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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Environmental Rating Scales: A Foundation for Quality Childcare
This course provides a clear and straightforward explanation of how the Environmental Rating Scales (ERS) assess “quality” in childcare classrooms. We will explore the origins of these scales, intent behind their design, and demonstrate how they reflect classroom quality. We will also compare and contrast the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines with the ERS, uncovering both their differences and similarities.
QUIET Box Classroom Management System Make and Take
If you work with toddlers to school age, there is a time in every day where there is a lot of shushing. A Quiet Box can support an important time of day. We will cover a variety of ways to use a quiet box system to support quiet independent exploration and ways to customize your own quiet box.
Creating Successful Learning Environments
In this class we will be discussing how a child’s environment effects their learning. We will be exploring what age appropriate materials should be included in the environment and how to analyze your room arrangement to promote a positive learning experience.
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.
Early Childhood Literacy Practices
Join for a summary of literacy theories and practices in the early learning environment. We will explore hands-on, make and take examples on how to incorporate these elements successfully.
Building Resilience in Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers
Participants will identify behaviors in young children that are tied to resilience: attachment/relationships, self-regulation, & initiative. Participants will also develop strategies that strengthen resilience in young children.
Play Based Learning: Big Questions for Young Minds
Being able to extend children’s thinking by asking high level questions is the key to success when it comes to play based learning. In this class we will look at Bloom’s Taxonomy and how this theory can guide us to asking high-level questions as children organically play and interact in their environment. Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm specific questions that they can ask in different learning centers including dramatic play, blocks, mathematics, science and sensory, writing and art.
Eat Smart, Move More in OST
Out-of-school time programs are the perfect setting for supporting healthy lifestyles. Participants will receive ides and resources to assist them in creating a culture of positive health. This class will increase educator’s understanding of: NAA’s HELPA (Healthy Eating and Physical Health) Standards for OST Programs.
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.
ASL for EC 1.1
American Sign Language use in an early learning environment can support cognitive, motor and, of course, language development. In this class we will establish some easy ways to include ASL into your everyday with children, even if you have never taken a signing class. When exposing children to a new language it is also important to understand a bit of the language nuances and culture. This class will also touch on some experience that can teach kids about deafness.
Active Bodies, Active Minds
Understand the link between a child’s brain development and the importance of movement. Learn how different movement activities can promote social and emotional development in children as well as reduce challenging behaviors.
Learning Through Play: Math
Kindergarten readiness is the main focus for all early childhood educators, but that doesn’t mean we need to replace engaging play activities with worksheets! In this class you will learn how to teach mathematical concepts using a play-based learning approach. We will be exploring hands-on activities, games, and lessons to use as you introduce important early math concepts.
Circle Time: What’s Appropriate?
Is circle time a struggle in your classroom? Whole group learning can be a powerful teaching strategy, but only when it’s developmentally appropriate for the children in your care. In this class we will talk about the dos and don’ts of circle time, strategies to improve engagement, and activities that will improve the learning experience for all.
Evening with the Experts: Developmentally Appropriate Practices
Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Education has gone through waves of transformation over the years. Dr. Sydney Haugland from BHSU and Jessi Beedle from Early Childhood Connections will discuss the role that early childhood educators play in implementing these practices in the early learning environment. 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.
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: Understanding Behavior
In this session of The Growing Brain, we will be discussing various areas of the brain and how they influence young children’s behaviors. We look at different approaches for identifying the root cause of young children’s behavior and discuss different effective strategies to address challenging behaviors in young children.
Professionalism in the Workplace
In this class, we will go over the importance of professionalism in the Early Childhood workplace. We will explore your professional role in childcare, discuss new and effective communication styles, and learn how to show appreciation to your co-workers.