Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Early Childhood Investigations
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| The Adult System Is the Intervention: Leadership, Regulation, and Capacity-Building in Early Childhood Settings by Rachel Supalla, M.Ed. | 07 Mar 2026 | 01:23:29 | |
RESOURCES
You’ve invested in training. You’ve implemented behavior frameworks. You’ve supported individual classrooms—yet certain patterns persist: chronic dysregulation, staff burnout, uneven implementation, and behavior challenges that resurface no matter how many strategies are introduced. In this session, you are invited to step back from the classroom lens and examine what is often overlooked: the adult system itself. This presentation reframes behavior support as a leadership and organizational issue—not a child-level problem to be solved in isolation. You’ll explore how adult regulation, leadership alignment, emotional intelligence, and program structures either strengthen or erode a child’s capacity to self-regulate and engage. Rather than focusing on compliance or quick fixes, this session centers on building sustainable adult capacity—the conditions that allow regulation, consistency, and relational safety to take root across teams. Designed for directors, administrators, coaches, and teacher-leaders, this webinar invites you to reflect on your role as a culture builder and systems shaper. You’ll examine how leadership practices, communication patterns, and operational decisions directly influence classroom climate and behavior-support outcomes. Through practical frameworks and real-world examples, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to shift from managing behavior to strengthening the systems that support both children and educators. Led by Rachel Supalla, M.Ed., this session is ideal for leaders ready to move beyond tactics and toward long-term, scalable change—where regulation is embedded, adult capacity is prioritized, and behavior support becomes a shared responsibility across the organization. Learning Objectives By the end of this session, you will be able to:
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| Own Your Zip Code Blueprint: The Step-by-Step Plan to Dominate Your Local Market and Fill Every Classroom by Bruce Spurr [2026 Q1] | 06 Mar 2026 | 01:24:40 | |
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In today’s competitive child care market, simply being a “good center” isn’t enough — you need a proven strategy to become the #1 choice for families in your community. That’s exactly what you’ll gain in the Own Your Zip Code Blueprint™ webinar.
Join Bruce W. Spurr, CEO of Grow Your Center, as he reveals the full-funnel marketing strategy used by top-performing centers to turn empty spots into waitlists. You’ll discover how to build unstoppable momentum by mastering both traffic (paid ads, organic marketing, and brand building)and conversion (capturing leads, booking tours, and enrolling families).
This session will walk you step-by-step through the five stages of a winning enrollment funnel:
Whether you’re struggling to stand out or ready to dominate your market, this webinar will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and tools to finally own your zip code.
By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
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| Brrrrring It On! Embracing Cold, Snow & Rain Outdoors with Young Children by Kirsten Haugen, M.A. | 21 Jan 2026 | 01:16:22 | |
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Facing cold, wet, or snowy weather? No need to stay indoors! In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to prepare for cold weather play so children can enjoy it in safety and comfort—and how to thrive as you discover the wondrous possibilities of all kinds of weather. | |||
| From Overwhelmed to Joyful: Caring for Children and Yourself with Intention by Christina Fecio | 21 Jan 2026 | 01:15:39 | |
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Working in early care and education requires you to show up every day with your whole heart, and sometimes, that heart can feel stretched thin. This session is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deep purpose behind your work. Join author and educational consultant Christina Fecio in this session inspired by her latest book, Small Things, Great Love, where you'll explore simple, heartfelt practices that transform everyday moments into something meaningful. You don't need more time or a longer to-do list—just a gentle reminder to reclaim simplicity and joy.
