These opportunities are offered virtually via Google Classroom. Sessions can be taken individually, in a small group, or in a large group for collaborative learning. 

FALL 2022 

The Value of Art Experiences for Young Children in Preschool Settings

Providing art experiences, especially process art experiences,  in preschool settings is a powerful strategy for developing the skills of young children.  Process art focuses on the act of creating, experimenting and discovering using materials, not on the creation of a final art product.  Process art provides children the opportunity to explore materials in an open-ended way to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative learning.  This professional development opportunity will provide participants with an understanding of process art and its value as well as strategies and resources for creating rich art experiences for young children. OA Hours: 3. 

Science in the Preschool Classroom

Preschool children are naturally curious and explore their environment.  This natural curiosity provides adults with an important opportunity to foster scientific thinking.  This professional development opportunity will provide participants with an understanding of their role in modeling and guiding scientific thinking as well as strategies for supporting children's ability to observe, classify, communicate, measure, predict and infer. OA Hours: 3

Early Childhood Experiences: The Impact on The Brain, Resilience, and Self Regulation

Description: The earliest childhood experiences significantly impact brain development and patterns of behavior. Learn how building self regulation and positive relationships support the development of resilience in young children.  OA Hours: 3. 

SPRING 2023

Movement Matters

Description: The connection between mind and body is a strong one! Research shows that physical activity not only promotes a healthy lifestyle and prevents obesity, diabetes, heart disease and depression, but it also boosts the cognitive functioning of the brain and promotes social emotional skills. This session will share why it is important to incorporate movement in the early learning setting and what strategies can be used to engage students in learning through physical activity. OA Hours: 3

Supporting Anti-Bias Teaching Practices

Description: This training is designed to give early learning educators a chance to reflect on how children develop an understanding of individual differences, examine bias and how it impacts early learning settings and explore strategies that promote proactive approaches to support young children. OA Hours: 3

Supporting Dual Language Learners in the Early Childhood Classroom

Description: When young children are learning their home language and English they are considered Dual Language Learners (DLL).  This course will cover research and evidence based practices to support children who are dual language learners.  Strategies will be shared to support children in the early learning classroom as well as supporting families.

Registration for PD on Demand Sessions: Contact Holly Kemp (330) 492-8136 x 1314  

Uncover the Roots of Challenging Behavior

Description:  At times, children’s challenging behaviors are a mismatch between the social and emotional demands of the classroom and their ability to be part of a classroom community. This PD on Demand  includes a webinar, presented by author and social and emotional learning expert Michelle Salcedo.  Educators will learn strategies to respond to challenging behaviors with techniques that teach children, thus making these behaviors less likely to reoccur. OA Hours: 12

Story Making: The Maker Movement Approach to Literacy for Early Learners 

Description: StoryMaking combines the maker movement with story retelling, story creation, and the importance of play to move all children forward in their literacy learning.  This book study will build upon oral language and vocabulary development with a focus on thinking about how these skills can be generalized into various settings and activities across the classroom.  The StoryMaker Cycle will be introduced along with practical steps and materials for how teachers can implement it and be inclusive of all children and abilities in their classroom. OA Hours: 12.  

Registration for PD on Demand Sessions: Contact Holly Kemp (330) 492-8136 x 1314 

 The Early Learning Assessment (ELA) Initial Training 

This training is for new users who have not previously completed an ELA training. It is designed for early childhood professionals that will be observing, assessing, and scoring the ELA. Participants will need an account in the Ready for Kindergarten Online system. 

The Early Learning Assessment for Support Teachers 

This training is designed specifically for assistant teachers, paraprofessionals, and educational aides. This online training is for anyone who will be supporting a fully ELA-trained teacher with using the ELA. This training provides an overview of the Early Learning Assessment and focuses on observational assessment concepts including how to document observational evidence. 

The ELA Technology Virtual Training 

This training is for educators who have completed the 9-hour Early Learning Assessment (ELA) training in a previous year but who have not completed the Content and Simulation Assessments to receive a certificate. Participants will need an account in the Ready for Kindergarten Online system 

Registration: Ohio Professional Registry (OPR) at registry.occrra.org. For Fall 2022, the ELA Support Teacher Training Fall 2022 schedule lists dates, times, and ST numbers needed to register. Educators will need to register using the ST number.

Please send all questions about ELA training to ELAHelp@education.ohio.gov.