Every emotion, reaction, and behavior tells a story—and it begins deep within the brain and body. In this insightful and grounding session, we’ll explore the fascinating connection between the brain, the nervous system, and emotional regulation in early childhood.

Children’s ability to self-regulate doesn’t develop overnight; it’s nurtured through caring relationships and co-regulation with responsive adults. In this session led by Richard Cohen, M.A., we’ll trace how thoughts and feelings travel through the body to become actions—and what that means for the moments we share with young children each day.

You’ll gain a deeper understanding of:

• How the brain and nervous system work together to shape emotions and behavior.

• Why children’s “big feelings” are opportunities for connection, not correction.

• The difference between self-regulation and co-regulation—and the adult’s vital role in both.

• Practical, real-world strategies to help children (and yourself) move from dysregulation to calm.

This session will leave you with both the science and the heart of emotional regulation—equipping you with compassionate, neuroscience-informed tools to support young children’s social-emotional growth and your own well-being along the way.

RESOURCES

• Watch the full webinar here
• Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Most child care directors are trained to nurture children—not to crunch numbers. Yet without financial clarity, even the strongest programs can falter. In this high-impact session, bestselling authors and child care business experts Kate Woodward Young and Carrie Casey will show you how to shift from “hoping the bills get paid” to leading with confidence.

You’ll uncover three common blind spots that quietly drain centers of revenue and stability:

• Reading financial reports without fear—and knowing what really matters in a P&L.
• Forecasting with confidence, instead of reacting to every crisis.
• Using classroom-level data to make smart staffing and enrollment decisions.

Through quick-win demos and real-world examples, you’ll see how a single staffing shift can boost margins by 5–10%—and how the right tools can transform directors into financial leaders.

This session isn’t about becoming an accountant. It’s about gaining the clarity every director needs to safeguard their program, their team, and their future.

Walk away with practical tools you can use immediately, plus an exclusive invitation to dive deeper in our Masterclass on Child Care Finance for Directors—where we’ll equip you with the full system to thrive.

RESOURCES

• Watch the full webinar here
• Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, the Child Care Management Software

Observation is at the heart of effective early childhood practice, yet it is also an art—one that calls you to slow down, notice, and truly see the child before you. In this session, you’ll be invited to step into the role of a keen observer, sharpening your awareness and deepening your understanding of what unfolds in your learning environment each day.

We’ll begin by exploring the foundations of observation through the lens of Montessori pedagogy and philosophy, grounding you in the why behind this essential practice. You’ll learn how observation is defined in a Montessori context and consider its unique role as both a scientific and spiritual act—insights that can strengthen your practice in any early childhood setting. From there, we’ll move into the how—practical strategies for watching with intention, waiting with patience, and wondering with curiosity.

You’ll discover the many types of observation available and reflect on what can be observed: children’s choices, behaviors, interactions, developmental milestones, and the prepared environment itself. As you uncover these layers, you’ll begin to see how observation can transform not only your teaching but also your relationships with the children in your care.

Finally, we’ll explore what comes next—how to use your observations to guide practice, inform decision-making, and better meet the needs of each individual child. Along the way, you’ll be reminded of the profound benefits that emerge when you watch closely, wait thoughtfully, and wonder deeply.

Whether you’re new to early childhood education or a seasoned professional, this session will inspire you to refine your most valuable tool: the art of observation. You’ll walk away ready to see your children with fresh eyes and renewed understanding.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explore the foundations of observation within Montessori pedagogy and its relevance to all early childhood settings.

2. Develop practical strategies to observe with intention, patience, and curiosity.

3. Identify key aspects of children’s development, behavior, and environment that can be observed, along with different methods of observation.

4. Apply observations to guide practice, support teaching and learning, and strengthen relationships with children.

RESOURCES

• Watch the full webinar here
• Check out the producer of ECI, Playground, theChild Care Management Software