group of young children sitting on floor indoors in classroom raising hands

Social/Emotional & Behavior Cohort Registration (READ CAREFULLY)

Read this VERY CAREFULLY:

Social/emotional learning (SEL) has been shown to improve self-image, confidence, academic achievement, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. Sound important? It is! This cohort will address ways to promote social/emotional learning. Since we know that these skills are closely tied to student behavior, ways to prevent and respond to challenging behaviors will also be covered.

This will be a 4-part series. If you choose to join the cohort, we ask that you commit to attending all 4 sessions (dates appear below). You will not only learn many teaching strategies, but you will walk away with some wonderful materials.

SoEmo schedule image

Now, here's the most important thing.  In order to qualify to be part of this cohort, you must have completed an Early Learning & Child Development (ELDS) training with us.

If you are interested, you may register for the cohort using the link or QR code below. There are only 20 slots open, so do not delay.

https://tinyurl.com/SoEmoCohort2024

SoEmoCohort2024 400

 

Trainer: Diane Postman

Questions? Contact Diane at dpostman@firstsparkva.org.


Young boy screaming

Preventing Challenging Behaviors

If you find classroom management challenging, you are not alone. This training is the first in a 2-part series that will help you look at and handle student behavior in a different way.

In part 1, "Preventing Challenging Behaviors", you will discover ways to set up and manage your classroom that will help to stop behaviors before they start!

Part 2, "Responding to Challenging Behaviors", delves into how to handle behaviors once they occur. You will be shown ways to respond to minor day-to-day behaviors as well as a step-by-step plan for handling chronic, more serious behaviors.
While we offer no magic solutions, come join us to create your own "bag of tricks" to help manage behaviors.

Note: both trainings will be held in-person at the FirstSpark office in Newport News.

IMPORTANT: You will automatically be registered for part 2, "Responding to Challenging Behaviors". It will be held on Thursday, Oct. 10.

Trainer: Diane Postman

If you have trouble registering, the training might be full.  To be added to the waitlist, contact Eric Postman at epostman@firstsparkva.org


Woman and Child

Preschool CLASS Foundational Training

What is CLASS?
During this session, educators will receive an overview of the Classroom Assessment Scoring System….AKA: CLASS Topics covered will include a brief overview of the framework and dimensions measured by (insert age group) CLASS observation tool.  Please join us to build your foundation for a “CLASSY’ classroom.
Registration has closed.

little boy crawling on floor small

Crucial Role of Play in Infant and Toddler Brain Development

Presented by ITSN (Infant Toddler Specialist Network)

Description:
As caregivers, we know play is important to young children. During this webinar, participants will learn the connection between play and brain development. We will identify factors that affect brain development throughout infancy and toddlerhood. Participants will also gain insight about the development of play and different play types.

CLASS Dimensions:

  • Infant- Facilitated Exploration
  • Toddler- Facilitation of Learning and Development

How to register:

Meeting Registration - Zoom


little boy crawling on floor small

Healthy Sleep Happy Baby (In Person Training Session)

Presented by ITSN (Infant Toddler Specialist Network)

Description:

This training will be held in person at Center For Child And Family Services located at 739 Thimble Shoals Blvd Suite 400, Newport News, VA 23606

This training is focused on the understanding and support of infant (0-12 months) rest and sleep. Like many parts of early childhood development, infant rest and napping are essential to the foundations of other parts of development.

CLASS Dimensions:

  • Infant: Relational Climate, Teacher Sensitivity and Facilitated Exploration

How to register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUodOugrz0pH9a7ITqfE4-d5DEZrp_NwwaT


little boy crawling on floor small

Say “No” To Germs! Say “Yes” To Infant And Toddler Handwashing

Presented by ITSN (Infant Toddler Specialist Network)

Description:

This webinar will discuss the importance of handwashing and its benefits within the infant and toddler environment. Gain insight into appropriate handwashing procedures, engaging handwashing activities, and ideas to encourage parent involvement.

CLASS Dimensions:

  • Infant: Relational Climate, Facilitated Exploration, Early Language Support
  • Toddler: Positive Climate, Facilitation of Learning and Development, Language Modeling

How to register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZItdOqppzIjGt2rzPoLkfPZcFcRBWTN0hsA


little boy crawling on floor small

Health and Safety: Whose Job Is It?

Presented by ITSN (Infant Toddler Specialist Network)

Description:

This general session will focus on the essential role that caregivers have providing healthy, safe environments for infants and toddlers in childcare settings and how effective health and safety practices impact each child's learning and lifelong well-being. Research and important information on the most frequent health and safety issues facing infants and toddlers in early care settings will be shared.

CLASS Dimensions:

  • Infant: Teacher Sensitivity, Facilitated Exploration
  • Toddler: Teacher Sensitivity, Facilitation Of Learning And Development

How to register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0pdeispzstHtfXawCpJ2nyfkLkpZ1q71ef


little boy crawling on floor small

Back to Class Training Event (Sponsored by ITSN)

Presented by ITSN (Infant Toddler Specialist Network)

Back to CLASS Flyer for August ITSN.FirstSpark

Back to Class Training

Please join us on Friday, August 23rd for a fun morning of training,
CLASS information and refreshments as we jump back into the new school year.
Agenda:
7:30-8:00 a.m. Registration
8:00 a.m. First Spark Early Childhood Manager Mary Sheldon CLASS Overview
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Training Sessions
Work and Life Balance Linda Tazi, ITBC
Quality Early Care Environments Jamie Wallace, ITS
Responsive Caregiving for Infants & Toddlers: Watch, Ask and Adapt Diosa Montes, ITS
(Certificates will be given for training hours.)
Location: Center for Child & Family Services
739 Thimble Shoals Blvd. Newport News, VA Suite 400
Register here: https://signup.com/go/cnSjjOG
Or contact Diosa Montes at dmontes@va-itsnetwork.org
Registration is free and the event is limited to 35 participants so register early!


little boy crawling on floor small

Getting to Know Virginia’s Early Learning & Development Standards (ELDS)

Presented by ITSN (Infant Toddler Specialist Network)

Description: Virginia has a new set of comprehensive early learning and development standards: Virginia's Early Learning and Development Standards (ELDS), Birth-Five Learning Guidelines. Join us as we explore the guidelines, focusing on the five Areas of Development and what this means for you and the infants and toddlers in your care.

Domain: Responsive Caregiving CLASS Dimensions:

  • Infant- Facilitated Exploration
  • Toddler- Facilitation of Learning and Development

To register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcqcuuopzkuGdUri_8O1Kn8zNc36zIIelOU


little boy crawling on floor small

Positive Interactions: Helping Toddlers Succeed

Presented by ITSN (Infant Toddler Specialist Network)

Description: Daily interactions can greatly impact toddler growth and development. Join us as we identify and explore positive interactions and the influence they have on toddlers and their success.

CLASS Dimensions:

  • Toddler- Positive Climate, Regard for Child Perspectives

To register:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwoc--pqTouHtbYV-YdxkHnPa1qPmw6iIro