Learning opportunities to support high-quality implementation of the Expansion model
Early Childhood Professional Learning (ECPL) provides targeted support, along with professional learning opportunities and resources to the Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) programs and programs receiving a Preschool for All (PFA) grant for the first time.
Targeted Support for Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) Programs
Since 2015, ECPL has provided support to early childhood programs receiving Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) funds to implement a Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) grant. ECPL provides this support to PFAE programs in multiple ways. Each grantee is assigned a Program Support Specialist (PSS) who guides the Expansion Program Administrator, Instructional Leader, and Family Educator as they implement the PFAE grant requirements. The PSS have extensive experience in early childhood education and implementation of state funded preschool programs. The PSS participate in ongoing professional learning offered through ECPL, partner organizations, and conferences.
ECPL also provides professional learning opportunities and resources to support high quality implementation of the Preschool Expansion Program model. PFAE program staff are offered opportunities to participate in Communities of Practice (CoPs) that promote networking and shared learning.
Targeted Support for New Preschool for All (PFA) Programs
As a program receives a PFA grant for the first time, the Administrator is invited to participate in a Community of Practice (CoP) that is focused on the needs they identify associated with high quality implementation of the grant requirements. The CoP also provides program administrators with resources, including presentations by ISBE Early Childhood Development Department Principal Consultants. In addition to the CoP, ECPL provides support through a calendar of webinars and coaching on instructional practices, which is accessed through an application process.