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| Foundations of SEL Development in a Post-Pandemic, Digital World by Brian Puerling, MS, NBCT | 09 Jan 2026 | 01:17:01 | |
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How has the digital age—and the lasting impact of COVID—reshaped the way children build social and emotional skills? This foundational session explores how early childhood environments can foster critical competencies for young learners in today’s evolving world. | |||
| ECI Joins The Podcast World | 09 Jan 2026 | 00:02:14 | |
Introducing Early Childhood Investigations to the Pod-World! You may have joined one of our hundreds of webinars over the past 17 years, and now you can bring us on the go! These sessions are your gateway to inspiring, research-based professional development. Since 2009, our free series has brought together world-class authors, researchers, and experts in early care and education to share timely insights and spark meaningful conversations across the workforce. All of our session are free thanks to our producer, Playground the Child Care Management Software designed to early educators. If you want to earn your professional development hours with us, you can join our live sessions at ecewebinars.com/spotify You can also learn more about Playground at ecewebinars.com/playground-spotify | |||
| From Control to Collaboration: Re-thinking Classroom Management with Samuel Broaden | 05 Jan 2026 | 01:31:30 | |
In this engaging webinar, Samuel Brodin discusses the transition from control-based practices to collaborative approaches in early childhood education. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for educators, the impact of language on classroom dynamics, and the necessity of viewing children as capable individuals. By fostering collaboration with both children and families, educators can create a supportive and engaging learning environment. The session highlights practical strategies for letting go of control, understanding children's needs, and adapting teaching methods to enhance the educational experience. Key Takeaways - Self-reflection is crucial for educators to improve their practice. - Viewing children as capable individuals fosters a collaborative environment. - Language used in the classroom can influence children's behavior and self-perception. - Letting go of control can lead to a more engaging and supportive classroom. - Collaboration with children enhances their learning experience and autonomy. - Creating a safe space for children to express themselves is essential. - Involving families in the educational process strengthens community ties. - Understanding children's needs helps in managing classroom dynamics effectively. - Flexibility in teaching methods can accommodate children's energy levels. - Educators should continuously reflect on their practices and adapt to better serve children. See episode information here: https://ecewebinars.com/44UfEEq | |||
| The Owner-Director Disconnect: Closing the Gap To Boost Enrollment and Profits by Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed. and Carrie Casey | 27 Feb 2026 | 01:23:32 | |
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Too many child care programs lose money not because of a lack of demand, but because owners and directors aren’t aligned. When leadership teams lack a shared vision, the result can be under-enrollment, inconsistent practices, and financial strain. In this insightful session, child care program growth experts Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey will share proven strategies to bridge the gap between owners and directors so programs can thrive. You’ll learn how to foster alignment that empowers directors to manage profitably, enables owners to lead effectively, and allows entire teams to work toward sustainable success. Together, we’ll explore three key strategies every program needs to:
Whether you attend as an owner, a director, or as a leadership pair, you’ll leave with practical tools you can immediately apply to strengthen your program’s operations and bottom line. As a special bonus, you’ll also be invited to an upcoming three-hour masterclass designed to help you launch your summer programming profitably and set your team up for success all year long. | |||
| From “Screech!” to “More Please”: Building Infant and Toddler Communication Skills to Spark Learning, Foster Calm, and Ease Difficult Moments by Raelene Ostberg | 23 Feb 2026 | 01:20:00 | |
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by toddler screams, food-throwing, or frustrated outbursts? You’re not alone—and there are effective ways to turn those challenging moments into opportunities for connection and learning. In this engaging session, led by toddler expert, Raelene Ostberg, you’ll discover practical techniques that foster both verbal and nonverbal language skills, helping children replace ear-shattering screams with meaningful phrases and gestures. You’ll also gain insight into how infants and toddlers develop the critical language skills that reduce negative behaviors and learn the typical developmental expectations for expressive and receptive language in the first two years.Through entertaining real-life stories and engaging videos, you’ll see strategies in action and leave inspired with numerous evidence-based tools to build harmony in your early learning environment. Join us to transform everyday challenges into joyful breakthroughs—reducing stress, strengthening connections, and unlocking the magic of early learning. Objectives: Adult learners will be able to:
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| Born to Tinker: Supporting Infant Learning with Loose Parts by Sophie Rayner-Grignon | 23 Feb 2026 | 01:15:29 | |
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Babies are natural engineers—and Loose Parts are their tools for exploration! This engaging session explores how Loose Parts play supports infant development, encourages sensory exploration, and fosters early cognitive and motor skills.
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| Books, Beats & Bonding: Fostering Connection Through Stories, Songs, and Play by Dr. Anne Meeker Watson, MT-BC | 17 Feb 2026 | 01:17:30 | |
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This engaging and interactive workshop will explore practical, joyful ways to nurture early literacy, emotional regulation, and social connection in young children through the powerful combination of carefully selected picture books, songs, rhythm, and rhyme. Join Anne Meeker Watson, Ph.D., MT-BC, Music Therapist and Early Childhood Consultant at SING.PLAY.LOVE., author of Sing & Sign with Young Children: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals, and recipient of NAPPA and Parents’ Choice Honors awards for her global music programming. You’ll discover how these simple, everyday tools are deeply intertwined with social-emotional learning (SEL), providing a holistic foundation for development. We will delve into clear criteria for selecting rich picture book literature that captivates young minds and offers concrete opportunities for teaching a variety of essential skills.
