Can you #SpotSPARK?
SPARK Learning Lab is passionate about getting the word our to partners from across the state of Indiana.
If you would like SPARK to participate in your meeting, conference or event drop us a line at the form below!
Events in February 2025
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Paths to QUALITY™ Introduction Paths to QUALITY™ Introduction
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February 3, 2025**Be sure to register here in Indiana Learning Paths as well as Zoom, so your certificate can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
The Paths to QUALITY™(PTQ) Introduction Session is designed to provide you with all the information you will need in order to participate in Indiana’s quality rating and improvement system. You will learn about the four levels of participation, the enrollment process, mentoring options, rater visits, incentives and awards. This webinar is for the administrators/owners of licensed child care programs (or unlicensed registered child care ministries who have completed the Voluntary Certification Program) who are interested in enrolling their program in PTQ OR child care providers who are considering becoming licensed and plan to enroll in PTQ. Participating in this training MEETS the requirement to enroll in PTQ.
This training DOES NOT meet in-service hours for PTQ. This training DOES meet in-service hours for licensing.
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The Growing Brain: Communication and Language Development (Part 1) The Growing Brain: Communication and Language Development (Part 1)
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February 4, 2025The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old is an innovative professional development opportunity that provides a toolkit of how the brain develops, along with ways you can encourage healthy brain development in children from birth to 5 years old. In this training, learn about specific communication milestones and when they typically emerge, and how this relates to brain development. Also learn strategies for supporting early communication skills and gain understanding of how multi-language learning occurs.
This 3-hour training will be offered in 2 sessions of 1.5 hours each. You must attend both sessions to earn a certificate.
*Be sure to register both here in Indiana Learning Paths as well as zoom, so that your certificate can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
Child Care Licensing Orientation 2: Family Child Care Homes Child Care Licensing Orientation 2: Family Child Care Homes
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February 4, 2025Preparation for Home Child Care Licensure is the 2nd training in this two-part series designed to outline regulatory requirements, licensing steps, and resources for providing licensed child care in a home environment. You will leave this training prepared to take the next steps to licensing your home and will receive the necessary paperwork.
We highly recommend that you join this training session using your computer. Throughout the session, there will be links provided that you will need to access. Furthermore, kindly ensure that your camera is turned on for the entire training.
** Be sure to register in both Indiana Learning Paths and Zoom for this training.
Minimizing Stress & Burnout for Leaders, presented by the Calm app team (Leadership Series) Minimizing Stress & Burnout for Leaders, presented by the Calm app team (Leadership Series)
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February 4, 2025A FREE Calm app Premium subscription is available, through February 2026, to individuals who own, work or volunteer in an Indiana-based early childhood education or out-of-school care program! If you haven't yet redeemed you free Calm Premium subscription, visit https://indianaspark.com/calm/ for directions. We recommend that you redeem your free subscription and download the Calm app prior to attending this workshop.
**Be sure to register here in I-LEAD as well as zoom, so your certificate can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
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Employer Branding to Support Talent Acquisition Employer Branding to Support Talent Acquisition
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February 6, 2025In today's market, job seekers have endless options as to where they can choose to work. Employer branding is what can set your program apart to help bring more candidates, and higher quality candidates, through your doors. This training teaches the basics of employer branding including how to distinguish branding for your business versus branding for talent acquisition, how to engage with job seekers online and what an employer branding plan is to support your talent acquisition efforts.
** Be sure to register in both Indiana Learning Paths and Zoom for this training.
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Lakeshore®: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding to Challenging Behaviors (FAYETTE COUNTY) Lakeshore®: Understanding, Preventing, and Responding to Challenging Behaviors (FAYETTE COUNTY)
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February 8, 2025In-Person training: Double-check the LOCATION of the session before registering!
In this session, we will dive into the third tier of the Pyramid Model to gain a better understanding of challenging behaviors. We will discuss how to provide intensive intervention for children exhibiting challenging behaviors and gain an understanding of why some children use challenging behaviors to express their wants and needs. We will practice identifying the trigger, form, and function to help the child be more successful within the environment.
This training is presented through a partnership between SPARK Learning Lab and Lakeshore®. A light meal will be served, and all attendees will receive a materials kit to use with the children in your program!
Get Directions
44 Banquet Hall & Event Center
Glenwood, IN 46133
The Growing Brain: Communication and Language Development (LAKE COUNTY) The Growing Brain: Communication and Language Development (LAKE COUNTY)
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February 8, 2025In-Person training: Double-check the LOCATION of the session before registering!
The Growing Brain: From Birth to 5 Years Old is an innovative professional development opportunity that provides a toolkit of how the brain develops, along with ways you can encourage healthy brain development in children from birth to 5 years old. In this training, learn about specific communication milestones and when they typically emerge, and how this relates to brain development. Also learn strategies for supporting early communication skills and gain understanding of how multi-language learning occurs.
