Storytelling: A Powerful Learning Tool to Engage Children in Sharing, Connecting, and Forging Communities

Integrating Creativity and Education Through Stories, Songs, and Sounds

Register Here

IDOE is excited to share a great professional development opportunity for child care centers participating in CACFP!

This summer, IDOE will host a hands-on culinary training for child care centers participating in the CACFP. This one-day training will be offered in-person from 2 to 4:30 p.m. ET on the following dates and locations:

Tuesday, June 2, at Miami County YMCA, Peru

Wednesday, June 3, at New Hope for Families, Bloomington

Thursday, June 4, at Floyd County Head Start, New Albany

More info here⬇

https://view.subscription.in.gov/?vawpToken=HW2CPIJAGW6EHCZFNDJ7UUH6QE.130017

The training will be geared toward food service directors, kitchen leads, cooks, or anyone who wants to learn how to incorporate scratch cooking in their facility. During this training, a chef will provide a cooking demo and hands-on lessons working with locally grown ingredients. There will also be a short presentation on how to incorporate Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) at your site.

Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis and will close on Friday, May 29. Attendance at each site will be capped at 15 participants, and any submissions entered after the capacity is reached will be put on a waitlist.

If you have any questions, please reach out to ⬇

Molly Hayes mohayes@doe.in.gov or

Sophie Lindley slindley@doe.in.gov

Register here - https://idoe.jotformgov.com/261255116930048

DISCOVER HOW TO FIND THE SONG IN EVERY STORY

As educators, we are the composers of our students' earliest learning experiences. Learn how to incorporate language-rich activities with hands-on techniques with acclaimed singer/songwriter and educator Joanie Calem. Watch, and you can easily learn how to turn everyday storytime into immersive, joyful learning. Register Here

June 16, 1:00- 2:00pm: Storytelling: A Powerful Learning Tool to Engage Children in Sharing, Connecting, and Forging Communities

Integrating Creativity and Education Through Stories, Songs, and Sounds

Register Here

Leadership and Play: It’s Serious Business
Kimberlee Burt Hendricks — The Play and Learn Leader, A Child’s Space 2

Leadership isn’t positional — it’s relational. In this session, Kimberlee Burt Hendricks explores how play isn’t just for children: it’s a vital practice that nurtures creativity, connection, and emotional well-being for adults too. Drawing on neuroscience and leadership research, she makes the case that curiosity, imagination, and laughter aren’t distractions from leadership — they’re the catalyst for it.

What attendees will gain:

• Explain how neuroscience supports the role of play in fostering creativity and well-being

• Identify leadership models that align with playful, human-centered practice

• Reflect on strategies for integrating play into everyday professional interactions

Register Free → HERE

Free Virtual Training Opportunity! 6:30pm - 7:30pm

Focus - Understanding Health-Producing Food Choices Tailored to Your Body

Zoom | Free | 1-Hour Training Certificate

Presented by Elisabeth Winet, FNP-C, MSN, MBA (Nurse Practitioner)

Register here: https://forms.gle/cYBmyutm2wSJufsm6

Upcoming Sessions:

August 6, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 PM (Virtual)

Focus: Create Habits That Serve You Well — Secrets Revealed!

Self-Regulation In Early Childhood Classrooms: Improving Teacher Practice While Supporting Engagement and Achievement by Carrie Comer-Yates

About this webinar

What 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 Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Identify how children’s self-regulation skills impact teacher practice and classroom dynamics

• Examine the shared responsibilities between educators, students, and the learning environment in supporting self-regulation

• Describe effective instructional strategies that strengthen self-regulation in early childhood settings

• Recognize the influence of culture and other contextual factors on self-regulation and classroom expectations

• Apply research-based approaches that support positive social, emotional, and academic outcomes for young children

REGISTER HERE

SMALL -SCALE CHANGES TO YOUR OUTDOOR LEARNING SPACE! 🌱💚

Join the upcoming edWebinar, sponsored by Kaplan’s Practical Strategies for Early Learning Community, to learn how small-scale changes to your layout, outdoor materials, and outdoor activities can enhance movement, social connections, creativity, and a sense of belonging.

