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

Early Childhood Conference @ Saint Mary’s College, Saturday, October 25th, 2025, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Building Bridges to Resilience: 2025 Annual Early Childhood Conference at Saint Mary’s College - October 25th, 2025  Eventbrite Registration Here  

English Conference and a Parallel Spanish-Language “Simultaneously!”

Saturday, October 25, 2025    8:00 AM – 1:00 PM (includes complimentary grab and go breakfast)

Location: Saint Mary’s College - Spes Unica and Madeleva Hall

3 Hour Training Certificate Provided

Join 350 early educators, program leaders and trainers and coaches to connect, network and grow! 3 Hour Training Certificate Provided.

 Eventbrite Registration Here  

English Keynote Speaker - Prerna Richards

Spanish Keynote Speaker - Elda Perez

Keynote Speaker and more in the Frequently Asked Questions - Early Childhood 2025 Conference @ Saint Mary's College

 Eventbrite Registration Here  

Save the Date: October 9th, 8:30am - 10:30am, Downtown Library - Community Learning Center Auditorium l Breakfast, Timely Updates and Conversation About CCVoucher + Community Updates + Networking

Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM EST
Informal Networking: 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM

RSVP Here

Location - Leighton Auditorium in the St. Joseph County Library Community Learning Center

Engage, collaborate, and stay informed about early care and education progress and challenges as well as initiatives making a positive difference in St. Joseph County.

Agenda

8:30 – 9:00 AM – Hearty Hot Breakfast (come hungry!)

9:00 – 9:05 AM – Welcome

9:05 – 10:30 AM – Presentations & Discussion

"NEW" Language and Literacy Lab at Saint Mary’s College – Dr. Susan Latham

TIPS ECHO Updates (TIPS = Trauma Informed Preschool Supports) – Dr. Jimmy Venza & Team, The Lourie Center (Baltimore, MD)

Brightpoint Update – Lesa Cassel, Family Support Services Manager

Roundtable Conversation – Indiana’s Changing Landscape: Child Care Vouchers, Family Services, and Program Impact (panel of local & state leaders)

We Welcome Announcements from Community Members (open to all attendees)

10:30 – 11:00 AM – Networking (meeting space available until 11:00 AM)

Parking:

• Adjacent SJCP Library parking lot on Main St

• Street parking

• Wayne Parking Garage, 121 E Wayne St, Downtown South Bend, IN 46601

Questions:
Terri Kosik | 574-298-3353 | tkosik@saintmarys.edu

Are you Registered for TIPS ECHO Year 2 that begins in October 2025 - May 2026? (TIPS = TRAUMA INFORMED PRESCHOOL SUPPORTS!) The TIPS ECHO team will join us on October 8 from 5:30–7:30 PM for a professional development event and orientation to TIPS ECHO Year 2 at the Downtown Library Community Learning Center - Auditorium.  Light Dinner, Great Content and Engaged Early Educators and Program Leaders. Facilitated by the TIPS ECHO Hub Team! RSVP if you are a TIPS ECHO Year 2 participant. RSVP Here  

From Daycare to Early Education Center - The Power of Our Work!

The ECE field is a powerful force for good in society, and our daily efforts have a huge impact on informing the world about what we do. The higher the quality of our work, the louder our professional voices become. In this webinar, we will look at how to influence our community of teachers and families to understand the importance of our work, the language we use to articulate it, and the benefit of early childhood education to their children and the community, as a whole. Sponsored by the Association of Early Learning Leaders (AELL)

Register here - From Daycare to Early Education Center - The Power of Our Work!

Designing for Impact: Creating Meaningful Learning Spaces with What You Have

Around the world, leaders of early childhood programs face the challenge—and opportunity—of designing learning environments that meet children’s developmental needs without overspending. Countless educators have proven that with the right knowledge and intentional planning, high-quality, well-equipped classrooms are achievable in every setting.

This session is designed for early childhood program leaders seeking to elevate the classroom experience, no matter their budget or geographic location. Discover how to use creativity, research-based practices, and locally available materials to build effective learning spaces that support every domain of child development. High-quality early learning environments are not a luxury—they’re a possibility everywhere.

More information and Registration Here - Designing for Impact: Creating Meaningful Learning Spaces with What You Have

“Good Job” Isn’t Good Enough: Real Tools to Replace Praise, Rewards, and Punishment

Praise, rewards, and punishment are everywhere in early education—but are they helping or harming our efforts to create inclusive, connected classrooms?

