SESSION 1

 

ENGLISH

 

A. Rethinking Children’s Behaviors from A Trauma-Informed, Sensory-Based Lens to Build Stronger Relationships

Amanda Holliday-Bembridge | 1 CD; 1 SN

 

Don’t lie, even if you’ve never said it aloud, there has definitely been a time when you wished that one kid would stay home. It’s probably the child that challenges you the most, the one that makes the day seem longer than it really is, and the one that has the most unwanted behaviors of any of the children you work with. It’s ok, you’re human, you’re allowed to have these thoughts! During this session, we’ll talk about how to take a more curious approach towards understanding the reason behind why these behaviors exist from a trauma-informed, sensory-based lens. Using the Polyvagal Theory as a guide, participants will learn how our bodies perceive sensory information, how our nervous system processes it into physiological responses, and how these processes result in behaviors. From this deeper, more empathetic understanding, participants will be able to reframe their thinking and manage their stress responses as they focus on building a strong relationship with each child.

 

B. Heggerty Introduction Session: Phonemic Awareness (Early Pre-K & Pre-K)

Gabriela Covarrubias | 2 CUR

 

These sessions are designed for teachers new to the Phonemic Awareness curriculum (Early Pre-K & Pre-K). Teachers will learn the importance of phonemic awareness instruction and why it is an essential foundational skill. We’ll explore key components of a phonemic awareness lesson, the progression of skills throughout a school year, and additional scaffolds teachers can use to support diverse student needs. 

 

C. Classroom management: Implementing consistency and building community

Maresa Carol "MC" Cordeta & Ruby Daniels | 1 CUR & 1 CD

 

The workshop focuses on practical strategies to create predictable routines and clear expectations that support positive behavior. Participants will learn how to foster a strong sense of community where children feel respected, connected, and ready to learn.

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SPANISH | ESPAÑOL

 

SA. Inclusión real: Crear un aula en la que todos los niños pertenecen

Gloria Salazar | 1 SN

 

¿Realmente estamos creando aulas inclusivas o simplemente haciendo ajustes mínimos? La inclusión no se trata solo de abrir la puerta; se trata de asegurar que cada niño se sienta bienvenido, comprendido y valorado.

 

En esta sesión, derribaremos los mitos sobre la inclusión y transformaremos la manera en que vemos nuestros entornos de aprendizaje. Hablaremos sobre estrategias prácticas para adaptar el ambiente, las rutinas y la enseñanza sin sentirnos abrumados. También aprenderemos cómo trabajar de la mano con las familias y convertirnos en agentes de cambio para nuestros niños.

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SESSION 2

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ENGLISH

 

D. Schedules and Lesson Plans: High-Quality Planning Using the Maryland EXCELS Standards

Yvonne Bell & Meghan Leach Gwynn | 2 CUR

 

Using the Maryland EXCEL Standards, participants will learn how to develop and coordinate daily schedules and lesson plans.

 

E. Empowering Providers, Empowering Families: Understanding MCITP & Early Intervention 

Jill Lyons & Supriya Avadhanula | 1 SN; 1 COM

 

This session will equip childcare providers with practical knowledge and tools to support early development while deepening their understanding of Maryland’s new regulation requiring programs to inform families about Early Intervention (EI). Participants will learn how the Montgomery County Infants & Toddlers Program (MCITP)—one of the state’s federally mandated Part C program—supports children birth to age three through a culturally responsive coaching model that fits naturally into daily routines. The session will offer clear strategies for talking with families about developmental milestones, explaining EI in ways that reduce stigma, understanding developmental screening tools like the ASQs, and navigating the referral process. Providers will leave confident in how to meet the regulation’s requirements and how to partner effectively with families and their county’s Infants and Toddlers program to support children’s growth. 

 

F. From Sounds to Stories: Growing Confident Young Readers

Maresa Carol "MC" Cordeta & Ruby Daniels | 1 CUR & 1 CD

 

This workshop explores engaging, developmentally appropriate strategies to build phonological awareness, vocabulary, and early comprehension skills. Participants will learn practical ways to support children in becoming confident, enthusiastic readers through play-based and interactive literacy experiences.

 

 

SPANISH | ESPAÑOL

 

SB. La conciencia fonológica (Preescolar)

Gabriela Covarrubias | 2 CUR

 

Estas sesiones están diseñadas para maestros que son nuevos en el currículo de Conciencia Fonológica en Español (Preescolar). Los participantes aprenderán la importancia de la enseñanza de la conciencia fonológica, silábica y fonémica, y por qué estas habilidades constituyen una base esencial para el desarrollo de la biliteracidad.

 

Exploraremos los componentes clave de una lección de conciencia fonológica, la progresión de las habilidades a lo largo del año escolar y los apoyos adicionales que los maestros pueden utilizar para atender las diversas necesidades de sus estudiantes.

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SESSION 3

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ENGLISH

 

G. Science by the Book: Using Children's Literature to Foster Scientific Thinkinge to Foster Scientific Thinking

Linda Bratcher | 2 CUR

 

This workshop introduces early educators to the concept of integrating science with children’s literature to spark curiosity and encourage scientific thinking in early childhood. Participants will explore how books can provide a foundation for introducing scientific concepts and hands-on activities that support children's natural curiosity and love for learning. Through a combination of practical examples, demonstrations, and group discussions, educators will leave with new tools to bring science to life through books in their own programs

 

H. The Story's the Thing

Sarah Brady | 1.5 CUR; .5 COM

 

Stories can transform learning—but who has time to find them? In this hands-on PD session, discover quick ways to find meaningful stories and powerful strategies to engage students with them. Create your own story toolkit, explore themes and genres, and try interactive techniques that bring stories—and students—to life.

