Early Childhood Investigations

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareGroup time is often one of the most challenging parts of the day for both children and adults. This session helps educators examine why group times can feel dysregulating and how adult presence, pacing, and expectations shape children’s participation and sense of safety, agency, and belonging.Through reflection and practical, relational strategies, you will explore how to move away from power struggles and compliance-based expectations and toward shared regulation, flexibility, and connection. Participants will leave with concrete ways to support meaningful participation during group time while honoring individual differences and developmental needs.LEARNING OBJECTIVESParticipants will be able to:Reflect on why group times can be challenging for both children and adults by considering developmental needs, nervous system regulation, and the relational dynamics present during whole-group experiences.Explore how adult presence, pacing, and expectations influence children’s sense of safety, agency, and participation during group time.Identify relational, developmentally responsive strategies that support shared regulation and meaningful participation while honoring individual differences among children.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareBreak-even is not just a finance formula. It is the result of leadership decisions made every day across enrollment, staffing, pricing, schedules, and classroom structure.In this session, Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed helps child care leaders look at break-even through a more practical lens by connecting the numbers to the real choices that shape financial stability. Participants will explore the common assumptions that keep programs stuck, the hidden impact of under-enrolled classrooms and staffing misalignment, and how stronger decision-making can improve both confidence and outcomes.This session is designed for owners, directors, and administrators who want to better understand what drives sustainability and how to respond before small issues become bigger financial problems.Key takeaways: Identify the break-even number for each classroom and understand why room-level financial awareness is essential for effective leadership.Examine how under-enrollment, staffing misalignment, and operational assumptions can quietly push programs away from sustainability.Use room-level break-even thinking to make stronger decisions about staffing, scheduling, pricing, and classroom structure before problems escalate.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareStep into a session designed to inspire you, empower you, and strengthen the way you support young children every day. In this uplifting introduction, you’ll explore the Pyramid Model—a research-based framework proven to promote healthy social and emotional development in young children. Join Robin Levy, M.A., to discover how this model supports your work by offering practical, compassionate strategies you can pair with any curriculum. The Pyramid Model is not a curriculum itself; instead, it functions as a powerful approach that enhances your existing practices and helps you create more responsive, predictable, and nurturing environments.As you move through each tier of the model, you’ll see how its emphasis on relationships, supportive environments, and targeted teaching practices can transform your daily interactions. You’ll learn how greetings, routines, expectations, and problem-solving moments become opportunities to build confidence, cooperation, and emotional resilience in every child. You’ll also explore how the Pyramid Model is used across early childhood settings by early educators, early intervention personnel, early childhood special education teams, infant and early childhood mental health consultants, and families—giving you a shared language and approach that strengthens collaboration and consistency for the children you serve.Through real examples, reflection, and practical strategies, you’ll gain clarity on how this framework can reduce challenging behaviors and increase children’s sense of safety, belonging, and joy. Whether you’re brand new to the Pyramid Model or ready to refresh your understanding, this session will leave you excited and equipped to bring its strategies to life in your own setting or program.Come ready to learn, connect, and grow—your work has the power to transform children’s lives, and the Pyramid Model is here to support you.Learning Objectives By the end of this session, you will be able to:Explain what the Pyramid Model is and how it supports social–emotional development.Identify strategies that strengthen relationships and create supportive, predictable learning environments.Recognize how the Pyramid Model is used across early childhood roles, including educators, specialists, and families.Apply at least two Pyramid Model practices you can use immediately in your own setting.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareTrust Grows Where Proof Shows™ just as it is with industries from aviation to healthcare, early education compliance isn’t optional. The reality is that safety and trust aren’t just feelings. In regulated industries like ours, they’re facts you can see, measure, and demonstrate.Your stakeholders need more than reassurance. They need proof they can believe in.So how do we put this concept into visible practice?  The Compliance Alliance and The State Lady® come together to give you practical examples and strategies to make the invisible visible from how you market your compliance to ways to showcase your practices to preventative measures to avoid a citation, or worse, an insurance claim or lawsuit. Because compliance isn’t defined when everything goes right—it’s defined when something goes wrong. That’s when real practices show up. Together we will bridge the gap between compliance systems and real-world application.We will share how to turn your website messaging, parent communication, licensing visits, audits, and documentation into visible, trust-building proof. When your practices show every day, your stakeholder confidence grows—and families, staff, and regulators don’t just hear you’re safe… they see it. With a combined lens of compliance strategy and licensing experience, this session will highlight the difference between programs that say they’re compliant and those that can demonstrate it at any moment. Key Takeaways:How licensing evaluates compliance during actual inspectionsMock Inspection non-negotiablesStrategies to reduce citations & legal liabilityMinimum auditing practices to surface risks before they become costlyStrategies to increase stakeholder trust (make supervision, safety, and daily routines clearly visible)"Stakeholders don’t just need to be told we’re safe—they need to believe it for themselves."

