Important Registration Details
A Develop account and ID number is required to receive clock hours for attending this event. If you do not have an account, please see theseinstructionsfor help creating one. If you already have an account, you will find your Individual ID number on the right side of the summary page of your Personal Profile after signing in.
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All course registrations are final. We are unable to offer refunds or transfers for any Think Small Institute course, so please carefully review the course information before you purchase. Registration closes 7 Days prior to training date. No late registrations will be accepted.
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Online Courses Delivered by
Think Small
The courses below are Develop-approved and designed to support Minnesota-based early childhood educators. The clock hours for completed courses will be reflected on each educator’s individual Develop Learning Record. For support please contact pdsupport@thinksmall.org or call the PD Support Voicemail Line at 651-641-3549.
How Stress Affects Child Behavior
Tuesday, June 20, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Sharon Kaniess
KCF II.C: Promoting Social and Emotional Development
2 hours, $10.00
Children live in a stressful world. During this class, learn to analyze child misbehavior considering a child’s experiences, environment and stress reactions. Learn to promote and support positive social and emotional development. Change child and adult behavior using strategies that help stressed-out humans change behavior, including calming techniques and self-regulation.
Exploring & Supporting Gender Diversity
Wednesday, June 21st, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Dana Ellingson
KCF I: Child Development and Learning
2 hours, $10.00
Examine diversity within gender identity, the role it plays in the development of young children and their learning. Assess personal views and thoughts about gender identity. Learn how personal views and thoughts about gender identity effect teaching and relationships in the classroom that ultimately influence a child’s development.
Infant and Toddler Development
Thursday, June 22nd, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Sharon Kaniess
KCF I: Child Development and Learning
2 hours, $10.00
In this class, learn what to expect of infant and toddler development. Learn about your role in child development and developing human potential. Understand how development impacts behavior.
Early Childhood Screening in Minnesota
Wednesday, June 28th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Angele Passe
KCF IV.A: Observing and Recording Children’s Behavior
2 hours, $10.00
Learn about early childhood screening in Minnesota. Examine what it is and how to explain it to other early educators and families. The class includes live large group participation with a presentation from the instructor, group discussion, individual reflection, and planning.
Brain Development
Tuesday, July 11th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Sharon Kaniess
KCF I: Child Development and Learning
2 hours, $10.00
Explore current brain development research in early childhood and beyond. Examine the impact of brain research on early childhood classroom practices. Identify concerns and misconceptions by parents and policymakers regarding brain research.
Mindful Practices for Calmer Adults & Calmer Children
Thursday, July 20th, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Andrew Johnsrud
KCF VI: Professionalism
2 hours, $10.00
Examine and learn practical foundations of mindfulness for use in common situations with kids. Practice simple mindfulness practices to bring presence and emotional regulation to the children you care for and work with every day.
Investigate the nature of empathy and compassion—both for yourself and children to give our kids their best shot in the real world.
Exploring Plan Through the Developmental Lens
Monday, July 31, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Dana Ellingson
KCF I: Child Development and Learning
2 Hours, $10.00
Investigate how children’s stage of play enhances and change their forms of play. Practice skills in identifying what the child is learning and how you can enhance that learning to meet developmental domains. Understand and focus on the individual child’s needs in connection to their development stage through adjusting their play environment, activities and language engagement.
Outdoor Magic: Promoting Engagement Through Garden Based Learning
Tuesday, August 1, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Kim Woehl
KCF II.B: Promoting Cognitive Development
2 hours, $10.00
Identify key requirements for creating an outdoor space for children that provides the opportunity for children to interact and engage with natural materials. Gardening, natural spaces, and child-led activities will be at the core of this session.
From Lullabies to Literacy: The Importance of Relationships
Tuesday, August 8, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Sharyl Kalal
KCF II.A: Creating Positive Learning Experiences
2 hours, $10.00
Focus on the experiences that help children to have a positive experience about literacy. Find out how you can influence emergent literacy skills by having a loving and nurturing relationship. This is an online course only offered through Child Care Aware of Minnesota. This course is based on the work of Fred Rogers.
The Importance of Self-Care
Monday, August 21, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Mary Smith
KCF VI: Professionalism
2 hours, $10.00
Develop self-awareness and take care of oneself first. Early childhood professionals need high emotional intelligence to cope with on-the-job stressors and to serve as positive role models. This online training will cover how Self-care strategies and Mindfulness can accomplish this.
Effective Educators: The Who, What, and Why of Implicit Bias
Tuesday, August 22, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Instructor: Hannah Riddle
KCF VI: Professionalism
2 hours, $10.00
Engage in the fascinating topic of implicit bias. The human brain is routinely overloaded with information, as a result, our brains program themselves to find shortcuts in order to work more effectively. These shortcuts often have us making snap decisions about people and situations without gathering all the important or relevant information. That means that these shortcuts can be problematic! Learn about implicit bias and how it affects our work with young children in this online course hosted by Semillitas Training.