 

I. Writing Quality Policies and Procedures: How to Develop and Document Daily Practices

Rosemary Lober & Sabrina Scott-Cunningham | 2 PRO

 

Using the Maryland EXCELS standards, participants will learn how to develop policies and procedures that are professional, coherent and informative. 

 

 

SPANISH | ESPAÑOL

 

SC. Educar para la Paz: Eliminando Barreras a través de la Educación Antisesgo 

Graciela Semidey | 1 PRO; 1 COM

 

Educar para la Paz: Eliminando Barreras a través de la Educación Anti Prejuicios busca enfatizar la creación de entornos de aprendizaje donde cada niño y cada familia se sientan respetados, incluidos y valorados. Ayuda a los educadores a reconocer y abordar estereotipos, prejuicios e inequidades que pueden afectar el sentido de pertenencia y el aprendizaje de los niños. 

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SESSION 4

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ENGLISH

 

J. Little Beats Big Growth

Alexandria Cooper | 1.5 CUR; .5 CD

 

The workshop will focus on using music and movement to support early childhood development in engaging and practical ways. I will focus on  easy-to-implement strategies that promote active learning, strengthen listening skills, and encourage social interaction.

 

K. Empowering Children Through Emotional Wellness

Saru Nithyanandam | 2 HSN

 

The key idea of this presentation is to deepen the awareness and importance of social emotional wellbeing in early childhood settings. The intention of this training is for the educators/ care givers to learn simple, effective strategies to build strong social emotional skills that will create an environment that nurtures individual wellbeing, develop self-awareness.   

 

L. The Iron Triangle in Action: Simple Systems to Strengthen Your Child Care Business

Sandra Amorim & Fatima Valdez-Bain | 2 PRO

 

Running a successful family child care business requires balancing enrollment, fee collection, and covering costs. This interactive workshop introduces the "Iron Triangle" framework and shows how child care management software (CCMS) and practical tools can strengthen daily operations and financial sustainability. Participants will explore real-world strategies to improve enrollment, reduce unpaid tuition, and better understand their costs. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable steps they can implement immediately.

 

 

SPANISH | ESPAÑOL

 

SD. Rutas educativas para profesores de infantil

Nelida Andres | 2 PRO

 

Aumente su potencial profesional con Montgomery College. Tanto si decide aprender en el campus como en línea, nuestra programación flexible está diseñada para adaptarse a su vida, su horario y sus objetivos profesionales a largo plazo. Descubra trayectorias educativas excepcionales y diversas, y explore oportunidades de becas que mantengan sus ambiciones en el camino correcto y dentro de su presupuesto. Entre en tu próximo capítulo profesional sin apartarse de sus responsabilidades actuales.

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SESSION 5

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ENGLISH

 

M. Media with Purpose: Supporting Early Learning and Healthy Media Habits

Ellen Batkhan, Krista Respass & Karla Thompson | 2 CD

 

This interactive session supports providers in navigating the challenge of teaching alongside screens, technology, and media that shape young children’s attention and learning. Rather than solely focusing on screen time, we will empower educators to explore how media can be used intentionally to support development. In alignment with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, participants will examine research on media’s impact, reflect on their role in fostering healthy media habits, and gain practical strategies that correlate with Maryland State Department of Education Early Learning Standards. Through hands-on exploration using Maryland Public Television’s Media STEPs framework (Select, Talk, Explore, Play), providers will build confidence in using media as a purposeful tool and in supporting families around screen use. 

 

N. Small Settings, Big Impact: Building Mentor and Leadership Skills in the Family Child Care Community

Angie Sparks & Stephanie Cooper | 2 PRO

 

This reflective and engaging session explores how family child care providers can grow into confident mentors and leaders within their community. Using a Facilitated Attuned Interactions model, participants will engage in reflective conversations and practical strategies that strengthen relationship-based mentoring practices. The session will highlight the core skills of effective mentors, such as active listening, responsiveness, trust-building, and reflective questioning. Through discussion and shared experiences, attendees will leave with tools to foster supportive, sustainable mentoring relationships that build leadership capacity across the family child care community.

 

O. Supporting Behavior in Family Child Care: What It Means, What to Do and When to seek help

Tamea Moore, Meg McClary & Sheila Maness | 1 CD & 1 SN

 

This workshop equips family child care educators with practical strategies to better understand and respond to children’s behavior while exploring the connection between social-emotional development and behavior through the Pyramid Model. Participants will gain real-world tools for immediate use and learn when additional support may be beneficial and how to access it. Facilitated by early childhood specialists from across the state, educators will leave with a clear understanding of available support services for children with concerning behaviors, developmental delays, or disabilities, and how to connect directly with resources in their local area.

 

SPANISH | ESPAÑOL

 

SD. El Triángulo de Hierro en Acción: Sistemas Simples para Fortalecer su Negocio de Cuidado Infantil

Fatima Valdez-Bain & Sandra Amorim | 2 PRO

 

Dirigir con éxito un negocio de cuidado infantil familiar requiere equilibrar la inscripción, el cobro de pagos y los gastos. Este taller interactivo presenta el “Triángulo de Hierro” y muestra cómo el software de gestión de cuidado infantil (CCMS, por sus siglas en inglés) y herramientas prácticas pueden ayudarle a mejorar las operaciones diarias y la estabilidad financiera. Los participantes aprenderán estrategias sencillas y reales para aumentar la inscripción, reducir los pagos atrasados y entender mejor sus gastos. Las personas que asistan se irán con pasos claros y prácticos que podrán implementar de inmediato.