Uncovering the Secrets to Joyful Early Literacy Cohort 2025-26
2025-11-03 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-10 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-17 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-24 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-01 15:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Virtual
Join us for a seven part virtual cohort designed to deepen your knowledge and instructional practices in early literacy development, with a focus on young children ages 3–5 and an emphasis on supporting students with IEPs. This event offers engaging, research-informed content, collaborative discussion, and practical strategies to strengthen foundational literacy skills for all learners in inclusive settings.
Participants will gain:

A deeper understanding of how literacy skills emerge in early childhood
Tools and strategies for implementing developmentally appropriate, evidence-based practices
Guidance on individualizing instruction to meet the needs of children with disabilities
Opportunities to collaborate with peers, reflect on practice, and plan for classroom application

Audience: This is a statewide event and is open to all Early Childhood general and special education professionals
Presenter: Nicole Aldworth, CESA #2 Literacy & Math Early Learning Specialist
All meeting times are 3:30 – 4:30pm – Participants must attend all sessions.
November 3, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 17, 2025
December 8, 2025
January 5, 2026
January 12, 2026
January 26, 2026
Registration will close at midnight on 10/27/25 — Login information will be provided to registrants on the day of each meeting.

This no cost cohort is offered through the Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation Grant funded through the WI Department of Public Instruction.
The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this event and for the continued support of this federally-funded grant project.

Statewide Boot Camp 2.0 For Early Childhood Special Education Teachers 2025-26
2025-11-03 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
Are you a second or third-year early childhood special education teacher? Are you feeling comfortable in your role, but still need and want to learn more about certain topics? This ongoing professional learning experience is the perfect opportunity!
This series will provide you with a deeper knowledge on a variety of topics and opportunities to engage in conversations with your colleagues from across the state. Sessions may include guest speakers from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and practitioners in the field. You will receive information, resources, and statewide connections to support you throughout the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.
Attendance at all sessions is expected. All sessions 3:30PM – 4:30PM.
September 30, 2025
October 15, 2025
November 3, 2025
December 10, 2025
January 8, 2026
January 27, 2026
February 9, 2026
Registration deadline: 9/26/25
The login information will be provided to attendees prior to the training, and a Certificate of Completion will be provided at the end of the series.
Topics:

SEL and challenging behaviors
Teaching neurodiverse preschoolers
Using evidence-based teaching practices
Classroom schedules and routines
Understanding and using Indicator 6 & 7
Evaluations and IEPs

Audience: Second or third year early childhood special education teachers, or ECSE teachers who have completed Boot Camp 1.0.
Presenter: Sandy Miller, WI Statewide Early Learning Technical Assistance Specialist (ELTAI)

The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this federally-funded grant project.

The Language of Behavior Cohort: Practical & Proactive Strategies for Early Learners 2025-26
2025-11-03 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-10 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-17 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-24 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-01 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
Through engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and reflective practices, participants will:

explore behavior as a form of communication in our youngest learners
delve into early social-emotional developmental milestones and the brain science behind regulation
focus on how to identify root causes
be equipped with proactive, practical strategies

By the end of the cohort, participants will be able to confidently implement strategies that foster positive, engaging learning environments and create skill-based instructional plans.
REGISTER HERE – Registration deadline: October 3, 2025 — Login information will be provided to registrants prior to each meeting.
All meeting times are 3:30 – 4:30pm – Participants must attend all sessions.
Session Dates & Topics:
October 13, 2025 The Science of Behavior
October 20, 2025 Curiosity
October 27, 2025 Task Analysis and Environmental Supports
November 3, 2025 Understanding Regulation
November 10, 2025 Understanding Social Development and the Power of Play
November 17, 2025 Understanding Expression and Choice
November 24, 2025 Co-Planning and Implementation
If participants can not commit to attending all seven sessions in this cohort series, this same training is being offered beginning January 27, 2026.
Audience: This is a statewide event and is open to anyone who works with young children and wants to learn new teacher strategies. All Early Learning Educators and Related Service Providers will benefit from this cohort.
This no-cost cohort is offered through the Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation Grant funded through the WI Department of Public Instruction.
The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this event and for the continued support of this federally-funded grant project.

