Training Handbook – Your guide to 4-C’s training program. Information includes 4-C Membership, registration and training policies.
December Training Events: WEBINARS ONLY, Updated 11/25/2020–printer friendly
January Training Events: WEBINARS ONLY, Updated 12/15/2020–printer friendly
To Register for Trainings
Online Training Registration Form
Printer-friendly Registration Form
CCAP Health, Safety, and Child Development Trainings
NEW Notice of Completion Verification – Notice Issue Date: September 21, 2018
IDHS CCAP Training Announcement – Notice Issue Date: March 30, 2018
CCAP Training Requirements Flyer – NEW Training Requirements (Updated March 2018)
4-C CCAP Training Dates At-a-Glance – CCAP Child Development, Health and Safety Basics, What is CCAP?, Mandated Reporter and CPR/First Aid Training (Updated June 2019)
**CANCELLED** A Recipe for Co-Regulation
Co-regulation is the ability to form close secure relationships and to regulate emotions in a socially appropriate way. Social-emotional regulation is a vital part of a child’s development. First, …
**CANCELLED** ECE Credential Level 1-Module 7c: Child Development (18 to 36 Months)
Toddlers are an energetic bunch who require plenty of stimulation and education. In this final section of child development training, you will explore how children age 18 to 36 months learn language, …
An Introduction to the Environment Rating Scales
This training is for center-based programs and family child care providers and offers an overview of the Environment Rating Scales. The Environment Rating Scales are user-friendly assessment tools …
**CANCELLED** ECE Credential Level 1- Module 8a: Preschool Social and Emotional Development
As children approach preschool age, their needs begin to change. This is the first of four classes designed to better understand children as they approach school-age. You will identify …
Just Added–Brain Architecture Game
The Brain Architecture Game is a tabletop game experience that builds understanding of the powerful role of experiences on early brain development--what promotes it, what derails it, with what …
Positive Guidance to Support Toddler Development
This training will explore developmentally appropriate socialization that takes place between infancy and toddlerhood, and positive guidance techniques caregivers can use to support pro-social …
American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and AED
CPR/First Aid trainings are open to providers 18 years and older working in child care settings in Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. Audience: Open to all providers; …
Tax and Recordkeeping for Family Child Care
Does keeping up with current tax laws as it relates to self-employed business practices seem overwhelming? Learn what it means to be self-employed, how to track income and expenses, and what business …
**CANCELLED** Observation: Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get an outsider’s perspective of your classroom/program or try to figure out what a child with a challenging behavior is trying to communicate? This …
**CANCELLED** ECE Credential Level 1-Module 8b: Preschool Physical Development
As toddlers mature, their minds are not the only things growing at an incredible rate. You will understand the special areas of physical development in preschool-aged children. You also will learn …
**CANCELLED** ECE Credential Level 1-Module 8c: Preschool Language Development
Appropriate speech patterns and language skills are crucial to nurturing effective communications by preschoolers. In this third class on preschool development, you will explore how to use a picture …
Just Added–Play-Based Learning
Research shows that setting our kids up for success in school and beyond with play-based learning is the best approach for our early learning environments. Teaching children relevant skills through …
Webinar: Self-Care for Professionals Who Care for Children Impacted by ACEs
Caring for children who have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be an intense and exhausting experience for ECE professionals. Whether you may be working to resolve your own …
Lead in Water
This Lead in Water Workshop is designed to inform childcare providers on Illinois' requirements regarding lead in water testing and mitigation. In this workshop, you will learn about the impact of …
Offering Healthy Beverages to Children
Hidden sugars are everywhere these days, even in children’s drinks. In this training, we will discuss healthy beverage options for children and how to identify hidden sugars to help create a healthy …
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS/SUID/AAP Safe Sleep)
Providers who care for infants and toddlers can learn steps to reduce the risk of SIDS and other circumstances that effect safe sleeping of infants and toddlers. Child care safety policies on this …
Shaken Baby and Traumatic Brain Injury
Crying is the only way that a baby can communicate his or her needs. Shaken Baby Syndrome occurs when an infant or young child is shaken vigorously, often out of frustration, in an attempt to stop a …
ECE Credential Level 1-Module 8d: Preschool Cognitive Development
In this final session on preschool development, you will dive deeper into how preschoolers learn and identify tips for making learning fun. With suggestions for activities that encourage your …
An Introduction to the Environment Rating Scales
This training is for center-based programs and family child care providers and offers an overview of the Environment Rating Scales. The Environment Rating Scales are user-friendly assessment tools …
ECE Credential Level 1-Module 9: Preschool School-Age Development
Completing the important section on child development, this class looks at school-age children to uncover how their learning and growth differs. With tips on how to better care for school-aged youth, …
