Instructor: Greg Hilt

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.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $35

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Instructor: Shawn Edwinson

Discover how simple, everyday materials can transform outdoor play and inspire children’s creativity. In this training, participants will learn how to source and use open-ended materials—often referred to as “loose parts,”—to create rich, engaging outdoor learning experiences. Participants will learn what makes these materials so effective, how to incorporate them into their outdoor environment, and how to support children’s learning and joyful exploration.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Learning Environment, Planning & Curriculum

Location: Online

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Instructor: Janet Smith

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.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $35

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins, AED devices, and First Aid required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: Online Session, ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $75 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

In this class, we will discuss the importance of establishing healthy partnerships with families in early childhood education. Participants will explore the impact of family involvement, identify key principles of family-centered practice, and explore tangible strategies that promote strong partnerships.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Family, School, & Community Partnerships

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Intermediate

Join experts Natasha Robbins, Jr. Kindergarten Teacher for Spearfish School District, and Kayla Herbener ECC, as they discuss what true kindergarten readiness really means beyond academics alone. Participants will explore the social-emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive skills that help children successfully transition into school, along with strategies providers can use to support children and families during this important milestone.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Growth & Development

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 3-5 years, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This class will help early childhood educators support young children in recognizing, expressing, and managing emotions in healthy ways. Using the Pyramid Model framework, participants will explore practical strategies for teaching emotional vocabulary through books, games, routines, and everyday interactions. This interactive session highlights ways to model emotional regulation, create meaningful practice opportunities, and foster strong social-emotional skills in preschool classrooms.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 3-5 years, Intermediate

Strong relationships are the foundation for healthy development, learning, and behavior. In this training, participants will explore how responsive relationships shape brain development and support emotional regulation in early childhood. Through reflection and practical strategies, educators will strengthen their understanding of and ability to create nurturing, responsive relationships that support every child’s growth.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Intermediate

Children thrive when adults provide meaningful, specific feedback that supports learning, confidence, and connection. In this interactive training, participants will explore the difference between praise and positive, descriptive feedback and learn how intentional encouragement strengthens children’s social-emotional development and behavior. Educators will learn effective reinforcement strategies, reflect on their own communication patterns, and develop a plan to increase positive, responsive interactions throughout the day.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

A training developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance that provides content to strengthen providers’ foundational knowledge of sound fiscal management and business operations.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Program Administration

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Join experts Caleb Case Ed.S Special Education Director and Julie Erskin Early Intervention teacher from the Belle Fourche School District, and Rose Ludman M.S.Ed from ECC, as they discuss the foundations of early intervention and what early childhood educators need to know to support young children with diverse developmental needs. This session will explore referral processes, collaboration with families and specialists, and practical strategies teachers can use to create supportive and inclusive learning environments.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Growth & Development

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 3-5 years, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins, AED devices, and First Aid required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: Online Session, ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $75 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

In this class we will be discussing how a child’s environment effects their learning. We will explore what age-appropriate materials should be included in the environment and how to analyze your room arrangement to promote a positive and engaging learning experience.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

A training developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance that provides content to strengthen providers’ foundational knowledge of sound fiscal management and business operations.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Program Administration

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This class explores how interest-based clubs and small group experiences can strengthen relationships, foster belonging, and support healthy development. This training highlights the role of supportive adults in creating inclusive environments, nurturing positive relationships, and helping clubs become spaces where children feel connected, capable, and valued.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 6-12 years, Basic

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

The learning environment plays a powerful role in children’s development, behavior, and engagement. In this training, participants will explore how intentional classroom organization, thoughtful design, and responsive routines create spaces that support learning, movement, relationships, and wellbeing. Using developmentally appropriate practices and research-informed strategies, educators will examine how setup, pace, and classroom culture work together to create functional, joyful environments.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

A training developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance that provides content to strengthen providers’ foundational knowledge of sound fiscal management and business operations.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Program Administration

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Consistent routines and intentional transitions help children feel safe, confident, and ready for the day. In this training, participants will explore common transition challenges and practical strategies that reduce chaos, waiting, and challenging behavior. Educators will learn about various classroom supports that create smooth, predictable routines that help children understand what to do and what comes next. The session also highlights how positive language and realistic expectations support a successful classroom flow.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

A training developed by the National Center on Early Childhood Quality Assurance that provides content to strengthen providers’ foundational knowledge of sound fiscal management and business operations.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Program Administration

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Explore the vital role families and parents play in their child’s educational journey. Discover how active involvement of families enhances student achievement, strengthens relationships, and fosters a deeper love for learning in children.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Family, School, & Community Partnerships

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Intermediate

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Join experts Anna Waterland Dykstra CNM Oyate Health and Ashleigh Young ECC, as they discuss high-quality practices that support healthy prenatal development, infant care, and responsive caregiving in early childhood settings. Participants will explore strategies that promote attachment, safety, brain development, and nurturing relationships during the earliest and most foundational stages of life.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 0-3 years, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins, AED devices, and First Aid required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: Online Session, ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $75 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

