Early Learning Events

The Seeds of Change: Early Education Initiative presents

Planting Seeds: Reimagining Early Care and Education Summit

Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Kingdom Kids EEC
202 E. Main St.
Adrian, MO 64720

Training Description

This session builds teachers’ foundational understanding of how a research-informed early learning curriculum is structured—and why play is central to how children learn. This is session one of two, but each session can be taken independently.

Two Missouri clock hours will be given. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Franklin P. Norman Community Center
200 N. Ash St.
Nevada, MO 64772

Training Description

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Mid-America Regional Council
600 Broadway
Kansas City, MO 64105

Training Description

This training explores how early childhood educators serve as the starting point of ripples that reach far beyond the classroom. Using Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory and Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, we will dive into the ways classroom practices shape children's cognitive growth.

Three Missouri clock hours will be given. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Franklin P. Norman Community Center
200 N. Ash St.
Nevada, MO 64772

Training Description

Tuesday, March 10, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Little Hands Great Minds LLC
2641 South Hub Drive
Independence, MO 64055

Training Description

This session builds teachers’ foundational understanding of how a research-informed early learning curriculum is structured—and why play is central to how children learn. It is part one of the "Let Them Play" training set. Attending both is helpful but not mandatory.

Two Missouri clock hours will be given. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
 

Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Franklin P. Norman Community Center
200 N. Ash St.
Nevada, MO 64772

Training Description

As the saying goes, "There's no bad weather, just bad clothing." This interactive course will engage participants to consider their current outdoor routines and how they would want to increase their outdoor time. We will consider a variety of outdoor spaces and review the weather guidelines. We will review DRDP and NAEYC as guidance along with the knowledge in the room to plan a variety of outdoor activities.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Kingdom Kids EEC
202 E. Main St.
Adrian, MO 64720

Training Description

Tuesday, April 14, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Little Hands Great Minds LLC
2641 South Hub Drive
Independence, MO 64055

Training Description

This session focuses on daily execution: planning, prepping, observing and communicating with families—all grounded in the idea that intentional play drives learning. It is part two of the "Let Them Play" training set. Part one is helpful but not mandatory.

Two Missouri clock hours will be given. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.