Training Calendar

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.

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. 

January Calendar

Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE)

A variety of online classes are available in January for families, caregivers, parents, and the community.

Organization: Saddleback College FKCE
Audience: Orange County resource parents and kinship caregivers.
Location: Virtual via Zoom/In Person
Dates: View the class schedule and register (aqui para español). 
Fee: Free
Information: Click above to view the flier and click on the registration links to register. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email about joining the class. Call 949-582-4884 or contact scfkce@saddleback.edu for more information.

Introduction to Trauma-Informed Care Series

The Emergency Child Care Bridge Program invites providers to join CHS for this free training.

Child care providers are invited to learn about early childhood trauma and how it affects child development and behavior, including that of children in foster care.

In Part 1, child care providers will learn about the brain development of children who have experienced trauma to see how they are physiologically different than children who have not experienced trauma.

In Part 2, child care providers will learn strategies and techniques to work with children who have experienced trauma.

Organization: Children’s Home Society of California
Audience: Child care providers
Location: Online
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 6–8 p.m. (English)
Wednesday, January 14, 6–8 p.m. (Español)
Fee: Free
Information: Click the above date to register. After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email about joining the class. Call 714-456-9800 for more information.

Assistive Technology for Sensory Difficulties

Students with sensory difficulties, like those with autism, ADHD, and other diagnoses, may have trouble filtering background noise, sitting under bright lights, showing tactile defensiveness, and much more. This workshop will include information on resources such as fidgets, alternative seating, reading tools, auditory devices, sensory stimulation items, and sensory apps. Join for a fun, informative session and leave with resources galore!

Organization: TASK
Audience: Orange County families, kids, caregivers, and therapists.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Dates: Wednesday, January 7, 10–11:30 a.m. (Spanish)
Friday, January 9, 10–11:30 a.m. 
Fee: Free - *Registration is required
Information: Click the above dates to register. For questions, please contact TASK at task@taskca.org.

Neurodivergent Family Night

Join for a free evening where children and caretakers are invited to play in a sensory-friendly, neuro-affirming environment! The whole family is encouraged to attend, and therapists are welcome to join as well.

Neurodivergent Family Nights are held on the second Tuesday and fourth Thursday of each month from 5-7 p.m. (after they close to general admission). On these nights, the museum's lights are dimmed, the sound is turned off, and the capacity is limited to 250 guests. Staff are happy and ready to assist with providing a variety of materials, including noise-cancelling headphones, fidget toys, sunglasses, and weighted items for your convenience.

Organization: Pretend City
Audience: Orange County families, kids, caregivers, and therapists.
Location: 29 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618
Dates: Tuesday, January 13, 5–7 p.m.
Thursday, January 22, 5–7 p.m.
Fee: Free - *Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to each event.
Information: Click the above dates to register. For questions, please contact Pretend City at 949-428-3900 or email them at info@pretendcity.org.

Active Parenting First Five Years Course

Join this course to build strong, healthy relationships with your children, address children’s problem behavior, minimize problems that disrupt family life, and raise responsible, caring children. During this four- or five-part series, discuss such topics as:

  • You and your child
  • Preventing problems
  • Encouraging positive behavior
  • Preparing for school success

Organizations: Olive Crest and OC Health Care Agency
Audience: Parents and caregivers with children ages 0-5 years old.
Location: Virtual via Zoom/In Person
Dates: 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, January 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, and 22, 9–11 a.m. (Zoom)

Mondays and Thursdays, January 8, 12, 15, 22, 26, and February 2, 5–7 p.m. (Zoom)

Fridays, January 9, 16, 23, 30, and February 6, 6–8 p.m. (In Person)

Tuesdays, January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, and 17, 7:15–8:45 p.m. (Zoom)

Thursdays, January 22, 29, February 5, 12, and 19, 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Zoom)

Thursdays, January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 7:15–8:45 p.m.(Zoom)
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click the above dates to register. View flier and registration information or call 714-361-4381 for additional assistance.

Active Parenting School-Aged Course

Gain help with building strong, healthy relationships with the children in your life. Join this six- or seven-part weekly series to discuss such topics as:

  • The active parent
  • Coorperation and communication
  • Responsibility and discipline
  • Building courage and self-esteem
  • Understanding and redirecting misbehavior
  • Active parenting for school and graduation

Organization: Olive Crest and OC Health Care Agency
Audience: Parents and caregivers having children 6-12 years old
Location: Virtual via Zoom/In Person
Dates:

Wednesdays and Fridays, January 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, and 23, 9–11 a.m. (Zoom)

Thursdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29, February 5, and 12, 9–11 a.m. (Zoom)

Wednesdays, January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, and 18, 6–8 p.m.(Zoom)

Thursdays, January 29, February 5, 12, 19, 26, and March 5, 6–8 p.m. (Zoom)

Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, 28, February 4, and 11, 6:30–8:30 p.m.(Zoom; Mandarin)

Tuesdays, January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3, and 10, 5:30–7:30 p.m. (Zoom; Spanish)

Fridays, January 9, 16, 23, 30, February 6, and 20, 8:30–10:30 a.m. (Zoom; Spanish)

Wednesdays, January 14, 21, 28, February 4, 11, and 18, 5–7 p.m. (In Person; Spanish)

Wednesdays, January 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25, and March 4, 6–8 p.m. (Zoom; Spanish)
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click on the dates above to register. View flier and registration information or call 714-361-4381 for additional assistance.

