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.

Feb. 25, 5:30–7:30pm: TIPS ECHO Year 2 PD – in person with TIPS HUB Team (only open to those currently enrolled and participating in Year 2 of TIPS ECHO)        

Focus: Effective Use of Sensory Materials in Early Childhood Presented in both English & Spanish @ Community Learning Center: Ballroom A:  English & Ballroom B: Spanish

5:30pm - 5:45pm - Check-in

5:45pm - 6:15pm - Dinner, catered by Allie’s Catering

6:15pm - 7:15pm Program - Effective Use of Sensory Materials in Early Childhood

7:15pm - 7:30pm - Closing

1 Hour Training Certificate l FREE thanks to our generous funders l

Register here   

Science Alive returns to the St. Joe County Public Library on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 - 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. A day of exploration, discovery, and fun!

Science Alive brings together the magic of science, technology, engineering, and art with interactive exhibits, live stage shows, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Science Alive is free, family-friendly, and one of the community’s most-loved events. Discover Science Alive   

Free Virtual Training Opportunity!

Focus: Biology of Relaxation & Simple, Portable Stress-Relief Skills

Join us to explore how relaxation impacts the body and learn easy, practical skills you can use anytime, anywhere.

February 5, 2026 l 6:30–7:30 PM l Zoom | Free | 1-Hour Training Certificate

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

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

Upcoming Sessions:

May 14, 2026 | 6:30–7:30 PM (Virtual)

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

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

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

Protecting Play! Online Conference Hosted by Exchange - FREE  l  Virtual

Friday, December 5th l 12 - 4 pm EST l Join to uplift play! Register Here

Join Exchange for a free online conference that will bring together a powerful group of prominent voices in early care and education. Together, celebrate the power of play and build a community of advocates who are ready to protect it.

Years of extensive research affirm that providing time, space, and appropriate adult support for children’s play leads to optimal learning and development. Yet, over the past decades, children’s play has been under threat as the focus on adult-directed activities has increased, time in nature has decreased, and educators feel increasing pressure to decrease play.  “Play is the primary way children were designed to learn.” – Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Roberta Golinkoff      Register Here

📚 Join Us for a Tour of the Language & Literacy Lab at Saint Mary's College!
✨ Tour will be followed by a Ready to Grow (RTG) get-together to connect in-person and enjoy delicious food together! RSVP Here

📍 Where & When:
Dec. 3rd, 4:00pm: Language and Literacy Lab – Room 18, Havican Hall, Saint Mary’s College
🗣️ RTG Gratitude Get-together to follow in Room 20, Havican Hall - to connect in-person and get further acquainted. Some savory and sweet snacks to enjoy too!

🚗 Parking:
Use the Science Lot on the Saint Mary’s College campus map.
Enter campus by the Inn at Saint Mary’s, continue straight through the 4-way stop to the Science Parking Lot on your right/north side of street (adjacent to Havican Hall and ECDC at Saint Mary’s College). Enter Havican Hall at the door closest to the parking lot near the ECDC-SMC Garden.
📎 Campus Parking Map – click  here.

👥 Who Should Attend:
Early care and learning educators and program leaders, coaches, trainers, and community members interested in language and literacy development and intervention models are invited to tour this innovative space and learn about its mission and offerings.

💡 Why Attend:
Be among the first to step into a space where language grows, stories take shape, and young children shine! 🌟
The Language & Literacy Lab at Saint Mary's College  will serve as a hub for:  

• College student training

• Innovative research

• Evidence-based interventions that strengthen young children’s language and literacy skills

RSVP Here

Questions:  Terri @ tkosik@saintmarys.edu or 574-298-3353 (text or call)  

Nurturing Resiliency In Ourselves and Our Children 

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

Nov. 20, 2025 @ 6:30pm l Zoom, first in the 4 part series

Zoom | Free | Quarterly Series l Sign-up for one or all!

“The Art of Living” supports holistic well-being for educators — offering simple, practical strategies to boost resilience, restore energy, and nurture a positive mindset.

Come fill your cup so you can show up fully for yourself, the children, the families you serve and your colleagues.

Register here https://forms.gle/cYBmyutm2wSJufsm6

Quarterly Series: November 20, 2025, February 5, 2026, May 14, 2026 and August 6, 2026

📌 Topic: Attachment and Attunement with Conscious Discipline, focused on Infants and Toddlers with Angela Fraley

📅 Saturday, November 15, 2025 - English, In-person

📍 Saint Mary's College - Spes Unica (where we host our annual EC Conference check-in, and breakfast)

🕘 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (includes complimentary breakfast & lunch)

🎓 6-Hour Certificate Provided    Register Here: Link

“Using the Conscious Discipline Sophie Books & More” presented by Heidi White, CD Certified Instructor and co-author of Six Weeks to Success!  l Virtual l  Nov. 6th @ 6:30pm   Register Here 

Learn new CD Practices for your early care and learning setting, exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and problem-solve together. Virtual, attend one or all!  

Upcoming Dates: Nov 6, 2025 | Jan 15, 2026 | Mar 5, 2026 | Apr 23, 2026
Time: Thursdays, 6:30–7:30 PM (via Zoom)  |  1 Hour Training Certificate per Session  l  FREE