Child Care Action Council

*NEW Relationship with Food
2025-11-17 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Denver) | WA
*NEW Relationship with Food

This training will help educators and caregivers support children in developing a healthy relationship with food and emotions. Participants will explore types of hunger, responsive feeding practices, and practical strategies to create positive mealtime experiences that build self-regulation and emotional well-being. This is a virtual class; instructions will be sent to you after registering for class. @public

Instructor: Rose Tiller

First Steps into STEAM: Nurturing Curiosity in Toddlers
2025-11-13 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
First Steps into STEAM: Nurturing Curiosity in Toddlers

This class is designed for providers working with toddler-aged children. The class will explore the brain science behind STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) in the first three years, and how our youngest learners naturally engage with their environment in ways that promote early STEAM skills. Participants will learn how to create a STEAM-rich toddler environment that fosters curiosity through developmentally appropriate activities that focus on sensory exploration, experimentation, and inquiry-based learning through play using everyday materials.

Instructor: Ollie Feldman

Directors Class-Making the most of meetings
2025-11-06 12:00 - 14:00 | WA
Directors Class- Making the most of meetings

Meetings are the glue that hold childcare center together. Whether they are weekly, monthly, quarterly, directors rely on meetings as the primary vehicle for communicating information, promoting professional growth, solving problems and building a sense of community. This class will provide the framework for planning and conducting more engaging and productive meetings. Participants will learn how to increase a group’s commitment to shared goals, arrive at decisions supported by everyone, and have more fun in the process. Amy’s experience in running a childcare allows her to bring a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives to this class. This is a virtual class; instructions will be sent to you after registering for class. @public

Instructor: Amy Stevens

EQEL Year 1, Live Online (Oct-Dec 2025)
2025-10-21 00:00 - 2025-12-02 23:59 | WA
This 4-class training series will take place from 6:30-9 pm on Tuesdays:

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October 21,

November 4,

November 18, and

December 2, 2025.

This 10-hour training series is Year 1 of Enhancing Quality Early Learning (EQEL).

Before registering, please note:

Participants must complete Child Care Basics before registering for EQEL Year 1.

All classes in this series will take place live on Zoom (they will not be recorded).

Active participation and full attendance in all 10-hours of EQEL are required for STARS credit.

To register click on the RSVP below. (If the RSVP link is not available the class is Full.)

Customer Service Through the Child Care Lens
2025-10-20 18:30 - 20:30 | WA
Customer Service Through the Child Care Lens

As consumers, we base our purchasing decisions at least in part on the customer service we receive from businesses. The same is true for parents who are in the market for child care. Every child care provider is in the customer service business and that service can make or break the child care. Let’s discuss what good service looks and sounds like! This is a virtual class; instructions will be sent to you after registering for class. @public

Instructor: Rose Tiller

Maximizing Learning Time
2025-10-16 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Kitsap Office, 3513 NW Anderson Hill RD, Silverdale, WA, 98383
Maximizing Learning Time

When your classroom runs like a well-oiled machine, you can maximize learning time for children. Learn practical strategies for designing your environment, teaching children your expectations, promoting smooth transitions, and preventing time-consuming behavior problems. This session supports Early Achievers by focusing on skills measured by CLASS but will provide useful information to all participants.

Instructor: Ollie Feldman

Calming Connections: De-escalation Strategies for Child Care Providers
2025-10-15 18:30 - 20:30 | WA
Calming Connections: De-escalation Strategies for Child Care Providers

In this interactive and practical workshop, child care providers will learn effective strategies for de-escalating challenging behaviors and fostering calm, positive connections with young children. By understanding the root causes of frustration and distress, participants will gain tools to prevent conflicts before they arise, as well as techniques to safely manage and de-escalate situations when they do occur.This course will cover key concepts such as emotional regulation, active listening, non-verbal communication, and the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with children. Providers will also learn how to recognize early signs of distress, create a calm and supportive environment, and employ strategies that help children return to a state of emotional balance.By the end of the course, participants will feel more confident in their ability to handle challenging situations with empathy and composure, while also supporting children in developing their own emotional regulation skills. Ideal for child care professionals working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, Calming Connections will help build a foundation for positive behavior and emotional well-being in early childhood settings. This is a virtual class; instructions will be sent to you after registering for class. @public

Instructor: Amy Stevens

Does It Have to Be Hard? Rethinking Individualization
2025-09-27 09:00 - 12:00 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Does It Have to Be Hard? Rethinking Individualization

Each child comes to us with a different set of skills and needs, so how do we create lessons plans we can actually stick to? “Individualization” doesn’t have to be complicated! Come examine NAEYC’s newest definition of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and the principles behind it. Learn new strategies for individualizing within groups of young children, increasing joyful learning, and focusing on each child’s strengths, culture, and needs. Learn to articulate exactly how you are individualizing your teaching. This class supports the Early Achievers Quality Standards by addressing Individualization in the area of Child Outcomes.

