training
Platform Training - Adding, Transferring, Assigning Youth & Admin Functions
Multiple Dates Available
Training for Supervisors, Directors and agency staff who oversee data, reporting and administrative tasks.
Participants will learn how to transfer youth to a coach; how to re-assign youth; and about the various reporting functions.
‍PLEASE NOTE: You MUST be on a laptop or desktop. Phones may NOT be used. We will start promptly on time.  If you are going to be more than 15 minutes late please sign up for a future training date.  You will also need to remain in the training until the end. This training is ONLY for date and QA/QI specialists.
Once you register you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite with a Zoom link.
Optional Training
Goals & Steps Framework Introduction/Refresher
Multiple Dates Available
Training for Middle School Specialists and Coaches
If you are a NEW Middle School Specialist or Coach: please complete this training before you begin the Core Fair Futures training.
Participants will learn how to track young people's academic, career, and housing goals and progress.
Existing Coaches and Middle School Specialists are encouraged to take this 1 hour training as a refresher, if needed!
‍PLEASE NOTE: Once you register you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite with a Zoom link.
Optional Training
How To Use Care4 Reports for Supervision
Friday, January 14, 2022 | 10:00 - 12:00 PM
Multiple Dates Available
‍This optional training is ideal for Coaches, Education Specialists, Career Specialists and Supervisors.
This workshop on how to use Care4 reports for supervision is specifically designed to support pulling reports for coaches & middle school specialists. In this training you will dive deeper into ways you can use Care4. A new document "Instructions for running Fair Futures Reports on Care4" was developed back in November 2021 to  support supervisors with running reports.

