Professional Development Programs

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 Educators

These 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

Register Here

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 Practice

This 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. 
Flexible Attendance:
Participants are welcome to attend any sessions that fit their schedule. While the sessions build upon each other, each one also stands on its own and can be taken individually.

Missed a Session?
Recordings will be available so you can catch up at your convenience.

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

Register Here

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 2025-2026

This 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.   
How it Works:
Step 1: Complete a 1-hour asynchronous online PD module at your own pace. 
Step 2: Join a live virtual meeting to reflect, collaborate, and expand on what you’ve learned.

Choose Your Meeting Time: 
2nd Tuesday of each month | 7:30–8:30 PM CT 
2nd Thursday of each month | 1:00–2:00 PM CT 
Whether you're just beginning to explore nature-based learning or looking to grow your existing practice, this series offers meaningful insights and supportive community connections—all grounded in research and real-world experience. Let nature inspire your teaching—inside and out!

Online

No cost for live

1.0

Yes - no credit awarded for recording

Register Here for Tuesday Meetings

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

Register Here for Thursday Meetings

 

 

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.