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Upcoming Events
September 2025
What AI Is – and Isn’t – for Early Childhood Educators – On-Demand
Registration deadline is Friday, September 26, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Starting September 2, 2025, through September 30, 2025, you can watch the training and take the quiz at a time that fits into your schedule. THIS TRAINING MUST BE COMPLETED BY- September 30th at 4:30 pm. This introductory session helps early childhood educators understand what artificial intelligence (AI) is—and isn’t—within the context of developmentally appropriate practice. Participants will explore how AI affects learning, relationships, and equity, especially for young children…
Find out more »September 2025- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »Foundations for the Future: Preschool Childhood Development Uncovered for ECSE and Blended Preschool Teachers – Live Webinar
Understanding child development is essential for creating an inclusive and supportive early learning environment. This session explores key developmental milestones in young children, with a focus on how to foster growth across cognitive, social-emotional, language, and motor domains. Participants will learn practical strategies to support diverse learners, including children with disabilities, dual language learners, and those with varying learning needs. Through engaging discussions and real-world examples, preschool teachers will gain tools to create developmentally appropriate and inclusive practices that support…
Find out more »Words, Wiggles, and Wonder: Supporting SEL, Language, and Literacy While Managing Big Behaviors – In Person
Challenging behaviors in young children are often linked to difficulties in social-emotional development and communication. This interactive workshop will explore how early language and literacy skills can serve as powerful tools to support self-regulation, social interactions, and positive behavior. Participants will learn practical strategies to foster social-emotional growth and communication skills in all young learners, including those with disabilities. Through real-world examples, hands-on activities, and evidence-based practices, educators will gain tools to create inclusive, supportive environments that reduce challenging behaviors…
Find out more »Support Group Meeting – Live Webinar
This webinar will offer family members an overview of early childhood services and supports that are required to be provided by a school district as well as a question and answer session. Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of the session. Â Presenter(s): Linda Prewitt, Public Policy and Education Liaison Webinar Date:Â Thursday, September 25, 2025 Webinar…
Find out more »October 2025
AI in Practice: Tools, Teaching, and Tiny Humans (Recommended prerequisite: What AI Is) – On-Demand
Registration deadline is October 29, 2025, at 3:00 pm. Starting October 1, 2025, through October 31, 2025, you can watch the training and take the quiz at a time that fits into your schedule. THIS TRAINING MUST BE COMPLETED BY October 31st at 4:30 pm. This session brings AI to life in early childhood classrooms through real-world educator examples and Gemini demonstrations. Participants will learn how to use AI to create visual schedules, generate social stories, and support inclusive communication…
Find out more »Preschool Pyramid Model of Social Emotional Support Cohort Series: Tier 1 – Live Webinar Series (Oct.7th, Nov.4th, Dec.2nd)
Registration deadline is September 26th at 3:00 pm. The Pyramid Model is a scientifically based positive behavioral framework that promotes evidence-based practices to teach social-emotional competencies to all young children. The framework identifies key skills for supporting relationships, creating learning environments, teaching targeted social-emotional skills, and supporting children with challenging behavior. This workshop provides an introduction to Tier 1 of the Pyramid Model, focusing on universal supports that promote social-emotional development and prevent challenging behaviors in early childhood settings. Participants…
Find out more »Poverty Simulation/Intersecting Realities: Poverty, Disability, and Early Childhood – In Person
Two trainings in one day! In the morning, there will be an interactive, immersive experience that gives participants a glimpse into the structural barriers, as well as some of the personal and emotional repercussions, people in poverty face. Then, in the afternoon, you will learn how families with young children with disabilities often face unique and compounded challenges-particularly when living in poverty. This session will explore the intersection of economic hardship and disability, highlighting how structural inequities impact access to…
Find out more »October 2025- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »DAP in Action: Teaching Young Learners with Disabilities for ECSE and Blended Preschool Teachers – Live Webinar
"DAP in Action: Teaching Young Learners with Disabilities the Right Way!" Unlock the power of Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) in your early childhood classroom! This engaging and interactive workshop is designed specifically for teachers and paraprofessionals working with young students with disabilities. Dive into the latest NAEYC guidelines, explore practical strategies, and discover how to create inclusive, play-based, and engaging learning environments that support all children in reaching their full potential. Leave with hands-on techniques, real-world examples, and the confidence…
Find out more »Music Across the Curriculum: Giraffes Can’t Dance – Live Webinar
