October 2024 - New Teacher Cohort - Virtual Meeting Series
2024-10-23 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual Meeting Series, IL, United States
Are you a new teacher stepping into the dynamic world of inclusive or blended classrooms? Whether you’re fresh out of training or transitioning from a different teaching environment, this series of discussions is tailored just for you! Facilitated by seasoned educators and inclusion specialists, these discussions will cover essential topics including: *Understanding Inclusive Classroom Models: Gain a solid foundation in the principles and practices of inclusive and blended classrooms, including strategies for creating an environment where all students can thrive. *Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP): Learn how to implement DAP effectively in your classroom to meet the diverse needs of all learners, including those with special needs. *Writing Effective IEP Goals: Master the art of crafting Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals that are meaningful, measurable, and aligned with students’ needs and abilities. *Data Collection and Progress Monitoring: Explore practical tips and tools for collecting and managing data to track student progress and inform instructional decision-making. *Activity Modification and Differentiation: Discover strategies for modifying activities and lesson plans to ensure they are accessible and engaging for all students, regardless of their abilities or learning styles. *Core Considerations in Inclusive Education: Delve into the three core considerations of child development, individual appropriateness, and cultural relevance, and learn how to integrate them into your teaching practice.
Participants will engage in facilitated discussions, sharing tips, tricks, and best practices for navigating the challenges and opportunities of inclusive classrooms. You’ll leave feeling empowered and equipped to ensure that your first year in an inclusive classroom is on target! Feel free to attend the sessions that are a good fit for you! You will get one hour of professional development credit for each session you fully attend.

Note: Approximately three weeks before the day of the first webinar session, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to the first session.
Presenter(s): Angie Darnell and Kate Yount
Webinar Date(s): October 23, 2024
Webinar Log-In: 3:25 PM – 3:30 PM
Webinar Session(s): 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Additional Session Registration Links:
January 22nd session
February 19th session
March 19th session
April 30th session

January 2026- Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) - Virtual Meeting
2026-01-14 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual Meeting, IL, United States
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 the session.
Presenter(s): Sheri Kraus
CoP Meeting Date: January 14, 2026
Log-In: 8:55 AM- 9:00 AM
Session: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Preschool Pyramid Model Modules Series: Module 5 Addressing Challenging Behavior Part 2 - In Person - Bond County CUSD 2- Registration
2026-03-25 08:00 - 11:30 | GU, 1106 S. Elm Street, Greenville, IL 62246, 1106 S. Elm Street, Greenville, IL, 62246, United States
Participants will join in an interactive workshop focused on the Pyramid Model, a framework designed to promote social-emotional competence and address challenging behaviors in early childhood settings. Developed on the foundation of decades of research in early childhood development and behavioral psychology, the Pyramid Model offers practical strategies for creating a nurturing environment where all children can thrive. Exploring the tiers to provide universal strategies to include children with disabilities in the classroom.
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.

Five Classroom Wide Practices to Improve Behavior in Inclusive EC Programs - On-Demand
2026-04-01 08:00 - 2026-04-30 16:30 | On-Demand, IL, United States
Registration deadline is April 24, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Starting April 1, 2026, through April 30, 2026, you can watch the training and take the quiz at a time that fits into your schedule. THIS TRAINING MUST BE COMPLETED BY April 30th at 4:30 pm.
This workshop will review the five classroom practices recommended by the Pyramid Consortium to help educators support inclusion of students with challenging behaviors in their developmentally diverse classrooms. This on-demand training is presented by Dr. Sharon Sprague.
Participants will receive 1.0 hour of credit for full participation, which includes viewing the training in its entirety, taking the training quiz, and completing a STAR NET evaluation.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the start date, registrants will receive an email to confirm receipt of their registration request and important instructions that should be viewed prior to starting the training.

