Unlock the power of brain development in the early years and learn how educators can shape lifelong skills. Participants will walk away with the Ability to:

-      Understand the critical role of brain development in building creativity, critical thinking, and executive function.

-      Recognize behaviors as forms of communication and respond with empathy and effectiveness

-      Manage stress to create a positive and focused learning environment

-      Apply practical strategies to help every child thrive and succeed well beyond the classroom.

Prerna Richards

When children push back, act out, or refuse to listen, it can feel like an endless power struggle. But every behavior is a form of communication. In this session, you’ll:

-      Understand the brain states (Survival, Emotional, Executive) driving challenging behaviors

-      Learn to decode what children are really trying to tell you through their actions.

-      Gain practical, actionable tools to manage pushback, defiance, and disruptive behaviors effectively

-      Leave empowered to create a calmer, more cooperative Classroom where every child and teacher can thrive.

Prerna Richards

Infants will show us what they need if we are paying careful attention. Toddlers and twos are learning to test limits. Our role as educators is to provide consistent responsive care and supervision to keep them safe as we help them learn to get along with other children. In this session, we’ll practice serve and return techniques to provide engaging, responsive guidance and care for our youngest humans.

Dr. Christy Jon, Kaplan

Far from being helpless, infants are learning at an amazing rate. Mobile Infants and young toddlers are eager to test new motor skills. Older toddlers are on the move! Two are ready to build skills and find their limitations by testing new boundaries. In this session, we’ll cover typical milestones, individual differences, and red flags to watch for as you provide interesting and challenging environments that engage babies and provide opportunities for you to observe and respond.

Kim Thomason, Kaplan

Unfortunately, if you are working with children and families today, you are likely encountering trauma and its effects. In this session, Jim helps you better understand how the experience of trauma can have a profound impact on the physiology and psychology of children. Jim will explore different types of trauma and how they impact the developmental trajectory of children. He will also explore how understanding these potential effects can help us provide more responsible and effective interventions.

Jim Harris, Opportunities Consulting Services and the Associate Director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University

Infants and young children are guided by emotions. When the feelings get too big, early care and education professionals can reach into their emotional regulation toolbox to support co-regulation. During this session, participants will learn about current co-regulation research, how to help build resiliency through co-regulation (and ultimately self-regulation), and skills and resources for use in the classroom and for families during in-home services.

Michelle Rollyson and Sheila Zickefoose

Despite our differences, we are all alike in so many ways. In this session we’ll share children’s stories: Everybody Bakes Bread. Everybody Makes Rice, and More, More, More Said the Baby, as ways to open conversations with children about ways that each of us and our families are alike and what makes us special and unique.

Dr. Christy Jon, Kaplan

Conflict is unavoidable, especially in mixed-age groupings but it also provides learning opportunities as we help children learn to take responsibility for their own words and actions to create a peaceful classroom focused on friendship, curiosity, and creativity. Misbehavior is an opportunity to learn from mistakes and teach more appropriate choices.

Kim Thomason, Kaplan

Get ready to laugh and learn as Jim brings some of the most important developmental principles alive with his down-to-earth presentation style. Jim will focus on some of people's most common misconceptions about children and discuss how they affect our ability to intervene effectively. He will pay specific attention to children's core developmental needs and how they relate to challenging behavior. Jim will also explore how to approach challenging behavior with children from an instructional perspective strategically.

Jim Harris, Opportunities Consulting Services; Associate Director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University

Self-Care is a survival skill in today’s world. This course focuses on personal and professional self-care practices specific to the unique needs of Directors and Administrators. We will discuss a variety of strategies to improve your overall well-being and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community of colleagues.

Emma Shaffer & Marcy Mueller

Normal development covers a wide range, but sometimes our observations and our gut instinct tell us that a child may need additional evaluation for possible early intervention. In this session, we’ll discuss how to record observations that will be useful to evaluators, what to ask for, and how to use the results of an evaluation in your classroom and when talking with families.

Dr. Christy Jon, Kaplan

Who has time for assessment? Busy teachers will enjoy these ‘hacks’ to incorporate assessments into daily routines and lessons. A variety of techniques will be shared for using checklists, running records, anecdotes, times samples, and event samples to paint a picture of each child’s accomplishments and preferences.

