This comprehensive, six-part training series is designed to equip leaders and early childhood educators with the knowledge and tools necessary to build a strong early childhood program aligned to HB352 and Montana early childhood standards. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of key legislative frameworks and evidence-based practices to support the development of a high-quality, developmentally appropriate program that ensures success for all children. These will be 2 hour sessions from 4pm-6pm.

Spring and Fall 2025 Sessions:

Session 1 April 15th: Early Childhood Basics: Understanding HB352, Standards and Assessment, and the instruction to Prioritize for Later School Success 

Session 2 April 29th: Planning Ahead for the Early Childhood Classroom: Developmentally Appropriate Spaces and Materials for Optimal Learning

Session 3 September 9: Launching the Year: Setting Up Positive Behavior Supports, Schedules, and Routines

Session 4 September 16: Building Literacy Foundations (Part 1): The Power of the Alphabetic Principle for Later Academic Success

Session 5 September 23:  Building Literacy Foundations (Part 2): Fostering Oral Language Skills for Later Academic Success

Session 6 September 30: Math from the Start: Essential Foundations for Early Numeracy

This introductory training provides educators with a clear definition of dyslexia and practical strategies for identifying and addressing reading difficulties, aligned with Montana Dyslexia Law. Participants will explore the Science of Reading and structured literacy, including evidence-based, explicit instructional techniques in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—key components that are essential for supporting students with dyslexia. Educators will also learn how to use screening tools to identify students at risk for dyslexia and diagnostic assessments to pinpoint the root causes of reading challenges. Theoretical models such as Gough and Tunmer's Simple View and Scarborough’s Reading Rope, along with insights from recent brain research on how reading develops and how dyslexia affects the brain will also be addressed.

October 1: Defining Dyslexia and How Dyslexia Affects the Reading Brain

October 8: Dyslexia Assessment and Instruction

4 OPI Renewal Units are available for this free Region 2 CSPD training.