Overview
Early Stages offers FREE workshops for parents and professionals. Our certified trainers host interactive lectures and discussions about early childhood and special education topics. Parents and professionals can learn ways to support child development. Professionals can also earn Professional Learning Units (PLUs). Workshops are available in English and Spanish.
Attending a Workshop
Organizations may contact [email protected] to book group workshops.
Individuals may attend one of our scheduled sessions for professional development (PD) or parent workshops (PW). Each event on our calendar includes registration information.
Workshop Topics
The Importance of Early Intervention & an Overview of Early Stages
PD: 1.5 hrs, PW: 1 hr
- why supporting children early is valuable
- impact of early intervention on families and communities
- special education evaluation process
Developmental Milestones for Children 0-5
PD: 2 hrs, PW: 1 hr
- how children learn and grow from ages 3 to 5
- communication, early learning, physical, and social-emotional milestones
- supporting a child's growth
- importance of early intervention
An Overview of Special Education
PD only: 1.5 hr
- special education process
- important terms in the process
- special education law and parent rights
- referring a child for an evaluation
Navigating the DCPS Special Education Process
PW only: 1 hr
- DCPS special education process
- preparing for meetings
- advocating for your child
- creating a strong support system
- resources for guidance
Best Practices for Referral
PD only: 1 hr
- Early Stages referral process
- speaking to families about how to refer
- barriers to referral
- special education evaluations
- supporting families through the process
DC Early Intervention Programs & the Transition Process
PD: 1 hr, PW: 1 hr
- basics of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
- DC Early Intervention and special education
- transition from Part C to Part B services
The Importance of Family Engagement
PD: 2 hrs, PW: 1 hr
- definition and importance of family engagement
- key players in family engagement
- effective family engagement in action
- ideas for engagement
How to Administer the ASQ -3
PD only: 3 hrs
- overview of Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ), 3rd Ed
- role of screening in early intervention
- administering and scoring an ASQ
- talking with parents about development
- implementing a screening initiative
How to Administer the ASQ SE-2
PREREQUISITE: How to Administer the ASQ-3
PD only: 1 hr
- overview of Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Social-Emotional, 2nd Ed
- difference between ASQ-3 and ASQ SE-2
- administering and scoring an ASQ SE-2
Trauma and Resilience: Building Strength in Children
PD: 2 hrs, PW: 1 hr
- impact of trauma on developing brains
- supporting children in building resilience
- self-care tips for caregivers
- developing emotional strength in children
Addressing Challenging Behaviors
PD: 3 hrs or two 1.5 hr sessions, PW: 1 hr
- why children behave the way they do
- ABCs of behavior
- collecting and studying behavior information
- managing behavior in children under 6
An Overview of Autism
PD: two 2 hr sessions, PW: two 2 hr sessions
- basics of autism
- developmental milestones
- potential signs of autism
- supporting children with autism
The Importance of Sleep
PW only: two 45-min or one 90-min session
- what typical sleep looks like
- importance of sleep hygiene
- setting the stage for healthy sleep
- creating a consistent bedtime routine
- addressing sleep challenges