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
- Registry Membership:
- Training Center:
- Credentials:
- Financial Opportunities:
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.
01/31/2026-HEALTHY KIDS, HEALTHY FUTURE: PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEARNING SESSIONS (PALS)
Time: 8:00 am-2:30 pm (lunch break included)
Location: EIU Ninth Street Hall (2201 9th Street, Charleston, IL 61920)
RSVP: 01/19/26
The PALS training is crafted to equip early care providers with a robust foundation of best practices
for promoting physical activity, while highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyles,
environments, and bodies. This program focuses on engaging children from birth to age five, guiding providers on how to seamlessly incorporate physical activities into their programs and share these initiatives with families. PALS aims to foster practices and policy advancements in early childhood education (ECE) programs. By blending content learning with self-evaluations, policy development, and valuable resources, PALS paves the way for healthier, more active children. FREE RESOURCES!
Trainer: Melissa Coleman, Child Care Resource Specialist & Lori Rothrock, Quality Specialist
6 In-Service Hours | CDA: 3
02/03/2026-STRENGTHING BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR CENTERS
Time: 2:00 pm-5:00 pm
Location: Zoom-Link will be sent prior to training
RSVP: 01/23/26
Strengthening Business Practices for Centers is a four week series which delves into fundamental principles of financial and operational management within childcare programs. This training aims to bolster childcare providers' essential understsanding of fiscal terminology, concepts, and practices. It inspires providers to acknowledge the critical role of financial planning in ensuring the longevity of their operations. Additionally, it offers valuable insights and best practices concerning financial, organizational, and human resource objectives, simplifying fiscal processes into achievable steps for greater success.
Session 1- 02/03/26, Session 2- 02/10/26, Session 3- 02/17/26, Session 4- 02/24/26
Trainer: Melissa Coleman, Child Care Resource Specialist
13 In-Service Hours | CDA: 5
02/04/2026-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
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
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