The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Education Team equips early childhood educators with the knowledge and tools to engage their students in music on a daily basis. Simple activities and engaging lessons emphasize using music within the framework of current early childhood curricula to teach all children, including those of diverse abilities and neurotypes. With the book “Giraffes Can’t Dance” at its heart, this workshop will explore ways to use music and creative movement to teach early literacy, math, and social-emotional…
Find out more »Support Group Meeting – In Person
This presentation will inform parents of children with disabilities of the services the Illinois Assistive Technology Program provides. Augmentative devices will be available for parents to try out. Note: Approximately three weeks before the meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of the session.  Presenter(s): Alison Witt and Chrissy Harth, with the Illinois Assistive Technology Program. Support Group Meeting Date: October 23, 2025…
Find out more »Intentional Teaching in PreK: Extending Children’s Thinking in Learning Centers – In Person
Discover strategies to spark deeper thinking and richer learning during center time through purposeful planning and intentional questioning. This interactive session will equip you with practical tools to guide and challenge children—both with and without disabilities—so they can explore, connect, and thrive in meaningful ways. Note: Approximately three weeks before the training, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of the session.  Presenter(s): Denise…
Find out more »November 2025
The Importance of Visual Supports and Strategies – Live Webinar
This webinar will explain the importance of visual supports and strategies, while sharing examples of when, where, why and how they are used not only for young children with disabilities, but for supporting all children. Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of the session. Â Presenter(s): Sheri Kraus Webinar Date:Â Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Webinar Log-In: 3:25…
Find out more »November 2025- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »Social Stories: Preparing Our Kids and Ourselves – Live Webinar
Change can be hard, but social stories can help! In this workshop, parents and educators will learn the basics of how to support children through new or novel experiences through the creation of social stories/narratives. Discover tools and techniques to make quick and easy social stories to help minimize your child’s anxiety before doctor’s appointments, school events, or the unpredictable holiday season. Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration…
Find out more »Designing Inclusive Classrooms: Creating Spaces Where Every Child Thrives for ECSE and Blended Preschool Teachers – Live Webinar
"Designing Inclusive Classrooms: Creating Spaces Where Every Child Thrives!" Every child deserves a classroom where they feel welcome, valued, and ready to learn! This engaging workshop is designed for Early Childhood teachers and paraprofessionals working with young students with disabilities. Discover how to create an inclusive, developmentally appropriate classroom environment that supports all learners. Learn practical strategies for adapting spaces, routines, and materials to promote accessibility, engagement, and independence. From sensory-friendly setups to universal design principles, you’ll leave with hands-on…
Find out more »December 2025
Embedding Assistive Technology and Core Vocabulary in the Preschool Classroom – Live Webinar
Explore a district’s Core Vocabulary Initiative, focusing on two core words each month that build on each other to enhance communication. Discover how this District has monthly team meetings to create resources with phrases and sentences aligned with monthly words, adapting them into stations, activities, and lessons. Learn to integrate AT during playtime to make communication accessible. Discover how AAC users interact with eye-gaze technology, switch-adapted toys, and brain-controlled interfaces. Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar, registrants will receive…
Find out more »December 2025- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »Support Group Meeting – How to Keep from Kicking Santa Claus – Tips for Managing Holiday Stress – Live Webinar
Contrary to the ads on TV, holiday times are not always happy ones, especially for children with disabilities and their families. Too much rushing around, over-crowded schedules, and extra noise along with unrealistic expectations and others’ misunderstanding our children can make us all feel like kicking Santa Claus. Together we will explore the sources of our holiday stress and learn prevention strategies and in-the-moment supports that will help make everyone’s time more enjoyable. Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar,…
Find out more »January 2026
Preschool Pyramid Model of Social Emotional Support Cohort Series: Tiers 2 and 3 – Live Webinar Series (Jan.6th, Feb.3rd, March 3rd, April 14th)
The Pyramid Model is a scientifically based positive behavioral framework that promotes evidence-based practices to teach social-emotional competencies to all young children. The framework identifies key skills for supporting relationships, creating learning environments, teaching targeted social-emotional skills, and supporting children with challenging behavior. This workshop provides an in-depth look at Tiers 2 and 3 of the Pyramid Model. Participants will learn essential strategies for fostering friendship skills, emotional literacy, self-regulation, and problem-solving in young learners; Discover how to tailor instruction…
Find out more »January 2026- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »Book Study: Empowering Your Child to Fly: A Family’s Guide to Early Childhood Inclusion – Live Webinar Series (Jan.16th, Jan.30th, Feb.13th)
