Outdoor Play: Creating Engaging Environments (Online)* (09/30/24 - 09/30/24)
Objectives: Understand the benefits and importance of engaging outdoor environments in young children’s development. Explore activities and materials needed to implement more engaging outdoor play environments. Design an engaging outdoor plan for your early childhood space.
Read MoreOutdoor Play: Creating Engaging Environments (Online)* (09/24/24 - 09/24/24)
Objectives: Understand the benefits and importance of engaging outdoor environments in young children’s development. Explore activities and materials needed to implement more engaging outdoor play environments. Design an engaging outdoor plan for your early childhood space.
Read MoreChild Care Aware of Minnesota New Trainer Orientation (09/01/24 - 08/31/25)
Learn about the Child Care Aware of MN statewide Professional Development system, how to receive training opportunities as an Achieved approved trainer, trainer support resources, as well as policies and procedures around registration, attendance, professional conduct etc. This course is offered online as an anytime learning module.
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Mentoring In Early Childhood Programs: Part Two (02/05/25 - 03/07/25)
Apply mentoring communication strategies including building trusting and respectful relationships, using open-ended questions to build rapport, and giving and receiving feedback. Analyze the importance of culturally responsive practice and conflict resolution strategies related to the mentoring relationship. Understand resources available to mentors in early childhood programs. This is the second course in the two-part Mentoring…
Read MoreMentoring In Early Childhood Programs: Part One (01/08/25 - 02/07/25)
Analyze the concepts, goals, and possible outcomes of becoming a mentor and mentoring in early childhood programs. Examine the roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees and the difference between mentoring and supervision. Understand and apply the ethical principles of mentorship, adult learning theory, the importance of appreciative advising and the role of reflection in…
Read MoreCourageous Conversations; Communicating Strategies for Program Leaders #34 (09/19/24 - 10/18/24)
Active Supervision: Safety Planning for Field Trips and Routine Outings (09/16/24 - 12/31/24)
Define MN DHS Rule 2 licensing standards regarding supervision in family child care settings. Identify the potential hazards and safety issues that children encounter when participating in field trips and routine outings. Create plans for children’s safety and active supervision while away from the child care program, including unexpected situations and emergencies.
Read MoreActive Supervision: Risk Management For Family Child Care (09/16/24 - 12/31/24)
Define MN DHS Rule 2 licensing standards regarding supervision in family child care settings. Examine ways to reduce or eliminate safety hazards that children encounter in unlicensed spaces, key areas, and hot spots within family child care environments. Establish a plan for regular review of family child care environments to promote children’s safety.
Read MoreActive Supervision: Preventing Child Injuries In Child Care Settings (09/16/24 - 12/31/24)
Define MN DHS Rule 2 licensing standards regarding supervision in family child care settings. Identify the leading causes of injuries and common hazards that children encounter during early childhood. Analyze strategies to prevent child injuries and procedures to follow if an injury occurs.
Read MoreCreating the Changes You Wish to See in Your Own Program (09/01/24 - 07/31/25)
Develop your toolkit to initiate an organizational change process. Learn to make a case for change. Plan to encounter resistance. Use a variety of methods to monitor for sustainability. This course is offered as part of the Care Fellowship Series.
Read MoreThe Power of Data (09/01/24 - 07/31/25)
Discover the connection between data and advocacy. Prepare to use a variety of methods to observe and assess data. In this class, we will work through data collection in the childcare industry and determine what information might best serve your purposes. This course is offered as part of the Care Fellowship Series.
Read MoreElected Officials and Offices 101 (09/01/24 - 07/31/25)
Determine which government officials represent you and the program you represent. Identify the interests and priorities of your senators and representatives. Connect with policy makers to collaborate and advocate for the best-interest of the child care field. This course is offered as part of the Care Fellowship Series.
Read MoreLegislation 101 (09/01/24 - 07/31/25)
Learn about the legislative process to demystify a subject that can appear intimidating. Discover the who, what, where, when and why of legislation including: how bills become laws, how to develop relationships while building coalitions and lobbying and what happens during legislative session. This course offers a brief introduction into the world of Early childhood…
Read MoreHistorical and Contemporary Advocacy in MN: The Organizations and People Who Have Influenced Our Work (09/01/24 - 07/31/25)
Discover the people and organizations who have influenced the landscape of child care in Minnesota. Identify key contributions that individuals have made that have become a historically significant impact on the childcare field in Minnesota Explore leading child care advocacy organizations. This course is offered as part of the Care Fellowship Series.
Read MoreIntentional Inclusivity of Young Children and Their Families (09/01/24 - 07/31/25)
Explore the capabilities you have acting as an advocate for young children. Participants will delve into topics including race, gender, socioeconomic status and other major aspects of social identity. We will highlight how social identity impacts our ability to act on behalf of children and families. Via video excerpts from CARE alumni, guided self-reflection activities…
Read MoreNavigating Rating Systems and Funding Streams in Early Childhood Education and Care (09/01/24 - 07/31/25)
Learn about industry frameworks such as quality rating systems and their role in child care, finance mechanisms that impact affordability, and how access to resources affects program availability. This course will be a focused study of the policies, practices, and funding streams that support the field of childcare. Upon completion, participants will emerge as better…
Read MoreA Brief History of Child Care and Early Education (09/01/24 - 07/31/25)
Explore the evolution of the child care field by studying significant milestones throughout its history. This will be a brief overview, encompassing events that took place from the pre 1930’s-era formation of the childcare industry, and spanning through post-COVID pandemic era childcare as we now see it in modern times. By learning about the major…
Read MoreMentoring In Early Childhood Programs: Part Two (11/04/24 - 12/04/24)
Apply mentoring communication strategies including building trusting and respectful relationships, using open-ended questions to build rapport, and giving and receiving feedback. Analyze the importance of culturally responsive practice and conflict resolution strategies related to the mentoring relationship. Understand resources available to mentors in early childhood programs. This is the second course in the two-part Mentoring…
Read MoreActive Supervision: Minnesota’s Diverse Communities (09/16/24 - 12/31/24)
Define MN DHS Rule 2 licensing standards regarding supervision in family child care settings. Examine and address the expectations for supervision in comparison to personal and cultural practices. Develop an individual plan for following practices of active supervision to keep children safe while they learn and grow in your child care program.
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