The Possibilities of Professional Friendships as Communities of Support for Early Childhood Educators, by Dr. Diane Kashin

Dr. Kashin will introduce the concept, practice, and protocols of Communities of Practice (CoP). The benefits will be discussed, and examples of potential CoPs shared. Then in contrast, the you will be introduced to a new form of professional learning for early childhood educators, Circles of Support (CoS) which is based on the theories of critical friendship. You will explore the research on critical friendships also referred to as professional friendships. Examining the concept will support early childhood educators to think deeply about practice. Every educator deserves a critical friend, a trusted person who “will ask provocative questions and offer helpful critiques” (Costa & Kallick, 1993). What would be the impact of supportive professional friendship on practice? Participants should come ready to consider the possibilities and think about supporting and growing peer friendships.