This course includes the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of children, birth through age twelve that enable childcare professionals to construct learning opportunities that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation. Instruction will include the use of library, computer, and written expression.

Mentoring and coaching are increasingly seen as essential for supporting teachers at any stage of their careers. Through this course, participants will learn the distinctions and commonalities between coaching and mentoring. Additionally, participants will determine how these powerful interactions can improve both teacher and program practice. This course meets the Maryland State Department of Education’s requirements for 45-Hour Coaching and Mentoring Credential.

Mentoring and coaching are essential for supporting teachers at any stage of their careers. Through this course, participants will learn the distinctions and commonalities between coaching and mentoring. Additionally, participants will determine how these powerful interactions can improve both teacher and program practice. This course is the first in a series required to meet the Maryland State Department of Education’s 45-Hour Coaching and Mentoring Credential. This course is a proficient level course. Prerequisites: Leadership experience in early childhood education.

This course introduces the major concepts, principles, theories and research related to the development and care of children birth to age three. Students will learn how to create a healthy and safe environment while developing appropriate interaction and communication skills that will assist with learning and development.

This course introduces the basic concepts of curriculum planning and implementation for children three to five-years old. Students will apply their knowledge of child growth and development to enhance teaching strategies, environmental design, and implementation of best practices in early childhood education. 

Using the film, No Small Matter, This course delves into the critical aspects of early childhood development, focusing on executive function, the impact of brain science and toxic stress, and the significance of quality child care. Designed for educators, parents, and caregivers, this course aims to enhance understanding and improve practices to support the healthy development of young children.

Tuning Into Children’s Play--Using Schemas to Observe/Plan Engaging Activities that Support Children’s Interest and Improve Behavior.: Teachers often become frustrated with children’s repetitive behaviors such as dumping out toys, playing with the same toys repeatedly, knocking down other children’s block towers, etc. This course helps early childhood educators to understand better these actions through the lens of schema theory and how to respond to repetitive behaviors in developmentally appropriate ways.

This course includes the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to development of children, birth through age twelve that enable childcare professionals to construct learning opportunities that support individual students’ development, acquisition of knowledge, and motivation. Instruction will include the use of library, computer, and written expression.

Join us for an inspiring workshop, "Children’s Literature: Books That Spark Conversations About Resilience," where you'll delve into the heartwarming world of children's stories that do more than entertain—they teach resilience and inspire courage

Sets are fundamental to our number system.  Sets are the basis of our ability to name things, categorize, describe amounts and compare. This course will help Early Childhood Educators to develop strategies for including sets as part of their math curriculum. Competent Level Training.

Through this workshop, participants will learn how brain architecture, serve and return, stress, and resilience impact child development. Participants will explore the concept of trauma-informed care.

Child assessment in early childhood refers to gathering and evaluating information about a young child's development and learning progress. This course offers an overview of Maryland Program Accreditation standards and indicators related to child assessment that educators should consider when making curriculum decisions. This is a competent level training.  Pre-Requisite: One year of classroom experience.

Eight Key Educator Actions To Positively Influence Development And Program Quality: Through this workshop, participants will learn eight actions early childhood educators can take to influence children's development positively.  These eight actions will also improve the overall quality of the early learning program.

This course thoroughly explores the essential dimension of cognitive development in young children, examining foundational concepts and providing practical strategies to nurture their cognitive growth. Participants will acquire a comprehensive understanding of cognitive development, becoming adept at identifying its key components. The course will also review effective strategies to bolster and enrich cognitive development in young learners.

Through this workshop, participants will learn why young children bite and how the teacher's perspectives influence their approach to biting incidents. Participants will learn strategies for effectively responding to biting.

Through this course, participants will learn about English Language acquisition and strategies to support the process in developmentally and culturally appropriate ways.

Through this workshop, participants will learn ten factors that influence children’s behavior.  When early childhood educators recognize challenging behaviors as reactions to environmental conditions and developmental phases, it allows them to respond proactively and in developmentally appropriate ways. 