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| Coaching for Change: Working Through Resistance by Susan Lewis, M.Ed. | 10 Feb 2026 | 01:19:03 | |
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Coaching is one of the most powerful tools we have to support adult growth in early childhood education—but meaningful change is rarely easy. Resistance isn’t a sign that people don’t care; more often, it’s a natural response to uncertainty, vulnerability, or past experiences. As coaches, leaders, and mentors, how we approach these moments can make all the difference. In this insightful and compassionate session, Susan Lewis, M.Ed., Founder and CEO of Early Childhood Education Professional Development (ECEPD), offers a fresh, reflective lens on resistance in coaching. Drawing from more than two decades of experience across classrooms, programs, and state systems, Susan will guide you in understanding what resistance really is—and how to work with it instead of against it. You’ll explore practical ways to connect with adult learners, respond with empathy, and support sustainable growth—even when change feels slow or uncomfortable. Whether you're a coach, administrator, or peer mentor, this session will deepen your coaching skills and help you foster more trusting, collaborative relationships that move your program forward. In this session, you will:
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| Helping Young Brains Build the Foundations to Flourish: Executive function and school readiness in the early years by Victoria Bagnall. MA (Cantab), PGCE. | 09 Feb 2026 | 01:19:28 | |
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In the early years, children are developing the essential building blocks that shape their ability to learn, manage emotions, build relationships, and thrive in the classroom. At the heart of this development are executive function skills—the brain-based processes that enable focus, self-regulation, memory, flexibility, and goal-directed behavior. Join Victoria A Bagnall. MA (Cantab), PGCE., neurodivergent educator, speaker, and co-founder of Connections in Mind, for a clear and compelling exploration of executive function in early childhood. A former teacher and Cambridge graduate, Victoria is one of the UK’s leading specialists in executive function coaching and training. Drawing on her work with early years settings, schools, and national organizations—including the NHS and the University of California, Berkeley—she shares practical, research-informed strategies that educators can use to create supportive, neuro-inclusive classroom environments where every child can thrive.
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| Is it Stress or Trauma? How We Can Support Children in School by Sharon Bacharach EdD, LCSW | 06 Feb 2026 | 01:10:49 | |
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What is a child’s behavior trying to tell you—and are we sometimes missing the real story? In early childhood settings, challenging behaviors can easily be misread. Children who have experienced trauma or chronic stress may display symptoms that mirror those of ADHD—leading to misdiagnoses and missed opportunities for healing. Understanding the difference is critical to offering the right support. In this insightful and practical webinar, Sharon Bacharach, Ed.D., L.C.S.W., will guide you in recognizing the behavioral signals of trauma and stress in young children. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a social worker and early childhood educator, Dr. Bacharach will help you explore how trauma presents in the classroom and what educators can do to respond with empathy and effectiveness. You’ll learn when to dig deeper, how to distinguish between trauma and other behavioral challenges, and which classroom strategies can help children feel safe, supported, and regulated. Walk away with a toolbox of concrete ideas you can implement immediately to better support the children in your care. Learning objectives, participants will be able to:
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| Leading with H.E.A.R.T: Transformative Strategies to Build Resilient, Thriving Early Childhood Teams by Monica Rollins, M.A. | 13 Mar 2026 | 01:24:58 | |
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Early childhood leadership shouldn’t require self-sacrifice. In this energizing and interactive session, we’ll move beyond surface-level self-care tips and dive into what it truly takes to lead thriving teaching teams. Using the H.E.A.R.T.™ framework (Healing Environments for Aligned and Regulated Teams) and the ECE Wellbeing Survey, participants will explore the science of stress, embodied leadership practices, and community care strategies that promote long-term well-being—for both staff and students. Join the Founder of Rooted: A Wellness Collective, Monica Rollins for hands-on activities, developing small-group connections, and practical shifts you can implement right away. What you’ll learn:
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| Compliance Without the Chaos: How to Keep Your Program Inspection Ready by Lynn Wenger and Ronnae Williams [2026 Q1] | 12 Mar 2026 | 01:25:02 | |
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Compliance Without the Chaos – Inspections don’t haveto be stressful. Learn how to package and practice what you’re already doing into a system that manages risk, closes gaps, and keeps your program inspection-ready every day. Take control by communicating your proactive processes andprocedures to stay ahead of licensing requirements! This session will show you how to maintain accurate records, document your audits, and demonstrate how you minimize risk. You’ll gain confidence knowing your program is always inspection-ready and fully aligned with licensing standards ensuring a safe, high-quality environment where both children and teachers thrive. 3 Key Takeaways
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| Enrollment Playbook: Policies, Handbooks and Growth Dr. Tamar Andrews [2026 Q1] | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:25:19 | |
