EIU Child Care Resource and Referral

Time: 1:00 pm-2:30 pm
Zoom (link will be sent out to all providers a day prior)
RSVP:  Not required

Community Chats are all about you, the provider! These meet-ups offer a fantastic opportunity to
connect with other providers, dive into meaningful discussions, and ask questions to fellow
professionals and resource specialists who can shed light on the challenges you face in early childhood.
Our team at EIU Child Care Resource and Referral is here to share resources, updates, important dates, chances for professional growth, funding, grant info, and so much more. We invite everyone to come ready with ideas and resources to make our networking experience even better. Remember, these meetings happen every month!

Trainer: Shelli Blair, Provider Services
1.5 In-Service Hours | CDA: 6 

Time 8:00 am-2:30 pm (lunch break included)
Location:  EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP:  01/05/2026

In the upcoming months, Vicky Foster will be running the Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC). This program consists of four modules aimed at equipping child care directors and infant/toddler educators to better understand infants' signals, engage with their families and cultures, and foster responsive, relationship-focused care. The training delves into cognitive and social-emotional development, promoting growth through everyday routines, along with advice on creating suitable environments for infant and toddler caregivers.
Module 1- 1/17/26, Module 2- 2/21/26, Module 3- 3/21/26, Module 4- 4/25/26
32 Hours (8 hours per module)

01/17/2026-This training dives into the world of social emotional development during those crucial first three years, looking at the temperaments of both children and their caregivers, along with socialization, guidance, discipline, and the environments that shape children's behavior. We’ll kick things off with a look at the basics of early social emotional growth and how it plays out in group care settings. A big focus will be on fostering a caring relationship between infants and their caregivers. We’ll also chat about the significance of being responsive, tailoring care to fit each baby’s temperament, and the vital influence of family and culture on early identity. Plus, we’ll explore suitable play strategies for infants, create supportive spaces, and discuss emotional development stages.

Trainer: Vicky Foster, Infant Toddler Specialist
6.5 In-Service Hours + 2 for online assessment | CDA: 3 & 8

Time: 6:15 pm-8:15 pm
Location:  EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP:  01/14/26

What's Your Word?
It's a new year 2026! Rather than setting a resolution and feeling guilty that you didn't keep it, let's find your word of intention that you want to live by this season!
Word of Intention: a daily reminder representing a quality or principle that guides you toward how you want to live or how you hope to feel as your best self . #whatsyourWORD
FIND YOUR WORD OF INTENTION
Finding your WORD is a simple, fun and empowering exercise. In a world inundated with distractions, it's powerful to have a daily reminder of what you want to actively focus on, or manifest, every day.
The WORD you choose will evolve over time. it's what you want to remind yourself for this chapter of your life, it may be for a few weeks or months.
• What's a goal of yours?
• What brings you joy?
• Is there something that you want to let go of?
• What energizes you or makes you feel like your true self?
Mantras are great tools to use to stop toxic thought patterns, ease anxiety, and maintain an optimistic outlook.  When it comes to "wearing your WORD" having a statement that you visualize and repeat to yourself will help keep your intentions at the forefront of your mind.
Setting 2026 off to a great start!

Trainer: Bea Sawyer, Mental Health Consultant
2 In-Service Hours | CDA: 6 

Time: 8:00 am-2:30 pm (lunch break included)
Location:  EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP:  01/19/26

The PALS training is crafted to equip early care providers with a robust foundation of best practices
for promoting physical activity, while highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyles,
environments, and bodies. This program focuses on engaging children from birth to age five, guiding providers on how to seamlessly incorporate physical activities into their programs and share these initiatives with families. PALS aims to foster practices and policy advancements in early childhood education (ECE) programs. By blending content learning with self-evaluations, policy development, and valuable resources, PALS paves the way for healthier, more active children. FREE RESOURCES!

Trainer: Melissa Coleman, Child Care Resource Specialist & Lori Rothrock, Quality Specialist
6 In-Service Hours | CDA: 3