The FSSA finance meeting is on January 30, 2026.  The Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning will present at 10:00 am. 

The meeting is livestreamed on the  FSSA’s YouTube channel.

The schedule is below. 

9:30-10:00      Division of Family Resources
10:00-10:30    Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning
10:30-10:45    BREAK
10:45-12:00    Division of Mental Health and Addiction
12:00-12:30    BREAK/LUNCH
12:30- 1:15     Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning
1:15- 1:30       BREAK
1:30- 2:45       Division of Disability, Aging and Rehabilitative Services
2:45-3:00        Closing/Secretary Roob Presentation

Early Childhood Make-it/Take-it Skills Training

❄️📚 Calling all early childhood educators!
Join Ivy Tech Community College for an Early Childhood Make-It / Take-It Skills Training featuring winter-themed early literacy and sensory activities you can take straight back to your classroom.

Choose one date & location:

📅Wednesday, January 28, 2026,

Muncie Ivy Tech Fisher Building Campus

345 S High St, Muncie, IN 47305

6:00-8:30 pm

📅Wednesday, February 25, 2026

Ivy Tech Community College Anderson

815 E 60th St, Anderson, IN 46013

6:00-8:30 pm

✨ Free to attend
✨ Dinner provided
✨ Hands-on activities + children’s books
✨ Earn 2 hours of Professional Development

👉 Save the date — RSVP coming soon!
Perfect for educators working with children ages 2–5.

The Growing Brain by Zero to Three: The Factors Affecting Brain Growth and Development

Join BY5 for this FREE virtual event to learn about the various factors that impact the growth and development of the human brain. Topics include:
- Biological and environmental factors impacting the brain
- Understanding the effect of stress on brain development
- The 5 R's for supporting healthy brain development
- Relationships, Responsive Interactions, Respect, Routines, and Repetition.

Virtual Training

You will receive a confirmation email with a URL.

Jan 22, 2026 5:30 - 8:30pm ET

BY5 - Provider Support Call

BY5 monthly Provider Support Call. BY5 is gathering topic requests, holding space for a mental health ritual, and centering advocacy. Send topic requests directly to Emma Dragoo at emma@muncieby5.org at BY5! 

CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING

Included in the CPR/First Aid & AED Training

• Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED

• Blended-learning option

• 2-year certification through the American Red Cross upon completion

• CPR breathing barrier

SAFER SITTER Essentials Course

Designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.

The Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use manikins to practice rescue skills like choking rescue!

COURSE CONTENT:

• Safety Skills

• Childcare Skills

• Life Business Skills

• First Aid & Rescue Skills

FREE a $50+ Value covered by TRAC

Lunch Provided by: Muncie BY5

SAFER SITTER Essentials Course

Designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.

The Instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises. Students even get to use manikins to practice rescue skills like choking rescue!

COURSE CONTENT:

• Safety Skills

• Childcare Skills

• Life Business Skills

• First Aid & Rescue Skills

FREE a $50+ Value covered by TRAC

Lunch Provided by: Muncie BY5

Included in the CPR/First Aid & AED Training

• Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED

• Blended-learning option

• 2-year certification through the American Red Cross at completion

• CPR breathing barrier

Intersection Between Childcare, Trauma, and Children

Are you a professional in early learning or childcare? This free workshop is specifically designed for you!

📅 Wednesday, December 10, 2025
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Monroe Central High School
1878 N 1000 W, Parker City, IN 47368

Learn practical strategies to support young children, understand how trauma impacts development, and explore a simple brain model that helps guide your work.
Presented by Annie Wood Bell, MSW, LCSW, Director of Family Success.

🎁 BONUS: Every attendee will receive a poster set to promote emotional awareness and regulation — sponsored by TRAC!

👉 Register here: https://bit.ly/4nP00Rq
📩 Questions? Email: jeri.mccorkle@bsu.edu

We hope to see you there! 💛✨

FREE Diaper Giveaway!

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana and the Henry County Community Action Network for Maternal and Infant Health are teaming up to support local families!

Each bundle includes:

• Free diapers

• Baby wipes

• Infant/toddler books

Location:

The Salvation Army

2500 Washington St,

New Castle, IN 47362

First come, first served – supplies are limited!

Event Dates:

Tuesday, December 9 | 4:30 – 6:30 PM

Mark your calendars and spread the word!

Included in the CPR/First Aid & AED Training

• Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED

• Blended-learning option

• 2-year certification through the American Red Cross at completion

• CPR breathing barrier

FREE Diaper Giveaway!

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana and the Henry County Community Action Network for Maternal and Infant Health are teaming up to support local families!

Baby Boo is a family event!

Come and enjoy games, win prizes, and rock your baby in a cute costume!

Each bundle includes:

• Free diapers

• Baby wipes

• Infant/toddler books

Location:

The Salvation Army

2500 Washington St,

New Castle, IN 47362

First come, first served – supplies are limited!

