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Institute of Excellence in Early Care & Education

We are educators of the early childhood workforce, whose teaching practices will make a difference in the success of children. We are trainers, advisors, educators, and mentors. We are experts in the field of early childhood education.


All courses will be offered via live online or face-to-face and are eligible for micro-credentialing.
Learn about our micro-credentialing initiative.


 

Adapt Lessons Micro-Credential Pathway

Teaching Math in Centers – HEO0307

Course in English

Center time is the perfect time to help elevate children’s understanding of mathematical concepts. Take this course to discover how guided play can be used to adapt your math lessons. By the end of the course, you’ll have experience with improving math skills all through what feels like play to the child. This course uses the GOLD assessment as a basis for adaptation.

Dates: Wednesday, 3/27 - 4/24, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 10

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

Curso en español

El juego en los centros de aprendizaje es el momento perfecto para elevar la comprensión de conceptos matemáticos en los niños. Regístrate en este curso y descubre cómo el juego guiado puede adaptarse para complementar tus lecciones de matemáticas. Al final de él, habrás ampliado tus habilidades en la enseñanza de conceptos numéricos, de modo que sigan siendo percibidas por los niños como juego. Este curso usa la evaluación GOLD como base para la adaptación.

Fechas: Saturdays 4/6 – 4/20, 2024  |  Horas de contacto: 10

Libros de texto requeridos: None

 

 

 

Awareness and Balance Micro-Credential Pathway

The Science of Wellness: Wellness of the Mind - HEO0293  

Course in English

If you feel bogged down by stress, this course can help. Through both mindfulness practices and expressive art activities, you will practice strengthening composure techniques, grounding yourself in the present moment, and offering yourself self-compassion. You will also make goals for self-care and keep a journal of your thoughts and feelings. This course also includes adapting these wellness concepts to your classroom at the child's level.

Dates: Thursdays, 1/25 – 2/22, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 10

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

 

The Science of Wellness: Practicing Mindfulness - HEO0303

Curso en español

Te preocupa no tener tiempo para concentrar tu atención de manera plena en lo que ocurre a tu alrededor? ¡Inscríbete en este curso y haz de la atención plena una práctica diaria en tu vida! En él experimentarás diferentes tipos de prácticas guiadas que te ayudarán a alcanzar la atención plena, incluyendo algunas que ya has aprendido en otros cursos. Podrás elegir aquellas que más te beneficien basado en tu experiencia y estilo de vida.

Fechas: Tuesdays, 2/13 – 2/20, 2024  |  Horas de contacto: 5

Libros de texto requeridos: None

 

 

 

The Science of Wellness: Wellness of the Spirit – HEO0302

Curso en español

Cuando comenzamos a comprender nuestras emociones, no solo mostramos más bondad a los demás, sino que también experimentamos más alegría. Ponte en contacto con la alegría tomando este curso, que explora la inteligencia emocional a través de prácticas de gratitud, compasión y empatía. Este curso también incluye la adaptación de estos conceptos de bienestar en su salón de clases para los niños.

Fechas: Tuesdays, 3/26 – 4/16, 2024  |  Horas de contacto: 10

Libros de texto requeridos: None

 

 

 

Awareness of Nature Micro-Credential Pathway

Learning Compassion Through Animal Experiences – HEO0319

Course in English

This course is designed to help early childhood educators understand the benefits of providing children with experiences with or about animals. These experiences offer opportunities for children to compare animals to humans, therefore gaining a better understanding of the human experience. These experiences also develop social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Educators will also learn the phases of inquiry-based learning and the six foundational science process skills. They will participate in, and then design, their own learning experiences with animals that can be used with children in their care. In order to make animal experiences accessible to all educators and children, experiences included in this course can be completed on-site with materials on hand.