American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric CPR, First Aid, and AED
CPR/First Aid trainings are open to providers 18 years and older working in child care settings in Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, and Whiteside counties. Audience: Open to all providers; …
Webinar: Resilient Caregivers: Bouncing Back from Stress
Feeling stressed at work? Learn about how to deal with and "bounce back" from stress. Bouncing back is sometimes called resiliency. Everyone needs to find ways to bounce back after experiencing …
An Introduction to the Environment Rating Scales (including ECERS-3)
This training is for center-based programs and family child care providers and offers an overview of the Environment Rating Scales. The Environment Rating Scales are user-friendly assessment tools …
Child Care University
Child Care University is a series of workshops just for you! Join us for a day of learning, fun and great door prizes. You will receive tons of information you can put to work in your child care …
How to Identify and Support Characteristics of Autism in the Classroom
Many children are diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) after age 4, though autism can be reliably diagnosed as early as age 2. We'll review characteristics of ASD and discuss the …
American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED (expires 2 years)
CPR/First Aid trainings are open to providers 18 years and older working in child care settings in Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Whiteside counties. Audience: Open to All Providers; …
Who Are You? How Cultural Identity and Bias Impacts Your Interactions With Others
"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom"--Aristotle This training provides an opportunity to explore your cultural identity and biases and to gain insight into their impact on your …
Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC): Module 3 (Learning and Development )
Participants must attend both 3/21/2020 and 3/28/2020 to receive credit. Participants are also required to complete an online assessment, due 4/18/2020. Registration deadline: 3/14/2020 This …
Make Healthy Happen–Create Your Energy
Learn how to strengthen your body to make everyday activities feel better. By getting stronger and understanding safe and effective form when exercising you can improve the effectiveness of your …
Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC): Module 3 (Learning and Development )
Participants must attend both 3/21/2020 and 3/28/2020 to receive credit. Participants are also required to complete an online assessment, due 4/18/2020. Registration deadline: 3/14/2020 This …
American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED (expires in 2 years)
CPR/First Aid trainings are open to providers 18 years and older working in child care settings in Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Whiteside counties. Audience: Open to All Providers; …
American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED (expires 2 years)
CPR/First Aid trainings are open to providers 18 years and older working in child care settings in Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Whiteside counties. Audience: Open to All Providers; …
**CANCELLED** Introduction to Developmental Screening Tools
The process of developmental screening in the early childhood setting is introduced to practitioners. A review of several commercial screening tools is discussed to provide child care practitioners' …
American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED (expires 2 years)
CPR/First Aid trainings are open to providers 18 years and older working in child care settings in Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Whiteside counties. Audience: Open to All Providers; …
An Introduction to Environment Rating Scales (including ECERS-3)
This training is for center-based programs and family child care providers and offers an overview of the Environment Rating Scales. The Environment Rating Scales are user-friendly assessment tools …
SAYD Credential Level 1 Training: Module 1: Introduction to Child and Youth Development
Participants will receive a brief introduction to child and youth development from ages 5-21. They will be introduced to the stages of development, along with the physical, cognitive, language, and …
We Choose Health: Modules 1 & 2 (Childhood Obesity and Nutrition for Young Children)
In this training session, the problem and consequences of childhood obesity in 2–5 year old children will be discussed. The environment and the role of the child care provider in preventing obesity …
American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED (expires 2 years)
CPR/First Aid trainings are open to providers 18 years and older working in child care settings in Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Whiteside counties. Audience: Open to All Providers; …
SAYD Credential Level 1 Training: Module 2a: School-Age Development (Ages 5-12)
This session will explore the general characteristics and what to look for when working with children ages 5-12. It will also discuss what to do and how to address children or youth who may have …
Webinar: Stress: Seeing with Optimism
Normal stress is considered a natural part of healthy development and is even needed to learn how to cope with adversity and build resiliency. Severe stress, on the other hand, can be harmful to the …
No Pressure Food Tastings for Young Children
In this hands-on training, providers will learn how and why to include tastings of new and familiar foods into their classroom curriculum. Participants will help make a child-friendly kale salad, as …
An Introduction to Contracts and Policies
Do you need to write your first contract and policy for your family child care program? Do you have a contract and policy but are wondering if it has everything you need? In this workshop, we will …
What is CCAP?
