The Child Care Coordination Office compiles this list of workshops and training events for individuals caring for children in order to support all areas of children’s development from birth through elementary age. These events are organized by third-party organizations, unless otherwise noted, and are not managed by the City of Irvine.
Please see the upcoming live and virtual workshops listed below to continue your professional development or parent education journey.
To view a list of recorded webinars and self-paced online training modules, as well as additional resources, please visit our On-Demand Training and Resources page.
May
Coffee & Conversation Saturdays: Making a Difference Supporting Family Child Care
Learn how to support family child care. Network with other early childhood professionals.
Organization: Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children (OCAEYC)
Audience: Early childhood professionals and caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Saturday, May 11, 10-11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
May Open-Door Session
Facilitated by an experienced Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant in a confidential space for caregivers to reflect, seek supportive input, share ideas and resources, discuss development, and network within a community. Family, Friend & Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, Family Child Care Home (FCCH) providers, and center-based staff are encouraged to attend this interactive session with questions, concerns and challenges related to infant, toddler, and young children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health.
Organization: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Network
Audience: Early childhood caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Monday, May 13, 6-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
PJ Campfire Storytime
Recommended for children of all ages and their caregivers.
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Parents or caregivers and their children
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Mondays; May 13 and 20; 5:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all May English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library.
Registration: No registration required. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Learning Link Activity Center
Includes activities for parents or caregivers to do with their children. Parent educator available to answer questions regarding general development, parenting, cognitive/academic, and social/emotional development. Also includes community resources and referrals.
Organization: IUSD Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC)
Audience: Parents or caregivers and their children 0-5 years old
Location: ECLC, 1 Smoketree Lane, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:45-10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here for more information and to sign up. Participation requires parent to complete the District Volunteer Application online form. Check in at Room 1 at ECLC with your photo ID ready to be scanned. Email SchoolReadiness@iusd.org for more information or call 949-936-5890.
Baby Storytime
Babies 0-1 years old and their caregivers enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and fun!
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Babies 0-1 years old and their caregivers
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Tuesdays; May 14, and 21; 10 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all May English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Play & Learn
Children of all ages have an opportunity to learn through play.
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Parents and caregivers with young children
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Tuesdays; May 14 and 21; 10:20 a.m.; and Thursdays; May 16 and 23; 10:20 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all May English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Toddler Storytime
Children 1-3 years old and their caregivers enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes!
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Children 1-3 years old and their caregivers
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Tuesdays; May 14 and 21; 11 a.m.; and Thursdays; May 16 and 23; 10 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all May English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Kindergarten Readiness Storytime
Introduces and reinforces basic reading, math, and social skills. Fun stories, songs, and more. Meet new friends and stay for a craft. Siblings are welcome.
Organization: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library
Audience: Children 3-5 years old and their caregivers
Location: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library, 13109 Old Myford Rd., 92602
Dates: Every Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. No registration required. Visit ocpl.org/libraries/irvine-katie-wheeler or call 714-669-8753 for more information.
Resilience: The Biology of Stress & the Science of Hope
Join us for healing, hope and insight as we advance awareness of toxic stress and how it impacts the brain development of children and can be predictive of a lifetime of physical and mental illness.
Organization: Behavioral Health Training Collaborative
Audience: Educators, parents, and caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required, click here to register.
Introducing the Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) Program Assessment and Reflection System (PARS)
Learn about a new resource, the PITC PARS. This resource supports observation, documentation, and reflection on the quality of care for infants and toddlers in family child care and center-based settings. Participants will learn about the origins of the PITC PARS and how family child care providers, infant/toddler care program staff, coaches, and others can use this tool to support quality care for children birth to 3 years old.
Organization: WestEd
Audience: Early childhood professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Tuesday, May 14, or Friday, May 17; 12-12:50 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here for more information and registration links.
Neurodivergent Family Night
Join families with children and their parents, siblings or caretakers in an environment designed to be sensory-friendly. Socialize with other parents and meet community partners who specialize in supporting the neurodiverse community. This is a recurring event that occurs the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday of every month.
Organization: Pretend City Children’s Museum
Audience: Families with children of all ages from the neurodiverse community and with other disabilities
Location: Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, 92618
Date: Tuesday, May 14, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click here to RSVP. Click here for more information.
May Bilingual Storytimes
Children and families of all ages will enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays in English and other world languages.
