Denver's Early Childhood Council

Winter Break
2025-12-24 08:00 - 2026-01-04 17:00 (America/Denver)
Office closed

Equity and Advocacy Professional Learning Community
2026-01-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Meet with other directors, teachers, and staff from our team in a monthly informal setting to discuss the current needs in the field. Be an advocate for your program while helping others by simply speaking up about what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s needed.
This is a Director’s PLC and can be used as credit toward the Director DPP Achievement Award.
Questions? Contact Dora Esparza at dora@denverearlychildhood.org.
REGISTER HERE

Movimiento que Educa: la Práctica Educativa del Futuro
2026-01-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Esta es una serie virtual de 3 partes:

Pate 1 – 12 de enero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 2 – 19 de enero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 3 – 26 de enero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM

Movimiento que Educa es un entrenamiento que resalta el movimiento como herramienta educativa, inclusiva y transformadora en la primera infancia, concientiza sobre su importancia en el desarrollo integral: físico, cognitivo, social y emocional, brindando estrategias prácticas para espacios abiertos y cerrados, con adaptaciones inclusivas que promueven la equidad evitando exclusiones por habilidades, cultura o condiciones físicas, metodología dinámica y participativa que fomenta la reflexión y compromiso de los educadores haciendo un llamado a crear ambientes seguros, equitativos y estimulantes donde todos los niños participen plenamente.

Registrese AquÍ

Educacion al Aire Libre en la Primera Infancia
2026-01-14 18:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Esta es una serie virtual de 3 partes:

Pate 1 – 14 de enero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 2 – 21 de enero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 3 – 28 de enero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM

Este entrenamiento invita a repensar la enseñanza en la primera infancia desde la naturaleza como escenario de aprendizaje. A través de fundamentos pedagógicos, beneficios comprobados y tendencias globales, se brindan herramientas prácticas para implementar aulas hibridas que promuevan inclusión, creatividad, bienestar integral y conciencia ambiental. Una propuesta vibrante y reflexiva que conecta la educación con el futuro sostenible que nuestros niños merecen.

Registrese AquÍ

Importance of Block Play and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)
2026-01-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
This training explores the powerful role block play plays in supporting STEM learning for young children. Educators will gain a deeper understanding of how block play fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, spatial awareness, and early engineering concepts. The session highlights developmentally appropriate strategies to intentionally integrate science, technology, engineering, and math into everyday block experiences. Participants will learn how to set up engaging environments, scaffold children’s learning through purposeful questioning, and connect block play to early learning standards. By the end of the training, educators will feel confident using block play as a meaningful foundation for early STEM exploration and lifelong learning.

Register here

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2026-01-19

Aprendizaje Basado en el Juego y la Experiencia - Serie Destacada DPP
2026-01-21 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Esta es una serie de 3 partes:

Parte 1 – Enero 21 6:30PM-8:30 PM
Parte 2 – Enero 28 6:30PM-8:30 PM
Parte 3 – Febrero 4 6:30PM-8:30 PM

Para recibir un certificado por completar este curso, los participantes deberán asistir puntualmente y participar en las tres sesiones. Descubre la curiosidad y la creatividad en este interesante taller sobre “Aprendizaje experiencial y basado en el juego”. Analizaremos cómo el juego fomenta la exploración, el pensamiento crítico y el aprendizaje permanente. Aprenda formas prácticas de crear entornos sensoriales ricos basados ​​en la investigación, en sus salones de clases o al aire libre, donde todos los niños puedan prosperar. Ya sea que le atraiga la naturaleza, los descubrimientos prácticos o las prácticas inclusivas, esta sesión ofrece ideas para que el aprendizaje sea alegre y significativo. Conéctate con otros educadores y lleva el juego al centro de tu enseñanza.
Premios de Logro DPP: Maestros y asistentes asignados exclusivamente a un aula de preescolar que trabajen en un programa DPP ubicado en el condado de Denver serán elegibles para aplicar a los premios de logro del DPP por participar en una serie de Capacitación Destacada del DPP, con un total de $325. (Quienes trabajan con bebés y niños pequeños no son elegibles).

