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Washington Communities of Practice

Start Early Washington’s communities of practice focus on developing collaborative learning environments for home visiting professionals.

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What is a Community of Practice and What Makes it Different From Attending Training?

Communities of practice offer a co-creative and participatory space for shared learning where building knowledge is a shared process that draws upon all participants’ combined experiences and expertise. Through discussion, shared experiences, relationship building and reflection, participants can inform their practice, tend to their own goals and help shape the sessions.

Communities of practice are structured differently from learning environments that rely on a teacher or an expert. Instead, they balance elements of learning, practice and community to ensure building relationships receive the same consideration as thinking and doing.

Our Approach

Grounded in a strengths-based approach, Start Early Washington’s Home Visiting Implementation Hub (Hub) supports new and experienced home visiting programs. The Hub believes in the power of “peers interacting with peers” when it comes to those who make a difference with families through home visiting.

Start Early Washington launched Washington Communities of Practice to provide more opportunities for home visiting professionals to interact, seek mentorship, and share their experiences, challenges and successes.

Hub staff support each community of practice with facilitation and resources.

registration information

Communities of Practice

WA State Home Visiting Core Competencies

Have you ever wondered how the Washington State Home Visiting Core Competencies can support your work as a supervisor? Are you curious how other supervisors and/or programs use the core competencies?

Audience: Take the opportunity to connect with other supervisors around their thoughts and ideas regarding the core competencies. As a supervisor this community of practice can support your work in your role and your work with your team.

Details: These core competencies were developed by the home visiting field for the home visiting field. Bring your examples, challenges, questions, and strategies to share with peers around the Washington State Home Visiting Core Competencies. Be ready to listen and share experiences with other participants.

Specific topics to be covered:

  • Meet the group
  • Core Competencies Introduction
  • What can the core competencies do for my staff?
  • What can the core competencies do for me as a supervisor?
  • What can the core competencies do for my program?
  • Self-Assessment Tools
  • Team Discussion Guide
  • Recap the community of practice/What’s next?

 

Participation in at least six out of eight sessions is required.

This community of practice consists of eight 90-minute sessions on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PST, Feb. 6 through Mar. 27, 2025.

Registration closes when we reach 20 participants.

REGISTER HERE

Each Community of Practice is limited to 20 participants to encourage trust, meaningful interaction and space for rich dialog that results in a productive, positive group experience. Consistent attendance (at least six of the eight 90-minute sessions) is required of those who register.

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Additional Resources From Start Early

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NEAR@Home

Offers resources for home visitors to respectfully and effectively address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with families.

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Training Opportunities

Trainings build skills in fundamental home visiting competencies and family assessments and include a mix of information-sharing, discussion and practice opportunities.

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The National Home Visiting Summit

Our annual conference brings together early childhood leaders from across the county to advance the home visiting field.

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Stay Connected

Stay up to date on early childhood policy issues and home visiting programming in Washington state.

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Washington State Hub

Learn more about our work in Washington State and access relevant resources and publications. 

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Resources for Professionals

From interactive courses to engaging events, we support educators in building powerful practices that transform teaching and learning. 

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