CCR&R offers training throughout the year for child care professionals to help enhance the quality of child care provided in Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, Moultrie, and Shelby counties.
All legally operating programs listed on the CCR&R database may apply to receive Professional Development Funds. These funds are available to support the individual pursuit of professional development in early care and education and school-age care and are funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS).
In partnership with Eastern Illinois Child Care Resource and Referral, the Illinois Department of Human Services is providing funds to assist child care practitioners to achieve First Aid (FA)/Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification. Funding is limited and is done on a reimbursement basis.
Below you will find the training descriptions, dates, and times. Please sign up one week prior to the date the training is being held.
02/18/2026-RECOGNIZING AND REPORTING CHILD ABUSE: TRAINING FOR MANDATED REPORTERS
Time: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Location: EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP: 02/04/26
This in-person training aims to empower all Illinois Mandated Reporters with the knowledge to
fulfill their vital responsibility in safeguarding children by identifying signs of abuse. Anyone who
suspects child abuse or neglect is encouraged to contact the Illinois Department of Children and
Family Services Child Abuse Hotline to report it, but Mandated Reporters are legally obligated to
take action.
Trainer: Melissa Coleman, Childcare Resource Specialist
1 In-Service Hours | CDA: 1
02/18/2026-BIG BEHAVIORS, BIG EMOTIONS! BRAINS AND BEHAVIORS
Time: 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Location: Mattoon Public Library-1600 Charleston Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938
BIG behaviors come from BIG emotions! Join this free hands on workshop series for parents,
educators and caregivers to better understand the "explosive" child, so you can respond calmly
and with confidence.
Session 1: Brains and Behaviors
The science of developing brains and age appropriate behaviors and milestones.
All Sessions are not required to earn credits. These Sessions are also aligned to Second Step and
Leader in Me Curriculums. Light refreshments will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your
own food and drink.
Session 2-03/18/26: From Feelings to Words
Session 3-04/15/26: Safety Before Skills
Session 4-05/20/26: Filling Your Cups
Trainer: Bea Sawyer, Mental Health Consultant
1.5 In-Service Hours | CDA: 3
02/21/2026-PROGRAM FOR INFANT TODDLER CARE (PITC) MODULE 2: Group Care
Time: 8:00 am-2:30 pm (lunch break included)
Location: EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP: 02/09/26
Group Care emphasizes unique considerations for nurturing infants and toddlers, alongside six essential
program policies designed to foster emotionally secure connections and promote mental well-being within a group environment. Module 2 offers a comprehensive overview that delves into the principles of primary care, thoughtfully crafted learning spaces, and the positive influence of responsive caregiving routines. It highlights the significance of personalized care in enhancing the overall well-being and development of children from birth to age three. Furthermore, it addresses how policies surrounding primary care, small group interactions, continuity, culturally sensitive approaches, and inclusive practices for children with special needs lay the groundwork for exceptional care for infants and toddlers. By the conclusion of this module, participants will be equipped with the skills to implement primary care in their homes or classrooms, create stimulating environments, support children through daily routines, and tailor care to meet the unique needs of every child.
Trainer: Vicky Foster, Infant Toddler Specialist
6 In-Service Hours + 2 for online assessment | CDA: 1
02/26/2026-CAREER PATHWAYS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE
Time: 1:00 pm-2:00 pm
Location: Zoom-Link will be sent prior to training
RSVP: 02/12/26
This training introduces the field of early childhood education and care as a career. It focuses on the
personal and professional development necessary to impact the lives of young children and families.
Identifying effective resources, finding pathways for learning and financial support are included.
Learners will be able to describe career opportunities available in the field of early childhood in
Illinois and ways a Higher Education and Workforce Development Navigator can support them from
the start of their journey.
Trainer: Melissa Coleman, Child Care Resource Specialist
1 In-Service Hours | CDA: 5
03/04/2026-COMMUNITY CHAT (aka PROVIDER NETWORKING MEETING)
Time: 1:00 pm-2:30 pm
Location: Zoom-Link will be sent prior to training
No RSVP needed
Community Chats are all about you, the provider! These chats offer a fantastic opportunity to connect
with other providers, dive into meaningful discussions, and ask questions to fellow professionals and
resource specialists who can shed light on the challenges you face in early childhood. Our team at EIU
Child Care Resource and Referral is here to share resources, updates, important dates, chances for
professional growth, funding, grant info, and so much more. We invite everyone to come ready with
ideas and resources to make our networking experience even better. Remember, these meetings happen
every month!