This FREE webinar is happening on May 14th: 2 PM - 3 PM (EDT)

Registrants who attend the live session (or watch the replay) will receive a CE credit.

Register here

The Joyous Equation: Purpose + People + Prosperity = Vibrant Early Childhood Organizations
Karen Foster-Jorgensen — Innovation Champion & Business Strategist, ChildCareDirector.com

What if joy wasn’t a byproduct of good leadership — but the very foundation of it? Global consultant Karen Foster-Jorgensen introduces the Joyous Organization Framework, a model for blending purpose, people, and prosperity into lasting organizational health. Leaders will leave with a clear vision for building programs where joy and sustainability reinforce each other

What attendees will gain:

• Discover how joy fuels engagement, innovation, and long-term success

• Explore the Joyous Equation as a model for balancing purpose, people, and prosperity

• Design actionable next steps to strengthen your organization’s joy and sustainability

Register Free → HERE

Big impact starts in small moments.

Join us on May 7 for Reflect for Insight, Reset for Action, featuring Judy Jablon.

Let’s explore how our everyday interactions can shape the future we want—for children, for our teams, and for ourselves.

Presented by The CAYL Institute

Register today: https://tinyurl.com/fvw36x33

Policies for Working Families

Thursday, May 7 at 11 a.m. EST

Presented by Brighter Futures Indiana! Register here

You and your network are invited to join the second webinar in our For a Stronger Workforce series, offered through the Brighter Futures Indiana initiative. The series is designed to help Indiana employers recruit and retain quality employees by supporting working families — because child care remains one of the biggest barriers to workforce participation statewide.

Register here

April 28 @ 7pm l Online Learning l FREE l Register Here

Join this FREE virtual workshop to celebrate the brand new Learning with the Land: A Nature Playbook!  Tuesday, April 28 7pm Eastern Time We will look at the Spiral of Inquiry and four foundational nature routines – Circle, Nature Walk, Nature Journal, and Sit Spot.

Register Here

All registrants will receive:

1. A link to the recording

2. Access to a certificate

3. Entry for some great prizes!

SAVE THE DATE: April 28 OECOSL Leadership will present from 10 to 10:30 a.m. ET - major developments affecting the field, and the broader policy and budget landscape shaping services for children and families across Indiana.

You can stream this live event too ⬇

Those who cannot attend in person can watch on the FSSA YouTube channel

Stream the live event here

Capacitación para reconocer y denunciar el abuso infantil (denuncia obligatoria)

Lunes 27 de abril 1-2pm (Español)Regístrate para la sesión de español AQUÍ

Certificado de capacitación virtual de 1 hora proporcionado

¿Sabía que los educadores de primera infancia, líderes de programas y propietarios de Indiana están obligados a informar y deben completar una capacitación anual sobre este tema? Participe en esta sesión para obtener más información y cumplir con este importante requisito, además de obtener consejos y consejos importantes. Los participantes obtendrán un certificado de capacitación de una hora. Esta sesión es gratuita y está abierta a personas del condado de St. Joseph y de otros condados

Register Here 

Little Words, Big Skills: Helping Children Connect and Communicate (virtual, free, PD)

We invite you to join our upcoming Conscious Discipline Heart to Heart virtual session, focused on supporting young children in developing essential social skills through intentional scaffolding, teaching, and supportive guidance.

In this session, we will explore how to thoughtfully and intentionally support children:

• Ask to join play (e.g., “Can I play?”)

• Enter play in respectful and successful ways

• Practice sharing and taking turns

• Use language to communicate needs and solve social challenges

These are foundational skills that support children in building friendships, confidence, connection, and a sense of belonging.  

Cost: Free, thanks to our generous and committed sponsors 

Who: Early Educators - all positions, Program/School Leaders, adults supporting young children

Presenter: Heidi White, Certified CD Instructor. 

This session builds on the March Heart to Heart PD with Heidi White: The Power of Positive Intent!

 To receive the calendar invitation register here.

