Early Childhood Investigations

Early childhood leadership shouldn’t require self-sacrifice. In this energizing and interactive session, we’ll move beyond surface-level self-care tips and dive into what it truly takes to lead thriving teaching teams. Using the H.E.A.R.T.™ framework (Healing Environments for Aligned and Regulated Teams) and the ECE Wellbeing Survey, participants will explore the science of stress, embodied leadership practices, and community care strategies that promote long-term well-being—for both staff and students.Join the Founder of Rooted: A Wellness Collective, Monica Rollins for hands-on activities, developing small-group connections, and practical shifts you can implement right away.What you’ll learn:Examine the limitations of traditional self-care and discover strategies for cultivating aligned, collective care within early childhood teams.Practice embodied leadership techniques, including recognizing nervous system cues, resetting stress responses, and leveraging co-regulation to support staff and students.Take aligned action by creating one to two goals that enhance team well-being and foster sustainable leadership practices.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar here Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Compliance Without the Chaos – Inspections don’t haveto be stressful. Learn how to package and practice what you’re already doing into a system that manages risk, closes gaps, and keeps your program inspection-ready every day.Take control by communicating your proactive processes andprocedures to stay ahead of licensing requirements! This session will show you how to maintain accurate records, document your audits, and demonstrate how you minimize risk.You’ll gain confidence knowing your program is always inspection-ready and fully aligned with licensing standards ensuring a safe, high-quality environment where both children and teachers thrive.3 Key TakeawaysDo More with What You Have: Turn what you’re already doing into a compliance story that doubles as a risk management best practice.Inspector Myth-Busting: Get the inside scoop on what inspectors really think (spoiler: it’s not all “gotcha” moments).Tame High-Risk Moments: Learn how to manage your riskiest compliance situations with simple, repeatable systems that keep your program—and your sanity—intact.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

You’ve invested in training. You’ve implemented behaviorframeworks. You’ve supported individual classrooms—yet certain patterns persist: chronic dysregulation, staff burnout, uneven implementation, and behavior challenges that resurface no matter how many strategies are introduced.In this session, you are invited to step back from theclassroom lens and examine what is often overlooked: the adult system itself.This presentation reframes behavior support as a leadershipand organizational issue—not a child-level problem to be solved in isolation. You’ll explore how adult regulation, leadership alignment, emotional intelligence, and program structures either strengthen or erode a child’s capacity to self-regulate and engage. Rather than focusing on compliance orquick fixes, this session centers on building sustainable adult capacity—the conditions that allow regulation, consistency, and relational safety to take rootacross teams. Designed for directors, administrators, coaches, and teacher-leaders, this webinar invites you to reflect on your role as a culture builder and systems shaper. You’ll examine how leadership practices, communication patterns, and operational decisions directly influence classroom climate and behavior-support outcomes. Through practical frameworks and real-world examples, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to shift from managing behavior to strengthening the systems that support both childrenand educators.Led by Rachel Supalla, M.Ed., this session is ideal forleaders ready to move beyond tactics and toward long-term, scalable change—where regulation is embedded, adult capacity is prioritized, and behavior support becomes a shared responsibility across the organization.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of this session, you will be able to:Analyze persistent behavior challenges through a leadership and systems-level lensIdentify how adult regulation and organizational cultureimpact child behavior and classroom climateExamine leadership practices that either support orundermine regulation across teamsApply capacity-building principles that promote sustainable behavior support in early childhood settingsRESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

