McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

BY Susan Marie Schulhof | March 29, 2022

This document may be printed, photocopied, and disseminated freely with attribution. All content is the property of the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

“Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.”


— Albert Einstein


As an educator in the field of Early Childhood Education, I feel called to continuous learning and growth, and the best way to invest in my professional development is through opportunities like Leadership ConnectionsTM. Many years ago, I became certified in an Adult Learning Program because while I could apply some of the methods that I used to teach children, other tactics are helpful for training adults. One tip that has stuck with me was the use of chunking or using acronyms. When I write a training or book, using acronyms is one technique I use when appropriate. I came up with a simple acronym for why I attend professional development trainings. It is GROW, which is self-explanatory simply as a word, but also in the details.


  • G stands for goals. It is essential when choosing workshops to attend, articles and books to read, or videos to watch that I have concrete goals. Am I looking to learn a new skill, understand a new concept, or complete a new task?
  • R stands for relationships. Building relationships with others, especially in my field, matters to me. It is how I can grow in my knowledge as well as simply grow and learn as a person about and from others, similar and different from me and my experiences.
  • O stands for observation. Watching and listening are vital to my development and learning. I can see how others do things and decide if I agree or prefer to do something a different way. This is similar to how I started using acronyms once I learned that training tip. I decided that this helps me remember details long after leaving the training, so I have incorporated it into my toolbox of tips.
  • W stands for wonder; it is the why, how, where, and when questions. Why do I need to know this? How can I use it in my work? Where and when is it applicable? Often I can see the answers to these questions even when I just read the description of the training, but sometimes it occurs during or afterward when I reflect on what I have learned and apply it to my role or position.


Ongoing professional development is required in education, but I view it as more than a task to complete. It is a way to learn about the Early Childhood Education field, and it is also how I reflect and grow as a person. Join me in learning from Leadership Connections Virtual Conference 2022.

Susan Marie Schulhof is an Assessor and Training Specialist for the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership.

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Building Community Partnerships for Lasting Impact

By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha • December 12, 2025
By Cara Murdoch and Sherry Rocha Community collaborations can strengthen your early childhood program, expand services for families, and increase your visibility and credibility as a trusted resource in the community. But effective partnerships don’t begin with a phone call—they start with a plan. Start with internal planning Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including: Members of your board of directors or advisory board Program staff members Interested family members and parents of enrolled children. REVISIT your mission and goals A clear, shared understanding of your program’s purpose will guide effective partnerships: Before reaching out to community members or organizations, gather insights from your internal team. Hold a brief planning meeting to discuss goals, identify needs, and build a shared vision for collaboration. Consider including: What is your mission? What strengths and expertise do we bring to the community? What challenges do our enrolled families face? What support or resources would be most helpful? What can we offer potential partners in return? Clarity about these questions will ensure that your outreach to community members and organizations is focused and meaningful. Learn about local resources Begin exploring the services and organizations that exist in your community. These may become valuable referral partners or direct collaborators. Examples include: Early intervention services Family support agencies Mental health providers Multilingual tax-preparation volunteers Knowing these resources helps you connect families with the help they need. share your space and services Your early childhood center may be a valuable asset for other groups. Consider offering your space to other programs or groups to strengthen your role as a community hub. Possibilities include: Scouting America or Girl Scout meetings Parenting workshops or support groups Health screenings or nutrition programs Community committee meetings participate in community events Raising visibility in your community opens doors to partnership. Become involved in: Neighborhood clean-up days Local fairs or festivals Library literacy events Cultural celebrations School district events These types of interactions naturally build trust and relationships. build and expand your network Partnerships often begin with small conversations or shared goals. Stay curious and connected—the more people you meet, the more opportunities arise. Potential collaborators include: Museums Public libraries Human services departments Colleges and universities Local schools Cooperative Extension services Hospitals and clinics Banks and financial advisors Mental health agencies Early intervention programs Remember: partnerships are mutually beneficial Successful collaborations are built on: Clear communication Shared goals Appreciation for each other’s strengths A commitment to supporting families and the community Whether the support you receive is financial, advisory, or educational, strong partnerships help everyone thrive. A final thought Community partnerships don’t happen overnight. With the proper planning, your early childhood program can become a powerful and connected resource in your neighborhood. Start small, stay open to ideas, and let relationships grow.
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