The Responsive Educator: A Community of Practice Hailey Paschold January 12, 2026

The Responsive Educator is a professional development opportunity designed to support early educators in building deeper understanding of responsive practice. Grounded in the belief that children thrive when their identities, backgrounds, and unique needs are honored, this learning experience introduces educators to strategies that promote truly inclusive, identity-affirming environments. Through a Community of Practice (CoP), participants will reflect on their daily interactions, share insights with peers, and explore practical approaches for meeting the diverse needs of children and families. This collaborative PD strengthens educators' confidence, intentionality, and commitment to ensuring every child is seen, valued, and feels a strong sense of belonging.

The Responsive Educator PD is offered as a Community of Practice made up of 6 sessions that included guided reflection, collaborative discussion, and practical strategies for responsive practice. In addition to the facilitated meetings. Participants complete brief out-of-class activities - such as reflections or classroom application tasks - which are counted toward the professional development hours. Together, the in-session learning and out-of-class work support educators in applying responsive practices directly in their daily interactions with children and families.