Communities of Practice

Communities of Practice (COP) are formed by early childhood educators and leaders who share a passion for teaching children and engage in the process of learning how to do it better as they interact regularly and support one another. Most Communities of Practice meet monthly, with the same group of teachers or leaders attending over an extended period of time.

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Communities of Practice 

4-C will be offering multiple COP topics that child care providers can choose to join. These sessions are free to attend and are approved for ECE-TRIS credit. To register, email the corresponding trainer. Contact information can be found in each description. Thank you to our sponsors at the Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation, Metro United Way, the Family Child Care Network of Kentucky, and the Jefferson County Regional Collaborative for making this a free opportunity for our early childhood community.

PLAY-ology: Exploring the Science of Play

• Nine-month Community of Practice: September 2023 - May 2024
• Day and Time: Third Thursday of the month 12:30-2:30 pm (beginning 9/21/23)
• Location: Virtual
• ECE-TRIS credit approved
• Cost: Free

Description: Are you a play advocate for children? This Community of Practice is designed specifically for early childhood providers who are dedicated to supporting and enhancing children’s play experiences in the classroom. This immersive and collaborative professional development program aims to deepen participants’ understanding of the science behind play and child development and will equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to create engaging and developmentally appropriate play environments. To learn more about this track and register, please contact Liz Walker at [email protected].

The Art of Awareness

• Nine-month Community of Practice: September 2023 - May 2024
• Day and Time: Fourth Wednesday of the month 4:30-6:30 pm (beginning 9/27)
• Location: Hybrid (virtual and in person sessions)
• ECE-TRIS credit approved
• Cost: Free

Description: This Community of Practice will transform your teaching and allow you to re-discover the joy in your work with children. Join this group of professionals as we study The Art of Awareness by Deb Curtis & Margie Carter. You will receive a wealth of inspiration and practice as you advance your knowledge and skills for observing in new ways. Participants will witness children’s remarkable competencies as they experience childhood. By learning the art and skill of observation, you will change your teaching for the better and become more mindful in helping children to grow and learn. To learn more about this track and register, please contact Courtney Pearce at [email protected].

Intro to Reggio Emilia Principles

• Nine-month Community of Practice: September 2023 - May 2024
• Day and Time: Second Tuesday of the month 9:30-11:30 am (beginning 9/12)
• Location: Highland Presbyterian Church Weekday School, 2114 Highland Ave, Louisville, KY 40204 (map)
• ECE-TRIS credit approved
• Cost: Free

Description: In this Community of Practice, we will take a reflective approach in examining the historical roots, guiding principles, and values from the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy. It is likely that some of the ideas and practices will resonate with you and affirm your intentions to support the growth and well-being of children, families, and co-educators. Others will offer you new perspectives to consider, or may even challenge you to shift some deeply held cultural and personal assumptions about education. The educators at Highland Presbyterian Church have graciously offered to host this COP and share how their program draws inspiration from the Reggio Approach and attempts to implement its philosophy into the daily lives of their classrooms. Join us as we research together and grow as learners! To learn more about this track and register, please contact Lisa Branstetter at [email protected].

Family Child Care: Teaching Through Quality Care

• Nine-month Community of Practice: September 2023 - May 2024
• Day and Time: Third Tuesday of the month
  6:00-8:00 pm (beginning 9/19)
• Location: 4-C, 908 S. 9th St. Suite 201, Louisville, KY 40203 (map)
• ECE-TRIS credit approved
• Cost: Free

Description: Elevate your teaching practices and home environment in this Community of Practice, designed exclusively for family child care providers. These sessions will equip you with new curriculum and assessment tools designed just for you. Using The Redleaf Family Child Care Curriculum as our guide, learn excellent, realistic strategies to promote the healthy development of infants, toddlers, and preschool children in a caring, nurturing environment. Network and build relationships with other family child care providers to share ideas and support each other. Darice Hancock and Trish Kite-Hannon will be leading this COP. To learn more about this track and register, please contact Darice Hancock at [email protected].

*Materials available in Spanish

Director Essentials

• Ongoing Learning Circle: September 2023 - June 2024
• Day and Time: Second Wednesday of the month 12:30-2:30 pm (beginning 9/13)
• Location: Virtual
• ECE-TRIS credit approved
• Cost: Free

Description: Join us on the 2nd Wednesday of each month for Director’s Essentials, professional development created specifically for directors in child care. Zoom in, engage with other directors in our area, and discuss topics relevant to leading and operating a child care center. We will discuss a new topic each month. Topics such as Organizational Climate, Leading and Managing, The Power of Self Reflection and Self Awareness, Recruiting, Selecting, and Orienting Staff, and How to Lead More Engaging and Productive Meetings. To learn more about this track, please contact Angie Kinser at [email protected]. To register, go to our training calendar: www.4cforkids.org/training.