The Institute for Early Learning (IFEL) offers professional learning opportunities through webinars and in-person courses. Choose course(s) below for descriptions and to register. Call 703-324-3044, TTY 711 for more information.
Alert:
The Institute for Early Learning (IFEL) offers professional learning opportunities through webinars and in-person courses. Choose course(s) below for descriptions and to register. Call 703-324-3044, TTY 711 for more information.
As educators, we consistently try to enrich the learning experiences and the lives of the children in our care. In this training, we will discuss how the basic structure of the environment can maximize learning opportunities and support children’s social -emotional health. We will learn how to manipulate our environments to create a space where children are safe and promotes their development.
CDA Areas: 1,2,3,5,8
VELDS: Approaches to Play & Learning, Cognitive Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Infant: Responsive Caregiving, Toddler: Emotional Behavioral Support, PreK: Classroom Organization
Dimension(s):
Infant: Facilitated Exploration, Toddler: Positive Climate, Regard for Child Perspectives, PreK: Productivity
Instructor: Leah Pagala
**NOTE: If you attend this training, you are eligible to attend an in-person workshop on 11/23. You will receive a link to register after you attend this training.
Date: Wednesday, October 30th
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Transitions can be a challenge. This training equips early childhood educators with strategies to manage daily transitions effectively, creating a positive and productive learning environment for young children. Participants will learn to plan for smooth transitions, address challenges, and foster a supportive classroom atmosphere.
CDA Areas: 3
VELDS: Social and Emotional Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Pre-K: Instructional Support, Emotional Support
Dimension(s):
Pre-K: Concept Development, Positive Climate
Instructor: Bronwyn Dean
Date: Monday, November 4th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
As educators, we consistently try to enrich the learning experiences and the lives of the children in our care. In this training, we will discuss how the basic structure of the schedule can maximize learning opportunities and support children’s social-emotional health. We will talk about how the order of our day has a direct effect on how smoothly the day progresses and work collaboratively to learn how to go with the flow while still maintaining order.
CDA Areas: 1,2,3,5,8
VELDS: Approaches to Play & Learning, Cognitive Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s): Infant: Responsive Caregiving, Toddler: Emotional Behavioral Support, PreK: Classroom Organization
Dimension(s):
Infant: Facilitated Exploration, Toddler: Positive Climate, Regard for Child Perspectives, PreK: Productivity
Instructor: Leah Pagala
**NOTE: If you attend this training, you are eligible to attend an in-person workshop on 11/23. You will receive a link to register after you attend this training.
Date: Wednesday, November 6th
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
In this session, educators will discuss the cognitive development of infants and explore how to support age-appropriate independence for our youngest children. We will learn how to model and encourage infants to try new skills independently. At the end of this session, educators will be able to create environments, model behavior, and scaffold a sense of independence in infants.
CDA Areas: 1, 2, 3, 8 VELDS: Health & Physical Development, and Cognitive Development CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Infant: Responsive Caregiving
Dimension(s):
Infant: Facilitated Exploration, Early Language Support
Instructor: Leah Pagala
Date: Thursday, November 7th
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Home-school relationships have always been a cornerstone of children’s success and well-being. Families & Educators Together by Derry Koralek, Karen Nemeth & Kelly Ramsey outlines key considerations when building a positive relationship with the families of the children in our care. Using this book as our guide, we will learn the six principles of family engagement and consider how to deepen our relationships with families and, in turn, the children we support. Through group and individual reflection, each participant will determine actionable steps to take to better connect with and support the families of the children in their care. As readers engage with the book, additional support is provided through a community of practice model using the reflective questions from the book to guide community engagement that supports families and teachers.
CDA Areas: 4,5,6 VELDS: Social and Emotional Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s): Infant: Responsive Caregiving Toddler: Emotional and Behavioral Support Pre-K: Emotional Support
Dimension(s): Infant, Toddler, PreK- Teacher Sensitivity
Instructor: Stephanie Barker
Please note: This series meets six times. You must attend all sessions to receive credit.
Date: Thursdays November 7th,14th, 21st and December 5th,12th, 19th
Time: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
This session will explore ways to ensure inclusivity in our programs, with a focus on gender diversity. We will begin by applying the anti-biased education to both gender identity. As a group, will reflect on our current understanding of gender identity and discuss how we can broaden our perspective to becoming more inclusive. Finally, we will review meaningful strategies, both big and small, that we can implement to create a sense of belonging for all the children and families we serve.
Please note: If you participated in this training and received training credit, you will not receive credit again.
CDA Area: 3, 4
VELDS: Social & Emotional Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s): Infant: Responsive Caregiving Toddler: Emotional & Behavioral Support Pre-K: Emotional Support
Dimension(s): Infant: Relational Climate & Teacher Sensitivity Toddler: Teacher Sensitivity & Regard for Child Perspectives Pre-K: Teacher Sensitivity & Regard for Child Perspectives
Location: Lorton Library, 9520 Richmond Hwy, Lorton, VA 22079
Instructor: Melody Passemante Powell
Date: Saturday, November 9th
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Navigating the world socially, both with adults and peers, is a large part of development in the early years. Young children have complex thoughts and often specific ideas about what they want and do not want. So often, we hear the phrase “Use your words” from educators when children are having an interaction, but exactly which words should they be using? Modeling communication tools and language helps children learn how to express their boundaries and needs effectively and socially appropriately. In this training we will discuss techniques and tools to offer verbal and preverbal children to help them effectively advocate for themselves in social situations.
