VTAEYC

The Blue Brain - Being Male, Young & Energetic
2026-02-19 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-15 18:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York)
Let’s debunk bad science. The male vs. female brain “research” is filled with myths. Most of the differences in development are the result of nurture not nature. This presentation will examine the few innate differences in male and female brains then go on to look at how parents, peers and society influence the wiring of our most complex system. The program concludes by asking if “Rough and Tumble Play” belongs in childhood and offers time for action steps in addressing the blue brain.
Dates & Time: January 15, 2026, 6:00PM-7:00PM
February 19, 2026, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Trainer: Scott Noyes
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Bennington Network: CoP: Be Amazing: Tools For Living Inspired!
2026-02-18 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-02-11 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-01-28 17:30 - 19:30
This Community of Practice is closed to the Bennington Network. To attend this training, please join the network by emailing Alyson Gryzb and Rebecca Bishop Ware at alyruby@gmail.com and rbishop@ucsvt.org. Not in your area? To find a Vermont Early Childhood Network in your area, click HERE.
This Community of Practice book study is centered on Erin Ramsey’s book “Be Amazing: Tools For Living Inspired!”. Participants will engage in collaborative reading, reflection, and discussion to explore key concepts from the text and examine how they apply to real-world professional practice.
Dates & Times:
January 28, 2026, 5:30PM-7:30PM
February 11, 2026, 5:30PM-7:30PM
February 18, 2026, 5:30PM-7:30PM
Trainer: Laurie Metcalfeu
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Burlington South Network Training: Beyond the Bin: Elevating Sensory Stations for Regulation & Readiness
2026-02-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-02-10 18:00 - 20:00
This is a Burlington South Network Training. If you are interested in joining the Burlington South Network or a different Vermont Early Childhood Network, please select the appropriate option when you register.
Sensory play is more than just scooping and pouring or a messy activity to fill time. When designed intentionally, a sensory station (or Tuff Tray) becomes a powerful container for self-regulation, literacy, and social skills. In this 2-part series, we will move beyond the basics and explore:
The Science of Regulation: How to design sensory invitations that actually calm the nervous system (including heavy work and proprioception).
Literacy & Language: Turning a tray into a “Small World” for storytelling and vocabulary development.
VELS Alignment: How to document the math, science, and social skills happening inside the bin.
Dates & Times: February 10, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM, In-person Training
Feb 17th, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM, Virtual Follow-up
Trainer: Colleen Christman
Location: South Burlington, VT. Exact location shared in confirmation email.
Click HERE to Register

Addison Evening Network Training: Bringing Learning Alive This Winter
2026-02-16 18:00 - 20:00
This is an Addison Evening Network training. If you are interested in joining the Addison Evening Network or a different Vermont Early Childhood Network, please select the appropriate option when you register.
Winter can feel long and overwhelming, but your winter curriculum planning doesn’t have to! Join us for this interactive, idea-packed workshop designed to keep young children (ages 2–6) engaged, curious, and learning all season long. Together, we’ll:
Explore engaging winter activity ideas that align with the Vermont Early Learning Standards
Participate in breakout room brainstorms organized by content areas (math, literacy, science, the arts, and more)
Co-create a ready-to-use resource you can bring back to your classroom the very next day; and also receive a detailed “Wonders of Winter” integrated curriculum unit created by April Zajko. Take the overwhelm out of winter planning with practical, developmentally appropriate ideas that spark joy and learning. This engaging session will leave you with fresh inspiration, a supportive network of peers, and a toolkit of winter-ready activities to keep your classroom thriving through the coldest months of the year.
Date & Time: Monday, February 16, 2026, 6:00PM- 8:00PM
Trainer: April Zajko
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Proactively Addressing Classroom Behaviors
2026-02-12 18:00 - 20:00
Proactively Addressing Behaviors in the Classroom Setting is a practical, hands-on workshop designed specifically for early childhood professionals who support young learners every day. This session focuses on proactive classroom management strategies that help prevent challenging behaviors before they begin, including intentional staff positioning and blocking, thoughtful and developmentally appropriate language use, consistency in routines and responses, and simple strategies that promote regulation, engagement, and emotional safety. Participants will learn how small, intentional adult actions can create predictable, supportive environments where young children feel safe, understood, and ready to learn—reducing escalation and increasing positive behavior across the day.
This training series is closed to the Rutland Network. If you are interested in joining the Rutland Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Rutland Network?”
Dates & Times: February 12, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainer: Melissa Davis
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