Sundy Spots
2026-04-18 08:00 - 17:00 | IL, United States
join us

Preschool Pyramid Model of Social Emotional Support Cohort: Comprehensive Series- Tiers 1, 2 and 3 - Live Webinar Series (Sept.2, Sept.16, Sept.30, Oct.8, Oct.22, Nov.5, Nov.19)
2026-09-02 11:30 - 2026-11-19 12:30 | Live Webinar Series, IL, United States
Registration deadline is August 12, 2026. 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.
Registrants will view seven learning modules of Pyramid content and the associated lessons with each module on their own. An agenda will be provided to inform participants regarding which lessons will be reflected on during each group-facilitated meeting, with a focus on reflection and application of the content in the modules.
Credit for full participation will include 36 hours of credit for viewing these eModules and participating in seven group cohort discussions, each 1 hour in length. No partial credit will be given. Full attendance at each cohort session is required in order to receive credit.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the first session, 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.

Early Childhood Book Study: 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom by Paula Kluth - Live Webinar Series (Sept.9th, Sept.23rd, Oct.14th)
2026-09-09 14:30 - 2026-10-14 15:30 | Book Study – Online Webinar Series, IL, United States
Register by August 21st to have time to sign the commitment form, receive the book, and complete the first reading assignment by
September 9th. Join us for a facilitated book study, 30 Days to the Co-Taught Classroom by Dr. Paula Kluth and Dr. Julie Causton. This book is full of tips, ideas, and strategies to help you in your co-teaching journey, and we will approach it from an early childhood point of view! We will all read about 80 pages before the first meeting and between each of the other meetings. There are many practical strategies for you to try between each meeting, too! The first 30 people who commit to joining us will receive a free book, courtesy of Early CHOICES!
This training is in collaboration with Early CHOICES and Harmony 175.

Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) - Live Virtual Meeting
2026-09-16 09:00 - 10:00, 2026-11-18 09:00 - 10:00, 2027-01-20 09:00 - 10:00, 2027-05-19 09:00 - 10:00 | Live 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.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the first session, 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.

Therapy belongs in the Classroom, Not in the Broom Closet - Live Webinar
2026-09-17 12:30 - 14:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
This webinar will dive into what it really means to do integrated therapy in an early childhood setting and why it really is best for all children. We will discuss and review how to get started, schedules and what therapy might look like. We will also discuss how integrated therapy can not be successful unless there are ways for communication and teamwork to be established in order to provide optimal support for 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.

How to Handle More Than You Can Handle - Live Webinar
2026-10-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
The early years of raising a child with a disability are often filled with anxiety, overwhelm, and fear of the future. In this workshop, Amanda Griffith-Atkins, LMFT and author of How to Handle More Than You Can Handle, helps caregivers explore realistic self-care, cope with difficult emotions, and find steadiness in an unpredictable journey. Participants will leave with practical tools and encouragement to support both themselves and their families.
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.
This event is in collaboration with STAR NET Regions II & VI.

Preschool Pyramid Model of Social Emotional Support Cohort Series: Tiers 2 and 3 - Live Webinar Series (Oct.8th, Oct.22, Nov.5th, Nov.19th)
2026-10-08 11:30 - 2026-11-19 12:30 | Live Webinar Series, IL, United States
Deadline to register is September 17, 2026. Completion of the Tier 1 training is a prerequisite.
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 for children requiring targeted support through systematic teaching, peer-mediated interventions, embedded learning, and progress monitoring; Gain insight into understanding and responding to challenging behaviors, de-escalation techniques, bias awareness, and the development of effective behavior support plans; and Explore the structured steps of PTR-YC, a manualized process for conducting functional behavioral assessments and implementing individualized behavior support plans.
Credit for full participation will include 19 Hours of credit for viewing the eMods and participating in group cohort discussions 4 hours in length. No partial credit will be given. Full attendance at each cohort is required in order to receive the full 19 hours of credit.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the first session, 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.

