Quality Enrichment Circles (QECs), otherwise known as “communities of practice” are a group of people who share a common concern or a passion for something they do and they want to learn how to do it better. Even though we are facing unprecedented times and will be unable to meet in person this year, IHSA is committed to bringing you QECs for the 12th straight year! Just because we can’t meet in person doesn’t mean our conversations and relationships are any different. In fact, the need for QEC meetings is more important now than ever! During the meetings we will talk and share ideas, insights and strategies to help each other solve problems and  develop a common practice or approach to your content area.

This community includes managers and staff who are responsible for the education and early childhood development of the Head Start Performance Standards in the areas of early childhood education, school readiness, assessment coaching, and curriculum to include issues related to child trauma and adverse childhood experiences. The agenda will be designed by you and what you need from the meeting. Questions, strategies, and ideas related to COVID-19 will be front and center of all QECs but will also include additional important topical areas that also need to be discussed such as School Readiness Planning—Systems Approach, Data Analysis / Planning for Program Improvements, CLASS / Implementation Planning, Professional development to improve CLASS scores, Practice Based Coaching—Supporting Change in Teacher’s Practices, QRIS , Intentional Teaching—Planning for CLASS, Gateways (Credentials/Registry), Resources for coaches, managing teacher fatigue/stress, communication systems, supervision and coaching, case loads, alignment with other professional development activities, support around CLASS, coaching companion, TLC (Together, Learning & Collaborating), Online coach training, Collaborative Coaching Partnerships, Planning Goals and Action Steps, Engaging in Focused Observations, Refecting on and Sharing Feedback about Teaching Practices, State Systems, Continuous Quality Improvement, Serving Dual Language Learners-Policy and Practices, Engaging FamiliesSuccessful Transitions, Dealing With Challenging Behaviors, RTI, Autistic Children, Revised Child Outcomes Framework.

The Education and Coaching QEC will be held virtually FOUR times during the 2020-2021 calendar year. Education and Coaching QECs will meet:

All QEC meetings will be held from 10:00am—1:00pm.

This year there are EIGHT QEC content areas:

1. Education & Coaching

2. Family Services & ERSEA

3. Disabilities, Mental Health & Wellness

4. Health & Nutrition

5. EHS & Home Visiting

6. (new) HR & Fiscal

7. (new) Transportation & Facilities

8. (new) Site/Center Directors.

QECs #1—#5 will continue to meet regionally in groups in South, Central & North/Chicago.

The brand new QECs # 6, #7 & #8 will not meet in groups regionally, but instead meet together in one group. Bring Your Brown Bag Lunch and Join Us on ZOOM for QECs!

Please contact Michelle Iocca at miocca@ilheadstart.org with any questions. Once registered there is a no cancellation policy. For all important and current information and to see all IHSA events, please visit the IHSA website at www.ilheadstart.org