All of the Family Development Program’s workshops promote a philosophy of whole child as the center of learning. We believe that children need to be surrounded by “circles of support” that actively engage families as full partners with early learning programs and schools, community resources and the public at large. We also recognize that learning takes place in relationships and value time spent co-designing opportunities for learning with community partners that will support high quality relationships with parents, children, and educators. All learning workshops are tailored to specifically meet identified professional development goals of community partners. Topics addressed include: school – family – community partnership; family engagement; child development (birth to age 8); emergent curriculum; early literacy, math, science, art, music and movement; children’s learning through play; children’s learning in nature; Reggio inspired teaching and learning; documenting children’s learning; focused portfolio; and more.