Training Calendar

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.

April

Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE)

A variety of online classes are available in April for families, caregivers, parents, and community.

Organization: Saddleback College FKCE
Audience: Orange County resource parents and kinship caregivers
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Dates: Click here to view flier with class schedule
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier and click on registration links to register. After registering, participants receive a confirmation email about joining the class. Call 949-582-4884 or contact scfkce@saddleback.edu or for more information.

Active Parenting School-Aged Course

Gain help on how to build strong, healthy relationships with the children in your life. Join this six- or seven-part weekly series to discuss such topics as:

  • The active parent
  • Cooperation and communication
  • Responsibility and discipline
  • Building courage and self-esteem
  • Understanding and redirecting misbehavior
  • Active parenting for school and graduation

Organizations: Olive Crest and OC Health Care Agency
Audience: Parents and caregivers having children 6-12 years old
Location: Virtual via Zoom 
Dates: Wednesdays, April 9-May 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click here to view flier and registration instructions. For more information contact Ivette-Solorzano@olivecrest.org or 714-361-4381.

The Power of Positive Parenting

Discuss how positive parenting reduces the stress of parenting and makes parenting more rewarding and enjoyable.

Organization: Services for Families with Young Children
Audience: Parents with young children
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. or 5-6 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration is required. Click here to view flier. Scan QR code on flier to register. For more information call 714-225-9269 or email SFYC@ThePriorityCenter.org.

A Strengths-Based Approach to Transforming Your Program, Classroom by Classroom

Discover the transformative power of focusing on the strengths and possibilities your staff, families and community bring to the table. Join this webinar to:

  • Gain practical tools to enhance teaching practices and relationships in your classroom or program.
  • Reimagine challenges as pathways to creative solutions.
  • Strengthen connections with colleagues, children, and families through a focus on possibilities.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, April 9, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Imaginology

Free family event that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) education.  Participate in a wide range of fun and educational hands-on activities designed to inspire and encourage academic and career exploration.

Organization: Orange County Fair & Event Center Staff
Audience: Children (preschool to high school), families, and school groups
Location: Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, 92626
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fee: Free admission (parking is $12)
Information: Click here for more information. Click here to view program.

Overcome the Math Blahs to Reinvigorate Joyful Math Play and Learning

Young children are curious about Math-related concepts and Math connects to every aspect of a developmentally appropriate practice in early learning. During this webinar, participants will:

  • Reflect upon their definition of math and where it can be found in the early childhood classroom.
  • Explore stories, vignettes, and photos illustrating how educators can develop learning environments that foster curiosity and wonder in mathematics.
  • Gather practical and easy to implement suggestions for how to invite children to engage in mathematical play throughout the day.
  • Learn ways to document children’s experiences to make math learning visible to families and the greater community.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Discovery Days at Centennial Farm

During a Discovery Day, “farmers” are stationed around the farm available to answer questions and provide information. Upon check-in, participants receive a map to aid in getting around and seeing all Centennial Farm has to offer. Also includes an opportunity for children to pet a chick and plant a radish seed.

Organization: Orange County Fair & Event Center
Audience: Open to all ages
Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Centennial Farm, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, 92626
Date: Thursday, April 17, 9 a.m.–Noon
Fee: Free admission and parking
Information: Online reservations required for groups of 10 or more people. Click here 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 four- or five-part series, discuss such topics as: 

  • You and your child 
  • Preventing problems 
  • Encouraging positive behavior 
  • Preparing for school success

Organization: Olive Crest
Audience: Parents and caregivers with children ages 0-5 years old
Location: Virtual
Dates: Saturdays, April 19-24; 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click here to view flier and registration information or call 714-243-4292.

Technology for Littles: Internet Safety Essentials for Young Children

How can educators help infants and young children understand how to use technology responsibly? This webinar will address:

  • Healthy digital habits and routines.
  • Developmental stages and how they interact with technology.
  • Privacy and safety.
  • Research for technology’s effects on young children.

Organization: edWeb.net
Audience: Pre-K through third grade educators and librarians
Location:  Virtual
Date:  Tuesday, April 22, 1-2 p.m.
Fee:  Free  
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

The Early Learning Sweet Spot Where Creative Play and Social-Emotional Development Connect

Discuss the impact of process art and open-ended play on children’s social and emotional growth. Discover how experiences rooted in creativity, agency, and flow nurture essential skills such as self-expression, confidence, resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, April 23, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

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, April 24, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Register link coming soon. Click here for more information. 

Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) Parent Education Series: Raising Confident, Competent Children  

Explore strategies to help build your child’s self-esteem and independence. Learn how to foster a growth mindset, encourage problem-solving, and create an environment where your preschooler feels empowered to take on new challenges with confidence.

Organization: IUSD ECLC
Audience: Parents or caregivers of young children ages 0-5.
Location: Virtual
Date: Friday, April 25, 9:30-10:30  a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. For more information call 949-936-5882 or email SchoolReadiness@IUSD.org. To view the Parent Education 2024-2025 Calendar, please click here. 

