*Please note that this session list is subject to change
*Many of these sessions will be repeated in order to give more attendees an opportunity to attend if they wish
What is the Role of Child Care Enforcement (CCE)?
Christina Harvey – HHSC Regulatory Enforcement Division
A discussion of the roles of the Child Care Enforcement (CCE) division. CCE reviews recommendations for and decides on corrective actions, adverse actions, and administrative penalties within the residential and daycare regulatory programs. CCE also conducts administrative reviews within these programs when an operation disagrees with a Child Care Regulation (CCR) deficiency or decision.
Knock, Knock! Who’s There? Licensing. Improving the Provider-Licensing Relationship
Shante Potts and Kelly Wyatt – Child Care Regulation Program Administrators/Managers
This session explores the inspection process and the relationship between child care providers and licensing. In this safe space, participants will engage in guided open dialogue on the inspection process; discuss challenges and successes to regulation; what to do if you disagree with a licensing decision or action; and ways to improve communication while reducing risk to children.
Minimum Standards Training: Personnel/Child Care Giver Ratio
Child Care Regulation Staff
Join us for a comprehensive review and become familiar with Chapter 746 of the Minimum Standards related to Personnel/Child/Caregiver ratios for Child Care Centers.
Minimum Standards Training: Nutrition/Active Play
Child Care Regulation Staff
Join us for a comprehensive review and become familiar with Chapter 746 of the Minimum Standards related to Nutrition/Active Play for Child Care Centers.
Minimum Standards Training: Activities/Discipline
Child Care Regulation Staff
Join us for a comprehensive review and become familiar with Chapter 746 of the Minimum Standards related to Activities/Discipline for Child Care Centers.
Minimum Standards Training: Health/Fire Safety/Field trips/Transportation
Child Care Regulation Staff
Join us for a comprehensive review and become familiar with Chapter 746 of the Minimum Standards related to Health/Fire Safety/Field Trips/Transportation for Child Care Centers.
AI for Child Care Center Management
Amy Musick
AI is everywhere and is advancing rapidly. Learn how to harness the power of this incredible tool without putting you or your center at risk. Let AI take hours of your to-do list!
Respectful, Responsive, Relevant: The Power of DAP in Early Childhood
Andrea Poehl
Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) is a framework grounded in research on child development, individual differences, and the social and cultural contexts in which children grow. This training provides early childhood educators with a deep understanding of DAP principles and practical strategies for applying them in diverse classroom settings. The training focuses on planning intentional, inclusive learning experiences that support the whole child—socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically.
Leading with Compassion: Empowering Your Team to Support Trauma-Affected Children
Andrea Poehl
School directors and principals play a critical role in creating trauma-informed learning communities. When leaders understand the impact of trauma on young children, they can better support their teaching staff, implement effective policies, and build a culture of compassion and resilience throughout their schools. This training equips educational leaders with the knowledge and strategies to recognize trauma responses in children, guide their teams in implementing trauma-informed practices, and create systemic supports that benefit both educators and students.
Healing Starts Here: Trauma-Aware Practices for Early Childhood Educators
Andrea Poehl
Early childhood educators are often the first to notice signs of trauma in young children. This training is designed to equip educators with the tools to recognize trauma responses, foster emotionally safe learning environments, and build strong, secure relationships with children. By adopting a trauma-informed lens, educators can improve classroom behavior, enhance learning outcomes, and support children’s emotional development during critical early years.
Child Growth and Development with Family Engagement
Aubri Simpson
The Texas Early Childhood Professional Development Certified Course will teach practitioners how to identify typical and atypical behaviors, support various learning styles and foster a collaborative classroom. This training is 3 hour class jam packed into a 1 hour course to support the growing need of those experiencing developmental challenges in preschool. Manifest Academy not only supports early childhood, but will also provide information on how to go beyond preschool years, to help families start off strong.
Say What?! Words as Teaching Tools
Beverly Reed
Discover how everyday language can build big learning. This session highlights the power of rich vocabulary, both spoken and printed, as a tool for cognitive and language development. Learn simple, practical ways to weave sophisticated words into daily routines, conversations, and play to help young children’s brains and language skills grow.
Behavior and Classroom Management
Britani Machala
Effective behavior and classroom management in early childhood is key to learning and development. It involves proactively supporting positive behavior through environmental adjustments and using positive guidance strategies to encourage prosocial skills. A well-managed setting minimizes reactive discipline, maximizes learning time, and directly supports children’s social-emotional growth and independence.
