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Communication and Language Development Including Dual Language Learners - Ages birth to 5 years (2 hrs)  There are multiple important early milestones we will explore to better understand how communication and language skills develop in the first 5 years, including Dual Language Learners.

The Basics of Brain Development (and why it really, REALLY matters) (2 hrs)One critical role of the early childhood practitioner is to foster and support healthy brain development in young children.  This makes your job REALLY important!  We will take a look at how the brain unfolds and factors that affect its growth and neural wiring over time.  Partially based on work by Zero to Three, this session focuses on ages birth to five years.

Social and Emotional Development - Ages birth to 5 years (2 hrs)  There are multiple important early milestones we will explore to better understand how social and emotional skills develop in the first 5 years.  Partially based on work by Zero to Three, this session focuses on ages birth through five years.

Movement and Physical Development - Ages birth to 5 years (2 hrs) There are multiple important early milestones we will explore to better understand how movement and physical development unfold in the first 5 years.  

From Feisty to Flexible: Understanding Child Temperament (2 hrs)  We are all born with a natural temperament - some of us are flexible, some cautious, and some feisty. Occasionally what we perceive as challenging behavior is really a clash in temperament.  Learn about the components of the nine temperament traits that combine to create three basic temperament styles, and how this information can help you understand and better plan for the children in your care.   NOTE:  Formerly titled "Temperament: One Key to Understanding Children" 

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Creating Relationships with Children Through Powerful Interactions (2 hrs)  Positive, supportive relationships are the cornerstone to a successful classroom community.  The key lies in the types of interactions - both verbal and nonverbal - that you engage in with children throughout the day.  Based on the book Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning; this session explores strategies to become more intentional and purposeful in building relationships with young children.   NOTE: Formerly titled "The Importance of Relationships: Creating Powerful Interactions to Support Children"  

10 Strategies to Extend Learning for Young Children - Ages birth to 5 years  (2 hrs) An intentional teacher becomes skilled in capturing opportunities to scaffold children's experiences in the early childhood classroom.  Based on the book Powerful Interactions: How to Connect with Children to Extend Their Learning, this session explores ten strategies to expand children's discovery while employing curriculum and capturing teachable moments.

Why An Apple Is Worth 1000 Words: Learning Through Play (2 hrs)  In the adult world, play is often viewed as the absence of work and is considered of lesser value or time 'wasted.'  In the child's world, play is the work that allows them to decode the world around them while creating and practicing relationship skills.  The tuned-in early childhood educator recognizes the value of play and sets the stage for children's construction of knowledge.  We will explore what research tells us about play and how to best support learning through play via the teacher's role.​​

​Exploring Developmentally Appropriate Practices (D.A.P.) (2 hrs)  D.A.P. is an expression that is frequently heard in our field, but not always clearly understood.  Based on the most recent NAEYC Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practices, we will explore the six components of D.A.P. and the importance of implementing all of these elements in your classroom.

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Behind the Scenes:  Examining How Adults Contribute to Children's Challenging Behaviors (2 hrs)  Often challenging behaviors are the product of multiple factors that may not be readily apparent, including the grown-ups in the program!  Join us as we examine the bigger picture including developmentally appropriate behaviors we should expect; mistaken behaviors; unrealistic expectations; and imitation of the adults.  Small group activities, a case study and group discussion will be used in this professional development session to go beyond the surface of behaviors in search of potential root causes.

​CAUTION! Sometimes Toddlers Bite (2 hrs) Although biting is typical behavior for toddlers, it often leads to great anxiety in the classroom. This session will focus on some reasons toddlers bite; methods to prevent and/or reduce biting behaviors; and how to appropriately respond when biting occurs.  Includes what NOT to do.  NOTE:  This session also includes info on behavior logs and how to use them to address behaviors.​

First, There Is No Magic Wand... Positive Behavior Guidance in the Preschool Classroom (2 hrs)  Everybody wants the magic wand - the one "trick" that will resolve all challenging behaviors.  Newsflash! There is NO magic wand.  Positive behavior guidance strategies address individual child needs and incorporates a toolbox of techniques to prevent challenging behaviors while teaching children appropriate responses to situations.

Creative Art Experiences (2 hrs):  It's time to think outside the box!  Art should be an open-ended process that provides an opportunity to experiment with different mediums, express emotions and bring joy.  This session explores various art activities that support creativity and self-expression.​

STEM Experiences for Young Children: Ages 2-5 years (2 hrs) STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are cornerstones of the toddler and preschool experience.  During this session we will explore a variety of activities to support STEM and reflect components of the Learning Standards across multiple content areas.  NOTE: Target audience is those who work with children ages 2-5 years.

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Using the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards to Inform Curriculum Development​ (2 hrs) The Learning Standards reflect what research tells us children should be able to know and do at different ages to guide us in providing best practice in early care and education.  Equally as important, they provide a foundation and connection to future school success.  So, do you use this tool to its fullest?  Participants will dive into this valuable resource to explore and consider ways to increase its use in planning curriculum for young children.  NOTE: This session is only available to staff who all work in the same age group; toddler or preschool.  Attendance limited to 20 max.

CURRENTLY IN REVISION -- Webbing as a Tool to Create Preschool Curriculum (2 hrs) Webbing is a brainstorming method used to generate curriculum ideas in multiple categories, such as topic areas, learning centers or developmental domains.  It also provides multiple opportunities to individualize instruction.  This hands-on session will take a look at how to create webs and utilize them in activity planning.  

NOTE: This session is only available to groups of staff who all work in preschool classrooms.  Attendance limited to 20 max.

