Office for Children - 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
Betsi Closter
Director

Institute for Early Learning (IFEL) - Webinars

IFEL children

Online Webinars

The following webinars will be available through the Institute for Early Learning. Please follow the links below for webinar descriptions and to register. For more information, please call 703-324-3044.

(return to IFEL home page)

In response to current health and safety concerns around group gatherings, Early Childhood Programs and Services has transitioned many of its professional development offerings to a webinar format using the GoToWebinar platform. For many early care and education professionals, active participation and engagement in webinars may be new. To help our participants get the most benefit out of our webinar classes, we have created two short webinar presentations that focus on technical assistance questions and challenges around several topics, including registration and participation in a webinar class.

For English, select from the Introduction to GoToWebinar for Computers and Android Devices or Computers and Apple Devices. For Spanish, select from the Introducción al GoToWebinar: Computadoras y Aparatos de Apple or Computadoras y Aparatos de Android. You can watch the webinar as many time as you would like. Please be aware there is no training credit for viewing or attending this technical assistance webinar.

Click on the webinar link above and follow the instruction in GoTo Meeting to register so you can hear and view the webinar.

March 2024 WEBINARS

Conexiones de las Evaluaciones con Plan de Estudios en Aulas de la Primera Infancia  (Serie de ocho partes: 1.5 horas cada sesión) 
**Clase Virtual*

Las experiencias de aprendizaje de la primera infancia planificadas intencionalmente brindan a los educadores oportunidades para evaluar el aprendizaje y el desarrollo de los niños. En esta serie de ocho clases, los educadores revisarán varias formas de evaluaciones que pueden integrarse en las experiencias diarias de aprendizaje de los niños para obtener información sobre su desarrollo, intereses y necesidades. La información obtenida de las evaluaciones de los niños apoyará las decisiones de los educadores sobre las adaptaciones hechas a las oportunidades de aprendizaje en el currículo para los niños en sus aulas de la primera infancia.
Tenga en cuenta esta es una serie de ocho partes. Debe asistir a todas las sesiones para recibir un certificado.
Área de CDA: 2, 3, 7, 8
VELDS: Enfoques de Juego y Aprendizaje, Desarrollo Social y Emocional, Desarrollo de Comunicación, 
Lenguaje, y Alfabetismo, Salud y Desarrollo Físico, Desarrollo Cognitivo.
CLASS Support 
Domain(s): T
oddlers: Apoyo Emocional y Conductual, Pre-K: Organización del Aula. Apoyo Pedagógico. 
Dimension(s): Toddlers: Consideración hacia las Perspectivas del Niño. Facilitar el Aprendizaje y el Desarrollo.Pre-K: Desarrollo de Conceptos. Calidad de Comentarios. Ejemplificar el Lenguaje.
Instructora: Lisseth Palacios
Lunes y martes, 4, 11, 13, 18 y 20 de marzo 1, 3 y 8 de abril 
7 - 8:30 p.m.
¡Registrar aquí! 
* El enlace de Zoom se enviará por correo electrónico una semana antes.

Sensory Challenges in Young Children (Three-part series - 1 hour each, total 3-hour credit)

Sensory Challenges can make navigating their environment hard for young children. Explore ways to accommodate children who have sensory challenges in your program. Understanding their needs will help you design an environment that will make them feel safe and ready to explore. 
Please note: This is a three-part series. You must attend all three sessions to receive a certificate. If you participated in this webinar and received training credit, you will not receive credit again.
CDA Area: 2
VELDS:
Health and Physical Development
CLASS Support 
Domain(s):
Pre-K: Instructional Support, Emotional Support  
Dimension(s): Pre-K: Concept Development, Positive Climate  
Tuesdays, March 12, 19
and 26 
7 - 8 p.m.

Register Here!

1797-01 Engaging Multiple Intelligences Through Children’s Books
(3.0 hours) *In-person training/space is limited*

Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences is a powerful tool for early childhood educators. Not only does this theory help educators better understand their students, but it also helps them meet the various needs of the children in their classrooms. In this session, we will examine the eight intelligences outlined by Gardner and determine how to identify and encourage multiple intelligences in early childhood. Using ideas from Starting with Stories: Engaging Multiple Intelligences Through Children’s Books by Pam Schiller and Pat Phipps, we will explore how to engage multiple intelligences using children’s books. Finally, we will generate activities to pair with children’s literature based on the eight multiple intelligence styles.    
Please note: If you participated in this webinar and received training credit, you will not receive credit again.
CDA Area: 2, 8
VELDS: Approaches to Play & Learning, Communication, Language & Literacy Development
CLASS Support 
Domain(s): Pre-k: Engaged Support for Learning
Dimension(s): Pre-k: Facilitation of Learning and Development
Location: Resource Center at Main Street, Room 213, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax, 22030
Saturday, March 23      
10 - 1 p.m.
Note: You must have your provider ID and PIN number to register for this in-person training.  
Register Here!