Dates: Wednesdays, 1/24 – 2/7, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 6

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

 

Classroom Assessment Micro-Credential Pathway

PreK CLASS: Emotional Support – HEO0252

Curso en español

¿Confundido acerca de PreK CLASS? ¿Quieres aprender más sobre el Apoyo Emocional? En este curso, obtendrá una comprensión de las prácticas de enseñanza que ayudará a los niños a desarrollar relaciones cálidas y de apoyo con los maestros y entre sí, experimentar el disfrute y la emoción por aprender, sentirse cómodo en el aula y experimentar niveles apropiados de autonomía o independencia.

Fechas: Thursdays, 2/1 – 2/22, 2024  |  Horas de contacto: 10

Libros de texto requeridos: None

 

 

Course in English

Confused about PreK CLASS?  Wanting to learn more about Emotional Support?  In this course you will gain an understanding of teaching practices will help children to develop warm supportive relationships with teachers and with one another, experience enjoyment and excitement about learning, feel comfortable in the classroom and experience appropriate levels of autonomy or independence.

Dates: Wednesdays, 3/27 – 4/24, 2024  *No class 4/10   

Contact Hours: 10

Required Textbooks: None

 

 
CLASS 2: Instructional Support for PreK – HEO0238

Course in English

Step up your students’ thinking abilities with this training. Get support from the CLASS Observation Tool to promote problem-solving, provide feedback to students to deepen their understanding, and help children develop complex language skills. This training aligns with CLASS Domain Instructional Support.

Dates: Wednesdays, 2/7 – 3/13, 2024  *No class 2/14 & 3/6   

Contact Hours: 10

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

 

PreK CLASS: Classroom Organization – HEO0237

Curso en español

La organización del salón de clases puede afectar el comportamiento, la productividad, y el aprendizaje de los niños. ¿Quieres aprender a manejar la atención, el tiempo, y el comportamiento de tus estudiantes? Indaga sobre este curso para maestros de la enseñanza temprana, el cual se alinea con el sistema de evaluación CLASS, específicamente con el dominio "Classroom Organization" (organización del salón).

Fecha: Thursdays, 3/28 – 4/18, 2024  |  Horas de contacto: 10

Libros de texto requeridos: None

 

 

 

Creativity Micro-Credential Pathway

Using Science and Math Manipulatives – HEO0322

Course in English

Early childhood teachers know how manipulatives are an essential part of learning for young children. Take this training to spice up your use of manipulatives to enhance your math and science lessons using purchased, donated, or found materials. You’ll also get to brainstorm questioning strategies to support the children’s understanding and skill development while engaging with manipulatives.

Dates: Tuesdays, 1/23 – 1/30, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 5

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

A Conscious Approach to Music – HEO0320

Course in English

Music is a common part of the early childhood classroom, but do you know how to intentionally use it to help children grow and thrive? Take this course to learn how to implement musical experiences that help children develop cognitive, physical, and socioemotional skills and a lifelong love of music.

Dates: Mondays, 1/29 – 2/12, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 9

Required Textbooks: None

 

 
Our Artful Earth – HEO0246

Course in English

Nature provides the perfect opportunity to mix both art and science together to teach about the beauty and exploration of our planet. Take this course if you’re interested in incorporating STEAM activities related to the environment into your classroom.

Dates: Tuesdays, 2/6 – 2/27,  2024  |  Contact Hours: 12

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

Using Science and Math Manipulatives – HEO0322

Course in English

Early childhood teachers know how manipulatives are an essential part of learning for young children. Take this training to spice up your use of manipulatives to enhance your math and science lessons using purchased, donated, or found materials. You’ll also get to brainstorm questioning strategies to support the children’s understanding and skill development while engaging with manipulatives.

Dates: Wednesdays, 2/21- 2/28, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 5

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

 

Cultivating Belonging Micro-Credential Pathway

Fostering Belonging in Preschool – HEO0304

Course in English

Does your classroom support an environment where all children feel they belong? In this course, learn ways to involve parents with adapting the classroom to reflect their practices, cultures and identities. You will explore many books that include topics regarding identity, culture and family composition and prepare for questions that arise from the children as they inquire about differences they observe.

