By participating in this series, you will…

Learn New Skills from Early Education Educators

Have fun and network with other teachers from across Indiana

Earn professional development hours toward Paths to QUALITY™ and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Receive up to $600 in gift cards to Lakeshore Learning*
*Attendance and active participation throughout each event is required to receive gift cards. Amounts vary by session.
Choose Your Professional Development Opportunities
You are invited to attend all of the following sessions. We suggest attending at least two events in this series. RSVPs are required and are limited to 50 participants per session, so please RSVP if you plan to attend. If you need to cancel any of your sessions, let us know as soon as possible so others may participate.

Choose Your Professional Development Opportunities
You are invited to attend all of the following sessions. We suggest attending at least two events in this series. RSVPs are required and are limited to 50 participants per session, so please RSVP if you plan to attend. If you need to cancel any of your sessions, let us know as soon as possible so others may participate.

In-Person Events
Educational Environments
Date: Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. ET
Location: Day Early Learning at Patty Jischke,
2561 Kent Ave., West Lafayette, IN 47906
School Leader Jessica Walters will provide valuable insights into creating effective educational environments. Explore the importance of classroom setup, engaging strategies and developmentally practices. Discover how to create welcoming, warm, and nurturing spaces that invite children to learn and thrive. Take part in environment tours to gain practical inspiration for your own classroom.
By participating, you will earn three hours of professional development that count toward Paths to QUALITY™ and CDA credentials. You will also receive a $150 virtual gift card to Lakeshore Learning to implement the concepts learned. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your classroom into a space that fosters meaningful learning for children.
Doors will open at 8:15 a.m. ET for breakfast. Lunch and a fun networking activity will be provided in the afternoon.

Virtual Series
Each of the following virtual opportunities will be hosted on consecutive Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. ET: Sept. 12, 19 and 26. We suggest attending at least two events in this series. RSVPs are required and are limited to 50 participants per session, so please RSVP if you plan to attend. If you need to cancel any of your sessions, let us know as soon as possible so others may participate. Those who fully participate in any of the following sessions will earn 1.5 professional development hours per session that count toward Paths to QUALITY™ and a CDA credential. Engaged attendees will also be awarded a $100 virtual gift card per session to Lakeshore Learning.
Adult Resiliency
Presenter: Dr. Nefertiti Poyner (Biography)
Delve into essential topics that will empower you to cultivate resilience and well-being in the workplace. Explore the significance of positive relationships, effective teamwork, and communication in fostering a thriving work environment. Gain valuable insights into self-care practices, preventing burnout, and nurturing your own well-being. Discover strategies for problem-solving and overcoming challenges with resilience. This session will equip you with practical tools and knowledge to promote resilience in yourself and your team. Participate in this virtual session to expand your professional skills, enhance your personal well-being, and create a positive and resilient work culture.

Social-Emotional Learning
Presenter: Bethany Williams (Biography)
Explore the power of observing others to gain insights into their emotional experiences and needs. Enhance your listening and communication skills, enabling you to foster meaningful connections and empathetic interactions. Gain insights into the role of social-emotional learning in cognitive development and how it influences overall well-being. Develop self-awareness, an essential skill for personal growth and effective support of others. This virtual session will provide you with practical strategies and knowledge to promote social-emotional learning in yourself and in your classroom.

Brain Development
Presenter: Candice Wise (Biography)
Gain a deeper understanding of how the first few years of life are crucial for shaping the foundation of a child’s cognitive abilities. Explore the vital role of adult-child communication and interaction in shaping early brain development and facilitating optimal learning outcomes. This session will provide you with valuable insights and practical strategies to support healthy brain development in young children. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of brain development and contribute to the positive growth and learning experiences of the children in your classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions
Certificates will be awarded to those who fully participate in each event. Certificates will be emailed within two business days of the event and will come from info@m.virtualbadge-mail.com.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions.
- Growing the Brain with Dr. Lori Desautels
- CDA 01- Planning for a Safe and Healthy Environment
- CDA 02- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- CDA 03- Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development
- CDA 08- Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning
- Educational Environments with Jessica Walters
- CDA 01- Planning for a Safe and Healthy Environment
- CDA 02- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- CDA 03- Supporting Children’s Social Emotional Development
- CDA 08- Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning
- Adult Resiliency with Dr. Nefertiti Poyne
- CDA 05- Managing an Effective Program
- CDA 06- Maintaining a Commitment to Professionalism
- Social-Emotional Learning with Bethany Williams
- CDA 02- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- CDA 03- Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development
- CDA 07- Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior
- CDA 08- Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning
- Brain Development with Candice Wise
- CDA 02- Health, Safety and Nutrition
- CDA 03- Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Development
- CDA 08- Understanding Principles of Child Development and Learning
Gift cards will be emailed to those who fully participate at each event within 5-7 business days of the event. The email will come from Lakeshore Learning and will contain a link to your gift card.
RSVPs are required and are limited to 50 participants per session. If you need to cancel any of your sessions, let us know as soon as possible so others may participate.
Once a session is full, the RSVP link will no longer work. You can join the waitlist and we will reach out to you if space becomes available.