Music Across the Curriculum: The Lion and the Mouse - In Person
2026-10-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Steward Family Education and Learning Center at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, 718 N Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63103, United States
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 “The Lion and the Mouse” at its heart, this workshop will explore ways to use music and creative movement to teach early literacy, math, and social-emotional concepts.
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.
This event is in collaboration with the St.Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Music Across the Curriculum: The Lion and the Mouse - Live Webinar
2026-10-28 17:00 - 18:30 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
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 “The Lion and the Mouse” at its heart, this workshop will explore ways to use music and creative movement to teach early literacy, math, and social-emotional concepts.
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.
This event is in collaboration with the St.Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Stop Spinning in Circles: How to Make Your Circle Time More Developmentally Appropriate - Live Webinar
2026-11-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
Do you start your day with circle time and by the time it is over you are already stressed? We have been following old traditions: singing days of the week, dressing the weather bear and counting out patterns on the calendar. What are the kids really learning? Join this webinar and learn new developmentally appropriate ways to run your large group. This time together should be an intentional teaching experience related to your objectives, standards and studies. Learn ways to engage all of your students so they can progress and participate at their own pace. Circle time can be and should be inclusive for all children. Come and be inspired to switch things up with developmentally appropriate tips, strategies and activities to make your large group 15 minutes of engaging fun learning.
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.

Developing Friendships: Considerations for Preschoolers with Visual Impairments - Live Webinar
2026-11-12 09:00 - 10:30 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
This webinar will focus on three specific barriers that children with visual impairments face when engaging in peer interactions that lead to friendships. This content is specific to preschoolers but also applies to those working with toddlers preparing for preschool. Practical suggestions to remediate these barriers will be discussed. An assessment checklist will be provided to assist teachers as they consider student skills and needed skills development.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar session, 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.
This webinar is in collaboration with Early CHOICES.

Every Child in the Story: Inclusive Read-Alouds for Preschool Classrooms - In Person
2026-12-07 09:00 - 15:00 | St. Clair County Regional Ofice of Educaiton, Belleville, IL, 1000 South Illinois Street, Belleville, IL, 62220, United States
This interactive workshop uses the children’s books Daniel’s Good Day, Jabari Jumps, and The Rabbit Listened to explore how to create inclusive, engaging read-aloud experiences in preschool classrooms. Participants will learn practical strategies to support children with disabilities, including visual supports, language scaffolds, and social-emotional connections. Teachers will plan, practice, and create materials they can immediately use to increase access, participation, and a sense of belonging for all learners.
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.

It’s Icky, It’s Green: A look at Sensory Issues In Feeding - Live Webinar
2026-12-10 12:30 - 14:30 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
A range of sensory issues can impact feeding in young children. Preferred and non-preferred sensory input must first be identified and understood before implementation of strategies to address food intake It is also important to identify additional factors such as oral aversion and trauma. Young children with disabilities are especially at-risk if processing difficulties, neurological differences and/or sensory limitations are present and affect feeding.
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.

IEP Essentials: Part 1 of 3 Beginning at the Beginning; Building a Sound Foundation - Live Webinar
2027-01-12 15:30 - 17:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
This workshop provides a foundational understanding of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for administrators, regardless of experience level. We will review essential IEP components, explore historical contexts, and present best practices for developing robust, compliant plans. By mastering these essentials, administrators can better lead teams in supporting students, directly improving educational outcomes for children with disabilities. This training emphasizes continuous learning and refinement of special education practices. Please note this series is general context, not legal advice.
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.

IEP Essentials: Part 2 of 3 Connecting Data to Action; Goals, Objectives, and Progress Monitoring - Live Webinar
2027-01-19 15:30 - 17:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
This session builds upon foundational IEP knowledge by focusing on the critical link between student evaluation data and instructional planning for children with disabilities. Participants will analyze present levels of performance (PLAAFP) to identify individualized student needs. We will provide practical strategies for writing measurable goals and short-term objectives. A key focus is establishing robust data collection methods to accurately monitor progress, ensure implementation fidelity, and make informed decisions about future services. Session is general context, not legal advice. It is recommended (not required) to attend session 1 of 3 before attending this 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.

IEP Essentials: Part 3 of 3 Fostering Collaboration and Future Success - Live Webinar
2027-01-26 15:30 - 17:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
This capstone session of the IEP Essentials series empowers early childhood special education administrators to lead teams with confidence. We will explore best practices for developing legally compliant, individualized IEPs that truly support children with disabilities in accessing the general curriculum. By emphasizing meaningful parental involvement and high-quality interventions, this training equips leaders with practical tools to ensure equitable educational opportunities, fostering lifelong success for every child. Please note this series is general context, not legal advice. It is recommended (not required) to attend session 1 of 3 and session 2 of 3 before attending this 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.