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Enrollment isn’t just paperwork—it’s the foundation of your program’s culture, finances, and family relationships. In this session, we’ll explore how the right policies and procedures can streamline the enrollment process while building trust with staff and families. You’ll learn how to design staff and parent handbooks that set clear expectations, foster engagement, and reflect your values. Then, we’ll dive into practical strategies for enrollment: collecting the right information up front, structuring fees and deposits, and automating tasks like emails and forms to create a smooth experience for families. Finally, we’ll look at how predictive enrollment, reviews, and referrals can keep your pipeline full—helping you plan capacity with confidence and sustain your program’s growth. By the end of this session, you will be able to:
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| Billing & Tuition Policies That Work Strengthening Financial Foundations by Monique D. Reynolds [2026 Q1] | 26 Mar 2026 | 01:23:46 | |
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Billing and tuition policies are the backbone of every successful child care program. In this engaging webinar, Monique Reynolds, VP of ECE Business Support Services, will share practical strategies for creating or strengthening systems that ensure payments are received on time, reduce stress, and keep operations running smoothly. You’ll learn how to set clear expectations from the start—or refine the approach you already have—while confidently navigating tough conversations and establishing policies that protect revenue and foster positive family relationships. By the end of this interactive session, you’ll have actionable tools to strengthen your financial foundation, streamline processes, and gain peace of mind. Whether your goal is to eliminate late payments, update your current practices, or build trust with families, the strategies shared in this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make your billing policies work for you. Learning Objectives After attending this session, you will be able to:
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| Why “Gentle Parenting” Fails Your Kids: What Really Works with Big Reactors by Claire Lerner, LICSW | 20 Mar 2026 | 01:23:24 | |
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With big reactors, “gentle parenting” often doesn’t work. These children tend to reject calming tools. As one six-year-old put it, “I remember the tools before; I remember them after; I just don’t remember them in the middle.” They often find it intrusive and overwhelming when parents validate and talk about their emotions. This can lead to outbursts like, “Stop talking to me! Stop telling me that! I’m not sad!” When their brains and bodies are flooded with big emotions, the more parents, teachers, and caregivers try to convince them to cooperate, the less likely they are to do so. This workshop—based on Claire Lerner, LICSW’s new book, Big Reactors: Practical Strategies for Parenting Highly Sensitive Children—will present key insights and tools to help anyone supporting a young child’s development. You’ll learn how to thread the needle of being connected, sensitive, and responsive while also setting the firm limits big reactors need to develop self-regulation and thrive. If you care for a child(en) who goes from 0 to 100 in a nanosecond when things don’t go their way; who seems laser-focused on being in power and control; who can’t tolerate correction and blames others for everything; and with whom few, if any, conventional cooperation strategies work—this webinar is for you. Drawing from decades of work with these complex and often confusing children, Claire will share detailed case examples and reveal the “detective work” process she uses to help parents, teachers, and caregivers uncover the root causes of challenging behaviors and develop sensitive, effective, real-life strategies that work—not just in theory. Participants will learn to:
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| More Than Tuition 3 Numbers Every Director Must Master by Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed. and Carrie Casey [2026 Q1] | 02 Apr 2026 | 01:26:13 | |
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Most child care directors are trained to nurture children—not to crunch numbers. Yet without financial clarity, even the strongest programs can falter. In this high-impact session, bestselling authors and child care business experts Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey will show you how to shift from “hoping the bills get paid” to leading with confidence. You’ll uncover three common blind spots that quietly drain centers of revenue and stability:
Through quick-win demos and real-world examples, you’ll see how a single staffing shift can boost margins by 5–10%—and how the right tools can transform directors into financial leaders. This session isn’t about becoming an accountant. It’s about gaining the clarity every director needs to safeguard their program, their team, and their future. Walk away with practical tools you can use immediately, plus an exclusive invitation to dive deeper in our Masterclass on Child Care Finance for Directors—where we’ll equip you with the full system to thrive. | |||
| Watch. Wait. Wonder: The Art of Observation by Heather White, Ed.S., M.Ed., NCSP | 30 Mar 2026 | 01:26:01 | |
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Observation is at the heart of effective early childhood practice, yet it is also an art—one that calls you to slow down, notice, and truly see the child before you. In this session, you’ll be invited to step into the role of a keen observer, sharpening your awareness and deepening your understanding of what unfolds in your learning environment each day. We’ll begin by exploring the foundations of observation through the lens of Montessori pedagogy and philosophy, grounding you in the why behind this essential practice. You’ll learn how observation is defined in a Montessori context and consider its unique role as both a scientific and spiritual act—insights that can strengthen your practice in any early childhood setting. From there, we’ll move into the how—practical strategies for watching with intention, waiting with patience, and wondering with curiosity. You’ll discover the many types of observation available and reflect on what can be observed: children’s choices, behaviors, interactions, developmental milestones, and the prepared environment itself. As you uncover these layers, you’ll begin to see how observation can transform not only your teaching but also your relationships with the children in your care. Finally, we’ll explore what comes next—how to use your observations to guide practice, inform decision-making, and better meet the needs of each individual child. Along the way, you’ll be reminded of the profound benefits that emerge when you watch closely, wait thoughtfully, and wonder deeply. Whether you’re new to early childhood education or a seasoned professional, this session will inspire you to refine your most valuable tool: the art of observation. You’ll walk away ready to see your children with fresh eyes and renewed understanding. Learning Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
