California Preschool Instruction Network (CPIN)

CPIN provides professional learning opportunities to support early childcare providers, preschool teachers and administrators, that promote promising practices in early learning, family engagement, and equity that emphasize a whole-child approach. Registration for professional learning sessions can be accessed via our Padlet Link. Registration is available by scrolling through the professional learning sessions and selecting specific topics. 

Suicide Prevention Training (In-Person or Virtual)

Join us for a training on suicide prevention and risk assessment tailored for educators, counselors, administrators, and school support staff. This workshop will equip you with the tools to recognize when a student may be at risk for suicide and how to respond appropriately.

• In-Person Date: September 9/ Time: 8:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• In-Person Registration/ Flyer
• Virtual Date: September 16/ Time: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
• Virtual Registration/ Flyer

Audience: Educators, counselors, administrators, support staff

Cost: Free

Bridging the Gap: A Secondary Math Special Education and Intervention Leadership Series

This leadership series builds a county-wide network of Special Education leaders in mathematics. With a focus on learning acceleration strategies and building conceptual understanding of the math needed for success in Algebra 1, this community of practice focuses on necessary components to designing classes and district-wide systems which meet the needs of students with disabilities and unfinished learning from earlier grades.

Dates: September 14, October 27, December 3, January 21, February 23, April 13

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M.

Audience: Middle and High School Special Education Coordinators, Case Managers, Co-Techers and Paraprofessionals. Bring a team!

Location: Contra Costa County Office of Education

Cost: FREE

Note: We hope to have funding available to offset sub costs for Contra Costa County educators. Having a SPED Coordinator on your team is a funding requirement.

Flyer

Registration

PTKLF Health – En español 

"Pequeños Pasos, Grandes Hábitos: Explorando el Dominio de la Salud” 

Únase a nosotros para una atractiva sesión de aprendizaje profesional sobre el Dominio de la Salud del PTKLF. Los participantes fortalecerán su comprensión del aprendizaje y desarrollo relacionado con la salud en la primera infancia, analizarán cómo el PTKLF refleja y valora las culturas, los idiomas y las experiencias de vida de los niños, e identificarán estrategias para apoyar su bienestar, aprendizaje y desarrollo integral. A través de la reflexión y el diálogo, los participantes fortalecerán su capacidad para crear entornos inclusivos y receptivos que promuevan la salud y el bienestar de todos los niños. 

Date: 17 de septiembre

Time: 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Location: Capacitación virtual 

Audience: Educadores de preescolar y administradores / maestros de TK (Kinder de Transición) 

Cost: Gratuito 

Flyer

Registration 

Supporting Your Children's Mental Health

Join the Wellness in Schools Program for a series designed to help parents and caregivers better understand, recognize, and support their child's mental health. Learn practical strategies. Gain valuable insigts, Connect with resources that can help your family thrive.

Dates: September 17, and October 15

Time: 6:00 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.

Location: Virtual

Audience: Parents, educators, and caring adults

Cost: Free

Flyer

Registration

PTKLF Science In-Person Community of Practice 

Join colleagues for an engaging in-person Community of Practice focused on the PTKLF Science Domain. Participants will explore strategies for supporting children's natural curiosity, inquiry, and scientific thinking through meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Through collaborative discussions and shared resources, educators will reflect on practices that honor children's cultures, languages, and lived experiences. A follow-up virtual session will provide an opportunity to deepen learning, share implementation experiences, and continue building connections with fellow educators. 

Date: September 19

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. 

Location: CCCOE, 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill

Audience: Preschool Educators and Administrators/ TK Teachers 

Cost: FREE 

Flyer

Registration

MTSS Community of Practice

Community of Practice centered around the MTSS Framework to ensure an understanding of key aspects of a successful MTSS. 

Dates: September 22, November 17, January 26, March 9, May 4 (Tuesdays)

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Audience: Teams of 4-5 leaders from C&I, Student Services, SPED, and site leadership

Location: In-person (locations in registration information)

Cost: FREE for Contra Costa LEAs

Flyer

Registration

Lead the Change: Begin Your Administrative Leadership Journey 

Contra Costa County Office of Education's Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (PASC) Program is designed to help aspiring educational leaders take the next step in their careers. 