Preschool Pyramid Model of Social Emotional Support Cohort: Comprehensive Series- Tiers 1, 2 and 3 - Live Webinar Series (Jan.27th, Feb.10th, Feb.24th, March 10th, March 17th, April 7th, April 21st)
2027-01-27 15:30 - 2027-04-21 16:30 | Live Webinar Series, IL, United States
Registration deadline is January 6, 2027. 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. Registrants will view seven learning modules of Pyramid content and the associated lessons with each module on their own. An agenda will be provided to inform participants regarding which lessons will be reflected on during each group-facilitated meeting, with a focus on reflection and application of the content in the modules.
Credit for full participation will include 36 hours of credit for viewing these eModules and participating in seven group cohort discussions, each 1 hour in length. No partial credit will be given. Full attendance at each cohort session is required in order to receive credit.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the first session, 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.

Managing Angry Outbursts - Webinar
2027-02-02 12:30 - 14:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
Many young children struggle with expressing their anger appropriately and some seem angry most of the time or to react with volcanic intensity. This webinar will look at anger from a developmental perspective, explaining angry outbursts and providing concrete support strategies to use for both intervention and prevention. Ideas for calming, releasing anger in healthy ways, and incorporating appropriate anger expression into IEPs will be shared along with suggested resources including children’s literature, classroom materials, and sample IEP goals and 504 accommodations.
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.

Preparing to Participate in Your Child’s IEP - Live Webinar
2027-02-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
This webinar is designed for parents and guardians of young children who are either transitioning from Early Intervention services or are already receiving special education services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Participants will learn practical strategies to prepare for and actively participate in their child’s IEP meetings. The session aims to empower families to confidently share their knowledge, collaborate with educators, and advocate effectively for their child’s needs within the school setting.
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.

Preschool Pyramid Model of Social Emotional Support Cohort Series: Tiers 2 and 3 - Live Webinar Series (March 10th, March 17th, April 7th, April 21st)
2027-03-10 15:30 - 2027-04-21 16:30 | Live Webinar Series, IL, United States
Registration deadline is February 19, 2027. Completion of the Tier 1 training is a prerequisite.
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 for children requiring targeted support through systematic teaching, peer-mediated interventions, embedded learning, and progress monitoring; Gain insight into understanding and responding to challenging behaviors, de-escalation techniques, bias awareness, and the development of effective behavior support plans; and Explore the structured steps of PTR-YC, a manualized process for conducting functional behavioral assessments and implementing individualized behavior support plans.

Credit for full participation will include 19 Hours of credit for viewing the eMods and participating in group cohort discussions 4 hours in length. No partial credit will be given. Full attendance at each cohort is required in order to receive the full 19 hours of credit.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the first session, 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.

Working with Families of Young Children with IEPs Community of Practice (CoP) - Live Virtual Meeting
2027-03-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Live 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.
Note: Approximately three weeks before the webinar session, 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.

Transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Services: Roles and Responsibilities - Live Webinar
2027-04-14 09:00 - 12:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
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 relationships and positive strategies. This workshop is being held in collaboration with the Illinois Early Intervention Training Project.
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.
The Illinois Early Intervention Training Program has approved this event for 3 hours of EI credential credit in the area of Working with Families.
This webinar is in collaboration with the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program (EITP) and STAR NET Region IV.

You Have a Lot of Nerve! - Live Webinar
2027-04-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Live Webinar, IL, United States
Parenting children with disabilities can bring great joy but also added anxiety, and sometimes it feels like our “self-care” strategies fail us. In this webinar, we will dive into how our nervous system works- why we become stressed and how we get stuck in survival mode. Most important, we will learn ways to re-set our own nervous systems using vagus nerve activation strategies. Come learn new techniques that will work in the moment and for the long haul to promote calm and balance in your life.
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.