Messy play is the open-ended exploration of materials and their properties. Through this course, participants will learn benefits and strategies for including playdough, water play, sand play, and kitchen concoctions as a part of the early learning curriculum.

Social competence enables children to interact and maintain mutually satisfying relationships with peers. With strong social competence skills, children can better engage in play and other interactions with their peers. In this workshop, participants will learn the seven assets of social competence and support them in the early learning environment. 

Tuning Into Children’s Play--Using Schemas to Observe/Plan Engaging Activities that Support Children’s Interest and Improve Behavior.: Teachers often become frustrated with children’s repetitive behaviors such as dumping out toys, playing with the same toys repeatedly, knocking down other children’s block towers, etc. This course helps early childhood educators to understand better these actions through the lens of schema theory and how to respond to repetitive behaviors in developmentally appropriate ways.

Through this workshop, participants will learn the components of executive functions and identify activities and teaching strategies that can easily be implemented to strengthen them. 

This course equips early childhood educators with strategies to manage morning transitions effectively. It addresses the challenges faced by children, parents, and educators, providing techniques to create welcoming routines, enhance communication, and support children's emotional and developmental needs. Participants learn to establish predictable schedules, use engaging activities, and foster independence, ensuring a positive start to the day.

The course "Enhancing Family Engagement and Equity in Education" equips educators and school staff with the skills to engage diverse families and foster equitable educational environments. Participants will learn about equity vs. equality, explore inclusivity strategies, and address the complexities of family engagement, cultural influences, and implicit biases.

Engaged fathers—whether they live with their children or not—contribute to their children's well-being, families, and communities. Learn ways to create an environment where fathers are welcomed, valued, and respected in your program.

Participants will explore the dynamic role of families in shaping the early childhood experience. This course unpacks five keys to Equitable Family Engagement, recognizing families as influential decision-makers, embracing uniqueness and resilience, and their central role in a child's development and learning. This course empowers participants to create environments where families are recognized as partners and contribute significantly to building resilient futures for the youngest members of our communities.

A community of learners is a group of people who support each other in their collective and individual learning. They are cooperative and can work productively together. In a community of learners, teachers, parents, and students construct a culture that values the strengths of all participants and respects their interests, abilities, languages, and dialects. This course examines how to build and sustain a real community of learners.

This course helps educators foster meaningful family partnerships through frequent, clear, and direct communication.  Embracing a strength-based approach, the course highlights ten positive communication strategies that help educators Engage, Empower, and Connect with families.

Educators must understand how a child’s cultural influences affect their development. Participants will explore fostering a culturally responsive learning environment .

Democratic life skills are the emotional and social capacities individuals need to function civilly in a modern, diverse, and complex democratic society.  Through this course, participants will learn five strategies for teaching democratic life skills developmentally appropriately.

This innovative course is designed for educators interested in integrating puppetry into educational settings to enhance learning and engagement among young children. Participants will explore the multifaceted roles of puppets in early childhood education. The course offers a deep dive into the developmental benefits of puppetry and basic puppeteering techniques. By the end of this course, attendees will be equipped with creative strategies to captivate and educate young minds effectively using puppets.

Traditional sitting positions during circle time, such as "criss-cross applesauce," may not be suitable for all children due to developmental challenges and the potential negative impact on attention, engagement, and emotional well-being. In this workshop, we will explore alternative strategies that allow for a variety of sitting positions and incorporate active motor play to enhance children's learning experience.

Research tells us children learn best in environments where they can have secure relationships with caring and responsive adults, feel safe, and feel free to explore and learn. This course highlights the importance of the environment. It provides an overview of relevant Maryland Program Accreditation standards and indicators that educators should consider when creating and maintaining developmentally appropriate learning environments.

Pedagogy refers to the theory and practice of education and teaching.  This course highlights the importance of effective pedagogy. It provides an overview of relevant Maryland Program Accreditation standards and indicators related to pedagogy that educators should consider when creating and maintaining developmentally appropriate learning environments.

