Discover Opportunities and Upcoming Events!
Stay connected and informed with TRAC's event calendar! Explore upcoming training sessions, professional development opportunities, and community events designed to support early care and learning professionals.
Our calendar is your go-to resource for staying engaged and discovering ways to grow, connect, and make an impact in East Central Indiana. Visit regularly to see what’s happening near you!
Don’t see a training you want? Request One!
Join us for an upcoming event.
Join TRAC and our network of collaborators in shaping the future of early care and learning.
Together, we’re building a strong pipeline of opportunities that empower children, support families, and strengthen our communities.
Don’t see a training you want? Request one!
The Growing Brain by Zero to Three: Social Emotional Development
The Growing Brain by Zero to Three: Social Emotional Development
Join us for this FREE virtual event to learn about the brain's role in social-emotional development during the first five years of life. After this session, you will:
- Understand How Social–Emotional Development Unfolds in the First 5 Years and How to Support It in Young Children
- Identify Areas of the Brain Involved in Social Interactions and Emotional Reactions
- Understand the Role of Relationships and Attachment in Social–Emotional Development
- Understand the Effect of Stress on Social–Emotional Development
- Understand the Development of Empathy
You will receive a confirmation email with a URL.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Thu, Mar 26, 2026 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Organizer: Katie Lehman, (765) 216-7423, katie@muncieby5.org
Safe Sitter
SAFER SITTER
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 can even use manikins to practice rescue skills, such as 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: Firefly
Email Everett Hicks at dhicksjr@ivytech.edu with any questions about the class.
Flip the Script: Reframing Children's Behaviors (Virtual or Hybrid)
Flip the Script: Reframing Children's Behaviors
Behavior is communication! How might we reframe the behavior we find most challenging? This training will cover how stress, development, and relationships can both positively and negatively affect children's behavior. Leave with practical strategies that will encourage responding to challenging behavior with curiosity, empathy, and regulation-focused support. This session is virtual only.
Location: Virtual or Hybrid
Date and time: Tue, Mar 31, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Virtual option via ZOOM)
Date and time: Tue, Mar 31, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (Hybrid option at BY5)
Organizer: Ellie Parkison, (765) 216-7423, ellie@muncieby5.org
All Our Kin Family Child Care Home Business 8-week Series
BY5 will host another round of its free Family Child Care Home Business Series beginning on Saturday, April 4th, 2026. This 8-week series uses a business curriculum designed by All Our Kin, a nonprofit organization that focuses solely on training and resources for family child care home providers.
The training consists of two in-person classes and six virtual classes online via Zoom.
In-person classes are on Saturday, April 4th, from 9 am-2 pm, and Saturday, May 23rd, from 9 am-2 pm. Virtual classes will take place on Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning on April 9th and concluding on Thursday, May 17th.
Thanks to grant funding from Early Learning Indiana, BY5 can provide each provider who completes the series with a free laptop and printer for their business, in addition to a free one-year membership to BY5’s Professional Learning Institute.
Topics covered in the series include marketing, contracts, policy handbooks, risk management, insurance, financial management, and taxes. Whether you are just starting in the field or you’ve been providing care for the last 30 years, you will walk away having learned something new.
To register for the series, please fill out this FCCH Business Series Registration Form by March 20th, 2026. After you submit the form, you will receive an email from Katie Lehman (katie@muncieby5.org) to schedule an initial interview to ensure the business series is a good fit. I have also attached a one-page flyer advertising the series.
Katie is happy to answer any questions you may have! She can be reached by phone (call/text) at 765-216-7423 or by email at katie@muncieby5.org.
CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING
TRAC and Thriving Grant County are partnering to offer CPR/First Aid & AED Training!
Exclusively for early care and learning professionals.
This essential training includes:
✔️ Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED
✔️ Blended-learning option
✔️ 2-year American Red Cross certification upon completion
✔️ CPR breathing barrier
📞 Call 765-382-6650 or 📧 email libby@thrivinggrantcounty.com to learn more or schedule a training.
CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING
TRAC and Thriving Grant County are partnering to offer CPR/First Aid & AED Training!
Exclusively for early care and learning professionals.
This essential training includes:
✔️ Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED
✔️ Blended-learning option
✔️ 2-year American Red Cross certification upon completion
✔️ CPR breathing barrier
📞 Call 765-382-6650 or 📧 email libby@thrivinggrantcounty.com to learn more or schedule a training.
Safe Sitter
SAFE SITTER
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 can even use manikins to practice rescue skills, such as choking rescue.
COURSE CONTENT:
Safety Skills
Childcare Skills
Life Business Skills
First Aid & Rescue Skills
FREE a $50+ Value covered by TRAC
Lunch Provided
Please email Trish Mastin at trishmastin1043@gmail.com for questions.
CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING
TRAC and Thriving Grant County are partnering to offer CPR/First Aid & AED Training!
Exclusively for early care and learning professionals.
This essential training includes:
✔️ Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED
✔️ Blended-learning option
✔️ 2-year American Red Cross certification upon completion
✔️ CPR breathing barrier
📞 Call 765-382-6650 or 📧 email libby@thrivinggrantcounty.com to learn more or schedule a training.
CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING
TRAC and Thriving Grant County are partnering to offer CPR/First Aid & AED Training!
Exclusively for early care and learning professionals.
This essential training includes:
✔️ Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED
✔️ Blended-learning option
✔️ 2-year American Red Cross certification upon completion
✔️ CPR breathing barrier
📞 Call 765-382-6650 or 📧 email libby@thrivinggrantcounty.com to learn more or schedule a training.
CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING
TRAC and Thriving Grant County are partnering to offer CPR/First Aid & AED Training!
Exclusively for early care and learning professionals.
This essential training includes:
✔️ Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED
✔️ Blended-learning option
✔️ 2-year American Red Cross certification upon completion
✔️ CPR breathing barrier
📞 Call 765-382-6650 or 📧 email libby@thrivinggrantcounty.com to learn more or schedule a training.
HERO's Story Time: Developing Assets and Skills in Young Learners
HERO's Story Time: Developing Assets and Skills in Young Learners
Join BY5 for HERO’S Story Time (Helping Every Child Reach Optimum Success), a reading-based program designed to build social-emotional skills and developmental assets in children ages 3–5. Childcare providers will explore how intentional storytelling aligned with the Search Institute’s Developmental Assets supports healthy relationships, resilience, and school readiness. Participants will also learn how creative classroom activities and weekly family newsletters reinforce asset-building in the classroom and at home. Each participant will take home an 8-book classroom set. Dinner provided!
Location: BY5 Professional Learning Institute, 108 S Walnut St #305, Muncie, IN 47305
Date and time: Thu, Mar 19, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Organizer: Ellie Parkison, (765) 216-7423, ellie@muncieby5.org
CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING (BEEN CANCELED)
TRAC and Thriving Grant County are partnering to offer CPR/First Aid & AED Training!
Exclusively for early care and learning professionals.
This essential training includes:
✔️ Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED
✔️ Blended-learning option
✔️ 2-year American Red Cross certification upon completion
✔️ CPR breathing barrier
📞 Call 765-382-6650 or 📧 email libby@thrivinggrantcounty.com to learn more or schedule a training.
Henry County Preschool Showcase!
Join us for the Henry County Preschool Showcase!
📅 Wednesday, March 11th
⏰ 4:30–7:00 PM
📍 East Central Education Center
2601 S 14th St., New Castle
Preschool programs from across Henry County are coming together to share information with families about the importance of early childhood education and to highlight their individual programs.
