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Communities of Practice Facilitator Training

Early Learning

The UF Lastinger Center for Learning is the administrator of the state of Florida’s Early Childhood Professional Learning System: Flamingo Early Learning. Created in partnership with the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Early Learning, the UF Lastinger Center for Learning’s Early Learning Communities of Practice (CoP) Facilitator Training develops early childhood professionals’ facilitation skills using adult learning principles.

Why participate? 

  • Learn effective practices of giving and receiving feedback
  • Engage in reflective conversations
  • Learn to analyze successes and challenges 
  • Implement collaborative tools and strategies immediately into practice

    Learn more about our CoP Framework!

    CoP Institutes

    Who is eligible?

    Professionals in Florida including:

    • Those who regularly convene groups of early childhood educators
    • Trainers
    • Program Leaders
    • Coaches
    • Aspiring facilitators and program leaders

      Why participate?

      • Earn the UF Lastinger Center Early Learning CoP Facilitator Certification

      2024-2025 Institute Dates

      Participants only need to attend one institute to earn the Early Learning CoP Facilitator Certification.

      • February 25-27, 2025 | Orange

      Contact your ELC to enroll! Seats are limited. 

      If your organization needs additional seats, please reach out to Early Learning Partnerships Coordinator Ken Buchanan (kenneth.buchanan@coe.ufl.edu).

      CoP Calibrations

      Who is eligible?

      • Lastinger Center certified Early Learning CoP Facilitators

      Why participate?

      • Maintain Early Learning CoP Facilitation certification 

      2024-2025 Calibration Dates

      Participants only need to attend one CoP Calibration to maintain their CoP Facilitation Certification.

      • October 22 | 9 AM-12 PM (virtual)
      • November 14 | 9 AM-12 PM (in-person) | Hillsborough
      • December 10 | 1 PM-4 PM (virtual)
      • January 14 | 9 AM-12 PM (in-person) | Broward
      • February 4 | 9 AM-12 PM (virtual)
      • March 10 | 1 PM-4 PM (virtual)
      • April 8 | 1 PM-4 PM (virtual)
      • May 6 | 9 AM-12 PM (virtual)
      • June 9 | 1 PM-4 PM (virtual)

      The UF Lastinger Center offers Community of Practice Facilitator Training for early learning and K-12 professionals.

      If you want to receive direct communication about our programs, including updates or enrollment notifications, please fill out our Program Interest Form!