The Child Care & Development team has compiled this list of workshops, trainings, and resources to support individuals who care for children, covering all areas of development from birth through elementary age. Unless otherwise noted, these events are hosted by third-party organizations and are not managed by the City of Irvine.
Explore the resources below to support your professional development and parent education journey.
Resources
Parenting Resources
The Child Care Coordination Office has compiled a list of resources to support you on your parenting journey from birth through the elementary years. Whether you’re wondering how to support your child’s learning, address a specific challenge, or just figuring out your child-raising approach, time invested in developing your parenting skills will help you achieve all of the above.
California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECHMC)
Delivers support, resources, and training activities for early learning and care center-based program staff, family child care providers, and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers. Services include a toll-free help line, monthly open-door sessions held virtually and virtual communities of support. To learn more, click here. Please note: consultation services for child care providers in Orange County, California are provided by StartWell OC.
Start Well Mental Health Consultation for Early Care and Education
Are you or your staff overwhelmed by children’s challenging behaviors? Do you or your staff often call parents to pick up their children due to their challenging behaviors? Is behavior a ‘hot topic’ amongst your teachers and parents? Start Well can help and is available to work with YOUR program! Start Well is the local Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation provider. Start Well provides in person consultation for early learning and care center-based program staff, family child care providers, and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers located in Orange County, California. To learn more, click here.
Start Well Office Hours for Early Care and Education Providers: Wednesdays, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. via Zoom
Drop in and virtually talk with an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. The Consultant will be available to talk about behavior, social and emotional development, resources and any related questions.
For more information, including Zoom link please, click here.
Help Me Grow Orange County
Help Me Grow connects children and their families to developmental services to enhance the development, behavior and learning of children birth through eight years. By calling the toll free number 1.866.GROW.025, (1.866.476.9025) or using the online link, parents, caregivers, child care providers, early educators, and health care providers have a point of access to developmental services for all young children who live in Orange County.
Inclusion Pathway
This free online self-paced, self-study tool is a one stop shop for early childhood classroom teachers and caregivers and administrators. Whether you are new to the concept of “Inclusion”, want to learn about the newest resources and information to refine your inclusive practices or are looking for resources specific to supporting children with challenging behaviors, this is the place for you! Start by completing the self-assessment to help you determine which area of the self-study tool to begin with. No matter where you are now, each step you take in this educational journey will improve the experience of all children in your program and will help ensure that your program is open to, and truly accessible for all children, no matter their individual needs.
APRIL Calendar
Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE)
A variety of online classes are available in April for families.
Organization: Saddleback College FKCE
Audience: Parents with children ages 0-17
Location: Virtual via Zoom/In Person
Dates: Click here (aqui para español) to view flyer with class schedule
Fee: Free
Information: Click above to view flier and click on registration links to register. After registering, participants receive a confirmation email about joining the class. Call 949-582-4884 or contact scfkce@saddleback.edu or for more information.
PRE-NATAL WORKSHOP
Your child’s development begins before birth. Join us for an evening of education, connection, and support, hosted by MemorialCare’s breastfeeding experts. Expectant parents and support people only.
Organization: Pretend City and MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
Audience: Expectant parents and support people only.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Dates: 4th Tuesday of each month, 6pm – 8pm
Fee: Free, pre-registration required
Information: Click here to register. Please contact:Pretend City at 949-428-3900 or email at info@pretendcity.org
POST-NATAL WORKSHOP
Join our postnatal breastfeeding experts for a calm, session designed to support you and your nursing infant. Come with questions, stay for connection. Repeat visits welcome.
Organization: Pretend City and MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
Audience: Breastfeeding mothers and infants
Location: Virtual via Zoom Dates: 1st Tuesday of each month, 10am – 12pm
Fee: Free, pre-registration required
Information: Click here to register. Please contact Pretend City at 949-428-3900 or email at info@pretendcity.org
Ask the Experts: Real Answers Beyond the Social Media Noise
Join us for a free parent Q&A night at New Mom School Aliso Viejo featuring five experienced professionals coming together to answer your most pressing questions about child development. This interactive panel will cover topics including mealtime behaviors, reflex integration, developmental milestones, speech and language development, and emotional regulation for both parents and children.
