Kansas Child Care Training Opportunities

Are you an early childhood provider located in Allen, Woodson, Neosho, or Bourbon County? Here's a neat resource for you, offered by K-State Extension - Southwind District.

They will bring hands-on learning to your classroom with sensory play! Many books and themes to choose from. Best part is they will bring the supplies and clean up the mess!

Contact Tara Solomon-Smith at [email protected] for more info.

K-State Extension

Join the KCCTO Infant-Toddler Professional Development Specialists for Super Saturday in Wichita on August 15!

Spend the day exploring practical strategies you can take back to your program, including:
🌱 Nature-based learning through play
✋ Supporting fine motor development
💚 Helping children regulate their emotions, not isolate

Whether you work in a center-based program or family child care, you'll leave with fresh ideas, valuable resources, and new ways to support the infants and toddlers in your care.

In-Person | Wichita, KS
August 15th, 2026
8:00 AM - 2:45PM
5.5 State-Approved Hours

The training sessions will be offered simultaneously in Spanish and English! Learn more and read details in both languages at:

https://kccto.org/super-saturday-wichita/

✨ Free Professional Development Opportunity for Early Childhood Educators! ✨

Join Play-Based Planning: Lesson Planning for Preschool-Aged Children, a FREE 7-session virtual learning series designed to help educators create engaging, play-based lesson plans that support every developmental domain.

From 📖 books and 🧱 blocks to 🎨 art and 🎵 music, you'll learn practical strategies to plan meaningful learning experiences that inspire young children and support their growth.

✅ Topic overviews
✅ Small-group breakout discussions
✅ Planning tools and resources
✅ Live collaboration with fellow educators

Thursdays, August 13 - November 5
6:30–7:30 PM CST
Live on Zoom
8 State-Approved Hours

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your lesson planning skills and bring more purposeful play into your classroom!

Learn More & Register: https://kccto.org/play-based-planning-cohort/

Prioritizing your well-being isn't a luxury—it's essential. 💜

The Early Educator Well-Being Cohort offers a supportive space for early childhood professionals to build resilience, reduce stress, and connect with peers who truly understand the work you do every day.

Join us for a cohort experience designed to help you thrive both personally and professionally.

✅ English & Spanish cohorts available
✅ September–April sessions
✅ Practical tools you can use right away

Learn more and complete the interest form: kccto.org/well-being-cohort

Aprende más y completa el formulario de interés:
kccto.org/well-being-cohort

🌟 Early Childhood Directors & Administrators -- Invest in Your Leadership Journey!

You've thought about advancing your leadership. Now is the time to take the next step.

The National Director Credential Cohort offers more than a credential—it's an opportunity to grow alongside other early childhood leaders across Kansas. Through a flexible, self-paced cohort, you'll complete nine competency-based modules while receiving personalized support, virtual check-ins, and opportunities to build lasting professional connections.

When you finish, you'll earn more than a nationally recognized credential. You'll leave with an individualized professional development plan, a network of peers, and practical leadership strategies you can put into action right away.

🎓 Start by applying today for the Aim4Excellence Director's Credential scholarship and let us guide you through the next step.

https://kccto.org/services/financial-support/

💜 Every conversation matters.

Talking with families about developmental differences can feel challenging, but it doesn't have to be. "Supportive Conversations with Families: When Development Looks Different", led by KCCTO Trainer Sarah Jones, will help you build confidence in having respectful, compassionate conversations that strengthen trust and support each child's unique developmental journey.

Learn practical strategies for listening with empathy, responding thoughtfully, and partnering with families to help children thrive.

🌟 Designed for early childhood professionals in center-based and family child care settings.

August 19th
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
2 State-Approved Hours
Live-Virtual

Register by August 13th through Cape today!
https://www.yourcape.org/product/supportive-conversations-with-families-when-development-looks-different/01tPH00000IFGDNYA5

It's "Pays" to participate! You may have seen this promoted in the recent All in for Kansas Kids Newsletter too! Check out the social post by Healthy Children, Healthy Communities to learn more.

📢 Calling All Home-Based Child Care Providers in Rural Nebraska and Kansas! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

Join our Healthy Children, Healthy Communities research study today to support children's growth and development in your care.

Provider compensation and resources:

✅ Earn up to $595 in Amazon gift cards.
✅ Get 19 in-service credit hours.
✅ A toolkit with interactive activities for children.
✅ Receive resources for parents

📌 Check the flyer for details & sign up today: go.unl.edu/hchc2

Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Want to learn more? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) here:
👉 FAQ: https://go.unl.edu/hchcfaq

💡 Know a home-based childcare provider? Share this opportunity with them!

Join us in Independence, KS, for "Outdoor Play for Infants and Toddlers"

We all know how important the indoor learning environment is, but what about the great outdoors? In this training, we will explore the benefits of outdoor play, the essential components of outdoor play environments, and discuss how to support outdoor play experiences through sensory input. If your outdoor environment and teaching practices could use some new ideas, this is the training for you!

This course is appropriate for people who work with infants and toddlers in center-based and family child care home settings.

🗓 September 1, 2026
📍Pittsburg, KS
⏱️ 6 - 8 PM | 2 KDHE Hours
📌 Register by August 26: https://www.yourcape.org/product/outdoor-play-for-infants-and-toddlers/01tPH000008twlnYAA

Aprendizaje basado en la naturaleza a través del juego

Descubra cómo la naturaleza puede ser una aliada poderosa en su programa de primera infancia. Este curso explora los principios del aprendizaje basado en la naturaleza y cómo los juegos al aire libre ayudan con el desarrollo de los niños en todos los dominios. Obtenga estrategias prácticas para hacer que los niños se relacionen con el mundo natural. Es ideal para los educadores de primera infancia que buscan enriquecer el aprendizaje de los niños a través de experiencias prácticas al aire libre. Este curso es apropiado para todos los profesionales de la atención y educación temprana en centros y entornos familiares.

1 de sept
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
2 horas aprobadas por el estado

Regístrate antes del 26 de agosto
https://www.yourcape.org/product/aprendizaje-basado-en-la-naturaleza-a-trav%C3%A9s-del-juego/01tPH00000Fll7hYAB

Do you have a passion for supporting those who care for our youngest learners? KCCTO is looking for an Infant-Toddler Professional Development Specialist to join our team in the Kansas City area.

We're seeking someone with strong adult training and facilitation skills who enjoys helping early childhood professionals grow through engaging professional development, coaching, and technical assistance. In this role, you'll support those who care for infants and toddlers while helping strengthen the quality of early childhood programs across Kansas.

If you're passionate about developing others, building relationships, and making a lasting impact on the early childhood workforce, we'd love to hear from you.

View Open Positions:
https://kccto.org/about-us/join-our-team/