Kim Thomason, Kaplan

ACEs 101 introduces the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) through awareness and education. In this training participants will understand what ACEs are and the impact they have on children and adults, become familiar with the 10 types of ACEs, and gain an

understanding of ways to overcome ACEs.

Carrie Frasch

Mr. Chazz will teach you how to understand and approach behavior in a way that everyone can relate to. He will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate any situation with confidence while guiding your children towards a resilient and joyous future.

Mr. Chazz Lewis

During this session, Infant/Toddler Specialists will take you through the model rooms and discuss each developmental area and why it is important.

IT Specialists

Research has shown that self-regulation skills are the underlying proficiencies necessary for learning and success in school. These skills begin developing in infancy and their development can be supported both at home and in the learning environment. In this session, we will discuss what self-regulation is and review and practice activities for infants and toddlers that will support its development. Outcomes: As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• explain self-regulation and how it develops.

• implement activities that support the development of self-regulation skills.

Kim Engelhardt, Lakeshore

Mr. Chazz will dive deeper into understanding the behaviors you bring to the session and will teach you the steps to regulate in a helpful way instead of reacting.

Mr. Chazz Lewis

Adults expect respect from children.  Children should receive the same respect from adults.  Respect leads to positive relationships and will help decrease challenging behaviors. This is an interactive training that will explore how the following topics lead to respect: R-relationships, E-environments, S-safety and security, P- positivity, E-emotional regulation, C-communication, and T-temperament. 

Chrissy Lafferty and Jodi Fortney, ITS/BC

In this training you will learn how to implement Baby Doll Circle Time based upon Becky Bailey’s instruction through Conscious Discipline. Baby Doll Circle Time is a revolutionary approach that strengthens attachment, attunement and social play without increasing staff burdens or staff members. Optimal infant/toddler development is dependent on healthy relationships with adults. It’s challenging to find the one-on-one time needed to foster those meaningful relationships. Come and let us show you how to implement it in your classroom!

??Alicia Mazariego, Traci Busch, Ashley Cleaver, Infant Toddler Specialists

In early childhood and beyond, children depend on the use of their senses to navigate their environment, make connections, and solidify information in a comprehensible manner. In this session, we will explore sensory processing concepts and strategies to create safe exploration opportunities for children. Outcomes: As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• define sensory processing in relation to children.

• implement strategies to support sensory processing needs in the learning environment.

Kim Engelhardt, Lakeshore

Mr. Chazz will help you to teach children to take turns instead of snatching and hitting. He will offer multiple practical strategies that you can use in the classroom tomorrow.

Mr. Chazz Lewis

This course will review typical gross motor Milestones for what is considered normal for infants/toddlers. We will also discuss what is atypical/delayed or cause for concern and how to approach families with your concerns. Information on how to make WV Birth to Three Referrals and how we can support teachers in the classroom will be provided. Low cost tips and tricks will be discussed to support development. If time allows, a Q&A session will follow. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions!

Kari Calvert, PT, MPT:

Infant/Toddler Gross Motor Development 

Self-Care is a survival skill in today’s world. This course focuses on personal and professional self-care practices specific to the unique needs of Directors and Administrators. We will discuss a variety of strategies to improve your overall well-being and the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community of colleagues.

Lacy Gaston & Corrine Lynch

When educators can mindfully recognize their emotional responses, they can respond appropriately to those around them, including children, colleagues, and families/caregivers. In addition, the practice of mindfulness is a form of self-care that provides a strategy for educators to help them be their best emotionally, physically, and socially. This workshop will discuss the value of embracing practices of mindfulness and provide strategies for implementing mindfulness into everyday life and the learning environment. Outcomes: As a result of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• identify why the practice of mindfulness is important.

• implement resources and strategies that will promote mindfulness.

Suggested Materials: www.lakeshorelearning.com/my-shoppinglist-page/gl361269520

Kim Engelhardi, Lakeshore

Biting is one of the most challenging behaviors faced in early childhood settings with infants and toddlers, especially when it happens frequently or escalates in intensity. This engaging and practical training will help early care and education professionals understand “why: infants and toddlers bite, the developmental stages behind the behavior, and how to effectively prevent and respond when it occurs. Participants will learn proactive strategies to support emotional regulation, promote communication skills, and reduce biting incidents – while maintain a nurturing and safe environment for all children.