Get Directions
Little Fireflies Academia
Hammond, IN 46324
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Safe Sleep Practices: Reducing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Implementation in Child Care Settings Module 1 and 2 Safe Sleep Practices: Reducing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and Implementation in Child Care Settings Module 1 and 2
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February 10, 2025*Be sure to register here in Indiana Learning Paths as well as Zoom, so that your certificate can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
We know that safe sleep practices are critical for the well-being of infants in our early childhood programs. This two-hour, introductory, webinar course explains how to reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths and how to implement safe sleep practices in infant classrooms. This professional development session satisfies the State of Indiana requirement for infant caregivers.
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Calm the Chaos: Practicing Mindfulness with Children Calm the Chaos: Practicing Mindfulness with Children
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February 11, 2025Mindfulness, or the practice of paying attention to the present moment on purpose with kindness and curiosity, is a practice that promotes self-regulation in children and adults alike. Mindfulness is much more than meditation and doesn't have to involve meditation at all! Learn a variety of ways to practice mindfulness alongside the children in your care by infusing into your routines throughout the day.
**Be sure to register in I-LEAD as well as zoom, so that certificates can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
Creating Welcoming Environments for Families Creating Welcoming Environments for Families
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February 11, 2025Come join us to learn about Creating Welcoming Environments for Families! Participants will apply 3 best practices in family engagement to your unique program setting. In addition, you will evaluate and make changes to your program environment so that it is most welcoming to families. Through interactive activities and group learning, we will spend an hour and a half focusing on those important details that really make a difference to the families we serve.
** Be sure to register both in Indiana Learning Paths and Zoom, so your certificate can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
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Stewards of Children - Caring Classrooms Stewards of Children - Caring Classrooms
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February 12, 2025Caring Classrooms is a 1-hour abuse prevention and response training for school staff and other youth-serving professionals. Using real-life scenarios, participants will learn how to recognize signs of different forms of abuse or neglect, develop skills to respond in a trauma-informed manner, and understand how to effectively report concerns.
*Be sure to register in Indiana Learning Paths as well as Zoom, so that certificates can be processed into your I-LEAD account*
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Being an Early Childhood Professional Part 1 Being an Early Childhood Professional Part 1
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February 13, 2025This training is intended for program directors and/or administrators. Learn actionable leadership strategies to implement program-wide systems that support both professional and ethical conduct. Incorporate practices that build a collective agreement to professional conduct and allow your staff to feel included in the decision-making process of your program. This is an intermediate to advanced training and it is recommended that you complete the Maintaining Professional Boundaries Training Series prior to taking this training.
** Be sure to register in both Indiana Learning Paths and Zoom for this training.
Mantenga a los niños seguros: supervisión y seguimiento Mantenga a los niños seguros: supervisión y seguimiento
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February 13, 2025El síndrome de desgaste profesional está vinculado con el bajo desempeño, baja productividad y dificultades en las relaciones profesionales. Manejar los signos del desgaste profesional te ayudará a ti y a tu equipo a reducir altos niveles de estrés, incrementar el desempeño y la satisfacción laboral. Conozca cómo identificar los factores de riesgo del desgaste profesional y cómo utilizar estrategias de autocuidado para prevenir y reducir los riesgos de desgaste profesional. *Asegúrese de registrarse en Indiana Learning Paths y en Zoom, para que los certificados puedan procesarse en su cuenta I-LEAD.
Mantenga a los niños seguros: supervisión y seguimiento Mantenga a los niños seguros: supervisión y seguimiento
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February 13, 2025Mantener a los niños seguros es una prioridad absoluta para todos los educadores. En esta capacitación, los proveedores aprenderán cómo describir y aplicar estrategias y sistemas de supervisión activa para mantener a los niños seguros y tenidos en cuenta en sus programas. La Supervisión Activa es la estrategia más eficaz para crear un entorno seguro y prevenir lesiones en niños pequeños.
*Asegúrese de registrarse en Indiana Learning Paths y en Zoom, para que los certificados puedan procesarse en su cuenta I-LEAD.
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Using Narration to Identify and Promote Prosocial Behavior Using Narration to Identify and Promote Prosocial Behavior
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February 17, 2025Employ narration of behavior (also known as positive descriptive feedback) as a proactive and preventative strategy used to reduce behaviors that challenge us in the learning environment. Apply the concepts behind positive descriptive feedback to utilize social stories as a group or individual approach to increasing desired and socially appropriate behaviors.
