Self-Regulation In Early Childhood Classrooms: Improving Teacher Practice While Supporting Engagement and Achievement by Carrie Comer-Yates

Coaching vs. Mentoring: What’s the difference? by Dr. Tamar Andrews

RESOURCES * Watch the full webinar here [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar/courses/how-to-run-a-best-in-class-child-care-program-series-june?utm_campaign=42376091-2026%20%7C%20Admin%20Series%20Q2%20%7C%20Coaching%20vs.%20Mentoring&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/?utm_campaign=42376091-2026%20%7C%20Admin%20Series%20Q2%20%7C%20Coaching%20vs.%20Mentoring&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software [https://www.tryplayground.com/?utm_source=eci&utm_medium=podcast ad&utm_campaign=admin-2026-q2-coaching-vs-mentoring&utm_content=spotify] As early childhood leaders, we're constantly supporting the growth of the educators around us — but are we using the right tools for the job? Coaching and mentoring are both powerful, yet they serve very different purposes. Knowing when to coach and when to mentor can transform how you lead your team and build a culture of continuous growth in your program. In this session, we'll cut through the confusion and give directors, coordinators, and educational leaders a clear, practical framework for understanding both approaches — and confidently knowing which one to reach for. Participants will: * Define coaching and mentoring in straightforward terms and explain the distinct purpose of each * Explore how the two approaches differ in structure, frequency, and who drives the conversation * Apply real ECE examples of coaching in action — including support around transitions, circle time, classroom routines, and behavior management — and identify tools that make coaching effective * Apply real ECE examples of mentoring in action — including helping a new teacher build confidence, deepen reflective practice, or begin thinking about leadership goals — and explore the tools that support meaningful mentoring relationships * Clarify common misconceptions: coaching and mentoring are not punishment, criticism, formal supervision, or therapy * Walk away with a practical "when to use which" decision guide designed specifically for directors and educational leaders

More Than We Imagined: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Thrive Through Everyday Challenges by Ellen M. Drolette

RESOURCES * Watch the full webinar here [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar/more-than-we-imagined-using-appreciative-inquiry-to-thrive-through-everyday-challenges-by-ellen-m-drolette?utm_campaign=41150829-2026%2F06%2F09%20%7C%20More%20Than%20We%20Imagined%3A%20Using%20Appreciative%20Inquiry%20to%20Thrive%20Through%20Everyday%20Challenges%20by%20Ellen%20M.%20Drolette&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/?utm_campaign=41150829-2026%2F06%2F09%20%7C%20More%20Than%20We%20Imagined%3A%20Using%20Appreciative%20Inquiry%20to%20Thrive%20Through%20Everyday%20Challenges%20by%20Ellen%20M.%20Drolette&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software [https://www.tryplayground.com/?utm_source=eci&utm_medium=podcast ad&utm_campaign=imagined&utm_content=spotify] Early childhood professionals regularly navigate unpredictable situations: big feelings, complex behaviors, competing demands, and the constant balancing of children’s needs, family expectations, and program requirements. Whether you’re an administrator, a family child care provider, or a center-based educator, these everyday challenges can stretch your capacity and shape the climate of your work. This webinar explores how Appreciative Inquiry offers practical tools for responding to challenging moments with clarity, presence, and intention. Drawing from the book More Than We Imagined by Ellen M. Drolette, we’ll examine how what we notice, amplify, and choose to focus on can shift the trajectory of an interaction and open up new possibilities. Participants will learn strengths-based strategies that support well-being, build trust, and promote resilience across early childhood settings. You’ll walk away with actionable approaches rooted in play, connection, and reflection—approaches that help reduce stress, strengthen professional relationships, and create conditions where both adults and children can thrive. Learning Objectives 1. Explain how Appreciative Inquiry principles support well-being and resilience: Describe how the questions we ask—and the meaning we assign to situations—influence our responses during challenging moments. 2. Identify how small shifts in adult response impact emotional safety and learning: Recognize how tone, presence, and interpretation shape outcomes in family child care settings, centers, and administrative roles. 3. Apply strengths-based strategies that turn difficult interactions into opportunities for growth: Use curiosity, reframing, and a focus on what’s working to guide decision-making and problem-solving.

Leading Across Generations: Strategies for a Stronger, More Collaborative Team by Dr. Keena Mosley

RESOURCES * Watch the full webinar here [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar/leading-across-generations-stronger-collaborative-team-dr-keena-mosley?utm_campaign=28668302-2026%2F06%2F04%20%7C%20Leading%20Across%20Generations%3A%20Strategies%20for%20a%20stronger%2C%20more%20collaborative%C2%A0team&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/?utm_campaign=28668302-2026%2F06%2F04%20%7C%20Leading%20Across%20Generations%3A%20Strategies%20for%20a%20stronger%2C%20more%20collaborative%C2%A0team&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software [https://www.tryplayground.com/?utm_source=eci&utm_medium=podcast ad&utm_campaign=generation&utm_content=spotify] In today’s work environment, leading a team requires a nuanced understanding of each member’s values, expectations, and work styles. With a focus on collaboration, this workshop is designed to equip leaders with the tools and insights needed to effectively engage, motivate, and guide multiple generations. Join Dr. Keena R. Mosley [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/presenters/keena-mosley], former award-winning collegiate professor, author, and Founder of Momentum Leadership Group. With her people-centered strategic approach, participants will explore practical skills that foster a productive, responsive, and inclusive workplace. Through interactive activities, they will bring current research to life and identify clear next steps for applying the content in their real-world settings. Learning Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: 1. Analyze research on generational characteristics: Explore insights from academic institutions and research organizations and discuss their practical application. 2. Adapt communication skills to optimize team performance: Examine the communication needs of each generation and compare them to current practices and challenges. 3. Identify strategies to foster a collaborative team culture: Review and practice team-building strategies and activities that help create a motivating environment for all generations. This session will empower you to lead with confidence and build a cohesive, high-performing team—no matter the generational mix.