1799-02 Nature-Based Art for All Ages!
(2.5 hours) *In-person training/space is limited*

Natural materials are among the easiest, cheapest, and most engaging materials to use with young children. In this session, we will discuss the benefits of encouraging young children to explore and create with natural materials and explore what is needed to plan and prepare for these experiences. We will take some time to explore natural materials, create art, and generate nature-based art experiences to facilitate with young children.     
Please note: If you participated in this webinar and received training credit, you will not receive credit again.
CDA Areas: 2, 3
VELDS: Approaches to Play & Learning
CLASS Support 
Domain(s): Infant: Relational Climate, Toddler: Engaged Support for Learning, Pre-K: Instructional Support
Dimension(s): Infant: Facilitated Exploration, Toddler: Facilitation of Learning and Development, Pre-K: Concept Development
Location: Resource Center at Main Street, Room 205, 10201 Main Street, Fairfax, 22030
Thursday, March 28,     
6 - 8:30 p.m.

Note: You must have your provider ID and PIN number to register for this in-person training  
Register Here!
April 2024 WEBINARS

Who We Are! Children with Cerebral Palsy
(Three-part series - 1 hour each, total 3-hour credit)

This presentation will provide an overview of children with Cerebral Palsy. We will discuss the characteristics, challenges, accommodations, and ways to include them in our programs. This session will consist of a panel discussion with a parent who has a child with Cerebral Palsy.
Please note: This is a three-part series. You must attend all three sessions to receive a certificate. If you participated in this webinar and received training credit, you will not receive credit again.
CDA Area: 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
Tuesday, April 2, 9 and 16
7 - 8 p.m.
Register here! *Zoom link will be emailed a week prior

What is Inclusion? (1.0 hour)

We will discuss inclusion in an Early Childhood Program and the benefits of including all children. The Virginia Department of Education has recently changed and enhanced the definition of inclusion, which has impacted how we care for children with a disability. We will look at the code and how we can enhance our programs to provide the best experiences for young children.
CDA Area: 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
Thursday, April 4
7 - 8 p.m.

Register here!
*Zoom link will be emailed a week prior

Literacy Connections: Helping Children Navigate Nerves (2.0 hours)

Helping children navigate their emotions is an important part of early childhood education. This session focuses on supporting children as they navigate nerves. We will define nervousness, differentiate nerves from anxiety, and discuss the benefits of nerves. We will learn how to help recognize nerves in children and explore how to help children recognize this emotion within themselves. We will explore various techniques and tools which engage the whole child to support children when they feel nervous. Literature is an excellent tool to help children process emotions, especially the more challenging ones, like nervousness. We will read three children’s books and explore ways these books can be used in conjunction with the techniques and ideas we reviewed in session one to help children navigate nerves. We will examine strategies and activities paired with each book and work together to create additional activities and techniques participants can take back to their classrooms.
Please note: If you participated in this webinar and received training credit, you will not receive credit again.
CDA Areas: 3
VELDS:
Social & Emotional Development; Communication, Language & Literacy Development; Health & Physical Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s)
: Toddler: Emotional and Behavioral Support; Pre-K: Emotional Support
Dimension(s): Toddler: Teacher Sensitivity & Regard for Child Perspectives; Pre-K: Teacher Sensitivity & Regard for Child Perspectives
Instructor: Melody Passemante Powell
Tuesday, April 9
6 - 8 p.m.

Register Here!
*Zoom link will be emailed a week prior

Tinkering and Making
(Three-part series - 1 hour each, total 3-hours credit)

Using children's books as a stepping-stone to tinkering is a great way to engage children in problem-solving, experimentation, collaboration, and STEM activities. During this three-part series, we will explore ideas and books to help you introduce the Scientific Method to young children.
Please note: This is a three-part series. You must attend all three sessions to receive a certificate. If you participated in this webinar and received training credit, you will not receive credit again.
CDA Area: 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
Thursdays April 11, 18 and 25
7 - 8 p.m.

Register here!