Linda Reeves

BC

This session will explore how sensory processing influences the emotional and behavioral development of infants and toddlers. Providers will gain foundational knowledge of sensory integration, recognize signs of sensory processing challenges, and understand their impact on mental health and social-emotional growth. Practical strategies for creating supportive environments and fostering regulation in young children will be shared through case studies and discussion, empowering providers to enhance developmental outcomes through informed, responsive care.

Breanna Adkins, OT, WVU Assistant Professor

This 2-hour training will provide introductory information about social and emotional development from birth through age 3. In addition, the training will focus on practical information on facilitating secure attachment relationships, emotional competence, and peer interactions in a classroom setting. The training will also focus on the ways that social and emotional development affects other areas of growth and development (physical, cognitive, language). The training will be based on evidenced-based practice and include ample opportunities for interactive discussions, brainstorming, and discussions surrounding curriculum/classroom management/family interactions. In sum, the training will focus on the critical role of early social and emotional development in children’s lifelong development, and the critical role caregivers play in fostering that growth

Amy Root, PhD, WVU CDFS

In this training, we will explore the impact of chronic stress in pregnancy through early childhood, how that impacts the infants brains, ways to build resiliency, and how to care for yourself as a provider.

Amanda Newhouse

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence based behavioral therapy that focuses on using relationship development and play therapy techniques to increase positive behaviors. Research indicates that the results of this intervention show generalization across other environments when done in the home. Providing teachers and childcare providers with similar techniques can not only reinforce the success but also provide additional benefits to classrooms as a whole. This training will provide basic information on how to adapt PCIT techniques to group settings. Specifically, attendees will become familiar with the PRIDE skills, using them individually and as a group, managing undesired behaviors using positive attention, effective delivery of directives, and using appropriate consequences to support developing self-regulation.

Kristi Williams

This course will review typical gross motor Milestones for what is considered normal for infants/toddlers. We will also discuss what is atypical/delayed or cause for concern and how to approach families with your concerns. Information on how to make WV Birth to Three Referrals and how we can support teachers in the classroom will be provided. Low cost tips and tricks will be discussed to support development. If time allows, a Q&A sessions will follow. Attendees are encouraged to come with questions!

Kari Calvert, PT, MPT:

Infant/Toddler Gross Motor Development 

Ear infections are a common occurrence in children. This training will provide information about why children are prone to ear infections. Signs and symptoms of ear infections and information about exclusion criteria.

Allison Taylor, Nurse Health Consultant, WVECTCR

The West Virginia Home Visitation Program (WVHVP) is a voluntary program for pregnant people and parents with children under the age of 5 years living in at-risk communities. Families at risk for CPS intervention can benefit greatly by partnering with health, social service, and child development professionals to identify and set goals to improve family well-being, and to address family needs by connecting them to community resources. Learn how the WVHVP utilizes funding from the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program to deliver services through programs such as Parents as Teachers, Healthy Families America, Early Head Start, MIHOW, and Right from the Start.

Stephanie Vunderink-Steger

This interactive presentation explores career pathways, credentials, and continuing education for Early Childhood professionals. You will reflect on personal goals, identify opportunities for growth, and create a roadmap to advance your career. Connect your passion for children with meaningful professional development with practical tips, real-world examples, and helpful resources. You will leave inspired, informed, and ready to rise and shine!

EmmaLee Griffith, WV STARS

Curious about the ITERS-3 but not sure where to start? This session offers a practical and accessible overview of the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale – Third Edition (ITERS-3). Participants will explore the purpose and structure of the scale, how it's used in assessing the quality of early childhood environments, and why it remains a key tool in program improvement and accountability. We'll break down common misconceptions, clarify scoring, and share real-world data and trends gathered from recent assessments. Whether you're new to ITERS-3 or looking to deepen your understanding, this session will leave you informed, confident, and ready to apply what you’ve learned.

Erica Fetty, WV Early Childhood Quality Evaluator