Early Childhood

Early Childhood professional learning opportunities offered by the Diagnostic Center, Central California.

Professional Development Manual Home | Special Event Offerings | 2025-26 Learning Opportunities

E-1 Positive Discipline for Little Learners (NEW!)

Presenter

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Early Childhood Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

In-person

Summary

This workshop explores how trauma affects a young child's developing brain and nervous system. Through a trauma-informed lens, participants will gain practical, evidence-informed strategies to guide behavior with compassion and consistency. Learn how to set clear boundaries while nurturing connection, and how to respond to big emotions with discipline that is both kind and firm-creating safe, supportive spaces where little learners can thrive.

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain how trauma and stress affect the developing brain and nervous system in young children.
  • Describe the principles of kind and firm discipline that support emotional safety and behavioral growth.
  • Practice strategies for responding to challenging behaviors in ways that build connection, regulation, and resilience.

E-2 Building Better Behavior Through Connections: Simple Interaction Skills That Make a Big Impact (NEW!)

Presenter

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Early Childhood Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

In-person

Summary

This workshop introduces practical strategies to strengthen teacher-child interactions and support young children's emotional and social development. Participants will learn how to use specific language and actions that build connection, reinforce positive behaviors, and foster emotional growth. These tools are especially effective for children with challenging behaviors and can lead to reduced disruptions, improved classroom climate, increased student cooperation, and greater educator satisfaction.

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify specific language and interaction techniques that support emotional and social development in young children.
  • Demonstrate strategies that strengthen positive teacher-child relationships and reduce disruptive behavior.
  • Apply responsive communication tools to promote cooperation and self-regulation in the classroom.

E-3 From Meltdown to Calm: Understanding and Responding to Emotional Outbursts (NEW!)

Presenter

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, and Early Childhood Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

In-person

Summary

Emotional outbursts are part of early childhood and can be challenging to encounter daily. In this workshop, you'll learn how to apply brain science to effectively respond when defiance, lack of cooperation, and big feelings take over. We'll explore strategies that can be applied immediately to promote optimal development and teach self-regulation, self-management, and social awareness skills to our youngest students. You'll also get to practice supportive language and de-escalation techniques to defuse challenging moments

Participants will be able to:

  • Name the 3 Rs of Verbal De-Escalation.
  • Practice and learn language frames to teach students how to identify their feelings.
  • Apply brain-based strategies to respond to emotional outbursts in ways that support long-term emotional development and resilience.

E-4 Avoiding Burnout: Building Habits that Build Resilience for the Early Childhood Educator (NEW)

Presenters

  • Dení Dayan, School Psychologist, Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP)

Intended Audience

Special and General Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), School Psychologists, General and Special Education Administrators, Program Specialists, Paraprofessionals, Parents, School Nurses, and Early Childhood Educators

Time

1.5 hours

Format

In person

Summary

Working with young children is deeply rewarding but also emotionally demanding. The constant pace and big feelings can take a real toll. This workshop is all about you supporting the mental health and well-being of early childhood educators.

You'll learn how stress affects your brain and body, why you sometimes overreact (it's not just you!), and simple, effective ways to bring connection and resilience into your day. We'll explore fun, practical tools to reduce stress and make sense of why children (and adults) behave the way they do.

Think of this as putting your oxygen mask on first so you can keep showing up for your little learners with presence, patience, and heart.

Participants will be able to:

  • Name 9 elements that promote resilience.
  • Explain the mind-body connection between stress and health outcomes.
  • Create a plan of wellbeing for yourself.