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareAs early childhood leaders, we're constantly supporting the growth of the educators around us — but are we using the right tools for the job? Coaching and mentoring are both powerful, yet they serve very different purposes. Knowing when to coach and when to mentor can transform how you lead your team and build a culture of continuous growth in your program.In this session, we'll cut through the confusion and give directors, coordinators, and educational leaders a clear, practical framework for understanding both approaches — and confidently knowing which one to reach for.Participants will:Define coaching and mentoring in straightforward terms and explain the distinct purpose of eachExplore how the two approaches differ in structure, frequency, and who drives the conversationApply real ECE examples of coaching in action — including support around transitions, circle time, classroom routines, and behavior management — and identify tools that make coaching effectiveApply real ECE examples of mentoring in action — including helping a new teacher build confidence, deepen reflective practice, or begin thinking about leadership goals — and explore the tools that support meaningful mentoring relationshipsClarify common misconceptions: coaching and mentoring are not punishment, criticism, formal supervision, or therapyWalk away with a practical "when to use which" decision guide designed specifically for directors and educational leaders

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareEarly childhood professionals regularly navigate unpredictable situations: big feelings, complex behaviors, competing demands, and the constant balancing of children’s needs, family expectations, and program requirements. Whether you’re an administrator, a family child care provider, or a center-based educator, these everyday challenges can stretch your capacity and shape the climate of your work.This webinar explores how Appreciative Inquiry offers practical tools for responding to challenging moments with clarity, presence, and intention. Drawing from the book More Than We Imagined by Ellen M. Drolette, we’ll examine how what we notice, amplify, and choose to focus on can shift the trajectory of an interaction and open up new possibilities. Participants will learn strengths-based strategies that support well-being, build trust, and promote resilience across early childhood settings.You’ll walk away with actionable approaches rooted in play, connection, and reflection—approaches that help reduce stress, strengthen professional relationships, and create conditions where both adults and children can thrive.Learning ObjectivesExplain how Appreciative Inquiry principles support well-being and resilience: Describe how the questions we ask—and the meaning we assign to situations—influence our responses during challenging moments.Identify how small shifts in adult response impact emotional safety and learning: Recognize how tone, presence, and interpretation shape outcomes in family child care settings, centers, and administrative roles.Apply strengths-based strategies that turn difficult interactions into opportunities for growth: Use curiosity, reframing, and a focus on what’s working to guide decision-making and problem-solving.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareIn today’s work environment, leading a team requires a nuanced understanding of each member’s values, expectations, and work styles. With a focus on collaboration, this workshop is designed to equip leaders with the tools and insights needed to effectively engage, motivate, and guide multiple generations.Join Dr. Keena R. Mosley, former award-winning collegiate professor, author, and Founder of Momentum Leadership Group. With her people-centered strategic approach, participants will explore practical skills that foster a productive, responsive, and inclusive workplace. Through interactive activities, they will bring current research to life and identify clear next steps for applying the content in their real-world settings.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:Analyze research on generational characteristics: Explore insights from academic institutions and research organizations and discuss their practical application.Adapt communication skills to optimize team performance: Examine the communication needs of each generation and compare them to current practices and challenges.Identify strategies to foster a collaborative team culture: Review and practice team-building strategies and activities that help create a motivating environment for all generations.This session will empower you to lead with confidence and build a cohesive, high-performing team—no matter the generational mix.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareOnly 3 centers will own the leaders in your market—How to make sure you’re one of them Search is being completely rebuilt — and most childcare centers don’t realize it yet. Parents are no longer just clicking ads or scrolling your social posts.They’re:Asking AI tools like ChatGPT where to find childcare nearbyReading AI-generated summaries at the top of GoogleChoosing centers directly from Google MapsAt the same time, buying attention through ads is getting harder, more expensive, and less predictable for local businesses—the cost is out of reach of most child care centers.(Google finally admitted to us that new ad accounts need $100/day media spend to train their AI buying algorithm! That’s absolutely ridiculous for the ECE industry!)In this live training, Bruce Spurr, CEO of Grow Your Center, will break down how AI-powered search is transforming the way parents discover childcare — and why this shift is creating the biggest local visibility opportunity we’ve seen since 2008.History is being made. We’re not just going to talk about AI search, but give you CONTEXT in how the new world of “SEO” fits into your complete marketing stack in 2026…how owners just like you are filling their open classroom spots!In this session, you’ll learn: Why Google Maps has quietly become the most important “search engine” for parentsHow AI summaries are deciding which childcare centers get mentioned (and which get ignored)Your website is not only still relevant, but a critical conversion tool in your marketing stackWhy attention is getting more expensive to buy — including where and how to spend your ad dollars to “multiple” it’s effect What “AI-powered search visibility” actually means for local businessesWhy ranking for a city is not the right play, and how zip codes and neighborhoods now drive enrollment demandWhat it takes to show up when parents search inside AI tools like ChatGPTHow early movers are getting huge gains while others disappear (the gold rush is real!)This training is especially valuable if: You want more predictable enrollmentYou’re tired of wasting $ on adsYou operate in a competitive marketYou have an enrollment gap you need to fillWe’ll also have a Q&A and select 3-5 audience volunteers to review your rankings!

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareYou’ve explored why play matters—now it’s time to focus on how to make it work. In this practical follow-up to The Science of Play, Amanda Morgan—author of Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood—will dive deeper into the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Framework to show how intentional, guided play can support meaningful developmental outcomes without co-opting the play itself.Through relatable play examples and reflection tools, you’ll learn how to align play with your curriculum and objectives, make strategic amendments to support standards, and introduce authentic, play-based assessment methods. Whether you’re teaching in the classroom or leading at the program level, this session will help you bridge the gap between theory and practice—so play can flourish as both joyful and truly rigorous learning.Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, you will be able to:Apply the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Framework to intentionally plan and support powerful play experiences.Align playful learning with developmental outcomes and curriculum goals without diminishing children’s agency or joy.Identify opportunities to adapt or “amend” curriculum and objectives to better reflect how children actually learn through play.Implement authentic assessment practices that capture meaningful growth within play-based contexts.Strengthen your ability to articulate and defend the educational value of play to colleagues, families, and decision-makers.