✔ Earn your credential in just 11 months 

✔ Attend convenient Saturday in-person classes 

✔ Learn from experienced faculty who understand the realities of today's schools 

✔ Receive dedicated CalAPA support throughout the program 

✔ Join a cohort-based experience built for busy working professionals  

Interested in learning more? Join our upcoming virtual information session to explore the program, hear about the application process, and get answers to your questions. 

Date: September 24

Time: 3:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Audience: Teachers, Counselors, Speech and Language Pathologists, and Nurses that have held a full-time position for at least four years.  

Cost: Free 

Flyer

Registration

PTKLF Mathematics Virtual Training 

Join us for an engaging professional learning opportunity exploring the updated PTKLF Mathematics Domain. Participants will deepen their understanding of early mathematics development, discover the four mathematics strands and mathematical practices, and learn strategies to support equitable, joyful, and meaningful math experiences for all young children. Following the virtual training, participants will be invited to continue their learning through a two-part, in-person Community of Practice, where they will explore and share Count, Play, Explore mathematics resources, collaborate with colleagues, and reflect on practical ways to implement rich mathematics experiences in their early learning settings. 

Date: September 24

Time: 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.  

Location: Virtual

Audience: Preschool Educators, Administrators, TK Teachers 

Cost: FREE 

Flyer

Registration

Leading Math Boldly: Leadership for Powerful, Equitable Mathematics

This series is for district and site administrators to enhance their role as instructional leaders in mathematics. It focuses on developing the knowledge, strategies and systems necessary for leading equitable standards-aligned improvements based on the pedagogy of the California Mathematics Framework. There are two cohorts this fall, one located at CCCOE and one in Brentwood. 

CCCOE Location Dates: September 25, October 20, November 19, December 10

• Time: 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. 

Brentwood Location Dates: September 22, October 21, November 12, December 8

• Time: 9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. 

Audience: District and Site Administrators who oversee math. We encourage districts to also invite a few TOSAs, teachers and paraprofessionals whose leadership you want to elevate. 

Cost: Free; Funding available to offset sub costs. 

CCCOE Flyer - Leading Math Boldly Flyer (CCCOE Location) 

Brentwood Flyer- Leading Math Boldy Flyer (Brentwood Location) 

CCCOE Registration 

Brentwood Registration

PTKLF Math In-Person Community Of Practice 

Continue the learning from the virtual session, Exploring the Updated PTKLF Mathematics Domain, by joining colleagues for a two-part, in-person Community of Practice. Together, we will explore and share Count, Play, Explore mathematics resources, reflect on how they connect to the four mathematics strands and mathematical practices, and discuss strategies for creating equitable, joyful, and meaningful math experiences for young children. Participants will have opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and plan practical ways to bring mathematics learning to life in their early learning environments. 

Date: September 26

Time: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.

Location: CCCOE, 77 Santa Barbara Rd., Pleasant Hill

Audience: Preschool Educators and Administrators/ TK Teachers 

Cost: FREE 

Flyer

Registration

Young Children's Issues Forum  

Supporting Young Children and Families: What Comes Next? Hear from our legislative panel and community voices as we explore solutions for children, families and early educators in Contra Costa. Topics include: childcare affordability, access to quality early learning, support for the early care, and education workforce.  

Date: September 26

Time: 8:30 A.M - 12:00 P.M.

Audience: ECE workforce, families, administrators, local decision makers 

Cost: Free

Flyer 

Registration

PTKLF Science Follow Up Virtual Session 

Continue the learning from the Science Community of Practice in this interactive virtual session. Participants will reflect on implementation experiences, share successes and challenges, and collaborate with colleagues to deepen their understanding of the PTKLF Science Domain and inquiry-based learning. 

Date: September 29

Time: 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Location: Virtual

Audience: Preschool Educators and Administrators/ TK Teachers 

Cost: FREE 

Flyer

Registration

Conversations In All Languages 

Continue the learning from the Science Community of Practice in this interactive virtual session. Participants will reflect on implementation experiences, share successes and challenges, and collaborate with colleagues to deepen their understanding of the PTKLF Science Domain and inquiry-based learning. 

