Virtual Learning Communities

MARCH

Supportive Virtual Network

for

Early Childhood Educators!

Join our Early Childhood Virtual Learning Communities (VLC), formerly Collaboratives!

These monthly sessions for Directors, Administrators, Teachers, Family Child Care Providers, Licensed Exempt Providers, and other Early Childhood Professionals run from September to June, covering various training topics. Stay updated by subscribing to our Monthly Minutes newsletter.

Engage with peers, share insights, and discover best practices. VLCs also count toward your annual training hours and strengthen community partnerships for essential resources.

Register for a VLC through the NHCIS Training Tile. For registration details, visit the NHCIS Log-In page on NH Connections.

Stay informed, boost your skills, and expand your knowledge at these Virtual Learning Communities.
NHCIS Training Tile
NHCIS Log-In Page

*Infant & Toddler VLC training counts toward PD hours for the Infant & Toddler Endorsement.

Infant & Toddler

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitator: Lindsey Parisi, M.Ed. ECMPWT

WT

Topic: Benefits of the Outdoors for Infants and Toddlers


This month, we have a Learn and Share on the Benefits of the Outdoors for Infants and Toddlers! During our meeting we will discuss the benefits of getting outside with infants and toddlers, how you can bring your learning outdoors, and finally have time for you to share how you get outside with your little ones! Please come prepared to share any fun activities you do outside or any questions you have about getting outside more! 


Family Engagement & Communication

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025

Time: 1:00-2:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitators: Julie Choiniere, BS, ECPDST & Karen Abbott, BS, ECPDST

T

Topic: Get Ready for Prevention Month in April!

This month, we are excited to welcome Kat Challis from NH Children’s Trust. Kat will share valuable resources to help your program prepare for Prevention Month in April, including:

  • Ideas for participating in Wear Blue Day
  • Information about blue pinwheels and their significance
  • Family engagement strategies using the Strengthening Families framework
  • Statewide resources for family supports and services

Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to support families and communities with meaningful tools and ideas.


Family Child Care

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitator: Connie Davis, BS, ECMPWT



Topic: Child Care Licensing Unit

 

This month, Licensing Coordinator, Darlene Avery from the Child Care Licensing Unit will be joining us to talk about what licensing coordinators look for during visits, common citations, strategies for compliance, and to answer questions you may have.

 

Please email questions about the Child Care Licensing Rules to CDavis@caphr.org prior to the VLC.


This training qualifies for 1.5 hours towards the required Health & Safety Training. We also encourage you to ask questions during the session to make the most of this opportunity!

Social Emotional Topics

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Monday, March 17, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitator: Stephanie Therrien, M.Ed., ECMPWTPC

T

Topic: Empowering Educators & Families with Assistive Technology


This month, Sara Valli, Director of ATinNH at the Institute on Disability within UNH, will join us to share valuable insights and lead a discussion on assistive technology resources available for educators and families in New Hampshire.

ATinNH offers an extensive lending library of assistive technology devices that can be borrowed to support children with disabilities and their families. Topics will include:

  • How assistive technology can make everyday tasks easier
  • Borrowing devices from the lending library
  • Free apps to help families support their children and manage busy schedules
  • Tools for mobility, fine motor skills, feeding, communication, emotional regulation, and play
  • Affordable refurbished AT options for families

Bring your questions and join us for an engaging session exploring ways to enhance learning and support through assistive technology. 

Preschool

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Time: 6:00-7:30 PM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitator: Julie Choiniere, BS, ECPDST

WT

Topic: What Do You Mean I Can’t Just Read the Book? 


This month, Kerry Belknap-Morris will guide us in exploring the essential role of read-alouds in early childhood education. While reading to young children is a staple in our classrooms and something we encourage families to do at home, research shows that simply reading a book isn't enough.

To foster meaningful literacy development, we need to create interactive, engaging reading experiences. Kerry will share strategies for planning effective and developmentally appropriate large-group read-alouds, including:

  • Key literacy skills to focus on
  • Positive guidance techniques
  • Aligning activities with the NH Early Learning Standards
  • Tips for selecting high-quality books

Join us for this insightful session and gain tools to make storytime even more impactful for young learners.

Directors Speak

Virtual Learning Communities


Date: Monday, March 31, 2025

Time: 9:30-10:30 AM

Location: Online Zoom Meeting

Facilitators: Dee Thurber, M.Ed., ECMPWT & Donna Lake, BS, ECPDST


Topic: Presentation on New Hampshire's Comprehensive Family Support Services home visiting and Newborn Navigator programs


This month, we are thrilled to welcome Virginia Jones, Primary Prevention Administrator with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS), Division of Public Health Services. Virginia will be leading a presentation on the Comprehensive Family Support Services home visiting and Newborn Navigator programs.

 

These important resources are designed to assist families with young children by providing guidance, support, and connections to essential services during the critical early years. Virginia will explore how these programs help empower families and lay a strong foundation for healthy child development.

 

We look forward to seeing you there!


Visit NH-Connections for more information on our services
View Archived VLC Topics