Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Region

• Course Dates – October 18, 2026 – November 18, 2026
• 10 Hours or 1 CEU (cost for CEUs $23.00)
• Target Audience – Infant and Toddler Educators

Infants and toddlers are natural explorers, constantly learning through their senses, relationships, movement, and interactions with the world around them. This course explores how early childhood educators can intentionally create engaging, responsive environments that spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and inspire a sense of wonder.

Participants will discover how thoughtfully designed spaces, open-ended materials, sensory experiences, and meaningful interactions can support infants’ and toddlers’ development while honoring their individual interests, abilities, and pace of learning. Emphasis will be placed on observing children, following their cues, and creating opportunities for discovery through play and everyday experiences.

Through practical strategies and reflective practice, educators will learn how to transform the child care environment into a place where young children feel safe, connected, confident, and excited to explore—building the foundation for lifelong learning.

• Course Dates October 17, 2026 - November 18, 2026 
• This course meets the topic criteria for the Director Credential Renewal
• 15 Hours, or 1.5 CEUs  (cost for CEUs $28.00)
• Target Audience – Directors, Assistant Directors & Leaders in ECE
• Registration opens on September 18, 2026

Effective leadership in early childhood education is both an art and a practice rooted in relationships, reflection, collaboration, and a commitment to quality. You will explore leadership styles, communication strategies, ethical decision-making, team development, conflict resolution, and ways to build a positive and inclusive workplace culture. Emphasis is on reflective leadership, emotional intelligence, relationship-building, and creating a shared vision that supports high-quality early learning experiences.

• Course Dates - October 16, 2026 – November 17, 2026
• Target Audience  – VPK and Pre-K Educators, 15 Hours, or 1.5 CEUs  (cost for CEUs $28.00).

Course Description - This course is designed to equip Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and Pre-K teachers with effective strategies to prepare young children for a successful transition to kindergarten throughout the school year. We will explore developmentally appropriate practices that support school readiness across eight key domains, including language and literacy, mathematics, social-emotional development, art, science, and approaches to learning. Through interactive learning activities, such as dramatic play, block play, and other hands-on activities, you will be able to identify kindergarten readiness skills, implement evidence-based instructional strategies, and design meaningful learning experiences that promote confidence, curiosity, and lifelong learning. You have a critical role in helping children develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to thrive as they enter kindergarten and continue their educational journey.