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Virtual Learning Communities
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APRIL
Supportive Virtual Network
for
Early Childhood Educators!
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Join our Early Childhood Virtual Learning Communities (VLC), formerly Collaboratives!
These monthly sessions for Directors, Administrators, Teachers, Family Child Care Providers, Licensed Exempt Providers, and other Early Childhood Professionals run from September to June, covering various training topics. Stay updated by subscribing to our Monthly Minutes newsletter.
Engage with peers, share insights, and discover best practices. VLCs also count toward your annual training hours and strengthen community partnerships for essential resources.
Register for a VLC through the NHCIS Training Tile. For registration details, visit the NHCIS Log-In page on NH Connections.
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*Infant & Toddler VLC training counts toward PD hours for the Infant & Toddler Endorsement. | |
Infant & Toddler
Virtual Learning Communities
Date: Tuesday, April 1, 2025
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Online Zoom Meeting
Facilitator: Lindsey Parisi, M.Ed. ECPDST
WT
Topic: Play Schemas
This month, Dee Dee Thurber, Program Manager of Child Care Aware of NH, will present on exploring play schemas—what they are, why they matter, and common types that emerge in early childhood. There will be time to reflect on your own play patterns from childhood and share experiences with fellow participants.
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Family Engagement & Communication
Virtual Learning Communities
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM
Location: Online Zoom Meeting
Facilitators: Julie Choiniere, BS, ECPDST & Karen Abbott, BS, ECPDST
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Topic: NH Wraparound Services
This month, Melissa Davis, LCMHC, Director of Early Childhood Wraparound, NFI North Care Management Entity will be joining us with Hannah Maynard-Yung from the Bureau for Children’s Behavioral Health, Sandy Alonzo from NAMI NH and Alesha Lane from Connected Families NH to discuss how the NH Wraparound Model assists families with infants and young children in gaining the tools and supports needed to experience success and stability in their homes and communities. We will explore how wraparound is different than a "typical" home-based service and share the benefits of engaging in a team dynamic.
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Family Child Care
Virtual Learning Communities
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Online Zoom Meeting
Facilitator: Connie Davis, BS, ECPDST
Topic: Proactive Strategies for Addressing Children’s Behavior
This month, outstanding teacher and national presenter, Melissa Davis, M.Ed. Founder & CEO of Education Advisors LLC will be joining us. Since the pandemic, children have exhibited behaviors that are increasingly challenging for child care providers. What if there was an easier way to address these behaviors proactively in your setting?
This professional development session equips participants with practical strategies to prevent challenging behaviors before they arise. Through research-based techniques, actionable tips, and pre-made materials, participants will learn how to create a proactive approach to behavior management. Gain insights into fostering a positive environment while addressing these new challenges with confidence and ease. Perfect for child care providers seeking effective, ready-to-implement solutions.
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Preschool
Virtual Learning Communities
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Online Zoom Meeting
Facilitator: Julie Choiniere, BS, ECPDST
WT
Topic: Introduction to HOPE!
This month, Stephanie Therrien, M.Ed. ECMPWTMPC, Social Emotional Content Coordinator will be joining us to provide an Intro to HOPE training. HOPE, or Healthy Outcomes through Positive Experiences, is a framework, grounded in the principles of strengths-based, child-centered, family-led care. At its core, the HOPE framework believes that families and children are resilient, and seeks to celebrate those strengths. Join us as we learn about the 4 building blocks of HOPE: relationships, environments, engagement, and opportunities for social/emotional development.
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Social Emotional Topics
Virtual Learning Communities
Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Location: Online Zoom Meeting
Facilitator: Stephanie Therrien, M.Ed., ECMPWTPC
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Topic: American Sign Language with Christina Bertin
This month, Christina Bertin will be joining us. Christina provides virtual training on American Sign Language and will speak about American Sign Language with young children! She will give a brief history of ASL and cover these topics:
- The Alphabet
- Basic numbers
- 50–100 common ASL words
- Emergency medical signs
- SEL (Social Emotional Learning) signs (e.g., sad, mad, help)
She will also address any additional signs participants would like that could support them or the families they serve.
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Directors Speak
Virtual Learning Communities
Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 9:30-10:30 AM
Location: Online Zoom Meeting
Facilitators: Dee Thurber, M.Ed., EDPDST & Donna Lake, BS, ECPDST
Topic: Empowering Families & Providers: VROOM, Outreach Resources, and NH Connections
This month, we're excited to welcome Meriba Johnson, ECPDST, Child Care Resource and Referral Outreach Specialist from Child Care Aware of NH. She’ll be sharing insights on VROOM, a powerful tool that supports children's brain development. Join us for this informative session to explore valuable outreach resources for families and providers, get answers to your questions about updating your program profile, and learn about the latest features in the NH Connections Information System (NHCIS). We’ll walk through essential supports, highlight key tools, and provide guidance to help you maximize these resources for the children and families you serve.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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