Google Sheets - Back to the Basics - with the McCormick Institute of Early Childhood

Thursday, June 12th, 2:15 PM-3:30 PM Eastern Time

Free virtual technology training about Google Sheets - super helpful! Register Here

This beginner-level training will cover the fundamentals of using Google Sheets workbook software, such as creating, saving, sharing, and downloading a Google sheet. Participants will review the menus and options built into the workbook software including how to edit and format cells and use basic formulas and functions of the workbook.

Presented by: Leslie Layman

Director of Strategic Initiatives

McCormick Institute for Early Childhood

Register Here

How do climate and weather impact early learning outdoors?

On June 12th, join Kristen Haugen, Education Specialist at Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, for a FREE webinar on how to thoughtfully evaluate and plan your outdoor spaces to support young children in all types of weather.

Register here: https://ecewebinars.com/3EwqAhC

If you register and are unable to attend the live event, you will receive a link to the recording via email. WIN WIN!

The Power of Play webinar - June 10th, 1 - 2pm Zoom!

Don’t miss the Power of Play webinar this Tuesday. Discover how play builds empathy, harmony and inclusion with Dr. Smita Mathur. You’ll walk away inspired—and with PD clock hours. Save your seat now: https://bit.ly/3S9E1ax

Family engagement has long been named a core value in early childhood education — but turning that value into meaningful practice remains a challenge. In today’s landscape of economic and employment uncertainty, connecting with families in authentic, consistent, and impactful ways is more important than ever — and yet, often more difficult.

Join us for a powerful and practical session that explores what it really means to engage families in ways that support children’s academic and social outcomes. Whether you’re looking to refresh your approach, get inspired by what’s working in the field, or gain concrete strategies you can apply immediately, this webinar is for you.

This webinar will feature:

-Dr. Karen Mapp - Professor of Practice, Harvard Graduate School of Education

-Andrea Maldonado - Director of Quality Assessment and Recognition, National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)

-Keairra Chaney - Curriculum Designer, Waterford.org

And hosted by Dr. Valora Washington - CEO & President, The CAYL Institute

Can't make this session? Register for the webinar and a recording of the live session will be sent to you in a follow up email! FREE

Register Here

What if teacher growth was just as important as child development?

Join Heather Bernt Santy to explore Lillian Katz’s powerful framework for understanding how educators evolve and how programs can better support them

Register here: https://ecewebinars.com/42ugaZ9

NOTE: If you register but are unable to attend the LIVE session, you will receive the link to the recorded session by email.

Screen Time Action Network is hosting a two-part series called "Hooked from Birth: Shifting the Narrative around EC Screen Time." This FREE training series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to promote systemic change around screen time in early childhood while empowering (and not shaming) families. Part 1 will take place Thursday, May 15, 6:3 to 8 pm ET. Part 2 will take place at the same time the following Thursday. Click here to register.

Register Here

Screen Time Action Network is hosting a two-part series called "Hooked from Birth: Shifting the Narrative around EC Screen Time." This FREE training series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to promote systemic change around screen time in early childhood while empowering (and not shaming) families.

Building on this foundation, Part 2 (May 22nd, 6:30pm-8pm ET) will focus on:

• Introduce our brand-new toolkit for shifting the conversation around screen time

• Strategies for engaging journalists, influencers, families, and policymakers

• Messaging approaches that avoid shame and foster systemic change.

This FREE series is ideal for advocates, caregivers, and professionals committed to understanding and addressing the impact of technology on young children and their families. All members of the Screen Time Action Network are welcome!​​

Each session will be recorded and shared with registrants. While attending both sessions is encouraged for a comprehensive understanding, you're welcome to participate in one or both. Register Here

"Let's Start a Garden" Part 3 - Garden Maintenance, Pollinators + Garden/Nature Activities with Preschoolers. Zoom link will be shared prior to the session. Registration will be posted May 1st.

  ​Register Here

Presenters: Katie Lane, Unity Gardens, Emily Evers and Beckie Lies, Purdue Extension and Terri Kosik, Ready to Grow St. Joe

Who should attend - anyone interested in gardening with young children ages 2 - 5.

Training Certificate Provided l FREE l Recording will be available

  ​Register Here

🌱 Cuando Crecemos Juntos, Todos Triunfamos 🌱

🎉 ¡Grandes Noticias para Educadores, Directoras/es y Propietarias/os de Educación Temprana en el Condado de St. Joseph! 🎉

RTG lanza una iniciativa integral de Aprendizaje Socioemocional (SEL) con Conscious Discipline en inglés y español — ¡y están invitados a conocer más!