AI Search Is Here - The Gold Rush Opportunity for Child Care Centers in 2026 by Bruce Spurr

RESOURCES * Watch the full webinar here [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar/courses/how-to-run-a-best-in-class-child-care-program-series-june?utm_campaign=42376077-2026%20%7C%20Admin%20Series%20Q2%20%7C%20AI%20Search%20Is%20Here&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/?utm_campaign=42376077-2026%20%7C%20Admin%20Series%20Q2%20%7C%20AI%20Search%20Is%20Here&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software [https://www.tryplayground.com/?utm_source=eci&utm_medium=podcast ad&utm_campaign=admin-2026-q2-ai-search&utm_content=spotify] Only 3 centers will own the leaders in your market—How to make sure you’re one of them  Search is being completely rebuilt — and most childcare centers don’t realize it yet. Parents are no longer just clicking ads or scrolling your social posts. They’re: * Asking AI tools like ChatGPT where to find childcare nearby * Reading AI-generated summaries at the top of Google * Choosing centers directly from Google Maps At the same time, buying attention through ads is getting harder, more expensive, and less predictable for local businesses—the cost is out of reach of most child care centers. (Google finally admitted to us that new ad accounts need $100/day media spend to train their AI buying algorithm! That’s absolutely ridiculous for the ECE industry!) In this live training, Bruce Spurr, CEO of Grow Your Center, will break down how AI-powered search is transforming the way parents discover childcare — and why this shift is creating the biggest local visibility opportunity we’ve seen since 2008. History is being made. We’re not just going to talk about AI search, but give you CONTEXT in how the new world of “SEO” fits into your complete marketing stack in 2026…how owners just like you are filling their open classroom spots! In this session, you’ll learn:  * Why Google Maps has quietly become the most important “search engine” for parents * How AI summaries are deciding which childcare centers get mentioned (and which get ignored) * Your website is not only still relevant, but a critical conversion tool in your marketing stack * Why attention is getting more expensive to buy — including where and how to spend your ad dollars to “multiple” it’s effect  * What “AI-powered search visibility” actually means for local businesses * Why ranking for a city is not the right play, and how zip codes and neighborhoods now drive enrollment demand * What it takes to show up when parents search inside AI tools like ChatGPT * How early movers are getting huge gains while others disappear (the gold rush is real!) This training is especially valuable if:  * You want more predictable enrollment * You’re tired of wasting $ on ads * You operate in a competitive market * You have an enrollment gap you need to fill We’ll also have a Q&A and select 3-5 audience volunteers to review your rankings!

The Science of Play, Part 2: Making It Work — Applying the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Framework for Deep Learning Through Play by Amanda Morgan, MS

RESOURCES * Watch the full webinar here [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/webinar/the-science-of-play-part-2-making-it-work-applying-the-recognize-emphasize-maximize-framework-for-deep-learning-through-play-by-amanda-morgan-ms?utm_campaign=32704793-2026%2F05%2F28%20%7C%20The%20Science%20of%20Play%2C%20Part%202%3A%20Making%20It%20Work%20%E2%80%94%20Applying%20the%20Recognize%E2%80%93Emphasize%E2%80%93Maximize%20Framework%20for%20Deep%20Learning%20Through%20Play%20by%20Amanda%20Morgan%2C%20MS&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Join our newsletter! Earn your Professional Development hours with FREE sessions delivered right to your inbox every week [https://earlychildhoodwebinars.com/?utm_campaign=32704793-2026%2F05%2F28%20%7C%20The%20Science%20of%20Play%2C%20Part%202%3A%20Making%20It%20Work%20%E2%80%94%20Applying%20the%20Recognize%E2%80%93Emphasize%E2%80%93Maximize%20Framework%20for%20Deep%20Learning%20Through%20Play%20by%20Amanda%20Morgan%2C%20MS&utm_source=spotify&utm_medium=spotify] * Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software [https://www.tryplayground.com/?utm_source=eci&utm_medium=podcast ad&utm_campaign=spotify&utm_content=play-part2] You’ve explored why play matters—now it’s time to focus on how to make it work. 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. Through relatable play examples and reflection tools, you’ll learn how to align play with your curriculum and objectives, make strategic amendments to support standards, and introduce authentic, play-based assessment methods. Whether you’re teaching in the classroom or leading at the program level, this session will help you bridge the gap between theory and practice—so play can flourish as both joyful and truly rigorous learning. Learning Outcomes: By the end of this session, you will be able to: * Apply the Recognize–Emphasize–Maximize Framework to intentionally plan and support powerful play experiences. * Align playful learning with developmental outcomes and curriculum goals without diminishing children’s agency or joy. * Identify opportunities to adapt or “amend” curriculum and objectives to better reflect how children actually learn through play. * Implement authentic assessment practices that capture meaningful growth within play-based contexts. * Strengthen your ability to articulate and defend the educational value of play to colleagues, families, and decision-makers.