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareAre you considering starting an early childhood business? Let's learn how to take your small business from the idea phase to launch. In this session presented by business consultant, website designer, and trainer, Chelsea Denny from Early Childhood Creative, you’ll learn the steps required to set up your for-profit business and make it official. Topics covered include business entities, insurance, financials, marketing, and more. You'll leave this session with a better understanding of what is required to form your for-profit business legally and how to protect yourself from liability. You'll also understand what is considered best practice in operating a new business and what the most common mistakes are. The content covered will be most applicable to for-profit, service-based businesses operating in the United States, including childcare, private schools, coaches, consultants, and trainers. If operating outside of the United States, there may be different names and terminology, but the general information will still apply. If operating a non-profit, the general best practices will still apply. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Participants will be able to outline the process required to start a legal business in the United States. 2. Participants will be able to discuss common terminology related to starting a business. 3. Participants will be able to identify three components to consider when developing a business plan. 4. Participants will be able to name and describe the legal structures of for-profit businesses and how they generally relate to taxes, liability, and strategic planning. All content shared is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareLeadership isn’t positional—it’s relational. Whether you’re a president, owner, principal, director, teacher, counselor, parent, or the person responsible for making sure lunch arrives on time—if you work with people, and especially with children, you lead. Leadership is not defined by a title; it’s expressed through presence, listening, and creating space for others to thrive.In this session, Kimberlee Burt Hendricks, The Play and Learn Leader at A Child’s Space 2, will guide participants through an exploration of how play is not just for children, it’s a vital practice that nurtures creativity, connection, and emotional well-being for adults as well. Through stories, research, and reflective experiences, Kimberlee will illuminate how neuroscience and well-established leadership models reveal that play is not a distraction from leadership, but a catalyst for it.As early learning environments continue to evolve, embracing play, both personally and professionally, has never been more important. Participants will engage in reflective discussions and playful moments that highlight how curiosity, imagination, and laughter strengthen leadership at every level.Because when we understand the power of play, we lead and live with greater joy, empathy, and purpose.Learning ObjectivesAfter this session, participants will be able to:Explain how neuroscience supports the role of play in fostering creativity, focus, and well-being for both children and adults.Identify leadership models—including servant, whole, transformational, and psychological safety frameworks—that align with playful, human-centered practice.Reflect on strategies for integrating play into everyday professional interactions to enhance connection and trust.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareWhat if strengthening self-regulation could transform not only children’s behavior—but your entire classroom experience?In this research-informed session led by Dr. Carrie Comer-Yates, you’ll explore how young children’s self-regulation skills directly influence teacher practice, classroom expectations, and student success. Dr. Comer-Yates is deeply committed to helping educators build foundational skills in social-emotional development, differentiate classroom supports, and care for their own social-emotional well-being alongside their students’.Drawing from a comprehensive study of early childhood classrooms, this webinar examines the shared responsibilities between children and educators, the role of the learning environment, and the levels of support needed for children to thrive. You’ll gain practical, actionable strategies grounded in real classroom data—highlighting the critical roles of professional development, family engagement, and intentional instructional practices.The session also explores how factors such as culture shape self-regulation and influence classroom expectations. By strengthening your understanding of self-regulation, you’ll be better equipped to foster positive social, emotional, and academic growth—creating more responsive, supportive, and successful learning environments, even within complex early childhood systems.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:Identify how children’s self-regulation skills impact teacher practice and classroom dynamicsExamine the shared responsibilities between educators, students, and the learning environment in supporting self-regulationDescribe effective instructional strategies that strengthen self-regulation in early childhood settingsRecognize the influence of culture and other contextual factors on self-regulation and classroom expectationsApply research-based approaches that support positive social, emotional, and academic outcomes for young children

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareWhat if joy wasn’t a byproduct of good leadership—but the very foundation of it?This inspiring and practical webinar invites early childhood leaders to explore what it truly means to lead with joy and purpose. Led by global consultant and innovation champion Karen Foster-Jorgensen, participants will discover how to apply the Joyous Organization Framework and the Joyous Leadership Collabratory™ to strengthen both the heart and health of their organizations—blending purpose, prosperity, positive mindset, and people-centered leadership for lasting impact.Learning Objectives:Discover the principles of the Joyous Organization Framework and identify how joy fuels engagement, innovation, and long-term success.Explore the Joyous Equation as a model for balancing purpose, people, and prosperity within early childhood organizations.Reflect on leadership mindsets through the lens of invitational leadership and joyful practice.Design actionable next steps to strengthen both the joy and sustainability of your organization.Connect with peers through the Joyous Leadership Collabratory™ model—building community, reflection, and shared growth.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareWhat if the everyday “problems” you see in your classroom could become the spark for deeper learning?When a block tower tumbles down or paint drips across a page, children are already engaging in problem-solving, experimenting, and exploring big ideas. This webinar will show you how to transform those ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities through problem-based STEAM learning.Together, we’ll explore how to design hands-on, developmentally appropriate centers that invite children to question, investigate, and solve challenges in creative ways. You’ll see how science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math can come alive through playful exploration that nurtures curiosity and builds essential 21st-century skills.In this approachable STEAM session, hosted by Tiffany Berman, M.Ed we’ll walk through the process step by step—from observing children to uncover the problems they’re naturally drawn to, to choosing the right materials, to guiding child-led investigations that empower independent learning.Learning Objectives:Discover how to use an observation and discussion tool to identify children’s curiosities and classroom challenges that can spark STEAM investigations.Create a plan for a developmentally appropriate, problem-based STEAM learning center that fosters exploration and discovery.Explore practical strategies for facilitating child-led investigations that encourage independence, creativity, and joyful learning through play.