 1 Hour Training Certificate provided.

This is our last Heart to Heart Session of the 2025-26 School Year. We hope you will join us for this meaningful and practical conversation filled with insights and strategies! Please share this with your teams and networks! All are welcome! THANK YOU!

Questions or thoughts - please contact Terri at 574-298-3353 or tkosik@saintmarys.edu

Register Here 

"The Secret to Teachable and Trouble-Free Transitions with Music and Songs" (and movement, of course!). Presented by Rae Pica!

It's happening on Tuesday, April 21st, 1-2 pm ET.

If you can't make it live, you can still access the recording if you've registered!

You can do that here - Register here

Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse Training  (Mandated Reporter) 

Monday, April 20: 1-2pm (English) Register for English Session HERE 

Monday, April 27 1-2pm (Spanish) Register for Spanish Session HERE 

Virtual  l 1 Hour Training Certificate Provided 

Did you know that early educators, program leaders, and owners in Indiana are mandated reporters and must complete annual training on mandated reporting? Join this session to learn more and fulfill this important requirement and gather important info and tips. Participants will earn 1 hour of training certificate. This session is FREE and open to individuals in St Joseph County and other counties too.

April 16, 2026 5:30 pm - 7:45 pm

The Repair - Focus: Infants and Toddlers

Light Dinner at the Community Learning Center @ the Library 305 S Michigan St, South Bend, IN 46601  

Register here  

Please sign up by April 2, 2026, thank you!

Presenter: Beth O'Connor

More info about The Family Connection & High Scope here.

Free Learning in the Garden Virtual Workshop!
Tuesday, April 14 at 7pm Eastern Time l FREE

Register here

Sign-up for the free 1 hour Learning in the Garden Virtual Workshop happening next Tuesday! This is offered by 3 incredible garden educators: Noel Cibulka, Karine Céré and Marie-Pascale Brown.

All registrants will receive:
✅ A link to the recording
✅ Access to a certificate
✅ Entry for some great prizes!

Learning in Garden: April 14th!

Join this FREE virtual inspiring and practical workshop on starting and sustaining a school garden!

Together, we’ll explore how school gardens can blossom into joyful, accessible learning spaces that nurture literacy, numeracy, science, well-being, and environmental stewardship from Kindergarten through the elementary years.

And you’ll walk away with adaptable strategies for a wide range of climates and school contexts, plus renewed confidence, fresh inspiration, and ready-to-use ideas. 💚

From our Friends at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

Join on April 6 for a live conversation examining how stability—or the lack of it—across children’s developmental environments can affect their well-being in the moment and throughout their lives, and highlighting strategies to promote stability for young children and their caregivers.

Our panel of experts will draw on insights from the new working paper, From Resources to Routines: The Importance of Stability in the Developmental Environment, by the Early Childhood Scientific Council on Equity and the Environment.

➡️ REGISTER HERE

🌟 2nd Annual Early Childhood Celebratory Dinner – Month of the Young Child 🌟

Join us as we gather to celebrate our dedicated early childhood community and also recognize 2025 achievements!   Register here no later than noon on March 25th!

Who is invited: Early childhood educators, program leaders, and trainers, therapists, coaches who live or work in St. Joseph County are welcome to join. This is an adult-only event, and we’re unfortunately unable to accommodate family members. We encourage you to attend with your colleagues!

📅 Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Come as you are! We know many will be arriving after a joyful (and busy!) day with young children, so casual attire is encouraged.

🍽 Dinner & Program: 6:00–7:30 PM  (5:30 - 6:00pm is check-in)

📍 Ballrooms A & B, Community Learning Center (Downtown Library), South Bend, IN

🍴 Delicious Dinner catered by Allie’s Catering

✨ This event is FREE!
Early registration helps with planning for food and all the festivities and secures a seat.

For residents or those who work in St. Joseph County in the field of Early Childhood - Early Eduactors, Program/School Leaders, trainers, coaches, therapists serving the St. Joseph County.

It is an adult event only and unfortunately your guests cannot attend with you unless, however, you can attend with your colleagues! :)

Kindly RSVP only if you are able to attend. Event Confirmation via Calendar Invitation will be provided after registration. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 💛

 Registration required by March 25th at noon. Register here, thank you!