VTAEYC Virtual Policy Committee Meeting
2026-02-12 18:00 - 19:30
The Policy Committee meets regularly to stay informed and engaged on legislative and policy developments affecting early childhood education. During meetings, members will receive timely updates on state and federal legislative activity, proposed policy changes, and emerging priorities. The committee provides a forum for members to offer feedback on policy proposals, share perspectives from their programs and communities, and reflect on how specific policies may impact their work and the children and families they serve. Meetings also include guidance on advocacy opportunities and concrete ways members can take action to support shared legislative priorities.
This commitee meets the second Thursday of each month from 6:00PM-7:30 PM.
Date and Time: February 12, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
March 12, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
April 9, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
May 14, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
Host: Beth Wallace
Location: Zoom
Click HERE to Join the Committee

Why Recognition Matters and Career Supports
2026-02-11 18:00 - 19:30
The ECE Profession Bill, which would establish professional recognition for early childhood educators, is working its way through Vermont’s Legislature. This professional development workshop provides essential background for early childhood educators who are curious about or just learning about this bill. This series is offered during the day and in the evening, and all sessions cover the same content.
Participants will learn about the field-led initiative that started the conversation, what to expect during the legislative session, how educator voices have influenced the bill and can continue to inform the process, and why professional recognition benefits early childhood educators, children, and families.
The session will also include information on Career Pathways to Licensure, exploring how Vermont’s developing pathways connect to the goals of the ECE Profession Bill and support a strong, professionalized early childhood workforce.
Presenters will include Rachel Hunter, Kim Freeman, Beth Wallace, and Adiya Kagan (presenter lineup varies by date).
If your organization or group would like to request a dedicated presentation on this topic, please contact Beth Wallace at beth.wallace@vtaeyc.org.
Date & Time: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
Trainer: Kim Freeman
Location: Zoom
Click HERE to Register

Why Recognition Matter and Career Supports
2026-02-10 12:00 - 13:30
The ECE Profession Bill, which would establish professional recognition for early childhood educators, is working its way through Vermont’s Legislature. This professional development workshop provides essential background for early childhood educators who are curious about or just learning about this bill. This series is offered during the day and in the evening, and all sessions cover the same content.
Participants will learn about the field-led initiative that started the conversation, what to expect during the legislative session, how educator voices have influenced the bill and can continue to inform the process, and why professional recognition benefits early childhood educators, children, and families.
The session will also include information on Career Pathways to Licensure, exploring how Vermont’s developing pathways connect to the goals of the ECE Profession Bill and support a strong, professionalized early childhood workforce.
Presenters will include Rachel Hunter, Kim Freeman, Beth Wallace, and Adiya Kagan (presenter lineup varies by date).
If your organization or group would like to request a dedicated presentation on this topic, please contact Beth Wallace at beth.wallace@vtaeyc.org.
Date & Time: Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 12:00PM-1:30PM
Trainer: Rachel Hunter
Location: Zoom
Click here to register.

Hartford Network: VT Immunization Registry Training
2026-02-09 18:00 - 19:00
This Community of Practice is closed to the Hartford Network. To attend this training, please join the network by emailing Tammie Hazlett and Jennifer Tucker at tammieabh@gmail.com and tuckerdjcmt@gmail.com. Not in your area? To find a Vermont Early Childhood Network in your area, click HERE.

VT Immunization Registry Training
Participants will learn how to apply to the VT Immunization Registry for an account, access required immunization information, and print out immunization reports for their students.This training series is closed to the Hartford Network. If you are interested in joining the Hartford Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Hartford Network?”
Dates & Times: February 9, 2026, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Trainer: Craig Morrill
Location: Online – Teams
Click Here to Register

