48 ���������������������������������������������� In November 2015, the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County (ELC) implemented the Nemours BrightStart! Program for Early Literacy Success (NBS!), a unique and highly effective instructional curriculum that assists teachers in closing the reading readiness achievement gap for struggling, diverse young learners, before they enter Elementary school. Nine centers and 17 classrooms were involved in the initial launch, and currently the program is being implemented in 13 centers and 31 classrooms. Each classroom teacher has been assigned to one of three specially and speci��cally trained NBS! coaches from the ELC. The coaches serve as essential resources for the teachers and the program. With the growth and improvement of the program during the second year of implementation, the coaches heard from this dedicated group of teachers and took note! These teachers were enthusiastic in their learning, asking to further their understanding and teaching of the program, not only from the coaches, but from their peers, as well. They wanted an opportunity to take advantage of one of their best resources - each other! From this determination to improve, along with the special training the coaches received from the Early Learning Florida Communities of Practice Institute, sponsored by the College of Education Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida, three Communities of Practice meetings (CoPs) were scheduled throughout the year. These meetings provided a community setting in which teachers could extend their learning and problem solving skills through structured conversations with their peers. The CoPs were aimed at transforming their educational practices, by engaging in meaningful collaboration and re��ective dialogue. The ��nal CoP was held in June to re��ect on the year. The coaches began the meeting by showing their gratitude with a complimentary dinner and presentation of certi��cates. Following dinner, teachers were divided into small groups, which allowed everyone an equal chance to share and discuss. During this time, the teachers discovered many commonalities while sharing their triumphs and obstacles. Next, teachers and coaches came back together as one for reflective dialogue. During this feedback, coaches could target obstacles the teachers faced during the implementation of the NBS! program. The obstacles shared helped to fuel the discussion, resulting in strategies for long-term program sustainability. Throughout the year, the coaches not only build relationships with the children from their various centers, but they build trusting connections with their teachers as well. That relationship sustains the NBS! program, as the mutual respect shown by both the teachers and the coaches enables the program to grow and become more effective through open discussions, where the various challenges and obstacles can be considered, which results in a more successful program, and ultimately, more successful students. THOSE IN ATTENDANCE Words: Susan Miller Kelly Ellenton United Methodist Preschool Susan Waldron Happy Cubs Joanne Gartley Chondra Craddock Kids Club Child Development & Educational Center Kaitlynn Bosley Christy Gullett Manatee United Methodist Preschool LaToya Hope NaKesha Thomas Lucy Ochoa Violetta Rios ������������������������������������������������ Devatta Craddock Adrianna Craddock Wee World Stephanie Lenart Tiny Tots University Ana Soriano Ana Vela Jose��na Martinez
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