Organization: New Mom School
Audience: New moms with babies 0 – 12 months
Location: New Mom School – Aliso Viejo
26731 Aliso Creek Road, Unit 205
Date: Thursday, April 16, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Fee: Free
Information: To register, please click here. For questions, please contact New School at alisoviejo@newmomschool.com
Building Beyond Anti Bias Education: Centering Justice in Early Childhood Practice by Dr. Jamie Cho and Ninderjit Gill
In this inspiring and challenging webinar, Dr. Jamie Cho and Ninderjit Gill will invite educators to look more deeply at how everyday practices can either reinforce or disrupt systems of inequity. Together, they’ll explore how justice-centered teaching can create new ways of being—where children’s cultures, languages, and identities are truly honored and where educators act as agents of change in their communities.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, April 16, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
Introduction to Assistive Technology Webinar
Did you know that there are many different types of assistive technology available to people of all ages and abilities? In this workshop, we will introduce the Assistive Technology continuum and discuss the different AT categories. Technology will include examples of low-tech, medium-tech, and high-tech. Join us for a brief introduction to assistive technology and see the many options available today!
Organization: TASK
Audience: People of all ages and abilities
Location: Virtual
Date: Friday, April 17, 10:00 AM
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view the flyer. Click here to register. For questions, please contact TASK at 714-533-8275 or email at TASK@taskca.org.
Super Kids Fest: Free Community Event
Get ready for a morning full of energy, exploration and inspiration at Super Kids Fest! This free community celebration invites children and families to discover new interests, build confidence and image what their future could hold - all while having fun together.
Free and Fun Festivities:
•Track & Field Games
*Registration Required for track and field events.
•Mini Medical School
•Food Demos
•Yoga
•Photos with Choco Bear
•Community Partners
•Award Raffles
•Resources
Event Agenda:
•9-9:30: Participant Check-in
•9:30-10:30: Open Exploration Activities
•10:30-12:00: Workshops & Timed Track Events
•12:00-1:00: Provided Lunch* & Raffle
*Lunch will be provided for the first 200 participants
Organization: Rady Children’s Health
Audience: Parents with children ages 0-17
Location: Valley High School
1801 S Greenville St., Santa Ana, CA 92704
Date: Saturday, April 18, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Fee: Free
Information: To view more information and register, please click . For questions, please email WOW@choc.org
Good To Go Fair
Pretend City Children’s Museum invites families to attend our annual Good to Go Fair, a free community event designed to support young children’s healthy development and school readiness. Families can access free health and developmental screenings, connect with trusted community partners, and participate in hands-on activities that prepare children for school and beyond.
Organization: First 5 and Pretend City
Audience: Parents with children ages 0-6
Location: Pretend City Children’s Museum
29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Date: Saturday, April 18, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fee: Free
Information: To view to the flyer in English or Spanish, please click on the link. For questions, please contact Yessie at 949-428-3900 ext 208 or email at marketing@pretendcity.org.
Tiny Toes Talk
A supportive place for parents of children ages 0-2 to come together and share their parenting journey, Learn and grow their network while addressing their personal mental health needs. Activity supplies, light snacks and refreshments included at no cost.
Organization: Rady Children’s Health Audience: Parents with children ages 0-2
Location: CHOC Main Campus
2nd Floor Conference Rooms A - C
1201 W. La Veta Avenue
Orange, CA 92868
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, May 28, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, June 23, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, July 28, 6:00 PM
Tuesday, August 25, 6:00 PM
Fee: Free
Information: To view to the flyer, click here. To register, click here. For questions, please contact Amy Hernandez at 714-509-4378 or email at amy.hernandez@choc.org.
Play and Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice in Early Childhood by Kerry Murphy (BA Hons, MSc)
Play is innate, and all children have the capacity for playful selves. Yet many conventional views of play still rely on narrow developmental expectations that unintentionally exclude neurodivergent and disabled children. In this session led by **Kerry Murphy (BA Hons, MSc)**—author, Early Childhood Specialist, Lecturer, and Trainer—you are invited to re-explore play through a neurodiversity-affirming lens that honors the many functions and patterns of play.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, April 22, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
MAY Calendar
When to Say When: Building Confidence in Supporting Neurodivergent and Developing Minds by Michele Hemenway Pullen
In this insightful session, Michele Hemenway Pullen, Project Specialist at the University of Louisville Early Childhood Research Center, will guide you through a simple, step-by-step approach to help you regain your confidence and know “what to say when,” as well as which next steps are best to take.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, May 7, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
Child Abuse & Maltreatment Conference
Join us for the Child Abuse & Maltreatment Conference, presented by Rady Children’s Health of Orange County! This essential event brings together professionals to strengthen their ability to identify, intervene, and address child maltreatment concerns. Through expert-led sessions, attendees will gain insights into recognizing signs of abuse, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting vulnerable children.