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| The Heart and the Mind 101: From Neurons to Nerves to Regulation by Richard Cohen, M.A. | 09 Apr 2026 | 01:24:36 | |
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Every emotion, reaction, and behavior tells a story—and it begins deep within the brain and body. In this insightful and grounding session, we’ll explore the fascinating connection between the brain, the nervous system, and emotional regulation in early childhood. Children’s ability to self-regulate doesn’t develop overnight; it’s nurtured through caring relationships and co-regulation with responsive adults. In this session led by Richard Cohen, M.A., we’ll trace how thoughts and feelings travel through the body to become actions—and what that means for the moments we share with young children each day. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of:
This session will leave you with both the science and the heart of emotional regulation—equipping you with compassionate, neuroscience-informed tools to support young children’s social-emotional growth and your own well-being along the way. | |||
| Building Beyond Anti-Bias Education: Centering Justice in Early Childhood Practice by Dr. Jamie Cho and Ninderjit Gill | 17 Apr 2026 | 01:26:59 | |
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What does it really mean to move beyond anti-bias education in early childhood? For decades, anti-bias work has helped educators nurture children’s identities and celebrate diversity. Yet, despite these important efforts, inequities rooted in racism, ableism, eurocentrism, and monolingualism continue to show up in early learning spaces. In this inspiring and challenging webinar, Dr. Jamie Cho and Ninderjit Gill will invite educators to look more deeply at how everyday practices can either reinforce or disrupt systems of inequity. Together, they’ll explore how justice-centered teaching can create new ways of being—where children’s cultures, languages, and identities are truly honored and where educators act as agents of change in their communities. During this session, you will:
Join us to reimagine what equity can look like in early childhood—and to strengthen your role in building programs where every child and family feels seen, heard, and valued. | |||
| Reimagining Early Childhood Education to Embrace Nature-Based Learning by Dr. Rachel Larimore | 30 Apr 2026 | 01:27:45 | |
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Early education program leaders around the world are increasingly enthusiastic about nature-based learning. Many leaders want to jump in wholeheartedly but find shifting the culture of their organization incredibly challenging. This webinar is a pause to say, “Imagine if…” Imagine if nature were another teacher in the classroom, if nature-based learning were core to the program’s culture, and if families were choosing your program because of its nature-rich experiences. In this session, Dr. Larimore will explore different ways to consider a nature-based approach in your teaching—from the structure of the day and the physical environment to planning and teacher-child interactions. She’ll share a wide range of possibilities for imagining—or reimagining—the ways we support young children through nature-based learning. In this action-focused webinar designed for program leaders and administrators, experienced early childhood nature-based program leader and author Dr. Rachel Larimore will share her Trail Map for Leading Change—an approach for inspiring and supporting staff as they move toward nature-based teaching. In previous ECI webinars, she focused on the big picture of the Trail Map for Change and Step 1: preparing yourself as a leader. In this webinar, she’ll focus on Step 5 of the Trail Map: reimagining teaching practices to embrace nature-based pedagogy. Come be inspired by the diverse and innovative ways early childhood programs are integrating nature-based learning into their classrooms. Objectives Participants will be able to:
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| Coming Home to Ourselves: A Healing Space for Caregivers and Community by Michael Browne, MBA | 24 Apr 2026 | 01:23:28 | |
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In every classroom, on every playground, and over every shared meal, there are opportunities for healing. This immersive session invites early childhood educators and professionals to reconnect with their own wisdom, intuition, and power as everyday healers in the lives of young children. Facilitated by educator and author Mike Browne, MBA, this webinar is more than professional development—it’s a restorative experience for the heart of our field. Together, we’ll explore how healing-centered practices can live in the routines and relationships that define early childhood care and education. Through story, breath, and reflection, participants will consider how trauma shows up in our classrooms and communities—and how safety, connection, and regulation can be offered in even the smallest interactions. Whether you’re a teacher, cook, driver, family advocate, or administrator, your presence matters. Healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in relationship. Together, we’ll remember that care is collective, and that every role in early childhood education is a healing role. Intentions (Learning Objectives): This session is not just about understanding trauma—it’s about:
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| Play and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice in Early Childhood by Kerry Murphy (BA Hons, MSc) | 23 Apr 2026 | 01:23:00 | |
