New Coordinator Named for Center Leader Communities of Practice (CoP)

By Katherine Johnson

Congratulations to Shannon Vasquez, Director of Palm Beach Preschool, who has been named the new Coordinator of the Center Leader Communities of Practice (CoP). Shannon will work alongside the Institute of Excellence’s staff, Monique Wilkinson and Katie Johnson, to support members of two CoP groups as they continue to reach for personal and professional excellence within a collegial, collaborative environment.

Shannon has seen firsthand the benefits of the Center Leader Communities of Practice process and structure.

“CoP gives me information and a new way of thinking; discussing common issues with other center leaders gives me new ideas and creates a change in thought and perspective.”

Being involved with the Center Leaders CoP has reaffirmed to her that children are the “why” behind early childhood education. “How is that going to benefit the children?” should be the on-going question for all directors, she says.

Shannon hopes that centers that have not yet participated in the CoP will hear of the effectiveness of the CoP centers and look to join in the future. She is aware that the collective CoP voice can be most effective in making a difference in the future of early childhood programs.

 

 

CoP members at their quarterly joint meeting. Shannon Vasquez is pictured fourth from left.