Supporting a Culture of Quality Through Strengths Based Communication: Springfield Spoke
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:15
A thriving community where everyone experiences belonging and mattering is built upon strong communication and fosters authentic relationships. Nurturing a high-quality early childhood environment starts with our everyday interactions. In this session participants will draw from their own experiences and knowledge to make connections among the STARS Elements of Quality. Through lively discussions and activities we will discover how small intentional shifts can create a more collaborative and supportive program culture. Participants should come to the session with a basic understanding of the STARS elements of quality including, the CLASS tool, Strengthening Families framework, and Responsive Practice components.
This training is offered through VTAEYC’s Hub and Spoke Model, a statewide hybrid professional development approach designed to increase access, connection, and shared learning. Participants will attend at their closest Spoke site while the main content is livestreamed from a central Hub simultaneously. Each Spoke site will also engage in facilitated discussion, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration, lead by local Quality Support Specialists and Assessors. Lunch will be provided at all sites. Please select your preferred Spoke site during registration; space is limited to 20–25 participants per site.
Date & Time: February 7, 2026, 10:00AM-2:15PM
Trainers: Emily Lambert, Abby Fish, Arianna Van Houtenson
Location:Springfield Area Parent Child Center (SAPCC), North Springfield, VT
Click Here to Register

Supporting a Culture of Quality Through Strengths Based Communication: South Burlington Spoke
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:15
A thriving community where everyone experiences belonging and mattering is built upon strong communication and fosters authentic relationships. Nurturing a high-quality early childhood environment starts with our everyday interactions. In this session participants will draw from their own experiences and knowledge to make connections among the STARS Elements of Quality. Through lively discussions and activities we will discover how small intentional shifts can create a more collaborative and supportive program culture. Participants should come to the session with a basic understanding of the STARS elements of quality including, the CLASS tool, Strengthening Families framework, and Responsive Practice components.
This training is offered through VTAEYC’s Hub and Spoke Model, a statewide hybrid professional development approach designed to increase access, connection, and shared learning. Participants will attend at their closest Spoke site while the main content is livestreamed from a central Hub simultaneously. Each Spoke site will also engage in facilitated discussion, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration, lead by local Quality Support Specialists and Assessors. Lunch will be provided at all sites. Please select your preferred Spoke site during registration; space is limited to 20–25 participants per site.
Date & Time: February 7, 2026, 10:00AM-2:15PM
Trainers: Emily Lambert, Abby Fish, Arianna Van Houten
Location: Windjammer Restaurant & Upper Deck Pub, South Burlington, VT
Click Here to Register

Supporting a Culture of Quality Through Strengths Based Communication: Rutland Spoke
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:15
A thriving community where everyone experiences belonging and mattering is built upon strong communication and fosters authentic relationships. Nurturing a high-quality early childhood environment starts with our everyday interactions. In this session participants will draw from their own experiences and knowledge to make connections among the STARS Elements of Quality. Through lively discussions and activities we will discover how small intentional shifts can create a more collaborative and supportive program culture. Participants should come to the session with a basic understanding of the STARS elements of quality including, the CLASS tool, Strengthening Families framework, and Responsive Practice components.
This training is offered through VTAEYC’s Hub and Spoke Model, a statewide hybrid professional development approach designed to increase access, connection, and shared learning. Participants will attend at their closest Spoke site while the main content is livestreamed from a central Hub simultaneously. Each Spoke site will also engage in facilitated discussion, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration, lead by local Quality Support Specialists and Assessors. Lunch will be provided at all sites. Please select your preferred Spoke site during registration; space is limited to 20–25 participants per site.
Date & Time: February 7, 2026, 10:00AM-2:15PM
Trainers: Emily Lambert, Abby Fish, Arianna Van Houten
Location: Noël’s at The Franklin Events Center, Rutland, VT
Click Here to Register

Supporting a Culture of Quality Through Strengths Based Communication: Lyndonville Spoke
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:15
A thriving community where everyone experiences belonging and mattering is built upon strong communication and fosters authentic relationships. Nurturing a high-quality early childhood environment starts with our everyday interactions. In this session participants will draw from their own experiences and knowledge to make connections among the STARS Elements of Quality. Through lively discussions and activities we will discover how small intentional shifts can create a more collaborative and supportive program culture. Participants should come to the session with a basic understanding of the STARS elements of quality including, the CLASS tool, Strengthening Families framework, and Responsive Practice components.
This training is offered through VTAEYC’s Hub and Spoke Model, a statewide hybrid professional development approach designed to increase access, connection, and shared learning. Participants will attend at their closest Spoke site while the main content is livestreamed from a central Hub simultaneously. Each Spoke site will also engage in facilitated discussion, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration, lead by local Quality Support Specialists and Assessors. Lunch will be provided at all sites. Please select your preferred Spoke site during registration; space is limited to 20–25 participants per site.
Date & Time: February 7, 2026, 10:00AM-2:15PM
Trainers: Emily Lambert, Abby Fish, Arianna Van Houten
Location: Vermont State University: Lyndon Campus, 1001 College Rd, Lyndonville, VT 05851
Click Here to Register