Evidence-Based Improvement Strategies in Early Childhood 2025-26
2025-11-04 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-12-01 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
Would you like to learn new teaching strategies to use with your students? Evidence-Based Improvement Strategies (EBIS) are teaching methods, strategies, and interventions that have been scientifically proven to be effective. EBIS are based on research and are intended to help teachers provide students with high-quality instruction. EBIS can help improve student outcomes and take the guesswork out of teaching by providing specific approaches.
Each month, we will explore a specific EBIS that is effective with preschoolers. We will look at the components of that EBIS, how to implement it with fidelity, look at it in action, how to evaluate its effectiveness, and many other aspects. Several resources will also be provided for each specific EBIS. If you are interested in learning new teaching methods and strategies, this is the place to be.
All meeting times: 3:30PM-4:30PM. Register for all sessions that you wish to attend.
Please register by 3:00 PM the day before the session you wish to attend to ensure you receive the login information in time.
REGISTER HERE
Topics:

Reinforcement (October 6, 2025)
Time Delay (November 4, 2025)
Visual Supports (December 1, 2025)
Task Analysis (January 6, 2026)
Social Narratives (February 4, 2026)
AAC (March 4, 2026)

All events are offered virtually and at no cost. (EL-TAI grant covers the cost for attendees.)
Audience: This is a statewide event and is open to anyone who works with young children and wants to learn new teacher strategies. The focus will be on children ages 3-5.

The Early Learning and Technical Assistance and Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this federally-funded grant project.

EC CCR IEP Cohort 2025-26
2025-11-05 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-12 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
Participants will dig deep into each step of the IEP process and apply the information learned to their own IEPs. Participants are encouraged to have a general overview of the CCR IEP process.
Each session: 3:30-4:30 PM (attendees must be able to attend ALL six sessions)
October 8, October 15, October 22, November 5, November 12, November 19
REGISTER HERE
Topics will include:

Best practices in developing IEPs for children ages 3-6
Developing Early Childhood IEPs designed to improve access, engagement, and progress for young learners
Use of the WI Model Early Learning Standards and age anchoring tools in IEP development
Integrating early childhood indicators into the IEP process

There is no-cost to attend.
Audience: This is a statewide event and is open to all Early childhood special education teachers, related service providers, and administrators.
Important Notes:

This cohort will be capped at 50 registrants to allow for rich discussion and interaction.
Registration deadline: October 1 2025 (or when at the 50 registrant capacity)
Registrants will receive login information and materials prior to the workshop.
This is a repeat of the 2024-2025 series.

Presenter: Michelle Ogorek
WI Statewide Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
Department of Public Instruction IDEA Discretionary Grant

The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this federally-funded grant project.

Book Study: From Behaving to Belonging - Series 1, 5 Sessions
2025-11-06 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-18 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
In From Behaving to Belonging, Julie Causton and Kate MacLeod detail how teachers can shift from a “behavior management” mindset (that punishes students for “bad” behavior or rewards students for “good” or “compliant” behavior) to an approach that supports all students—even the most challenging ones—with kindness, creativity, acceptance, and love.
Challenging behavior is one of the most significant issues educators face. Though it may seem radical to use words like love, compassion, and heart when we talk about behavior and discipline, the compassionate and heartfelt words, actions, and strategies teachers employ in the classroom directly shape who students are—and who they will become. Learn how teaching from the heart can translate into effective supports and practices for students who exhibit challenging behavior.

Registration deadline: September 19, 2025, or when registration is at capacity.
There will be a waiting list for Series 1, 5 sessions, OR you may register for Series 2, 5 sessions.
This is a no-cost event.
All participants will receive a copy of “From Behaving to Belonging: The Inclusive Art of Supporting Students Who Challenge Us,” and an additional resource.

Be sure to complete the address information upon registration. The address provided will be where the books are mailed.

Read chapters assigned to each session so that individual journaling & reflection activities are completed prior to the virtual group session.
During the virtual group sessions, participants will reflect and share ideas.

When registering, participants must commit to and attend all virtual session dates in the series.
REGISTER HERE
All sessions are 3:30PM – 4:30PM. The login information will be provided to attendees prior to the session.
SERIES 1:
October 21, 2025
November 6, 2025
November 18, 2025
December 4, 2025
December 16, 2025
Series 2 dates are: January 13, 2026; January 26, 2026; February 12, 2026; February 26, 2026; March 12, 2026) To register for Series 2 and commit to attending all Series 2 sessions, click HERE.
Audience: This is a statewide event and is open to all EC Special Education and regular education teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals, related service providers, and pupil services staff
Content questions: Kurstin Kolodziej (kkolodziej@cesa9.org) or Krista Johnson (kjohnson@cesa3.org)

The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this federally-funded grant project.

