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.

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Early Childhood Professional Learning and Illinois STAR NET Statewide Calendar

Statewide Calendar
January through June 2021

AT-A-GLANCE CALENDAR

Statewide Calendar

Administrators' Forum 2020

The Illinois State Board of Education sponsored an Administrators' Forum for Preschool for All (PFA) and Preschool for All Expansion (PFAE) Administrators, a virtual conference that was coordinated by The Center: Early Childhood Professional Learning. The Forum consisted of six sessions.

Links to the recording of each session, handouts, and resources can be found here.

ISBE

Learning at Home

Our latest resource for Illinois preschool teachers and families Learning at Home. 

These At Home and On the Go activities were created by The Center: Resources for Teaching and Learning in collaboration with a group of teachers, family specialists, and parents. They support the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards.

Learning at Home
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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.

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Services

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.

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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.

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Resources

Resources

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

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WIDA Early Years

WIDA Early Years

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.

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Learning at Home

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.

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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.

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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)

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