Active Parenting: Cooperative Coparenting Class

Join interactive co-parenting classes to build a stronger future for your child – together. This course offers essential information and support for parents who are separated or divorced. Participants will discover strategies to reduce conflict, improve communication, and successfully co-parent.

During this eight-part series, discuss such topics as:

  • Child Focus
  • Letting go
  • Making it better
  • Defuse or Light the Fuse
  • Cooperation or conflict

Organization: Olive Crest and OC Health Care Agency
Audience: Parents, co-parents, and caregivers
Location: In Person
Date: Mondays and Tuesdays, January 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, and 27, 5–7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click on the dates above to register. View flier and registration information or call 714-361-4381 for additional assistance.

How Teachers Can Teach Without Taking Over: Scaffolding Learning in Preschool Classrooms by Amy Chiu, MSEd

How has the digital age — and the lasting impact of COVID — reshaped the way children build social and emotional skills? This foundational session explores how early childhood environments can foster critical competencies for young learners in today’s evolving world.

Led by Brian J. Puerling, MS, NBCT — author of Teaching in the Digital Age for Preschool and Kindergarten, and recipient of the PBS Innovative Educator Award — this session blends developmental theory with practical strategies to help educators reset classroom rhythms, rebuild connection, and cultivate essential SEL skills.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration is required. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants will receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

From Overwhelmed to Joyful: Caring for Children and Yourself with Intention by Christina Fecio

Working in early care and education requires you to show up every day with your whole heart, and sometimes, that heart can feel stretched thin. This session is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deep purpose behind your work. Join author and educational consultant Christina Fecio in this session inspired by her latest book, Small Things, Great Love, where you'll explore simple, heartfelt practices that transform everyday moments into something meaningful. You don't need more time or a longer to-do list — just a gentle reminder to reclaim simplicity and joy.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, January 8, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration is required. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants will receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Brrrrring It On! Embracing Cold, Snow, and Rain Outdoors with Young Children by Kirsten Haugen, M.A.

Facing cold, wet, or snowy weather? No need to stay indoors! In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to prepare for cold weather play so children can enjoy it in safety and comfort — and how to thrive as you discover the wondrous possibilities of all kinds of weather.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration is required. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants will receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.​

From Idea to Launch: Starting Your Early Childhood Business the Right Way by Chelsea

Are you considering starting an early childhood business? Let's learn how to take your small business from the idea phase to launch.

In this session presented by business consultant, website designer, and trainer, Chelsea Denny from Early Childhood Creative, you’ll learn the steps required to set up your for-profit business and make it official. Topics covered include business entities, insurance, financials, marketing, and more.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, January 15, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration is required. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants will receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Start the New Year by Creating and Maintaining a Positive Work Culture

This Professional Development Workshop is designed for Early Childhood Education Professionals seeking to strengthen staff morale, leadership practices, and collaborative work environments. Participants will explore strategies aligned with California Title 22 and Title 5 leadership expectations.

Organization: California Early Childhood Mentor Program
Audience: Directors, Assistant Directors, Mentor Teachers, Lead Teachers, and Early Childhood Professionals in supervisory roles.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Dates: Friday, January 16, 1–2:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view the flier. The Zoom link is embedded on the flier. For any questions, please contact Darcie Kass at darcie@acplearningcenter.com

Helping Young Brains Build the Foundations to Flourish: Executive function and school readiness in the early years by Victoria Bagnall. MA (Cantab), PGCE.

In the early years, children are developing the essential building blocks that shape their ability to learn, manage emotions, build relationships, and thrive in the classroom. At the heart of this development are executive function skills — the brain-based processes that enable focus, self-regulation, memory, flexibility, and goal-directed behavior.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, January 22, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration is required. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants will receive an email with the video recording link the next business day after the live presentation.​

Training on Developmental/Behavioral Screening Tools

Help Me Grow is offering a two-part training: Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE-2).

Part 1: Participants will be introduced to:

  • The benefits of development
  • Features of the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2

Part 2: Learn how to:

  • Score ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2 with no hands-on practice
  • Describe and interpret cutoff scores
  • Review sensitive communication of screening results
  • Discuss appropriate follow-up and referrals

Organization: Help Me Grow
Audience: Professionals in the field of early childhood education, social services, mental health, and anyone interested in learning more.
Location: Virtual
Date: Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27, 9–11:30 a.m.
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 Friday, January 23. After the first training session, an email will be sent with training materials to be used Day 2. Be sure to register using the attendee's email. You must attend both days of training to receive a certificate of completion. For more information, register at Chog.org or contact Lacey Ginter at Lacey.Ginter@choc.org.

Is it Stress or Trauma? How We Can Support Children in School by Dr. Sharon Bacharach EdD, LCSW

What is a child’s behavior trying to tell you — and are we sometimes missing the real story? In early childhood settings, challenging behaviors can be misread easily. Children who have experienced trauma or chronic stress may display symptoms that mirror those of ADHD — leading to misdiagnoses and missed opportunities for healing. Understanding the difference is critical to offering the right support.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, January 28, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration is required. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants will receive an email with the video recording link the next business day after the live presentation.