44 Curriculum & Learning Environment 7. Collaboration 1. Collaborating with Peers to Improve the Learning Environment Level 1 Recognize the importance of collaboration with other professionals to enhance the learning environment. CLE 7.1.1 Level 2 Understand the importance of participation in various avenues of collaboration with others to improve the learning environment, such as professional meetings, trainings, e-mail, listserv discussions, etc. CLE 7.1.2 Level 3 Actively collaborate with other professionals to create ways to enhance the physical and psychological aspects of the learning environment. CLE 7.1.3 Level 4 Support collaboration among staff members. Provide leadership and time for providers to establish and maintain collaborative opportunities designed to enhance skills in improving the learning environment. CLE 7.1.4 Level 5 Analyze, evaluate articulate, and apply current theory and evidence-based research with other professionals on ways to improve the learning environment. CLE 7.1.5 2. Collaborating with the Community to Improve the Learning Environment Level 1 Recognize the importance of establishing and maintaining positive relationships with families, colleagues, businesses, and the larger community to develop an effective learning environment. CLE 7.2.1 Level 2 Understand the importance of establishing and maintaining positive relationships with families, colleagues, businesses, and the larger community. Practice verbal, non- verbal, and written communication skills to develop positive working relationships with others. CLE 7.2.2 Level 3 Demonstrate a variety of strategies to achieve positive working relationships with families, colleagues, businesses, and the larger community to optimize the learning environment. CLE 7.2.3 Level 4 Demonstrate leadership by establishing positive relationships with families, colleagues, businesses, and the larger community. Promote continuous community collaboration. CLE 7.2.4 Level 5 Advocate for early childhood education policies and best practices at the federal, state and local levels as well as with families, business, foundations, and academia. CLE 7.2.5