Nebraska Extension’s Early Childhood Team is excited to offer a variety of online and in-person classes designed to meet the needs of the Early Childhood Workforce. All classes that are open to the public are available to everyone, regardless of location, background or experience. If you are interested in customized training for your program or have any questions, please contact Katie for more information. Katie is available for customized training within Douglas and Sarpy counties as well as statewide and nationally, depending on topic area and availability.
Available Classes and Training
Professional Development Dates
Date | Time | Topic | Type | Cost | Hours | Recording | Registration |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
08/28, 09/04, 09/11 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm Central Time | Lunch and Learn - Cultivating Calm: Mindfulness Practices for Early Childhood EducatorsThese sessions are designed for early childhood professionals and explores how simple, accessible mindfulness practices can support emotional regulation, reduce burnout, and cultivate nurturing classroom environments. Each session blends personal reflection with practical strategies for introducing mindfulness to young children. | Online | No cost for live | 1.0 | Yes - for credit with fee | |
Tuesdays, September 2 - November 11 09/02, 09/09. 09/16, 09/23, 09/30, 10/07, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/04 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm Central Time | Lunch and Learn - Play-Based Learning in PracticeThis series will dive into pedagogical foundations, best practices, thoughtfully designed environments, and practical activity ideas that support children's growth through play. Each session will highlight core concepts and real-world strategies, while also incorporating topics of interest chosen by participants. Whether you're new to play-based learning or looking to deepen your practice, you'll leave each session with inspiration and tools you can immediately apply. Missed a Session? Together, we’ll explore how to create meaningful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate experiences that honor the whole child—through the lens of play. | Online | No cost for live | 1.0 | Yes - for credit with fee | |
2nd Tuesday of the month 08/12, 09/09, 10/14, 11/11, 12/09, 01/13, 02/10, 03/10, 04/14, 05/12 | 7:30 - 8:30 pm Central Time | Inside Outside 2025-2026This year’s Inside Outside Meetings will center around the LEAF Initiative’s Nature-Based Learning Professional Development Series. Each month, participants will engage in a blended learning experience designed to deepen understanding and practical application of nature-based education. Choose Your Meeting Time: | Online | No cost for live | 1.0 | Yes - no credit awarded for recording | |
2nd Thursday of the month 08/14, 09/11, 10/16, 11/13, 12/11, 01/15, 02/12, 03/12, 04/16, 05/14 | 1:00 - 2:00 pm Central Time | Online | No cost for live | 1.0 | Yes - no credit awarded for recording |
Customized Training
Customized training is available for staff development days, evening programs, family events, conferences or any other type of large or small group seeking to learn more about quality care and education for young children. The training can be held at the Douglas County Extension office or at another location of your choice. Training is also available in all of the Nebraska Department of Education Early Learning Guidelines Domains.
Training Examples
Examples of some of the training topics you can chose from, or request to have modified to fit the specific needs of your group, is listed below.
The Cure for Cabin Fever: Indoor and Outdoor Activities for Young Children in the Winter
Gardening with Young Children
Handling Difficult Behaviors
Look Who’s Hatching: Exploring Oviparous (egg laying) Animals with Young Children
Week of the Young Child Celebration
STEM in Early Childhood
Documenting Children’s Learning: Creating Meaningful Portfolios with Limited Time
Real Colors®, for the Early Childhood Educator
Follow the Leader: Rethinking Children’s Role in the Classroom
Extreme Makeover: Classroom Edition!
Explore the Outdoors Through Your 5 Senses
Program fees vary depending on the topic and supply needs, but typically range between $50 and $75 per hour. Mileage is included for any programs within Douglas, Sarpy and Cass counties.
Please feel free to contact Katie Krause with any additional questions or if you are interested in more information.