This insight-building webinar bridges what we know from brain science with what we experience in real-life classrooms. Together with best-selling authors and consultants Dr. Kristie Pretti-Frontczak and Dr. Julie Causton, we’ll explore how co-regulation, awareness, and intention can replace outdated behavior management systems like sticker charts, prize boxes, and empty praise.

You’ll learn how to shift from behavior control to connection using tools such as Positive Descriptive Acknowledgment (PDA), co-regulation routines, and reflective prompts to guide your responses in real time.

Expect plenty of real-world scenarios, try-it-tomorrow scripts, and opportunities to rethink how you support behavior—especially during tricky transitions and emotionally charged moments. You’ll leave with practical tools you can implement immediately to help children (and yourself) feel seen, safe, and supported.

When it comes to literacy, child-led play provides ample opportunities for children to build all the developmental skills needed for future reading and writing. 

As early childhood professionals, it is our role to educate families on the importance of child-led play and how it is vital for laying the groundwork for early literacy.

Join this webinar to gain confidence in explaining how child-led play develops early literacy foundations and prepares children for school. Learn effective ways to engage parents and families in conversations about the importance of child-led play both at school and home. Explore talking points when addressing any concerns families may have, reassuring them that child-led play is more than sufficient for future reading and writing.

More Info and to Register - Encouraging Families to Embrace Child-led Play

Elevating Your Voice and Values RoundTable Series: Dan Wuori

Dan Wuori has taken the ECE world by storm with his book "The DayCare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education." Come learn from the author, himself, as we work together to understand the importance of quality care in the early years and a clearly beneficial return on the investment. We might even get to hear more about the book he's working on now!

Register Here

📌Tema: Apego y sintonía en bebés de hasta 3 años (español)

📅 Sábado 23 de agosto de 2025 - Español, Presencial con Lety Valero

📍 Ubicación: Centro de aprendizaje comunitario, Biblioteca del centro de South Bend

🕘 8:30 a. m. a 3:30 p. m. (incluye desayuno y almuerzo de cortesía)

🎓 Certificado de 6 horas proporcionado

Regístrate aquí: Enlace

📌Topic: Creating a School Family (all application), focused on Preschool Age (same content delivered on August 16 and 18) 

📅 Saturday, August 16 OR Monday August 18, 2025 - English, In-Person with Angela Fraley  (NOTE: SAME CONTENT DELIVERED ON AUG. 16 and AUG. 18)

📍 Location: Community Learning Center, Downtown South Bend Library

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

🎓 6-Hour Training Certificate Provided    Register Here: Link

📌Topic: Creating a School Family (all application), focused on Preschool Age (same content delivered on August 16 and 18) 

📅 Saturday, August 16 OR Monday August 18, 2025 - English, In-Person with Angela Fraley  (NOTE: SAME CONTENT DELIVERED ON AUG. 16 and AUG. 18)

📍 Location: Community Learning Center, Downtown South Bend Library

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

🎓 6-Hour Training Certificate Provided    Register Here: Link

The Power in Pretend: Supporting Children’s Agency Through Play

FREE! Webinar l Register Here

IMPORTANT - If you register but unable to attend the live session, you will receive a link to a recording of the live session!

Children’s pretend play often explores themes of power—power over, power with, and power for others—through the roles they choose. Supporting this kind of play, even when it feels challenging, is essential for nurturing agency, self-regulation, and connection.

Join author and early childhood advocate Mike Huber as he shares practical strategies to support children’s powerful play. You’ll learn how pretend play strengthens executive function skills like impulse control, mental flexibility, and working memory. Discover how children use imaginative roles to stay regulated and explore complex emotions safely—becoming “a head taller,” as Vygotsky described.

This engaging webinar will help you:

• Understand the connection between pretend play and regulation

• Discover how play fosters skills like focus and self-control

• Explore ways to enrich dramatic play through materials, time, and adult interaction

You’ll leave with fresh insight into how honoring pretend play helps children build confidence, connection, and real-world resilience.

More info about Mike Huber, the presenter here.