Apoyando a los Niños que Muerden
(Serie de tres partes: 1.5 hora cada sesión) **Clase Virtual**

Aunque es apropiado para la edad de bebés y niños pequeños, morder puede ser uno de los comportamientos más difíciles para los educadores. Morder puede provocar grandes reacciones en los adultos, y superar estos sentimientos es el primer paso para apoyar a los niños que muerden. En este curso reflexionaremos sobre nuestros propios sentimientos en torno a morder y discutiremos por qué podríamos sentirnos así. Discutiremos y revisaremos por qué los niños muerden y cómo determinar por qué un niño podría estar mordiendo. Exploraremos estrategias para prevenir las mordeduras y exploraremos cómo ayudar a los niños que muerden a pasar de morder a otros comportamientos más apropiados socialmente.
Tenga en cuenta esta es una serie de tres partes. Debe asistir a todas las sesiones para recibir un certificado.
Área de CDA: 3
VELDS:
Autorregulación de comportamiento, manejando acciones y comportamientos
CLASS Support
Domain(s):
Infants: Cuidado Sensible Toddlers: Apoyo Emocional y Conductual
Dimension(s): Infants: Sensibilidad del Maestro (a) y Apoyo temprano del lenguaje; Toddlers: Guía de la Conducta
Instructora: Lisseth Palacios
Jueves 11 de abril, martes 16 de abril y jueves 18 de abril
7 - 8:30 p.m.

¡Registrar aquí!
* El enlace de Zoom se enviará por correo electrónico una semana antes.

Critical Conversations: Talking with Young Children About Death (1.5 hours)

Being responsible for talking with young children about such a nuanced and complex topic as death can be incredibly challenging. No two people process grief and death in the same way; the same goes for children. In this session, we will share what needs to be considered before talking with children about death and explore techniques and possible language that can be used to approach these critical conversations. Please note: If you participated in this webinar and received training credit, you will not receive credit again.
CDA Areas: 3, 4, 8
VELDS:
Social & Emotional Development; Communication, Language & Literacy Development
CLASS Support
Domain(s)
: Toddler: Emotional and Behavioral Support; Pre-K: Emotional Support
Dimension(s): Toddler: Teacher Sensitivity, Regard for Child Perspectives; Pre-K: Teacher Sensitivity, Regard for Student Perspectives
Instructor: Melody Passemante Powell
Tuesday, April 16
6 - 7:30 p.m.

Register Here!
*Zoom link will be emailed a week prior

The Referral Process and Red Flags
(Two-part series - 1 hour each, total 2-hours credit)

Fairfax County offers free programs that help provide services to children identified as having a developmental delay or disability. We will discuss the documentation needed to write a referral letter and possible developmental red flags that may cause concern. We will have a panel discussion with an Infant Toddler Connection and Child Find representative.
Please note: This is a two-part series. You must attend all two sessions to receive a certificate.
CDA Area: 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
Tuesdays, April 23 and 30
7 - 8 p.m.

Register here!
*Zoom link will be emailed a week prior

Introducción al Procesamiento Sensorial de los Niños Especiales
(Serie de tres partes: 1.5 hora cada sesión) **Clase Virtual**

Los sistemas sensoriales contribuyen a la capacidad de cada niño para aprender y funcionar. Apoyar un procesamiento sensorial saludable es una parte importante de la promoción de la salud general de cada niño. Los educadores aprenderán una descripción general de cada sistema sensorial, las dificultades que enfrentan los niños con necesidades especiales con el procesamiento sensorial y obtendrán conocimientos sobre las experiencias de juego cotidianas para ayudar a todos los niños. Tenga en cuenta esta es una serie de tres partes. Debe asistir a todas las sesiones para recibir un certificado.
Áreas de CDA: 3 y 4
VELDS:
Utilizar los sentidos, motricidad gruesa, motricidad fina
CLASS Support
Domain(s): 
Pre-K: Apoyo Emocional y Organización del Aula
Dimension(s): Pre-K: Clima Positivo, Sensibilidad del Maestro, Consideración Hacia las Perspectivas de los Niños, Guía a la Conducta
Instructora: Lisseth Palacios
Martes 23 de abril, jueves 25 de abril y martes 30 de abril
7 - 8:30 p.m.

¡Registrar aquí!
* El enlace de Zoom se enviará por correo electrónico una semana antes.

CDA Subject Areas

1. Planning a safe, healthy learning environment
2. Advancing children's physical and intellectual development
3. Supporting children's social and emotional development
4. Building productive relationships with families
5. Managing an effective program
6. Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
7. Observing and recording children's behavior
8. Understanding principles of child development and learning
Fairfax Virtual Assistant