Relationship-Based Professional Development

Aligned to the Colorado Competencies for Early Childhood Coaches, the Relationship-Based Professional Development training supports the development of foundational coaching knowledge and skills necessary for effective coaching in the early childhood field. An early childhood coach is a professional who works directly with early childhood educators, including teachers, infant and toddler early care and learning providers, supervisors, and directors, to build capacity for continuous quality improvement. 

As stated in the Colorado Competencies for Early Childhood Coaches, "Coaching is an adult learning strategy that relies on the co-construction of knowledge and reflective capacity to transform both participants' practices. It draws on observations for collaborative analysis and decision-making with the coaching partner that inform planning to build upon the positive, equitable experiences children and families have daily." Studies have shown coaching to be one of the most effective ways to support adult educators in learning new knowledge and skills (Joyce & Showers, 2002).