Date: September 30

Time: 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Location: Virtual

Audience: Preschool Educators and Administrators/ TK Teachers 

Cost: FREE 

Flyer

Registration

Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC) Training 

This innovative curriculum—born at the CSU—has changed how English teachers prepare high school students for college. Using rhetorical inquiry to encourage critical thinking, students learn strategies that help them thrive in college. The ERWC is designed for a grade 12 English-Language arts course. There are also curricula for grades 7 to 11. Check out the NEW middle school modules! Attend one of the virtual series (four meetings) to learn the curriculum and gain access to the materials and ERWC community. 

Dates: 3 ERWC Series Options

• Option 2: January 11 – April 5 (Middle School) 
• Option 3: January 26 – April 20 (Middle/High School) 

Time: 4:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Audience: Grades 6 - 12 Educators 

Location: Virtual

Cost: FREE 

Flyer and Registration

Answering Tough Questions About Substance Use

Explore how the words we choose can shape conversations with young people about alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other substances and create safe spaces for learning. Discuss why some student questions feel challenging and learn a step-by-step process for responding to questions with confidence. Leave with practical strategies to integrate into your prevention and/or early intervention work with youth. 

Save-the-Date: November 18

Time: 10:00 A.M. -11:30 A.M. or 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M.

Audience: Educators

Cost: FREE

Contact: tupe@cccoe.k12.ca.us

September 2026

The Contra Costa County Library is preparing to temporarily close two of its locations for major infrastructure and accessibility improvements designed to enhance comfort, safety, and energy efficiency.

The Antioch Library will close from September 1, 2026, through approximately February 15, 2027, for electrical and LED lighting upgrades, as well as modifications to accessible parking spaces and surrounding pathways to improve ADA compliance. The project is funded through Measure X and grant support from the California State Library. In addition, the Friends of the Antioch Library have donated funds for new tables and chairs, lounge furniture, computer carrels, children’s furniture, and an interactive play cart. The final day to pick up existing holds is Saturday, August 29. Any uncollected holds will be moved to the nearby Prewett Library.

The Ygnacio Valley Library will close from September 9, 2026, through approximately May 31, 2027, to replace the current HVAC system and roof and to update the current electrical infrastructure and lighting. This renovation project is also made possible through dedicated local support from Measure X funds, supplemented by Contra Costa County Library reserves. The final day to pick up existing holds is Tuesday, September 8. Any uncollected holds will be moved to the downtown Walnut Creek Library.

Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and this year’s theme, “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes,” celebrates the many ways the library can fit into your life. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite book, finding your focus with study resources, exploring a new interest, or building skills for the future, your library card is your ticket to it all. Enjoy free access to eBooks and eAudiobooks, streaming films, online tutoring, language learning, career resources, digital newspapers and magazines, museum passes, and more. As a new school year begins, it’s a great time for students of all ages to discover everything their library card has to offer. Sign up online or visit your local branch to get a full-service library card today.

Kanopy Movies

What better way to spend the Labor Day weekend than with family, friends, and a great film? As you relax and recharge, Kanopy offers something to watch. Discover popular films, engaging documentaries, and familiar favorites, all streaming free through your library. Find Kanopy Movies at https://ccclib.org/movies/.

Supporting Your Child's Behavioral Health: An Introduction to BrightLife Kids

Wednesday, September 16, 11:00 A.M. – via Zoom

During this presentation, caregivers will learn how to connect with a behavioral health expert through personalized coaching, receive practical tips to support their child’s emotional well-being, and get step-by-step guidance on how to register and access BrightLife Kids services. Registration is required to receive Zoom link.

Spotting Scams and Fraud

Friday, September 18, 10:30 A.M. – Clayton Library

Join us for a discussion on scams and fraud with retired Reserve Police Officer Russell Eddy. Learn what scams are, where and how they occur, how to spot them, how to report them, and what recovery options may be available.

Feathered Friends with Corvid Connections

Saturday, September 26, 1:00 P.M. – Pittsburg Library

Corvid Connection's permanently injured wild ambassadors are coming to the library. Meet a Raven named Darth Vader and Whisper the Western Screech Owl. Learn about their habits, personalities and find out if similar birds live near you. Get a chance to touch a snake or maybe a 50-year-old box turtle. Registration is required.

More Info

For more information on all Contra Costa County Library programs, digital resources and events, visit ccclib.org.

