School Readiness - Institute for Early Learning (IFEL)

CONTACT INFORMATION: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
703-324-3044 TTY 711
12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 920
Fairfax, VA 22035
Deidre Stewart

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Institute for Early Learning (IFEL) - Family Child Care Business Workshops

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The Institute for Early Learning (IFEL) offers Family Child Care Business Workshops (virtual and in-person) to family child care providers just beginning their businesses as well as established providers looking for more training opportunities. These training hours are creditable toward Fairfax County Home Child Care Permit requirements. Call 703-324-8100, TTY 711 for more information. 

Note: These webinars are open for general enrollment and all child care professionals are eligible to attend the following webinars.

October 2025

The last few years have tested our emergency preparedness skills. In this webinar participants will learn how to enhance their emergency response plan by discussing strategies for communication, evacuation, and essential supplies needed to withstand any disaster. 

CDA Area: 5
Instructor(s): Courtney Arroyo
Date: Tuesday, 10/21
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. 

Register Here! 

In the Healthy Eating for Children Ages 1-12 Years webinar, you will learn about the nutritional needs of children from ages 1-12 years, mealtime responsibilities, food safety, and menu planning based on Child Meal Pattern requirements to support healthy eating habits.

CDA Area: 2, 5
Instructor(s): Kamini Jassal
Date: Thursday, 10/23
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. 

Register Here! 

Are you running your own in-home childcare business and wondering how to pay yourself or hire help the right way? This beginner-friendly session will break down essential topics, including: - How to pay yourself as the business owner - The difference between hiring a contractor (1099) vs. an employee (W2) - What financial records to keep for taxes and payroll - Tips to stay organized and avoid penalties. Whether they’re working solo or thinking about hiring support, this session is designed to empower childcare providers with practical tools and clarity. 

CDA Area: 5
Instructor(s): Women’s Business Center
Date: Wednesday, 10/29
Time: 7 – 8 p.m. 

The registration invitation will be sent via email.

En el seminario web Alimentación Saludable para Niños de 1 a 12 Años, aprenderá sobre las necesidades nutricionales de los niños de 1 a 12 años, las responsabilidades a la hora de comer, la seguridad alimentaria, y la planificación de menús según los requisitos del Patrón de Comidas para apoyar hábitos alimenticios saludables.

CDA Área: 2, 5
Instructor(s): Kamini Jassal
Date: Thursday, 10/30
Time: 7:00p.m – 9:00p.m. 

¡Regístrate aquí!

November 2025

Do you know what is required to apply for funding? Would you like to apply for funding but have no clear idea as to what documentation is needed or why they are important to the financing process? Do you need to prepare a grant or loan package and need guidance in preparing it?  If you would like to apply for business funding, then this workshop is for you!

CDA Area: 5
Instructor(s): Women’s Business Center
Date: Wednesday, 11/5
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. 

The registration invitation will be sent via email.

It’s important to have enforceable contracts and policies to support your childcare operations.  This class will give you an overview of: - Basic contracts/policies every childcare needs to know and understand - Considerations for developing contracts and policies - Ways to minimize risks

CDA Area: 5
Instructor(s): Women’s Business Center
Date: Wednesday, 11/12
Time: 7 – 9 p.m. 

The registration invitation will be sent via email.

In this webinar, Understanding and Managing Food Allergies, you will learn all about food allergies: the causes and symptoms; major food allergens; understand the differences between food allergies and intolerances; and how to manage day-to-day challenges to keep children safe from food allergy reactions.

CDA Area: 5
Instructor(s): Kamini Jassal
Date: Thursday, 11/13
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. 

Register Here!
 

En esta presentación, hablaremos sobre las vacunas infantiles, las enfermedades respiratorias y las mejores prácticas para que los proveedores manejen y aborden la exposición a enfermedades respiratorias durante el cuidado infantil. 

CDA Área: 1, 5
Instructor(s): Fairfax County Health Department
Date: Tuesday, 11/18
Time: 7 – 9 p.m.

 ¡Regístrate aquí!

This presentation will summarize the typical development of feeding skills of infants and toddlers between birth and the age of three. Participants will demonstrate understanding of how positioning and gross and fine motor development impact feeding skills. Specific attention will be paid to identifying and understanding atypical feeding development and behaviors. Information regarding eligibility for and referral to the Infant-Toddler Connection program will also be provided.

CDA Area: 2
Instructor(s): ITC: Darcie Scheffler and Lauren Bernhard
Date: Wednesday, 11/19
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. 

Register Here! 

Esta presentación resumirá el desarrollo típico de alimentación entre nacimiento hasta los 3 años en el primer año de vida.  Resumirá cómo el desarrollo motor fino y grueso y los posiciones de comer afectan las habilidades de alimentación. Se prestará especial atención a los comportamientos atípicos para ayudar a los participantes a identificar cuando hay preocupaciones con la alimentación. También se proporcionará información sobre como referir y determinar eligibilidad para el programa de ITC (Infant and Toddler Connection) 

CDA Área: 2
Instructor(s): ITC: Datie Rodgers y Melissa Davis
Date: Thursday, 11/20
Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m.

¡Regístrate aquí!
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