A thriving community where everyone experiences belonging and mattering is built upon strong communication and fosters authentic relationships. Nurturing a high-quality early childhood environment starts with our everyday interactions. In this session participants will draw from their own experiences and knowledge to make connections among the STARS Elements of Quality. Through lively discussions and activities we will discover how small intentional shifts can create a more collaborative and supportive program culture. Participants should come to the session with a basic understanding of the STARS elements of quality including, the CLASS tool, Strengthening Families framework, and Responsive Practice components.
This training is offered through VTAEYC’s Hub and Spoke Model, a statewide hybrid professional development approach designed to increase access, connection, and shared learning. Participants will attend at their closest Spoke site while the main content is livestreamed from a central Hub simultaneously. Each Spoke site will also engage in facilitated discussion, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration, lead by local Quality Support Specialists and Assessors. Lunch will be provided at all sites. Please select your preferred Spoke site during registration; space is limited to 20–25 participants per site.
Date & Time: February 7, 2026, 10:00AM-2:15PM
Trainers:Â Â Emily Lambert, Abby Fish, Arianna Van Houten
Location:  Noël’s at The Franklin Events Center, Rutland, VT
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