📌 Topic: Conscious Discipline 101, for new to CD early educators and program leaders in St. Joseph County (English), Total PD is 6 hours, across 3 days, 2 hours each day. Part 3 l Register Here

Important - If you register but are unable to attend the live session, you will receive a recording link to the live session. It is not too late to join Part 3 and then watch the recordings to Part 1 and 2! It is great information and sets the stage for Creating a School Family!

Key Topics Covered:

• Brain State Model: Understanding how different brain states (survival, emotional, executive) impact behavior and how to recognize and respond to these states in oneself and children.

• Self-Regulation: Learning how to manage one's own emotions and teach children self-regulation skills, including introduction to practices like the "Safe Place" or breathing strategies.

• Seven Powers for Conscious Adults: Discovering and applying the seven powers (perception, unity, attention, free will, acceptance, love, intention) that help adults shift their mindset and respond to conflicts with composure and positive intent.

• Seven Skills of Discipline: Learning the practical skills of discipline, such as composure, encouragement, choices, and empathy, and how to apply them to guide children toward healthy behavior.

📅 July 21, 28, and August 7, 2025 - English, Virtual with Angela Fraley  

 🕘 1-3 PM

Location: Zoom link will be sent via email a few days before the first session and you will receive calendar invitation once registered.

🎓 6-Hour Training Certificate provided at the end of the 6 hours

Sessions will be recorded and shared with all registered after each session concludes.

Cost - FREE, thanks to our generous funders.

Register Here

Open to ALL early educators in St. Joseph County - not just those whose directors/owners/program leaders are participating in the “Year 1 Nurturing Resilience and Building Brains.”

Participants from outside St. Joseph County are welcome to join!

Ask a Nature Explore Designer – Free Online Session

Do you have big dreams for your outdoor space but haven’t had the chance to put a plan on paper? Are you curious about designing an outdoor classroom but unsure where to begin?

August 5, 2025 | 2 PM ET | 1 HR | FREE l REGISTER HERE

Have dreams for your outdoor space but don’t know where to start? Join Nature Explore’s Senior Designer, Jeff Lindstrom, for a free 1-hour live session filled with practical design tips, creative solutions, and a Q&A to help bring your vision to life.

What you’ll gain:

Cost-effective ideas to enhance your space

Insight into the design and planning process

Tips for phasing improvements over time

Strategies for supporting adults in outdoor classrooms

About the speaker:

With 15+ years of experience, Jeff Lindstrom has helped schools, communities, and programs worldwide design research-based outdoor classrooms and natural play spaces.

Submit a question in advance by filling out our quick survey.

Zoom link will be emailed the day before the event.

Category: Live Online | Focus: Outdoor Classroom Design

📌 Topic: Conscious Discipline 101, for new to CD early educators and program leaders in St. Joseph County (English), Total PD is 6 hours, across 3 days, 2 hours each day. l - Register Here

IMPORTANT - If you register but are unable to attend the live session, you will receive a recording of the live session sent to your inbox.

Key Topics Covered:

• Brain State Model: Understanding how different brain states (survival, emotional, executive) impact behavior and how to recognize and respond to these states in oneself and children.

• Self-Regulation: Learning how to manage one's own emotions and teach children self-regulation skills, including introduction to practices like the "Safe Place" or breathing strategies.

• Seven Powers for Conscious Adults: Discovering and applying the seven powers (perception, unity, attention, free will, acceptance, love, intention) that help adults shift their mindset and respond to conflicts with composure and positive intent.

• Seven Skills of Discipline: Learning the practical skills of discipline, such as composure, encouragement, choices, and empathy, and how to apply them to guide children toward healthy behavior.

📅 July 21, 28, and August 7, 2025 - English, Virtual with Angela Fraley  

 🕘 1-3 PM

Location: Zoom link will be sent via email a few days before the first session and you will receive calendar invitation once registered.

🎓 6-Hour Training Certificate provided at the end of the 6 hours

Sessions will be recorded and shared with all registered after each session concludes.

Cost - FREE, thanks to our generous funders.

RSVP Here

Open to ALL early educators in St. Joseph County - not just those whose directors/owners/program leaders are participating in the “Year 1 Nurturing Resilience and Building Brains.”

Participants from outside St. Joseph County are welcome to join!

📌 Topic: Conscious Discipline 101, for new to CD early educators and program leaders in St. Joseph County (English), Total PD is 6 hours, across 3 days, 2 hours each day.

