Practice-based Coaching Model

New Hampshire Coaching Development & Recognition Model
This report (2020), supported by New Hampshire's Preschool Development Grant (PDG), investigated diverse early childhood coaching systems. Findings offered specific recommendations, which guided the development of New Hampshire's QRIS system and coach competencies, to promote ongoing programmatic and practitioner improvement through the implementation of practice-based coaching.

iSocial: Practice-based Coaching eModule
iSocial provides resources related to practice-based coaching and offers a self-paced online training intended to support individuals in better understanding PBC and how it can be used to support the implementation of best practices.

ECLKC: Practice-based Coaching Overview
Practice-based coaching (PBC) is a professional development strategy that uses a cyclical process. The Head Start Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center provides a detailed video overview of PBC, fact sheets, implementation resources, and additional resources for coaches.

Our Vision

  • The UNH Early Learning Coaching Team uses a practice-based coaching model to promote best practices within infant, toddler, and preschool learning environments in support of New Hampshire's Quality Recognition and Improvement System, known as Granite Steps for Quality (GSQ)
  •  The goal of our coaching model is for teachers to increase their implementation of evidence-based best practices, specifically in the areas of learning activities and interactions, to improve the quality of early childhood education in New Hampshire, leading to greater positive outcomes for children and families. 

Our Approach

  • Our model uses embedded practice-based coaching to support and empower early childhood educators as they implement best practices within their classrooms. The coaching process is highly collaborative and individualized with each participating teacher receiving support from one of our instructional coaches. Coaches support teachers in reflecting on their practice to identify relevant and meaningful goals. Coaching cycles include goal planning, focused observation, and reflection and feedback conducted in collaboration with our teachers to support the implementation of evidence-based best practices.

Our Coaching Model

  • Individualized (co-designed with the teacher)
  • Intensive (bi-weekly visits)
    •    Coaches conduct a one-hour observation
    •    Following the observation, coaches and teachers have a one-hour collaborative 1:1 meeting
  • Sustained (6 months)
  • Context-specific (embedded in the classroom)
  • Focused on increasing the implementation of evidence-based best practices
     
Boy playing with blocks
Toddler playing with beads in classroom
Boy leaning against tree
Children running