“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.” – Loris Malaguzzi, Founder of Reggio Emilia Early Childhood Education Approach

In October, we were honored to offer our early childhood educators professional development opportunities to expand knowledge on current practices. On the first day, our educators were divided, with some attending the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children Conference in Frisco, TX while the others participated in curriculum-focused sessions at the Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center led by our instructional coaches, graduate assistants, and teaching staff. The second day was led by Dr. Jacqueline Turner and faculty affiliated with the Texas A&M University Institute of Early Childhood Development and Education. Thank you to Drs. Hope Gerde, Laci Watkins, Julie Thompson, Margaret Quinn, and Arianna Pikus for investing in our educators! Make sure to check out the spotlights on the Becky Gates and Charlotte Sharp Children’s Centers to see how new knowledge is being integrated into our environments.

Continuous professional development is essential for early childhood educators. As educators’ competence grows, they can more effectively apply their knowledge through direct application, becoming stronger and more effective educators. Continuous learning empowers educators to convert experiences into reflective thoughts, which in turn stimulate the invention of new thoughts and ideas. A key aspect of an early childhood educator’s role involves listening to children, making predictions, exploring new approaches, and interpreting their meanings. Children are producers, not consumers (Malaguzzi, 2012).

Continuous professional development aligns with two of our updated mission goals:

1. For our teachers, our mission is to promote high-quality early learning for each and every child by connecting best practices and research to foster a lifelong love for learning and a strong foundation for future success.
2. For our staff, our mission is to ensure that the work environment supports their growth, provides opportunities for leadership and meaningful work, and is a place where strengths and achievements are celebrated.