EWC Holds Graduation Ceremony for Direct Care Providers

November 8, 2003

(Torrington, WY) Eastern Wyoming College held a graduation ceremony on November 7, 2003, for twenty-three Diversified Services employees who participated in the Direct Care Providers Customer Service Training through Development Dimensions International (DDI). The Direct Care Providers participated in an intensive eight week training to facilitate their skills and abilities and prepare them to move into supervisory positions when they become available. The successful completion of this training allows the staff member to be eligible for pay raises and continuation of benefits that are in place for full time, non-probationary staff. They also earn two hours of college credit. Sessions of learning included Interaction Skills for Success, Communicating and Listening, Communicating with Others, Working Through Conflict, Personal Power: Taking Initiative, Adapting to Change, Investing in Your Learning, Taking Charge of Your Development, Working as a Team, Valuing Differences, Leading Successful Meetings, Supporting Others, and Service Plus. A semester long training worth six credit hours of college credit is also available to individuals in supervisory roles. The training is intended to provide the employees with tools that will enhance their knowledge and further develop their supervisory skills.

Classes using DDI curriculum are taught by Eastern Wyoming College instructor, Ken Johnson. Mr. Johnson received training through a certification training process and is one of a select group of college instructors throughout the state to receive curriculum certification.

According to Maureen Reichert, Director of Community Connection, "Eastern Wyoming College is excited about this first training opportunity [through DDI] and looks forward to the potential growth of training opportunities for businesses in our service area. With the current grant fund source available for training, businesses have opportunities to develop relevant training for their employees and to create tailored solutions based on specific company needs."

For more information about DDI training at Eastern Wyoming College, please contact Maureen Reichert at 307.532.8323.