Event Dates:

Saturday, October 25th | 12–2 PM

Mark your calendars and spread the word!

Join Becker’s for this interactive session!

🌟 From Awareness to Advocacy: How Early Educators Support Families of Neurodivergent Children

📅 Date & Time:
October 22, 2025 | 1:00 PM (ET) (ZOOM)

Every family’s journey with a neurodivergent child is unique—and educators play a vital role in making that journey welcoming, collaborative, and strengths-centered. Together, we’ll explore how to foster trusting partnerships with families, recognize early signs of neurodivergence, and advocate for children’s needs.

Participants will walk away with:

• Practical tools and strategies for supporting neurodivergent learners

• Reflective practices to strengthen educator-family collaboration

• Actionable ideas to deepen family engagement in any early childhood setting

📢 Stand Up for Children Summit 📢

Indiana’s children need our support more than ever. Join us as we come together to share ideas, learn about key changes, and take action for our children’s future.

🗓 Date: Tuesday, October 21, 2025
⏰Time: 6:00 PM
📍Location: East Central Educational Service Center
2601 14th Street, New Castle, IN 47362

🔑 Key Issues We’ll Address:

• On My Way PreK enrollment slashed by 60%

• Stricter eligibility for vouchers

• Over 20,000 childcare vouchers cut across Indiana

👥 Who Should Attend: Indiana voters, educators, parents, business and community leaders, media, legislators, and all who care about supporting children.

💡 Why It Matters:

• Fewer children are able to attend childcare.

• More parents are unable to work.

🎟 Reserve your FREE ticket now!

Together, we can stand up for Indiana’s children and families. 💙👶👩‍👩‍👦

Practice-Based Coaching - PBC

2-Day Training

• Learn to use the Practice-Based Coaching model to support Classroom staff in implementing Pyramid Model teaching practices in the classrooms

  Target Audience: Personnel who will be coaching classroom staff for programs serving infants, toddlers, and/or two-year-old children.

Training Costs Covered Through the EYI Grant.

Breakfast and Lunch Provided!

Location: Grant County United Way 215 South Adams Street Marion, IN,

Date/Time: Monday & Tuesday, October 13th & 14th, 2025 - 9:00 AM 4:00 PM

If you have questions, email Robyn Duffy at rduffy@careyservices.com

HERE Registration Deadline: September 22, 2025

Included in the CPR/First Aid & AED Training

• Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED

• Blended-learning option

• 2-year certification through the American Red Cross at completion

• CPR breathing barrier

East Central Indiana Leaders

Childcare isn’t just about families—it impacts the entire community and the future of our workforce.

Join us for the ECI Childcare Impact & Action Plan Presentation - Presented by TPMA

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 1st - 1:00 – 3:00 PM (Virtual via Zoom)

Presented by TPMA, this session will share:
County-level data on childcare access
How childcare affects employers’ bottom lines
Actionable insights to help communities grow, compete, and thrive

Questions? Email lastipp@bsu.edu

• Let’s work together to build stronger communities through childcare!

• (Zoom link provided after registration)

📣 Your Voice Matters, Indianapolis! 📣

Are you an early childhood educator, provider, or advocate in the Indy area? We want to hear from you!

Join INAEYC for an important Listening Session where you can share your experiences, insights, and ideas to help shape the future of early childhood education in Indiana. Let's connect, collaborate, and create positive change together.

🗓️ When: September 30, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

📍 Where: Monroe County Public Library - Downtown, 303 Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington, IN 47408

Space is limited, so please register to save your seat. We can't wait to see you there!

Read, Explore, Discover! STEM & Literacy Wkshp for Early Learning Educators

Join us for a fun workshop where we will dive into STEM and literacy activities for early learning educators to explore and discover!

Date and time

Saturday, September 27 · 9 am - 12 pm

Location

Love Community Center

1850 North Main Street Rushville, IN 46173

Agenda

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM - Light Breakfast & Registration

9:30 AM - 12:00 PM - Make & Take Activities + Speaker

About this event

Welcome to the Read, Explore, Discover! STEM & Literacy Workshop for Early Learning Educators event! Join us at the Love Community Center for a fun and interactive workshop designed to enhance your teaching skills. Dive into the world of STEM and literacy with hands-on activities and engaging discussions. Don't miss this chance to connect with fellow educators and explore innovative ways to inspire young learners. Register now and let's explore together!

This event is open to early learning educators, daycare providers, preschool teachers, and assistants in the ECI TRAC region! Activities will focus on the birth to 5 age group.

Participants will receive 6-7 books and supplies for coordinating literacy and STEM-making activities (valued at over $ 150). Best of all, the event is FREE!

Hosted by ECI TRAC, First5 Rush Co Early Learning Coalition, Henry County Child Care Network, and Fayette County Early Learning Coalition.