Autism Moms Connect

A social group for moms of children with autism – any age, any stage. Build friendships, exchange experiences, and connect with other moms who understand.

Organization: CHOC Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center
Audience: Moms having children with Autism
Location: Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, 170 S. Main St., Orange, 92868
Dates: Ongoing, last Friday of the month (April 25)
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. To RSVP or for more information email kathryn.walton.turner@choc.org or call 714-288-7651.

Family Policies and Handbooks that Strengthen Your ECE Program

Running a successful early care and education program requires more than passion—it demands clear, well-documented policies and procedures for families. A robust family handbook is key to managing expectations, fostering trust, and ensuring the financial sustainability of your program. Attend this webinar to:

  • Help you differentiate between policies and procedures.
  • Explore the positive financial impacts of well-crafted program policies.
  • Analyze real-world examples of policies to identify opportunities to strengthen your budget and find revenue you otherwise might have missed.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Building Engagement in Early Childhood Classrooms: From Curiosity to Confidence

During this webinar, the presenters will explore:

  • Instructional strategies that promote active engagement and participation.
  • Classroom design that supports creativity, focus, and meaningful exploration.
  • Building strong family partnerships to support child development.

Organization: edWeb.net
Audience: Pre-K educators and caregivers
Location:  Virtual
Date:  Wednesday, April 30, 1-2 p.m.
Fee:  Free  
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

May

Transform Your Preschool Art Center to Expand Creativity and Exploration

Gain strategies for making the art center a centerpiece of innovation in your classroom. Learn how to use household and repurposed materials to ignite children’s imaginations and inspire them to create unique expressions that foster creativity and support problem-solving, fine motor skills, and self-expression—all while being developmentally appropriate.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, May 1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Inspired by Reggio Emilia? Now what?

Reggio Emilia’s philosophies and practices are fascinating and thought-provoking for early educators worldwide. Attend this webinar to:

  • Understand the philosophies behind approaches from Reggio Emilia.
  • Examine your own values and practices considering what we have learned from Reggio Emilia.
  • Think about the role of the environment in our settings.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, May 7, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Fostering Preschoolers’ Focus and Attention: The Pre-Internet Mindset

Learn how to create environments that nurture attention, creativity, and authentic connection, while balancing the realities of modern technology. Attend this webinar to:

  • Understand the cognitive and emotional impacts of digital distraction on children’s development and learn how to identify signs of fragmented attention in early learners.
  • Learn practical strategies for cultivating deep presence in children, including techniques for fostering single-tasking, patience, and creative problem-solving.
  • Explore ways to model and teach the pre-internet mindset, helping children develop skills like sustained focus, direct observation, and embodied engagement.
  • Gain tools for balancing technology use in early childhood settings, ensuring that digital tools enhance rather than hinder learning and connection.
  • Reflect on your own habits of attention and presence and develop a personal action plan for reducing digital distractions in your professional and personal lives.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, May 8, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

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 13, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Register link coming soon. Click here for more information. 

From Control to Collaboration: Re-thinking Classroom Management

Learn to shift your thinking about the need to control children’s behavior to focus on creating a culture of collaboration. Consider how to create a program culture in which children and teachers collaborate on the classroom environment, activities, provocations, and more.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, May 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

The Power of Rhythm: Singing, Dancing and Moving into Self-Regulation and Learning

Discuss the most recent findings from neuroscience about rhythm and learning and learn practical strategies and resources for how you can create a rhythmic environment that supports social, emotional, cognitive and physical development.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

A Strategy to Offset the High Cost of Operating Infant, Toddler, and Preschool Programs: Diversify!

Explore strategies, considerations, and benefits of expanding your preschool program to include school age care programming. Join this webinar to learn:

  • The benefits and value of school age care: for children, families, and the preschool program business model.
  • How to evaluate if expanding your programming will strengthen your business model.
  • To consider capacity considerations – what will it take to add school age programming?
  • Key ingredients for high quality school age care.

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, May 22, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) Parent Education Series: Meaningful Summertime Activities

This workshop will guide parents in creating fun and enriching activities for their preschoolers during the summer months. Discover ideas that promote learning, creativity, and outdoor exploration, while ensuring your child has a memorable and purposeful summer break.

Organization: IUSD ECLC
Audience: Parents or caregivers of young children ages 0-5.
Location: ECLC, 1 Smoketree Lane, Irvine, 92604
Date: Friday, May 23, 12-1 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to register. For more information call 949-936-5882 or email SchoolReadiness@IUSD.org. 

Autism Moms Connect

A social group for moms of children with autism – any age, any stage. Build friendships, exchange experiences, and connect with other moms who understand.

Organization: CHOC Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center
Audience: Moms having children with Autism
Location: Thompson Autism and Neurodevelopmental Center, 170 S. Main St., Orange, 92868
Dates: Ongoing, last Friday of the month (May 30)
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. To RSVP or for more information email kathryn.walton.turner@choc.org or call 714-288-7651.