Supporting a Culture of Quality Through Strengths Based Communication: Randolph Hub
2026-02-07 10:00 - 14:15 | Vermont State University Randolph Campus, 124 Admin Drive, Randolph, VT, 05061, United States
A thriving community where everyone experiences belonging and mattering is built upon strong communication and fosters authentic relationships. Nurturing a high-quality early childhood environment starts with our everyday interactions. In this session participants will draw from their own experiences and knowledge to make connections among the STARS Elements of Quality. Through lively discussions and activities we will discover how small intentional shifts can create a more collaborative and supportive program culture. Participants should come to the session with a basic understanding of the STARS elements of quality including, the CLASS tool, Strengthening Families framework, and Responsive Practice components.
This training is offered through VTAEYC’s Hub and Spoke Model, a statewide hybrid professional development approach designed to increase access, connection, and shared learning. Participants will attend at their closest Spoke site while the main content is livestreamed from a central Hub simultaneously. Each Spoke site will also engage in facilitated discussion, hands-on activities, and peer collaboration, lead by local Quality Support Specialists and Assessors. Lunch will be provided at all sites. Please select your preferred Spoke site during registration; space is limited to 20–25 participants per site.
Date & Time: February 7, 2026, 10:00AM-2:15PM
Trainers: Emily Lambert, Abby Fish, Arianna Van Houten
Location: Vermont State University Randolph Campus, 124 Admin Dr, Randolph Center, VT 05061
Click Here to Register

Goals of Strengthening Families Program
2026-02-07 08:00 - 12:00
Join us for this 3 part training series on the Strenghtening Families program and learn more about the primary goal of improving communication, trust, and bonding between family members, thereby fostering supportive family environment.
This is a Lamoille Network Training Series. If you are interested in joining the Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Lamoille Network?”
Dates & Times: Saturday, February 7, 2026, 8:00AM-12:00PM
Thursday, March 5, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Thursday, April 2, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainer: Dianne Carlino-Desroches
Location: Hyde Park, VT
Click Here to Register

MyTeachstone 1+1+1: From Set Up to Success
2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2026-01-27 18:00 - 19:00
Join us for a 1+1+1 MyTeachstone training designed specifically for early childhood program leaders. In this three-part series, you’ll explore what MyTeachstone can do to support instructional quality, learn how to set up your program on the platform, and receive guided support as you get started. After an initial virtual demonstration and walkthrough, you’ll spend dedicated time during the week setting up your site. We’ll then reconvene for a follow-up session to reflect on the process, answer questions, and troubleshoot together. Participants will be entered to win a kodo kids toddler play table or kodo kids preschool discovery ramp set
Dates & Times: Tuesday, January 27th, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Tuesday, February 3rd, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Trainer: Nichole Bearor, Victoria Ward
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

MyTeachstone 1+1+1: From Set Up to Success
2026-02-03 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-01-27 13:00 - 14:00
Join us for a 1+1+1 MyTeachstone training designed specifically for early childhood program leaders. In this three-part series, you’ll explore what MyTeachstone can do to support instructional quality, learn how to set up your program on the platform, and receive guided support as you get started. After an initial virtual demonstration and walkthrough, you’ll spend dedicated time during the week setting up your site. We’ll then reconvene for a follow-up session to reflect on the process, answer questions, and troubleshoot together. Participants will be entered to win a kodo kids toddler play table or kodo kids preschool discovery ramp set
Dates & Times: Tuesday, January 27th, 1:00PM-2:00PM
Tuesday, February 3rd, 1:00PM-2:00PM
Trainer: Nichole Bearor, Victoria Ward
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Introduction to the 2nd Edition Pre-K CLASS Tool
2026-01-26 18:00 - 20:00
In this interactive session, participants will deepen their understanding of the Pre-K CLASS 2nd Edition. Educators will explore the structure of the tool, learn to describe its domains and key behaviors, and discuss what high-quality interactions look like in preschool settings. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, participants will practice identifying the effective strategies they already use and develop shared language to describe and strengthen responsive teaching practices.
This training is a closed training to the Rutland Network. To attend this series, please join the network by emailing Michelle and Lisa at rutlandcountyecenetwork@gmail.com
Dates & Times: January 26, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainers: Nichole Bearor, Emily Lambert, Krysta Griffith
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Introduction to the 2nd Edition Infant/Toddler CLASS Tool
2026-01-22 18:00 - 20:00
In this interactive session, participants will deepen their understanding of the Infant/Toddler CLASS 2nd Edition. Educators will explore the structure of the tool, learn to describe its domains and key behaviors, and discuss what high-quality interactions look like in infant and toddler settings. Through hands-on activities and real-world scenarios, participants will practice identifying the effective strategies they already use and develop shared language to describe and strengthen responsive teaching practices.
This training is a closed training to the Rutland Network. To attend this series, please join the network by emailing Michelle and Lisa at rutlandcountyecenetwork@gmail.com
Dates & Times: January 22, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainers: Nichole Bearor, Emily Lambert, Krysta Griffith
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

