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.
July
Foster and Kinship Care Education
The Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE) program provides free educational workshops, classes and support opportunities for Orange County's Resource Parents (Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship (relative) caregivers of children and youth in out-of-home care).
Organization: Saddleback College FKCE
Audience: Foster, adoptive and relative caregivers of children and youth in out-of-home care.
Location: Virtual
Dates: Click here to view July class schedule.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view schedule of all online classes offered in the month of July. Click on Register Here! link to register. After registering, participants receive a confirmation email about joining the class. Call 949-582-4884 or email scfkce@saddleback.edu for more information.
Toddler Storytime – University Park Library
Ideal for toddlers ages 1-3 years old. Enjoy stories, songs, and activities.
Organization: Irvine University Park Library
Audience: Children 1-3 years old and their parents or caregivers
Location: Irvine University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, 92612
Dates: Mondays; July 22 and 29; 10:30-11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. No registration required. Call 949-786-4001 for more information.
PJ Campfire Storytime
Come and enjoy a cozy storytime by the campfire. PJ's are encouraged!
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Parents or caregivers and their children
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine, 92604
Dates: Mondays; July 22 and 29; 5:30-6 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: 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 in July, 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.
Totally Untidy Toddlers
Join for messy sensory station fun. Messy play fosters curiosity and lets your child explore their interests, use their senses, and develop may important skills crucial to success in life. Dress to get messy.
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Children 2-3 years old and their parents or caregiver
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale, Irvine, 92604
Date: Wednesday, July 24, 10 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Wild Wonders
Meet a variety of animals from all over the world! Learn about unique animals and their extraordinary homes, including South America, Africa, Australia, Asia, and North America. Bring a blanket for comfortable seating in this outdoor event.
Organization: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library
Audience: Children and their parents or caregivers
Location: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library, 13109 Old Myford Rd., 92602
Date: Wednesday, July 24, 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.
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Learn why ACEs impact people’s lives, and what we can all do to dramatically improve health and resilience for this and future generations.
Organization: Behavioral Health Training Collaborative
Audience: Parents, adults, and caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 24, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
Pajama Storytime
Join for an evening of songs, stories, and activities. Ideal for children ages 2-6 years old and the whole family.
Organization: Irvine University Park Library
Audience: Children ages 2-6 and their parents or caregivers
Location: Irvine University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, 92612
Dates: Wednesdays; July 24 and 31; 5:30-6 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-786-4001 for more information.
Active Parenting First Five Years Course
Join this course to build strong, healthy relationships with your children, address children’s problem behavior, minimize problems that disrupt family life, and raise responsible, caring children. During this six-part weekly series, discuss such topics as:
- You and your child
- Preventing problems
- Encouraging positive behavior
- Preparing for school success
Thursdays, July 25 – August 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Thursdays, July 25 – August 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Organization: Olive Crest
Audience: Parents and caregivers with children ages 0-5 years old
Location: Virtual
Dates: See date links above
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click on date links to view flier and registration information.
Meet & Play
Babies, toddlers, and their parents or caregivers are invited to meet up and play. Children play and learn with toys in the children’s area. Parents or caregivers can meet others and share resources, and more!
Organization: Irvine University Park Library
Audience: Children 0-3 years old and their parents or caregivers
Location: Irvine University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, 92612
Dates: Thursdays, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-786-4001 for more information.
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, July 25, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click here to RSVP. Click here for more information.
Free Developmental Screening
The screening addresses how a child is progressing cognitively, developmentally, physically, and socially. This is a one-on-one collaboration between therapists and parents to screen the child in the following areas:
- Speech and Language
- Behavior & Emotional
- Fine & Gross Motor
- Health
- Dental
- Vision
- Audiology
Organization: Family Support Network
Audience: Parents with children 0-5 years old
Location: OMID Institute, 2101 Business Center Dr., Suite 150, Irvine, 92612
Date: Friday, July 26, 8:30-11:30 a.m. (or first 50 children)
Fee: Free
Information: Contact Yloera@fsn-oc.org or call 714-447-3301, Ext. 206 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: Friday, June 26, 2-4 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
Brettso the Great Magic Show
Come be amazed as Brettso the Great performs magic tricks from around the world, told with his balloon puppets and creative balloon sculptures.
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Families with young children
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine, 92604
Date: Thursday, July 27, 11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Call 949-936-4040 for more information.
Learning Link Activity Center
Free interactive opportunity for parents and their children ages 0-5 includes activities for parents and their child to do together. Parents and children engage in hands-on and interactive learning through play and exploration.Professionals available to answer questions regarding parenting, cognitive/academic, and social/emotional development. Community resources and referrals also available.
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, 8:45-10:45 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.; or Fridays, 8:45-10:15 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Registration for each session is required for all families. Click here to view the brochure for more information. Participation requires parent to complete the District Volunteer Application online form, Child Participation Form, and session registration. 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.
