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Emergent Literacy Coach Specialization

The UF Lastinger Center for Learning Emergent Literacy Coach Specialization, created with support from the Division of Early Learning (DEL), provides coaches a focused professional learning opportunity at every level. New and experienced coaches will participate in a targeted pathway to meet them where they are on their coaching journey. 

What is it?

The Emergent Literacy Coach Specialization is a face-to-face professional learning opportunity designed for coaches who support educators as they implement evidence-based emergent literacy strategies.

What do participants do?

  • Choose from one of two pathways for new or *experienced coaches
  • Collaborate face-to-face with other coaches
  • Support emergent literacy development and kindergarten readiness
  • Earn the Emergent Literacy Coach Specialization
  • Earn a $500 specialization completion stipend

When does enrollment begin?

Enrollment is now closed. Please fill out our Program Interest Form if you would like to receive emails about future offerings.

Who is eligible?

  • Coaches who work in early learning settings, including:
    • Early learning centers
    • Family child care homes
    • VPK programs
  • Coaches who are currently in a position to coach an early learning educator throughout the duration of the specialization

Why participate?

  • Combine high-quality coaching professional learning with evidence-based emergent literacy practices
  • Practice providing targeted coaching support to instructional personnel who have earned the Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential
  • Implement learning through job-embedded practice
  • Have access to the Emergent Literacy Playbooks

Two Pathways

Kick-Off Institutes (in-person)

New Coaches

  • 10 days, face-to-face
  • Complete the Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential
  • Submit an emergent literacy coaching video
  • Earn the Early Learning Coaching Certification and
  • Earn the Emergent Literacy Coach Specialization

*Experienced Coaches

  • 5 days, face-to-face
  • Complete the Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential
  • Submit an emergent literacy coaching video
  • Earn the Emergent Literacy Coach Specialization

*Experienced Coaches = already earned the Lastinger Center Early Learning Coaching Certification.

New Coaches – First Session (3 days)

  • Hillsborough County | January 17-19, 2024
  • Additional dates to be determined for 7, in-person follow-up sessions.

*Experienced Coaches – First Session (1 day)

  • Hillsborough County | January 17, 2024 OR
  • Broward County | January 30, 2024
  • Additional dates to be determined for 4, in-person follow-up sessions. 

Emergent Literacy Playbooks

Subject Areas

  • Oral Language and Shared Storybook Reading
  • Phonological Awareness
  • Alphabet and Print Knowledge 
  • Emergent Reading and Writing 

Playbooks include:

  • Aligned to the Emergent Literacy Micro-Credential modules
  • Ready to use, research-based presentations and presenter notes
  • Downloadable Resources
  • Content-aligned coaching video clips

Partner with us!

Contact Language and Literacy Partnerships Manager Jessica Richards to learn more about bringing the Emergent Literacy Coach Specialization or the Emergent Literacy Playbooks to your organization, school, district or state.

Back to: Literacy