Adult professional friendships are integral to early childhood education, giving educators daily support and collaboration, nurturing their professional and pedagogical growth, and-not to be discounted-making the job fun. During this webinar, participants will explore what it means to be a friend, how to make friends and keep friends, and what happens when friendships end. 

Together with Dory Kashin, Cindy is excited to share reflections about the big ideas inherent in her book, Cultivating Professional Friendships. as well as Diane’s writing process.

In addition to being a daughter, wife, mother, bubbie, sister, friend, professor and mentor, Diane Kashin, EdD, RECE was an early learning educator who shared her research, wisdom and passion with so many. She was an author of many books pertaining to early learning and care and her blog tecribresearch.blog was followed by thousands. In her final book, Cultivating Professional Friendships in Early Childhood Education (2024), Diane invites educators to delve into the theory that professional friendship is a practice that enhances professional learning and growth. In her work with educators, it was her aim to embed opportunities for play. Playful adults are more inclined to invite young children to follow their curiosities through play and inquiry. Diane’s enthusiasm and knowledge about social constructivism and pedagogical practices invited, sustained and deepened the thinking of so many. Diane, we are your legacy.

In loving memory of Diane Kashin, author, colleague, friend.