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareEarly education program leaders around the world are increasingly enthusiastic about nature-based learning. Many leaders want to jump in wholeheartedly but find shifting the culture of their organization incredibly challenging. This webinar is a pause to say, “Imagine if…” Imagine if nature were another teacher in the classroom, if nature-based learning were core to the program’s culture, and if families were choosing your program because of its nature-rich experiences. In this session, Dr. Larimore will explore different ways to consider a nature-based approach in your teaching—from the structure of the day and the physical environment to planning and teacher-child interactions. She’ll share a wide range of possibilities for imagining—or reimagining—the ways we support young children through nature-based learning.In this action-focused webinar designed for program leaders and administrators, experienced early childhood nature-based program leader and author Dr. Rachel Larimore will share her Trail Map for Leading Change—an approach for inspiring and supporting staff as they move toward nature-based teaching. In previous ECI webinars, she focused on the big picture of the Trail Map for Change and Step 1: preparing yourself as a leader. In this webinar, she’ll focus on Step 5 of the Trail Map: reimagining teaching practices to embrace nature-based pedagogy.Come be inspired by the diverse and innovative ways early childhood programs are integrating nature-based learning into their classrooms.ObjectivesParticipants will be able to:Describe the core components of nature-based pedagogy.Identify at least two ways to reimagine daily structure to embrace nature-based pedagogy.Identify at least two ways to reimagine the physical environment to deepen nature-based learning.Describe ways to support teachers in making small shifts toward nature-based teaching.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareIn every classroom, on every playground, and over every shared meal, there are opportunities for healing. This immersive session invites early childhood educators and professionals to reconnect with their own wisdom, intuition, and power as everyday healers in the lives of young children.Facilitated by educator and author Mike Browne, MBA, this webinar is more than professional development—it’s a restorative experience for the heart of our field. Together, we’ll explore how healing-centered practices can live in the routines and relationships that define early childhood care and education. Through story, breath, and reflection, participants will consider how trauma shows up in our classrooms and communities—and how safety, connection, and regulation can be offered in even the smallest interactions.Whether you’re a teacher, cook, driver, family advocate, or administrator, your presence matters. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in relationship. Together, we’ll remember that care is collective, and that every role in early childhood education is a healing role.Intentions (Learning Objectives):This session is not just about understanding trauma—it’s about:Restoring ourselves so we can hold space for children and familiesHonoring lived experience as wisdomDeepening connection, safety, and care across all rolesCreating environments where everyone feels seen and valuedMoving toward healing in community—through story, rhythm, reflection, and breath

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwarePlay is innate, and all children have the capacity for playful selves. Yet many conventional views of play still rely on narrow developmental expectations that unintentionally exclude neurodivergent and disabled children. In this session led by Kerry Murphy (BA Hons, MSc)—author, Early Childhood Specialist, Lecturer, and Trainer—you are invited to re-explore play through a neurodiversity-affirming lens that honors the many functions and patterns of play. You will be introduced to ideas that move beyond typical play frameworks, such as stage theory, and instead explore the diverse developmental pathways children naturally follow through play. Together, we will examine common play patterns in neurodivergent children and explore why these are valid and developmentally meaningful. We will also question neuronormative assumptions about what counts as “functional” play and recognize the depth of insight available when children are supported to play in ways that feel authentic to them.Throughout the session, you will reflect on how neuronormativity and developmental norms can shape our interpretations of children’s actions. By engaging with practical examples, case studies, and reflective prompts, you will discover how to design play environments that are affirming, autonomous, accessible, and filled with joy, meaning, and knowledge creation.Learning Objectives To reimagine our definitions and understandings of play through a neurodiversity-informed and affirming lens.To explore the influence and impact of neuronormativity on children’s play.To learn about autistic play patterns as a framework for diversifying our understanding of all children’s play.To be introduced to the Diverse Pathways for Early Childhood project.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareWhat does it really mean to move beyond anti-bias education in early childhood? For decades, anti-bias work has helped educators nurture children’s identities and celebrate diversity. Yet, despite these important efforts, inequities rooted in racism, ableism, eurocentrism, and monolingualism continue to show up in early learning spaces.In this inspiring and challenging webinar, Dr. Jamie Cho and Ninderjit Gill will invite educators to look more deeply at how everyday practices can either reinforce or disrupt systems of inequity. Together, they’ll explore how justice-centered teaching can create new ways of being—where children’s cultures, languages, and identities are truly honored and where educators act as agents of change in their communities.During this session, you will:Identify examples of Eurocentric practices in early childhood education.Reflect on how current classroom norms may reflect dominant cultural values and beliefs.Take intentional action steps toward centering diversity, equity, and justice.Join us to reimagine what equity can look like in early childhood—and to strengthen your role in building programs where every child and family feels seen, heard, and valued.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareEvery emotion, reaction, and behavior tells a story—and it begins deep within the brain and body. In this insightful and grounding session, we’ll explore the fascinating connection between the brain, the nervous system, and emotional regulation in early childhood.Children’s ability to self-regulate doesn’t develop overnight; it’s nurtured through caring relationships and co-regulation with responsive adults. In this session led by Richard Cohen, M.A., we’ll trace how thoughts and feelings travel through the body to become actions—and what that means for the moments we share with young children each day.You’ll gain a deeper understanding of:How the brain and nervous system work together to shape emotions and behavior.Why children’s “big feelings” are opportunities for connection, not correction.The difference between self-regulation and co-regulation—and the adult’s vital role in both.Practical, real-world strategies to help children (and yourself) move from dysregulation to calm.This session will leave you with both the science and the heart of emotional regulation—equipping you with compassionate, neuroscience-informed tools to support young children’s social-emotional growth and your own well-being along the way.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareMost child care directors are trained to nurture children—not to crunch numbers. Yet without financial clarity, even the strongest programs can falter. In this high-impact session, bestselling authors and child care business experts Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey will show you how to shift from “hoping the bills get paid” to leading with confidence.You’ll uncover three common blind spots that quietly drain centers of revenue and stability:Reading financial reports without fear—and knowing what really matters in a P&L.Forecasting with confidence, instead of reacting to every crisis.Using classroom-level data to make smart staffing and enrollment decisions.Through quick-win demos and real-world examples, you’ll see how a single staffing shift can boost margins by 5–10%—and how the right tools can transform directors into financial leaders.This session isn’t about becoming an accountant. It’s about gaining the clarity every director needs to safeguard their program, their team, and their future.Walk away with practical tools you can use immediately, plus an exclusive invitation to dive deeper in our Masterclass on Child Care Finance for Directors—where we’ll equip you with the full system to thrive.