Statewide Boot Camp 1.0 For New Early Childhood Special Education Teachers 2025-26
2025-11-10 15:30 - 16:30, 2025-11-24 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
If this is your first or second year of teaching early childhood special education, and you need some support to boost your confidence in your career working with preschool children with IEPs and their families, register now for this online professional learning experience. You will receive information, resources and statewide connections to support you throughout the 2025-2026 school year and beyond.
Attendance at all sessions is expected. All sessions 3:30PM-4:30PM.
September 29, 2025
October 13, 2025
October 27, 2025
November 10, 2025
November 24, 2025
December 8, 2025
January 12, 2026
Registration deadline: 9/22/25
The login information will be provided to attendees prior to the training, and a Certificate of Completion will be provided at the end of the series.
Topics:

EC IEPs/specifically designed instruction
Preschool educational environments (Indicator 6)
Social, emotional and behavioral tips and tricks
Comprehensive evaluations
Teaming and collaboration
Child outcomes (Indicator 7)
Early literacy

Audience: First or second year early childhood special education teachers
Presenter: Cindy Prendergast, WI Statewide Early Learning Technical Assistance Specialist (ELTAI)

The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this federally-funded grant project.

Early Childhood Indicator 6 & 7 Learning Sessions 2025-26
2025-11-11 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
These training sessions are great for new ECSE teachers and related service providers. Each session will focus on various aspects of EC Indicators.
Register for all sessions that you wish to attend. You MUST register at least one week prior to the meeting date that you wish to attend in order to receive all informational emails and documents!
REGISTER HERE
All meeting times: 3:30PM-4:30PM. Login information will be provided to registrants prior to each meeting.
October 7, 2025 – Indicator 6: Preschool Educational Environments – The Basics

What is Indicator 6?
Determine accurate coding.
WISEdata reporting.

October 21, 2025 – Indicator 7: Child Outcomes – The Basics

What is Indicator 7?
Who is included in Indicator 7?
Learn how to collect data and report on it.

November 11, 2025 – Indicator 7: Child Outcomes – The Age Anchoring and the Rating Process

What do the ratings mean?
Determine accurate ratings.
Learn how to utilize age anchoring.

January 20, 2026 – Indicator 6: Preschool Educational Environments – Examine State and Local Data

Examine data for state, local, and inclusive practices.
Learn how to use the data.
Learn how to connect to high-quality quality inclusive practices.

January 27, 2026 – Indicator 7: Child Outcomes – What Does the Data Tell Us?

Learn how to get your data.
Determine what the data is telling you.
Learn how to use your data for programming decisions.

Audience: This is a statewide event and is open to all Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, Related Service Providers, Directors of Special Education, as well as any staff involved in EC Indicator data collection and reporting.

The Early Learning and Technical Assistance and Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this federally-funded grant project.

Early Literacy Learning Series: Supports & Strategies for Students with Significant Needs
2025-11-12 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
All meeting times: 3:30PM-4:30PM
Register for all sessions that you wish to attend.
October 22, 2025
Using Early Literacy as a Vehicle to Meeting IEP Goals for Students with Significant Needs
Presenters: Nicole Aldworth, Janet Budney, Sandy Miller
November 12, 2025
Specifically Designed Instruction Through the Lens of Early Literacy
Presenters: Nicole Aldworth, Janet Budney, Sandy Miller
December 17, 2025
Exploring Assistive Technology Tools to Support Students with the Most Significant Needs in Accessing Early Literacy Activities
Presenters: Stacy Duffy and Kathy White
January 7, 2026
Supporting and Engaging Neuro-Diverse Children in Early Literacy
Presenter: Katie Berg
Audience: This is a statewide event and is open to all Early Childhood Special Education teachers, Related Services providers, 4K and 5K General Education teachers.
You can join all of the sessions or choose the ones you want. Register at least one week before each session to receive login information.
REGISTER HERE
The login information will be provided to registrants before each meeting.
All events are offered at no cost – the EL-TAI grant covers the cost for attendees.

The Early Learning and Technical Assistance and Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this federally-funded grant project.