In today’s competitive child care market, simply being a “good center” isn’t enough — you need a proven strategy to become the #1 choice for families in your community. That’s exactly what you’ll gain in the Own Your Zip Code Blueprint™ webinar. Join Bruce W. Spurr, CEO of Grow Your Center, as he reveals the full-funnel marketing strategy used by top-performing centers to turn empty spots into waitlists. You’ll discover how to build unstoppable momentum by mastering both traffic (paid ads, organic marketing, and brand building)and conversion (capturing leads, booking tours, and enrolling families). This session will walk you step-by-step through the five stages of a winning enrollment funnel: Traffic & Brand – Learn how to balance quick-but-costly ads with long-term organic growth that builds lasting marketing assets.Getting the Lead – Understand how parents “vibe check” your website, reviews, and social media before ever reaching out.Booking the Tour – Discover why speed-to-lead is everything, and how CRM tools and automation can give you the edge over competitors.Tour Show-Up – Use proven automation and reminders to dramatically increase show-up rates.Tour & Close – Wow families with a hospitality-focused, five-senses tour that converts visits into enrollments. Whether you’re struggling to stand out or ready to dominate your market, this webinar will equip you with the clarity, confidence, and tools to finally own your zip code. By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:Understand the five critical stages of a modern child care enrollment funnel.Balance paid ads and organic marketing to drive predictable traffic.Build a website, review profile, and social presence that earn parents’ trust instantly.Use CRM tools and automation to book more tours and boost show-up rates.Apply a proven tour-to-enrollment framework that fills classrooms.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Too many child care programs lose money not because of a lack of demand, but because owners and directors aren’t aligned. When leadership teams lack a shared vision, the result can be under-enrollment, inconsistent practices, and financial strain.In this insightful session, child care program growth experts Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey will share proven strategies to bridge the gap between owners and directors so programs can thrive. You’ll learn how to foster alignment that empowers directors to manage profitably, enables owners to lead effectively, and allows entire teams to work toward sustainable success.Together, we’ll explore three key strategies every program needs to:Increase enrollment by building systems that keep classrooms full and families engaged.Strengthen leadership by ensuring owners and directors work in sync rather than in silos.Boost financial sustainability by putting more money back into your program without sacrificing quality. Whether you attend as an owner, a director, or as a leadership pair, you’ll leave with practical tools you can immediately apply to strengthen your program’s operations and bottom line. As a special bonus, you’ll also be invited to an upcoming three-hour masterclass designed to help you launch your summer programming profitably and set your team up for success all year long.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by toddler screams, food-throwing, or frustrated outbursts? You’re not alone—and there are effective ways to turn those challenging moments into opportunities for connection and learning. In this engaging session, led by toddler expert, Raelene Ostberg, you’ll discover practical techniques that foster both verbal and nonverbal language skills, helping children replace ear-shattering screams with meaningful phrases and gestures. You’ll also gain insight into how infants and toddlers develop the critical language skills that reduce negative behaviors and learn the typical developmental expectations for expressive and receptive language in the first two years.Through entertaining real-life stories and engaging videos, you’ll see strategies in action and leave inspired with numerous evidence-based tools to build harmony in your early learning environment. Join us to transform everyday challenges into joyful breakthroughs—reducing stress, strengthening connections, and unlocking the magic of early learning. Objectives: Adult learners will be able to: Identify effective techniques that promote communication skills in infants and toddlers Explain how adult interactions influence the development of executive function and learning skills Apply prompting cues to support young learners during behavioral challengesRESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Babies are natural engineers—and Loose Parts are their tools for exploration! This engaging session explores how Loose Parts play supports infant development, encourages sensory exploration, and fosters early cognitive and motor skills. Join Infant Mental Health & Early Years Specialist, Sophie Rayner-Grignon to discover how to become an active, responsive partner in play with infants. You’ll dive into the curious minds of babies, unpack common barriers, and reframe your approach to infant play through a developmental and trauma-informed lens. Leave with practical ideas, real-world examples, and a curated collection of next-step resources to help educators, infants, and their communities engage meaningfully with Loose Parts. By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: Describe the benefits of Loose Parts play for infant learning, development, and sensory exploration. Identify strategies for becoming an active and responsive partner in infant play using Loose Parts. Recognize and address common barriers to implementing Loose Parts play in early childhood settings. Apply practical strategies and setup ideas for safe, developmentally appropriate Loose Parts experiences. Reflect on personal beliefs and practices around infant play, and plan actionable next steps to integrate Loose Parts into daily routines.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

