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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Meeting Monthly, September through April
| 1pm and 7pm CT - join us for one (or both!) | Inside Outside Community of LearnersThe Inside Outside Community of Learners is a welcoming space for connection, collaboration, and shared learning for anyone interested in nature-based education. Whether you are an experienced nature-based educator or just beginning your journey, you'll find a supportive community where everyone's experiences are valued. Each session includes a brief introduction to a relevant topic, with most of the time dedicated to small-group conversations where participants share ideas, ask questions, discuss challenges, and learn from one another. Join us to connect with fellow educators, gain practical ideas, and be inspired in your nature-based learning journey | Online | No cost | 1 hour of in-service credit awarded for each meeting you participate in | No | |
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.
Self-paced Courses
Early Childhood Online Professional Development Course
Nebraska Extension's Early Childhood Team offers a wide variety of professional development classes geared towards adults caring for children ages birth to 8.
To help make these classes as accessible as possible, we are proud to offer asynchronous options such as recorded webinars and classes.
FALL 2025 classes include:
Cultivating Calm - 3 hours of content PLUS the opportunity to earn an additional 2 hours for completing ‘putting into practice’ activities.
Play Based Learning in Practice - 10 hours of content PLUS the opportunity to earn at least 5 additional hours for completing the ‘putting into practice’ activities
Total - 20 hours of NDE approved DHHS in-service hours will be available by mid-December!!
The classes are ‘work at your own pace’
Cost: $25 for access