Events

We'll explore opportunities to engage in nature in all types of weather, support providers with their health and wellness, recognize the intersectionality of families, and anchor our roots in nature while honoring indigeneity in the spaces we occupy. This session will introduce Best Starts for Kids' Child Care Health Consultation services by featuring JSOL Studios, …

To inspire and support providers to develop and sustain a classroom culture and curriculum through an Anti-Bias Lens (environment, toys, books, art, circle/meeting topics, etc.). Date: Tuesday May 13th. Time: 6PM - 8PM Class will be held online via zoom.   @Public

Are you a home childcare provider looking to join a sponsor? Are you a home childcare provider looking for ways to offer nutritious meals while keeping costs manageable? The City of Seattle’s Child Care Nutrition program provides financial reimbursement and support to help you serve healthy meals and snacks to the children in your care. …

We will examine the need for positive communication between parents and staff. Emphasis is placed on positive listening and speaking skills when interacting with parents in the child care environment. Date: Wednesday May 14th Time: 1PM - 3PM STARS Hours: 2 Class will be held online via zoom.   @Public

Explore foundational components of 'Self Determination Theory'. Reflect on effective ways to motivate children while respecting their phycological needs. Date: Tuesday May 14th Time: 5PM-7PM STARS: 2 Registration Link: https://www.brightspark.org/product-category/pd-classes-spring-2025/   @Public  

Inclusive Classrooms require accommodations to meet children’s individual needs. This training will address the difference between equity and the idea of fairness, and how to provide accommodations for a variety of different complex needs. Date: Wednesday May 14th Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM STARS Hours: 2 Class will be held online via zoom.   @Public

If you’re playing, you’re doing it right! Play is the way children learn. More than just a chance to have fun, play is serious business when it comes to a child's health and development. From peek-a-boo to pat-a-cake and hide-and-seek to hopscotch, the many forms of play enrich a child's brain, body and life in …

This training explains how daily routines and rituals in early learning environments play a crucial role in preventing challenging behavior and create an optimal environment for learning and exploration. We will discuss a core collection of practical skills, strategies, and environmental considerations that support self-regulation and positive behavior management. Date: Thursday May 15th Time: 1PM …

Calling all childcare workers and caregivers of children—this training is your gateway to becoming champions of compassion! In this session, you will discover how compassion positively impacts a child's development. From enhancing cognitive abilities to fostering strong social connections, compassion is the key to unlocking their full potential. Together, we will explore how the nurturing …

Through relationships, children discover who they are and learn to understand others. Date: Thursday May 15th Time: 1:30 - 3:30PM STARS Hours: 2 Class will be held online via zoom.   @Public

In this training we will explore a strengths-based approach to how relationships impact early brain development. Date: Thursday May 15th Time: 6:30PM - 8:30PM STARS Hours: 2 Class will be held online via zoom.   @Public

In our modern world, many people have a disconnect between where their food is grown (Farm) and the food they consume for their meals. (Table). Early learning programs, both center-based, and family home childcare have a unique window of time to strengthen healthy habits for young children and families in order to reconnect the broken …

Directors and teachers will learn the history and basics of the emergent curriculum philosophy and how to implement it in their classroom and across their early learning program.   Date: Monday June 2nd, AND Monday June 9th, 2025 Participants MUST attend both sessions to earn STARS hours. No partial credit will be given. Time: 6:30PM-8:30PM …

After taking this training, participants will be able to discuss and plan for developing meaningful, culturally responsive relationships with children and families; engage in reflective practice, examine implicit bias and learn strategies for collaborating as a team; and identify and plan for strategies that support all children (including children with disabilities, children who have experienced …