Are you considering starting an early childhood business? Let's learn how to take your small business from the idea phase to launch.

In this session presented by business consultant, website designer, and trainer, Chelsea Denny from Early Childhood Creative, you’ll learn the steps required to set up your for-profit business and make it official. Topics covered include business entities, insurance, financials, marketing, and more.

You'll leave this session with a better understanding of what is required to form your for-profit business legally and how to protect yourself from liability. You'll also understand what is considered best practice in operating a new business and what the most common mistakes are.

The content covered will be most applicable to for-profit, service-based businesses operating in the United States, including childcare, private schools, coaches, consultants, and trainers. If operating outside of the United States, there may be different names and terminology, but the general information will still apply. If operating a non-profit, the general best practices will still apply.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Participants will be able to outline the process required to start a legal business in the United States.
2. Participants will be able to discuss common terminology related to starting a business.
3. Participants will be able to identify three components to consider when developing a business plan.
4. Participants will be able to name and describe the legal structures of for-profit businesses and how they generally relate to taxes, liability, and strategic planning.

All content shared is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

RESOURCES

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

Facing cold, wet, or snowy weather? No need to stay indoors! In this engaging session, you’ll learn how to prepare for cold weather play so children can enjoy it in safety and comfort—and how to thrive as you discover the wondrous possibilities of all kinds of weather.

Join Kirsten Haugen, Research Director for Dimensions Educational Research Foundation, and Early Learning Consultant at Nature Explore for a practical and inspiring exploration of outdoor play in the cold months. Discover how real-world programs not only cope with snow, rain, and wind but embrace it through thoughtful preparation, clear communication, creative scheduling, innovative use of materials, and—most importantly—a shift in mindset that makes it all possible. You’ll hear inspiring stories and practical ideas for playing in snow, rain, wind, and mud, as well as guidance on supporting holistic learning, honoring children’s agency, partnering with families, and caring for the adults who care for children. We’ll even unpack the “dark side” of the familiar phrase, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.”

Join us for a cool and captivating opportunity to:

· Witness the benefits of cold-weather play
· Embrace an attitude shift
· Prepare with confidence and awareness
· Make time for winter play
· Adopt cold-weather comforts
· Expand possibilities with your space and materials
· Support the well-being of educators and caregivers

Whether you’re in a snowy climate or a region with rain and wind, you’ll leave ready to expand possibilities for outdoor learning and embrace the beauty of every season.

RESOURCES

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

Working in early care and education requires you to show up every day with your whole heart, and sometimes, that heart can feel stretched thin. This session is an invitation to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the deep purpose behind your work. Join author and educational consultant Christina Fecio in this session inspired by her latest book, Small Things, Great Love, where you'll explore simple, heartfelt practices that transform everyday moments into something meaningful. You don't need more time or a longer to-do list—just a gentle reminder to reclaim simplicity and joy.

Done with great love, these small things are the key to nurturing children's well-being while also protecting your own. Together we'll rediscover the power of presence, the impact of noticing, and the importance of small gestures that build trust and connection. You'll also learn how to offer that same care to yourself through intentional language and mindset. This is intended to be joyful work—and joy is something we can choose, protect, and practice. Come as you are and leave with fresh energy, practical ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose in the work only you can do.

What you'll take from this session:

• Identify simple, everyday practices that support children's sense of safety, connection, and belonging. Participants will explore how small, intentional actions care create meaningful moments that nurture child well-being.
  
• Describe strategies for protecting and replenishing your own sense of joy and purpose in early care and education work. Participants will learn how to apply affirming language and self-reflective tools that promote personal resilience and wellbeing.
  
• Recognize the importance of presence, noticing, and relational gestures as leadership and teaching tools. Participants will deepen their understanding of how small acts—done with great love—can build trust, strengthen relationships, and uplift your team or classroom culture.

RESOURCES

• Watch the full webinar session here
• Check out Playground the Child Care Management Software

How has the digital age—and the lasting impact of COVID—reshaped the way children build social and emotional skills? This foundational session explores how early childhood environments can foster critical competencies for young learners in today’s evolving world.

Led by Brian J. Puerling, MS, NBCT—author of Teaching in the Digital Age for Preschool and Kindergarten, and recipient of the PBS Innovative Educator Award—this session blends developmental theory with practical strategies to help educators reset classroom rhythms, rebuild connection, and cultivate essential SEL skills. Brian brings deep experience as an early childhood specialist, former preschool teacher, and national consultant for Sesame Workshop, PBS, and Nickelodeon.

This is the first session in a two-part series and lays the groundwork for more advanced practices explored in Part 2. Participants are encouraged to register for both webinars to gain a complete toolkit for supporting SEL in early learning.

Key Takeaways:
• Understand the lingering social-emotional effects of COVID on young learners.
• Identify strategies to promote collaboration and shared problem-solving.
• Foster identity development and critical thinking in young children.
• Enhance meaningful communication in both digital and in-person contexts.

Watch the full session here: https://ecewebinars.com/social-emotional-spotify

Introducing Early Childhood Investigations to the Pod-World! You may have joined one of our hundreds of webinars over the past 17 years, and now you can bring us on the go!

These sessions are your gateway to inspiring, research-based professional development. Since 2009, our free series has brought together world-class authors, researchers, and experts in early care and education to share timely insights and spark meaningful conversations across the workforce.

All of our session are free thanks to our producer, Playground the Child Care Management Software designed to early educators.

If you want to earn your professional development hours with us, you can join our live sessions at ecewebinars.com/spotify

You can also learn more about Playground at ecewebinars.com/playground-spotify

In this engaging webinar, Samuel Brodin discusses the transition from control-based practices to collaborative approaches in early childhood education. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection for educators, the impact of language on classroom dynamics, and the necessity of viewing children as capable individuals. By fostering collaboration with both children and families, educators can create a supportive and engaging learning environment. The session highlights practical strategies for letting go of control, understanding children's needs, and adapting teaching methods to enhance the educational experience.

Key Takeaways

- Self-reflection is crucial for educators to improve their practice.

- Viewing children as capable individuals fosters a collaborative environment.

- Language used in the classroom can influence children's behavior and self-perception.

- Letting go of control can lead to a more engaging and supportive classroom.

- Collaboration with children enhances their learning experience and autonomy.

- Creating a safe space for children to express themselves is essential.

- Involving families in the educational process strengthens community ties.

- Understanding children's needs helps in managing classroom dynamics effectively.

- Flexibility in teaching methods can accommodate children's energy levels.

- Educators should continuously reflect on their practices and adapt to better serve children.

See episode information here: https://ecewebinars.com/44UfEEq