Mean Girls (and Boys!): Why Young Children Act In Unkind Ways and How To Help, Claire Lerner, LICSW
Sponsored by Second Step. When children boss other kids around, say hurtful things, exclude peers, and act in other unkind ways, they are not acting mean on purpose. By and large, these kids are struggling with difficult feelings of insecurity/self-doubt and anxiety. These complex emotions are uncomfortable and hard to make sense of and cope with, even for adults, no less young children who don’t[…] Full Description
Inclusive Sensory-Rich Nature Play for Children’s 7 Senses, by Jena Ponti Jauchius, PLA, CPSI
Sponsored by Nature Explore Nature play is one of the most powerful tools we have to give children the type of childhood they need to grow into thriving adults. Nature play calms children’s nervous system, offers the most beneficial sensory stimulation, and is an eager co-creator in play and learning. The benefits of nature play are increasingly recognized, however there is an essential aspect of[…] Full Description
Summer Nature! Offering Culturally-Centered Summer Nature-Based Programs, by Ashley Brailsford, Ph.D.
Sponsored by Unearthing Joy Together It’s safe to say we all want our programs’ outdoor spaces to be inclusive and welcoming. Creating nature-based curriculum and programs that center diverse cultural perspectives can be challenging but is necessary for transforming outdoor spaces into inclusive places. Just in time for summer program planning, presented by early childhood culture and nature expert, Ashley Brailsford, Ph.D., will offer ideas[…] Full Description
Coaching Teachers for Family Engagement, by Lisa Henkel, CFE and Mike Hook
Sponsored by LineLeader. We all know family engagement is integral to children’s development, but It’s not always so obvious that the art and a science of family engagement is really a program-wide effort. From the classroom to the front office, every staff member has a role to play. It is also important to consider how critical family engagement is to your program’s business health and growth? Engaged families[…] Full Description
Coaching Early Educators for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging, by Anni K. Reinking, Ed.D. and Laycee Thigpen MS.Ed.
Sponsored by Brookes Publishing. Are you an early education program leader who is ready to start transforming your program to be more equitable? Or are you already actively pursuing programmatic changes to ensure inclusion and justice? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, this energizing webinar will help you strategize and act with a step-by-step approach. Early childhood equity consultants, Anni K.[…] Full Description
Natural Playscape Makeover! Practical Design Tips for Supporting Child-Directed Play In Natural Spaces on Any Budget, by Rusty Keeler
Sponsored by Rusty Keeler. We all want to create beautiful outdoor natural play and learning environments for our children but isn’t it expensive? Difficult? Out of reach for the average caregiver and center? “No way!” says natural playscape designer and author Rusty Keeler, “You can do it!” Join Rusty as he shares 30 years of design experience to inspire YOU to dream and plan your[…] Full Description
Learn the Secrets Recruiters Use to Find Staff Online! by Lauren M. Small and Virginia Marsh
Sponsored by Brightwheel. Nothing is more challenging in early childhood care and education right now than finding staff. With a little bit of insight to switch up your thinking and your strategies you can overcome interview no-shows and underqualified candidates. Learning a bit about how the algorithms in the search platforms work and a little bit about your thought processes for recruiting can make a[…] Full Description
Important changes to our certificates + CEUs, by Fran Simon, Jill Bertelsen, Andrea Goggins, and Amanda Sant
Obtaining certificates and CEUs for our webinars always required a lot of explanation, and was a little complicated. We’ve been working on ways to improve the experience and also make our certificates more aligned to the expectations of child care registries in he US and Canada. The new process will be easier, but we want to explain it in great detail to participants, registries, and[…] Full Description
Benefits and Consequences of Racial Segregation in Early Childhood? by Iheoma U. Iruka, Ph.D. and Stephanie Curenton, Ph.D.
Produced in partnership with Equity Research Action Coalition at UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute. Racial segregation permeates all facets of life including early care and education. (One example of structural racism in the U.S. is racial segregation in housing.) In this fascinating webinar presented by Iheoma U. Iruka, Ph.D. and Stephanie Curenton, Ph.D. will guide you to use a critical lens to examine[…] Full Description
The Healing Power of Play and Optimism, by Steve Gross, MSW
Sponsored by Life is Good Playmaker Project. Optimism is powerful. When human beings strengthen their ability to see and focus on the goodness and value in themselves, others, and the world around them, their social, emotional and cognitive superpowers emerge. Optimism, however, is fragile. Chronic stress, fear and overwhelming adversity can weaken and destroy our capacity for optimism. This inspiring presentation by Steve Gross, helps[…] Full Description