As educators, you play a vital role in encouraging students to participate in our democracy. Early civic engagement practices lead to lifelong civic involvement and strengthen our democracy. We invite your district and school sites to take part in High School Voter Education Weeks, September 14–25. Since California launched its preregistration program in 2016, more than 1.5 million students have preregistered to vote, resulting in more than 1.2 million eligible voters. For further resources and opportunities, read more in the July 15 letter from the CDE and the California Secretary of State. Civic engagement starts with education. By working together, we can help prepare California’s students to become informed and active participants in our democracy. For questions about High School Voter Education Weeks or other civic engagement opportunities, please contact the Secretary of State’s Outreach and Education team at SOSOutreach@sos.ca.gov or 916-584-3538 or the CDE High School Innovations and Initiatives Office at HSIIO@cde.ca.gov or 916-319-0893.

California Environmental Youth Advisory Council

Applications Due September 21

The California Environmental Youth Advisory Council serves as a CalEPA advisory body with three core functions: (1) Serve as a platform to engage California’s youth in meaningful dialogue with CalEPA and its BDOs on environmental issues, (2) Create space for mentorships and education on environmental advocacy that would empower young people to contribute to environmental stewardship, and (3) Elevate youth perspectives and priorities to be recommended in state-level environmental decision-making processes.

The California Environmental Protection Agency’s California Environmental Youth Advisory Council is accepting applications for its inaugural cohort through Sept. 21. Learn more »

Sexual Health Educator Training Program Webinar

September 22 at 3:30 P.M. 

Hosted by the University of California, San Francisco, in collaboration with the CDE, the Sexual Health Educator (SHE) Training Program is a free educational and capacity-building opportunity for California educators working with youth in school, community, and clinical settings who desire to build their sexual health knowledge and education skills. This webinar will also cover what is required by the California Healthy Youth Act, the law that mandates comprehensive sexual health education in California. By the end of this module, participants will be able to describe the laws and legal requirements for teaching sexual health education in California public schools and charter schools. Register for the Sexual Health Educator Training Program via the California Prevention Training Center web page. 

State Board of Education Student Member Recruitment

Deadline: September 25

Any student who is a California resident, enrolled in a California public high school, and who will be enrolled in good standing in the twelfth grade during the term of appointment may apply. The Student Board Member term is from August 1 through July 31. The estimated time commitment required for the Student Member will be at least two consecutive school days every other month to attend regular State Board meetings, in Sacramento; a one-day orientation; sufficient time to study the agenda materials in advance of the meeting, which may include consultation with board staff for background information related to agenda issues; additional time for handling other Board-related business; and time to attend selected advisory group meetings, student meetings, workshops, and conferences. Travel, lodging, and meal costs will be paid by the SBE in the amount allowed by state regulations. Additionally, the State Board's Student Member receives a $100 stipend for each day's service on approved, official business.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply to serve as the SBE’s 2027–28 student board member, who serves as a voice for their peers across California while developing valuable professional and personal skills. The deadline to apply for this position is Sept. 25. View the application »

2026 Digital4Good Summit

September 28 at 9 A.M.

The seventh annual Digital4Good Summit is a student-led event that brings together students, educators, technology leaders, nonprofits, and businesses to tackle today’s biggest digital challenges, including AI, social media, digital wellness, online safety, and responsible technology. The summit, hosted at Cooley LLP in San Francisco, will connect students with inspiring changemakers, hear from leaders including Google and Pinterest, participate in interactive experiences, and explore real-world problems they can help solve in their own communities. Interested LEAs can register up to three students, and space is limited. Learn more and register via the Digital4Good and I Can Help web page, and email questions to kim@icanhelp.net.

The Contra Costa Community College District offers high school students early college credit opportunities tuition-free. Whether through a College and Career Access Pathways partnership with their high school (dual enrollment) or enrolling in classes on a college campus (concurrent enrollment), students get a head start on their college journey while earning college credits and fulfilling graduation requirements. To learn more visit the Contra Costa Community College District News Spotlight page.

Mental Health Crash Course - Classes Every Wednesday!

