Early Childhood Conversations (ECC) is a virtual Community of Practice for library staff and volunteers dedicated to serving children ages birth-8 and their families. Please watch the Compendium for updates on how you can join these collaborative and engaging discussions.
Launched in 2024, ECC provides a platform for library professionals across Pennsylvania to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices for early childhood services. These dynamic sessions provide professional growth, innovation, and collaboration. ECC empowers participants to deliver impactful programs and resources tailored to their communities.
Each session focuses on a specific aspect of library services for young children. This creates flexibility to choose the topics most relevant to attendee's needs. By connecting with colleagues statewide, attendees build valuable relationships, exchange ideas, and gain insights into successful strategies for engaging young children and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a Community of Practice?
A Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of individuals with a shared passion or professional interest who come together to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices in a specific domain. ECC focuses on enhancing early childhood services in public libraries.
Who can participate in these conversations?
Participation is open to anyone committed to library service for children aged 0-8. This includes children's services staff from public libraries, volunteers, library directors, school librarians, and library school students.
How will the conversations benefit participants?
The sessions facilitate dynamic exchanges of best practices, innovative ideas, and successful strategies. Participants gain access to shared resources such as program materials and event ideas while building professional connections with colleagues statewide.
Will the sessions be recorded?
No, sessions are not recorded. Live participation fosters active discussions and knowledge sharing among attendees.
Can I get a Continuing Education Certificate for attending?
As these are information exchange conversations and not formal training sessions, continuing education credits are not available for ECC.
Why Participate?
By joining ECC, you’ll become part of a collective effort to shape vibrant, community-focused early childhood programs in libraries across Pennsylvania. Together, we can create enriching experiences for children and families while strengthening the role of libraries as vital early learning hubs.