📅 Sesiones Introductorias por Zoom –
🗓️ Lunes, 19 de mayo | 1–2 PM | Español | Registrate aqui

👉 Regístrate para asistir y recibir por correo el enlace a la grabación y la presentación en PDF.

Esta iniciativa GRATUITA incluye:

✅ Cohortes de Directoras/es y Propietarias/os (en inglés y español) enfocadas en implementación a nivel de programa, coaching y CD para familias/cuidadores
✅ Desarrollo profesional en Conscious Discipline (en inglés y español)
✅ Coaching presencial 2 veces al año durante 2 años (en inglés y español)
✅ Más de $500 en materiales de CD
✅ Apoyo continuo en SEL y Salud Mental
✅ Todo en inglés y español
✅ Todo gratis: capacitación, coaching, materiales y recursos continuos
✅ Certificados de horas de capacitación
✅ Oportunidad para convertirse en Facilitador/a Certificado/a en CD

👉 Elegibilidad: Para centros con licencia, ministerios registrados, programas escolares y hogares de cuidado infantil familiar en el Condado de St. Joseph.

💚 ¡Construyamos juntos una comunidad sólida y vibrante de SEL y Salud Mental a partir de julio y agosto!

🌱 When We Grow Together, We All Succeed 🌱

🎉 Big News for St. Joseph County Early Educators, Directors/Owners! 🎉

RTG is launching a multi-year comprehensive Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative with Conscious Discipline in English and Spanish in St. Joseph County and you’re invited to learn about it!

📅 Intro Zoom Sessions –

🗓️ Friday, May 16 | 1–2 PM | English | Register here

🗓️ Monday, May 19 | 1–2 PM | Spanish | Register here

👉 Register to attend & get the recording link and slidedeck too by email.

This FREE initiative includes:

✅ Director/Owner Cohorts (English & Spanish) focused on program-wide implementation, coaching and CD for Families/Caregivers

✅ CD professional development (English and Spanish)

✅ In-person Coaching 2 Times per Year for 2 Years (English and Spanish)

✅ $500+ in CD materials

✅ Ongoing SEL/Mental Health Support

✅ All in English & Spanish

✅ All Free: Professional Development, Coaching, Materials, and Ongoing Resources

✅ Training Certificates Provided

✅ Pathway to CD Endorsed Facilitator Opportunity

👉 Eligibility: Open to licensed centers, registered ministries, programs in schools & family child care homes in St. Joseph County.

💚Building a strong, vibrant SEL/MH Community of Practice together starting this July and August!

Screen Time Action Network is hosting a two-part series called "Hooked from Birth: Shifting the Narrative around EC Screen Time." This FREE training series is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to promote systemic change around screen time in early childhood while empowering (and not shaming) families. Part 1 will take place Thursday, May 15, 6:3 to 8 pm ET. Part 2 will take place at the same time the following Thursday May 22nd.

In Part 1 (May 15th, 6:30pm-8pm ET), we'll delve into key findings from our survey of U.S. and Canadian families with children 0-5. Together we’ll explore:

• Parents’ attitudes and values around screen time

• Everyday challenges

• Support families say they need, including resources and policy change

Participants will leave with actionable insights to inform advocacy, programs, and policy work.

Building on this foundation, Part 2 (May 22nd, 6:30pm-8pm ET) will focus on:

• Introduce our brand-new toolkit for shifting the conversation around screen time

• Strategies for engaging journalists, influencers, families, and policymakers

• Messaging approaches that avoid shame and foster systemic change.

This FREE series is ideal for advocates, caregivers, and professionals committed to understanding and addressing the impact of technology on young children and their families. All members of the Screen Time Action Network are welcome!​​

Each session will be recorded and shared with registrants. While attending both sessions is encouraged for a comprehensive understanding, you're welcome to participate in one or both. Register Here

Learn to regulate big emotions with Peaceful Spot from A Little Spot of Emotions series. Equip yourself and your little one with the tools to shrink big emotions when they show up! Ages 3 - 5.

Thursday, May 15 | 3pm – 4pm
Ages: 3 - 5 | Main Library, Story House

Diane Alber's A Little Spot of Emotions series is an evidence-based SEL curriculum that teaches children that all our feelings matter and are a part of who we are. In this 3 session program we will meet Scribble Spot as he learns to detangle his emotions by identifying each one with the help of some friends. With the use of hands on materials, vibrant colors and catchy songs this is a fun way to connect and relate to the emotions that are inside all of us! This inclusive SEL program is also great for neurodiverse patrons to aid in verbal skills and social cues. No registration required! Come and have fun with us for each session! FREE!