Struggling with anger and rage in your classroom?

Join our founder Dr. Becky Bailey on April 1 at 3:00 PM ET for a FREE webinar.

Explore how to respond to intense behavior with brain based, compassionate strategies that reduce power struggles and support student development.

Register today and reserve your spot

The Science of Reading - More Info & Register Here

The Science of Reading has reshaped the way educators think about literacy instruction—but for many early childhood teachers, one question remains: What does it actually look like in Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms? Join Latisha Hayes, PhD, and collegues for an engaging edWebinar that brings the Science of Reading to life with practical, developmentally appropriate strategies designed specifically for young learners.

How do play-based learning and the Science of Reading work together? This edWebinar shows how intentional play, oral language development, and early phonics instruction can coexist and reinforce one another.

This edWebinar will be of interest to Pre-K and K teachers, librarians, school leaders, and district leaders.

Presented by Tisha Hayes, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education, University of Virginia; Kateri Thunder, Ph.D., Educator, Researcher, Author, and Coach; and Alisha Demchak, Ph.D., Program Coordinator, Early Childhood Teacher Education Program, University of Virginia
Moderated by Stephanie Roselli, Executive Editor, Gryphon House, Inc.

Sponsored by Gryphon House

Parenting Night - Connection and Co-Regulation Through Adult-First Strategies: Conscious Discipline (virtual)

RSVP HERE:

📅 March 25, 2026
⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM
💻 Location: Virtual (Zoom link to be shared via Calendar Invite after registration) 

Who’s invited?   Parents and adult family members who support and care for young children (ages 0 - 6) in your family—grandparents, caregivers, aunts, uncles, and other trusted adults are all welcome.

Please share with your friends!

Early educators and program leaders also invited to join this virtual event. 

1 hr training certificate provided to early educators and program leaders

What to expect:  This free, virtual event focuses on positive parenting, adding tools to the parenting tool belt. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear practical strategies to nurture children’s social-emotional learning.  Presenter: Heidi White, Certified Instructor

You’ll learn:

• How Conscious Discipline helps children build emotional regulation, problem-solving, and connection with positive parenting strategies and approaches.

• Simple, everyday strategies you can use at home with your young children

• Ways families and early learning programs can partner to create consistency, safety, and connection.

Join to connect & gather tools you can use right away with the young children you love! 

Engaging Exchange: Building Joyful Organizations, A Conversation with Karen Foster-Jorgensen and Patrick Makokoro

Cost - Free l Register Here

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 2:00 – 3:30 Eastern

Together, they will explore how joy, mutual support, and relationships can strengthen us as leaders and as people navigating demanding work.

Join Karen Foster-Jorgensen and Patrick Makokoro for an Engaging Exchange conversation inspired by their recent Exchange Community Voices articles, “Joy Is a Leadership Practice, Not a Personality Trait” and “A Journey through Quicksand Must Be Travelled with Another.” Together, they will explore how joy, mutual support, and relationships can strengthen us as leaders and as people navigating demanding work.

Introduction to Conscious Leadership for Program and School Leaders 

This PD event is designed for all Program/School Leaders of all age groups, open to community members outside of St. Joseph County

This content-rich day of learning is designed for school and program leaders serving all age groups, including those engaged in RTG’s Nurturing Resilience and Building Brains with Conscious Discipline initiatives as well as leaders who are new to Conscious Discipline or seeking high quality Leadership Professional Development.

Participants will explore how to lead with connection, clarity, and emotional intelligence, cultivating a culture that supports the well-being and success of both adults and children. This session will support leaders in strengthening their teams, improving adult wellness, and creating the conditions for children and educators to thrive.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 

• Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (Complimentary breakfast and lunch provided)  

Check-in & breakfast:

8:30am - 9:00 am

Session:   9:00am - 12:00pm 

Lunch:     12:00pm - 12:30pm 

Session:  12:30pm - 3:30pm

• Presenter: Heidi White, Certified Conscious Discipline Trainer Heidi has was first a teacher, then principal, followed by director of a school district early learning program and now a Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor. More about Heidi White here.

