Forum for Professional Development

Patrick Romero

At our annual gathering to strengthen professional learning for California’s early childhood education system we welcomed Everyone at the Table because California is poised to make big changes to advance a comprehensive system of support for all children, families and early childhood educators.

At the opening session we joined Kris Perry, Deputy Secretary of California’s Health and Human Services Agency and Senior Advisor to the Governor on Implementation of Early Childhood Development Initiatives, and Stephen Propheter, Director of the Early Learning and Care Division at the California Department of Education, for a conversation about where the state is and where it’s going.

The breakout sessions were curated to focus on collaborative efforts from across the state. Our partners at the California Department of Education presented updates on statewide projects from the Early Learning and Care Division; we highlighted innovative approaches to local systems of professional development; we practiced skills that support adult learners; and we explored our values.

Conversations continued to exchange ideas and inspiration during the included breakfasts, lunches and evening receptions.

Then, our very own CAAEYC President-Elect, Adria Taha-Resnick, facilitated the closing session to give us the opportunity to meet with professionals from our local networks and develop action plans that will continue our collaboration.

At my first Forum four years ago, our in-depth discussions led to some powerful insights and a call to action. California’s early childhood education system is constantly changing to keep pace with new knowledge and political realities.  We need to strengthen our community by creating spaces for everyone to join a common conversation about the wisdom of our practice and to make sure our youngest children, their families, and the educators that care for them are meaningfully included in our education system. Reflecting on the progress we’ve made I am proud of the contributions Forum adds to the effort and excited to see what the future holds.