Dates: Mondays, 1/29 – 2/12, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 7.5

Required Textbooks:

Mary and Her New Friends by Fawzia Reza 
ISBN-13: ‎978-1528928847 

I Am Whole by Shola Oz 
ISBN-13: 978-1838343309

 

 

Nurturing Schoolwide Belonging – HEO0310

Curso en español

¿Estás listo para expandir la cultura de pertenencia desde nuestros cursos hasta tu centro? Este curso detalla los pasos esenciales para hacer de la idea de pertenencia a la familia escolar, una realidad. No sólo descubrirás maneras de crear un sentido de pertenencia entre tus colegas, también explorarás cómo desarrollar en los niños afiliación al grupo e identidad propia dentro de la cultura colectiva del salón de clases.

Fechas: Tuesdays, 2/20 – 3/26, 2024  |  *No class 3/5 & 3/19

Horas de contacto: 10

Libros de texto requeridos: 

Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph
ISBN-10: ‎ ‎9780008184780

 

 

Course in English

Are you ready to expand the culture of belonging from your classroom to your site? This course breaks down the essential steps for making the idea of schoolwide belonging a reality. Not only will you discover ways to create belonging among colleagues, but you will also explore how to create belonging within the culture of your classroom.

Dates: Mondays, 3/25 – 4/15, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 10

Required Textbooks:

Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph
ISBN-10: ‎ ‎9780008184780

 

 

 

Beginner English Language Acquisition for Adults Micro-Credential Pathway

Spelling and Pronunciation of English for Early Childhood Professionals – HEO0318

Course in English

If you are learning English as a second language, one of the most difficult things to learn is pronunciation. If you’d like more confidence in your ability to hear, speak, and spell in English, take this virtual hybrid class. You will learn every sound in English; all the spelling possibilities of each sound; how to properly form your tongue, teeth, lips, and throat to make each sound; and how to use each sound to form words and sentences properly. There are asynchronous modules to help you learn on your own time, while also having two live online sessions to practice your skills, interact with your classmates, and get live feedback from the instructor. 

This is the first class in the Beginner English Language Acquisition for Adults Micro-Credential Pathway, which will prepare students to succeed on the Levels of English Proficiency test (LOEP) and proceed to English for Academic Purposes course work (EAP).

Dates: Asynchronous Modules Available from 1/17 – 3/20, 2024
(LIVE Online Sessions: Wed. 2/21, Wed. 3/20) 
|  Contact Hours: 12

*On Hold for Cohort*  If interested, contact your Advisor.

Required Textbooks: None

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Fundamentals of English for Early Childhood Professionals – HEO0323

Course in English

This class was created for beginner-level English language learners to learn the foundations of English. In this class, you will learn basic vocabulary to create simple sentences. The skills and vocabulary you learn in class will allow you to practice English in the classroom with the children and your colleagues. 

This is the second class in the Beginner English Language Acquisition for Adults Micro-Credential Pathway, which will prepare students to succeed on the Levels of English Proficiency test (LOEP) and proceed to English for Academic Purposes course work (EAP).

Dates: Wednesdays 3/27 – 4/24, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 7.5

*On Hold for Cohort*  If interested, contact your Advisor.

Required Textbooks: None

 

English Language Acquisition for Adults – Intermediate – Micro-Credential Pathway

Basics for ECE ESOL 2 – HEO0282

Course in English

This is the second ESOL training in preparation for taking a course in English for Academic Purposes, geared toward beginner-level ESOL students. This course focuses on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar lessons based on early childhood education content. This course supports concepts covered in HEO0272.

Dates: Mondays, 1/22 – 2/26, 2024  * No class 2/19 |  Contact Hours: 10 

*On Hold for Cohort*  If interested, contact your Advisor.

Required Textbooks: None

 

Expanding ESOL for ECE 1 – HEO0288

Course in English

This is the third ESOL training to support students by easing their transition into English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses. This course practices the simple present tense, simple past tense, present progressive tense, and simple future tense. You will also read and discuss articles on early childhood education topics, learn new vocabulary words and common phrasal verbs, and practice dictating sentences in English. This course supports concepts covered in HEO0272 and HEO0282.