Join us during this session to: Discuss the purpose/description of the reports, Understand best practices on how to use it for program management/supervision; and receive instructions on how to run reports based on need.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Workshop Wednesdays
Long-Term Success of Your Coaching Program by Integrating the 4P's: People
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop for Supervisors and Directors
The final phase in making your Fair Futures program part of the “DNA” of your agency is Integration and Long-Term Success. In this next phase, your Fair Futures program is ideally operating with efficiency, hitting all or most of the key goals/ objectives, and most importantly - making a positive impact on the lives of the young people served. In order to achieve this level of excellence, you will need the 4 P’s.In this special leadership series participants will explore solutions while learning the following:How to build/create a culture that empowers, provides emotional safety and supports the needs of your staff.Develop the right processes to handle hiring/onboarding, managing the budget, youth recruitment, staff development and training and more.How to strengthen your program model.Learn how to manage performance related to youth goals, mastery of Care4, fiscal management and staff development.
This optional series will be offered on the following dates:
January 19, 2022:PEOPLE
January 26, 2022: PROCESS
February 2, 2022: PROGRAM
February 9, 2022: PERFORMANCE
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Workshop Wednesdays
Long-Term Success of Your Coaching Program by Integrating the 4P's:
Process
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop for Supervisors and Directors
The final phase in making your Fair Futures program part of the “DNA” of your agency is Integration and Long-Term Success. In this next phase, your Fair Futures program is ideally operating with efficiency, hitting all or most of the key goals/ objectives, and most importantly - making a positive impact on the lives of the young people served. In order to achieve this level of excellence, you will need the 4 P’s.In this special leadership series participants will explore solutions while learning the following: How to build/create a culture that empowers, provides emotional safety and supports the needs of your staff. Develop the right processes to handle hiring/onboarding, managing the budget, youth recruitment, staff development and training and more.How to strengthen your program model.Learn how to manage performance related to youth goals, mastery of Care4, fiscal management and staff development.
This optional series will be offered on the following dates:
January 26, 2022: PROCESS
February 2, 2022: PROGRAM
February 9, 2022: PERFORMANCE
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Optional Training
One Degree Demo
Friday, January 28, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 
Multiple Dates Available
Training is ideal for Coaches, Education Specialists, Career Specialists and Supervisors.
Participants will learn about all of the fantastic new updates to One Degree, your one-stop shop for everything related to career and education in NYC. OneDegree now contains 1,500+ opportunities and virtually all non-college post-secondary programs and workforce opportunities.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Workshop Wednesdays
Long-Term Success of Your Coaching Program by Integrating the 4P's: Program
Wednesday, February 2, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop for Supervisors and Directors
The final phase in making your Fair Futures program part of the “DNA” of your agency is Integration and Long-Term Success. In this next phase, your Fair Futures program is ideally operating with efficiency, hitting all or most of the key goals/ objectives, and most importantly - making a positive impact on the lives of the young people served. In order to achieve this level of excellence, you will need the 4 P’s.In this special leadership series participants will explore solutions while learning the following: How to build/create a culture that empowers, provides emotional safety and supports the needs of your staff. Develop the right processes to handle hiring/onboarding, managing the budget, youth recruitment, staff development and training and more.How to strengthen your program model.Learn how to manage performance related to youth goals, mastery of Care4, fiscal management and staff development.
This optional series will be offered on the following dates:
February 2, 2022: PROGRAM
February 9, 2022: PERFORMANCE
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Mandatory Training
High School Graduation Requirements & Alternative Programs
Thursday, February 3, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, & Education Specialists
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
This workshop will give staff an in-depth understanding of high school graduation requirements in New York State, including the different types of diplomas and non-diploma credentials, the impact of Regents exemptions, and the safety nets available to students with disabilities and English language learners.
Participants will learn about alternative schooling options for older students in NYC and how to apply to these programs, including transfer schools, YABCs, High School Equivalency programs, vocational programs, and Restart Academy, and other available supports, such as childcare and internships. We will practice reading high school transcripts and brainstorm strategies for determining best-fit alternative programs. Participants will also understand the right of students with IEPs to receive vocational assessments and transition services that can support students’ career and employment goals.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
*If you have already attended this training you are not required to attend again, however you are welcome to attend is a refresher is needed. 
Workshop Wednesdays
Long-Term Success of Your Coaching Program by Integrating the 4P's: Performance
Wednesday, February 9, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop for Supervisors and Directors
The final phase in making your Fair Futures program part of the “DNA” of your agency is Integration and Long-Term Success. In this next phase, your Fair Futures program is ideally operating with efficiency, hitting all or most of the key goals/ objectives, and most importantly - making a positive impact on the lives of the young people served. In order to achieve this level of excellence, you will need the 4 P’s.In this special leadership series participants will explore solutions while learning the following: How to build/create a culture that empowers, provides emotional safety and supports the needs of your staff. Develop the right processes to handle hiring/onboarding, managing the budget, youth recruitment, staff development and training and more.How to strengthen your program model.Learn how to manage performance related to youth goals, mastery of Care4, fiscal management and staff development.
This is the final date of the 4 part series.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Workshop Wednesdays
Career Development: Workplace Expectations, Relations, and Code Switching
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
‍Open to all Fair Futures Program staff.
Join us as we continue our discussion around workplace expectations, relations, and code switching.
This workshop you can expect the following:Learn for workforce development professionals about how to skills you can apply to your work right away. Listen to young people share their words of advice and guidance Participate in a Q & A session with panelists.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Workshop Wednesdays
Using Coaching to Help Youth Understand the Types of Housing and Pros/Cons
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop for Coaches, Housing Specialists, and Supervisors.
‍Open to all Fair Futures Program staff.
It will provide you not only with a refresher on the types of housing available for youth aging out, but help you practice having coaching conversations around how to help young people understand these options and the pros/cons of each. There are many common misperceptions and a general lack of knowledge - the FF Youth Board has the goal to help all youth understand their options by age 17. Please join us in this effort to educate and support young people about their options!
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Optional Training
One Degree Demo
Friday, February 25, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 
Multiple Dates Available
Training is ideal for Coaches, Education Specialists, Career Specialists and Supervisors.
Participants will learn about all of the fantastic new updates to One Degree, your one-stop shop for everything related to career and education in NYC. OneDegree now contains 1,500+ opportunities and virtually all non-college post-secondary programs and workforce opportunities.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Mandatory Training
Navigating School Suspensions & Discipline
Tuesday, March 3, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, & Education Specialists
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
At this training, agency staff will learn about the different types of suspensions and classroom removals in New York City and NY State, including the procedures school must follow when disciplining students.
Participants will: Become familiar with the basic components of suspension notices and a suspension packet; Practice using the NYC Discipline Code to advocate for students facing principal’s and superintendent’s suspensions; and Learn about the legal protections for students with disabilities facing disciplinary removals in school, and the behavioral interventions available to support students in school and during remote learning.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Mandatory Training
Core Fair Futures Training
Training spans 4 days: Monday, March 7, 2022 - Thursday, March 10, 2022
‍Mandatory Training for all new Fair Futures staff.
Please read the details when you register to see what days are required for your role.