Organization: Rady Children’s Health
Audience: Early Childhood educators and professionals Location: Westin Anaheim Resort
1030 W. Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
Dates: Thursday, May 7, 3:15 PM – 7:05 PM
Fee:
•$20 Any School Staff
•$20 Any Early Childhood Center Staff
•$40 All Other Registrants
Information: Registrations include dinner and snacks throughout the conference! Come have some coffee, treats, and more. For more information, please contact Rady Children’s Health at choccme@choc.org
Training on Developmental/Behavioral Screening Tools
Help Me Grow is offering a 2-part training: Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3) and Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE-2).
Part 1: Participants will be introduced to
•the benefits of developmental screening
•features of the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2.
Part 2: Learn how to:
•Score ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 with hands-on practice;
•Describe and interpret cutoff scores;
•Review sensitive communication of screenings results; and
•Discuss appropriate follow-up and referrals.
Organization: Help Me Grow
Audience: Early Childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Dates: Thursday and Friday, May 7 & 8, 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Fee:
•$55 for individuals living or working in Orange County
•$90 for individuals living and working outside of Orange County
Information: A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants on Friday, January 23rd.
After the first training session, an email will be sent with training materials to be used on Day 2. Be sure to register with an email of the attendee. You must attend both days of training to receive a certificate of completion. For more information click here or contact Lacey Ginter at Lacey.Ginter@choc.org
"And How are the Children?": Protecting Mental Health and Well-Being from the Start
Join the Start Well Consultants for a webinar discussing the question, “And how are the children?” This session invites participants to reflect on the well-being of children in our families and communities. Learn how early relationships and environments shape development and explore the vital role of belonging in helping children feel safe, valued, and connected. *This webinar will be provided in English and Spanish.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Date: Thursday, May 7, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Fee: Free
Information: To view the flyer, please click here. To register, please click here.
The Joyous Equation: Purpose + People + Prosperity = Vibrant Early Childhood Organizations by Karen Foster-Jorgensen
This inspiring and practical webinar invites early childhood leaders to explore what it truly means to lead with joy and purpose. Led by global consultant and innovation champion Karen Foster-Jorgensen, participants will discover how to apply the Joyous Organization Framework and the Joyous Leadership Collabratory™ to strengthen both the heart and health of their organizations—blending purpose, prosperity, positive mindset, and people-centered leadership for lasting impact.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
SFYC Parent Workshops
Please join us as we discuss the power of positive parenting, raising resilient children, balancing work and family, and potty-training for the month of April, May, and June. Workshops are via ZOOM and will be offered in English and Spanish.
Organization: Services for Families with Young Children
Audience: Parents with children ages 0-8
Location: Virtual via ZOOM
Dates:
Rasing Resilient Children
Wednesday, May 13, 11 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (English)
Wednesday, May 20, 11 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Español)
Balancing Work & Family
Wednesday, June 10, 11 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (English)
Wednesday, June 17, 11 AM – 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Español)
Potty Training
Wednesday, May 13, 2:00 PM (English)
Wednesday, May 20, 2:00 PM (Español)
Wednesday, June 10, 2:00 PM (English)
Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 PM (Español)
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to see the flyer in English or Spanish. Click here to register. For details and questions, please contact SFYC at 714-225-9269 or SFYC@theprioritycenter.org
Self-Regulation in Early Childhood Classrooms: Improving Teacher Practice While Supporting Engagement and Achievement by Carrie Comer-Yates
In this research-informed session led by Dr. Carrie Comer-Yates, you’ll explore how young children’s self-regulation skills directly influence teacher practice, classroom expectations, and student success. Dr. Comer-Yates is deeply committed to helping educators build foundational skills in social-emotional development, differentiate classroom supports, and care for their own social-emotional well-being alongside their students’.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, May 14, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
Leadership and Play: It’s Serious Business by Kimberlee Burt Hendricks
In this session, Kimberlee Burt Hendricks, The Play and Learn Leader at A Child’s Space 2, will guide participants through an exploration of how play is not just for children, it’s a vital practice that nurtures creativity, connection, and emotional well-being for adults as well. Through stories, research, and reflective experiences, Kimberlee will illuminate how neuroscience and well-established leadership models reveal that play is not a distraction from leadership, but a catalyst for it.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, May 21, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
The Science of Play, Part 2: Making It Work — Applying the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Framework for Deep Learning Through Play by Amanda Morgan, MS
In this practical follow-up to The Science of Play, Amanda Morgan—author of Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood—will dive deeper into the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Framework to show how intentional, guided play can support meaningful developmental outcomes without co-opting the play itself.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, May 28, 11 AM – 12:30 PM
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