Trainer: Shelli Blair, Provider Services
1.5 In-Service Hours | CDA: 6
03/17/26-BETTER TOGETHER, MODULE 1-CHILD NUTRITION
Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Location: EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP: 03/10/26
This Learning Collaborative focuses on child nutrition best practices and the many ways ECE programs can support healthy eating habits in children by serving healthy foods and beverages, supporting teacher use of recommended feeding practices, and offering education and professional development to children, staff, and families. Participants will learn about healthy eating through the lens of whole child development and child nutrition best practices, while also considering the role of food insecurity and culture in feeding practices. Participants will identify goals for healthy change using Go NAPSACC self-assessment results. With consultant support, participants will select and implement best practices to support healthy eating habits within their program.
03/24/26-5:00 pm-5:30 pm via Zoom
03/31/26-6:00 pm-8:00 pm via Zoom
04/07/26-5:00 pm-5:30 pm via Zoom
04/14/26-6:00 pm-8:00 pm via Zoom
04/21/26-5:00 pm-5:30 pm via Zoom
04/28/26-6:00 pm-8:00 pm Location: EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
05/05/26-5:00 pm-5:30 pm via Zoom
Trainer: Melissa Coleman, Child Care Resource Specialist
10 In-Service Hours | CDA: 1-10
03/12/26-WHAT'S YOUR WORD (RESCHEDULED FROM JANUARY)
Time: 6:15 pm-8:15 pm
Location: EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP: 03/06/26
What's Your Word?
It's a new year 2026! Rather than setting a resolution and feeling guilty that you didn't keep it, let's find yourword of intention that you want to live by this season!
Word of Intention: A daily reminder representing a quality or principle that guides you toward how you want to live or how you hope to feel as your best self . #whatsyourWORD
FIND YOUR WORD OF INTENTION
Finding your WORD is a simple, fun and empowering exercise. In a world inundated with distractions, it's
powerful to have a daily reminder of what you want to actively focus on, or manifest, every day. The WORD you choose will evolve over time. it's what you want to remind yourself for this chapter of your life, it may be for a few weeks or months
• What's a goal of yours?
• What brings you joy?
• Is there something that you want to let go of?
• What energizes you or makes you feel like your true self?
Mantras are great tools to use to stop toxic thought patterns, ease anxiety, and maintain an optimistic outlook. When it comes to "wearing your WORD" having a statement that you visualize and repeat to yourself will help keep your intentions at the forefront of your mind.
Trainer: Bea Sawyer, Mental Health Consultant
2 In-Service Hours | CDA: 6
03/18/26-BIG BEHAVIORS, BIG EMOTIONS! FROM FEELINGS TO WORDS
Time: 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Location: Mattoon Public Library-1600 Charleston Ave, Mattoon, IL 61938
BIG behaviors come from BIG emotions! Join this free hands on workshop series for parents, educators and caregivers to better understand the "explosive" child, so you can respond calmly and with confidence.
Session two: From Feelings to Words
Emotional awareness and communication skills in children
All Sessions are not required to earn credits. These Sessions are also aligned to Second Step and Leader in Me Curriculums. Light refreshments will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own food and drink.
04/15/26: Safety Before Skills
05/20/26: Filling Your Cups
Trainer: Bea Sawyer, Mental Health Consultant
1.5 In-Service Hours | CDA: 3
03/21/26-PROGRAM FOR INFANT TODDLER CARE (PITC)-MODULE 3: LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Time: 8:00 am-2:30 pm (Lunch break included)
Location: EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP: 03/13/26
This session dives into how the brain develops, the basics of early learning and language skills, and how to plan a curriculum that's just right for infants and toddlers. It highlights PITC's belief that babies are active, self-driven learners and emphasizes how caregivers can nurture their curiosity. The key takeaway is that "All children are born wired for feelings and ready to learn," especially when they have loving relationships and a calm yet engaging space that caters to all, including those with special needs. Fun discussions and activities will enhance everyone’s learning experience!
Trainer: Vicky Foster, Infant Toddler Specialist
6.5 In-Service Hours + 2 for online assessment | CDA: 2-8
