Professional Partners

As part of our commitment to provide innovative and exemplary early education to the children and families in our community, we are partnering with organizations, departments, and agencies on campus and around the Hudson River Valley to offer meaningful reflective gatherings for parents and early childhood educators. Our professional development goals center around the values of a community of practice and include shared inquiry, storytelling and meaning making through dialogue.

Spring Schedule

A figure sits on a floor covered in gray carpeting, holding a small child closely. The adult wears a patterned sweater and a cap with triangular embellishments, while the child leans against them, dressed in a striped shirt and dark pants. In the background, a textured wall provides a neutral backdrop, and a few other figures are visible, engaged in various activities. Soft lighting fills the space, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

The Art of Professional Love—A Deeper Dive into Educaring

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 2–3:30 p.m. Central Time (Online). Join here.

Carol Garboden Murray, author of Illuminating Care, and Nicole Bonelli, director of the Infant Toddler Center at Vassar College, lead us on a discussion about their journey to understand professional love and care as the curriculum for babies and toddlers. This presentation is geared towards parents and professionals and one you will not want to miss.

Fee: $25, $35,or $50 (you choose). Free for FORCE Members. Send fee by Venmo to @Shannon-Carr-94

Fall Schedule

Foundations of Infant Toddler Care

August 24, 2025, 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Wimpfheimer is partnering with The Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam County to offer an evening with Shannon Carr: Foundations of Infant Toddler Care. Register here. Learn more about Shannon and Respecting Infants while creating Supportive Environments (RISE).

Fall 2025 Book Study Groups

For Our Preschool Educators: Pursuing Bad Guys

Our preschool educators will be reading, Pursuing Bad Guys: Joining Children’s Quest for Clarity, Courage and Community by Donna King. To join our discussions and to join us in dialogue with the author, please reach out to Carol, cmurray@vassar.edu.

For Our Infant and Toddler Educators: No Bad Kids

Our toddler educators will be reading, No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline without Shame by Janet Landsbury. Our discussions will be scheduled October–March and are open to the community via Zoom.