In early childhood education, STEM represents an integrated approach encompassing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This course offers an overview of Maryland Program Accreditation standards and indicators related to STEM and what educators should consider when making curriculum decisions. This is a competent level training.  Pre-Requisite: One year of classroom experience.

Social studies forms the foundation for "civic competence." This course will help participants learn how to implement a developmentally appropriate social studies curriculum.  This is a competent level training. Prerequisites Required--Experience teaching preschool-aged children. 

Classroom management creates a set of expectations used in an organized classroom environment. Effective classroom management paves the way for the teacher to engage the students in learning. Through this workshop, participants will learn the importance of a daily schedule and established routines; strategies to promote smooth transitions; how to effectively select developmentally appropriate learning materials and considerations for physical space/arrangements.

Developmentally Appropriate Math Concepts for Young Children: Early childhood teachers must challenge their students beyond the minimal expectation of rote counting.  This course provides a foundation for expanding mathematics in their classroom. 

A multi-age classroom is not merely a group of different aged students placed in the same class. Instead, it is a well organized and thoroughly thought out program designed to take advantage of the natural diversity created.   This course is designed to highlight the benefits of mixed-age grouping.

Supporting Boys in The Early Childhood Classroom: The needs of boys and girls differ widely. Early Childhood professionals must consider these differences in their planning and teaching. This course provides some practical strategies for creating a responsive early childhood environment for boys.

Picture books are an excellent tool for children to discover mathematics. Through this workshop, participants will learn how to use children’s books to explore counting, sorting, patterns, measurement, graphing, and equivalency. 

Participants will learn about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and strategies for creating safe sleep environments as a preventative measure. 

This course is designed to equip educators, caregivers, and school administrators with the necessary tools and knowledge to adapt classroom environments to cater to children with various dietary needs. By understanding and implementing inclusionary practices, professionals can create a supportive, safe, and respectful setting for all students, regardless of their dietary restrictions.

Explore the enriching world of family-style dining in our course. Learn how communal meals bolster social bonds, enhance communication, and teach valuable life skills like sharing and decision-making. Understand the psychological comforts and nutritional benefits while mastering strategies to foster positive eating habits and social skills during mealtimes.

Participants will learn about sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and strategies to create safe sleep environments as a preventative measure.

 A sun safety school policy can significantly reduce skin cancer risk, especially when the policy is comprehensive, and it strongly encourages sun-safe behaviors. This course is designed to help Early Childhood Educators create a supportive, caring environment where sun safety policies and practices are integrated with other health and safety practices.  

This training is designed to define child abuse and neglect and potential indicators of such maltreatment. Participants will also learn what it means to be a mandated reporter, where and how to report incidents and proper documentation collection techniques.

This 6-hour course is designed to meet the requirements of the Maryland State Department of Education, Office of Child Care for Emergency Preparedness. Students will develop a comprehensive plan to follow when a disaster or emergency occurs.

Active supervision requires focused attention and intentional observation of children at all times. Programs that use active supervision never leave children unattended.  Through this workshop, participants will learn about active supervision and strategies for implementation.

Feeding picky eaters can be challenging. Through this workshop, learn why some children are picky eaters and ten strategies for encouraging them to expand their palate.

Participants will learn about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and strategies for creating safe sleep environments as a preventative measure. 

Teacher well-being considers stress, job-related exhaustion, and psychological load.  Through this course, participants will learn how Teacher well-being affects overall program quality.  Participants will also learn practical strategies for improving teacher well-being.

The course emphasizes the critical role of outdoor play in holistic child development, advocating for educational strategies that integrate ample opportunities for children to learn and grow in natural settings. It underscores the necessity of a balanced approach that combines freedom with safety, enabling children to explore their world confidently and creatively.

Labeling

This course, "Understanding and Empowering Children's Voices," is dedicated to recognizing and nurturing children's unique perspectives, thoughts, and feelings. It delves into the ways children communicate, both verbally and nonverbally, and highlights the importance of understanding these expressions to support their development. Participants will explore a variety of communication forms, including language, gestures, play, and behavior, to understand how children articulate their inner world.