This 90-minute class is held Wednesdays at 6 P.M. over Zoom. Click on the link below to join:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96405157044#success

Some topics covered include:

·   Mental illness

·   How to advocate effectively

·   Social Security, SSI and SSDI

·   The Legal System

·   The 911 process

·   The 5150 Process

·   LPS law

To learn more visit:

https://namicontracosta.org/mental-health-crash-course/

Build Your Future with Job Corps

Students between the ages of 16 and 24, are you looking to kickstart your career but unsure of where to begin? Job Corps may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential career training and education program for eligible young people, offering no-cost training, education, counseling, and career pathway support to help participants build skills for long-term success. The local campus is on Treasure Island. Participants can live on campus or commute. The program serves income-eligible individuals who are ready and motivated to improve their education and future, in need of job skills training and related support, and who meet eligibility requirements. Learn more about Job Corps and how to begin the application process at Job Corps or by calling 800-733-JOBS (5627).

Join the Contra Costa Cannabis Prevention Coalition!

Virtual meetings will be on the following Mondays from 12:00-1:00 pm:

·   October 26, 2026

·   December 7, 2026

Whether you are a long-time member, a community partner, or adult interested in learning more about our initiatives and getting involved, your voice and perspective are highly valued.

👉 Join the Cannabis Prevention Coalition Zoom Meeting

Stay Connected:

👉 Sign up to receive Cannabis Prevention Coalition updates

For more information contact Jorge Flores at Contra Costa Health

Stand Together Contra Costa Mobile Legal Clinic

A new Mobile Legal Clinic has launched countywide to bring free, trusted legal assistance directly into County neighborhoods. Operated by the Contra Costa Public Defender’s Office through Stand Together Contra Costa, the clinic is designed to reduce barriers such as transportation, work schedules, childcare needs, language access, and fear around seeking legal help. Staffed by public defender attorneys and support staff, the mobile clinic will offer guidance on immigration-related legal issues, navigating the legal system, and connections to additional resources such as housing support, public benefits, and clean slate services. To learn more, visit Stand Together Contra Costa.

Substance Use, Mental Health, & Teens: A Guide for Parents & Other Caring Adults 

Local data on substance use among adolescents, spotlights on alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and prescription drugs, information about adolescent brain development and mental health, and tips for supporting young people. Available to view and download in an English and Spanish format on TUPE's parent guide webpage.

TUPE Family Outreach Campaign: Empowering Families to Talk About Vaping 

Resources to help parents and caregivers start meaningful conversations about the dangers of teen vaping and how to support youth in making healthy choices.

Campaign resources:

• Website: conversation starters, warning signs, and additional tools to help guide family discussions.
• Digital Postcard: key facts about vaping and nicotine addiction, practical tips for talking with teens, and links to resources. Available in 22 languages.

Youth Empowerment Commission

Calling all California youth! The Youth Empowerment Commission invites young Californians to apply for its Youth Empowerment Commissioner positions. This is your opportunity to develop your leadership skills; influence positive change; and help build a stronger, more vibrant community for all youth. Furthermore, youths involved with the commission will make meaningful recommendations regarding legislation and policies that impact their own lives and the lives of millions of other youths in California whose voices often go unheard. Find out more via the Youth Empowerment Commission Application 2026 web page.

Check Out New Book Titles with Recommended Literature List Update 

The Recommended Literature List for Prekindergarten Through Grade Twelve has been updated with all new titles. The goal of the Recommended Literature List is to have an annually refreshed list of the latest and best in children’s and young adult literature so that educators, families, and students can find new and exciting books to read that reflect the rich diversity of California. The selected titles can support educators in choosing books that are culturally relevant and sustaining, reflecting their student population as well as California's population. The CDE has also partnered with TeachingBooks to create a list of resources via the TeachingBooks website for each of the titles. The Recommended Literature List is intended as a tool to assist districts as they select literature, but the list only recommends titles. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the district to select literature according to the selection policies that are in place. If you have any questions, reach out to the Recommended Literature List team by email at literaturelist@cde.ca.gov.

Educational Programming of edTV 

Looking for some additional quality Monday-Friday educational programming at home or in the classroom? Check out the latest edTV broadcasts.

edTV can be found in most of Contra Costa County on cable channels 32 (Comcast) or 99 (AT&T U-Verse). For info: Daily schedule can be found here.