Dates: Mondays, 3/11 – 4/22, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 12

*On Hold for Cohort*  If interested, contact your Advisor.

Required Textbooks: None

 

Lesson Planning Micro-Credential Pathway

STEAM Design and Implementation – HEO0299

Course in English

A well-designed lesson plan is the backbone of every successful activity that incorporates science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. If you're someone who is just getting started with STEAM, or you'd like to amp up your STEAM implementation, look no further than this training. You'll learn the ins and outs of how to create a meaningful and memorable STEAM lesson that children will remember for years to come.

Dates: Mondays, 2/5 – 2/12, 2024 |  Contact Hours: 4

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

 

Exploring Nature in Preschool – HEO0298

Course in English

Would you like to make nature fun and interesting for your children, but you’re not sure where to start? Look no further than this course! This course is packed with engaging ideas that will get your children interested in the outdoors. You’ll also learn how you can infuse nature into the existing centers in your classroom.

Dates: Mondays, 4/15 – 4/22, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 5

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

 

Problem-Solving Micro-Credential Pathway

Creative Scientists: Creativity & Problem-Solving – HEO0245

Curso en español

¿Necesita actualizarse en conceptos FUNDAMENTALES de STEAM? Familiarizarse (o Re familiarizarse) con STEAM para sentirse más seguro cuando apoya a sus pequeños científicos en el aula. Usted saldrá de este entrenamiento con recursos y actividades de STEAM. (La sigla STEAM, en español significa, Ciencias, Tecnología, Ingeniería, Artes y Matemáticas).
Curso diseñado para maestras que tienen interacciones regulares con niños de edad preescolar y pre-kindergarten (edades 3-5).

Fecha: Tuesdays, 1/16 – 2/6, 2024  |  Horas de contacto: 12

Libros de texto requeridos: None

 

 
Behavior Management I: Building Relationships – HEO0257

Course in English

Proper classroom behavior management looks a lot different today than it did when you were a kid. Learn how love leads to learning with this training, which will teach you how to prevent challenging behavior in the classroom.

Dates: Tuesdays, 4/2 – 4/23, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 10

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

 

Reflection Micro-Credential Pathway

Reflection of Children 1 – HEO0313

Course in English

Did you know your outlook on children can impact their potential? Help your children become the best they can be by taking this course. You’ll learn how your image of children affects your teaching, how each child learns differently, and how to incorporate children’s interests into the classroom to promote learning. This course is based on the Reggio Emilia Approach.

Dates: Wednesdays, 1/17 – 1-31, 2024  |  Contact Hours: 6

Required Textbooks: None

 

 

 

Other

Trauma-Informed Care for Child Care Directors – HEO0287

Course in English

The goal of this course is to assist childcare program directors in implementing trauma-informed care for the families they serve.
This is a five-session course, which will require the completion of outside assignments and readings. Upon completion of this course, childcare program directors will form a community of practice and will be able to:
• Recognize the signs of trauma impacting children
• Examine the importance of self-care
• Apply tools to help children regulate emotions and behaviors
• Evaluate the physical learning environment for trauma-sensitive supports
• Develop a plan for creating a trauma-sensitive program
This course can be used to meet the Florida Credential renewal requirements and can be used to obtain the Trauma-Informed Care for Child Care Program Director Credential Endorsement.

Contact Hours: 45

Required Textbooks:

Reaching and Teaching Children Exposed
to Trauma by Barbara Sorrels $24.95 ISBN?

DCF’s Trauma Informed Care Participant’s
Guide (LADPac) $23.00 ISBN?

 

This class is offered in two different sessions.

Dates: Wednesdays,1/24 – 3/27, 2024  |  Register for Wednesday classes

Dates: Tuesdays, 2/20 – 4/23, 2024  |  Register for Tuesday classes

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