Building a High Quality Preschool Program through Observation, Evaluation and Coaching

Building a High Quality Preschool Program through Observation, Evaluation and Coaching

What does a high-quality preschool program look like?  What do impactful early childhood teachers do?  What is the role of play in preschool?  How can early learning be measured?  Should my expectations be different for developmental preschool programs than for general education preschool programs?  

These questions and more will be addressed in this full-day professional development session.  Although designed especially for administrators and coaches of early childhood programs who don’t have a strong personal background in early learning, this session will benefit any administrator or coach who is seeking to enhance the quality of their preschool program. 

The session will explore practical approaches for observing children and teachers to gain a deeper understanding of developmental progress, classroom dynamics, and instructional quality. Participants will learn what to look for in walk-through visits in preschool classrooms, as well as effective strategies to assess, support, and improve teaching practices through observation, coaching, and evaluation, regardless of the instrument utilized by the school and district for teacher evaluation.

In addition, we will focus on coaching strategies to foster reflective practice, improve teacher-student interactions, and create a supportive environment for continuous professional growth. Administrators and coaches will leave the session equipped with actionable strategies to provide ongoing guidance and support for preschool educators, fostering a high-quality learning experience for young children.

Workshop Details:

• Date: October 1, 2025

• Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm EST

• Location: SIEC, 1102 Tree Lane Drive, Jasper, IN 47546

• Fee: SIEC Member - $300/Non-member $420

• Other Details:

  • Please bring a laptop computer so online resources can be accessed.

  • A catered lunch will be provided.

  • Participants will receive Professional Growth Points.

  • Deadline to register is 2 weeks before each workshop.

  • See the embedded registration form below.

Presenter: Susan Bryant

Susan Bryant is a longtime educator with nearly four decades of experience in public education, including over 35 years working in early childhood settings.  Susan’s roles have included elementary and kindergarten teaching, early childhood principal and preschool director.  Deeply committed to providing every child with a positive start to a lifetime of learning, Susan has worked collaboratively with families and school staff members to develop learning communities that are safe and respectful, inclusive and collaborative.  

Susan holds Indiana licenses in elementary administration and supervision, elementary education, kindergarten and reading.  She completed Educational Leadership coursework through Indiana University and holds a Master’s degree from Butler University.  Her undergraduate degree in elementary education was also from Butler. Susan has a proven track record in creating and running effective preschool and kindergarten programs, in early childhood teacher evaluation and team building, in emergent literacy and mathematics, and in early childhood special education evaluations and placement.   Susan delights in helping schools improve the lives of children and families through a multifaceted approach to education.