What is the Ready to Grow program?
Ready to Grow for Educators is a social–emotional and behavioral support initiative designed for APS Pre-K and early childhood educators in Atlanta. The program provides high-quality training, resources, and coaching to strengthen classroom management, support student behavior, and improve overall well-being for teachers and students. There is also a family component to the program, which provides training workshops, resources, and coaching to support the same skills at home.
This program was developed in partnership with Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL), and a committee of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) leaders.
Who is eligible to participate?
APS Pre-K teachers and paraprofessionals, as well as early childhood educators at partner programs in the APS school zone (Head Start and community-based early learning centers), are eligible to participate.
Is there a cost to participate?
No. All training, materials, and coaching are provided at no cost to educators. The program is funded by the Promise All Atlanta Children Thrive (PAACT) grant led by GEEARS to improve learning, health, and well-being outcomes for Atlanta’s youngest children and their families.
What is included in the educator training series?
Educators will participate in:
Interactive, expert-led professional development sessions
Practical social-emotional and behavior support strategies
When will trainings take place?
Educator training sessions are scheduled on Fridays from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at the APS Student and Family Support Hub (601 Thomas Cole Jr Way SW) on the following dates:
01.16.26 | 02.13.26 | 03.13.26 | 04.17.26 | 05.15.26 | 06.12.26
07.24.26 | 08.21.26 | 09.18.26 | 10.09.26 | 11.13.26 | 12.11.26
Upon registration, calendar invitations will be emailed to you.
What if I can’t attend all sessions?
Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged but not required. The professional learning content is sequenced to build across sessions. If you must miss a session, reviewing the materials and follow-up resources is recommended.
Will substitute coverage be provided?
Yes. The grant will cover the cost of a substitute teacher for APS Pre-K classrooms for each educator and paraprofessional attending training during school hours. Coverage is available on a first-come, first-served basis until spots are filled.
Community-based early learning centers may apply for a stipend to help pay for coverage for teachers to attend.
Will I receive CEUs or professional learning credit?
Yes. Educators who attend trainings where CEUs are offered will receive professional learning credit. Additional details will be provided during training.
What kind of resources do educators receive?
Educators will receive the following hands-on resources for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis:
Classroom Time-In Toolkit Bundle
The Classroom Time-In Toolkit is a comprehensive set of social–emotional learning (SEL) tools designed to help educators teach emotional regulation, relationship skills, and positive behavior through a play-based, relationship-centered approach. It includes the full Time-In Toolkit, SnuggleBuddies emotions plush, printable SEL activity books, CASEL-aligned lesson plans (PreK–2nd), mindfulness audio files, and classroom games like Feelings Bingo. The lessons follow a simple structure—Name It (Recognize), Feel It (Regulate), Heal It (Repair/Restore)—making SEL easy to teach during daily routines and micro-moments. Created by child-development experts, the toolkit supports school readiness, positive behavior, and long-term emotional well-being.
Click here to learn more about the Classroom Time-In Toolkit Bundle.
Best Me I Can Be! School Library
The Best Me I Can Be! library is a complete social emotional learning resource set that helps educators teach 14 essential social skills through engaging stories, activities, and visuals. Each library includes seven RJ storybooks, seven companion activity guides, and 14 colorful posters that reinforce step-by-step skills throughout classrooms and common areas. The stories use humor and real-life scenarios to teach skills like listening, following instructions, accepting “no,” sharing, teamwork, staying on task, using appropriate words, and more. Based on the evidence-informed Boys Town Education Model®, this library supports improved behavior, stronger classroom climates, and everyday SEL skill-building.
Click here to learn more about the Best Me I can Be! School Library.
Calming Cards
A set of illustrated cards featuring 26 kid-friendly strategies for managing anger, stress, frustration, and all big feelings!
Click here to learn more about the calming cards.
What is educator coaching?
Educator coaching is a free, optional service that provides access to a trained coach for additional support. Coaching sessions can be one-time, as-needed, or ongoing and may take place in person or virtually. In some cases, classroom or student observation may be helpful to tailor support.
Coaching may focus on:
Tier 1: Classroom Management
Routines, expectations, transitions, community building, positive reinforcement, and use of SEL tools to support all students.
Tier 2: Behavior Interventions
Small-group supports, identifying behavior patterns, teaching replacement skills, visual supports, and progress monitoring.
Tier 3: Individualized Supports
Individual student challenges, behavior plans, identifying triggers, and implementing personalized calming or support strategies.
How do I register?
To register, please complete the Ready to Grow Educator Registration Form Once registered, you will receive a confirmation and calendar invitations.
Who do I contact with questions?
For questions about educator training or coaching, please contact:
Nicole Webb | nicole@new-school-consulting.com