RESOURCES  ⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareObservation is at the heart of effective early childhood practice, yet it is also an art—one that calls you to slow down, notice, and truly see the child before you. In this session, you’ll be invited to step into the role of a keen observer, sharpening your awareness and deepening your understanding of what unfolds in your learning environment each day.We’ll begin by exploring the foundations of observation through the lens of Montessori pedagogy and philosophy, grounding you in the why behind this essential practice. You’ll learn how observation is defined in a Montessori context and consider its unique role as both a scientific and spiritual act—insights that can strengthen your practice in any early childhood setting. From there, we’ll move into the how—practical strategies for watching with intention, waiting with patience, and wondering with curiosity.You’ll discover the many types of observation available and reflect on what can be observed: children’s choices, behaviors, interactions, developmental milestones, and the prepared environment itself. As you uncover these layers, you’ll begin to see how observation can transform not only your teaching but also your relationships with the children in your care.Finally, we’ll explore what comes next—how to use your observations to guide practice, inform decision-making, and better meet the needs of each individual child. Along the way, you’ll be reminded of the profound benefits that emerge when you watch closely, wait thoughtfully, and wonder deeply.Whether you’re new to early childhood education or a seasoned professional, this session will inspire you to refine your most valuable tool: the art of observation. You’ll walk away ready to see your children with fresh eyes and renewed understanding.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this session, participants will be able to:Explore the foundations of observation within Montessori pedagogy and its relevance to all early childhood settings.Develop practical strategies to observe with intention, patience, and curiosity.Identify key aspects of children’s development, behavior, and environment that can be observed, along with different methods of observation.Apply observations to guide practice, support teaching and learning, and strengthen relationships with children.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareBilling and tuition policies are the backbone of every successful child care program. In this engaging webinar, Monique Reynolds, VP of ECE Business Support Services, will share practical strategies for creating or strengthening systems that ensure payments are received on time, reduce stress, and keep operations running smoothly. You’ll learn how to set clear expectations from the start—or refine the approach you already have—while confidently navigating tough conversations and establishing policies that protect revenue and foster positive family relationships.By the end of this interactive session, you’ll have actionable tools to strengthen your financial foundation, streamline processes, and gain peace of mind. Whether your goal is to eliminate late payments, update your current practices, or build trust with families, the strategies shared in this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make your billing policies work for you.Learning Objectives After attending this session, you will be able to:Develop tuition policies that set clear expectations and minimize payment issues.Apply strategies to collect fees on time with less stress and conflict.Handle financial conversations with parents confidently and professionally.Establish systems that support long-term financial stability and smooth operations.Strengthen family relationships through transparent, consistent practices.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareWith big reactors, “gentle parenting” often doesn’t work. These children tend to reject calming tools. As one six-year-old put it, “I remember the tools before; I remember them after; I just don’t remember them in the middle.” They often find it intrusive and overwhelming when parents validate and talk about their emotions. This can lead to outbursts like, “Stop talking to me! Stop telling me that! I’m not sad!” When their brains and bodies are flooded with big emotions, the more parents, teachers, and caregivers try to convince them to cooperate, the less likely they are to do so.This workshop—based on Claire Lerner, LICSW’s new book, Big Reactors: Practical Strategies for Parenting Highly Sensitive Children—will present key insights and tools to help anyone supporting a young child’s development. You’ll learn how to thread the needle of being connected, sensitive, and responsive while also setting the firm limits big reactors need to develop self-regulation and thrive.If you care for a child(en) who goes from 0 to 100 in a nanosecond when things don’t go their way; who seems laser-focused on being in power and control; who can’t tolerate correction and blames others for everything; and with whom few, if any, conventional cooperation strategies work—this webinar is for you.Drawing from decades of work with these complex and often confusing children, Claire will share detailed case examples and reveal the “detective work” process she uses to help parents, teachers, and caregivers uncover the root causes of challenging behaviors and develop sensitive, effective, real-life strategies that work—not just in theory.Participants will learn to:Identify the key traits of highly sensitive children (big reactors)Understand the root causes behind many of their challenging behaviorsApply effective strategies to help big reactors manage big emotionsRESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareEnrollment isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of your program’s culture, finances, and family relationships. In this session, we’ll explore how the right policies and procedures can streamline the enrollment process while building trust with staff and families.You’ll learn how to design staff and parent handbooks that set clear expectations, foster engagement, and reflect your values. Then, we’ll dive into practical strategies for enrollment: collecting the right information up front, structuring fees and deposits, and automating tasks like emails and forms to create a smooth experience for families.Finally, we’ll look at how predictive enrollment, reviews, and referrals can keep your pipeline full—helping you plan capacity with confidence and sustain your program’s growth.By the end of this session, you will be able to:Craft policies that shape a positive culture and strengthen staff and family trust.Build handbooks that support compliance while boosting engagement and retention.Implement streamlined enrollment systems that reduce friction and prevent churn.Use predictive enrollment and referrals to sustain growth and meet financial goals.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠ Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareEarly childhood leadership shouldn’t require self-sacrifice. In this energizing and interactive session, we’ll move beyond surface-level self-care tips and dive into what it truly takes to lead thriving teaching teams. Using the H.E.A.R.T.™ framework (Healing Environments for Aligned and Regulated Teams) and the ECE Wellbeing Survey, participants will explore the science of stress, embodied leadership practices, and community care strategies that promote long-term well-being—for both staff and students.Join the Founder of Rooted: A Wellness Collective, Monica Rollins for hands-on activities, developing small-group connections, and practical shifts you can implement right away.What you’ll learn:Examine the limitations of traditional self-care and discover strategies for cultivating aligned, collective care within early childhood teams.Practice embodied leadership techniques, including recognizing nervous system cues, resetting stress responses, and leveraging co-regulation to support staff and students.Take aligned action by creating one to two goals that enhance team well-being and foster sustainable leadership practices.