Observing Young Children Using Anecdotal Notes (2 hrs)  Observation provides a window into the child's thinking  processes, interests, skills and abilities.  Learn how to use anecdotal notes to record observations of young children and discuss how this valuable information can be used to inform program decisions and the assessment of children.  Photographs and video clips used to practice observation skills.  NOTE:  Formerly titled "Observing Young Children"

​Using Alternate Methods of Observation to Document Children's Growth and Development (2 hrs)  The most common method of observation is anecdotal notes.  However, there are other methods of observation that supplement anecdotal notes to provide additional insight into children's learning.  Designed for the practitioner who already has a working knowledge of observation, this session focuses on a number of alternative strategies, including running records, time sampling, analyzing artifacts, tallies and more.  NOTE:  Formerly titled "Methods of Observation" 

Using Portfolios to Document and Support Children's Development (2 hrs)  Portfolios capture children's development over time and provide concrete evidence of their thinking processes.  Participants will learn how to set up portfolios and how they can be used not only as a tool to illustrate development, but also as a guide to program planning, assessment and partnering with families. 

The Importance of Supervision:  Indoors & Out (2 hrs)  As early childhood professionals, we ensure families that their children will be appropriately supervised while they are in our care - both indoors and outdoors.  Discussion of the consequences of inadequate supervision, legal responsibilities, strategies for effective supervision, and the role of a supervision policy.  

The Daily Dozen: 12 Cornerstones for Playground Safety (2 hrs) More than 200,000 children are injured each year on playgrounds.  Learn how to detect hazards on your playground and take steps to prevent injury.  Information includes the importance of frequent playground checks, age-appropriate equipment, dangers that need to be addressed and a brief discussion on the critical role of supervision. 

​​Leave It at the Door:  Managing Personal Stress to Improve Workplace Performance (2 hrs)  Got stress??!!?  Everyday, ECE professionals dedicate themselves to nurturing children, youth, and families.  Often they are so dedicated to serving others, they neglect their own needs.  When this happens, staff can experience stress that impacts job performance and personal health.  Join us as we explore tools to manage stress in the classroom and maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle both in and out of the child care setting.  NOTE: Formerly titled "Leave It at the Door: Managing Personal Stress in the Workplace"

It's Not All About You... Functioning as a Member of a Team (2 hrs)  Teams cannot be mandated by management. There is no book or article; there is no activity; there is no formula to make you a team. Groups of individuals become a team when members choose to be one.  This session will examine elements of a team, the payoffs and how to move toward harmony in the workplace, including a look at Tucker's Model of Team Development.​

Not Just a Babysitter - What It Means to Be an ECE Professional (2 hrs)  Early care is so much more than just babysitting!  Children deserve practitioners who understand the importance of quality care and are committed to professionalism.  Join us as we take a look at some child care myths and discover why working in ECE can be incredibly rewarding as you leave your positive imprint on the lives of children and their families.​  ​NOTE: Formerly titled "Not 'Just a Babysitter!' - Committing to Professionalism in ECE"

What Is a CDA? Exploring National Certification in Early Care by Earning a Child Development Associate (1 hr)  Are you or a staff person thinking of pursuing a CDA credential?  Taught by a long-time CDA instructor and CDA PD Specialist, discussion will cover types of CDA certificates available and the CDA process which consists of 120 hours of training, a professional portfolio, parent surveys, the CDA Verification Visit and the CDA exam.  Tips and hints for success in achieving the CDA will be included.

CDA Portfolio Completion and Preparation for the CDA Visit & Exam  (6 hrs)  Designed for the CDA candidate who has either completed the 120 hours needed to apply for a CDA or is near completion.  Led by a seasoned CDA PD Specialist with considerable experience assessing CDA candidates and teaching CDA classes. This class prepares the participant for completion of the CDA portfolio tasks including the required resource collection items, competency statements, parent survey and the philosophy statement.  Guidance will also be provided in completing the CDA Application process, including finding a CDA PD Specialist and preparing for both the CDA Verification Visit and the CDA exam.  ​IMPORTANT:  Participant must already own/purchase a copy of the CDA competency standards book from the CDA Council which applies to the CDA they plan to pursue (Infant/Toddler or Preschool or Family Child Care).  This source is available from www.CDACouncil.org.  Cost of book is not included in course fee.

ACES and the Effect of Family Stressors on Children (2 hrs)  Children's experiences influence their development in not only the short term, but well into adulthood.  The ACES study brings to light the potential long-range impact of stress on children.  Join us as we explore the myriad of stressors faced by today's families, the possible effects, and how practitioners can help buffer the impact to improve outcomes for the children in their care.  NOTE: Formerly titled "Beneath the Iceberg: ACES and the Effect of Family Stressors on Children"

Understanding the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework (3 hrs)  All families benefit from protective factors that can be supported in the early childhood setting.  Participants will be introduced to the Strengthening Families Protective Factors Framework which includes five research-based protective factors (resiliency, social connections, knowledge of parenting/child development, concrete support in times of need, and social/emotional competence of children).  We will also identify strategies that help families build protective factors and explore the Strengthening Families Protective Factors self-assessment and goal-setting tool.   

Essential Ingredient of a High-Quality Care Program: R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (.75 - 1.5 hrs) All children deserve to be treated in a way that respects who they are and who they have the potential to become.  Truly respecting children means that we talk with them, not at them; that we handle their bodies and minds with care, not carelessness; and that we afford them no less than we would want afforded to ourselves.  Join as we discuss the important role of respectful relationships in promoting positive outcomes for children.

NOTE:  Keynote is currently only offered as a live virtual event. One break out session up to two hours available for an additional fee.