Join this informative session to become more familiar with the Illinois Child Care Assistance Program's (CCAP) policy and procedures, including the application process, provider qualifications, …
Positive Guidance to Support Toddler Socialization
This training will explore developmentally appropriate socialization that takes place between infancy and toddlerhood, and positive guidance techniques caregivers can use to support pro-social …
Webinar: See As A Child, Hear As A Child
Children and adults see the world very differently. Understanding child development helps us gain perspective through a child's eyes. This lesson takes a look at common situations and the way an …
Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC): Module 4 (Culture, Family and Providers)
Participants must attend both 4/18/2020 and 4/25/2020 to receive credit. Participants are also required to complete an online assessment, due 5/16/2020. Registration deadline: 4/11/2020 This …
Mindful Ways to Let Go of Tension and Stress
Tired of feeling stressed, tight, or tense? Learn ways to connect your mind and body and let go of tension and stress in your neck, back, shoulders, and body with gentle yoga and stretch movements. …
American Heart Association Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid, CPR & AED (expires 2 years)
CPR/First Aid trainings are open to providers 18 years and older working in child care settings in Carroll, DeKalb, Lee, McHenry, Ogle and Whiteside counties. Audience: Open to All Providers; …
Program for Infant Toddler Care (PITC): Module 4 (Culture, Family and Providers)
Participants must attend both 4/18/2020 and 4/25/2020 to receive credit. Participants are also required to complete an online assessment, due 5/16/2020. Registration deadline: 4/11/2020 This …
SAYD Credential Level 1 Training: Module 2b: Early Adolescent Development (Ages 11-16)
This session will discuss development characteristics of early adolescents and recognize that those in this stage may appear more as a school-age child in some areas, and an adolescent in others. …
SAYD Credential Level 1 Training: Module 2c: Late Adolescent/Young Adult Development (Ages 15-21)
This session will focus on supporting the needs of the late adolescents as they transition into adulthood. Topics will include peer leadership, life skill development, supporting their growing …
Addressing Secondary Trauma
Attendees will learn about how secondary trauma impacts both their professional and personal lives. Attendees will also learn about various self-care activities that can be utilized at an individual …
Webinar: Go Healthy? It All Begins With You
Child care practitioners are important role models for the children in their care. The phrase "actions speak louder than words" is especially true for children since they watch and imitate what …
Webinar: Anti-Bias Early Childhood Education: Practices and Challenges
This training is designed to assist providers in embedding multiculturalism into their curriculum. We will discuss approaches to multicultural education, implementation, and challenges to creating a …
Webinar: How High Do You Bounce? Building Resilience
Have you questioned if what you do really matters? Are you struggling to find fulfillment and meaning in your work? You are not alone! Many people feel overwhelmed and fatigued due to their work …
Get Outdoors. Explore.
Research documents the benefits of playing, learning, and simply being outdoors. National and international movements encourage more time in nature. However, this can be challenging for early care …
Webinar: Showing Appreciation on a Dime
Being appreciation and showing appreciation can benefit both employees and your organization as a whole. Learn why showing appreciation is essential to job satisfaction and retention of employees …
Webinar: Exciting Backyard Science Activities
Help children become backyard scientists using outdoor activities for children, and learn activities for gardening with children. In this lesson, discover the top five plants for children, create a …
Webinar: The ABCs of Autism Spectrum Disorder
The basics of Autism Spectrum Disorder will be presented. Material covered will include common challenges and strengths, as well as tools and strategies for caregivers/child care …
Webinar: Adverse Childhood Experiences-Building Resilience
Children who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) face an increased risk for social-emotional, physical and mental health issues. ACEs include abuse, neglect, parental separation or …
Webinar: Me First! Helping Infants/Toddlers Develop Social-Emotional Skills
Do you feel as if most of your day revolves around handling the social and emotional behaviors of your infants/toddlers? Sharing toys, equipment and your attention may be very difficult tasks for the …
Webinar: The Effects of Homelessness on Children
The trainer will discuss the experience of homelessness and how it impacts the physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioral development of children. We will also review the shelter …
Webinar: Gardening in the Classroom
Gardening with children provides them with skills that help their physical and intellectual development. This training will explain how school gardens benefit children’s learning and how you can …
Webinar: Addressing Secondary Trauma
Attendees will learn about how secondary trauma impacts both their professional and personal lives. Attendees will also learn about various self-care activities that can be utilized at an individual …
**RESCHEDULED** Webinar: Being Mindful in a Busy World
The practice of mindfulness, or paying attention to the present moment, offers a way to slow down, enjoy our lives, and reduce stress. This program will help participants explore benefits of …
Webinar: Better Brain for Baby-Stress and Trauma
Supporting the healthy development of the young child's brain is both a tremendous opportunity and an awesome responsibility. While brain development begins prenatally, the brain is not fully …
Webinar: Protecting Children: Recognizing Red Flags of Abuse in a Pandemic
Childcare providers are some of the best, and often only, witnesses to red flags that indicate that a child in their care is experiencing abuse or is exposed to it in the home. This training will …
Tips and Strategies on Becoming a Strong Leader in the ECE Field
Do you currently work in a center and have a desire to move up in a leadership role? Are you currently in a leadership role, but want learn strategies on becoming a stronger leader? Then this …
Dealing with Choosy Eating
Do you have a child in your care who is a finicky eater? Has mealtime become a battleground? Young children begin to develop food preferences and eating habits that will impact their growth and …
LGBTQIA+ 101: Understanding Development and Creating Safety for Kids, Teens, and Tweens
Childcare providers create safe and nurturing environments for their kids. Many of these children may be exploring their gender identity or sexual orientation or may go on to do so. Childcare …
Big Emotions, What Do They Tell Us?