Through this course, participations will learn about proper supervision, professionalism and parent engagement. This course is required for all classroom aides who have not completed 90-Clock Hours of training. Core Of Knowledge (COK) Hours: 3 (1 Professionalism, I Health, Safety & Nutrition, & 1 Community)

This self-paced course is designed to provide educators with a deep understanding of the CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) observation tool and its application in educational settings. Participants will explore the various domains of CLASS, including Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Concept Development. Through this course, educators will learn how to interpret their CLASS scores, identify areas for improvement, and implement effective strategies to enhance classroom interactions and instructional practices.

This course is designed for childcare professionals to introduce the basic concepts of developing strong communication skills when working in the early care and education field. Topics include verbal, non-verbal, written communication, reading strategies, interpersonal communication strategies, and objective listening skills, focusing on communicating with parents, co-workers, and the communi'ty, and communication issues within a typical childcare day.   

An anti-bias curriculum is an approach to early childhood education that sets forth values-based principles and methodology to support respecting and embracing differences and acting against bias and unfairness. Through this intermediate-level training, early childhood educators will learn the four goals of anti-bias education.   Participants will also learn strategies to ensure effective implementation. 

Through this workshop, participants will learn the purpose of a performance evaluation and how to effectively complete the process.  Participants will also learn biases that are common to the evaluation process and how to avoid them. Finally, this course includes strategies for dealing with marginal performances and strategies for fairly distributing performance awards.

Through this workshop, participants will learn the importance of implementing an effective staff recognition/appreciation plan.   An effective plan considers the unique needs of each employee and goes beyond monetary rewards.   Prerequisite—Experience with managing and supervising early childhood staff.

Feedback that is constructive is vital to employees' ongoing development. Feedback clarifies expectations, helps people learn from their mistakes, and builds confidence.  Through this course, early childhood directors will learn the importance of FAST Feedback and effective delivery strategies.

Through this workshop, Program Directors will learn five strategies for inspiring employee engagement and peak performance. This is a competent level training Pre-requisites: Supervisory experience. 

How MSCCA Advocates For Maryland’s Early Childhood Community: Through this workshop, participants will learn about Maryland State Child Care Association’s advocacy efforts, benefits of membership, and how to become engaged in the broader early childhood community.   This is a proficient level training.  Prerequisites: Currently employed in a child care setting and knowledge of Maryland licensing.

Through this workshop, participants will learn about workplace discrimination, gender stereotyping, ageism, disability discrimination and religious discrimination. This course provides a good overview for newly hired directors. 

Constructive Feedback is vital for ongoing professional growth. Feedback motivates, provides direction and clarifies expectations. Through this course, early childhood educators will learn how to effectively receive feedback.

Through this workshop, participants will learn how to effectively develop interview questions.  Well develop interview questions will help Directors to a better differentiate candidates and hire more qualified employees.

This self-paced course is designed for MSDE Approved trainers and meets state requirements for training renewal.  Through this course, participants will review Gagne's Nine Events of Instruction and how to use it as a framework for training development. 

 Employee turnover is very costly to an early childhood program.   A good onboarding process can help employees to become more connected to the program and reduce the turnover rate.  Through this workshop, Program Administrators will discuss the elements of an effective employee onboarding process.  This is a proficient level training—prerequisites required—supervisory experience.

This comprehensive course is designed for educators who work with children experiencing emotional, behavioral, and cognitive dysregulation. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, participants will learn how to create supportive environments that foster emotional stability and enhance children's ability to regulate their emotions effectively.

Understanding the function of children’s behavior is the first step in providing a developmentally appropriate response.   Participants will learn how to conduct a functional behavioral assessment and positive behavior support plan. 

Infant mental health refers to how well a child develops socially and emotionally from birth to three.  Participants will learn positive mental health strategies.

Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) is a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior directed toward authority figures. Participants will learn about the psychology of ODD and strategies for supporting students who exhibit ODD symptoms. This is competent level training.  Prerequisites: One year of teaching experience.