This webinar will explore the impact of food insecurity on health and factors reducing access to healthy and affordable food. Experts will discuss solutions such as community-based food system partnerships targeting vulnerable populations.

This edWebinar takes a detailed, year-round look at practical and engaging outdoor experiences for children ages 3-6. Special attention is given to easy-to-obtain materials, seasonal activities that could be taught in a range of environments, and meeting the developmental needs of children—using nature as a teaching partner. The learning objectives of the session include:

As early childhood educators and caregivers, you are the first point of contact for parents for all things related to their children. From “good morning” to circle time, snack time to nap time, potty training to lunch, curriculum to playground time – you are the captain of their child’s ship during school hours, and the one helping to steer their child’s journey, not only their learning journey, but their social and emotional journey as well. This is a journey that comes with significant needs, requiring the necessary navigation of myriad expectations. Parents need you, but you also need them. Only together can you build the essential bridge that must exist between home and school to guide children on the best path forward.

Healthy social and emotional development in the preschool years is foundational to healthy development in all other areas. Research shows that fostering positive relationships is key to that healthy development! Join us as we discuss the importance of social and emotional development for preschoolers. Learn ways teachers and family child care providers can use the Positive Behavior Supports Framework to build relationships with the children in their care.

In this introduction to trauma, we will discuss various types of  trauma and its effect on the brain, body, and health. We will explore  trauma as it relates to behavior and learn how to identify ways to  reduce episodes of re-traumatization of survivors. 

Participants will engage in a hands-on exploration of grant research, writing and evaluation. The workshop will use sample proposal forms and proposals to introduce the elements of grants and the evaluation process used by funders. Students will explore how to find relevant grants and how to develop successful proposals that match funders’ priorities. They will develop an individual project proposal, learn how to research the organizational background, how to document need and how to establish an evaluation plan and timeline. Participants will leave ready to write grants and excited about the possibilities of developing funding.

How can communities continue to have connectedness and practice wellbeing for everyone? Dr. Collins will share tools of wellness that community members can use to provide care for themselves and the families they serve. She will share practical and accessible ways to support parents and children and offer wellness tools for care professionals while addressing the need to be mindful of trauma impacting our communities.

Resilience — the ability to adapt to difficult situations — helps people cope and reach out for support when faced with mental health concerns. This webinar focuses on the importance of finding, understanding, and elevating sources of resilience in racially- and ethnically-diverse and under-resourced communities. Learn how to find local support systems that promote resilience so you can connect Head Start children, families, and staff with community resources that strengthen their mental health.

Learning a second language is cognitively and socially demanding. Therefore, educators must be intentional in using techniques that support children’s second language development while promoting their language skills. This webinar will provide you with helpful strategies in both areas.

This paradigm-shifting webinar, by master pedagogist Diane Kashin, EdD, RECE, will provide the background and provocation to help you think through how to reimagine Communities of Practice so professional growth opportunities become inclusive and responsive Communities of Support.

Building and nurturing positive relationships and interactions with young children and families is an essential part of promoting positive behavior. Young children learn and grow when they are in caring and responsive relationships with the adults in their lives. Watch as we explore strategies and resources coaches can use to support coachees on nurturing positive interactions. Apply coaching skills through a guided activity based on effective relationships practices.

Trauma and toxic stress are prevalent in our world, impacting many of the people we interact with, including staff and colleagues. By exploring and understanding these impacts, we are better able to lead from a framework of compassion and empathy. Throughout this interactive workshop, we’ll discuss how to lead with a trauma-informed approach, increasing psychological safety and creating greater resilience for your organization.

Early educators around the world are increasingly embracing nature in our practice, but many find that venturing outside in winter can be a real challenge. For many teachers, the biggest barriers are planning for the right resources and their mindsets about being outside in all types of weather. In this refreshing webinar, International nature Pedagogista, Dr. Claire Warden will provide advice and tips that will help you to overcome these barriers and ensure that at the end of the winter months, both educators and children will declare: That was the best winter ever!

A child's sense of belonging is built through responsive relationships and supportive environments. Leading with equity and inclusion means asking the questions: Are the environments designed to promote the engagement of all learners? Do we build and nurture adult-child relationships equitably? If not, how might this contribute to child behaviors that challenge adults? Join us as we examine building a child's sense of belonging as an initial step to addressing challenging behaviors.

This training will provide participants an introduction to trauma and its impact on human development across areas of functioning, as well as the core principles of trauma and resilience informed care. Participants will practice strategies to enhance their capacity for trauma and resilience informed care in themselves and their organizations. Participants will also learn strategies to promote resilience, reduce stress, and prioritize wellbeing for themselves and others.

The past few years have taught us that we need to learn how to pivot when faced with challenges. No profession knows this better than early childhood. Early childhood professionals have pivoted to change how they do business including marketing, recruiting, and in some cases teaching. Due to the frequent changes that our profession has faced, it is important to not forget about policies and procedures. Now more than ever it is important to write policies and procedures that are relevant and current.

Routines are key to keeping healthy! Everyday routines are building blocks for learning healthy habits and reaching developmental milestones. Brushing teeth, washing hands, eating well, and exercising every day help everyone grow and thrive. Preventive visits, such as well-child and dentist checkups, give families the support, information, and care they need to help children stay well. This webinar highlights how Head Start staff can support children and families in developing healthy habits using resources from Sesame in Communities.

Emotional literacy skills — also known as emotional intelligence — are key to school readiness. These skills include recognizing, identifying, and regulating emotions. Join us as we explore how teachers and family child care providers can support the emotional literacy of young children. Learn practical strategies for helping infants and toddlers regulate their emotions.