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Play is innate, and all children have the capacity for playful selves. Yet many conventional views of play still rely on narrow developmental expectations that unintentionally exclude neurodivergent and disabled children. In this session led by Kerry Murphy (BA Hons, MSc)—author, Early Childhood Specialist, Lecturer, and Trainer—you are invited to re-explore play through a neurodiversity-affirming lens that honors the many functions and patterns of play. You will be introduced to ideas that move beyond typical play frameworks, such as stage theory, and instead explore the diverse developmental pathways children naturally follow through play. Together, we will examine common play patterns in neurodivergent children and explore why these are valid and developmentally meaningful. We will also question neuronormative assumptions about what counts as “functional” play and recognize the depth of insight available when children are supported to play in ways that feel authentic to them. Throughout the session, you will reflect on how neuronormativity and developmental norms can shape our interpretations of children’s actions. By engaging with practical examples, case studies, and reflective prompts, you will discover how to design play environments that are affirming, autonomous, accessible, and filled with joy, meaning, and knowledge creation. Learning Objectives
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| Developing 21st-Century Skills in Early Childhood through STEAM Learning Centers by Tiffany Berman, M.Ed | 01 May 2026 | 01:26:17 | |
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What if the everyday “problems” you see in your classroom could become the spark for deeper learning? When a block tower tumbles down or paint drips across a page, children are already engaging in problem-solving, experimenting, and exploring big ideas. This webinar will show you how to transform those ordinary moments into extraordinary opportunities through problem-based STEAM learning. Together, we’ll explore how to design hands-on, developmentally appropriate centers that invite children to question, investigate, and solve challenges in creative ways. You’ll see how science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math can come alive through playful exploration that nurtures curiosity and builds essential 21st-century skills. In this approachable STEAM session, hosted by Tiffany Berman, M.Ed we’ll walk through the process step by step—from observing children to uncover the problems they’re naturally drawn to, to choosing the right materials, to guiding child-led investigations that empower independent learning. Learning Objectives:
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| Leadership and Play: It’s Serious Business by Kimberlee Burt Hendricks | 22 May 2026 | 01:22:12 | |
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Leadership isn’t positional—it’s relational. Whether you’re a president, owner, principal, director, teacher, counselor, parent, or the person responsible for making sure lunch arrives on time—if you work with people, and especially with children, you lead. Leadership is not defined by a title; it’s expressed through presence, listening, and creating space for others to thrive. In this session, Kimberlee Burt Hendricks, The Play and Learn Leader at A Child’s Space 2, will guide participants through an exploration of how play is not just for children, it’s a vital practice that nurtures creativity, connection, and emotional well-being for adults as well. Through stories, research, and reflective experiences, Kimberlee will illuminate how neuroscience and well-established leadership models reveal that play is not a distraction from leadership, but a catalyst for it. As early learning environments continue to evolve, embracing play, both personally and professionally, has never been more important. Participants will engage in reflective discussions and playful moments that highlight how curiosity, imagination, and laughter strengthen leadership at every level. Because when we understand the power of play, we lead and live with greater joy, empathy, and purpose. Learning Objectives After this session, participants will be able to:
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| Self-Regulation In Early Childhood Classrooms: Improving Teacher Practice While Supporting Engagement and Achievement by Carrie Comer-Yates | 15 May 2026 | 01:23:45 | |
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What if strengthening self-regulation could transform not only children’s behavior—but your entire classroom experience? In this research-informed session led by Dr. Carrie Comer-Yates, you’ll explore how young children’s self-regulation skills directly influence teacher practice, classroom expectations, and student success. Dr. Comer-Yates is deeply committed to helping educators build foundational skills in social-emotional development, differentiate classroom supports, and care for their own social-emotional well-being alongside their students’. Drawing from a comprehensive study of early childhood classrooms, this webinar examines the shared responsibilities between children and educators, the role of the learning environment, and the levels of support needed for children to thrive. You’ll gain practical, actionable strategies grounded in real classroom data—highlighting the critical roles of professional development, family engagement, and intentional instructional practices. The session also explores how factors such as culture shape self-regulation and influence classroom expectations. By strengthening your understanding of self-regulation, you’ll be better equipped to foster positive social, emotional, and academic growth—creating more responsive, supportive, and successful learning environments, even within complex early childhood systems. Learning Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
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| The Joyous Equation: Purpose + People + Prosperity = Vibrant Early Childhood Organizations by Karen Foster-Jorgensen | 14 May 2026 | 01:25:32 | |
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What if joy wasn’t a byproduct of good leadership—but the very foundation of it? This inspiring and practical webinar invites early childhood leaders to explore what it truly means to lead with joy and purpose. Led by global consultant and innovation champion Karen Foster-Jorgensen, participants will discover how to apply the Joyous Organization Framework and the Joyous Leadership Collabratory™ to strengthen both the heart and health of their organizations—blending purpose, prosperity, positive mindset, and people-centered leadership for lasting impact. Learning Objectives:
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| Coaching vs. Mentoring: What’s the difference? by Dr. Tamar Andrews | 11 Jun 2026 | 01:25:16 | |
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As early childhood leaders, we're constantly supporting the growth of the educators around us — but are we using the right tools for the job? Coaching and mentoring are both powerful, yet they serve very different purposes. Knowing when to coach and when to mentor can transform how you lead your team and build a culture of continuous growth in your program. In this session, we'll cut through the confusion and give directors, coordinators, and educational leaders a clear, practical framework for understanding both approaches — and confidently knowing which one to reach for. Participants will:
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| More Than We Imagined: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Thrive Through Everyday Challenges by Ellen M. Drolette | 10 Jun 2026 | 01:24:00 | |
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Early childhood professionals regularly navigate unpredictable situations: big feelings, complex behaviors, competing demands, and the constant balancing of children’s needs, family expectations, and program requirements. Whether you’re an administrator, a family child care provider, or a center-based educator, these everyday challenges can stretch your capacity and shape the climate of your work. This webinar explores how Appreciative Inquiry offers practical tools for responding to challenging moments with clarity, presence, and intention. Drawing from the book More Than We Imagined by Ellen M. Drolette, we’ll examine how what we notice, amplify, and choose to focus on can shift the trajectory of an interaction and open up new possibilities. Participants will learn strengths-based strategies that support well-being, build trust, and promote resilience across early childhood settings. You’ll walk away with actionable approaches rooted in play, connection, and reflection—approaches that help reduce stress, strengthen professional relationships, and create conditions where both adults and children can thrive. Learning Objectives
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| Leading Across Generations: Strategies for a Stronger, More Collaborative Team by Dr. Keena Mosley | 05 Jun 2026 | 01:22:18 | |
RESOURCES
In today’s work environment, leading a team requires a nuanced understanding of each member’s values, expectations, and work styles. With a focus on collaboration, this workshop is designed to equip leaders with the tools and insights needed to effectively engage, motivate, and guide multiple generations. Join Dr. Keena R. Mosley, former award-winning collegiate professor, author, and Founder of Momentum Leadership Group. With her people-centered strategic approach, participants will explore practical skills that foster a productive, responsive, and inclusive workplace. Through interactive activities, they will bring current research to life and identify clear next steps for applying the content in their real-world settings. Learning Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
This session will empower you to lead with confidence and build a cohesive, high-performing team—no matter the generational mix. | |||
| AI Search Is Here - The Gold Rush Opportunity for Child Care Centers in 2026 by Bruce Spurr | 05 Jun 2026 | 01:25:42 | |
RESOURCES
Only 3 centers will own the leaders in your market—How to make sure you’re one of them Search is being completely rebuilt — and most childcare centers don’t realize it yet. Parents are no longer just clicking ads or scrolling your social posts. They’re:
At the same time, buying attention through ads is getting harder, more expensive, and less predictable for local businesses—the cost is out of reach of most child care centers. (Google finally admitted to us that new ad accounts need $100/day media spend to train their AI buying algorithm! That’s absolutely ridiculous for the ECE industry!) In this live training, Bruce Spurr, CEO of Grow Your Center, will break down how AI-powered search is transforming the way parents discover childcare — and why this shift is creating the biggest local visibility opportunity we’ve seen since 2008. History is being made. We’re not just going to talk about AI search, but give you CONTEXT in how the new world of “SEO” fits into your complete marketing stack in 2026…how owners just like you are filling their open classroom spots! In this session, you’ll learn:
This training is especially valuable if:
We’ll also have a Q&A and select 3-5 audience volunteers to review your rankings! | |||
| The Science of Play, Part 2: Making It Work — Applying the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Framework for Deep Learning Through Play by Amanda Morgan, MS | 29 May 2026 | 01:26:16 | |
RESOURCES
You’ve explored why play matters—now it’s time to focus on how to make it work. In this practical follow-up to The Science of Play, Amanda Morgan—author of Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood—will dive deeper into the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Framework to show how intentional, guided play can support meaningful developmental outcomes without co-opting the play itself. Through relatable play examples and reflection tools, you’ll learn how to align play with your curriculum and objectives, make strategic amendments to support standards, and introduce authentic, play-based assessment methods. Whether you’re teaching in the classroom or leading at the program level, this session will help you bridge the gap between theory and practice—so play can flourish as both joyful and truly rigorous learning. Learning Outcomes:
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| From Idea to Launch: Starting Your Early Childhood Business the Right Way by Chelsea Denny | 27 May 2026 | 01:23:20 | |
RESOURCES
Are you considering starting an early childhood business? Let's learn how to take your small business from the idea phase to launch.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Participants will be able to outline the process required to start a legal business in the United States.