Positive Behavior 1,2,3
Charkeiro Parker
This training will be a fun and interactive experience. You will learn how to run a smooth and effective classroom by setting strong, clear, and consistent expectations that your students will follow. You will learn to build and foster healthy relationships with your students. Teachers will be given strategies and techniques to improve and grow in the guidance and discipline sector of education.
Life on the Move: Supporting Children During Transitions
Cheryl Carey
Children’s Lives are a constant journey, filled with moments of change-from shifts of daily routines to the significant milestones of growth. This training invites early childhood professional to navigate these essential passages with intention and insight. We will explore the interplay of brain and child development during times of change, and understand the unique needs of children during transitions. Participants will gain the tools to transform transitions into opportunities for growth, ensuring every child feels secure and supported on their unique journey.
Below the Surface: Exploring the Hidden Depths of Child Development
Cheryl Carey
Just as scuba divers explore the hidden wonders beneath the ocean’s surface, early childhood educators delve into the fascinating world of child development. This training, “Below the Surface,” invites you on a journey of discovery, exploring the depths of how children grow, learn, and develop. Like charting a course through unfamiliar waters, understanding child development requires careful observation, keen awareness, and a willingness to explore the intricate ecosystem of influences that shape a child’s growth. Let’s take a deep dive into the world of child development, uncovering the hidden potential within each child and surfacing with a renewed understanding of how to support their growth and learning.
The Art of Supervision: Masterful Engagement & Safety in Early Childhood
Cheryl Carey
“The Art of Supervision,” invites early childhood providers to master the subtle techniques of effective supervision. We’ll explore research-based strategies, delve into how knowing each child’s unique developmental stage enhances safety and engagement, and learn to create a picture of vigilance in every indoor and outdoor space. From daily routines in the classroom to the outdoor spaces, discover how to create environments where children can explore, learn, and thrive, all while being supervised. Get ready to elevate your supervision from a task to a true masterpiece!
Building Brains from the Beginning: Connecting I/T Developmental Milestones to Classroom Practices & Activities
Christina Alton and Martha Gonzales
This session will explore infant and toddler development through interactive, exploratory activities and connect these activities to developmental and age-appropriate milestones. In addition, we will discuss effective strategies in documenting these activities and milestones for families to understand.
Building Brilliant Minds: Practical Skill-Building Strategies for Early Childhood
Cybriel Bonner
Discover practical, hands-on ways to help young children grow, learn, and thrive. In this engaging workshop, educators will explore how everyday moments, from playtime to circle time can nurture children’s thinking, communication, creativity, and confidence. Participants will walk away with simple, intentional strategies to support skill development in every domain.
Rocking this Director Life!
Cynthia Landry
This session will cover the many ways that we can get overwhelmed in the day-to-day operations as a Director. Participants will discuss and brainstorm ways to incorporate organizational techniques while creating a positive environment for staff and families. With planning and self-motivation, we all have the opportunity to Rock this Director Life!
Professionalism in Action: Building a Reputation that Lasts
Dawn Fobbs
Compentencies will include: Professionalism and Ethics – Demonstrating integrity, ethical conduct, and reflective practices.
Communication – Using clear, respectful, and professional communication with colleagues, families, and the community. Collaboration and Teamwork – Building positive working relationships to support program goals. Leadership Skills – Modeling professionalism and contributing to a positive organizational culture.
Bridging the Gap: Mastering Workplace Communication Skills
Dawn Fobbs
To “Strengthen your professional toolkit by mastering effective workplace communication. This session highlights strategies to bridge communication gaps, foster collaboration, and build stronger relationships, aligning with Texas Core Competencies to support early childhood professionals in creating positive, productive work environments.”
Turning Conflict into Collaboration: Resolving Differences at Work
Dawn Fobbs
As we are aligned with the Tx. Core Compentencies we will be offering strategies to “Discover practical strategies to transform workplace conflict into opportunities for collaboration. This session explores communication, problem-solving, and professional relationships, equipping early childhood professionals with tools to resolve differences constructively and strengthen teamwork.”
Creating a Calm Room
Dawn Hallman and Denise Collins
Discover ways to remain calm in the midst of a busy early childhood classroom. Learn how adults can practice co-regulation and help young children with the big emotions that can overpower small humans. This session will teach easy- to- learn calm down techniques that you don’t have to close your eyes to do. Learn how to turn the chaos to calm.