This engaging and interactive workshop will explore practical, joyful ways to nurture early literacy, emotional regulation, and social connection in young children through the powerful combination of carefully selected picture books, songs, rhythm, and rhyme. Join Anne Meeker Watson, Ph.D., MT-BC, Music Therapist and Early Childhood Consultant at SING.PLAY.LOVE., author of Sing & Sign with Young Children: A Guide for Early Childhood Professionals, and recipient of NAPPA and Parents’ Choice Honors awards for her global music programming. You’ll discover how these simple, everyday tools are deeply intertwined with social-emotional learning (SEL), providing a holistic foundation for development. We will delve into clear criteria for selecting rich picture book literature that captivates young minds and offers concrete opportunities for teaching a variety of essential skills. The session will feature favorite books with concrete examples of activities and songs, demonstrating how to bring stories to life with musical elements to support: • Early Literacy: Enhancing phonological awareness, vocabulary, and print motivation through rhythmic reading and sing-alongs. • Emotional Regulation: Using specific songs and movements to help children identify, express, and manage big feelings. • Social Connection: Fostering cooperation, empathy, and positive interactions through shared musical play and story experiences. You'll leave with key takeaways for seamlessly including music and books into your daily routines, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary learning opportunities that build joyful, confident, and connected young learners. Join us to unlock the magic of harmonizing growth in your early childhood setting! LEARNING OBJECTIVESParticipants will be able to: 1. Identify simple, joyful ways to integrate picture books, songs, rhythm, and rhyme into early childhood settings. 2. Explain how music and books support social-emotional learning (SEL) in young children. 3. Demonstrate concrete activities and songs using selected picture books to support early literacy, emotional regulation, and social connection.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Coaching is one of the most powerful tools we have to support adult growth in early childhood education—but meaningful change is rarely easy. Resistance isn’t a sign that people don’t care; more often, it’s a natural response to uncertainty, vulnerability, or past experiences. As coaches, leaders, and mentors, how we approach these moments can make all the difference.In this insightful and compassionate session, Susan Lewis, M.Ed., Founder and CEO of Early Childhood Education Professional Development (ECEPD), offers a fresh, reflective lens on resistance in coaching. Drawing from more than two decades of experience across classrooms, programs, and state systems, Susan will guide you in understanding what resistance really is—and how to work with it instead of against it.You’ll explore practical ways to connect with adult learners, respond with empathy, and support sustainable growth—even when change feels slow or uncomfortable. Whether you're a coach, administrator, or peer mentor, this session will deepen your coaching skills and help you foster more trusting, collaborative relationships that move your program forward.In this session, you will:Describe the underlying causes of resistance during coaching or organizational change.Apply adult learning principles to enhance engagement and build rapport.Use reflective questioning and empathy-driven tools to reduce defensiveness and foster trust.Design flexible coaching plans that are responsive to where people are in their growth journey.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

In the early years, children are developing the essential building blocks that shape their ability to learn, manage emotions, build relationships, and thrive in the classroom. At the heart of this development are executive function skills—the brain-based processes that enable focus, self-regulation, memory, flexibility, and goal-directed behavior.Join Victoria A Bagnall. MA (Cantab), PGCE., neurodivergent educator, speaker, and co-founder of Connections in Mind, for a clear and compelling exploration of executive function in early childhood. A former teacher and Cambridge graduate, Victoria is one of the UK’s leading specialists in executive function coaching and training. Drawing on her work with early years settings, schools, and national organizations—including the NHS and the University of California, Berkeley—she shares practical, research-informed strategies that educators can use to create supportive, neuro-inclusive classroom environments where every child can thrive. This session explores:What executive function looks like in early childhood, how it develops, and why it’s central to school readinessThe neuroscience behind executive function, presented in a clear and accessible wayPractical strategies early years educators can use to create supportive, developmentally appropriate environments where every child can flourishWhether you're a practitioner, leader, or support staff member, you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to nurture executive function—not just to prepare children for school, but to support their overall well-being and lifelong success.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