The Basics of Mindfulness
Join this session to learn about the concept and definition of mindfulness, its benefits and how to incorporate it into your every-day life. During the session, you will also have an opportunity to experience mindfulness exercises as well!
Organization: Behavioral Health Training Collaborative
Audience: Parents, adults, and caregivers
Location: Virtual
Date: Monday, July 29, 5-6 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
July 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
Dates: Monday, July 29, 6-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
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.
California Joe
California Joe is an explorer magician who travels the world to share his magic! Kids will go on a magical adventure exploring all 9 of California’s National Parks. Bring a blanket for comfortable seating in this outdoor event.
Organization: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library
Audience: Children and their parents or caregivers
Location: Irvine Katie Wheeler Library, 13109 Old Myford Rd., 92602
Date: Wednesday, July 31, 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.
August
Using Everyday Conversations to Nurture Play and Creativity in Young Children
Gain strategies for nurturing children’s play and creativity through everyday conversational prompts, scaffolds, and questions. By the end of this webinar, participants 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.
A Calm Brain is a Thinking Brain: Designing calm, engaging early learning environments
Unpack the reasons why classroom design is much more than where to put the furniture and how to use classroom design to support children’s development. Participants will learn the original Brain-SET (Survival Environments Formula) that integrates an understanding of brain development with foundations of early childhood environmental design and why it’s important to harmonize the three levels of the brain.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood professionals and educators
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, August 8, 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.
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, August 13, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. RSVP coming soon. Click here for more information.
The Power of Leadership: Transform yourself to transform your team
Learn how to:
- inspire those around you with a common vision;
- engage every team member in meaningful activities;
- innovate products and processes;
- achieve results by creating structure and clarity, and;
- become more self-aware in your ability to transform, coach, and influence people.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood leaders, directors, and managers
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, August 14, 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.
Japanese Storytime & Craft
This storytime is for children interested in stories, songs, and activities in Japanese. Craft to follow storytime. No knowledge of Japanese necessary.
Organization: Irvine University Park Library
Audience: Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers
Location: Irvine University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, 92612
Date: Wednesday, August 14, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-786-4001 for more information.
Getting and Keeping Insurance for Your Early Childhood Program
Join this webinar to:
- Explore the current shifts and developments in childcare insurance and emerging risks and opportunities.
- Learn to craft compelling applications that showcase your commitment to safety and techniques to elevate your submission.
- Discover why the way you fill out insurance applications can determine your program’s acceptance or denial. We’ll discuss common pitfalls to avoid and best practices to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Master the art of storytelling in your insurance narrative. Learn the essential ingredients for crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with insurers.
- Explore practical strategies for minimizing risk and reducing exposure in your childcare business.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood program leaders and owners
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, August 15, 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.
Chinese Storytime
This storytime is for children interested in stories, songs, and activities in Chinese. Craft to follow storytime. No knowledge of Chinese necessary.
Organization: Irvine University Park Library
Audience: Children of all ages and their parents or caregivers
Location: Irvine University Park Library, 4512 Sandburg Way, Irvine, 92612
Dates: Monday, August 19, 4:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-786-4001 for more information.
August 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
Dates: Monday, August 19, 6-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register.
September
Program for Infant/Toddler Care (PITC) Program Assessment and Reflection System (PARS) Training Session 1
Join the Program for Infant/Toddler Care Program Assessment & Reflection System (PITC PARS) team for an online training, held in English, Spanish, and Chinese. Registration below is for English session. Click here to review registration and dates for Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese trainings. This session provides an orientation to the PITC PARS tool and a deep dive into the content and uses of PITC PARS. The training focuses on:
- The three intended purposes of the tool
- The components and available resources
- How the tool in organized.
- How to use the PITC PARS Instrument for observing, documenting, and reflecting on the essential aspects of infant/toddler group care, from caregiving interactions to the physical environment to program policies and administrative structures.
Organization: WestEd
Audience: Family child care educators, infant/toddler care teachers, and administrators
Location: Virtual
Dates: Thursday, September 5, or Tuesday, October 22, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m..
Fee: $300 (includes a printed copy of the instrument)
Information: Click here to register for September 5 session, and here for October 22 session.
Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) Parent Education Series: Toilet Training
Join us to discuss the best practices for toilet training your child in collaboration with the Priority Center. Learn valuable tips and techniques to make this important milestone smoother for both you and your child.
Organization: IUSD ECLC
Audience: Parents or caregivers with children who are not yet toilet trained
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, September 19, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. More information 949-936-8624 or SchoolReadiness@IUSD.org.
October
Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) Parent Education Series: Supporting Development Through Play
Join us for a conversation on ways to support your child's development through play at home and discuss the importance of play in the early years. Discover how play can enhance learning and growth, and gain practical tips to make the most of playtime with your child.
Organization: IUSD ECLC
Audience: Parents or caregivers with children who are not yet toilet trained
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, October 24, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. More information 949-936-8624 or SchoolReadiness@IUSD.org.