Registration deadline is 12/19/25. In this book study, “Empowering Your Child to Fly: A Family’s Guide to Early Childhood Inclusion” by Jani Kozlowski, family members of children with disabilities will have the chance to dive into topics about the importance of inclusion in early childhood education. Each participant will receive a copy of the book and, through readings and group discussions, will gain a better understanding of ways to support their child through his or her educational journey! Attendance for…
Find out more »Support Group Meeting – In Person
Join families of young children with disabilities as we support, encourage and learn from one another. Note: Approximately three weeks before the meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of the session. Â Presenter(s): Sheri Kraus Meeting Date: January 22, 2026 Registration: 6:30pm - 7:00pm ~ Meeting: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Meeting Location: Freeburg Township Center, 203 S. Righland Street, Freeburg, IL 62243
Find out more »Push Past It! An Administrator’s Guide for Supporting Early Learners with Disabilities Who Also Have Intense Challenging Behaviors – Webinar
Stop! Collaborate! Listen! This webinar provides administrators with a comprehensive guide to effective behavior planning for students exhibiting intense challenges. We will present practical, educator-developed functional assessment tools and outline each phase of the process, emphasizing a continuous cycle of improvement. This includes: (1) self-reflection and identification of implicit bias, (2) context analysis, (3) development of prevention strategies, (4) identification of replacement skills, (5) implementation of new responses, and (6) thorough review of results. We will also address the leadership…
Find out more »February 2026
The Co-Teaching Toolbox: Models, Moves, and More – Live Webinar
Whether you're brand new to co-teaching in early childhood or a seasoned pro, this session is packed with ideas and tools you can start using today. We'll dive into four dynamic co-teaching models, explore some tried and true collaboration tools, and tackle a hands-on, problem-solving framework together. Get ready to level up your co-teaching game! Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be…
Find out more »February 2026- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »Supporting Early Literacy Through Intentional Practice for ECSE and Blended Preschool Teachers – Live Webinar
Building strong early literacy skills is essential for every child’s success. This session explores effective, developmentally appropriate literacy practices that support all learners, including children with disabilities, dual language learners, and those with diverse learning needs. Participants will gain practical strategies for fostering language development, emergent reading, and writing skills in an inclusive preschool classroom. Through hands-on activities and discussion, educators will learn how to create an engaging literacy-rich environment that promotes access, participation, and a love of learning for…
Find out more »Support Group Meeting – Live Webinar
In this presentation, participants will learn about the process of transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Education services. We’ll share tools, resources, and useful suggestions to assist families of young children with disabilities in preparing to be active participants in their child’s transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood education.  Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to…
Find out more »March 2026
March 2026- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Services: Roles and Responsibilities – Live Webinar
The Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Human Services developed this standardized training to address the requirements of the federal law, Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) to ensure a smooth and effective transition process is in place for children and their families who will be transitioning from Early Intervention into Early Childhood Special Education. This training will cover requirements regarding timeline, role responsibilities, transition process meetings, state forms, as well as vital partnerships, collaborative…
Find out more »Support Group Meeting – In Person
Join families of young children with disabilities as we support, encourage and learn from one another. Note: Approximately three weeks before the meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of the session. Â Presenter(s): Sheri Kraus Meeting Date: March 26, 2026 Registration: 6:30pm - 7:00pm ~ Meeting: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Meeting Location: Freeburg Township Center, 203 S. Righland Street, Freeburg, IL 62243
Find out more »April 2026
April 2026- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »Support Group Meeting – Live Webinar
Join families of young children with disabilities as we support, encourage and learn from one another. Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of the session. Â Presenter(s):Â Â Sheri Kraus Webinar Date:Â April 23, 2026 Webinar Log-In: 5:55 PM - 6:00 PM Webinar Session: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Find out more »May 2026
May 2026- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) – Virtual Meeting
This is an opportunity for educators to come together and share ideas on how to support families of young children with disabilities. We share resources and offer support to one another. This CoP is intended for educators who work with families who have children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Note: Approximately three weeks before the CoP meeting, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the day of…
Find out more »
