NEW PD CATALOG

A COMPLETE RESOURCE FOR PD!

Joint Initiatives offers a user-friendly PD Catalog that is your one-stop resource for connecting with professional development opportunities! It also features pages that explains JI team supports for YOU, how to connect, AND amazing programs to advance your career as an early childhood educator.

You can also find the catalog on the PD Calendar page. See training topics below.

Pre-Licensing training to open a child care is always included in the catalog!

2025 PD SURVEY

SHARE YOUR INPUT!

As early care and education professionals, ongoing professional development and lifelong learning are essential to continuous growth and knowledge. This PD survey HERE is designed to collect your feedback on the topic areas in which you need and desire additional training. The information you and your early care and education peers contribute will be used to prepare a comprehensive professional development program.

Earn PLA Credits

CDA+ OPPORTUNITY

The CDA+, created by Pikes Peak State College (PPSC), is a ten-session program (80 hours) that allows you to earn seven PLA college credits. If you have a current CDA, check out this NO-COST program that includes $800 in funding for YOU. Successful completion will eliminate the need for CDA renewal! Check out the flyer for full details and the link to apply.

🔗 CDA+ FLYER

Early Childhood Training

EDUCATING CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Exceptional Children's Educational Act (ECEA), and Individualized Education Program (IEP), and much more impact Early Childhood Special Education. This training looks at the special education process from referral to IEP implementation, the laws that govern the process, the responsibilities of special education providers, and supporting young children with identified disabilities.

Instructor: Beth Miller, Child Development Services Manager Specials Needs-Behavioral Health at CPCD giving children a head start 

April 9 | 6–8:00 pm

BEYOND THE ACES SCORE

Parts 1 and 2 build upon each other.

Part 1: Toxic stress is the body's response to lasting and serious stress and affects how the brain and the body grow and develop, often causing lifelong behavioral, emotional, and physical health issues. Join us to learn how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) may have impacted your life personally, those whom you love, or those whom you work with.

In Part 2 we will explore why adversity and toxic stress result in a wide array of negative outcomes. Once we learn the ‘how’ and the ‘why’, we need to answer the question, “So, now what?” Participants will learn primary concepts to start creating relationships and environments where all children can flourish…by moving beyond the ACEs score.  

Instructor: Paula Hergert, M.A.Ed., Prevention and Policy Specialist, El Paso County Public Health 

Part 1: April 17 | 6–8:00 pm

Part 2: May 1 | 6–8:00 pm

EARLY CHILDHOOD STAFF RECRUITMENT + RETENTION

While there is no easy answer to solve the early childhood workforce crisis, this session will support directors and administrators to think about the factors within their programs that support recruitment and retention. This session will provide meaningful insights and practical ideas into why turnover happens and how to reverse this trend within their programs and centers. It will also provide time to brainstorm together and learn how others are tackling the challenges of recruitment and retention.

Instructor: Maegan Lokteff, PhD Executive Director, Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance (ECCLA)

May 3 | 9 am–12:00 pm

For more early childhood professional development resources, visit the Joint Initiatives for Youth + Families website HERE. You'll find pages under the Foundations program menu.