Leadership Academy for Supervisors (LAS) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute?
NCWWI is a project of the Children’s Bureau T/TA Network. Our purpose is to improve outcomes for children and families by building the leadership capacity of the nation's child welfare workforce. To accomplish our goals we:
- Identify promising practices in workforce development,
- Design and deliver child welfare leadership training for middle managers and supervisors, based on the NCWWI Leadership Model,
- Administer BSW and MSW traineeships,
- Engage national peer networks, and
- Advance knowledge and support the strategic dissemination of effective and promising workforce practices.
The NCWWI is led by a national partnership among nine Universities - University at Albany/SUNY, University of Denver, Fordham University, University of Iowa, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, University of Maryland, University of Southern Maine and Portland State University.
What is the Leadership Academy?
The Leadership Academy is part of the National Child Welfare Workforce Institute. The Academy has two components:
- Leadership Academy for Mid Managers
- Leadership Academy for Supervisors
What is Leadership Academy for Supervisors?
The Leadership Academy for Supervisors (LAS) provides free web-based training for supervisors based on a leadership competency model specific to child welfare. This unique opportunity provides professional development to supervisors who want to be effective leaders in their current role or who are interested in preparing for advancement. All aspects of this Academy are delivered on line.
Who Should Apply?
All supervisors who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Supervisors who work in a public or tribal welfare agency, or in a private agency that provides services traditionally provided by public child welfare, and
- Who have been in their supervisory position for at least 1 year
How Much Does It Cost?
There is no cost for this online training.
What Topics Are Covered?
The training has two components: a core leadership program and the Take the Lead series.
- Core Leadership Program: The 30 hour core leadership program is divided into an introductory module and five core courses.
- Introductory Module;
- Foundations of Leadership;
- Leading in Context: Building Collaboratives;
- Leading People: Workforce Development;
- Leading for Results: Accountability; and,
- Leading Systems Change: Goal-Setting.
Each on-line module is followed by a synchronous session – the LAS Learning Network or LASLN. Effective January 2011, only supervisors accepted as members of a cohort are able to attend national LASLNs. Other supervisors are free to participate in the on-line modules. Several states are implementing the LAS for supervisors in their state. Check with your state for more information.
- Take the Lead Series: These modules are shorter, stand-alone sessions open to all eligible supervisors, whether or not you are enrolled in the LAS Core Leadership Program. Four modules are available online:
- Recruitment Strategies
- Screening Strategies
- Diversity Leadership Strategies
- Coaching Strategies
What is the Time Commitment?
Courses in the core leadership program vary in length from 2-6 hours. The entire on-line core curriculum is 21 hours in length. Each core course is followed by a 90 minute session (generally a webinar) for a total of 30 hours. Courses are designed so that learners can work at their own pace, coming in and out of the training as their schedule allows, or electing to enroll in only one or two of the modules instead of committing to the entire program.
Each of the Take the Lead modules takes one hour to complete.
What Equipment is Needed?
A computer with an internet connection (high speed internet is preferred, but the training is also accessible through other connections) is necessary. To hear audio portions and to participate in the follow-up peer network, headphones are helpful.
Will Certificates Be Provided?
Certificates of completion will be provided at the completion of each individual module, including the LASLN for that module. An overall certificate of completion will be provided at the end of the core curriculum.
Are CEU's Available?
Yes, Continuing Education Units (CEU's) through the University of Southern Maine are available for those who complete the core leadership program and who wish to apply for CEUs. The cost is $15. To apply for CEU's, contact the LAS at las@usm.maine.edu.
How Can You Apply?
Click here to complete an application.
A Service of the Children's Bureau, a member of the T/TA Network