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.

Please feel free to contact us by email. COVID-19 Resources

What's New/Trending

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

We would like to still offer you the opportunity to complete this short survey to provide input about topics for future sessions.

February 8, 2023
Session V - Register Now
Building a Statewide System to Improve Equity and Access in Early Learning
Session Flyer

March 8, 2023
Session VI - Register Now
Creating Equitable Learning Opportunities
Session Flyer

Developmentally Appropriate Practices: Maximizing Equitable High Quality Early Childhood Education and Care

A professional learning series sponsored by Early CHOICES, Early Childhood Professional Learning (ECPL) & Illinois STAR NET

DAP Series Flyer with Registration Links

March 14, 2023
Register Now
Observing, Documenting, and Assessing Children's Development and Learning

Developmentally Appropriate Practices Series

On Demand Professional Learning for ECERS-3

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

WELL Summit 2023

An event to empower, connect, inspire, support, celebrate and develop women in educational leadership.

March 9-10, 2023
Thurs. Reception | 5pm-7pm
Fri. Full-day
Bloomington-Normal, IL

Illinois State Board of Education Professional Development Calendar

FY2022-23

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

Tweets by EC_Center

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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Join our mailing list to receive announcements about newly-added workshops, webinars and special events for Early Childhood educators.

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Explore the Site

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)