- Spanish Storytime: Wednesday, May 15, 3:30 p.m.
- Persian Storytime: Wednesday, May 22, 3:30 p.m.
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Parents with children
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604
Dates: See dates above
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all 2024 Bilingual Storytimes. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Preschool Storytime
Children 3 - 5 years old and their caregivers enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes!.
Organization: Orange County Public Libraries – Heritage Park Library
Audience: Parents with children
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Thursdays; May 16, and 23; 11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all May English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Nature-Based Emergent Curriculum: The Power of Place for Planning
Explore the fundamental principles of the nature-based approach and discuss how to live these principles in day-to-day teaching practices. This webinar will address the theory and specific strategies related to:
- Identifying predictable natural and cultural events from year to year.
- Preparing the physical environment to facilitate nature play.
- Making more intentional connections between outdoor and indoor learning.
- Preparing teacher-led activities that build off of children’s experiences and interests.
Organization: edWeb.net
Audience: Early childhood educators and caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, May 16, 12-1 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. All registered participants receive an email with a link to the recording the next business day if unable to attend live session.
Arabic Storytime
Children and families of all ages enjoy stories, songs, and crafts in Arabic.
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Parents with children
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604
Date: Sunday, May 19, 11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Workforce Pathways Stipend Program: Orientation and Enrollment 2024-2025
The 2024-2025 Workforce Pathways Stipend Program is intended to increase the number of qualified early learning and care professionals through educational credentials, knowledge, and competencies. This program is open to early learning professionals (teachers and family child care providers) working directly with children ages birth to 5 years old (infant, toddlers, and preschool). You must attend one orientation date to participate in this program.
Tuesday, May 21, 6-7:30 p.m., OCDE, 200 Kalmus Dr., Costa Mesa, 92626
Thursday, May 23, 6-7:30 p.m., Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove, 10540 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92840
Tuesday, May 28, 6-7:30 p.m., OCDE, 200 Kalmus Dr., Costa Mesa, 92626
Wednesday, May 29, 6-7:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Cross, 24231 El Toro Rd., Laguna Woods, 92637
Organizations: Orange County Child Care and Development Planning Council and Orange County Department of Education (OCDE)
Audience: Early learning and care professionals
Location: Click here to view flier with orientation dates and locations
Dates: See date options above for in-person orientations
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for more information. Click here to register (must have Workforce Registry ID number). For program questions please email Melissa Wheelahan mwheelahan@ocde.us.
Baby/Toddler Storytime & Sensory Play
Children 0-3 years old and their caregivers enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and fun!
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Children 0-3 years old and their caregivers
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 10 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier for all May English Storytimes at Heritage Park Library. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Ways to Engage Fathers in Your Program
Learn ways to engage and include dads in programming to strengthen families.
Organization: Orange County Fatherhood Coalition
Audience: Child care and service providers
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 2-3:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier and scan QR code to register or click here to register. Presenters include First 5 Orange County, Orange County Department of Education, and Social Security Administration.
Creating Safe Spaces for LGBTQI+ Children, Youth and Adults
Attend this training to:
- Learn about LGBTQI+ individuals throughout history
- Review terminology
- Increase knowledge about important risk factors of LGBTQI+ individuals' mental health
- Learn about the 'coming out continuum'
- Learn tips to provide family, school and community support for LGBTQI+ individuals
Organization: Behavioral Health Training Collaborative
Audience: Parents, adults, and caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 4-5:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required, click here to register.
Inclusive Foundations: Navigating Early Childhood Referrals, Support, and Communication
Learn about early childhood inclusive support systems. Discuss the framework surrounding assessment procedures and critical timelines. Gain practical strategies for effectively supporting children in need.
Organization: Orange County Child Care and Development Planning Council
Audience: Early learning and child care providers
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, May 22, 6:30-8 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Click here to register by May 20. Contact ellamas@ocde.us or 714-966-4386 with registration questions.
Neurodivergent Family Night
Join families with children and their parents, siblings or caretakers in an environment designed to be sensory-friendly. Socialize with other parents and meet community partners who specialize in supporting the neurodiverse community. This is a recurring event that occurs the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday of every month.
Organization: Pretend City Children’s Museum
Audience: Families with children of all ages from the neurodiverse community and with other disabilities
Location: Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, 92618
Date: Thursday, May 23, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. RSVP coming soon. Click here for more information.