Register Here

Denver CCAP Collaborative
2026-01-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Formerly called the Denver Child Care Task Force, the Denver CCAP Collaborative was founded to give Denver child care providers a voice in the community and an opportunity to meet and connect with Denver Human Services Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) staff.
The Collaborative discusses policy and funding issues that affect large and small child care programs in the Denver metro area. The group meets regularly and includes participants from child care centers, community funders, and representatives from Denver Human Services.
Topics at CCAP Collaborative meetings can include, but are not limited to:
CCAP Program and Policy Changes
Community Funding Updates
Discussion of Welfare Reform Board Agenda
TANF updates
NO SOLICITING, PLEASE
REGISTER HERE

Behavior Guidance for Young Children
2026-01-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
This session explores developmentally informed behavior guidance strategies for young children, birth through age five. Participants will learn how to support children’s emerging executive functioning skills by creating responsive environments, building secure and trusting relationships, and establishing clear, consistent expectations. Practical tools and examples will help educators promote regulation, cooperation, and positive behavior in early childhood settings.

Register here

Espacios Seguros de Primera Infancia para Familias y Proveedores
2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
En esta capacitación virtual, los educadores y proveedores aprenderán cómo preparar sus programas para apoyar de manera efectiva a los niños y familias durante eventos de control migratorio. Los participantes explorarán estrategias para fortalecer sus políticas internas, capacitar mejor al personal y fomentar un ambiente seguro e inclusivo para todos. La capacitación también proporcionará recursos prácticos para apoyar a los educadores y proveedores en su trabajo y en sus esfuerzos por proteger y respaldar a las familias a las que sirven.

Registrese De Manera Segura Aqui

Safe Early Childhood Spaces for Families and Providers
2026-01-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
This free and virtual webinar will be in Spanish with English interpretation. In this webinar, providers will learn how to prepare their programs to effectively support children and families during immigration enforcement events. Participants will explore strategies to strengthen their internal policies, better equip staff, and foster a safe and inclusive environment for all. The training will also provide practical resources to support providers in their work and in their efforts to protect and support the families they serve.

Your privacy and security are our highest priority: your participation will not put you, your organization, or the families you serve at risk. All the information you provide during registration will be used solely for internal purposes related to this training.

REGISTER HERE

Understanding your Students’ Sensory System
2026-01-27 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual
This training will provide Early Childhood Education teachers with an understanding about sensory-motor development, sensory systems, as well as strategies to implement in their classroom. Participants will receive a certificate of completion with the following credit category: Child Growth, Development, and Learning (CGDL)

Register here

Creating Stability for Children and Families Amid Uncertainty
2026-01-27 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
This workshop explores practical strategies for creating stability and resilience in young children and their families amid uncertainty. Participants will learn how routines, consistent relationships, and responsive caregiving support children’s emotional well-being, while gaining tools to help families navigate change with confidence and care. Through discussion, reflection, and hands-on activities, attendees will leave with actionable strategies to foster a secure and supportive environment for the children they serve.

Register here

Operating a Child Care Business as a Nonprofit: Is this the right step for me?
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
This is Part 1 of a 2-part series:

Part 1 – January 29 from 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Part 2 – February 5 from 12:30PM – 1:30PM

For early learning business owners contemplating a conversion to a nonprofit organization, this decision involves weighing potential benefits against significant challenges. Studies suggest that nonprofit early learning centers may offer higher-quality care, including better caregiver wages and education, lower turnover rates, and improved child-to-staff ratios. 501c3 nonprofits can apply for public and private grants, which many foundations and government agencies restrict to charities. You can also accept tax-deductible contributions from individuals and businesses. Discover if this winning combination suits you.

Register here

La Musica Como Herramienta de Enseñanza
2026-02-02 18:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Esta es una serie virtual de 4 partes:

Pate 1 – 2 de febrero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 2 – 9 de febrero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 3 – 16 de febrero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 4 – 23 de febrero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM

El entrenamiento “La Musica Como Herramienta de Enseñanza” tiene como objetivo ofrecer estrategias prácticas para integrar la música en diferentes áreas del currículo, fortaleciendo el aprendizaje desde una perspectiva inclusiva, culturalmente sensible y alineada con las mejores prácticas en educación temprana. Se busca que los participantes se lleven herramientas aplicables de manera inmediata en sus contextos educativos, con un impacto real en la calidad de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje, nos recuerda que la música no solo acompaña el aprendizaje, lo potencia y lo hace más inclusivo y memorable. Este entrenamiento representa una oportunidad para que los educadores amplíen sus recursos pedagógicos, generando experiencias significativas que dejen huella en los estudiantes.