Instructor: Ollie Feldman

*NEW Menu Makeovers
2025-09-24 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Menu Makeovers

Are the children tired of eating the same ol’ things each week? Are the teachers tired of hearing “I don’t like this!” or “This again?” Are you feeling like you are wasting more and more food? Come join us for a menu makeover. We will talk about USDA guidelines, different foods to add to the menu, how to get the kids involved and make meals more enjoyable.

Instructor: Amy Stevens

Come Move and Groove with Me
2025-09-18 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Come Move and Groove with Me

Children need to move! Music and movement provide multiple learning opportunities as well as provide support in behavior management and self-regulation skill building. Come explore how music and movement in the classroom can create a groovy, rich learning environment and increase cultural awareness. Walk away with activity ideas, Early Achievers considerations, and a make-and-take musical instrument.

Instructor: Ollie Feldman

New Toddler Class-Boxes, Baskets and Elevations: How Toddlers Develop their Curiosity Through Open-ended Play
2025-09-16 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Boxes, Baskets and Elevations: How Toddlers Develop their Curiosity Through Open-ended Play

Come and join us to think about encouraging curiosity and learning using open-ended loose parts. How can we facilitate children’s natural curiosities as teachers and use these opportunities to offer opportunities to toddlers to build new skills and ideas? How can we document this learning adventure to see what ideas might come next? Bring your open mind and imagination and see what can magically happen!!

Instructor: Rose Tiller

*Directors Making the Most of Meetings
2025-09-11 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Making the Most of Meetings

Meetings are the glue that hold childcare center together. Whether they are weekly, monthly, quarterly, directors rely on meetings as the primary vehicle for communicating information, promoting professional growth, solving problems and building a sense of community. This class will provide the framework for planning and conducting more engaging and productive meetings. Participants will learn how to increase a group’s commitment to shared goals, arrive at decisions supported by everyone, and have more fun in the process.

Instructor: Amy Stevens

Calming Connections: De-escalation Strategies for Child Care Providers
2025-08-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 East Lopez Avenue, Port Angeles, Washington, 98362
Calming Connections: De-escalation Strategies for Child Care Providers

In this interactive and practical workshop, child care providers will learn effective strategies for de-escalating challenging behaviors and fostering calm, positive connections with young children. By understanding the root causes of frustration and distress, participants will gain tools to prevent conflicts before they arise, as well as techniques to safely manage and de-escalate situations when they do occur. This course will cover key concepts such as emotional regulation, active listening, non-verbal communication, and the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with children. Providers will also learn how to recognize early signs of distress, create a calm and supportive environment, and employ strategies that help children return to a state of emotional balance. By the end of the course, participants will feel more confident in their ability to handle challenging situations with empathy and composure, while also supporting children in developing their own emotional regulation skills. Ideal for child care professionals working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, Calming Connections will help build a foundation for positive behavior and emotional well-being in early childhood settings.

Instructor: Amy Stevens

STEM Activities for Early Learning
2025-08-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 301 East Lopez Avenue, Port Angeles, Washington, 98362
STEM Activities for Early Learning

Curious about what STEM is? Or maybe you know but aren’t sure which activities and materials bring it to life? Whether you are new to STEM or just looking for fresh ideas, this class is for you! Join us as we dive into the world of STEM in early education and discover why it is essential for young learners. Explore activities you are probably already doing that supports STEM development and gain hands-on, creative ideas to enrich your curriculum. Walk away with inspiration, practical strategies, and a renewed excitement for bringing STEM to life in your learning spaces.

Instructor: Amy Stevens

EQEL Year 2, Live Online (July-Aug 2025)
2025-07-15 00:00 - 2025-08-26 23:59 | WA
This 4-class training series takes place from 6:30-9 pm on Tuesdays:

July 15,

July 29,

August 12, and

August 26

This 10-hour training series is Year 2 of Enhancing Quality Early Learning (EQEL).

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Before registering, please note:

Participants must Complete all prerequisites (Child Care Basics and EQEL Year 1) before registering for EQEL Year 2.

All classes in this series will take place live on Zoom (they will not be recorded.)

Active participation and full attendance in all 10-hours of EQEL are required for STARS credit.

To register click on the RSVP below. (If the RSVP link is not available the class is Full.)