Play to Learn: How Dramatic Play Can Ignite Learning in the Classroom
Emily Perez
Has learning taken a stagnant turn in your classroom? Come “play to learn” exciting and practical ways to bring learning to life again! Dramatic play is essential to success so let’s have fun! Join Emily Perez for this fun and informational training on dramatic play!
Canvas & Curriculum: Bringing Magic to Life!
Emily Perez
Discover the magic of teaching art to your little learners! Explore how to create joyful and age appropriate art experiences that spark creativity and imagination in the classroom.
Observation and Assessment of Young Children
Esperanza Baldwin
Educators will learn how to use observation data to inform curriculum planning, identify developmental milestones, and communicate effectively with families about children’s progress. Real-world scenarios, video analysis, and hands-on activities will empower participants to enhance their observation skills and use assessments to support every child’s growth in a meaningful way.
Play-Along Songs! Movement, Music & Learning to Support Standards
Georgia and Kenneth Frawley
Engaging children in a variety of really fun songs and playful activities that teach various core concepts is the ideal teaching strategy. Children can learn so much and retain so much if they are having fun while doing it – and they won’t even know it.
Say, Sing & Sign! How ASL and Music Benefit Infants and Toddlers
Georgia and Kenneth Frawley
This is truly a hands-on workshop! Attendees will be actively involved with singing and signing songs that teach important vocabulary words for infants and toddlers. In addition, we will teach how to incorporate signing into the daily routine. Children can sign before they can talk if given the opportunity.
Tiny Mouths, Big Skills: What Educators Need to Know About Chewing, Drinking & Oral-Motor Development
Jean Hawney
Discover how chewing, drinking, and oral-motor skills develop in toddlers and preschoolers—and why they matter for safety, nutrition, and participation. Learn to spot red flags, prevent choking risks, and support skill practice in everyday routines. Gain practical classroom strategies to help every child feel confident and capable at the table.
All Kinds of Eaters: Feeding Support for Neurodivergent Toddlers & Preschoolers
Jean Hawney
Learn how to support toddlers with diverse feeding needs in early childhood settings. Identify red flags in chewing, swallowing, and mealtime behavior, and understand when sensory or motor skills—not “picky eating”—are the cause. Gain practical, play-based strategies and caregiver communication tips to promote safe, joyful participation at the table for every toddler.
Let’s Process Art!
Kendolyn Cooper Pope
Participants in this workshop will learn the benefits of open ended materials explorations and how to guide these explorations for their students. Further, participants will learn how to describe the benefits of these experiences to those who may view them as simply “making a mess.”
Communicable Illnesses, Allergies & Medications, Oh My!: Required Trainings Part I
Kendolyn Cooper Pope
Each year, child care professionals are required to obtain training related to the prevention and control of communicable illnesses, proper medication administration and preventing and responding to allergic reaction. The goal of this training is to share required information that is not only informative but fun!
Let’s Talk: Communicating with Parents About Suspected Special Needs
Kendolyn Cooper Pope
Neurodivergence is a hot topic, but how do we address this topic with families in our community? These are sensitive topics. Come develop a tool box of ideas for how to communicate with parents when you suspect that their child may have developmental delays that influence the school experience.
Building Your Team: Hiring and Retaining a High-Quality Staff
Kendolyn Cooper Pope
Early childhood programs offer many benefits to children, families and society at large, and these programs are most effective when staffed by well-prepared and highly qualified teachers. The challenge? Finding and retaining excellent team members. Participants will learn practical tips for recruitment, retention, and team building.
Managing Off-Task Behaviors in the Early Childhood Classroom
Lakisha Hickerson
Are you ready to transform your learning environment from chaos to calm? If so, this is the training for you! This professional development course covers practical age-appropriate behavior strategies that can be used in ECH classrooms to maximize classroom management. During this training, we will cover four prevalent off-task behaviors, their causes, and strategies that can be implemented immediately to restore order to your classroom.
Inclusion in the Early Childhood Classroom: Supporting ALL Learners!
Lakisha Hickerson
This training will explore how to include children with diverse needs in early childhood settings effectively. During this interactive training, participants will discuss and engage in five relevant inclusive practices and two strategies for each that can be implemented in their pre-school classrooms.
Positive Guidance for Neurodiverse Learners
Latoris Teague
Challenging behaviors can become opportunities for growth. This session explores positive guidance strategies that respect neurodiverse learners and empower caregivers with tools to redirect behavior while supporting social-emotional development.