Presented by Bari Koral, Kids Yoga Expert and Owner of Yogapalooza
Moderated by Laura Wilhelm, Ed.D., VP of Professional Learning Services, Kaplan Early Learning Company

FREE! S ponsored by Kaplan Early Learning Compan Register Here

Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.

In today’s world, surface solutions aren’t enough. We need lasting tools that help us—and the children we care for—ride the waves of everyday life with more calm, ease, and resilience.

Join Bari Koral, founder of Yogapalooza, for another joyful, interactive edWebinar where you’ll learn her newest mindfulness tool: ABC for Calm—a simple yet powerful practice that teachers are already using with amazing results. Like learning your ABCs, once you know it, it’s always with you.

This easy-to-use routine will become your go-to for helping children transition, reset, and self-regulate throughout the day. You’ll learn how to use ABC, when to use it, and why it works, all backed by science and practical classroom experience. Plus, Bari will share:

• More beloved calming strategies used by thousands of teachers

• A sneak peek at fun, new, mindful music from Yogapalooza

• Self-care that refills your well, too

This inspiring and engaging session will leave you energized, uplifted, and ready to bring more calm into every corner of your day. This edWebinar will be of interest to PreK-3 educators.

Join to learn about the impactful $30,000 Lead Protection Program grant facilitated by the City of South Bend and how it can help keep your families lead safe.

Join the meeting at this link.

This engaging session highlights strategies from occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and child-centered play therapy to promote self-regulation, language development, social interaction, and resilience. With real-world examples and hands-on practice, educators will gain actionable tools to integrate these approaches into daily routines, creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for every child.

Register Here

In a world dominated by screens and constant digital stimulation, how can early childhood professionals help children—and themselves—reclaim the ability to focus, connect, and think deeply? Drawing on recent neuroscience research, clinical practice, and her work as a Harvard lecturer and speech pathologist, Dr. Rebecca Rolland explores the transformative power of the pre-internet mindset.

FREE l Register Here l If you register and are unable to attend you will receive a link to the recording.

This webinar will provide actionable strategies for fostering deep presence, single-tasking, and meaningful engagement with children. You will learn how to create environments that nurture attention, creativity, and authentic connection, while balancing the realities of modern technology. Whether you’re an educator, caregiver, parent, or therapist, this session will equip you with tools to help children thrive in a distracted world—and to rediscover your own capacity for presence.

More info about the session here.

🗓️Summer Garden Storytime - Birthday Edition 🌿

🌻 May 8, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET via Zoom\

🌱 Register now here

Presented by The Academy @ the National Head Start Association

Join for a powerful and inspiring edWebinar with Jani Kozlowski! Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Jani will explore how strong family-practitioner partnerships can create better outcomes for all children.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and collaborate and gain tools that will energize you with new strategies to strengthen collaboration.

Reserve your spot today!

Register Here

Documentation is one of the most powerful tools we have in early childhood education. It starts with presence — observing children with intention, without rushing or interrupting, allowing their ideas and approaches to unfold naturally.

Through documentation, we begin to understand each child’s unique way of thinking, exploring, and making sense of the world. This understanding shapes meaningful connection and curriculum, grounded in real experiences and authentic inquiry, not preplanned themes or assumptions.

Register Here

When we reflect children’s work back to them, we offer more than a memory. We offer validation. We show them that their thoughts, efforts, and growth are seen, valued, and worth celebrating.

At the broader level, documentation strengthens our ability to advocate for play as serious, meaningful work. It provides tangible evidence that exploration, movement, creativity, and connection are the foundations of learning.

Through documentation, we stand alongside children — seeing them, knowing them, fighting for them and defending what childhood is meant to be.

We Skoolhouse upcoming webinar will be focusing on the how, what, and why of documentation as well as advocacy. Join us LIVE on Wednesday, May 7th (12:00 pm EST).

Cant make the live session? No problem! We're sending the recording out to EVERYONE who signs up!

Register Here

Register Here

🌿 ​ Join us on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET via Zoom, for our second ​Ready to Grow Gardening EC PD session, presented in collaboration with Purdue Extension and Unity Gardens!​ This FREE virtual session will continue our ongoing conversation about how to start, revitalize, or expand a garden at your early care and education program.

🌱 Learn practical steps to get started ​and more information about Gardening Activities with Young Children.
🌱 Learn more about which plants to grow (produce and flowers), planting times and spacing in garden beds.
🌱 Get your Questions Answered while connecting with other early educators.

🌻 Who Should Attend?
Early educators and program leaders in St. Joseph County, Indiana, working with children ages 2-5 in early care and learning programs. Whether you're new to gardening, an experienced gardener, or somewhere in between, this session will offer practical guidance, inspiration, and discussion to ​facilitate gardening in your early care and learning setting.

