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Coaching Certification

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 Early Learning Coaching Certification program develops early childhood professionals’ skills to deliver high-impact, teacher-centered coaching support.

Why participate? 

  • Learn the fundamentals of coaching
  • Enhance goal-setting and modeling strategies 
  • Collect and use data effectively
  • Engage in coaching conversations 
  • Improve teacher practice and child outcomes

    %

    teachers who engaged in professional development with coaching support demonstrated mastery of the content

    %

    average gain of CLASS composite score for early learning providers who engaged with a certified coach

    Coaching Institutes

    Who is eligible?

    Professionals in Florida who work with early childhood educators including:
    • ELC staff and partners
    • Program leaders
    • Coaches
    • Aspiring coaches and leaders

    Why participate?

    • Earn the UF Lastinger Center Early Learning Coaching Certification

      2024-2025 Institute Dates

      Virtual Coaching Certification
      • November 2024- July 2025
        • Blended Supports
        • Community of Practice
          • November 13, 2024 1-3 PM
          • February, 2025 Date and Time TBD
        • Office Hours
          • March | Time TBD
          • June | Time TBD
      • January-September 2025 | Participation in 10 Online Modules
        • Blended Supports
          • Community of Practice 
            • January 16, 2025 | 1 PM-3 PM 
            • April 2025 | Date & Time TBD
          • Office Hours
            • May | Time TBD
            • July | Time TBD

        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).

        Coaching Calibrations

        Who is eligible?

        • UF Lastinger Center Early Learning Certified Coaches 

        Why participate?

        • Maintain Early Learning Certified Coach status

        2024-2025 Calibration Dates

        Participants only need to attend one Coaching Calibration to maintain their Early Learning Certified Coach status.
        • October 23 | 9 AM-12 PM (virtual)
        • November 14 | 1 PM-4 PM (in-person) | Hillsborough
        • December 11 | 1 PM-4 PM (virtual)
        • January 14 | 1 PM-4 PM (in-person) | Broward
        • February 5 | 9 AM-12 PM (virtual)
        • March 11 | 1 PM-4 PM (virtual)
        • April 10 | 1 PM-4 PM (virtual)
        • May 8 | 9 AM-12 PM (virtual)
        • June 11 | 1 PM-4 PM (virtual)

        The Lastinger Center offers tailored online and in-person coaching certification programs for early learning, K-12 instructional, and literacy coaches.

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