Big Feelings, Bright Futures: Understanding, Responding, and Teaching Emotional Skills in Early Childhood (CESA 12)
2025-11-13 08:30 - 15:30 | CESA 12, 101 Lake Shore Dr W, Ashland, WI, United States
If you work with early learners, be sure to join CESA 12 for this dynamic early learning event focused on addressing behavior.
Do you feel like you are dealing with challenging behavior all the time and struggling to find time to teach content? Are you looking for new ideas or strategies to add to your “tool box”?
Participants will strengthen their understanding of the following concepts:

How adult perceptions of behavior and regulation impacts meaningful instruction (connection before curriculum)
Creating supportive environments by using collaboration/teaming and universal practices as a foundation for learning
Implementing evidence-based improvement strategies to intentionally teach lagging social-emotional skills

Participants will walk away with tools and practical strategies that can be implemented to support improved social-emotional skills, academic outcomes, AND reduce behaviors that adults find challenging.
Audience: Early childhood special education administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pupil services staff, Head Start administrators and staff, child care professionals. Individuals and teams are encouraged to attend.
Cost: $75/person (lunch will be provided). Each participant will receive a “Building a Positive and Supportive Classroom” trifold, an adult regulation goody bag, and choose either a Prevent-Teach-Reinforce book, or a Cara’s Kit.
Location:
Northwoods Technical College
2100 Beaser Ave
Ashland, WI 54806
REGISTER HERE Registration closes: 10/30/25 at 10AM.
Check in begins at 8AM on 11/13/25.
The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development for the continued support of this federally-funded grant project.

Big Feelings, Bright Futures: Understanding, Responding, and Teaching Emotional Skills in Early Childhood (CESA 11)
2025-11-14 08:30 - 15:30 | CESA 11, 225 Ostermann Dr, Turtle Lake, WI, United States
If you work with early learners, be sure to join CESA 11 for this dynamic early learning event focused on addressing behavior.
Do you feel like you are dealing with challenging behavior all the time and struggling to find time to teach content? Are you looking for new ideas or strategies to add to your “tool box”?
Participants will strengthen their understanding of the following concepts:

How adult perceptions of behavior and regulation impacts meaningful instruction (connection before curriculum)
Creating supportive environments by using collaboration/teaming and universal practices as a foundation for learning
Implementing evidence-based improvement strategies to intentionally teach lagging social-emotional skills

Participants will walk away with tools and practical strategies that can be implemented to support improved social-emotional skills, academic outcomes, AND reduce behaviors that adults find challenging.
Audience: Early childhood special education administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pupil services staff, Head Start administrators and staff, child care professionals. Individuals and teams are encouraged to attend.
Cost: $75/person (lunch will be provided). Each participant will receive a “Building a Positive and Supportive Classroom” trifold, an adult regulation goody bag, and choose either a Prevent-Teach-Reinforce book, or a Cara’s Kit.
Location:
CESA 11
225 Ostermann Dr
Turtle Lake, WI 54889
REGISTER HERE Registration closes: 10/30/25 at 10AM.
Check in begins at 8AM on 11/14/25.
The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development for the continued support of this federally-funded grant project.

Pathways to Quality Conference
2025-11-15

Developmentally Appropriate Early Literacy for Children With Disabilities: Community of Practice
2025-11-18 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
This collaborative space is designed to foster professional dialogue, shared learning, and reflective practice around the unique opportunities and challenges involved in delivering high-quality, accessible literacy instruction to young learners with disabilities.
Participants will:

Engage in collaborative problem-solving grounded in field-based challenges
Discuss research-informed practices and how they can be implemented in inclusive settings
Share resources, tools, and ideas that support accessible and developmentally appropriate early literacy instruction
Reflect on outcomes and refine practices

Participants are asked to join all sessions to deepen discussion and build community within the group. Each session will focus on a problem of practice drawn from participants’ real-world experiences. Whether you’re just beginning this journey or have years of experience, your voice and insights are welcomed and valued.
All meeting times: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Must attend all sessions: October 28, 2025; November 18, 2025; January 27, 2026; February 17, 2026
Registration deadline: October 15, 2025
REGISTER HERE
Audience: This is a statewide event and is open to all Early Childhood general and special education professionals.
The login information will be provided to registrants prior to each meeting.
Presenters: Nicole Aldworth and Janet Budney (please click HERE to read bios on Nicole and Janet)
All events are offered at no cost – the EL-TAI grant covers the cost for attendees.

