The Institute for Early Learning (IFEL) offers professional learning opportunities for educators working with children. Register for professional learning courses and family child care business workshops available from September to October, 2019.
- If you are an educator in a center-based program in Fairfax County, you may enroll in six IFEL courses throughout the year (January-December). Up to five educators from the same center-based program may enroll in the same course. If more than five educators from the same center-based program wish to enroll in the same course, please contact us by email or call 703-324-3044.
- If you are a family child care educator, you may enroll in six IFEL courses throughout the year (January-December) plus six Family Child Care Business Workshops for a total of 12 OFC courses.
You may register online or through the automated phone line at 703-324-4018 (choose Option 2 to register). If you need assistance to register for a course, please send an email or call 703-324-3044.
Note: Please remember to cancel from a course, prior to the start date, if you are unable to attend.
September 2019 Professional Learning Courses
Register online or call 703-324-4018. (Note: Please remember to cancel from a course, in advance of the start date, if you are unable to attend.)
The Infant Toddler Endorsement program is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation of knowledge for those working with infants and toddlers in early learning programs. The endorsement program consists of 12 courses (10 classroom sessions and 2 online courses) plus 12 practical assessment assignments. Part I is offered from September to December 2019 and includes the following topics for a total of 16 hours: Ages/Stages of Development, Development of Language, Appropriate Learning Environments, and Guiding Behavior. Part II will be offered from January to April 2020. Participants who successfully complete Part I will be offered registration in Part II. Once the entire Infant Toddler Endorsement series is complete, participants who are eligible will be awarded the Infant Toddler Endorsement.
CDA Areas 1, 2, 3, 8
Location: Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway-Room 734, Fairfax 22035
Dates and Times:
- Mondays, September 9, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, September 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, September 30, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, October 7, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, October 21, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, October 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, November 4, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
- Monday, December 16, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Visit Frying Pan Farm Park and discover learning experiences related to life on a farm that can be shared with young children.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2739 West Ox Road, Herndon 20171
Saturday, September 14
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
One 3-hour session for 3 hours credit
Learn how movement impacts the brain's ability to learn. Explore ways to integrate movement into an early learning program.
CDA Areas 2, 3, 8
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Mondays, September 9, 16, 23 and 30
7-9 p.m.
Four 2-hour sessions for 8 hours credit
1753-02 Exploring Visual Arts with Young Children
Learn ways to inspire young children to explore the visual arts by providing opportunities for them to connect their own art to the world around them.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 208, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Mondays, September 9, 16 and 23
7-9 p.m.
Three 2-hour sessions for 6 hours credit
Explore the many ways that math is a part of our lives and how it connects to the world around us. Engage in hands-on learning experiences that highlight ways to incorporate math.
CDA Areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Wednesdays, September 11, 18, 25 and October 2, 9 and 16
7 – 9 p.m.
Six 2-hour sessions for 12 hours credit
Discover ways to link science experiences with literature to extend early learning concepts.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 205, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Wednesdays, September 11, 18 and 25
7-9 p.m.
Three 2-hour sessions for 6 hours credit
Explore strategies to help young children understand intense emotions by learning to connect in a calm way.
CDA Areas 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Saturday, September 14
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
One 3-hour session for 3 hours credit
Learn how to choose engaging picture books and extend stories into active early learning opportunities.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Thursdays, September 19, 26 and October 3
7 – 9 p.m.
Three 2-hour sessions for 6 hours credit
Learn to identify and appreciate insects in our region to share the joy of nature with children.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce Street, Annandale 22003
Saturday, September 21
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
One 3-hour session for 3 hours credit
1574-03 Young Children with Autism
Learn how autism can affect young children and explore strategies for inclusion in early learning environments. NOTE: Please bring a bag lunch and beverages with you.
CDA Areas 2, 3, 8
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Saturday, September 28
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
One 4-hour session for 4 hours credit
October 2019 Professional Learning Courses
Register online or call 703-324-4018. (Note: Please remember to cancel from a course, in advance of the start date, if you are unable to attend.)
Discover how filling story bags with wonderful items can spark children’s imaginations and lead to wonderful storytelling opportunities.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria 22310
Tuesdays, October 1 and 8
7-9 p.m.
Two 2-hour sessions for 4 hours credit
Discover how young children are natural engineers by engaging in hands-on construction experiences.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 205, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Wednesdays, October 2, 9 and 16
7-9 p.m.
Three 2-hour sessions for 6 hours credit
Learn how safe sleep environments for infants and toddlers can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related concerns.
CDA Areas 1
Location: Centreville Regional Library, 14200 St. Germain Drive, Centreville 20121
Thursday, October 3
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
One 2-hour session for 2 hours credit
Explore the fascination many children have with dinosaurs and learn how to integrate this curiosity into an appreciation of natural wonders.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Hidden Oaks Nature Center, 7701 Royce Street, Annandale 22003
Saturday, October 5
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
One 3-hour session for 3 hours credit
Explore creative ways to engage preschool children in active and fun movement experiences using children’s books.