Monday, March 7 | 9:30AM - 3:30PM: Overview of the Fair Futures Model; Effective Youth Engagement; Coaching Best Practices
Tuesday, March 8 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM: Setting Educational Goals & Steps
Wednesday, March 9 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM: Setting College and Career Goals & Steps
Thursday, March 10 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM: Applying Goals & Steps to Your Youth
The Core Fair Futures training will provide staff with the foundational knowledge and framework of the Fair Futures model. Participants will learn about: Effective Youth Engagement techniques; Coaching Best Practices; Setting the goals and steps related to middle and high school, post-secondary, college and career; resources that will help youth succeed; applying the goals and steps process when working with your youth.
‍PLEASE NOTE: To receive credit for this training you must attend all four days. You also must have attended a Fair Futures Orientation prior to attending. If you have already completed the training you are welcome to attend any of the days as a refresher.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Mandatory Training
Career/Workforce Development 1.0
Thursday, March 10, 2022 | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Coach Supervisors, & Career Development Specialists
Hosted by: WPTI (Workforce Professional Training Institute)
PLEASE NOTE: You must have completed the Core Fair Futures training prior to attending this training.
Career/Workforce Development 1.0 is a pre-req for staff interested in taking Career/Workforce Development 2.0
Mandatory Training
Obtaining Housing (Part I)
Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, & Housing Specialists
Hosted by: City Living
In the first session of the two-part Housing workshop series, participants will gain an understanding of the different types of housing available for youth aging out of foster care in New York City: NYCHA developments, supportive housing, and voucher programs. An overview of the application process and pros and considerations for each type of housing will be discussed. Participants will also learn about the financial assistance programs ACS offers to assist in securing a new apartment. A panel of youth who have aged out of the foster care system will present their opinions on the housing options available, and share insights on how coaches can best support them in their transition out of care.
Optional Training
Career/Workforce Development 2.0
Thursday, April 14, 2022 | 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
This optional training is being offered to ANY Fair Futures staff who completed Career/Workforce Development 1.0.
Hosted by: WPTI (Workforce Professional Training Institute)
This training will delve deeper into the understanding of the workforce, what options are available to our youth and resources for helping you improve your work.
‍PLEASE NOTE: Once you register you will receive an email from WPTI with your Zoom link and any information on how to prepare for the training.
Mandatory Training
Maintaining Housing & Building Independent Living/Life Skills (Part II)
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, & Housing Specialists
Hosted by: City Living
In the second session of the two-part Housing workshop series, participants will delve into the issues that can impact our young people maintaining their housing after care. Issues such as reducing the rent as income changes, applying for one-shot deals, handling repair issues, and navigating eviction proceedings will all be discussed. Participants will also gain an overview of some of the Independent Living Skills that coaches can work on with their young people as they transition out of care.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Workshop Wednesdays
Using Coaching to Help Youth Understand the Types of Housing and Pros/Cons
Wednesday, February 23, 2022 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Workshop for Coaches, Housing Specialists, and Supervisors.
‍Open to all Fair Futures Program staff.
It will provide you not only with a refresher on the types of housing available for youth aging out, but help you practice having coaching conversations around how to help young people understand these options and the pros/cons of each. There are many common misperceptions and a general lack of knowledge - the FF Youth Board has the goal to help all youth understand their options by age 17. Please join us in this effort to educate and support young people about their options!
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.