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareCompliance Without the Chaos – Inspections don’t haveto be stressful. Learn how to package and practice what you’re already doing into a system that manages risk, closes gaps, and keeps your program inspection-ready every day.Take control by communicating your proactive processes andprocedures to stay ahead of licensing requirements! This session will show you how to maintain accurate records, document your audits, and demonstrate how you minimize risk.You’ll gain confidence knowing your program is always inspection-ready and fully aligned with licensing standards ensuring a safe, high-quality environment where both children and teachers thrive.3 Key TakeawaysDo More with What You Have: Turn what you’re already doing into a compliance story that doubles as a risk management best practice.Inspector Myth-Busting: Get the inside scoop on what inspectors really think (spoiler: it’s not all “gotcha” moments).Tame High-Risk Moments: Learn how to manage your riskiest compliance situations with simple, repeatable systems that keep your program—and your sanity—intact.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareYou’ve invested in training. You’ve implemented behavior frameworks. You’ve supported individual classrooms—yet certain patterns persist: chronic dysregulation, staff burnout, uneven implementation, and behavior challenges that resurface no matter how many strategies are introduced.In this session, you are invited to step back from the classroom lens and examine what is often overlooked: the adult system itself.This presentation reframes behavior support as a leadership and organizational issue—not a child-level problem to be solved in isolation. You’ll explore how adult regulation, leadership alignment, emotional intelligence, and program structures either strengthen or erode a child’s capacity to self-regulate and engage. Rather than focusing on compliance or quick fixes, this session centers on building sustainable adult capacity—the conditions that allow regulation, consistency, and relational safety to take root across teams. Designed for directors, administrators, coaches, and teacher-leaders, this webinar invites you to reflect on your role as a culture builder and systems shaper. You’ll examine how leadership practices, communication patterns, and operational decisions directly influence classroom climate and behavior-support outcomes. Through practical frameworks and real-world examples, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to shift from managing behavior to strengthening the systems that support both children and educators.Led by Rachel Supalla, M.Ed., this session is ideal for leaders ready to move beyond tactics and toward long-term, scalable change—where regulation is embedded, adult capacity is prioritized, and behavior support becomes a shared responsibility across the organization.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this session, you will be able to:Analyze persistent behavior challenges through a leadership and systems-level lensIdentify how adult regulation and organizational culture impact child behavior and classroom climateExamine leadership practices that either support or undermine regulation across teamsApply capacity-building principles that promote sustainable behavior support in early childhood settingsRESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareIn today’s competitive child care market, simply being a “good center” isn’t enough — you need a proven strategy to become the #1 choice for families in your community. That’s exactly what you’ll gain in the Own Your Zip Code Blueprint™ webinar. Join Bruce W. Spurr, CEO of Grow Your Center, as he reveals the full-funnel marketing strategy used by top-performing centers to turn empty spots into waitlists. You’ll discover how to build unstoppable momentum by mastering both traffic (paid ads, organic marketing, and brand building)and conversion (capturing leads, booking tours, and enrolling families). This session will walk you step-by-step through the five stages of a winning enrollment funnel: Traffic & Brand – Learn how to balance quick-but-costly ads with long-term organic growth that builds lasting marketing assets.Getting the Lead – Understand how parents “vibe check” your website, reviews, and social media before ever reaching out.Booking the Tour – Discover why speed-to-lead is everything, and how CRM tools and automation can give you the edge over competitors.Tour Show-Up – Use proven automation and reminders to dramatically increase show-up rates.Tour & Close – Wow families with a hospitality-focused, five-senses tour that converts visits into enrollments. Whether you’re struggling to stand out or ready to dominate your market, this webinar will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and tools to finally own your zip code. By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:Understand the five critical stages of a modern child care enrollment funnel.Balance paid ads and organic marketing to drive predictable traffic.Build a website, review profile, and social presence that earn parents’ trust instantly.Use CRM tools and automation to book more tours and boost show-up rates.Apply a proven tour-to-enrollment framework that fills classrooms.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareToo many child care programs lose money not because of a lack of demand, but because owners and directors aren’t aligned. When leadership teams lack a shared vision, the result can be under-enrollment, inconsistent practices, and financial strain.In this insightful session, child care program growth experts Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey will share proven strategies to bridge the gap between owners and directors so programs can thrive. You’ll learn how to foster alignment that empowers directors to manage profitably, enables owners to lead effectively, and allows entire teams to work toward sustainable success.Together, we’ll explore three key strategies every program needs to:Increase enrollment by building systems that keep classrooms full and families engaged.Strengthen leadership by ensuring owners and directors work in sync rather than in silos.Boost financial sustainability by putting more money back into your program without sacrificing quality. Whether you attend as an owner, a director, or as a leadership pair, you’ll leave with practical tools you can immediately apply to strengthen your program’s operations and bottom line. As a special bonus, you’ll also be invited to an upcoming three-hour masterclass designed to help you launch your summer programming profitably and set your team up for success all year long.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareHave you ever felt overwhelmed by toddler screams, food-throwing, or frustrated outbursts? You’re not alone—and there are effective ways to turn those challenging moments into opportunities for connection and learning. In this engaging session, led by toddler expert, Raelene Ostberg, you’ll discover practical techniques that foster both verbal and nonverbal language skills, helping children replace ear-shattering screams with meaningful phrases and gestures. You’ll also gain insight into how infants and toddlers develop the critical language skills that reduce negative behaviors and learn the typical developmental expectations for expressive and receptive language in the first two years.Through entertaining real-life stories and engaging videos, you’ll see strategies in action and leave inspired with numerous evidence-based tools to build harmony in your early learning environment. Join us to transform everyday challenges into joyful breakthroughs—reducing stress, strengthening connections, and unlocking the magic of early learning. Objectives: Adult learners will be able to: Identify effective techniques that promote communication skills in infants and toddlers Explain how adult interactions influence the development of executive function and learning skills Apply prompting cues to support young learners during behavioral challenges