**Be sure to register in Indiana Learning Paths as well as zoom, so your certificate can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
Keeping Children Safe: Systems for Supervision, Tracking and Follow Through (MARION COUNTY) Keeping Children Safe: Systems for Supervision, Tracking and Follow Through (MARION COUNTY)
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February 17, 2025In-person training: Double-check the LOCATION of the session before registering!
Keeping children safe is a top priority for all educators. In this introductory-level training, providers will learn how to describe and apply active supervision strategies and systems to keep children safe and accounted for in their programs. Active Supervision is the most effective strategy for creating a safe environment and preventing injuries in young children. Learn the six strategies, how to set up the program environment to effectively supervise and track children, tools to support transition, and discuss leadership's role in reinforcing active supervision and tracking.
Get Directions
Primrose School of Geist
Indianapolis, IN 46236
Calm the Chaos: Practicing Mindfulness with Children Calm the Chaos: Practicing Mindfulness with Children
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February 17, 2025Mindfulness, or the practice of paying attention to the present moment on purpose with kindness and curiosity, is a practice that promotes self-regulation in children and adults alike. Mindfulness is much more than meditation and doesn't have to involve meditation at all! Learn a variety of ways to practice mindfulness alongside the children in your care by infusing into your routines throughout the day.
**Be sure to register in I-LEAD as well as zoom, so that certificates can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
Using Narration to Identify and Promote Prosocial Behavior (HAMILTON COUNTY) Using Narration to Identify and Promote Prosocial Behavior (HAMILTON COUNTY)
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February 17, 2025In-Person training: Double-check the LOCATION of the session before registering!
Employ narration of behavior (also known as positive descriptive feedback) as a proactive and preventative strategy used to reduce behaviors that challenge us in the learning environment. Apply the concepts behind positive descriptive feedback to utilize social stories as a group or individual approach to increasing desired and socially appropriate behaviors.
Get Directions
Primrose School at Grand Park
Westfield, IN 46074
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Keeping Children Safe: Systems for Supervision, Tracking and Follow Through (MARION COUNTY) Keeping Children Safe: Systems for Supervision, Tracking and Follow Through (MARION COUNTY)
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February 18, 2025Keeping children safe is a top priority for all educators. In this introductory-level training, providers will learn how to describe and apply active supervision strategies and systems to keep children safe and accounted for in their programs. Active Supervision is the most effective strategy for creating a safe environment and preventing injuries in young children. Learn the six strategies, how to set up the program environment to effectively supervise and track children, tools to support transition, and discuss leadership's role in reinforcing active supervision and tracking.
Get Directions
Orchard Park Preschool
Indianapolis, IN 46280
Child Care Licensing Orientation 2: Child Care Centers Child Care Licensing Orientation 2: Child Care Centers
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February 18, 2025In this professional development session, participants identify the components necessary to complete a successful child care center licensing application and pass the initial licensing inspection. This session is appropriate for those who intend to open a licensed child care center in the state of Indiana and who have already completed Orientation 1: Training for Child Care Providers.
We highly recommend that you join this training session using your computer. Throughout the session, there will be links provided that you will need to access. Furthermore, kindly ensure that your camera is turned on for the entire training.
** Be sure to register in both Indiana Learning Paths and Zoom for this training.
Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) Training Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) Training
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February 18, 2025The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) provides reliable, accurate, developmental and social-emotional screening for children between birth and age 6. The ASQ has been specifically designed to identify developmental progress and spot potential delays in young children. Screening young children is an effective, efficient way for professionals to monitor a child’s development. Help parents celebrate their child’s milestones, know what to expect next, and determine whether a follow-up is needed. The ASQ is an essential first step toward identifying children with delays or disorders in the critical early years.
Participants will receive an ASQ®:-3 Starter Kit upon completion of this training! A SPARK Mental Health and Wellness Coach will also be available to support on-site with implementation.
PREREQUISITE REQUIRED: Using the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. Resources to Increase Family Engagement and Promote Developmental Monitoring and Screening
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Cultivating a Culture of Wellness (MARION COUNTY) Cultivating a Culture of Wellness (MARION COUNTY)
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February 20, 2025In-Person training: Double-check the LOCATION of the session before registering!
Encouraging wellness in the workplace has numerous benefits, such as boosting morale, enhancing productivity, and improving employee retention rates. Join us in a comprehensive learning experience to understand the importance of organizational wellness and learn effective strategies for cultivating a culture of wellness in your workplace. We will explore practical and sustainable approaches to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being among you and your team members, allowing you to select options that best suit your needs and interests.