The Early Learning and Technical Assistance and Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development of this federally-funded grant project.

4K Connection Call Series
2025-11-19 15:30 - 16:30
Download Flyer Registration Link

Early Childhood Paraprofessional Learning Series 2025-26
2025-11-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Virtual
Paraprofessionals play a vital role in supporting student success in inclusive early childhood classrooms. This series will explore topics to provide even more valuable insights!
Attendance at all sessions is expected. Login information will be provided prior to each session.
REGISTER HERE – Registration deadline: 10/21/25
Each session: 3:30-4:30 PM
Session dates:

October 28, 2025
November 19, 2025
December 15, 2025
January 20, 2026
February 23, 2026
March 16, 2026
April 22, 2026

Topics include:

The role of the Paraprofessional in an inclusive early learning setting
Special Education basics
Inclusion 101
Providing Academic & Behavior supports
Promoting independence
And many other valuable takeaways!

Audience: Paraprofessionals working with Early Childhood Special Education students in inclusive settings. (This is a repeat of previous years’ Inclusive EC Paraprofessional Series.)

The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development for the continued support of this federally-funded grant project.

Big Feelings, Bright Futures: Understanding, Responding, and Teaching Emotional Skills in Early Childhood (CESA 4)
2025-11-20 08:30 - 15:30 | CESA 4, 923 Garland St E, West Salem, WI, United States
If you work with early learners, be sure to join CESA 4 for this dynamic early learning event focused on addressing behavior.
Do you feel like you are dealing with challenging behavior all the time and struggling to find time to teach content? Are you looking for new ideas or strategies to add to your “tool box”?
Participants will strengthen their understanding of the following concepts:

How adult perceptions of behavior and regulation impacts meaningful instruction (connection before curriculum)
Creating supportive environments by using collaboration/teaming and universal practices as a foundation for learning
Implementing evidence-based improvement strategies to intentionally teach lagging social-emotional skills

Participants will walk away with tools and practical strategies that can be implemented to support improved social-emotional skills, academic outcomes, AND reduce behaviors that adults find challenging.
Audience: Early childhood special education administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pupil services staff, Head Start administrators and staff, child care professionals. Individuals and teams are encouraged to attend.
Cost: $75/person (lunch will be provided). Each participant will receive a “Building a Positive and Supportive Classroom” trifold, an adult regulation goody bag, and choose either a Prevent-Teach-Reinforce book, or a Cara’s Kit.
Location:
CESA 4
923 Garland St E
West Salem, WI 54669
REGISTER HERE Registration closes: 11/6/25 at 10AM.
Check in begins at 8AM on 11/20/25.
The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development for the continued support of this federally-funded grant project.

Big Feelings, Bright Futures: Understanding, Responding, and Teaching Emotional Skills in Early Childhood (CESA 5)
2025-11-21 08:30 - 15:30 | CESA 5, 626 E Slifer St, Portage, WI, 53901, United States
If you work with early learners, be sure to join CESA 5 for this dynamic early learning event focused on addressing behavior.
Do you feel like you are dealing with challenging behavior all the time and struggling to find time to teach content? Are you looking for new ideas or strategies to add to your “tool box”?
Participants will strengthen their understanding of the following concepts:

How adult perceptions of behavior and regulation impacts meaningful instruction (connection before curriculum)
Creating supportive environments by using collaboration/teaming and universal practices as a foundation for learning
Implementing evidence-based improvement strategies to intentionally teach lagging social-emotional skills

Participants will walk away with tools and practical strategies that can be implemented to support improved social-emotional skills, academic outcomes, AND reduce behaviors that adults find challenging.
Audience: Early childhood special education administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, related service providers, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, pupil services staff, Head Start administrators and staff, child care professionals. Individuals and teams are encouraged to attend.
Cost: $75/person (lunch will be provided). Each participant will receive a “Building a Positive and Supportive Classroom” trifold, an adult regulation goody bag, and choose either a Prevent-Teach-Reinforce book, or a Cara’s Kit.
Location:
CESA 5
626 E Slifer St
Portage, WI 53901
REGISTER HERE Registration closes: 11/6/25 at 10AM.
Check in begins at 8AM on 11/21/25.
The Early Learning Technical Assistance & Implementation grant CFDA# 84.173A acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WDPI) in the development for the continued support of this federally-funded grant project.