CDA Areas 2, 3, 8
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Mondays, October 7 and 21
7-9 p.m.
Two 2-hour sessions for 4 hours credit
1771-02 Understanding Bullying
Explore what bullying behavior looks like and how to prevent its occurrence in preschool. Discover ways to support bystanders, victims and children who bully others.
CDA Areas 1, 2, 3, 7, 8
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Thursdays, October 10 and 17
7-9 p.m.
Two 2-hour sessions for 4 hours credit
Explore the way unstructured play enhances the body’s sensory system and how it supports young children and their ability to learn. Participants can register to join this course in-person at the Fairfax location, or can remotely join the course using a computer or smart phone. To join the course remotely through GoToWebinar, please register online: click here.
CDA Areas 2, 3, 8
Location: Pennino Building-Room 930A, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax 22035
Wednesday, October 16
7 – 8:30 p.m.
One 1.5-hour session for 1.5 hours credit
1759-04 Understanding Sensory Input: The Body’s Balance System
Explore the way young children achieve and maintain their body’s balance system through complex sensorimotor input and how that impacts a child’s ability to learn. NOTE: Please bring a lunch and beverage with you.
CDA Areas 2, 3, 8
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Saturday, October 19
9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
One 4-hour session for 4 hours credit
Discover ways to use a variety of early childhood story books to help children understand and cope with typical childhood fears.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 205, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Mondays, October 21 and 28
7 – 9 p.m.
Two 2-hour sessions for 4 hours credit
1616-04 Making Time Work
Gain personal insight into your daily responsibilities and develop strategies to organize time for an effective work and life balance.
CDA Areas 5, 6
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Tuesdays, October 22 and 29
7 – 9 p.m.
Two 2-hour sessions for 4 hours credit
Engage in simple science experiences while exploring new vocabulary and developing skills that children will enjoy.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Wednesdays, October 23, 30 and November 6
7-9 p.m.
Three 2-hour sessions for 6 hours credit
Explore developmentally appropriate learning experiences that promote early literacy skills for children ages 3 to 5 years.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Wednesdays, October 23, 30 and November 6, 13, and 20
7 – 9 p.m.
Five 2-hour sessions for 10 hours credit
Learn about ways to promote higher level thinking through exploration, experimentation and discovery while integrating science into everyday experiences.
CDA Areas 2, 3
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 211, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Saturdays, October 26 and November 2
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Two 3-hour sessions for 6 hours credit
1765-04 Moving to Learn
Learn how movement impacts the brain's ability to learn. Explore ways to integrate movement into an early learning program.
CDA Areas 2, 3, 8
Location: Resource Center at Main Street-Room 213, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax 22030
Mondays, October 28 and November 4, 18 and 25
7-9 p.m.
Four 2-hour sessions for 8 hours credit
Family Child Care Business Workshops
Learn how to incorporate good nutrition and fun fitness activities into your daily program.
CDA Areas 2
Location: Pennino Building-Room 206, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax 22035
Thursday, September 19
7-9 p.m.
One 2-hour session for 2 hours credit
Learn to effectively set expectations with parents through well written contracts and clear verbal communication. Explore sample contracts and engage in practice phone interviews.
CDA Areas 5
Location: Pennino Building-Room 206, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax 22035
Saturday, September 21
9 a.m. – noon.
One 3-hour session for 3 hours credit
Explore the signs of child abuse and neglect. Review and discuss mandatory reporting guidelines.
CDA Area 5
Location: Pennino Building-Room 206, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax 22035
Monday, September 30
7-9 p.m.
One 2-hour session for 2 hours credit
Explore ways to nurture your health and the health of the children in your care. Learn about immunizations and community immunity, tuberculosis, communicable diseases and Health Department services.
CDA Areas 1
Location: South County Center-Room 221, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria 22309
Tuesday, October 1
7-9 p.m.
One 2-hour session for 2 hours credit
Learn the difference between food allergies and food intolerance. Discuss major food allergens including the causes and symptoms of food allergies. Explore ways to keep children safe from food allergy reactions and food-borne illnesses.
CDA Areas 2
Location: Pennino Building-Room 206, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax 22035
Thursday, October 10
7-9 p.m.
One 2-hour session for 2 hours credit
Learn the difference between food allergies and food intolerance. Discuss major food allergens including the causes and symptoms of food allergies. Discover how to keep children safe from food allergy reactions and food-borne illnesses.
CDA Areas 2
Location: South County Center-Room 221, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria 22309
Tuesday, September 17
7-9 p.m.
One 2-hour session for 2 hours credit
Learn how to get more clients through branding, marketing, networking, creating a website and using social media.
CDA Areas 5
Location: Pennino Building-Room 206, 12011 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax 22035
Thursday, October 24
7-9 p.m.
One 2-hour session for 2 hours credit