The Reggio Inspired Classroom: Supporting Children with Special Rights
2026-01-21 18:00 - 20:00
The Reggio Inspired Classroom: Supporting Children with Special Rights
One of the basic tenets of the schools of Reggio Emilia is that including, accepting, and valuing students with special rights (disabilities) within the learning community improves the practice of teachers. During this session we will examine how to use the Reggio Emilia approach of teaching and learning to provide an inclusive learning environment for all children.
This training is a closed training to the Brattleboro Network. To attend this training, please join the network by emailing Melissa Mroz-Gaskill and Jessica Farquhar at missymg64@gmail.com and jaf122407@gmail.com
Date & Time: January 21, 2026, 6:00PM- 8:00PM
Trainer: Carrie Becker
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Reintroducing Nursery Rhymes
2026-01-13 18:00 - 20:00
This training will be an interactive workshop. There is so much wonderful literature out there for young children, but how often do you include nursery rhymes? I realized that I could not remember a recent time in a classroom or when I was enjoying those great short nursery rhymes. We will be using some of the advice from Becky Bailey’s book: “I love you rituals.” I will bring two books: Mother Goose and A treasury of Nursery Rhymes.
Please bring Becky Baileys book if you have it and any nursery rhyme books you may have in your closets. If there are different “rhyming” songs” you may use like: open, shut them, we will remind each other of the ones we may have forgotten.
This training series is closed to the Concord Network. If you are interested in joining the Concord Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Concord Network?”
Dates & Times: January 13, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainer: Jackie Sprague
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Infant/Toddler CLASS Overview
2026-01-12 18:00 - 20:00
We will discuss why the CLASS measure was chosen, the domains and dimensions within each tool, as well as specific indicators throughout. Participants will have the opportunity to watch video examples and have reflective conversation. Participants will learn the process of a scored and unscored assessment.
Dates & Times: January 12, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainers: Nichole Bearor
Location: Middlebury, VT. Exact location shared in confirmation email.
Click Here to Register

ECE Advocates Event!
2026-01-10 13:00 - 15:00
We can’t wait to connect with you at our Legislative Kick Off Event in January! We will be screening the documentary “Make A Circle” followed by a panel discussion with Vermont early childhood education advocates and a preview of the VTAEYC/LGKAN Legislative Agenda. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to gather with like-minded advocates and learn how YOU can make a difference this session. Psst: You’ll also leave with some limited-edition Proud to be an ECE! swag.
Date and Time: Saturday, January 10, 2026 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Capitol Theatre, 93 State St, Montpelier, VT 05602
Click Here to Register

Bringing Learning Alive This Winter
2026-01-08 18:00 - 20:00
Winter can feel long and overwhelming, but your winter curriculum planning doesn’t have to! Join us for this interactive, idea-packed workshop designed to keep young children (ages 2–6) engaged, curious, and learning all season long.
Together, we’ll:
Explore engaging winter activity ideas that align with the Vermont Early Learning Standards
Participate in breakout room brainstorms organized by content areas (math, literacy, science, the arts, and more)
Co-create a ready-to-use resource you can bring back to your classroom the very next day; and also receive a detailed “Wonders of Winter” integrated curriculum unit created by April Zajko
Take the overwhelm out of winter planning with practical, developmentally appropriate ideas that spark joy and learning
This engaging session will leave you with fresh inspiration, a supportive network of peers, and a toolkit of winter-ready activities to keep your classroom thriving through the coldest months of the year.
Date & Time: January 8, 2026, 6:00PM-:800PM
Trainer: April Zajko
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register
