FREE Professional Development Online for Early Childhood Educators

During these unusual times, many in-person professional development opportunities, such as conferences and trainings, have been canceled or put online. Learning from professional development is important to improve and strengthen our skills and techniques in early childhood education. So we have curated a list of free professional development opportunities that you can attend from your home.

• Connect Modules
  Free early childhood practice-focused instructional resources
  TOPICS: inclusion, special education, communication, tiered instruction
• Head Start Webinars
  Free webinars from Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center
  TOPICS: inclusion, supervision, fatherhood, home safety, feeding
• Sesame Street In Communities
  Free professional development, courses, and interactive trainings
  TOPICS: early literacy, developmental domains, resilience, early math, family engagement
• Early Childhood Webinars by Hatch
  Free webinars with certificates
  TOPICS: kindergarten readiness, distance learning, math talk, robotics, language, autism, classroom management
• Early Childhood Investigations
  Free webinars with certificates
  TOPICS: equity, virtual learning, trauma, boosting enrollment, mindfulness
• WIDA Early Years eLearning Modules
  Self-paced interactive modules
  CREDIT: up to five hours of ISBE and/or Gateways credit available
  TOPICS: dual language learners, disabilities, multilingual children
• Gateways to Opportunity – Illinois Professional Development System
  TOPICS: social emotional, leadership, development, STEAM, and more