top of page

Quality Improvement Coaching & Professional Development 

Helping Early Childhood Professionals Thrive

 

High-quality early childhood experiences begin with well-supported educators.

​

Gateway Partnership for Early Childhood provides relationship-based quality improvement (QI) coaching and professional development to help child care providers strengthen classroom practice, improve program quality, and better meet the needs of young children and families.

​

Whether you're a teacher, director, owner, or internal coach, we're here to support your professional growth with individualized coaching, training, and resources.

Why Quality Improvement Coaching?

Research shows that coaching is one of the most effective forms of professional development because it helps educators apply research-based practices in real-world settings. QI coaching during the QRIS refresh helps providers continue progress in the current rating system and prepare for the new Quality Improvement System.

​

Our coaching model is grounded in:​

  • Adult learning theory

  • Colorado Early Learning & Development Guidelines (ELDGs)

  • Colorado Pyramid Model

  • Public health prevention and promotion practices

  • Relationship-based coaching tailored to the needs of individual educators and programs

 

Together, these approaches help create:

  • Supported kids and adults

  • Stronger teaching practices

  • High-quality learning environments

  • Healthier social-emotional development

  • A more resilient early childhood workforce

  • Better outcomes for children and families

Coaching & Professional Development

Providers participating through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gateway Partnership receive individualized support that may include:

​

Individualized Coaching

​

  • One-on-one coaching for teachers, directors, owners, internal coaches, or peer coaches

  • Practical, high-impact strategies that can be implemented immediately

  • Coaching aligned with the Colorado Pyramid Model and Early Learning & Development Guidelines

  • Support for creating inclusive learning environments and promoting children's social-emotional well-being

 

Professional Development

​

Training opportunities include:

  • Expanding Quality in Infant & Toddler (EQIT) (English in Fall 2026; Spanish in Spring 2027), paired with coaching

  • Trauma Responsive Care (Spring 2027)

  • Referrals to professional development offered by regional and statewide partners, including Red Rocks Community College, Child Care Innovations, the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, Jefferson County Child Care Association, Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance, and Healthy Child Care Colorado.

 

Professional development funding and grants for classroom materials is available to help sustain new practices.

Gateway Partnership also connects providers with resources including:

​

  • Colorado Shines

  • Universal Preschool (UPK)

  • Child Care Resource & Referral

  • Licensing, health and safety information

  • Developmental screening and assessment resources

  • Early childhood health and prevention services

  • Resources for directors, teachers, and children

Additional Support & Navigation

How the Process Works

Quality Improvement Coaching is designed to be practical, flexible, and individualized.

​

Providers can expect:

  • A one-hour orientation

  • Five to ten hours of coaching delivered in shorter, manageable cycles

  • Coaching paired with professional development and funding for materials

  • Continuous feedback and reflection

  • Documentation of growth through portfolios of evidence and stories of practice

  • Alignment with Colorado Department of Early Childhood quality indicators

What You Can Expect

Our goal is to strengthen both educator well-being and program quality.

​

Providers who participate in coaching often experience:

  • Greater confidence and job satisfaction

  • Stronger teaching practices

  • Reduced burnout and improved staff retention

  • More positive teacher-child interactions

  • Increased child engagement and learning

  • Fewer challenging behaviors

  • Improved child development outcomes

  • Stronger family partnerships

Interested in Quality Improvement Coaching or professional development opportunities?


Contact us at info@gatewayearlychildhood.org to learn more.

Learn More & Contact Us

bottom of page