Technical Assistance

If you would like support around a specific issue or topic area you can schedule a technical assistance session. 
Fair Futures Technical Assistance, or TA, will provide you with an opportunity to learn, while problem-solving an area you would like help with. TA sessions can be 1-on-1 or with however many people from your team that you'd like to invite.
Technical Assistance Topics
THEME: Program Overview; Implementation Best Practices
Overview of Fair Futures
Background, model and staff roles, resources available and the Online Platform.
Implementation progress and best practices at an organizational level
Includes reviewing the program/org structure and reporting lines, discussing role clarity, collaboration with other departments, developing a program name, and how to create a coaching culture.  
Creating Shared Program Language
‍This session will help your coaching team create messaging to use with young people, foster parents and guardians, co-workers and other stakeholders.
THEME: 
Coaching Best Practices; Engagement; Building Trust
The First 90 Days of Coaching
‍Learn out of the box strategies for  engaging young people and building trust.
How to Coach! Effective Coaching Techniques and Frameworks
‍Learn how to set up a coaching session, what coaching language to use, how to create a coaching agreement and how to incorporate coaching conversations into everyday practice.
How to Coach! Effective Coaching Techniques and Frameworks
‍Learn how to set up a coaching session, what coaching language to use, how to create a coaching agreement and how to incorporate coaching conversations into everyday practice.
Finding Your Coaching Style
Explore ways to develop your coaching style and personality.
THEME: 
Goals & Steps Tracking; Education; Career; Accessing Resources
Middle School Specialist Role
‍Includes learning about the Middle School Goals & Steps.
Coaching Goals & Steps
Overview of framework and tracking progress
This includes high school, post-secondary planning, college, career development and housing/independent living goals and steps.
High School Selection Process
What to do before the fall;
Includes a tutorial on MySchools/ InsideSchools.
Using One Degree
Learn how to access career development resources with this brand new online platform.
Assisting Students with Transferring Schools/
Selecting Best-Fit Alternative High Schools 
THEME: Supervisory Best Practices; Program Performance
Effective Coach Supervision
Learn how to “coach” Coaches and to manage their performance.  
Creating a Positive Coaching Culture
Learn strategies for creating programmatic and organizational buy-in; Learn effective relationship building techniques that foster teamwork and collaboration.
THEME: Youth Development Best Practices
Running Peer Leadership Groups
Peer groups provide young people with a safe space to have their voices heard. Learn best practices and a step by step method for creating your own peer leadership groups.
THEME: Program Overview; Implementation Best Practices
TOPICS
TIME
SUGGESTED STAFF
Overview of Fair Futures
Background, model and staff roles, resources available and the Online Platform.
30
Minutes
All Staff: Program Directors, Supervisors, Coaches, Specialists
Implementation progress and best  practices at an organizational level
Includes reviewing the program/org structure and reporting lines, discussing role clarity, collaboration with other departments, developing a program name, and how to create a coaching culture.  
45
Minutes
Initial session with senior staff to discuss before sharing out with their team
Creating Shared Program Language
‍This session will help your coaching team create messaging to use with young people, foster parents and guardians, co-workers and other stakeholders.
1.5 Hours
- 2 Hours
All Staff: Program Directors, Supervisors, Coaches, Specialists
THEME: Coaching Best Practices; Engagement; Building Trust
The First 90 Days of Coaching
‍Learn out of the box strategies for  engaging young people and building trust.    
1H
Coaches and Coach Supervisors
How to Coach! Effective Coaching Techniques and Frameworks
‍Learn how to set up a coaching session, what coaching language to use, how to create a coaching agreement and how to incorporate coaching conversations into everyday practice.
2 Hours
Coaches and Coach Supervisors
Finding Your Coaching Style
Explore ways to develop your coaching style and personality.
1 Hour
Coaches and Specialists
THEME: Goals & Steps Tracking; Education; Career; Accessing Resources
Middle School Specialist Role
‍Includes learning about the Middle School Goals & Steps.
1 Hour
Middle School Specialists and their Supervisors
Coaching Goals & Steps – Overview of framework and tracking progress
This includes high school, post-secondary planning, college, career development and housing/independent living goals and steps.
2 Hours
All Staff: Program Directors, Supervisors, Coaches, Specialists
‍(if they have not yet been trained or if a refresher is needed)
High School Selection Process
What to do before the fall; Includes a tutorial on MySchools/ InsideSchools.
1 Hour
Middle School Specialists and Coaches
Using One Degree
Learn how to access career development resources with this brand new online platform.
1 Hour
Coaches and Career Development Specialists
Assisting Students with Transferring Schools/Selecting Best-Fit Alternative High Schools 
1 Hour
Coaches
THEME: Supervisory Best Practices; Program Performance
Effective Coach Supervision
Learn how to “coach” Coaches and to manage their performance.  
1.5 Hours
Coach Supervisors and Program Directors
Creating a Positive Coaching Culture
Learn strategies for creating programmatic and organizational buy-in; Learn effective relationship building techniques that foster teamwork and collaboration.
1 Hour
Any senior staff person that has direct reports
THEME: Youth Development Best Practices
Running Peer Leadership Groups
Peer groups provide young people with a safe space to have their voices heard.
Learn best practices and a step by step method for creating your own peer leadership groups.
1-1.5
Hours
Coaches and Coach Supervisors
Creating Shared Program Language
‍This session will help your coaching team create messaging to use with young people, foster parents and guardians, co-workers and other stakeholders.  
‍
The First 90 Days of Coaching
‍Learn out of the box strategies for engaging young people and building trust.
‍
Finding Your Coaching Style
‍Explore ways to develop your coaching style and personality. 
‍
Middle School Specialist Role
Learn about the Middle School Goals & Steps
‍High School Selection Process
‍What to do before the fall;
Includes a tutorial on MySchools/Inside Schools.

