Professional Development Classes

American Sign Language, $49

This class will provide students with an introduction to American Sign Language (ASL).  Focus is on building sign vocabulary, fingerspelling skills, grammar and syntax rules, facial expressions, use of personal space, and development of awareness of the Deaf Community in America.  The student is expected to acquire basic signing skills and sign vocabulary.

Course # 48179, W, 4/3/13-4/24/13, AL Campus, 6:30-8:30 pm

Notary Education, $74

Whether we are taking on new endeavors in becoming a Notary Public or are a seasoned Notary, we need to be aware of the duality of the role we play.  You wil be given instructions on how to obtain your notary commission for the State of Iowa.  Also, you will acquire skills and tools to complete your state assigned duties as described by the Iowa Secretary of State.  This course is great for current Notary Publics, or those interested in becoming one.

Course # 48090, S, 5/4/13, SP Campus, 1-4 pm
Course # 48088, W, 4/3/13, EB Campus, 1-4 pm
Course # 48089, S, 4/13/13, SL Campus, 1-4 pm

Grant Writing Basics, $29

Does your position require grant research and writing?  Are you interested in learning how to begin the grant writing process?  The introduction to grant writing course will touch on how to begin the grant writing process, and describe the various ways in which you may approach your grant writing needs.

Course # 48203, T, 2/26/13, AL Campus, 5-9 pm
Course # 48202, W, 5/15/13, EB Campus, 5-9 pm

workplacelean® Pillars, $299

workplacelean® PILLARS provides teams a chance to use Lean tools to identify and eliminate waste, solve problems, and make improvements within a simulated office setting.  The benefit of PILLARS is finding improvements within work processes and procedures.  This introductory LEAN© course will provide your office with the basic understanding of LEAN© concepts.  You’ll learn about additional opportunities for your office if you’re interested in continuing your workplacelean® office best practices.

Course # 48185, T, 4/2/13, SL Campus, 8:30-4:30
Course # 48186, T, 6/11/13, SP Campus, 8:30-4:30

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, $125

One of the single biggest issues any organization faces when trying to implement a team environment is dealing with differences in personality .  By understanding differences we can overcome them.  The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® is a popular took used to help individuals identify and understand normal personality differences.  Understanding personality differences can help reduce unproductive interpersonal and internal organizational conflict.  In this training we look at personality preferences on four scales:  extroversion v. introversion; sensing vs. intuition; thinking vs. feeling; and judging vs. perceiving.  We identify basic personality patters explaining how we get our energy, gather information, make decisions, and structure our lifestyles.  By becoming more aware of our own preferences we identify ways to improve our relationships and interactions with others.

Course # 48187, W, 3/13/13, AL Campus, 9:30-12:30
Course # 48188, W, 3/13/13, EB Campus, 2-5

Essentials® of HR Management, $419

If you’re a small business owner, if you’re new to HR, or if HR is one of your many responsibilities, the newly updated SHRM Essentials® of HR Management course focuses on the key topics you need to know.  Offered in partnership with SHRM.

Course # 48227, Th, 4/4/13-5/9/13, Webinar, 6:30-9:30

Money Talks for Women, $25

Course # 48178, T, 1/8/13-2/5/13, SL Campus, 5:30-8 pm, $25

Color Me Healthy, $10

Learn about the health benefits of fruit and vegetable color groups and 10 fun activities to increase recognition and acceptance of fruits and vegetables.  Recognize the need for increased fruit and vegetable consumption.  Distinguish the health benefits of the various colors of fruits and vegetables.  Classify unfamiliar fruits and vegetables into color groups.  Set goals for increasing the color variety of fruits and vegetables served and for incorporating curriculum activities.

Course 48273, Th, 3/7/13, SP Campus, 6:30-8:30, $10

Servsafe, $135

Iowa State University Extension is offering a special training to help you meet the industry standards and your obligation to consumers.  The program aims to provide food safety training for restaurant and other food service managers and professionals.  

Course # 48271, T, 1/29/13, SP Campus, 8:30-4:30, $135
Course # 48272, T, 6/4/13, SP Campus 8:30-4:30, $135

Your Money Your Future, $15

Get more out of your money and save for your financial goals with Your Money, Your Future. Develop a plan for saving, spending, having money available for emergencies and preventing overdrafts. Learn how to choose a financial institution that’s right for you plus learn more about electronic banking. Get free copies of your credit reports and learn how to improve your credit score while learning how to “Power Pay” your way out of debt.

Course # 48268, T, 6/11/13-6/18/13, SP Campus, 5:30-8:30, $15

Spend Smart Eat Smart, $10

Learn strategies to save money on food expenses while incorporating new ideas into menu planning and food shopping.  Classify food items and evaluate food costs according to nutrient density.  Apply money saving strategies in the child care setting.  Learn how to share money saving strategies with parents

Course # 48274, Th, 6/13/13, SP Campus 6:30-8:30, $10

Generation Mix

Today's organizations require you to relate well to different generations--each at different life stages, each with different perspectives, expectations, and needs. Come to this program to learn the best practices for dealing with other generations by fostering understanding, leveraging strengths, avoiding clashes, improving productivity, and maximizing teamwork. Turn generational differences into a strategic advantage for you! 

Objectives: As a result of this training, participants should be able to:

• Increase his/her understanding of the characteristics, attitudes, expectations, values, and motivations of each generation.
• Appreciate why generations think differently and what each generation contributes to the workforce, workplace, and future.
• Describe how to communicate and work more effectively with those of other generations. 
• Focus on what all the generations have in common and build mutually supportive relationships with people from every generation.

Site:  Algona KC Hall; Time:  8:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Site:  Spencer Campus; Time:  1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Presented by Kathy Peterson, who is one of our most popular instructors.  She will keep you active and engaged throughout the session. Participants come back again and again because her topics are always relevant, the information is always practical, and training is always fun!