Early Childhood Community of Practice (CoP)

2025-2026 Meeting Dates

  • November 21, 2025; 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; Virtual
  • January 30, 2026; 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; Virtual
  • May 8, 2026; 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.; Virtual

To join the Early Childhood CoP as a new member, please complete this form (submissions are subject to review).

Purpose:

To gather early childhood providers and leaders to work collaboratively with START to explore and discuss systems and practices that support early childhood programs to utilize evidence-based approaches and promote inclusive opportunities for young children with higher support needs. 

START Contacts:

Amy Matthews 

Criteria for Participation:

  • Currently in a role that involves working directly with early childhood education programs that include children with higher support needs.
  • Willingness to actively contribute to the CoP priorities through participation in meetings and sharing ideas, resources, materials, and practices that align with best practice.
  • Willingness to engage in a reasonable number of tasks outside of the CoP meetings, such as gathering resources, reviewing materials, or meeting with a small group.

Current Priorities:

  • Identify ways to develop and strengthen high-quality, inclusive programming for all young children with higher support needs.
  • Gather useful, evidence-based resources to share amongst the CoP group and the early childhood community.
  • Provide input on the START early childhood professional learning opportunities and the early childhood EPLI.


Page last modified July 29, 2025