Early Childhood Networked Improvement Community

Bringing together EC leaders, educators, and applied researchers to drive change in EC.

EC Leader, Educator and Practitioner Membership

This page outlines the roles and expectations for EC leader, educator, and practitioner members.

🔹 Purpose of Membership

The EC NIC (Early Childhood Networked Improvement Community) brings together EC Leaders, educators, practitioners, university faculty, and applied researchers across early childhood (Infant, Toddler, Pre-K) and K–3rd grade systems to drive sustainable improvements in early childhood.

As a member, you’ll join a community of practice focused on trying out real strategies, learning from one another, and influencing broader systems change. Whether you’re supporting children in a classroom, home, or community setting, your insights are critical to shaping what works.

🔹 Who Can Join?

  • Early childhood program directors (birth to age 5)
  • Elementary school principals (PreK–3rd grade focus)
  • Leaders of Head Start, child care, PreK Counts, and other early learning programs
  • Supervisors or coaches supporting early educators
  • Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, and K-3rd grade educators and caregivers
  • Early interventionists and developmental therapists
  • Mental health, speech, OT, PT, and behavioral support providers
  • Family engagement or support specialists

🔹 Benefits of Being a Member

  • Recognition as an EC NIC Member (internal and public materials)
  • Priority access to practical tools, new ideas/strategies, and peer learning opportunities
  • Opportunities to shape policy and systems recommendations
  • Connection to a community committed to improving outcomes across the EC field
  • Support from Pitt-based coaches, consultants, university faculty and applied researchers.

🔹 Membership Categories & Commitments

Role/MemberCategoryWhat It MeansWhat Participation Looks LikeTime Commitment
Core MemberActively joins EC NIC and a topic-based cohort, explore problems of practice, designs and tests promising solutionsAttend virtual sessions, try out new strategies, share input and data, co-create tools1–2 hours/month
Learning PartnerJoins specific EC NIC learning sessions when aligned with interestsAttend select sessionsFlexible

🔹 Next Steps

To be considered for membership:
1. Complete a short EC NIC Membership Application Form
2. Indicate preferred membership category
3. Provide a short bio and photo for internal introductions and our EC NIC showcase
4. Optional: Share any focus areas or current initiatives you’d like to connect with EC NIC work

Contact Dr. Tracy Larson and Dr. Karl Jancart at earlychildhoodnic@gmail.com to learn more about the EC NIC or talk through how you might become involved.