CDA Areas: 2,3,8
VELDS: Social and Emotional Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Toddler: Emotional and Behavioral Support, Engaged Support for Learning PreK: Classroom Organization, Instructional Support
Dimension(s):
Toddler: Behavior Guidance, Language Modeling PreK: Behavior Management, Language Modeling
Instructor: Melody Passemante Powell
Date: Tuesday, November 12th
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Did you know that fine motor skills are the last to develop in a young child? In this training, educators will gain a comprehensive understanding of fine motor development in young children. Participants will explore the essential components of fine motor skills, learn effective strategies for promoting their development, and gain practical insights into addressing challenges related to fine motor delays.
CDA Areas: 2
VELDS: Health and Physical Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Pre-K: Instructional Support, Emotional Support
Dimension(s):
Pre-K: Concept Development, Positive Climate
Instructor: Bronwyn Dean
Please note: This series meets two times. You must attend all sessions to receive credit.
Date: Tuesdays, November 12th & November 19th
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
As educators, we consistently try to enrich the learning experiences and the lives of the children in our care. In this training, we will discuss how the basic structure of the routines can maximize learning opportunities and support children’s social-emotional health. We will examine our routines (the steps we take to wash hands, set up for lunch or prepare to go outside) and learn strategies to create steps that are efficient and maintain a level of calm in our daily operations.
CDA Areas: 1,2,3,5,8
VELDS: Approaches to Play & Learning, Cognitive Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Infant: Responsive Caregiving, Toddler: Emotional Behavioral Support, PreK: Classroom Organization
Dimension(s):
Infant: Facilitated Exploration, Toddler: Positive Climate, Regard for Child Perspectives, PreK: Productivity
Instructor: Leah Pagala
**NOTE: If you attend this training, you are eligible to attend an in-person workshop on 11/23. You will receive a link to register after you attend this training.
Date: Wednesday, November 13th
Time: 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Social and emotional development are valuable skills necessary to navigate interpersonal relationships, and learning these skills begins at birth. In this course, we will take a deep dive into understanding the social and emotional development of infants and toddlers. The first session will give educators an understanding of social and emotional development and discuss the importance of relationships with children and families. The second session will focus on responsive routines and targeted strategies to help infants and toddlers with their social and emotional development. The final session will focus on exploring the meaning behind challenging behaviors and how to respond appropriately to these behaviors.
CDA Areas: 3,4,7,8
VELDS: Social and Emotional Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Infant- Responsive Caregiving Toddler- Emotional and Behavioral Support
Dimension(s):
Infant- Relational Climate Toddler- Positive Climate, Teacher Sensitivity, Regard for Child Perspectives, Behavior Guidance
Instructor: Stephanie Barker
Please note: This series meets three times. You must attend all sessions to receive credit.
Date: Wednesdays, November 13th, 20th, December 4th
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
In this session, educators will discuss the cognitive development of toddlers and explore how to support age-appropriate independence for our youngest children. We will learn how to model and encourage toddlers to try newfound skills independently. At the end of this session, educators will be able to create environments, model behavior, and scaffold increasing independence in toddlers.
CDA Areas: 1, 2, 3, 8
VELDS: Health & Physical Development, and Cognitive Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Toddler: Emotional Behavioral Support, Engaged Support for Learning
Dimension(s):
Toddler: Positive Climate, Facilitation of Learning and Development
Instructor: Leah Pagala
Date: Thursday, November 14th
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Why do toddlers do that? We will delve into the fascinating world of toddler development, providing educators with a deeper understanding of the underlying reasons behind their behaviors. By exploring toddler psychology and cognitive development, participants will gain valuable insights into how to foster positive interactions and support their growth.
CDA Areas: 2 VELDS: Social and Emotional Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Pre-K: Instructional Support, Emotional Support
Dimension(s):
Pre-K: Concept Development, Positive Climate
Instructor: Bronwyn Dean
Date: Wednesday, November 20th
Time: 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
In this session, educators will discuss the cognitive development of preschoolers and explore how to model and encourage them to continue building on their skill sets. Educators will discuss how to create environments, model behavior, and develop a strong sense of independence in preschoolers. As preschoolers develop their independence, they will learn problem-solving, boost their self-esteem and increase their emotional and cognitive development.
CDA Areas: 1, 2, 3, 8
VELDS: Health & Physical Development, Cognitive Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
PreK: Emotional Support, Instructional Support
Dimension(s):
PreK: Positive Climate, Language Modeling
Instructor: Leah Pagala
Date: Thursday, November 21st
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.