Professional Development Calendar
We strive to offer a variety of opportunities, each appropriate to childcare providers of varying experience in the field. Our goal is to provide high quality, affordable classes that challenge and reward participants. Our staff are always willing to answer questions about classes you may be interested in, so feel free to call us.
To register:
email Brandy or call 605-342-6464
View full class options and descriptions below, or download our full training catalog PDF.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Using Visuals to Support Challenging Behavior
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Raising Resilience
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Evening with the Experts: Wellness in the Early Childhood Field
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Eat Smart, Move More in OST
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Yoga in the Classroom: Breathe for Compassion
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Seeds of Success
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
The Growing Brain: Communication & Language Development
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Understanding Me Birth - 3 Parenting Series
Instructor: Dennise Ottenbacher
Monday: Why We Do What We Do
Tuesday: Keep Me Safe
Wednesday: How I Learn
Thursday: Help Me Manage my Feelings
Location: Online
Child’s Age & Provider Level: 0 - 3 Years, Basic
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Evening with the Experts: Literacy in the Early Learning Environment
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Using Books to Promote Infant & Toddler Social Emotional Literacy
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
The Science of Reading in Early Childhood: Principles to Practice
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
The Growing Brain: Everyday Play
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
ECC Fall Mini Conference
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Play-Based Learning: Art
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Yoga in the Classroom: Breathe for Playfulness
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Evening with the Experts: Art
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
The Growing Brain: Factors Affecting Brain Growth and Development
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Evening with the Experts: Young Children’s Adults
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Understanding Me Birth - 3 Parenting Series
Instructor: Cora O’Kane
Monday: Why We Do What We Do
Tuesday: Keep Me Safe
Wednesday: How I Learn
Thursday: Help Me Manage my Feelings
Location: Online
Child’s Age & Provider Level: 0 - 3 Years, Basic
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Lunchtime Learning: Promoting Parent Engagement
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
What Parents Think, Know, and Need
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Evening with the Experts: Diversity
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Bringing Bias to Light
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Mosaic of Us
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Teaching Young Children About Diversity
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Yoga in the Classroom: Calming Yoga for the Holidays
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Understanding Me Birth - 3 Parenting Series
Instructor: Dennise Ottenbacher
Monday: Why We Do What We Do
Tuesday: Keep Me Safe
Wednesday: How I Learn
Thursday: Help Me Manage my Feelings
Location: Online
Child’s Age & Provider Level: 0 - 3 Years, Basic
Understanding Me Birth - 3 Parenting Series
Instructor: Cora O’Kane
Monday: Why We Do What We Do
Tuesday: Keep Me Safe
Wednesday: How I Learn
Thursday: Help Me Manage my Feelings
Location: Online
Child’s Age & Provider Level: 0 - 3 Years, Basic
Understanding Me Birth - 3 Parenting Series
Instructor: Cora O’Kane
Monday: Why We Do What We Do
Tuesday: Keep Me Safe
Wednesday: How I Learn
Thursday: Help Me Manage my Feelings
Location: Online
Child’s Age & Provider Level: 0 - 3 Years, Basic
Yoga in the Classroom: Breathe for Creativity
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
SD ECE Early Childhood and School-Age Leadership Summit
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Ouch! Biting Hurts!
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Evening with the Experts: Abilities and Inclusivity in the Early Learning Environment
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Understanding Me Birth - 3 Parenting Series
Instructor: Dennise Ottenbacher
Monday: Why We Do What We Do
Tuesday: Keep Me Safe
Wednesday: How I Learn
Thursday: Help Me Manage my Feelings
Location: Online
Child’s Age & Provider Level: 0 - 3 Years, Basic
Safe Technology Practices for Children
A deep-dive into how we can help foster safe and appropriate learning across diverse forms of media. Examples and ways to implement technology in relevant ways in early childhood.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Strengthening Business Practices 2: Recruiting and Retaining Staff
Strengthening Business Practices is a series developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance. Our ECE system has adapted it with state specific information regarding best business practices supporting childcare centers in recruiting and retaining quality staff.
Fuel Your Flame
This class outlines ways we as teachers can become burnt out in our careers while caring for children. It describes healthy habits and routines to engage in as well as how to manage children’s stress. It also describes ideas to find our WHY again and keep our flame going.
