Welcome to Early Childhood Professional Learning

Early Childhood Professional Learning (ECPL) invites you to explore professional learning opportunities and resources for the Illinois Early Childhood workforce, especially those working in state funded programs. These offerings reflect the latest evidence based practices in Early Childhood education and the latest adult learning theories.

The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning offers free access to the WIDA Early Years online learning modules that support Preschool English Learners.

ECPL staff are continuing to work virtually. Please feel free to contact us by email. COVID-19 Resources

What's New/Trending

Frequently Asked Questions about Serving English Learners in Preschool Programs

In April 2022, ISBE released updated guidance for serving English Learners (ELs) in preschool programs in Illinois public school districts.

FAQs - Serving English Learners in Preschool Programs

Statewide Preschool for All and Preschool for All Expansion Administrators Virtual Forum Sessions

May 18, 2022
Admin Forum Session VIII
Frequently Asked Questions about Serving English Learners in Preschool Programs

Session VIII Flyer

Illinois AEYC

Growing Futures Conference
October 13-15, 2022

Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center
Springfield, IL

On Demand Professional Learning for ECERS-3

Introduction to the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale®, Third Edition (ECERS-3™)

Registration Deadline is
June 1, 2022

Illinois State Board of Education Professional Development Calendar

FY2021-22

ISBE Statewide PD Calendar

Early Childhood Block Grant 3-5 Compliance Checklist Preschool for All/Preschool for All Expansion Fiscal Year 2022

ISBE

Illinois Principals Association has partnered with ISBE to provide access to Ed Leaders Network (ELN) for all public school educators in the state!

Ed Leaders Network (ELN) Site

Early Childhood Professional Learning

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Instagram

YouTube

Our recorded webinars cover the following topics in early childhood education.

Administration & Leadership
Assessment
Curriculum
Diverse Learners
Family & Community Engagement
Language Arts/Literacy
Professional Knowledge
Social/Emotional Development
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)

Early Childhood educators have an opportunity to acquire foundational knowledge, apply what they have learned, and advance their practice by viewing our videos.

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About Us

Early Childhood Professional Learning (ECPL)

Early Childhood Professional Learning (ECPL) provides free professional development and resources to support the Illinois State Board of Education funded preschool programs in implementing evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for young children and their families.

Professional Learning

Free workshops, webinars, and resources

In order to provide high quality learning experiences for young children, the Early Childhood workforce needs to be engaged in ongoing professional learning.

Partners

Organizations Supporting Evidence Based Practices in Early Childhood

The websites of these organizations contain information about professional learning or resources that support the Early Childhood Workforce. Featured news from these organizations is highlighted.

Resources

Search the resources

Valuable Early Childhood teaching resources: websites, videos, articles/books, online learning, tool kits and forms.

Preschool English Learners

The modules can be used in staff development sessions and/or shared with individual educators or teams of educators, such as those engaged in professional learning communities.

ISBE and The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning are excited to announce that the early care and education community now has access to the WIDA Early Years online learning modules.

Learning at Home

Explore Learning at Home Activities

Families are the primary caregivers and educators of young children. Learning at Home focuses on resources and activities that support teachers and families working together to help young children learn and develop. The resources for teachers include guidance and recommendations for partnering with families to support learning at home. The activities for families are designed to be done easily during daily routines and with simple materials.

PFA Coaching Project

Job embedded professional development

The Coaching Project promotes engagement in continuous quality improvement to facilitate best practices in Preschool for All classrooms throughout the state.

Illinois Early Childhood (MTSS) Multi-Tiered System of Supports

High quality system of supports focused on the whole child

MTSS Definition in Illinois: Multi-Tiered System of Supports is a framework for continuous improvement that is systemic, prevention focused, and data-informed, providing a coherent continuum of supports responsive to meet the needs of all learners. (IL-MTSS Network)

EClearningIL.org