ESD 113’s Evening Series will meet once monthly for four 3-hour sessions, a total of 12 instructional hours for Kindergarten and PreK staff focused on Child Development, Learning Environments, and Learning Centers in a Full-Day environment. Created by OSPI in collaboration with Eva Phillips (author of Basics of Developmentally Appropriate Practice: An Introduction for Teachers of Kindergartners) and Janet Collier Capital Region ESD 113, the three professional development modules are designed to be used in trainings with PreK and Kindergarten teachers. Presenters: Thurston School District’s Jana Brock and Jane Partridge, ESD 113 Early Learning Coordinator.

Child Development

Understanding the typical patterns of growth and development in young children is essential to planning effective, appropriate and engaging learning environments and experiences for all young children. The information found within this professional development module serves as foundational knowledge for all those working with or on behalf of kindergarten age children.

Learning Environments

In this module, teachers will learn important tips and strategies for creating inviting, engaging and appropriate learning environments for all children. The major components of effective learning environments will be explored, including the physical space, materials, furniture and equipment, as well as the daily schedule, routines and the interpersonal relationships and interactions between and among teachers, children and families. Strategies will also be discussed for meeting the needs of children with developmental delays, English Language Learners, children who are highly capable and those with physical and other special needs.

Learning Centers

The learning center professional development module helps teachers to understand the importance of creating an engaging physical classroom environment that is structured around the incorporation of learning centers as a key to a high quality instruction in kindergarten. This module will focus on how active learning through play and well-designed learning centers can help children develop self-regulation skills, language and literacy skills, and mathematics concepts as well as the integration of skills in all other content areas and developmental domains.