Registrese AquÍ

Performance Management Series
2026-02-03 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
This is a 3-part series:

Part 1 – Tuesday, February 3 from 10:00AM-11:30AM
Part 2 – Tuesday, February 10 from 10:00AM-11:30AM
Part 3 – Tuesday, February 17 from 10:00AM-11:30AM

This 3-part comprehensive training explores performance management in child care and preschool settings, highlighting its critical role in supporting quality, stability, and overall business success. Participants will learn how to build strong performance foundations through effective recruitment, onboarding, and regular 1-on-1 meetings. The session covers key elements of staff performance management, including performance tools, goal setting, delivering quality feedback, and linking performance to remuneration in an equitable way. It also addresses managing performance challenges through improvement plans and difficult conversations, supporting ongoing staff development and “stay conversations,” and navigating off-boarding and termination processes with professionalism and care.

Register here

Resiliencia: La Base Invisible del Aprendizaje Temprano - Serie Destacada DPP
2026-02-04 18:00 - 20:30 | Virtual
Esta es una serie virtual de 4 partes:

Pate 1 – 4 de febrero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 2 – 11 de febrero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 3 – 18 de febrero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM
Parte 4 – 25 de febrero de 6:00PM – 8:30PM

Este entrenamiento nos propone un recorrido reflexivo y práctico permitiéndonos comprender cómo la resiliencia, aunque invisible, constituye la base esencial del aprendizaje temprano. A través de un enfoque práctico y reflexivo, exploraremos cómo la seguridad emocional, las relaciones de confianza y la capacidad de los niños para superar retos se convierten en pilares que sostienen su desarrollo integral. El entrenamiento ofrecerá estrategias para diseñar ambientes seguros, fomentar la regulación emocional y promover la inclusión, reconociendo la resiliencia como un recurso que garantiza que todos los niños puedan aprender, participar y crecer.

Esta es una Serie de Capacitación Destacada para Educadores de DPP. Los educadores que asistan a todas las sesiones de una Serie de Capacitación Destacada para Educadores de DPP son elegibles para solicitar Premios de Logro por un total de $325. Los educadores deben trabajar en un programa/centro con licensia ubicado en el condado de Denver y estar empleados en un salón de clases de preescolar.

Registrese AquÍ

Dear Director: 8 Honest Things Your Teachers Wished You Knew About Them - DPP Director Featured Series
2026-02-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual
This is a 3-part series:
Part 1 – February 9 6:30PM-8:00PM
Part 2 – February 16 6:30PM-8:00PM
Part 3 – February 23 6:30PM-8:00PM
To receive a certificate of completion, registrants must attend all 3 parts of this training. After several years of surveying teachers through focus groups, online chats, and face-to-face conversations, Colleen Schmit has developed 8 common themes that teachers wished their directors and leaders knew. If you are a leader wanting to lead authentically while building your staff to be balanced, happy stakeholders, this series is for you!

Register Here

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Integrating Diverse Books, Music, and Traditions
2026-02-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
This training empowers early childhood educators to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments for children ages 0–5. Participants will explore strategies for integrating diverse books, music, and cultural traditions into everyday experiences, supporting children’s identity, belonging, and respect for differences. The session highlights ways to celebrate cultural diversity while fostering social-emotional development, curiosity, and critical thinking. Educators will gain practical tools to intentionally plan activities that reflect and honor the backgrounds of all children and families, promoting equity and meaningful engagement in early learning settings.

Register here

Office Closed
2026-02-16
Federal holiday

Quality Improvement: Leadership, Management, and Administration Goal Setting
2026-02-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Virtual
This 2-hour workshop guides early childhood leaders, administrators, and managers through the essentials of quality improvement. Participants will explore strategies for effective leadership, program management, and administrative practices, while learning how to set actionable goals that enhance program quality. Through interactive activities and guided planning, attendees will leave with clear, achievable goals and practical tools to monitor progress and create lasting improvements in their programs.

Register here

How to Apply to Become a Nonprofit Step-by-Step Guide for Child Care Providers
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
This is Part 1 of a 3-part series:

Part 1 – February 19 from 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Part 2 – February 26 from 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Part 3 – March 5 from 12:00PM – 1:30PM

Join us as we walk through the entire process, from application to the IRS, the State of Colorado requirements, and building your Board of Directors. This session will include all the templates, links, and examples you will need to complete your 501c3 Application to the IRS on your own. You got this!

Register here

Integración de la Tecnología en el Aprendizaje
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Explora cómo las tecnologías de aprendizaje adaptativo y las herramientas asistidas por IA pueden mejorar la educación infantil sin reemplazar las valiosas experiencias prácticas. Este entrenamiento ofrece ideas prácticas para equilibrar la tecnología innovadora con el aprendizaje activo y sensorial, apoyando diversas necesidades de desarrollo. Descubre estrategias para integrar la tecnología de manera reflexiva que fomente la participación, personalice el aprendizaje y mantenga el papel fundamental del juego y la exploración en el crecimiento de los niños pequeños. Ideal para educadores que desean combinar tradición e innovación en sus aulas.