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect
This course equips childcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and respond to child abuse and neglect. Participants will learn the types of abuse and neglect, signs and symptoms to watch for, and how to create a safe and nurturing environment that reduces the risk of harm. We will explore best practices for reporting suspected abuse, understanding mandatory reporting laws, and collaborating with families sand community resources.
Safe Food Handling
In this class we will take a look at what a food borne illness is, symptoms, whom it affects and steps to prevent it in the ECE setting. Participants will have opportunities for hands on learning including practicing serving food using proper procedures, as well as using glow germ kits to see how easily germs can spread when appropriate hand washing and safe food handling is not utilized.
Confidence with Conflict
Conflict resolution can feel daunting, but it’s a vital skill for success in life. Discover effective strategies to manage and resolve conflicts that promote understanding, strengthen relationships, and create a positive environment.
Strengthening Business Practices: Budgets, Projections and Planning
Strengthening Business Practices is a series developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance. Our ECE system has adapted it with state specific information regarding best business practices supporting childcare centers in budgets, projections and planning.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Safety in Summer
Summer time for school age kids is a very exciting time. This class will go over planning tips for a safe, engaging, and well rounded experience that will help children have a summer to remember. Topics will cover creating a calender that is educational and child-centered, making sure your first aid kit contains what you need, and ideas for making sure children’s needs will be met while out and about so they can thrive while staying safe.
Safe Sleep Essentials: Protecting Infants and Toddlers in the Classroom
This course focuses on the safe sleep practices required in infant and toddler classrooms to protect the well-being of the youngest children in our care. Participants will learn about key guidelines and regulations, including the importance of proper sleep positioning, crib safety, and creating a risk-free sleep environment that reduces the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Beyond Walls, Windows, and Rugs
Out-of-school time program environments are more than four walls, windows, furniture, and rugs. Learn how your program can overcome space obstacles and be on the road to quality programming.
Breathe for Change: Power of Communication
To exist in this world requires us to communicate. Consider how frustrating it is when a toddler has no words, a student is struggling to grasp what is being taught, a teacher is given more responsibilities with an already full load and a parent has expectations that are not met. Communication is a key factor in all of these situation. In this training, participants will explore communication as a way to advocate for ourselves, our children and each other. As we increase our own ability to communicate and build resiliency in ourselves, we begin to shift school and community culture around positive and reflective communication, resulting in an best outcomes for kids.
The Growing Brain: Everyday Play
Instructor: Dennise Ottenbacher
Want to learn the role of the brain in the process of play? In this class, learn to understand the stages and types of play that unfolds in early childhood and how to maximize children’s learning through play.
Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being
Location: Online
Child’s Age & Provider Level:
0-5 years, All levels
Building Resilience in Adults
Participants will complete the Resiliency & Self-Care Inventory, which measures Professional Vitality, Personal Vitality, Professional Stress & Personal Stress. Participants will analyze their results and create a self-care plan for themselves.
ASL for EC 1.2
Learning American Sign language and implementing it into your early childhood classroom takes practice. In this training participants will practice the language they gained in the first ASL for EC. Participates should have completed ASL for EC in the past 2 years through ECC.
Mastering the Message
Discover the importance of learning effective communication skills and the essential role these skills play in a person’s development and success throughout life. Through interactive activities and discussions, we will highlight how strong communication fosters self-confidence, builds relationships, and enhances learning.
Adult & Pediatric CPR/AED
This introductory course includes First Responders information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.
Evening with the Experts: Program Management
Staffing in Early Childhood Education is a real issue that provides extreme ramifications in the program management aspect. Andrea Neff from DSS and Ashleigh Young from Early Childhood Connections will discuss the complexities that are involved in this issue, what administration can do as preventative measures and what early childhood educators should do to cope with the stress of staffing issues that falls on themselves and their classroom. You are encouraged to pre-submit any questions or scenarios that you would like advice from the experts on! Email rludeman@earlychildhoodconnections.com to submit your questions.
Small Space, Big Learning
Setting up a classroom that suits learning, movement and overall wellbeing for all is the focus of this class. We will review the elements of a quality childcare environment, discuss a variety of multifunction spaces and discover many great organizing techniques for DAP in early childhood.
Play-Based Learning-Dramatic Play
Participants will learn what dramatic play is, and why it is so important for development of the young children in their care. We will discuss how dramatic play can be used to develop different skills that are included in the Early Learning Guidelines, brainstorm ideas to incorporate into the classroom and how to write these ideas into their lesson plans.