Also welcome: Early educators, program leaders, parents, EC partners, stakeholders, and EC champions beyond St. Joseph County who are interested in this topic!

🌿 ​If you weren't able to attend March 24th Session 1, please do consider joining Session 2 - 4! This session is part of a 4 part gardening series that began on March 20th. Attending 3 of the 4 sessions (3 of the March - June sessions is required for the RTG Mini Grant, which is due date April 14th. 

Access grant application and slidedeck from March 24th here.

Event Details

📅 Date & Time: Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM (ET)

🔗 Zoom Link will be provided prior to the session.

💡​ 1 Hour Training Certificate Provided after the Session

🌻 Access the resource materials, slidedeck and mini-grant application from March 24th Session 1 here

Cost: FREE, thanks to our generous sponsors!

❓ Questions? Contact Terri at tkosik@saintmarys.edu or 574-298-3353 (text or call)

We look forward to growing together! 🌿

🌱  "Every time we plant a seed or a seedling with a child, we foster curiosity, wonder, and the foundation for a lifelong love of nature"

The CASIE Center Presents: Mandated Reporter Training via Zoom on Monday, April 28, 2025, 1pm ET (Zoom) - More information & Registration Here

Did you know that early educators and program leaders/owners are mandated reporters and annual training about mandated reporting is required?

Find out more on April 28th at 1:00 PM (Free). Earn 1 hour of training.

A CPR class is scheduled in South Bend at Foundations @ Cleveland Rd, 1501 Cleveland Rd, SB 46628 on Saturday, April 19th, from 9 - 11 AM.

Cost: $45 per person (includes CPR for adults, infants, and children, First Aid, AED, and Universal Precautions).

Looking for a private class? Groups of 5+ people can schedule a private session at your location or at Foundations. Flexible scheduling available - day, evening, or Saturday sessions!

Schools & Programs: Some elementary schools opt for online training modules, followed by 1:1 skill verification during lunch—a great option for busy schedules!

Questions or ready to register? Contact Jennifer Paholak, Executive Director, Foundations: jennifer@foundations4ece.com / (574) 210-2802

Responsive caregiving is the cornerstone of positive development for infants and toddlers. It forms the basis for secure attachments, fosters emotional well-being, and promotes early cognitive and language growth. But how can early childhood educators effectively implement responsive caregiving practices in their daily interactions with our youngest learners? Teaching Strategies’ webinar will explore practical strategies for creating a nurturing environment that responds to each infant and toddler’s unique needs, cues, and rapidly changing developmental stages. Register Here

If you’re looking for inspiration to bring joyful math moments into children’s play and make this learning visible to families, this webinar is for you! Young children are curious about Math-related concepts and Math connects to every aspect of a developmentally appropriate practice in early learning. In this idea-filled session presented by experienced educator, researcher, and writer Deanna Pecaski McLennan, we’ll reimagine what math looks like in early childhood. You will explore ways to reinvigorate your practice with hands-on, integrated activities that excite and engage young learners based on Deanna’s real-life examples from her kindergarten classroom.

Discover how to create invitations for young children to explore math through art, literacy, and outdoor play. We’ll focus on designing learning spaces where children see themselves as mathematical thinkers, valuing their ideas in meaningful and authentic ways. Drawing from her extensive experience and her books, Deanna will inspire you to approach math with curiosity, take risks, experiment with new strategies, observe deeply, and collaborate with children as co-learners. Let’s transform the way we think about early math together!

Register Here

In this workshop you will:

• reflect upon your definition of math and where it can be found in the early childhood classroom

• explore stories, vignettes, and photos illustrating how educators can develop learning environments that foster curiosity and wonder in mathematics

• gather practical and easy to implement suggestions for how to invite children to engage in mathematical play throughout the day

• learn ways to document children’s experiences to make math learning visible to families and the greater community

Special Olympics Young Athletes is a free program that helps children ages 2–7 develop basic sports skills and social skills. The program is inclusive of children with and without intellectual disabilities.
What does the program teach? 

• Teaches basic sports skills like running, kicking, and throwing

• Helps children learn to play with others

• Helps children develop important skills for learning

• Helps children learn to share, take turns, and follow directions

• Helps children establish healthy habits

Where can the program be offered? 

