Training & Professional Development
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.
Current list of available trainings:
Individual Professional Development Funds
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).
IPDF Application July 2025-June 2026
First Aid/CPR Funds
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.
FA/CPR Application July 2025-June 2026
Gateways
Training Calendar
Below you will find the training descriptions, dates, and times. Please sign up one week prior to the date the training is being held.
Please contact Shelli Blair, Training Coordinator, to register and to ask any questions.
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
03/17/26-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
03/18/26-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
04/01/26-COMMUNITY CHAT (aka PROVIDER NETWORKING MEETING)
Time: 1:00 pm-2:30 pm
Location: Zoom
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
04/15/26-BIG BEHAVIORS, BIG EMOTIONS! Safety Before Skills
Time: 6:00 pm-8:00 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 three: Safety Before Skills
Supporting children through meltdowns and what happens after.
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.
May 20, 2026: Filling Your Cups
Trainer: Bea Sawyer, Mental Health Consultant
2 In-Service Hours | CDA: 3
