Professional Development Department

Guiding behavior while maintaining a responsive early learning environment can be quite a balancing act. Many early learning providers want to get a better understanding of what a “responsive early learning environment” looks like and how it can be maintained in a space with complex and challenging behaviors. In this training, we will use the

Join us as we dive into a rich discussion of what a positive classroom community is, its importance, and how to create and sustain a strong positive classroom community. Date: September 15th, 2026 Time: 5:30-7:30 PM STARS: 2 Hours Cost: $10   @Public

In this training, participants will identify strategies to support dual language learners in the classroom, discuss the concerns and benefits of a dual language approach for students, and identify ways to model and build language. If you work with students who are learning more than one language and you want to support them, this training

In this interactive and practical workshop, child care providers will learn effective strategies for de-escalating challenging behaviors and fostering calm, positive connections with young children. By understanding the root causes of frustration and distress, participants will gain tools to prevent conflicts before they arise, as well as techniques to safely manage and de-escalate situations when

Getting advocates engaged with local and state advocacy efforts, defining advocacy terms, sharing opportunities to get involved, and answering questions Date: September 16th, 2026 Time: 1:30-3 PM STARS: 1.5 Hours

Children ages 0–5 are especially vulnerable to air pollution because their lungs, brains, and immune systems are still developing. This interactive session explores how outdoor and indoor air quality influence

Give providers an understanding about the different child care subsidies BrightSpark offers and give them the opportunity to ask questions. Date: September 17th, 2026 Time: 1-3 PM STARS: 2 Hours

The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is a set of standardized developmental screening questionnaires used to check whether a young child is meeting expected developmental milestones. It’s designed to identify

This session will take a closer examination on the impact of childhood trauma and how to address trauma through responsive caregiving. This training will be led in Somali. Date: September

This training will be led in Arabic. Date: September 17th, 2026 Time: 6:30 -8:30 PM STARS: 2 Hours Cost: $10   @Public

Early learning providers do not have to be doctors, clinicians, or therapists. We do need to be child-centered, embracing differences while adapting to the needs and characteristics of neurodivergent children

Explain what Rapid Response is and how it can support childcare providers. Date: September 19th, 2026 Time: 10:30 AM – 1 PM STARS: 2.5 Hours Cost: $10   @Public