Training Calendar

The Child Care Coordination Office compiles this list of workshops and training events for individuals caring for children in order to support all areas of children’s development from birth through elementary age. These events are organized by third-party organizations, unless otherwise noted, and are not managed by the City of Irvine.

Please see the upcoming live and virtual workshops listed below to continue your professional development or parent education journey.

To view a list of recorded webinars and self-paced online training modules, as well as additional resources, please visit our On-Demand Training and Resources page.

March

Play & Learn

Children of all ages have an opportunity to learn through play.

Tuesday, March 26; 10:20 a.m.
​Thursday, March 28, 10 a.m.

Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library  
Audience: Parents and caregivers with children 1-3 years old
Location:Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604 
Dates:  See dates above
Fee: Free  
Information: Click here to view flier for all March English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.

Toddler Storytime

Children 1-3 years old and their caregivers enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes!

Tuesday, March 26, 11 a.m.
​Thursday, March 28, 10 a.m.

Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library  
Audience: Children 1-3 years old and their caregivers
Location:Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604 
Dates:  See dates above
Fee: Free  
Information: Click here to view flier for all March English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.

Kindergarten Readiness Storytime

Introduces and reinforces basic reading, math, and social skills. Fun stories, songs, and more. Meet new friends and stay for a craft. Siblings are welcome.

Organization: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library
Audience: Children 3-5 years old and their caregivers
Location: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library, 13109 Old Myford Rd., 92602
Dates: Tuesday, March 26, 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. No registration required. Visit ocpl.org/libraries/irvine-katie-wheeler or call 714-669-8753 for more information.

Learning Link Activity Center

Includes activities for parents or caregivers to do with their children. Parent educator available to answer questions regarding general development, parenting, cognitive/academic, and social/emotional development. Also includes community resources and referrals.

Organization: IUSD Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)
Audience: Parents or caregivers and their children 0-5 years old
Location: ECLC, 1 Smoketree Lane, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:45-10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here for more information and to sign up. Participation requires parent to complete the District Volunteer Program online form. Check in at Room 1 at ECLC with your photo ID ready to be scanned. Email SchoolReadiness@iusd.org for more information or call 949-936-5890.

Baby/Toddler Storytime & Sensory Play

Recommended for children 0-3 years old and their caregivers. Join for stories, songs, rhymes, and fun!

Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Parents or caregivers and their children 0-1 years old
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Wednesday, March 27, 10 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all March English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library.
Registration: No registration required. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.

Guardian Training Webinar for Licensees and Providers

This webinar is designed to provide helpful information and training to guide licensees and providers through more complex topics when utilizing the Guardian system for the background check process. Topics discussed include:

  • Starting a background check
  • Fingerprint journey
  • At-a-glance dashboard
  • Question and answer session

Organization: California Department of Social Services
Audience: State of California Community Care licensees and providers
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here for more information. Click here to join webinar.  

Nowruz - Persian New Year Celebration

Celebrate Nowruz with crafts, music, and more for the whole family to enjoy.

Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library  
Audience: Parents with children  
Location:Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604 
Date: Wednesday, March 27, 4 p.m.
Fee:Free  
Information:Click here to view flier. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.

Kindergarten Readiness Storytime & Activity!

Introduces and reinforces basic reading, math, and social skills. Fun stories, songs, and more. Meet new friends and stay for a craft. Siblings are welcome.

Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Children 3-5 years old and their caregivers
Location: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library, 13109 Old Myford Rd., 92602
Dates: Thursday, March 28, 11 a.m..
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all March English Storytimes. No registration required. Call 949-936-4040 for more information. 

Training on Developmental/Behavioral Screening Tools

Two-part training: Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3) and Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE-2). Part 1: Participants introduced to the benefits of developmental screening and features of the ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2. Part 2: Participants learn how to score 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 Orange County
Audience: Early childhood professionals
Location: Virtual
Dates: Thursday, March 28, and Friday, March 29, 9-11:30 a.m.
Fee: $55 for individuals living or working in Orange County
Information: Click here to register. Zoom link emailed to registered participants. Contact Lacey.Ginter@choc.org for more information. 

In the Heat of the Moment: Strategies for De-escalating Children’s Challenging Behaviors

De-escalation – helping children calm down – takes time and only happens intentionally. Explore the stages of escalation and learn:

  • To identify your feelings when children’s behavior escalates;
  • To plan strategies that will help you to self-regulate and slow your responses to avoid behavior escalation;
  • The importance of knowing how to identify when children feel good about themselves;
  • To understand and identify the stages of behavior escalation;
  • How to respond to each stage and help children to de-escalate.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, March 28, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend live webinar, all registered participants receive a link to the recording when it is ready to be viewed.

Neurodivergent Family Night

Formerly known as Autism Family Night, happening twice a month. Join families with children and their parents, siblings or caretakers in an environment designed to be sensory-friendly. Socialize with other parents and meet community partners who specialize in supporting the neurodiverse community.

Organization: Pretend City Children’s Museum
Audience: Families with children of all ages from the neurodiverse community and with other disabilities
Location: Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, 92618
Date: Thursday, March 28, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. RSVP coming soon. Click here for more information.   