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Benjamin Harrison Early Learning Center
Indianapolis, IN 46235
Town Square: Materials that Support Learning Across Developmental Domains (Trending Thursday) Town Square: Materials that Support Learning Across Developmental Domains (Trending Thursday)
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February 20, 2025Family child care providers explore open-ended materials and the ways children can learn and develop across social and emotional, physical, and cognitive domains through play and exploration. Intentional planning and scaffolding are emphasized as essential in supporting children's growth and learning through materials. Resources for organizing and planning open-ended materials explorations in a family child care program are provided in the module.
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Super Saturday: Guiding Growth - Strategies for Developmental Success and Family Collaboration (ST. JOSEPH) Super Saturday: Guiding Growth - Strategies for Developmental Success and Family Collaboration (ST. JOSEPH)
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February 22, 2025In-Person training: Double-check the LOCATION of the session before registering!
Attend 2 training's for a total of 3.5 training hours:
- Four Step Approach to Difficult Conversations with Families
- Ages & Stages Questionnaires®: ASQ-3
Attendees will receive a free ASQ-3 Starter Kit to use in their programs and lunch will be provided.
PREREQUISITE REQUIRED: Using the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. Resources to Increase Family Engagement and Promote Developmental Monitoring and Screening
Get Registered
Get Directions
St. Joe Public Library - Community Learning Center (Classroom B)
South Bend, IN 46601
Learning Forum: Breaking Mental Health Stigma (KNOX COUNTY) Learning Forum: Breaking Mental Health Stigma (KNOX COUNTY)
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February 22, 2025In-person training: Double-check the LOCATION of the session before registering!
The adverse effects of the stigma associated with mental health can increase risk factors and create barriers for individuals to connect with others, ask for help and seek professional care. In this peer-to-peer conversation learn how acknowledging the impact of stigma will help you to create a more conscious, inclusive, and supportive environment in your program and community. Learn strategies to reduce mental health stigma, promote mental health awareness and become an advocate for your personal wellness and that of your team and families.
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First Baptist Church
Vincennes, IN 47591
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Strategic Marketing Strategic Marketing
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February 25, 2025Use marketing to support recruitment for enrollment in your Family Child Care home business. Assess existing customers to use social media to find new customers online and increase the audience for your business. Then, identify key features and benefits to gain the interests of new customers after connecting business features to business benefits. Finally,use simple tips to market your business to gain new customers by crafting an elevator pitch for your business.
**Be sure to register in Indiana Learning Paths as well as zoom, so your certificate can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
Child Care Licensing Orientation 2: Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministry Child Care Licensing Orientation 2: Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministry
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February 25, 2025In this professional development session, participants identify the components necessary to complete a successful child care ministry registration application and pass the initial registration inspection. This session is appropriate for those who intend to open an unlicensed registered child care ministry in the state of Indiana and who have already completed Orientation 1: Training for Child Care Providers.
We highly recommend that you join this training session using your computer. Throughout the session, there will be links provided that you will need to access. Furthermore, kindly ensure that your camera is turned on for the entire training.
** Be sure to register in both Indiana Learning Paths and Zoom for this training.
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Learning Forum: Technology in the Early Learning Environment Learning Forum: Technology in the Early Learning Environment
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February 26, 2025Technology in early learning environments can seem tricky to navigate. In this learning forum, we will discuss how you currently intentionally and appropriately use technology and interactive media as effective tools that support learning and development. Come ready to actively discuss how you select, use, integrate, and evaluate technology tools to expand on learning experiences and development.
**Be sure to register in I-LEAD as well as zoom, so that certificates can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
ASQ-SE Questionnaire Training ASQ-SE Questionnaire Training
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February 26, 2025There is tremendous opportunity during the first few years of a child’s life to identify and address potential social-emotional concerns. This is at the heart of ASQ®:SE-2. It is modeled after the acclaimed ASQ®-3 and is tailored to identify and exclusively screen social and emotional behaviors. ASQ:SE-2 is an easy-to-use tool with all the advantages of ASQ-3—it’s cost-effective, parent-completed, photocopiable, and culturally sensitive. With questionnaire results, professionals can quickly recognize young children at risk for social or emotional difficulties, identify behaviors of concern to caregivers, and identify any need for further assessment.
Participants will receive an ASQ®:SE-2 Starter Kit upon completion of this training! A SPARK Mental Health and Wellness Coach will also be available to support on-site with implementation.
PREREQUISITE REQUIRED: Using the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. Resources to Increase Family Engagement and Promote Developmental Monitoring and Screening
**Be sure to register in I-LEAD as well as zoom, so that your certificate can be processed into your I-LEAD account.
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Mental Health Fundamentals (HENRY COUNTY) Mental Health Fundamentals (HENRY COUNTY)
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February 27, 2025Become a mental health ally and learn the principles of mental health, such as standard terms, definitions, and warning signs, to best support and promote mental health and wellness among your team and families.
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East Central Educational Service Center
New Castle, IN 47362