Key Topics Covered:

• Brain State Model: Understanding how different brain states (survival, emotional, executive) impact behavior and how to recognize and respond to these states in oneself and children.

• Self-Regulation: Learning how to manage one's own emotions and teach children self-regulation skills, including introduction to practices like the "Safe Place" or breathing strategies.

• Seven Powers for Conscious Adults: Discovering and applying the seven powers (perception, unity, attention, free will, acceptance, love, intention) that help adults shift their mindset and respond to conflicts with composure and positive intent.

• Seven Skills of Discipline: Learning the practical skills of discipline, such as composure, encouragement, choices, and empathy, and how to apply them to guide children toward healthy behavior.

📅 July 21, 28, and August 7, 2025 - English, Virtual with Angela Fraley  

 🕘 1-3 PM

Location: Zoom link will be sent via email a few days before the first session and you will receive calendar invitation once registered.

🎓 6-Hour Training Certificate provided at the end of the 6 hours

Sessions will be recorded and shared with all registered after each session concludes.

Cost - FREE, thanks to our generous funders.

RSVP Here

Open to ALL early educators in St. Joseph County - not just those whose directors/owners/program leaders are participating in the “Year 1 Nurturing Resilience and Building Brains.”

Participants from outside St. Joseph County are welcome to join!

📌 Tema: Disciplina Consciente 101 — Para educadores y líderes de programas que son nuevos en Disciplina Consciente en el condado de St. Joseph (en español)

Temas Clave Cubiertos:

• Modelo de Estados Cerebrales: Comprender cómo los diferentes estados cerebrales (supervivencia, emocional, ejecutivo) afectan el comportamiento y cómo reconocer y responder a estos estados en uno mismo y en los niños.

• Autorregulación: Aprender a manejar las propias emociones y enseñar a los niños habilidades de autorregulación, incluyendo la introducción a prácticas como el "Lugar Seguro" o técnicas de respiración.

• Siete Poderes para Adultos Conscientes: Descubrir y aplicar los siete poderes (percepción, unidad, atención, libre albedrío, aceptación, amor, intención) que ayudan a los adultos a cambiar su mentalidad y responder a los conflictos con calma e intención positiva.

• Siete Habilidades de la Disciplina: Aprender las habilidades prácticas de la disciplina, como la compostura, el ánimo, las elecciones y la empatía, y cómo aplicarlas para guiar a los niños hacia un comportamiento saludable.

🕒 Total de capacitación: 6 horas, distribuidas en 3 días (2 horas por día)

📅 Fechas: 14, 15 y 17 de julio de 2025
🧑‍🏫 Facilitadora: Lety Valero (en español)
💻 Modalidad: Virtual por Zoom
📍 Ubicación: Recibirás el enlace de Zoom unos días antes del evento
🕘 Horario: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

🎓 Al finalizar las 6 horas de capacitación, se entregará un certificado de participación de 6 horas.

📹 Las sesiones serán grabadas y compartidas con todas las personas registradas después de cada sesión.

Costo – GRATIS, gracias a nuestros generosos patrocinadores.

Abierto a todos los educadores de la primera infancia en el Condado de St. Joseph — no solo a aquellos cuyos directores, propietarios o líderes de programa participan en el “Año 1: Nutriendo la Resiliencia y Desarrollando Cerebros.”

Los participantes de fuera del Condado de St. Joseph también son bienvenidos a unirse!

📌 Tema: Disciplina Consciente 101 — Para educadores y líderes de programas que son nuevos en Disciplina Consciente en el condado de St. Joseph (en español)

Temas Clave Cubiertos:

• Modelo de Estados Cerebrales: Comprender cómo los diferentes estados cerebrales (supervivencia, emocional, ejecutivo) afectan el comportamiento y cómo reconocer y responder a estos estados en uno mismo y en los niños.

• Autorregulación: Aprender a manejar las propias emociones y enseñar a los niños habilidades de autorregulación, incluyendo la introducción a prácticas como el "Lugar Seguro" o técnicas de respiración.

• Siete Poderes para Adultos Conscientes: Descubrir y aplicar los siete poderes (percepción, unidad, atención, libre albedrío, aceptación, amor, intención) que ayudan a los adultos a cambiar su mentalidad y responder a los conflictos con calma e intención positiva.

