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.
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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 Goals & Steps Overview before you begin the Core training. It will show you how to track young people's academic, career, and housing goals and progress.
We also encourage existing Coaches and Middle School Specialists to take this 1 hour training as a refresher, if needed!
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PLEASE NOTE: Once you register you will receive a confirmation email from Eventbrite with a Zoom link.
Workshop Wednesday Icon
Workshop Wednesday
Helping Young People Explore Non-College Post-Secondary Pathways
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Coaches, Career Development Specialists and Supervisors are encouraged to attend.
If the young person you are working with is not interested in college, this workshop will help you explore alternative post-secondary pathways/programs that lead to credentialing in various sectors.  
Guest presenters will include One Goal, CUNY’s Office of Continuing Education, and DYCD.  We will hear about various certificate, upskilling, and sector-based workforce program opportunities.
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Workshop Wednesday Icon
Workshop Wednesday
Using One Degree Navigate Best-Fit Alternative Schools & Workforce Programs
Wednesday, November 3, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
All are welcome to join this optional workshop.
This was a popular workshop last year that we are bringing back for those Coaches and Specialists who may have missed it (or who need a refresher)! In this workshop, we will review how to use the online resource directory, One Degree, to find best-fit transfer schools, YABCs, HSE programs, and career opportunities for young people.
‍PLEASE NOTE: Once you register you will receive an email with the Zoom link.
Mandatory Training
Career/Workforce Development 1.0
Thursday, November 4, 2021| 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
General Education Advocacy for Middle & High School Students
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, Education Specialists
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
At this workshop, we will give an overview of education laws and policies that impact youth in care, including the DOE’s Tiered Response Protocol and switch to blended instruction.
Participants will learn about school stability and related legal requirements, mid-year enrollment and transfers, and how to secure transportation for students, and will practice making best interest determinations.
We will discuss promotion requirements and the supports required for students whose promotion is in doubt, as well as other school-based supports available to students with academic or English language learner needs. Participants will also learn about schools’ obligation to protect students from bullying and explore different ways of gathering and deciphering student records and education information.
Mandatory Training
Maintaining Housing & Building Independent Living/Life Skills
Tuesday, November 9, 2021| 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, & Housing Specialists
Hosted by: City Living
Mandatory Training
High School Graduation Requirements & Alternative Programs
Tuesday, November 30, 2021| 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. 
Mandatory Training
Core Fair Futures Training
Training spans 4 days: Monday, December 6, 2021 - Thursday, December 9, 2021
‍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, December 6 | 9:30AM - 3:30PM: Overview of the Fair Futures Model; Effective Youth Engagement; Coaching Best Practices
Tuesday, December 7 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM: Setting Educational Goals & Steps
Wednesday, December 8 | 9:30AM - 1:00PM: Setting College and Career Goals & Steps
Thursday, December 9 | 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.
Optional Training
One Degree Demo
Friday, December 17, 2021 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Multiple Dates Available
‍This optional training is ideal for Coaches, Education Specialists, Career Specialists and Supervisors.
In this workshop 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. One Degree 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
Serving Special Education Students
Thursday, January 13, 2022| 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, & Education Specialists
Hosted by: Advocates for Children
This workshop will equip staff to advocate on behalf of youth with disabilities during in-person schooling and during the pandemic.
We’ll review the laws governing Section 504 and special education; the accommodations, services and placements available to students; how to refer students for services; and applicable timelines.
Participants will learn the intricacies of special education consent and suggestions for engaging parents in special education decision-making. They will also practice reading Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), gain strategies for advocating for students at IEP meetings, and learn tips for escalating cases within DOE when necessary.  
‍PLEASE NOTE: After you register a Zoom link will be sent to your email.
Optional Training
Career/Workforce Development 2.0
Thursday, January 13, 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
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. 
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
Obtaining Housing & Building Independent Living/Life Skills
Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, & Housing Specialists
Hosted by: City Living
Mandatory Training
Career/Workforce Development 1.0
Thursday, March 10, 2021| 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
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
Tuesday, May 17, 2022 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Mandatory Training for Coaches, Supervisors, & Housing Specialists
Hosted by: City Living

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.