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareBabies are natural engineers—and Loose Parts are their tools for exploration! This engaging session explores how Loose Parts play supports infant development, encourages sensory exploration, and fosters early cognitive and motor skills. Join Infant Mental Health & Early Years Specialist, Sophie Rayner-Grignon to discover how to become an active, responsive partner in play with infants. You’ll dive into the curious minds of babies, unpack common barriers, and reframe your approach to infant play through a developmental and trauma-informed lens. Leave with practical ideas, real-world examples, and a curated collection of next-step resources to help educators, infants, and their communities engage meaningfully with Loose Parts. By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the benefits of Loose Parts play for infant learning, development, and sensory exploration. Identify strategies for becoming an active and responsive partner in infant play using Loose Parts. Recognize and address common barriers to implementing Loose Parts play in early childhood settings. Apply practical strategies and setup ideas for safe, developmentally appropriate Loose Parts experiences. Reflect on personal beliefs and practices around infant play, and plan actionable next steps to integrate Loose Parts into daily routines.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareThis engaging and interactive workshop will explore practical, joyful ways to nurture early literacy, emotional regulation, and social connection in young children through the powerful combination of carefully selected picture books, songs, rhythm, and rhyme. Join Anne Meeker Watson, Ph.D., MT-BC, Music Therapist and Early Childhood Consultant at SING.PLAY.LOVE., author of Sing & Sign with Young Children: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals, and recipient of NAPPA and Parents’ Choice Honors awards for her global music programming. You’ll discover how these simple, everyday tools are deeply intertwined with social-emotional learning (SEL), providing a holistic foundation for development. We will delve into clear criteria for selecting rich picture book literature that captivates young minds and offers concrete opportunities for teaching a variety of essential skills. The session will feature favorite books with concrete examples of activities and songs, demonstrating how to bring stories to life with musical elements to support: • Early Literacy: Enhancing phonological awareness, vocabulary, and print motivation through rhythmic reading and sing-alongs. • Emotional Regulation: Using specific songs and movements to help children identify, express, and manage big feelings. • Social Connection: Fostering cooperation, empathy, and positive interactions through shared musical play and story experiences. You'll leave with key takeaways for seamlessly including music and books into your daily routines, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary learning opportunities that build joyful, confident, and connected young learners. Join us to unlock the magic of harmonizing growth in your early childhood setting! LEARNING OBJECTIVESParticipants will be able to: 1. Identify simple, joyful ways to integrate picture books, songs, rhythm, and rhyme into early childhood settings. 2. Explain how music and books support social-emotional learning (SEL) in young children. 3. Demonstrate concrete activities and songs using selected picture books to support early literacy, emotional regulation, and social connection.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software⁠Coaching is one of the most powerful tools we have to support adult growth in early childhood education—but meaningful change is rarely easy. Resistance isn’t a sign that people don’t care; more often, it’s a natural response to uncertainty, vulnerability, or past experiences. As coaches, leaders, and mentors, how we approach these moments can make all the difference.In this insightful and compassionate session, Susan Lewis, M.Ed., Founder and CEO of Early Childhood Education Professional Development (ECEPD), offers a fresh, reflective lens on resistance in coaching. Drawing from more than two decades of experience across classrooms, programs, and state systems, Susan will guide you in understanding what resistance really is—and how to work with it instead of against it.You’ll explore practical ways to connect with adult learners, respond with empathy, and support sustainable growth—even when change feels slow or uncomfortable. Whether you're a coach, administrator, or peer mentor, this session will deepen your coaching skills and help you foster more trusting, collaborative relationships that move your program forward.In this session, you will:Describe the underlying causes of resistance during coaching or organizational change.Apply adult learning principles to enhance engagement and build rapport.Use reflective questioning and empathy-driven tools to reduce defensiveness and foster trust.Design flexible coaching plans that are responsive to where people are in their growth journey.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareIn the early years, children are developing the essential building blocks that shape their ability to learn, manage emotions, build relationships, and thrive in the classroom. At the heart of this development are executive function skills—the brain-based processes that enable focus, self-regulation, memory, flexibility, and goal-directed behavior.Join Victoria A Bagnall. MA (Cantab), PGCE., neurodivergent educator, speaker, and co-founder of Connections in Mind, for a clear and compelling exploration of executive function in early childhood. A former teacher and Cambridge graduate, Victoria is one of the UK’s leading specialists in executive function coaching and training. Drawing on her work with early years settings, schools, and national organizations—including the NHS and the University of California, Berkeley—she shares practical, research-informed strategies that educators can use to create supportive, neuro-inclusive classroom environments where every child can thrive. This session explores:What executive function looks like in early childhood, how it develops, and why it’s central to school readinessThe neuroscience behind executive function, presented in a clear and accessible wayPractical strategies early years educators can use to create supportive, developmentally appropriate environments where every child can flourishWhether you're a practitioner, leader, or support staff member, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to nurture executive function—not just to prepare children for school, but to support their overall well-being and lifelong success.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareWhat is a child’s behavior trying to tell you—and are we sometimes missing the real story? In early childhood settings, challenging behaviors can easily be misread. Children who have experienced trauma or chronic stress may display symptoms that mirror those of ADHD—leading to misdiagnoses and missed opportunities for healing. Understanding the difference is critical to offering the right support.In this insightful and practical webinar, Sharon Bacharach, Ed.D., L.C.S.W., will guide you in recognizing the behavioral signals of trauma and stress in young children. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a social worker and early childhood educator, Dr. Bacharach will help you explore how trauma presents in the classroom and what educators can do to respond with empathy and effectiveness. You’ll learn when to dig deeper, how to distinguish between trauma and other behavioral challenges, and which classroom strategies can help children feel safe, supported, and regulated. Walk away with a toolbox of concrete ideas you can implement immediately to better support the children in your care.Learning objectives, participants will be able to:Understand their role as educators when working with children who have experienced stress or trauma.Recognize signs in children that may indicate exposure to trauma.Lead activities that support children's self-regulation.