• Siete Habilidades de la Disciplina: Aprender las habilidades prácticas de la disciplina, como la compostura, el ánimo, las elecciones y la empatía, y cómo aplicarlas para guiar a los niños hacia un comportamiento saludable.

🕒 Total de capacitación: 6 horas, distribuidas en 3 días (2 horas por día)

📅 Fechas: 14, 15 y 17 de julio de 2025
🧑‍🏫 Facilitadora: Lety Valero (en español)
💻 Modalidad: Virtual por Zoom
📍 Ubicación: Recibirás el enlace de Zoom unos días antes del evento
🕘 Horario: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

🎓 Al finalizar las 6 horas de capacitación, se entregará un certificado de participación de 6 horas.

📹 Las sesiones serán grabadas y compartidas con todas las personas registradas después de cada sesión.

Costo – GRATIS, gracias a nuestros generosos patrocinadores.

Abierto a todos los educadores de la primera infancia en el Condado de St. Joseph — no solo a aquellos cuyos directores, propietarios o líderes de programa participan en el “Año 1: Nutriendo la Resiliencia y Desarrollando Cerebros.”

Los participantes de fuera del Condado de St. Joseph también son bienvenidos a unirse!

📌 Tema: Disciplina Consciente 101 — Para educadores y líderes de programas que son nuevos en Disciplina Consciente en el condado de St. Joseph (en español)

Temas Clave Cubiertos:

• Modelo de Estados Cerebrales: Comprender cómo los diferentes estados cerebrales (supervivencia, emocional, ejecutivo) afectan el comportamiento y cómo reconocer y responder a estos estados en uno mismo y en los niños.

• Autorregulación: Aprender a manejar las propias emociones y enseñar a los niños habilidades de autorregulación, incluyendo la introducción a prácticas como el "Lugar Seguro" o técnicas de respiración.

• Siete Poderes para Adultos Conscientes: Descubrir y aplicar los siete poderes (percepción, unidad, atención, libre albedrío, aceptación, amor, intención) que ayudan a los adultos a cambiar su mentalidad y responder a los conflictos con calma e intención positiva.

• Siete Habilidades de la Disciplina: Aprender las habilidades prácticas de la disciplina, como la compostura, el ánimo, las elecciones y la empatía, y cómo aplicarlas para guiar a los niños hacia un comportamiento saludable.

🕒 Total de capacitación: 6 horas, distribuidas en 3 días (2 horas por día)

📅 Fechas: 14, 15 y 17 de julio de 2025
🧑‍🏫 Facilitadora: Lety Valero (en español)
💻 Modalidad: Virtual por Zoom
📍 Ubicación: Recibirás el enlace de Zoom unos días antes del evento
🕘 Horario: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

🎓 Al finalizar las 6 horas de capacitación, se entregará un certificado de participación de 6 horas.

📹 Las sesiones serán grabadas y compartidas con todas las personas registradas después de cada sesión.

Costo – GRATIS, gracias a nuestros generosos patrocinadores.

Abierto a todos los educadores de la primera infancia en el Condado de St. Joseph — no solo a aquellos cuyos directores, propietarios o líderes de programa participan en el “Año 1: Nutriendo la Resiliencia y Desarrollando Cerebros.”

Los participantes de fuera del Condado de St. Joseph también son bienvenidos a unirse!

Join Exchange Thursday, June 26, 2026 from 2-3:30pm Eastern Time, for a free online Engaging Exchange discussion with three authors from the Summer issue of Exchange magazine. (FREE)

Kimberlee Hendricks from the McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership will talk about her analogy that during these challenging times we can find inspiration for our leadership from gardens.

Debbie LeeKeenan, author and anti-bias activist, will discuss her thinking about what lessons can be learned from grand parenting, and what those lessons might mean for leaders and ECE practitioners.

Diana Ganger from Ideal 18 will help programs think about how integrating more inter-generational experiences can be supportive for everyone - children, educators and families.

Writer, teacher and speaker Margaret Wheatley urges us to "be brave enough to start a conversation that matters." We hope you’ll join us for an informative, inspiring and brave conversation on June 26.
Register Now! Register Here

Let’s Start a Garden - Part 4: Easy Composting + Garden/Nature Activities with Preschoolers

Register Here

Presenters: Katie Lane, Unity Gardens 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 l Register Here

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!