Registrese aqui

ECE Career & Resource Fair
2026-03-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Cook Park Recreation Center, 7100 Cherry Creek S Drive, Denver, CO, 80224
We are partnering with Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County once again to present the 2nd annual Early Childhood Education Career and Resource Fair. This is a FREE event for students/career seekers.

Early Childhood Education Students and Career Seekers:
– Speak directly with hiring managers at early childhood education programs throughout the metro area.
– Get information about how to become a credentialed early childhood educator.
– Access resources including college programs, trainings, scholarships, and customized coaching to advance your career.
– Be one of the first 50 attendees through the door, register for TEACH Colorado, and get a $20 gift card!

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Early Childhood Programs and Resource & Support Organizations:
– Connect with experienced and new-to-the-profession/prospective teachers seeking employment.
– Share your information and resources with students and early childhood professionals.
– Reserve your table now! (Table reservation fee is $25.00)

Reserve a tablE
For more information please contact:
Alexis Rodriguez alexis@denverearlychildhood.org, Denver’s Early Childhood Council
Nicole Gonzales, nicole@ecpac.org, Early Childhood Partnership of Adams County

STEAM y Experiencias Ambientales
2026-03-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
¡El aprendizaje está en nuestra naturaleza! Esta capacitación está dirigida a educadores de la primera infancia que desean inspirar y motivar a las mentes jóvenes a apreciar y cuidar responsablemente nuestro hábitat natural. Si desea agregar más recursos, experiencias, materiales y actividades divertidas, interactivas y apropiadas a su plan de estudios/aula, ¡esta capacitación es para usted! Denise Leitch de Lingua Garden demostrará una variedad de actividades prácticas, y compartirá parte de su plan de estudios que fue diseñado por educadores de la primera infancia para educadores de la primera infancia. Con más de una década de experiencia como educadora de la primera infancia, desarrolladora de planes de estudio y directora de varios programas de la primera infancia, Denise compartirá con usted formas sencillas de agregar proyectos STEAM a su rutina diaria.

RegistRESE AQUI

Early Intervention & Early Childhood Special Education for Young Children - DPP Featured Series
2026-03-09 06:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
This is a 4-part series:

Part 1 – Monday, March 9 from 6:30PM-8:30PM
Part 2 – Monday, March 16 from 6:30PM-8:30PM
Part 3 – Monday, March 23 from 6:30PM-8:30PM
Part 4 – Monday, March 30 from 6:30PM-8:30PM

All children, especially those with disabilities and developmental delays, deserve a least restrictive environment that will ensure they flourish and learn. This training will help early childhood professionals learn the different laws and regulations pertaining to the Early Intervention program and early childhood special education. Early childhood professionals will also learn further about the different developmental milestones in child development and how professionals can use available resources to both help ensure the adequate screening and referral process for families and their young children who have disabilities and developmental delays.
This is a Featured Training Series for DPP Educators. Educators who attend all sessions of a Featured Training Series for DPP Educators are eligible to apply for Achievement Awards totaling $325. Educators must work in a licensed program/center located in Denver County and be employed in a preschool classroom.

Register here

Bringing the Outdoors Indoors: Environmental Education in Early Childhood
2026-03-11 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Explore the wonders of nature in this workshop titled “Bringing the Outdoors Indoors: Environmental Education in Early Childhood.” This session focuses on innovative strategies for integrating environmental education into the early childhood classroom, helping educators create engaging, nature-inspired learning experiences. Participants will discover practical methods for incorporating natural materials, fostering environmental stewardship, and designing hands-on activities that connect children with the natural world. Through interactive demonstrations and creative ideas, you will be presented with examples on how to cultivate a love for nature and sustainability while enhancing your students’ curiosity and awareness. Perfect for educators looking to enrich their curriculum with environmental themes and hands-on learning opportunities.

Register here

Grant Writing 101 for Child Care Centers
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:30 | Virtual
This is Part 1 of a 3-part series:

Part 1 – March 12 from 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Part 2 – March 19 from 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Part 3 – March 26 from 12:00PM – 1:30PM

Learn the basics of successful grant seeking for 501(c)(3) early childhood programs. We’ll cover: What grants are and why they matter, how to find funders that fit your mission, key elements of a strong proposal, the basics of building a clear accurate budget. Leave with practical steps to start applying for grants confidently.

Register here
