Denver's Early Childhood Council

Performance Management Series
2026-02-03 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Denver) | 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

Equity and Advocacy Professional Learning Community
2026-02-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-03-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2026-05-07 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

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

A Sense of Belonging: Anti-Bias in Early Childhood
2026-03-12 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
This training will be conducted in English with Arabic interpretation. Anti-Bias in Early Childhood This workshop equips early childhood educators with strategies to create inclusive, anti-bias environments where every child feels valued and respected. Participants explore biases, stereotypes, and systemic inequities, while learning practical ways to integrate equity, cultural diversity, and social justice into curriculum, classroom interactions, and family engagement. Through interactive activities and discussions, educators gain tools to foster belonging, celebrate differences, and promote respectful, empowering learning spaces for all children and families.

Register here

Fundamentos de la Inteligencia Social y Emocional en la Primera Infancia - Capacitación Destacada DPP
2026-03-14 09:30 - 16:00 | Mi Casa Resource Center, 345 S Grove St, Denver, CO, 80219, United States
Esta es una capacitacion presencial

Ubicacion: Mi Casa Resource Center – 345 S Grove St, Denver, CO 80219
Ofreceremos refrigerios en la mañana y almuerzo durante el tiempo de descanso.

Esta capacitacion interactiva en persona brinda a profesionales del cuidado y la educación temprana los conocimientos fundamentales, las mejores prácticas y estrategias prácticas para apoyar de manera intencional el desarrollo de la inteligencia social y emocional en niñas y niños pequeños. Las personas participantes explorarán cómo se desarrollan en la primera infancia habilidades clave como la conciencia emocional, la autorregulación, la empatía y la construcción de relaciones, y por qué estas capacidades son esenciales para el aprendizaje, el bienestar y las relaciones saludables a lo largo de la vida. Cada sesión combina breves momentos de contenido con aprendizaje activo, incluyendo actividades centradas en las niñas y los niños, ejemplos de situaciones reales y oportunidades para practicar estrategias que pueden implementarse de inmediato en el aula o en entornos de cuidado infantil.

Esta es una Serie de Capacitación Destacada para Educadores de DPP. Los educadores que asistan a esta 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

Enseñanza Culturalmente Receptiva: Integración de Diversos Libros, Música y Tradiciones en las Experiencias de Aprendizaje Temprano
2026-03-18 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
¡Celebra la diversidad en el aula! En este taller inspirador sobre “Enseñanza Culturalmente Receptiva: Integrando libros, música y tradiciones diversas en las experiencias de aprendizaje de primera infancia,” exploraremos cómo crear entornos donde cada niño y niña se sienta visto, valorado y representado. Descubre formas divertidas y accesibles de incorporar historias, canciones y costumbres de diferentes culturas en tus rutinas diarias. Participa en actividades prácticas, comparte ideas con otros educadores. Aprenderás estrategias para enriquecer el aprendizaje con respeto, alegría y curiosidad cultural.

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Social Development and Stages of Play
2026-03-19 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
Social development unfolds through play. From simple sensory exploration with infants to complex cooperative games in preschool, we explore Mildred Parten’s Six Stages of Play along with the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bandura. This training helps early childhood educators recognize, support, and extend children’s play as a foundation for social-emotional and cognitive growth. Participants will examine real-world examples, reflect on children’s behavior, and explore strategies for supporting shy, withdrawn, or isolated children through observation, modeling, and responsive interaction.

Register here

Navigating Bullying Together: Parenting for Prevention
2026-03-24 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual
Join us for this FREE virtual class designed for parents and caregivers of young children in early childhood education. This interactive training provides practical tools and strategies to help you understand, prevent, and address bullying. Participants will learn how to recognize the signs that a child may be experiencing or engaging in bullying, how to support children effectively, and ways to advocate for a positive, safe environment. You’ll also discover how to empower children to become confident upstanders and foster a culture of kindness and respect.

Register here

Denver CCAP Collaborative
2026-03-26 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-04-23 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

Building Blocks of Communication / Working with Providers and RMHS Programs
2026-03-26 13:30 - 15:15 | Virtual
We will review definitions of expressive/ receptive language, what verbal and nonverbal communication looks like, and language development research. Throughout the course, we will discuss strategies to support language development in early childhood, and in contrast, common adult behaviors that are not conducive to language learning and their effects on children’s communication. We will review strategies that can be helpful during group classroom activities and those that teachers can implement when interacting one-one with children. Teachers will have the opportunity to come up with functional target words that will support expressive and receptive language development across daily classroom routines. Participants will receive a certificate of completion with the following credit category : Child Growth, Development, and Learning (CGDL)

We will also review the early childhood programs at Rocky Mountain Human Services including Early Intervention, Denver Early Steps, and Developmental Monitoring. We will discuss how screenings are used at RMHS to identify developmental delays and social emotional-challenges and how classrooms can partner with us to sign up for screening events. Teachers will have the chance to learn more about push-in, pull-out and hybrid methods of intervention and their benefits and drawbacks will be explored. Finally, we will consider the importance of teacher-provider collaboration for carry-over of learned skills into the classroom and beyond.