Supporting Children with Autism: Practical Tools for the Child Care Classroom
Latoris Teague
This session provides practical tools for supporting children with autism in childcare classrooms. Participants will learn strategies to create inclusive environments that encourage communication, social interaction, and learning success.
SCRIBBLE your way to successful classroom connections, creativity, and calm-downs
Lauren Burrow
Grab a crayon and “scribble” your way to meaningful art-making that promotes community, connections, calmness, and creativity in your classroom! Participants will transform “scribbling” from just fine motor development into opportunities to expand young children’s self-regulation, teamwork, and SEL skills with intentional questioning and academic follow-ups. No art experience required!
Leading with Purpose: Coaching Tools to Elevate Supervision and Staff Development
Lucia Martinez
Effective supervision is one of the most powerful ways administrators can strengthen program quality, staff well-being, and child outcomes. This session equips administrators with practical, evidence informed coaching tools and frameworks they can apply to their supervision practices. Participants will explore four coaching-based approaches grounded in early childhood research and professional guidance: Reflective Supervision, the GROW Coaching Model , Strengths-Based Coaching, and the Observation–Feedback Cycle from the Practice-Based Coaching framework. Each technique will be paired with examples, discussion, and take-home tools showing how and when to use them most effectively in early childhood settings.
STREAM en Accion: Activando Mentes a Traves del Juego
Lucia Martinez
This session demonstrates how playful, hands-on experience can introduce children to STREAM concepts. Participants will explore practical strategies to foster creativity, problem-solving, and exploration, creating learning environments where curiosity and play drive meaningful educational outcomes.
Beyond the Job: Professionalism in Early Childhood Education
Maggie De La Cruz
Professionalism elevates childcare quality and strengthens trust. This session examines practical ways educators can demonstrate professionalism daily, from ethical decision-making to respectful communication and continuous growth.
Responsive Caregiving: Building Strong Foundations in the First Three Years
Maggie De La Cruz
Early experiences shape lifelong development. This session explores responsive caregiving practices that nurture infants and toddlers, strengthen relationships, and promote emotional and cognitive growth.
Partnering for Progress: Navigating Conversations about Developmental Concerns with Parents
Margaret Sachs
This session focuses on the critical role that child care professionals play in identifying early developmental challenges and how to approach these conversations with sensitivity, empathy, and clarity. Participants will gain practical tools for discussing developmental concerns with parents in a supportive and non-judgmental way, empowering parents to take action and seek the resources they need to support their child’s growth.
Spotting the Signs: Early Identification of Autism
Margaret Sachs
This interactive and informative session is designed for child care providers to better understand and recognize the early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in young children. Participants will learn about common developmental red flags, how to observe key behaviors, and the importance of early intervention. Through real-life examples, activities, and group discussions, child care providers will gain practical tools to identify potential signs of autism, approach parents with sensitivity, and foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all children.
Building Bridges of Language
Marisa Barrett
Every coo, giggle, and “uh-oh!” is a bridge in progress. Discover how everyday talk builds early communication. Learn to model language that stretches thinking, expands vocabulary, and transforms simple moments into foundations for confident, connected communication.
Cognitive Construction Zone
Marisa Barrett
Thinking starts early! Discover how infants and toddlers build knowledge through touch, movement, and playful exploration. Learn to design sensory-rich environments that spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and transform everyday routines into powerful learning moments—one giggle, grasp, and “I can do it!” at a time.
Understanding Autism with Strategies for Inclusion
Marlyn Kramer
The number of autistic children enrolling in the early childhood classroom is increasing each year. Working with these children can be intimidating and frustrating to the classroom educator. This training will help educators better understand autism, as well as, give strategies for successfully including these unique children in their classroom.
Intentional Coaching for Childcare Leaders: Empower, Engage, Elevate
Natasha Harris
This session is designed specifically for childcare directors who are ready to strengthen their leadership impact through intentional staff coaching. Directors will explore how to model excellence, coach with clarity, and build a culture of encouragement and growth. With a focus on positive open communication, team-building, and performance improvement, this training will equip directors with the tools they need to reduce burnout, foster accountability, and elevate their teams with purpose.
Through practical strategies and real-world examples, directors will learn to create a positive, growth-focused environment that empowers their staff—and ultimately benefits the children and families they serve.
Leading with Intention: Mastering Time, Tasks, and Team Needs A Productivity & Stress Management Workshop for Childcare Directors and Owners
Natasha Harris
Childcare leaders can do it all! We are our childcare administrators, team mentors, problem-solvers, and we do it all without falling apart. Our days are filled with interruptions, endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel busy but not productive. This hands-on training is designed to help childcare directors and owners reclaim their time, lead with clarity, and maintain a healthy balance while meeting the needs of children, families, and staff.
