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ECE professional development

IMPORTANT UPDATE: We’re currently not scheduling any new professional development sessions at this time. Please check back for future availability.

The SEEDS Network is available for on-site training sessions other professional development events for teachers, parents and other support organizations. We have presented at conferences, retreats and schools throughout Connecticut (see “Where we’ve been“).

Below is a list of our past workshop offerings …

Workshop Topics

“Bringing Literacy to Life!”

(featuring Book & Boogie®)

This presentation will allow participants to look at literacy through new eyes, giving them tips and ideas to execute in their classrooms immediately and at low cost. Participants will be able to integrate literacy components throughout their classroom, as well as strengthening what literacy activities they are already doing. Participants will also learn about incorporating literacy with music and movement through a fun activity. This workshop will be a combination of lecture, discussion and hands-on activities in order to get participants out of their seats and having fun!

“Book & Boogie® BOOST!”

A follow-up to “Bringing Literacy to Life” our BOOST trainings will offer tips on conducting engaging and interactive read-alouds, along with learning the steps to 4 new Book & Boogie® activities!

“Reflective and Intentional Teaching: An Introduction to Using the CT ELDS to Guide Your Practice“

This session is designed to build knowledge of the CT Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS) as the foundation for supporting young children from birth to age five. This training is appropriate for early care and education providers across a variety of types of settings. Participants will gain an understanding of the Guiding Principles of the CT ELDS, explore how current practices support those dispositions that are connected to lifelong learning and learn about the purpose and structure of the CT ELDS. Participants will plan for beginning use of the CT ELDS and next steps in professional learning.

This training focuses on Core Knowledge and Competency Level 1 in the following areas:

Domain 1 (Promoting Child Development and Learning)
Domain 2 (Using Developmentally Effective Approaches for Facilitating Experiences)
Domain 3 (Building a Meaningful, Planned Program of Learning and Development)

“CT ELDS Intermediate Training: Using the CT ELDS to Guide Your Practice“

This session will focus on using the CT ELDS as the foundation of a cycle of intentional teaching. Participants will consider approaches to developing quality planned programs, including engaging environments and rich learning experiences. This session will also explore the beginning use of the CT ELDS to support all children’s learning and development, using differentiation to meet the needs of diverse leaners and children who are dual language learners.

This training builds on Core Knowledge and Competency Level 1 and addresses Competency Level 2 in the following areas:

Domain 1 (Promoting Child Development and Learning)
Domain 2 (Using Developmentally Effective Approaches for Facilitating Experiences)
Domain 3 (Building a Meaningful, Planned Program of Learning and Development)

“CT DOTS Introductory Training: Using CT DOTS in a Cycle of Intentional Teaching“

The Connecticut Documentation and Observation for Teaching System (CT DOTS) is a framework to guide early care and education providers in a process of monitoring children’s progress on the skills, abilities, and behaviors in the Connecticut Early Learning and Development Standards (CT ELDS). This introduction to CT DOTS will provide an overview of the tool during two half-day trainings. The first training addresses how the CT DOTS documents are organized and the process of collecting evidence of children’s learning and development using three strategies: naturalistic observations, planned experiences and family input. Participants will engage in practice with the tool in their own setting between trainings. The second training involves reflection on how to collect relevant and meaningful data and the summarizing of evidence collected over time.

This training addresses Core Knowledge and Competency Framework Domain 4 (Observing, Documenting and Assessing) with a specific focus on the following categories:

Early Childhood Screening and Assessment
Observation and Documentation to Inform Planned Program
Engaging Families

“Digital Storytelling in the Early Childhood Classroom”

This workshop will discuss, incorporate, and demonstrate a variety of online and technology tools that preschool teachers can use for digital storytelling activities with their class. The workshop incorporates flipped classroom format, where teachers will be introduced to the topic through some guided learning activities prior to the group workshop session.

The group workshop will involve learning about and exploring a selection of digital tools that can be used for digital storytelling projects. One of the main outcomes of the workshop will be a customized digital storytelling lesson plan activity that each teacher can use with their class. The goal is for the teachers to learn from each other’s experiences, as well from the presenter’s research.

During this workshop we will:

Understand what a digital story is, and its various components.
Learn ways digital storytelling can be used to augment and enhance early literacy learning.
Learn about available digital tools that can be used to create storytelling projects.
Create a customized digital storytelling lesson plan activity to use with their class.

“Intentional Teaching of Personal & Social Skills in the Early Childhood Classroom”

This workshop will share resources, ideas and activities that support and promote personal and social development in the preschool classroom. Topics will include intentional teaching of personal and social skills, classroom setup and lesson plan ideas, a review of books that focus on social development and a hands-on activity.

“Mindfulness in the Classroom”

Teaching children ways to self-regulate, calm their bodies, center, and focus provide them with the skills needed to regulate their emotions. Learn how to introduce, build and nurture these skills throughout your instructional day through stories, stretching, breathing techniques, and hands on activities. Learn how, as a teacher, you can be more present, in the moment and focus, as you too can practice mindful techniques.

“Teaching tools for success“

During this workshop we will discuss:

Intentional teaching practices (using excerpts from “The Intentional Teacher” by Ann S. Epstein)
How assessment tools like Ages & Stages and the CT Preschool Assessment Frameworks can be used to create intentional activities
Tools (such as the SEEDS Idea Search) that can aid staff in finding age-appropriate, intentional teaching activities]

“Technology in the Early Childhood Classroom”

Even as technology tools such as smartphones and iPads are more commonplace in workplaces and homes; they are slow to be integrated into early childhood classrooms. This interactive workshop will help bridge this digital divide, discussing ways to use technology to enhance curriculum, develop lesson plans and record assessments. Teachers and administrators will explore ways to use technology to streamline some of the necessary tasks involved in their jobs. Bring your phones, tablets and devices and be ready to share and learn from each other!

During this workshop we will:

Explain some reasons for the digital divide in early childhood education.
Discuss challenges that preschool teachers, directors and administrators have when incorporating technology into their classroom and schools.
Discuss the benefits of incorporating technology in the early childhood classroom to enhance curriculum, develop lesson plans, communicate with families and streamline assessments.

“Tools for team building and stress relief“

During this workshop we will discuss things that you, your staff and the families that you serve can do to increase morale and reduce stress. This workshop will be hands-on, where participants will engage in team building and make-and-take activities.