*NEW*

VIRTUAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES

*NEW*

We're Building

a

Supportive Virtual Network

for

Early Childhood Educators!


Join our Early Childhood Virtual Learning Communities (VLC), formerly known as Collaboratives! These monthly sessions are designed for Directors, Administrators, Teachers, and other Early Childhood Professionals and will be held from September to June.


Each session features a different training topic, detailed in our Trainings At-a-Glance calendars. You can stay updated by subscribing to the Monthly Minutes newsletter.


Engage with peers, share insights, and discover best practices to enhance your skills. Our VLCs provide valuable information on the topics that matter most to you. Beyond professional growth, we foster a strong community through partnerships with local and state organizations, offering essential resources and support.VLCs also count towards your annual required training hours.


Go to the NHCIS Training Tile to register for an Early Childhood Virtual Learning Communities.


Learn how to register for training in the New Hampshire Connections Information System (NHCIS) on the NHCIS Log-In page on NH Connections.

Read Below For More Information About VLC Topics
NHCIS Training Tile
NHCIS Log-In Page

Stay informed, boost your skills, and expand your knowledge at these

Virtual Learning Communities.

*Infant & Toddler VLC training counts toward PD hours for the Infant & Toddler Endorsement.


Infant & Toddler

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitator: Lindsey Parisi, M.Ed. ECMPWT

WT

Topic: Embracing conflict and difficult conversations



This month, participants will partake in a Learn & Share session on how to embrace conflict and difficult conversations and change your mindset so that you can view these situations as opportunities for growth and understanding. During this meeting, we will review some techniques on how to change your mindset when it comes to conflict and when difficult conversations arise. I also invite participants to bring a resource or examples to share of approaches you have been successful with or any resources you have used during your time of teaching that may be helpful with this topic! 


Family Engagement & Communication

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Time: 1:00-2:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitators: Julie Choiniere, BS, ECPDST & Karen Abbott, BS, ECPDST

T

Topic: Childhood Lead Poisoning in NH: Helping Families Keep Their Children Lead-Safe


This month, we are pleased to feature Gail Coppins Gettens, MS, ECMP, as our presenter for an important session on Childhood Lead Poisoning in NH: Helping Families Keep Their Children Lead-Safe. Gail will review the current data on childhood lead poisoning, the common sources of exposure, and the impact lead has on children's developing brains and behaviors. She will also share valuable resources, including a new board book, upcoming lead exposure fact sheets, and video clips for social media. You’ll learn about at-home lead test kits, including some exciting new options on the market. Additionally, there will be opportunities to win a door prize, such as a tap water filter, high-quality board books, or a Green Toy Co. toy. 

*The OPEN training counts towards required Health & Safety training hours.

Family Child Care

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitator: Connie Davis, BS, ECMPWT



Topic: Nature-Based Play


This month Dee Dee Thurber, Program Manager at Child Care Aware of NH will be presenting, "Nature-Based Play". 

Playing outdoors and playing with "natural" objects from nature are beneficial to children in many ways. Come and explore how nature plays an important role in developing capacities for creativity, problem-solving, and the development of awareness. It also has clear physical benefits for developing children including gross motor skill development, eye-hand coordination, and setting up the foundation for the love of movement and being outside. 

Being in the space of the outdoor world also assists children and adults in relieving stress, and anxiety and helps us all to step into presence.

Directors Speak *NEW*

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Monday, November 18, 2024

Time: 9:30-10:30 AM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitators: Dee Thurber, M.Ed., ECMPWT & Donna Lake, BS, ECPDST


Topic: The Credential Challenge: How CCAoNH Can Support You and Your Staff 


For this month's session, we are excited to welcome the CCAoNH Credential Challenge team! They will be here to talk all about the Credential Challenge, answer your questions, and provide valuable resources to help you and your staff participate. This initiative is designed to offer training, mentoring, and coaching for all Early Childhood providers in New Hampshire, making it easier to earn or advance your credentials. It’s a great opportunity to gain support on your professional development journey—don’t miss out!

Social Emotional Topics

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Monday, November 18, 2024

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitator: Stephanie Therrien, M.Ed., ECMPWTPC

T

Topic: Understanding and Addressing Back Talk


Talking back can be very triggering for adults! In this session, we will learn about the causes of back talk and effective

communication techniques through interactive activities and discussions, aimed at fostering respectful dialogue and improving interactions with our children. 

Preschool

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitator: Julie Choiniere, BS, ECPDST

WT

Topic: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work


This month, we will explore what it takes to have a cohesive teaching team in the classroom with Lindsey Parisi, from Child Care Aware of NH. We will watch a video on “Teamwork” from Better Kid Care and then engage in conversation using an informative discussion guide.  We will end with a fun activity to better understand the point of view of the different teaching roles that can be present in a classroom. Positive interactions working with your teaching team and how to navigate the various challenges that could arise with differing dynamics

Visit NH-Connections for more information on our services
View Archived VLC Topics