For questions, email arika@rushelc.org

✨ Choreography with Your Co-Teacher ✨

Teaching alongside another adult in the classroom can sometimes feel like a dance—smooth and in sync one moment, a little offbeat the next. This virtual session will explore the everyday “choreography” of co-teaching, from dividing responsibilities to strengthening communication and teamwork.

Join Dr. Beth Trammell for a candid (and fun!) conversation filled with real-life stories, laughter, and practical strategies to help you and your co-teacher feel more connected and effective in the classroom.

📅 Thursday, September 25, 2025
🕔 5:15–6:45 PM
💻 Virtual Only (Zoom link sent to registrants)

🎟️ FREE for non-PLI members with promo code ECITRAC (limited spots available!)

👉 Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your teamwork and bring more harmony to your classroom!

📣 Your Voice Matters, Indianapolis! 📣

Are you an early childhood educator, provider, or advocate in the Indy area? We want to hear from you!

Join INAEYC for an important Listening Session where you can share your experiences, insights, and ideas to help shape the future of early childhood education in Indiana. Let's connect, collaborate, and create positive change together.

🗓️ When: September 24, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

📍 Where: United Way of Central Indiana (Ruth Lilly Family Board Room, 2nd Floor) 2955 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN

Space is limited, so please register to save your seat. We can't wait to see you there!

Linking Literacy and Social-Emotional Development

Learn strategies to link Early Literacy to Social and Emotional Development.

Target Audience: The training is geared toward classroom teachers, but the strategies can be used in any setting for programs that work with children from birth to age five.

Training Costs Covered Through the EYI Grant.

Lunch Provided!

Bring your favorite children’s book(s) to share & practice!

Location: Thriving 121 E South A St., Gas City, IN

Date/Time: September 22, 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

If you have questions, email Robyn Duffy at rduffy@careyservices.com

HERE Registration Deadline: September 8, 2025

Included in the CPR/First Aid & AED Training

• Adult and Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED

• Blended-learning option

• 2-year certification through the American Red Cross at completion

• CPR breathing barrier

Public Policy & Advocacy 101

Welcome/Opening Remarks

Dr. Hanan Osman, Executive Director, INAEYC

Federal Overview and Federal Advocacy 101

Paola Andujar, Senior Policy Specialist, NAEYC

Indiana Legislative Process Overview and State Advocacy 101

Heather Harris, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP

2025 Session Summary and Status of Early Childhood in Indiana

Sam Snideman, Vice President of Government Relations, United Way of Central Indiana

Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Real Life

Teaching young children takes more than just book knowledge of developmental stages. A great teacher knows how to apply that knowledge in the classroom to best support every child.

Join Dr. Beth Trammell for a candid conversation about the things you didn’t learn in your development courses—the surprises you never expected, and the moments when you’re not quite sure what to do.

Together, we’ll explore the many ways development manifests in children and how it can manifest differently in each child.

📅 Wednesday, September 10, 2025
🕐 1:00–2:30 PM
💻 Virtual Only (Zoom link sent to registrants)
👩‍🏫 Instructor: Dr. Beth Trammell
🎟️ FREE for non-PLI members with promo code ECITRAC (limited spots available!)

Rising with Love - Parent Retreat

Are you a parent?

Would you like to learn more effective ways to communicate with your kids?

Do you like supporting other parents and sharing your parenting journey?

Call to register - 765-660-2128

Teaching Pyramid Infant Toddler Observation Scales - TPITOS

2-Day Training

• Learn to administer and become certified in the TPITOS. This Scale allows observers to identify the Pyramid Model practices being used well by classroom staff and the practices where coaching may be helpful.

  Target Audience: Personnel who complete classroom observations for programs
  serving infants, toddlers, and/or two-year-old children.

Training Costs Covered Through the EYI Grant.

Breakfast and Lunch Provided!

Location: Grant County United Way 215 South Adams Street Marion, IN,

Date/Time: Monday & Tuesday, August 25-26, 2025 - 9:00 AM 4:00 PM

If you have questions, email Robyn Duffy at rduffy@careyservices.com

Registration Deadline: August 4, 2025

Looking for practical ways to build a positive classroom environment this year? Don't miss this FREE webinar from Becker's!

Join them for "Cultivating Connection: Building Relationships and Community from the Start."

In this session, you’ll get powerful strategies for building a classroom where children feel secure and ready to learn.

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025

⏰ Time: 1:00 PM ET ✅ Cost: FREE

Key Topics:

• Building trust through everyday interactions

• Creating routines that support self-regulation and joy

• Welcoming families as partners

This is a fantastic, no-cost professional development opportunity. Secure your spot today!

FREE Diaper Giveaway!

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana and the Henry County Community Action Network for Maternal and Infant Health are teaming up to support local families!

Each bundle includes:

• Free diapers

• Baby wipes

• Infant/toddler books

Location:

The Salvation Army

2500 Washington St,

New Castle, IN 47362

First come, first served – supplies are limited!

Event Dates:

Tuesday, August 12th | 4:30–6:30 PM

Mark your calendars and spread the word!