Using One Degree
‍Learn how to access career development resources with this brand new online platform. 

Effective Coach Supervision
‍Learn how to “coach” Coaches and to manage their performance.  



‍

Questions? Please email Emil Ramnarine at emil.ramnarine@fairfuturesny.org.

Learning Communities

In partnership with New Yorkers for Children we offer monthly Fair Futures Learning Communities that are designed to provide you with a place to learn, network, focus on self-care and re-energize among your cohorts. Topics for each Learning Community are chosen by the participants. Past topics have included effective youth engagement, how to make time for self-care, and how to be a leader during stressful times.
New Yorkers For Children LOGO
Learning Communities are broken into the following groups: Supervisors (anyone who has a direct report),
‍Middle School Specialists, and Coaches & Specialists (Career, Educational, Housing).
Due to the number of Coaches & Specialists, there are two Learning Community Groups offered. You may attend either group.
Learning Communities are optional and span 90 minutes.‍
Upcoming Learning Community Dates
Supervisors & Directors (Leadership)
Dates TBA!
Coaches & Specialists (Career, Education, College, Housing)
Dates TBA!
Middle School Specialists
Dates TBA!

Please contact Emil Ramnarine at emil.ramnarine@fairfuturesny.org to register.

1-on-1 Coaching

If you are looking for a way to maximize your potential and take your work performance to the next level then 1-on-1 performance coaching is for you. 
Performance coaching is now being offered to any Fair Futures staff. In these 30 or 60 minute sessions YOU get to focus on YOU. Benefits include, but are not limited to, sharpening your skills, identifying roadblocks in performance, gaining more clarity and focus, exploring your goals and aspirations and finding balance with work and life. 
To schedule 1-on-1 Coaching, please contact Emil Ramnarine at emil.ramnarine@fairfuturesny.org. 

To meet your learning needs, wants and goals, we developed an array of high-level training opportunities, created learning communities to help you re-energize and network, and launched weekly Workshop Wednesdays trainings on a range of topics. Additionally, Fair Futures offers Technical Assistance for teams, agencies, or entire organizations from our experts around any topic as well as 1 on 1 Coaching to help you feel empowered.  

Thank you to The Foster Care Excellence Fund for supporting this work and to our training/technical assistance partners:
Advocates for Children, New Yorkers for Children, City Living NY, Children's Village, Workforce Professionals Training Institute, Goddard Options Institute, Youth Communication, At the Table, and the ACS Workforce Institute.

Questions? Please email Emil Ramnarine at emil.ramnarine@fairfuturesny.org.