Growing together; Professional Learning Communities

At Preschool Promise, we believe that when teachers grow, children flourish! That’s why every year we bring educators together through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)—small, supportive groups where teachers learn new strategies, share ideas, and inspire one another. These PLCs are a chance to dive into topics that make classrooms more engaging, joyful, and effective for our youngest learners.

Here’s a look at the PLCs taking place this school year across our Preschool Promise sites.

Reading time as a two-way street in Intro to Dialogic Reading PLC! Teachers discover how to turn story time into an exciting conversation using Dialogic Reading techniques. By asking open-ended questions and encouraging children to predict, connect, and imagine, teachers are nurturing early literacy skills and sparking a lifelong love of books. 

Getting ready for kindergarten is a big step—for children, families, and teachers!

Sponsored by PNC Grow Up Great, Passport to Kindergarten is a year-long cohort for Preschool teachers and their young learners’ families, The initiative promotes literacy and language skills by providing monthly professional development to Preschool teachers, while also offering free, enriching learning opportunities to children and families. Its focus is on creating a strong foundation for reading and helping families learn how they can teach their children at home. 

Why is the sky blue? What makes a seed grow? The We Do Science PLC invites teachers to turn children’s “why” questions into hands-on investigations. Teachers are becoming experts at applying the scientific method and engineering design process when facilitating Preschool lessons. Teachers are focusing on engaging their Preschool students in positive, creative ways so that students enjoy and build positive attitudes towards science 

Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and understood. In this powerful PLC, Bridging the Gap

allows teachers to explore ways to create classrooms where children—especially Black boys—can thrive. Teachers work together on self-reflection and self-awareness while helping to build a toolkit of ideas and intentional strategies to lead a culturally responsive classroom. 

Teaching with the Heart in Mind Teachers have the opportunity to learn about Conscious Discipline while applying its principles directly in the classroom. In this PLC, educators discover that transformational change doesn’t start with students—it begins with the willingness of adults who are ready to reflect on their own self-regulation skills and mental models. Through open conversations, mindfulness strategies, and practical tools, teachers are building the emotional strength and awareness that creates calmer, more connected classrooms.

The Leadership Institute This PLC focuses on enhancing leadership practices in our Preschool Promise sites by identifying administrators' top ten strengths through Gallup StrengthFinders and studying leadership development through John Maxwell’s Developing the Leader within You. 

Across every PLC, one thing remains the same—Preschool Promise educators are passionate about helping children reach their fullest potential. Through coaching, collaboration, and creativity, these learning communities are making brighter classrooms,  stronger teachers, and children who are more ready than ever for kindergarten and beyond.