Here Are the Class Descriptions

Navigating public policy alone can be tough. Establishing HOT (Honest, Open, Trusted) Relationships are crucial for driving public policy forward and creating lasting, impactful solutions to complex public health challenges like tobacco use, nutrition, and early childcare. 

Choose a topic from our list and join others who are interested in sharing ideas and thoughts about that topic. Topics are Menu Ideas, Activities, Record Keeping, Interacting with Parents, and Tony's Friday evening presentation. After these conversations we'll have a Pampering Party to relax and have some fun.

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The childcare crisis conversation is buzzing around the nation yet many organizations who are advocating for support to strengthen quality childcare system through policy work can create an even more powerful effort when they show how quality early childcare systems drive health outcomes.

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The technological advances present for today's infants, toddlers and preschoolers has changed the way the early childhood population interacts with the world. And while advances in technology have led to many positive outcomes for this age group, with those advances have also come some challenges and questions about whether they are developmentally appropriate for this population. In this presentation, participants will learn about today's technology and its impact on the early childhood population's development. If you have attended this presentation before, this updated version includes updated research on screens and attachment, and behaviors associated with screen exposure by screen type. 

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Play is crucial for child development, but it's also an important aspect for providers as well. Our brains are pre-wired for play!  Play can support mental health and lead to sustainable fulfillment in both your personal and professional lives. 

Building strong partnerships with families is key to providing quality care. This session explores strategies for improving daily communication, navigating tough conversations with empathy, and creating a more collaborative relationship between providers and parents. Participants will leave with practical tools to foster trust and mutual respect with the families they serve.

Discover 'The Blend,' an innovative approach to early childhood education that combines the best of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Bank Street philosophies. Learn how to create a dynamic learning environment that integrates play and academics, by fostering holistic development. Explore the benefits of outdoor play and gardening, while connecting children with nature. Leave with practical strategies to implement 'The Blend' in your own setting and empower children to thrive.

Four supportive steps to help young children identify their feelings, learn healthy self-control and reduce challenging behavior. The presenter has completed the train-the-trainer requirements through the Devereux Center for Resilient Children. (Preschool Focused) 

From tiny seeds to bountiful harvests, explore the magic of gardening with your preschool class! Learn how to cultivate respect for nature, observe fascinating creatures, and experience the joy of growing your own food. Discover hands-on activities that connect children to the natural world and foster a lifelong love for the environment. Plus, explore how to create an edible garden space with plants that are safe and fun for kids to eat!
In this class, you'll gain practical skills for incorporating gardening into your curriculum, learn how to create engaging outdoor learning experiences, and discover how to foster a deeper connection to nature in young children.

Early childhood spaces can be very exciting areas with high activity! In this class, you will learn how adding a cozy corner area can provide a calm space in the midst of a busy room. Create your own cozy corner with a few starter items provided in this class. (Preschool Focused)