• In parks, churches, school facilities, or recreation centers

• In pre-schools, early care and learning programs, or elementary schools

• At home

Event Details:  Register Here

📅 Date & Time: Wednesday, April 16th at 1:00 PM ET (virtual)
💻 Location: Virtual (Zoom link will be provided before the meeting)

Have Questions? Contact Terri at tkosik@saintmarys.edu or call/text 574-298-3353

Together, we can create a more active community where young children strengthen their muscles, bones, and brains while developing a lifelong love of movement for holistic development — fostering Active for Life! 💙

JOIN THIS FREE LIVE WEBINAR on Emergent Curriculum & Project-Based Learnin

This session will explore:

Defining Emergent Curriculum and Project-Based Learning

How learning happens with examples

This session will conclude with a LIVE Q&A!

Register Here l FREE

🌟 Celebrating Our Early Childhood Community in St. Joseph County! 🌟

✨ Join us for a special evening of celebration and gratitude! ✨ Enjoy a delicious and relaxful dinner with your early childhood friends and colleagues as we honor the dedicated early childhood professionals that make up our wonderful EC community in St. Joseph County. We are eager to celebrate your hard work and dedication!

Who should attend? You! The St. Joseph County Early Childhood Community: early educators, program leadership/owners, coaches, trainers, and advocates, including those who support the important work of early care and learning programs!  Early Educators, Program Leaders and Owners, Trainers, Coaches, Advocates and all supporting the important work of EC in St. Joseph County.  Bring your team!

✨ This event is FREE!  Register here by April 4th at noon

Event Confirmations will be provided the afternoon of April 4th, if not sooner.

📅 Date: Thursday, April 10th, 2025. Come as you are! We know most of you will be arriving after a joyful (and busy!) day with young children, so casual attire is encouraged—no need to dress up!
🍽 Dinner & Program: 6:00 – 7:30 PM (Please arrive by 5:45 PM, if possible)
📍 Location: Rice Commons, Saint Mary’s College - Please note that the lovely Rice Commons is located inside the Student Center at Saint Mary’s College. Please park in the Student Center Lot.  GPS link to Location.

🎁 Surprises & Raffle Prizes
Exciting giveaways await—don’t miss out!

Dinner Menu:

🍽 A Delicious Dinner Catered by Allie’s Catering - Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal, including:

• Meatless Lasagna

• Baked Meat Ziti

• Grilled Chicken Salad or Just Salad

• Roasted Cauliflower Medley

• Rolls & Butter

• Assorted Pies 🍰

• Coffee, Lemonade, & Water

Co-hosted by the Northern Region Chapter of INAEYC & Ready to Grow St. Joe

We hope you'll be part of this special gathering for our beloved early childhood community!

This FREE webinar is happening on April 10, at 2 PM EST. Register Here

Imagine designing inspiring spaces where every child can participate and thrive. A space that is inviting and usable, for children of all backgrounds and abilities.

Miriam Beloglovsky, educator, author, and advocate for early childhood education, will share an inclusive classroom design framework in her upcoming webinar, Creating Empathic and Inclusive Spaces Where Every Child Belongs. This webinar will help you create classroom environments where all children feel a sense of belonging and are valued members of the learning and growth that takes place on a daily basis.

Engaging Institutional Leadership for Natured-Based Strategies Engaging local leaders to champion your community's nature-based efforts is critical. Learn how to secure leadership buy-in.

April 9th, 4:00 - 5:00 PM l FREE l Virtual

This capacity-building event is part of the Nature Everywhere Communities initiative, a joint partnership between The Children & Nature Network, National League of Cities and KABOOM! to increase equitable access to nature everywhere children live, learn and play in 100 U.S. communities by 2025.

Who should attend? Anyone looking to increase children’s access to nature in their community or looking for opportunities to receive recognition for their efforts on a national scale. If you’re unsure about how your local goals may align with the Action Challenge, or aren’t sure if your cross-sector team is eligible, contact Christian Alvarado at christian@childrenandnature.org.

Learn more about the Action Challenge and how to register at www.childrenandnature.org/nature-everywhere-action-challenge.

If you can’t join live, go ahead and register for the event, and a recording will be sent to your inbox approximately two weeks after the event.

REGISTER HERE

A Strengths-Based Approach to Transforming Your Program, Classroom by Classroom

April 9, 2025 |  2 PM Eastern Time l FREE l Register Here

Ready to shift your focus from problems to possibilities? In this engaging webinar with author and expert trainer Ellen Drolette, explore how to use Appreciative Inquiry to spark meaningful change. Learn to analyze what’s working in your classroom or program, create strategies that turn challenges into opportunities, and evaluate the impact of a strengths-based mindset on your teaching, resilience, and relationships. Walk away with practical tools and a renewed sense of purpose—ready to build on success and re-imagine what’s possible for children, families, and communities.

Register Here