What is a child’s behavior trying to tell you—and are we sometimes missing the real story? In early childhood settings, challenging behaviors can easily be misread. Children who have experienced trauma or chronic stress may display symptoms that mirror those of ADHD—leading to misdiagnoses and missed opportunities for healing. Understanding the difference is critical to offering the right support.In this insightful and practical webinar, Sharon Bacharach, Ed.D., L.C.S.W., will guide you in recognizing the behavioral signals of trauma and stress in young children. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a social worker and early childhood educator, Dr. Bacharach will help you explore how trauma presents in the classroom and what educators can do to respond with empathy and effectiveness. You’ll learn when to dig deeper, how to distinguish between trauma and other behavioral challenges, and which classroom strategies can help children feel safe, supported, and regulated. Walk away with a toolbox of concrete ideas you can implement immediately to better support the children in your care.Learning objectives, participants will be able to:Understand their role as educators when working with children who have experienced stress or trauma.Recognize signs in children that may indicate exposure to trauma.Lead activities that support children's self-regulation.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar hereCheck out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Are you considering starting an early childhood business? Let's learn how to take your small business from the idea phase to launch. In this session presented by business consultant, website designer, and trainer, Chelsea Denny from Early Childhood Creative, you’ll learn the steps required to set up your for-profit business and make it official. Topics covered include business entities, insurance, financials, marketing, and more. You'll leave this session with a better understanding of what is required to form your for-profit business legally and how to protect yourself from liability. You'll also understand what is considered best practice in operating a new business and what the most common mistakes are. The content covered will be most applicable to for-profit, service-based businesses operating in the United States, including childcare, private schools, coaches, consultants, and trainers. If operating outside of the United States, there may be different names and terminology, but the general information will still apply. If operating a non-profit, the general best practices will still apply. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Participants will be able to outline the process required to start a legal business in the United States. 2. Participants will be able to discuss common terminology related to starting a business. 3. Participants will be able to identify three components to consider when developing a business plan. 4. Participants will be able to name and describe the legal structures of for-profit businesses and how they generally relate to taxes, liability, and strategic planning. All content shared is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.RESOURCES Watch the full webinar here Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Facing cold, wet, or snowy weather? No need to stay indoors! In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to prepare for cold weather play so children can enjoy it in safety and comfort—and how to thrive as you discover the wondrous possibilities of all kinds of weather.   Join Kirsten Haugen, Research Director for Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, and Early Learning Consultant at Nature Explore for a practical and inspiring exploration of outdoor play in the cold months. Discover how real-world programs not only cope with snow, rain, and wind but embrace it through thoughtful preparation, clear communication, creative scheduling, innovative use of materials, and—most importantly—a shift in mindset that makes it all possible. You’ll hear inspiring stories and practical ideas for playing in snow, rain, wind, and mud, as well as guidance on supporting holistic learning, honoring children’s agency, partnering with families, and caring for the adults who care for children. We’ll even unpack the “dark side” of the familiar phrase, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.”  Join us for a cool and captivating opportunity to: ·   Witness the benefits of cold-weather play ·   Embrace an attitude shift ·   Prepare with confidence and awareness ·   Make time for winter play·   Adopt cold-weather comforts·   Expand possibilities with your space and materials·   Support the well-being of educators and caregiversWhether you’re in a snowy climate or a region with rain and wind, you’ll leave ready to expand possibilities for outdoor learning and embrace the beauty of every season.RESOURCESWatch the full webinar here Check out the producers of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Working in early care and education requires you to show up every day with your whole heart, and sometimes, that heart can feel stretched thin. This session is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deep purpose behind your work.   Join author and educational consultant Christina Fecio in this session inspired by her latest book, Small Things, Great Love, where you'll explore simple, heartfelt practices that transform everyday moments into something meaningful. You don't need more time or a longer to-do list—just a gentle reminder to reclaim simplicity and joy. Done with great love, these small things are the key to nurturing children's well-being while also protecting your own. Together we'll rediscover the power of presence, the impact of noticing, and the importance of small gestures that build trust and connection. You'll also learn how to offer that same care to yourself through intentional language and mindset. This is intended to be joyful work—and joy is something we can choose, protect, and practice. Come as you are and leave with fresh energy, practical ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose in the work only you can do. What you'll take from this session:Identify simple, everyday practices that support children's sense of safety, connection, and belonging. Participants will explore how small, intentional actions care create meaningful moments that nurture child well-being.Describe strategies for protecting and replenishing your own sense of joy and purpose in early care and education work. Participants will learn how to apply affirming language and self-reflective tools that promote personal resilience and wellbeing.Recognize the importance of presence, noticing, and relational gestures as leadership and teaching tools. Participants will deepen their understanding of how small acts—done with great love—can build trust, strengthen relationships, and uplift your team or classroom culture. RESOURCESWatch the full webinar session hereCheck out Playground the Child Care Management Software