EQEL Year 1, Live Online (July-Aug 2025)
2025-07-14 00:00 - 2025-08-25 23:59 | WA
This 4-class training series will take place from 6:30-9 pm on Mondays:

July 14,

July 28,

August 11, and

August 25.

This 10-hour training series is Year 1 of Enhancing Quality Early Learning (EQEL).

Before registering, please note:

@public

Participants must complete Child Care Basics before registering for EQEL Year 1.

All classes in this series will take place live on Zoom (they will not be recorded).

Active participation and full attendance in all 10-hours of EQEL are required for STARS credit.

To register click on the RSVP below. (If the RSVP link is not available the class is Full.)

NEW-STEM Activities for Early Learning
2025-06-25 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States

WA Pyramid Model: Implementing Inclusive + Equitable Pyramid Model Practices: Modules 1 and 2 (Pre-K)
2025-06-21 09:00 - 14:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
WA Pyramid Model: Implementing Inclusive + Equitable Pyramid Model Practices: Modules 1 and 2 (Pre-K)

This in-person class will take place on 3 Saturdays. Before registering, please make sure you are available for all sessions: 9:00 am-2:30 pm on Saturday June 21st, July 19th, and August 16th.

Come learn about the Pyramid framework, a research-based tool that can guide us as we support social-emotional development in Preschool children. This 14-hour class will help you understand and apply strategies for building relationships and collaborating with families of Preschoolers; understand and apply social emotional learning practices in your work; and reflect on your own implicit biases while you work to create anti-biased, anti-racist, and trauma-informed programs for our youngest children.

Instructors: Ollie Feldman and Amy Stevens

Cost: Free

A Closer look at Emergent Curriculum Development
2025-06-14 09:00 - 11:00 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
A Closer look at Emergent Curriculum Development

This is a 2-part series, please be sure to check that you have both days open before registering. Class will be June 14th and June28th.

Have you ever wondered if the curriculum your program is using is effective? Have you wanted to create or adopt a curriculum for your program, but have limited funds, or were not sure where to start? Do you want to make sure your current curriculum is aligned with the Washington State Early Learning and Development Guidelines, but it seems too daunting? This two-part training is designed to help all providers define, develop and deliver emergent curriculum that is fun and stimulating for the children, while ensuring that it is aligned with the WA Early Learning Guidelines. We will focus on helping you decide what kind of curricula best fits you program, and discuss what modifications you may need to make to ensure it meets the needs of each age group. Our goal is that you will walk away from this training with the ability to create a dynamic curriculum that will best meet the needs of your program, and the children and families you serve.

Instructor: Heidi DeVries

NEW-Multilingualism: From Shame to Pride
2025-06-10 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Multilingualism: From Shame to Pride

This session focuses on transforming early learning environments into spaces where every language and culture is celebrated and supported. We will explore the critical role languages play in early childhood development and share practical strategies to foster the use of heritage languages in the classroom. The session will also address the question: “As an educator, how can I promote multilingualism even if I don’t speak all the home languages of the children in my care?”

Instructor: Gonzalo Gilabert

Virtual- Collaborative Teaching
2025-06-10 18:30 - 20:30 | WA
Collaborative Teaching

What is your greatest resource as an early childhood professional? Each other! This class is for teachers who work as part of a teaching team. Whether you are a co-teacher in a classroom or family home, this class is designed to support both of you in learning how to work cohesively in the environment. This class will guide you through team building activities and highlight the benefits of true collaborative teaching. Come learn strategies for using your strengths and weaknesses to better support one another as a dynamic teaching team. For maximum benefit, have your co-teacher register and attend with you! @public

Instructor: Rose Tiller

Class held via Zoom. Once you are registered you will receive an email with further instructions.

NEW- First Steps into STEAM: Nurturing Curiosity in Toddlers
2025-06-05 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States

NEW Virtual- Period of Purple Crying
2025-05-20 18:30 - 20:30 | WA
Period of Purple Crying

Learn ways to support families of children in your care whohave, or will soon have, infants in the home. You will engage in memorable activities as youlearn about what experts call the Period of PURPLE Crying, and how you can be a key playerin passing along information to families about excessive crying in normal infants and strategiesfor soothing infants and themselves. @public

Instructor: Rose Tiller

Virtual class to be held via Zoom. Once register you will be sent a link and instructions.

Managing Stress in a Changing Profession
2025-05-13 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Managing Stress in a Changing Profession

The field of early learning is constantly changing – today more than ever! Yet it’s not the change, but how we think about it, that can really hurt us. In this session, you’ll examine your own temperament around change, hear some surprising research on stress, and leave with a strategy for managing your personal reactions to change and stressful conditions. Come prepared to self-reflect, discuss, and learn to better cope with both personal and professional stress.