Active Parenting First Five Years Course 

Learn valuable skills including how to communicate effectively, avoid family conflicts, balance discipline and affection, and praise your child’s good behavior appropriately. Join this six-part weekly series to 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 having children 0-5 years old 
Location: Virtual via Zoom 
Dates: ​Thursdays, March 28-May 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Fee: Free 
Information: Pre-registration required. Click here to view flier and registration instructions. 

April

Discovery Days at Centennial Farm

During a Discovery Day, “farmers” are stationed around the farm available to answer questions and provide information. Upon check-in, participants receive a map to aid in getting around and seeing all Centennial Farm has to offer. Also includes an opportunity for children to pet a chick and plant a radish seed.

Organization: Orange County Fair & Event Center
Audience: Open to all ages
Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Centennial Farm, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, 92626
Date: Tuesday, April 2; 9 a.m.–Noon. Click here to view additional dates.
Fee: Free admission and parking
Information: Online reservations required for groups of 10 or more people. Click here for more information.

Human Development (HD) Courses at Irvine Valley College

  • Teaching in a Diverse Society (HD 30) starts Saturday, April 6
  • Curriculum Planning for School-Age Children (HD 170) starts Saturday, April 6
  • Child Maltreatment: Identification and Treatment (HD 231) starts Saturday, May 11

Organization: Irvine Valley College
Audience: Adults interested in working with children
Location: Online and hybrid
Dates: Spring 2024, registration open now
Fee: Unit fees apply
Information: Click here to view flier with course descriptions. Apply online at https://www.ivc.edu/admissions/get-started. More information contact dking@ivc.edu or 949-451-5617.

Outdoor Loose Parts! Spark Creativity, Problem-Solving, Communication, and Self-Confidence With Loose Parts Play

Join this webinar to learn:

  • What “Outdoor Loose Parts” are and how they boost outdoor play and learning.
  • The benefits of Outdoor Loose Parts for whole child development.
  • The best kinds of Loose Parts for outdoor use.
  • Where to find great Outdoor Loose Parts.
  • How to store, keep safe, and manage Loose Parts outside.
  • How to talk about the benefits of Outdoor Loose Parts with parents and licensing.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, April 10, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend live webinar, all registered participants receive a link to the recording when it is ready to be viewed.

Multicultural Tools & Strategies for Nature-Based Program Leaders

Operating nature-based programs centered on diverse cultural perspectives can be challenging but necessary to transform early childhood spaces into inclusive places.

Join this webinar to learn to:

  • Define the levels of multicultural curriculum approach.
  • Describe various multicultural tools and strategies.
  • Identify coaching strategies to apply to their own environments.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, April 11, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend live webinar, all registered participants receive a link to the recording when it is ready to be viewed.

Anaheim Early Educator Conference

Join Anaheim early educators to gain valuable insights about early learning and readiness skills in our neighborhoods. Discussion includes working with children having exceptional needs. Learn effective and fun activities and strategies to increase child development in these learning domains:

  • Cognitive
  • Language
  • Motor
  • Social & Emotional

Organizations: Anaheim Public Library, Anaheim Elementary School District, First 5 Orange County
Audience: Early childhood professionals
Location: Anaheim Central Library, 500 Broadway Ave., Anaheim, 92805
Date: Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Includes continental breakfast and lunch. Pre-registration required. Click here to register.

Imaginology

Free family event that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education.  Participate in a wide range of fun and educational hands-on activities designed to inspire and encourage academic and career exploration.

Organization: Orange County Fair & Event Center Staff
Audience: Children (preschool to high school), families, and school groups
Location: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 92626
Date: Saturday and Sunday, April 13-14, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fee: Free admission (parking is $12)
Information: Click here for more information. Click here to view program.

Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) Parent Education Series: Mealtime Difficulties

Join the conversation about how to foster healthy habits and promote nutritious eating. Gain strategies to encourage your child to embrace new foods and try different tastes.

Organization: IUSD ECLC
Audience: Parents or caregivers with children under five years old
Location: ECLC, 1 Smoketree Lane, Irvine, 92604
Date: Thursday, April 18, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. (virtual) and 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (in-person)
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. More information 949-936-8624 or SchoolReadiness@IUSD.org

Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) Coffee & Conversation: Preparing Nutritional Snacks

Join the conversation with ECLC’s administrators and education specialists as they discuss preparing nutritional snacks.

Organization: IUSD ECLC
Audience: Parents or caregivers with children under five years old
Location: 1 Smoketree Lane, Irvine, 92604
Date: Friday, April 19; 10-11 a.m. or 12-1 p.m..
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. More information 949-936-8624 or SchoolReadiness@IUSD.org.

Orange Coast College (OCC) – Learning Title 22

Discuss the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12, Chapters 1 and 2 regulations for Child Care Programs. Guest speakers will share information and experience.

Organization: OCC, Child Development and Education Department
Audience: Early childhood professionals and caregivers
Location: OCC, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, 92626 
Dates: Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (live Zoom). Remaining hours completed asynchronously between Saturday, April 20 through May 11.
Fee: Unit fees apply
Information: Click here to view flier. Click here to register. For more information contact dkass1@occ.cccd.edu.