Register here

ENGLISH - Spanish 101 for Early Childhood Educators - DPP Featured Teacher Series
2026-04-01 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
This is a 3-part series:

Part 1 – April 1 from 6:30PM-8:30PM
Part 2 – April 8 from 6:30PM-8:30PM
Part 3 – April 15 from 6:30PM-8:30PM

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!
This is a DPP Teacher Featured Series. To qualify for the DPP Teacher Achievement Award ($325 for completing all three sessions), participants must work at a participating Denver Preschool Program site and be a teacher or assistant primarily assigned to a preschool classroom.

Register Here

ENGLISH - Building Emotional Foundations with Greenspan’s Model
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Virtual
This training introduces early childhood educators and caregivers to Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities and demonstrates how these stages form the foundation for emotional growth, resilience, and relationships. Participants will explore the Circle of Communication and learn strategies to support children’s emotional development through co-regulation, observation, and responsive interactions. This training emphasizes practical application through reflection, role-play, and scenario-based activities to strengthen caregiver-child interactions from birth through early childhood.

Register here

Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference
2026-04-16 07:30 - 2026-04-17 17:00 | Denver Marriott Tech Center, 4900 South Syracuse Street, Denver, 80237, United States
REGISTER NOW FOR RMECC!
The Rocky Mountain Early Childhood Conference (RMECC) is the region’s leading professional development conference focused on promoting and advancing the field of early childhood education. This two-day conference delivers more than 180 workshops and presentations, top-notch keynote speakers, and 10 professional development tracks.
REGISTER HERE
Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at RMECC 2026? Contact Lisa Jameson-Shea at Lisa@denverearlychildhood.org.

SPANISH - Cómo crear una Conexión de Corazón-a-Corazón con sus Estudiantes de Primera Infancia
2026-04-22 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Únase a Denise Leitch de Lingua Garden para un enriquecedor taller sobre “Cómo Crear una Conexión de Corazón-a-Corazón con sus Estudiantes de Primera Infancia”, donde explorará el papel vital de los vínculos emocionales para fomentar un entorno de aprendizaje positivo. Esta sesión proporcionará estrategias prácticas para crear conexiones auténticas con los estudiantes jóvenes, haciendo hincapié en la importancia de la empatía, la escucha activa y el apoyo personalizado. Los participantes participarán en ejercicios interactivos diseñados para mejorar su capacidad de comprender y responder a las necesidades emocionales de los estudiantes, generar confianza y fomentar un ambiente de apoyo en el aula. Ideal para educadores que buscan profundizar sus relaciones con los estudiantes y crear un entorno de aprendizaje más comprometido y emocionalmente seguro.

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ENGLISH - Building a Heart-to-Heart Connection with Young Students in the Early Childhood Classroom
2026-04-29 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Join us for an enriching workshop on “Building a Heart-to-Heart Connection with Young Students in the Early Childhood Education Classroom,” where you’ll explore the vital role of emotional bonds in fostering a positive learning environment. This session will provide practical strategies for creating authentic connections with young learners, emphasizing the importance of empathy, active listening, and personalized support. Participants will engage in interactive exercises designed to enhance their ability to understand and respond to students’ emotional needs, build trust, and nurture a supportive classroom atmosphere. Ideal for educators seeking to deepen their relationships with students and create a more engaged, emotionally secure learning environment.

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ENGLISH - Cultural Humility and Responsiveness in Early Childhood Education
2026-05-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Virtual
Cultural humility and responsiveness in early childhood focuses on fostering a deep understanding and respect for diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds among educators and caregivers. Cultural humility involves a lifelong commitment to self-evaluation and reflection, acknowledging one’s own cultural biases, and actively seeking to understand and learn from others’s; cultural perspectives. It emphasizes the importance of listening to families and communities, valuing their expertise, and adapting practices to be more inclusive and responsive. Cultural responsiveness translates this understanding into action. It involves the intentional integration of cultural and linguistic knowledge into policies, practices, and interactions with children and families.

Register here