• Location: Community Learning Center, Ballrooms A& B, South Bend, Indiana

• Cost:  Free thanks to our Conscious Discipline Partnership and Generous Sponsors - Valinhos and Asante Foundations

• More Detail & Register here

• Open to educators and leaders in and outside of St. Joseph County. All Welcome!

• 6 Hour Training Certificate Provided l Presented in English

Day’s Agenda Includes:

1. Developing a Vision for transitioning to evidence-based, adult-first, relationship-centered Social-Emotional Learning and Mental Health

2. Self-Regulation for School and Program Leaders

3. Using the 7 Skills to navigate challenges with adults

4. Building and Sustaining a Staff School Family

 The Transformational Power of Positive Intent (virtual) Heart to Heart Connections & Conversations Focus Group

Register Here  Expand your Conscious Discipline practices or learn more about this impactful topic, exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and problem-solve together. Virtual, attend one or all!  

March Topic: The Transformational Power of Positive Intent – Exploring how choosing to see the best in others (and ourselves) can strengthen relationships, shift challenging moments, and deepen connection in our work with children, families, and one another.

Presented by Heidi White, CD Certified Instructor and co-author of Six Weeks to Success!

Upcoming Dates: Apr 23, 2026  l  FREE
Time: Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 PM (via Zoom)  |  1 Hour Training Certificate per Session

Reserva la fecha: Sesión virtual de Desarrollo Profesional de Ready to Grow en español con la Sra. Elda Pérez.  12 de marzo de 2026 |  6:30–7:30 p. m. (ET) |  Zoom 

 Se otorgará certificado de capacitación de una hora   Tema:  La alfabetización como herramienta para promover la diversidad y la inclusión   

Regístrese aqui

Slices of Connection: A Conscious Discipline Parenting Night + Pizza

📍 Community Learning Center – Ballrooms A & B (Downtown Library)  305 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN 46601. The ballroom is situated on the first floor of the Community Learning Center. 

🍕 Pizza provided!   

Register Here

Note - Registration Closes Feb 27, 2027 @ 5pm

Who’s invited?   Parents and adult family members who support and care for young children (ages 0 - 6) in your family—grandparents, caregivers, aunts, uncles, and other trusted adults are all welcome. 

What to expect:  Join us for an engaging and practical session on Conscious Discipline—the relationship-based approach being used in your child’s early care and learning program to support social and emotional development.

You’ll learn:

• How Conscious Discipline helps children build emotional regulation, problem-solving, and connection

• Simple, everyday strategies you can use at home with children

• Ways families and early learning programs can partner to create consistency, safety, and connection across settings

Presenter: Angela Fraley, Master Instructor

✨ Come learn, connect, and take home tools you can use right away with the children you love.

Questions: Please contact Terri at 574-298-3353  l  tkosik@saintmarys.edu.

Thank you! We are eager to see you on March 4th! 

Ready to Grow St. Joe Community Meeting – 8:30am – 11:00am @ the Community Learning Center, Leighton Auditorium, (Downtown Library)

RSVP Here

8:30 – 9:00 AM - Hot Breakfast & Networking (come hungry)

9:00 – 10:30 AM - Welcome, Presentations & Discussions featuring:

• Incredible Parenting — The Veldman Center, University of Notre Dame

• The Shaw Center for Children and Families — University of Notre Dame

• Early Childhood Credentialing & Career Pathways — IVY Tech

• Dolly Parton Imagination Library — Community Foundation of St. Joseph County

• TIPS ECHO (Trauma-Informed Preschool Supports) — The Lourie Center, Baltimore, MD

10:30 – 11:00 AM - Community Announcements & Networking

Who: Community members and professionals interested in early care and learning, including those who support families, early educators, and program leaders in their early childhood work.

Ready to Grow Focus: Ready to Grow St. Joe is a collection of early childhood stakeholders committed to ensuring that all children in St. Joseph County, birth to eight, have the foundation to thrive in school and in life. We work through our members to engage the community, build systems and empower families, with efforts focused on quality early learning, health & wellness and family support.