Instructor: Amy Stevens

NEW- Calming Connections: De-escalation Strategies for Child Care Providers
2025-04-16 18:30 - 20:30 | WA
Calming Connections: De-escalation Strategies for Child Care Providers

In this interactive and practical workshop, child care providers will learn effective strategies for de-escalating challenging behaviors and fostering calm, positive connections with young children. By understanding the root causes of frustration and distress, participants will gain tools to prevent conflicts before they arise, as well as techniques to safely manage and de-escalate situations when they do occur.This course will cover key concepts such as emotional regulation, active listening, non-verbal communication, and the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with children. Providers will also learn how to recognize early signs of distress, create a calm and supportive environment, and employ strategies that help children return to a state of emotional balance.By the end of the course, participants will feel more confident in their ability to handle challenging situations with empathy and composure, while also supporting children in developing their own emotional regulation skills. Ideal for child care professionals working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, Calming Connections will help build a foundation for positive behavior and emotional well-being in early childhood settings. @public

Instructor: Tracy Goodrich

Class will take place on Zoom. After you register you will be sent a link and instructions

Thanks for the Feedback! Responding to Staff/Parent Complaints
2025-04-09 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Thanks for the Feedback! Responding to Staff/Parent Complaints

Center directors, are you at times frustrated by the myriads of staff requests and complaints? Trying to keep staff members happy can take its toll on you! This session will address how you can shift your mindset about the feedback you receive from employees.

Instructor: Amy Stevens

*NEW (Directors or FCC Owners)-Emergency Preparedness in Childcare Programs
2025-03-29 09:00 - 15:30 | CCAC Griffin Lane, 3729 Griffin Lane SE, Olympia, WA, 98501, United States
Emergency Preparedness in Childcare Programs

This class is designed to equip childcare providers with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies in childcare settings. Participants will learn how to develop and implement comprehensive emergency plans, how to support the emotional and psychological needs of children during and after an emergency, and will explore available resources for creating a safe, resilient environment for both children and staff. The course covers a range of emergency scenarios, including natural disasters, fires, and incidents involving intruders. Participants will gain confidence in their ability to handle emergencies and will be empowered to create a safe and prepared environment for children, staff, and families. *Please plan your lunch needs. There will be a 30-minute break for lunch. You are more than welcome to bring something (We have a small fridge and microwave).

Instructor: Ollie Feldman

Virtual-Trauma Aware Early Learning
2025-03-29 09:00 - 12:00 | WA
Trauma Aware Early Learning

Do you want to learn more about Trauma and how it affects young children but do not have time for a 27 hour advanced training?? This class is right for you. This 3 hour class will give you a sense of what trauma is and how it affects brain development. It’s the little boy who bangs his head on the wall. It’s the 4-year-old girl who throws the chair in anger. It’s the 2-year-old who hits, bites, pushes, and falls down in a rapid melt-down. These could be the faces of traumatized children. This class will support early childhood educators in discovering why some children behave the way they do. In some cases, we may never know what happened to a child, but we can use what we see and the information we have to support the child with a focus on trauma. Let’s talk about tools and strategies that teachers can use to support traumatized children in the early learning classroom. This is an advanced class for those ready to reflect on the complex root sources of behavior, as they relate to trauma. This class will take place from 9:00am to 12:00 pm as a live, online class. Those who register and pay will be emailed a link to register again with Zoom, our online platform. @public

Instructor: Heidi DeVries

Effective Communication in a Multi-generational Workplace
2025-03-25 18:30 - 20:30 | CCAC Kitsap Office, 3513 NW Anderson Hill RD, Silverdale, WA, 98383
Effective Communication in a Multi-generational Workplace

Caring for children in a multigenerational workplace presents both great advantages and hurdles to overcome. This session walks through some generational characteristics in the workforce today, explains what shaped them, and explores myths. Come discuss strategies to enhance communication, overcome differences, and celebrate the advantages of interacting with people of different ages.

Instructor: Rose Tiller

Using STEM in Spring Outdoor Play
2025-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Learning to Grow, 535 E Main St, Elma, Washington, 98541, United States
Using STEM in Spring Outdoor Play

This is a new spin on an old favorite class. Children become totally engrossed in creative outdoor play when we provide more than stationary playground equipment and ground cover! Now that we are moving into our Spring months, outside play can be more challenging. This class will inspire you with ideas for enriching your outdoor space during the changing seasons, with loose parts and natural elements that promote more complex play and exploration of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This is the time of year for outdoor fun – let’s get creative!

Instructor: Amy Stevens