All behavior has meaning, however you may at times struggle to find the meaning behind the behavior. During this training we will explore how emotions impact behaviors and how to support and guide …
Adventures in Neurodevelopment and Use of Nature
An introduction to the use of activity, games, and adventure in nature to promote healthy neurodevelopment. Participants will learn basic principles of neurodevelopment and how nature and various …
An Introduction to Contracts and Policies
Do you need to write your first contract and policy for your family child care program? Do you have a contract and policy but are wondering if it has everything you need? In this workshop we will …
Self-Care: Are You Worth It?
Child care professionals naturally focus intently on meeting the needs of the children and families they serve. Unfortunately, when they care for others but neglect themselves, they risk experiencing …
How to Catch a Predator: Recognizing the Role of Grooming in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
In almost every high-profile case of child abuse and exploitation, the perpetrators have engaged in some sort of trust-building or grooming. A critical aspect of child abuse prevention is to learn …
When All You Hear is No: Guiding Behavior
Does your toddler shake her head and shout "no!" when you ask her to come to you? Early stages of exploration and interactions among infants and toddlers include behaviors such as a child grabs toys, …
Using Activity and Adventures for Optimal Neurointegration
This training will look at how a child's experiences (both traumatic and non-traumatic) play into the overall brain development over their life span. How to help children build resiliency will also …
Healthy Through the Holidays and Other Celebrations
Children are like sponges, taking in everything they see and do! Explore how healthy celebrations can impact the food and activity choices children make each day. Discover new activities and …
The Use of Puppetry in Social Emotional Acquisition and Across the Curriculum
Grab your puppet and join us for this two part series (must attend both dates for credit). This highly interactive series will take participants from introducing a puppet as part of a classroom …
Reflections on Race
Please join Maureen and Andrea as they explore the topic of race. They will reveal the challenges and rewards of exploring this complex topic together as they reflect on their personal journeys …
Infant and Toddler Mental Health: Key Developmental Assets
Learn how to apply the forty developmental assets and the 6 C's of Positive Youth Development to infant toddler development to best promote positive mental health during these stages and set the …
The Use of Puppetry in Social Emotional Acquisition and Across the Curriculum
Grab your puppet and join us for this two part series (must attend both dates for credit). This highly interactive series will take participants from introducing a puppet as part of a classroom …
Using Adventure and Nature Activities with Children
This training will further explore the impact that nature and the outdoors can have on development/learning including social/emotional learning. The trainer will dive deeper into ways to utilize …
**Rescheduled** Tips and Strategies on Becoming a Strong Leader in the ECE Field
Do you currently work in a center and have a desire to move up in a leadership role? Are you currently in a leadership role, but what to learn strategies on becoming a stronger leader? Then this …
Infant and Toddler Mental Health: Communicating Effectively with Young Children
Participants will learn how to improve their communication with infants and toddlers to promote positive mental health, strengthen relationships, and manage behavior. Audience: All Providers, …
Brrr…Learning Even When It’s Cold Outside
Colder temperatures are quickly approaching. Are you prepared for outdoor time? Northern Illinois weather is very unpredictable, but we all understand the importance of outdoor time even when the …
Infant and Toddler Mental Health: Building Positive Attachments
Participants will learn the basics of theories of attachment and how to build effective attachments with infants and toddlers they work with to promote positive mental health, healthy relationships, …
Post-It Notes to Professional Observations
Effective observation and assessment of young children’s learning are critical to supporting their development. Understanding what you know about child development with observation and assessment …
Tax and Recordkeeping for Family Child Care
Does keeping up with current tax laws as it relates to self-employed business practices seem overwhelming? Learn what it means to be self-employed, how to track income and expenses, and what business …
Let’s Get Families Involved
Family involvement/engagement is a key part of providing quality care for the children you serve. The backbone to successful involvements is having specific goals and strategies for involving …
