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.
June
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 June and 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.
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: Every Wednesday in June and July, 5:30-6 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-786-4001 for more 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.
California Joe Magic Show
Join California Joe, as he takes us on a magical journey around the world!
Organization: Irvine Heritage Park Library
Audience: Families with young children
Location: Irvine Heritage Park Library, 14361 Yale Avenue, Irvine, 92604
Date: Thursday, June 27, 11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Call 949-936-4040 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, June 27, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click here to RSVP. Click here for more information.
Solar Car Derby
Participants are guided through the exciting world of solar power and STEM principles. Learn how the sun fuels your creation and design your very own mini solar car.
Organizations: Pretend City Children’s Museum and Bob Franz Foundation
Audience: Families with children of all ages
Location: Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, 92618
Date: Saturday, June 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here for more information.
July
Active Parenting School-Age Course
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, and anyone who impacts the lives of children are welcome to join. Learn valuable skills including how to communicate effectively, avoid family conflicts, and balance discipline with affection. During this six-part weekly series discuss common parenting challenges including:
- Cooperation and communication
- Responsibility and discipline
- Building courage and self-esteem
- Understanding and redirecting misbehavior
- Active parenting for school
Mondays and Wednesdays, July 1 – 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Thursdays, July 11 – August 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Organization: Olive Crest
Audience: Parents and caregivers with children ages 6-12 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.
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, July 9, 5-7 p.m. and Thursday, July 25, 5-7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. RSVP coming soon. Click here for more information.
Japanese Storytime
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
Dates: Wednesdays; July 10, and August 14; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-786-4001 for more information.
New Directors – Managing Your Program Beyond the Classroom
Being a new director or owner can feel so overwhelming! Join this webinar to get a bird's eye view of all the components of running a center, and how to set yourself up for success.
Organization: Association for Early Learning Leaders
Audience: Early childhood professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, July 10, 10-11 a.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Pre-registration required. Click here to register.
Safety Smart Program
Engage in a live theatrical performance that teaches children life-saving fire safety and burn prevention skills.
Organizations: Pretend City Children’s Museum and L.A. Troupe Theatre-in-Education
Audience: Families with children ages 5 – fifth grade
Location: Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, 92618
Date: Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here for more information.
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: Mondays; July 15, and August 19; 4:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier. Call 949-786-4001 for more information.
Orange County In-Home Licensed Child Care Summer Program
Are you looking to start your own in-home child care business? During this eight-week program, participants:
- learn child care regulations and requirements;
- learn the business side to running in-home child care; and
- receive one-on-one coaching during and after the program, as well as a free in-home inspection prior to applying for your license.
Attendance for all sessions is required including a minimum of one meet up hosted by First 5 Orange County.
Organizations: Orange County Women’s Business Center and First 5 Orange County
Audience: Individuals interested in starting their own in-home child care business
Location: Virtual and Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove Family Campus,10540 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, 92840
Dates: Wednesdays, July 17-September 11, 6-7:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view flier with details about each session. The first and last session are held in-person, the remaining sessions are virtual. Click here to register.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