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| Unlocking the Power of the Pyramid Model to Build Bright Futures by Robin Levy, M.A. | 23 Jun 2026 | 01:24:42 | |
RESOURCES
Step into a session designed to inspire you, empower you, and strengthen the way you support young children every day. In this uplifting introduction, you’ll explore the Pyramid Model—a research-based framework proven to promote healthy social and emotional development in young children. Join Robin Levy, M.A., to discover how this model supports your work by offering practical, compassionate strategies you can pair with any curriculum. The Pyramid Model is not a curriculum itself; instead, it functions as a powerful approach that enhances your existing practices and helps you create more responsive, predictable, and nurturing environments. As you move through each tier of the model, you’ll see how its emphasis on relationships, supportive environments, and targeted teaching practices can transform your daily interactions. You’ll learn how greetings, routines, expectations, and problem-solving moments become opportunities to build confidence, cooperation, and emotional resilience in every child. You’ll also explore how the Pyramid Model is used across early childhood settings by early educators, early intervention personnel, early childhood special education teams, infant and early childhood mental health consultants, and families—giving you a shared language and approach that strengthens collaboration and consistency for the children you serve. Through real examples, reflection, and practical strategies, you’ll gain clarity on how this framework can reduce challenging behaviors and increase children’s sense of safety, belonging, and joy. Whether you’re brand new to the Pyramid Model or ready to refresh your understanding, this session will leave you excited and equipped to bring its strategies to life in your own setting or program. Come ready to learn, connect, and grow—your work has the power to transform children’s lives, and the Pyramid Model is here to support you. Learning Objectives By the end of this session, you will be able to:
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| Hidden compliance asks for trust. Visible compliance earns it. by Lynn Wenger and Ronnae Williams | 18 Jun 2026 | 01:23:58 | |
RESOURCES
Trust Grows Where Proof Shows™ just as it is with industries from aviation to healthcare, early education compliance isn’t optional. The reality is that safety and trust aren’t just feelings. In regulated industries like ours, they’re facts you can see, measure, and demonstrate. Your stakeholders need more than reassurance. They need proof they can believe in. So how do we put this concept into visible practice? The Compliance Alliance and The State Lady® come together to give you practical examples and strategies to make the invisible visible from how you market your compliance to ways to showcase your practices to preventative measures to avoid a citation, or worse, an insurance claim or lawsuit. Because compliance isn’t defined when everything goes right—it’s defined when something goes wrong. That’s when real practices show up. Together we will bridge the gap between compliance systems and real-world application. We will share how to turn your website messaging, parent communication, licensing visits, audits, and documentation into visible, trust-building proof. When your practices show every day, your stakeholder confidence grows—and families, staff, and regulators don’t just hear you’re safe… they see it. With a combined lens of compliance strategy and licensing experience, this session will highlight the difference between programs that say they’re compliant and those that can demonstrate it at any moment. Key Takeaways:
"Stakeholders don’t just need to be told we’re safe—they need to believe it for themselves." | |||
| The Break-Even Decisions Childcare Leaders Cannot Afford to Miss by Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed. | 25 Jun 2026 | 01:23:50 | |
RESOURCES
Break-even is not just a finance formula. It is the result of leadership decisions made every day across enrollment, staffing, pricing, schedules, and classroom structure. In this session, Kate Woodward Young, M.Ed helps child care leaders look at break-even through a more practical lens by connecting the numbers to the real choices that shape financial stability. Participants will explore the common assumptions that keep programs stuck, the hidden impact of under-enrolled classrooms and staffing misalignment, and how stronger decision-making can improve both confidence and outcomes. This session is designed for owners, directors, and administrators who want to better understand what drives sustainability and how to respond before small issues become bigger financial problems. Key takeaways:
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| Rethinking Group Time: Supporting Regulation, Belonging, and Participation by Amy Chiu, MSEd | 26 Jun 2026 | 01:24:21 | |
RESOURCES
Group time is often one of the most challenging parts of the day for both children and adults. This session helps educators examine why group times can feel dysregulating and how adult presence, pacing, and expectations shape children’s participation and sense of safety, agency, and belonging. Through reflection and practical, relational strategies, you will explore how to move away from power struggles and compliance-based expectations and toward shared regulation, flexibility, and connection. Participants will leave with concrete ways to support meaningful participation during group time while honoring individual differences and developmental needs. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Participants will be able to:
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