Leaders will walk away with concrete strategies for time-blocking, priority management, and personal energy tracking. You’ll also learn how to create systems that support your leadership—so you can be more present, more effective, and less overwhelmed.
Positive Behavior Strategies for Preschoolers-3y-5y
Natasha Harris
This session focuses on positive behavior strategies specifically designed for preschool children. Educators will learn practical techniques to cultivate a positive classroom environment that encourages social-emotional development and effective learning.
We will discuss methods to reinforce good behavior, manage classroom interactions, and foster a sense of community among young learners. By implementing these strategies, teachers can help children develop essential skills such as cooperation, self-regulation, and empathy.
Moment By Moment: Defining “Busy” vs. “Productive”
Natasha Harris
The “Moment-by-Moment” approach focuses on teaching daycare teachers to identify and navigate their daily tasks with intention.
This means distinguishing between tasks that simply keep them busy and those that are truly productive in fostering child development, safety, and overall classroom management.
Bridging the Gap: Effective Communication for Administrators, Teachers, and Families
Natoya Carroll
Clear communication is the foundation of strong childcare programs. This session equips participants with practical strategies for building professional relationships, strengthening family partnerships, and addressing conflicts with confidence and respect.
Leading with Purpose: Supervision Strategies that Inspire and Support Staff
Natoya Carroll
Strong supervision creates thriving childcare programs. This session explores practical strategies for motivating staff, fostering accountability, and delivering supportive feedback. Participants will leave with tools to inspire their teams and create a positive workplace culture.
Sticking Together: A Movement Uplifting Caregivers
Renee Mirick
Sticking Together, led by the Houston Infant Toddler Coalition, is a movement to uplift caregivers. We aim to celebrate caregivers for the amazing things done daily – talking, singing, playing, and reading. By uplifting these moments, we are creating a ripple effect, transforming Houston into a city where every baby thrives.
Circle Time That Connects: Engaging Every Child, Every Day
Re’Shaun Webb
Circle time can be the heartbeat of the classroom when it is intentional, interactive, and inclusive. This session introduces creative strategies to make circle time meaningful for all children. Educators will leave with fresh songs, movement activities, and storytelling ideas to boost engagement.
The Very Composed Communicator
Sandra Martinez
“The Very Composed Communicator” helps directors master the fine art of sounding professional when they’re one email away from losing it. Learn to handle parents, staff, and chaos with grace, humor, and just enough caffeine to keep your tone calm…even when your patience isn’t.
The Power of Social-Emotional Learning Through Play
Sarai Smith
This interactive training explores how intentional play experiences support preschoolers’ social and emotional development. Through hands-on activities and reflective discussion, participants will examine how responsive teacher-child interactions during play strengthen emotional regulation, empathy, and social problem-solving skills. Educators will leave equipped with strategies to guide behavior positively, foster peer connections, and embed social-emotional learning into everyday play routines.
From Tension to Trust: Difficult Conversations with Families and Staff
Sharon Jackson
Challenging conversations and meeting difficult situations head on are some of the biggest undertakings that a director faces. This session will help you discover steps to make the path easier to walk through appropriate preparation, compassionate interactions and meaningful follow-through.
Margin Mastery: Leading with Space to Breathe
Sharon Jackson
Directing an early childhood program requires constant energy and attention—often at the expense of your own well-being. This session introduces the concept of margin—the space between your load and your limit—and explores simple, powerful ways to reclaim time, energy, and calm so you can lead with clarity and confidence.
From Budget to Impact: Smarter Investments for Stronger Centers
Shawn Harmon
Learn how to make every dollar count! This session helps child care owners and directors evaluate the return on investment (ROI) of classroom materials and staffing. Discover practical tools to track impact, prioritize high-value spending, and build stronger, more sustainable centers through smarter, data-driven financial decisions.
Above the Minimum: Elevating Compliance and Culture Beyond the Basics
Sheika Petteway
This powerful leadership training is designed for childcare directors and administrators who are ready to go beyond “checking the box” and start building a culture of excellence rooted in licensing compliance. “Above the Minimum”challenges leaders to shift their mindset, inspire their team, and elevate their program’s quality by using Texas Minimum Standards not as a ceiling—but as a springboard for success. Through real-life scenarios, practical tools, and a renewed perspective, participants will learn how to make compliance meaningful, empower their staff, and set the tone for a high-standard, high-impact early childhood environment.