In this class, you will receive high-quality books and hands-on activity plans that support social-emotional understanding and skill-building. Whether you work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers or school-agers, this class will provide valuable tools (and free books!) to facilitate ongoing social-emotional awareness.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Anxiety rates are increasing among young children, and teachers can learn to recognize the symptoms and know how to support these children. This training will explore several types of childhood anxiety and what types of effective classroom interventions meet the needs of anxious children.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Intermediate

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Holiday celebrations in classrooms can bring fun—but they also bring overwhelm, overstimulation, and unrealistic expectations for young children. In this training, participants will explore how children at different developmental stages understand and experience holidays, celebrations, and seasonal changes. Educators will learn strategies to create meaningful experiences that support belonging, regulation, and authentic engagement while reducing chaos and stress for children and adults alike.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

In this training, participants will explore developmental milestones through the lens of the South Dakota Early Learning Guidelines and gain a deeper understanding of how children develop across domains. Educators will examine practical, developmentally appropriate strategies to scaffold learning, foster skill development, and support children. Through discussion and collaborative idea sharing, participants will engage directly with leave with meaningful ways to support children’s learning through everyday experiences and interactions.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Growth & Development

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

Join experts Jessica Ruzicka, LPC-MH Enso Mental Health and Huda Jabar ECC, as they discuss the critical role relationships play in healthy child development, emotional regulation, and learning in early childhood settings. Participants will explore relationship-based practices, responsive interactions, and strategies that strengthen connections between children, families, and caregivers to support overall well-being and success.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 0-5 years, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins, AED devices, and First Aid required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: Online Session, ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $75 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

In this first class of a four-class series, learn the value of developing a budget and how to use it for decision-making throughout the year to strengthen your business as a family childcare program.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Program Administration

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

What are we really asking of children when we expect them to share? This class will consider the complexities of sharing and explore how to help children navigate the tension that is a natural part of learning to share. This class will also examine ways to teach children how to respect the value of their belongings while fostering a culture of collaboration and shared exploration.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 3-5 years, Advanced

What happens when we shift our focus from what children should be doing to understanding how they develop and learn? This training explores Developmentally Appropriate Practice as both a framework and a mindset for working with young children. Participants will consider their own beliefs about child development, examine NAEYC’s guidance and learn to recognize practices that align with children’s developmental needs. Together, we will explore how thoughtful expectations, interactions, and learning experiences can foster growth, belonging, and achieving full potential.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

In this second class of a four-class series, learn and understand the importance of financial planning and reports that can strengthen the sustainability of your family child care program.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Program Administration

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

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.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 3-5 years, Basic

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins, AED devices, and First Aid required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: Online Session, ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $75 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

In this third class of a four-class series, participants will discover ways to market their family child care program and strengthen their understanding of marketing tools, audiences, and elements necessary to developing a marketing plan.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Program Administration

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

In this class, you will receive high-quality books and hands-on activity plans that support social-emotional understanding and skill-building. Whether you work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers or school-agers, this class will provide valuable tools (and free books!) to facilitate ongoing social-emotional awareness.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, Basic

In this fourth class of a four-class series, participants will focus on how marketing practices can be used to develop effective communication with families to improve retention of enrolled families, referrals of possible families, and how to promote the services in their family child care program.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Program Administration

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Being able to extend children’s thinking by asking high level questions supports 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 higher-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.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 3-5 years, Intermediate

Join expert Dr. Marcy Drew SDPTV and Shawn Edwinson M.S. ECC, as they discuss the importance of intentional play in fostering creativity, problemsolving, social-emotional growth, and meaningful learning experiences for young children. This session will highlight practical strategies for designing engaging environments, extending children’s learning through play, and using purposeful interactions to support development across all domains.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Environment, Planning, & Curriculum

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Need training hours and practical classroom tools you can use right away? Join us for a hands-on day of learning and creating centered on Pyramid Model practices that support social-emotional development and positive behavior in early childhood settings.

Multiple workshops will be offered with each workshop including a focused mini-training followed by guided time to create ready-to-use classroom materials and supports. Participants will leave with practical strategies, completed resources, and fresh ideas for building nurturing relationships and engaging learning environments. Perfect for educators looking to refresh their toolkit while earning training hours.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $15 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins, AED devices, and First Aid required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: Online Session, ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $75 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Join experts Dr. Candice Deal-Bartel Arena Group and Carole Foster M.S. & M.Ed ECC, as they discuss how the principles of the Pyramid Model can be applied not only to children, but also to the adults working within early childhood environments. This session will explore relationship-based leadership, effective workforce practices, and strategies for fostering supportive, collaborative, and emotionally healthy teams within ECE programs.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Child Guidance & Emotional Well-Being

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

This introductory course includes information and hands-on experience with CPR mannequins and AED devices required for Red Cross Certification. Certificates are good for two years.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Location: ECC Classroom 1

Cost: $50 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: All ages, All levels

Before we seek to change the child, we should first consider what we can change about our practice. This training explores how strong relationships and simple, intentional observation helps educators understand children’s needs, interests, strengths, and behaviors. Participants will learn to use everyday interactions as opportunities for learning and reflect on how small adjustments can better support children’s success.

Core Knowledge & Competencies Category: Observation, Documentation, & Assessment

Location: Online

Cost: $5 (FREE to licensed childcare staff)

Child’s Age & Provider Level: 6-12 years, Intermediate