How has the digital age—and the lasting impact of COVID—reshaped the way children build social and emotional skills? This foundational session explores how early childhood environments can foster critical competencies for young learners in today’s evolving world. Led by Brian J. Puerling, MS, NBCT—author of Teaching in the Digital Age for Preschool and Kindergarten, and recipient of the PBS Innovative Educator Award—this session blends developmental theory with practical strategies to help educators reset classroom rhythms, rebuild connection, and cultivate essential SEL skills. Brian brings deep experience as an early childhood specialist, former preschool teacher, and national consultant for Sesame Workshop, PBS, and Nickelodeon. This is the first session in a two-part series and lays the groundwork for more advanced practices explored in Part 2. Participants are encouraged to register for both webinars to gain a complete toolkit for supporting SEL in early learning. Key Takeaways: • Understand the lingering social-emotional effects of COVID on young learners. • Identify strategies to promote collaboration and shared problem-solving. • Foster identity development and critical thinking in young children. • Enhance meaningful communication in both digital and in-person contexts.Watch the full session here: https://ecewebinars.com/social-emotional-spotify

Introducing Early Childhood Investigations to the Pod-World! You may have joined one of our hundreds of webinars over the past 17 years, and now you can bring us on the go! These sessions are your gateway to inspiring, research-based professional development. Since 2009, our free series has brought together world-class authors, researchers, and experts in early care and education to share timely insights and spark meaningful conversations across the workforce. All of our session are free thanks to our producer, Playground the Child Care Management Software designed to early educators. If you want to earn your professional development hours with us, you can join our live sessions at ecewebinars.com/spotifyYou can also learn more about Playground at ecewebinars.com/playground-spotify

In this engaging webinar, Samuel Brodin discusses the transition from control-based practices to collaborative approaches in early childhood education. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for educators, the impact of language on classroom dynamics, and the necessity of viewing children as capable individuals. By fostering collaboration with both children and families, educators can create a supportive and engaging learning environment. The session highlights practical strategies for letting go of control, understanding children's needs, and adapting teaching methods to enhance the educational experience.Key Takeaways- Self-reflection is crucial for educators to improve their practice.- Viewing children as capable individuals fosters a collaborative environment.- Language used in the classroom can influence children's behavior and self-perception.- Letting go of control can lead to a more engaging and supportive classroom.- Collaboration with children enhances their learning experience and autonomy.- Creating a safe space for children to express themselves is essential.- Involving families in the educational process strengthens community ties.- Understanding children's needs helps in managing classroom dynamics effectively.- Flexibility in teaching methods can accommodate children's energy levels.- Educators should continuously reflect on their practices and adapt to better serve children.See episode information here: https://ecewebinars.com/44UfEEq