Origami Hour
Join for an hour of origami. Learn how to fold a paper flower.
Organization: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library
Audience: Children of all ages
Location: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library, 13109 Old Myford Rd., 92602
Date: Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. No registration required. Visit ocpl.org/libraries/irvine-katie-wheeler or call 714-669-8753 for more information.
Resilience and Hope
Learn practical strategies, tactics, and tools to bolster mental health and emotional resilience. .
Organizations: Behavioral Health Training Collaborative
Audience: Parents, adults, and caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, May 29, 10-11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required, click here to register.
Active Parenting First Five Years Course
Join this six course weekly series to discuss such topics as:
- You and your child
- Preventing behavioral problems
- Encouraging positive behavior
- Preparing for school success
Organization: Olive Crest
Audience: Parents and caregivers having children 0 - 5 years old
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Dates: Thursdays, May 30 - July 11 (no class July 4), 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required, click here to view flier and registration information. Call 949-764-8100 or email NewportMesaFRC@factoc.org for more information.
June
Curated Moments: Infant and Toddler Environments
Discuss the many creative, cognitive, social, and joyful discoveries of very young children and gain practical strategies for designing environments, offering materials, and curating experiences.
Organization: edWeb.net
Audience: Early childhood educators and caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. All registered participants receive an email with a link to the recording the next business day if unable to attend live session.
Cultivating Creativity: Leveraging Process Art + Play to Prioritize Agency, Flow and Belonging
In this presentation, participants will:
- Reflect on your practice in inviting and supporting open-ended art and play.
- Understand the differences between guided/directed art and play and experiences that prioritize choice and agency.
- Recognize the benefits of process art and play for the whole child.
- Plan for an open-ended experience with everyday materials in your classroom.
- Embrace a flexible mindset and belief that children are capable and full of creative potential.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, June 5, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend live webinar, all registered participants receive a link to the recording when it is ready to be viewed.
June Open-Door Session
Facilitated by an experienced Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant in a confidential space for caregivers to reflect, seek supportive input, share ideas and resources, discuss development, and network within a community. Family, Friend & Neighbor (FFN) caregivers, Family Child Care Home (FCCH) providers, and center-based staff are encouraged to attend this interactive session with questions, concerns and challenges related to infant, toddler, and young children’s social, emotional, and behavioral health.
Organization: Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Network
Audience: Early childhood caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Monday, June 10, 6-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
Let’s Go Potty!
Get suggestions on how to start toilet training your toddler.
Organization: Services for Families with Young Children
Audience: Parents and caregivers with young children not yet potty trained
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. or 5-6 p.m.
Information: Click here to register. More information 855-955-5092 or email SFYC@ThePriorityCenter.org.
Building Blocks for Supporting all Children in Inclusive Settings
Discuss updates to the book The Building Blocks for Teaching all Children in Inclusive Settings and share specific tools for using this framework in your setting. In this workshop, participants will:
- Analyze a child’s participation to determine which supports might be the most useful.
- Identify several different types of curriculum modifications to promote the participation, engagement, and access for children who need additional support.
- Create plans for supporting at least one child in their setting, using tools from Building Blocks.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, June 12, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend live webinar, all registered participants receive a link to the recording when it is ready to be viewed.
July
Current Trends in Early Education and How to Leverage Them to Grow Your Business
Learn the latest trends in early education and child care and learn how to use these trends to market and grow your child care business. Discuss the latest data on what parents are looking for, search engine optimization (SEO), search engine marketing (SEM), and using tools including AI and ChatGPT in the most useful ways.
Organization: Association for Early Learning Leaders
Audience: Child care business owners
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 31, 10-11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
August
Nurturing Play and Creativity in Young Children Through Everyday Conversation
Gain strategies for nurturing children’s play and creativity through everyday conversational prompts, scaffolds, and questions. By the end of this webinar, you will be able to:
- Identify the key reasons why play and creativity are so powerful in young children’s development and why everyday conversation plays a critical role.
- Recognize main strategies for everyday conversation to support play and creativity, including scaffolds by age and stage.
- Reflect on their own strengths and challenges in encouraging play and creativity and develop a plan to enhance their abilities.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, August 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend live webinar, all registered participants receive a link to the recording when it is ready to be viewed.