RESOURCES ⁠Watch the full webinar here ⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software Are you considering starting an early childhood business? Let's learn how to take your small business from the idea phase to launch. In this session presented by business consultant, website designer, and trainer, Chelsea Denny from Early Childhood Creative, you’ll learn the steps required to set up your for-profit business and make it official. Topics covered include business entities, insurance, financials, marketing, and more. You'll leave this session with a better understanding of what is required to form your for-profit business legally and how to protect yourself from liability. You'll also understand what is considered best practice in operating a new business and what the most common mistakes are. The content covered will be most applicable to for-profit, service-based businesses operating in the United States, including childcare, private schools, coaches, consultants, and trainers. If operating outside of the United States, there may be different names and terminology, but the general information will still apply. If operating a non-profit, the general best practices will still apply. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Participants will be able to outline the process required to start a legal business in the United States. 2. Participants will be able to discuss common terminology related to starting a business. 3. Participants will be able to identify three components to consider when developing a business plan. 4. Participants will be able to name and describe the legal structures of for-profit businesses and how they generally relate to taxes, liability, and strategic planning. All content shared is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out the producers of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software Facing cold, wet, or snowy weather? No need to stay indoors! In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to prepare for cold weather play so children can enjoy it in safety and comfort—and how to thrive as you discover the wondrous possibilities of all kinds of weather.   Join Kirsten Haugen, Research Director for Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, and Early Learning Consultant at Nature Explore for a practical and inspiring exploration of outdoor play in the cold months. Discover how real-world programs not only cope with snow, rain, and wind but embrace it through thoughtful preparation, clear communication, creative scheduling, innovative use of materials, and—most importantly—a shift in mindset that makes it all possible. You’ll hear inspiring stories and practical ideas for playing in snow, rain, wind, and mud, as well as guidance on supporting holistic learning, honoring children’s agency, partnering with families, and caring for the adults who care for children. We’ll even unpack the “dark side” of the familiar phrase, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.”  Join us for a cool and captivating opportunity to: ·   Witness the benefits of cold-weather play ·   Embrace an attitude shift ·   Prepare with confidence and awareness ·   Make time for winter play·   Adopt cold-weather comforts·   Expand possibilities with your space and materials·   Support the well-being of educators and caregiversWhether you’re in a snowy climate or a region with rain and wind, you’ll leave ready to expand possibilities for outdoor learning and embrace the beauty of every season.

RESOURCES⁠Watch the full webinar session here⁠Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week.⁠Check out Playground the Child Care Management Software Working in early care and education requires you to show up every day with your whole heart, and sometimes, that heart can feel stretched thin. This session is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deep purpose behind your work.   Join author and educational consultant Christina Fecio in this session inspired by her latest book, Small Things, Great Love, where you'll explore simple, heartfelt practices that transform everyday moments into something meaningful. You don't need more time or a longer to-do list—just a gentle reminder to reclaim simplicity and joy. Done with great love, these small things are the key to nurturing children's well-being while also protecting your own. Together we'll rediscover the power of presence, the impact of noticing, and the importance of small gestures that build trust and connection. You'll also learn how to offer that same care to yourself through intentional language and mindset. This is intended to be joyful work—and joy is something we can choose, protect, and practice. Come as you are and leave with fresh energy, practical ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose in the work only you can do. What you'll take from this session:Identify simple, everyday practices that support children's sense of safety, connection, and belonging. Participants will explore how small, intentional actions care create meaningful moments that nurture child well-being.Describe strategies for protecting and replenishing your own sense of joy and purpose in early care and education work. Participants will learn how to apply affirming language and self-reflective tools that promote personal resilience and wellbeing.Recognize the importance of presence, noticing, and relational gestures as leadership and teaching tools. Participants will deepen their understanding of how small acts—done with great love—can build trust, strengthen relationships, and uplift your team or classroom culture.

RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereJoin our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every weekCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management SoftwareHow has the digital age—and the lasting impact of COVID—reshaped the way children build social and emotional skills? This foundational session explores how early childhood environments can foster critical competencies for young learners in today’s evolving world. Led by Brian J. Puerling, MS, NBCT—author of Teaching in the Digital Age for Preschool and Kindergarten, and recipient of the PBS Innovative Educator Award—this session blends developmental theory with practical strategies to help educators reset classroom rhythms, rebuild connection, and cultivate essential SEL skills. Brian brings deep experience as an early childhood specialist, former preschool teacher, and national consultant for Sesame Workshop, PBS, and Nickelodeon. This is the first session in a two-part series and lays the groundwork for more advanced practices explored in Part 2. Participants are encouraged to register for both webinars to gain a complete toolkit for supporting SEL in early learning. Key Takeaways: • Understand the lingering social-emotional effects of COVID on young learners. • Identify strategies to promote collaboration and shared problem-solving. • Foster identity development and critical thinking in young children. • Enhance meaningful communication in both digital and in-person contexts.

Introducing Early Childhood Investigations to the Pod-World! You may have joined one of our hundreds of webinars over the past 17 years, and now you can bring us on the go! These sessions are your gateway to inspiring, research-based professional development. Since 2009, our free series has brought together world-class authors, researchers, and experts in early care and education to share timely insights and spark meaningful conversations across the workforce. All of our session are free thanks to our producer, Playground the Child Care Management Software designed to early educators. If you want to earn your professional development hours with us, you can join our live sessions at ecewebinars.com/spotifyYou can also learn more about Playground at ecewebinars.com/playground-spotify

In this engaging webinar, Samuel Brodin discusses the transition from control-based practices to collaborative approaches in early childhood education. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for educators, the impact of language on classroom dynamics, and the necessity of viewing children as capable individuals. By fostering collaboration with both children and families, educators can create a supportive and engaging learning environment. The session highlights practical strategies for letting go of control, understanding children's needs, and adapting teaching methods to enhance the educational experience.Key Takeaways- Self-reflection is crucial for educators to improve their practice.- Viewing children as capable individuals fosters a collaborative environment.- Language used in the classroom can influence children's behavior and self-perception.- Letting go of control can lead to a more engaging and supportive classroom.- Collaboration with children enhances their learning experience and autonomy.- Creating a safe space for children to express themselves is essential.- Involving families in the educational process strengthens community ties.- Understanding children's needs helps in managing classroom dynamics effectively.- Flexibility in teaching methods can accommodate children's energy levels.- Educators should continuously reflect on their practices and adapt to better serve children.See episode information here: https://ecewebinars.com/44UfEEq