From Hire to Inspire: Mastering Onboarding, Training and Policy Transformation
Sheika Petteway
This interactive and engaging training is designed to equip childcare leaders and directors with the tools to optimize employee success. Attendees will learn how to design a structured and effective onboarding process, implement engaging training techniques that promote retention and understanding, and transform outdated policies into actionable and relatable standards that align with modern workplace needs.
Through practical insights, group discussions, and real-world examples, participants will gain strategies to foster a thriving workplace culture, enhance team performance, and ensure organizational compliance. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your leadership skills or improve operational processes, this training provides actionable solutions to inspire growth and drive meaningful change within your team.
How to Get it All Done? Creating Systems that Work
Sheika Petteway
This course is for leaders, business owners, freelancers, etc., that is ready for extreme PRODUCTIVITY. How do you know this training is for you?
You are ready to see your profits and results at full capacity. You do not want to miss out on booking a potential customer, and you would like to learn the best follow-up techniques. You are willing to create systems that function without you and strategies that can help grow your organization, company, and/or project.
Leveraging Community Partnerships: Building and Utilizing Relationships to Expand Reach and Enrollment
Sheika Petteway
Strong community partnerships are essential for any early childhood program or organization seeking to grow, sustain, and thrive. Mrs. Petteway equips leaders with strategies to identify, build, and nurture mutually beneficial relationships with businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, and community stakeholders. Participants will discover how to align their mission with community needs, create win-win collaborations, and use partnerships as powerful tools to expand program visibility, increase enrollment, and strengthen long-term impact.
Effective Supervisions Strategies for ECE Staff
Tamyra Belo
Equip supervisors with practical strategies to enhance communication, accountability, and professional growth while fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment in Early Childhood Education (ECE) settings. This session will also focus on building a successful Conscious Discipline Action Team, assigning strong mentors for onboarding, and fostering open communication to establish trust and support.
Growing Together: Effective Staff Supervision for Early Childhood
Traci Houston
The training on staff supervision in an early childhood environment focuses on developing effective leadership, reflective supervision, and active supervision skills. It equips supervisors to support staff growth, ensure child safety, provide constructive feedback, and build a positive, collaborative workplace culture that enhances teaching quality and overall program performance.
Developmental Milestones: 2 yrs to 4 yrs
Vickie Maertz
This training provides an essential overview of developmental milestones from Birth to 24 Months. Participants will learn to identify key achievements in motor, language, and social-emotional domains. We will explore age-appropriate activities to support development and recognize potential “red flags,” ensuring quality care for 2 to 4 year olds.
Developmental Milestones: Birth to 24 Months
Vickie Maertz
This training provides an essential overview of developmental milestones from Birth to 24 Months. Participants will learn to identify key achievements in motor, language, and social-emotional domains. We will explore age-appropriate activities to support development and recognize potential “red flags,” ensuring quality care for infants and toddlers
Your Playbook for Behavioral Challenges
Vickie Maertz
This training, Your Playbook for Behavior Challenges, provides practical strategies for working with 3- to 10-year-olds. Learn to identify the function of challenging behaviors, techniques for de-escalation, and create a proactive “playbook” to build children’s emotional intelligence and self-regulation.
Creating Language-Rich Classrooms for Children with Disabilities
Winn Castagno
Every child deserves to be heard. This session equips caregivers with tools to create language-rich classrooms that support communication for children with disabilities and strengthen inclusive practices.
Supporting Speech and Language Development in Early Learners
Winn Castagno
Strong language skills are the foundation of learning. This session helps participants recognize speech milestones, identify concerns early, and use practical strategies to foster language growth in daily routines.
Beyond the Milestones: What Every Educator Should Know About Child Development
Zona M. Dargan
Child development is more than checking off milestones—it is about understanding how
children grow, learn, and thrive through every stage. In this session, educators will
explore the “why” behind behavior, the stages of development, and practical strategies to
nurture growth in every child—beyond the milestones.
Leading with Purpose: Mastering the Art of Staff Supervision
Zona M. Dargan
Effective supervision is more than oversight—it’s purposeful leadership that builds trust, inspires growth, and enhances program quality. This training helps childcare directors strengthen their supervision skills through practical strategies, real-life scenarios, and reflective discussions that transform everyday supervision into meaningful opportunities for coaching, accountability, and professional growth.