This is a great opportunity to:
✨ Meet local preschool providers
✨ Learn about enrollment options
✨ Ask questions and explore which program is the best fit for your child
We hope to see you there! Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with families who have young children. 💛
Ideal Learning Listening Sessions
Join the Conversation: Ideal Learning Listening Sessions
INAEYC invites you to an interactive session on Ideal Learning Environments. Supported by the New Venture Fund, we’re partnering with local providers to strengthen high-quality learning practices in your region.
Event Details
Region: East Central
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM EST
Why Attend?
Share Your Voice: Define what "ideal learning" means to you.
Reflect: Discuss your current successes and challenges.
Shape the Future: Your input will directly guide future training and coaching supports.
CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING
TRAC and Thriving Grant County are partnering to offer CPR/First Aid & AED Training!
Exclusively for early care and learning professionals.
This essential training includes:
✔️ Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED
✔️ Blended-learning option
✔️ 2-year American Red Cross certification upon completion
✔️ CPR breathing barrier
📞 Call 765-382-6650 or 📧 email libby@thrivinggrantcounty.com to learn more or schedule a training.
Early Childhood Make-it/Take-it Skills Training
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.
Designed for Discovery: Making Sense of Sensory Play
Designed for Discovery: Making Sense of Sensory Play
Feb 25, 2026 | 1:00–2:00 PM (ET)
Sensory play is a vital part of early learning—and today’s options are more exciting (and overwhelming) than ever. This practical, engaging session explores how intentional sensory play supports learning across multiple domains. We’ll share classroom-ready ideas for using sensory tables, play surfaces, and materials indoors and outdoors, helping you create inclusive, meaningful sensory experiences that spark curiosity and discovery.
SAFE SITTER (SOLD OUT!)
SAFE SITTER (SOLD OUT!)
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 can even use manikins to practice rescue skills, such as 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: First 5 Early Learning Coalition
To be put on a wait list, please email Trish Mastin at trishmastin1043@gmail.com.
SOLD OUT!
Playful Pathways to Advocacy
Playful Pathways to Advocacy
Join the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (INAEYC) and the Grant County Early Childhood Coalition for a day dedicated to professional growth and the future of childcare in our state.
This event is designed to help you discover playful classroom strategies, strengthen your advocacy skills, and connect directly with business and government leaders. By sharing your story, you can help shape the future of childcare in Indiana.
Event Details
Date: February 21, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
Location: IVY Tech Conference Center - Marion, 261 Commerce Dr., Marion, IN 46953
Cost: $35 for both Members and Non-Members (includes lunch and training hours)
Professional Development: 4 CKC hours
How to Register
Space is limited, so please secure your spot online:
Link: https://inaeyc.org/event/playful-pathways-to-advocacy/
Contact Information
For Meeting Questions: Contact Danielle Svantner at danisvantner@westminsterpreschools.org.
For Registration Support: Contact Indiana AEYC at 855.484.2392 or email conference@inaeyc.org.
CPR/FIRST AID & AED TRAINING
TRAC and Thriving Grant County are partnering to offer CPR/First Aid & AED Training!
Exclusively for early care and learning professionals.
This essential training includes:
✔️ Adult & Pediatric CPR/First Aid and AED
✔️ Blended-learning option
✔️ 2-year American Red Cross certification upon completion
✔️ CPR breathing barrier
📞 Call 765-382-6650 or 📧 email libby@thrivinggrantcounty.com to learn more or schedule a training.
Intersection Between Childcare, Trauma, and Children
Intersection Between Childcare, Trauma, and Children
Are you a professional in early learning or childcare? This free workshop is specifically designed for you!
📅 Thursday, February 12, 2026
⏰ 6:00–7:30 PM
📍 Memorial Wesleyan Church
2701 N Memorial Dr, New Castle, IN 47362
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!
📩 Questions? Email: jeri.mccorkle@bsu.edu
We hope to see you there! 💛✨
Introduction to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (In-person Session)
Introduction to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
This foundational training introduces the core principles of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH), emphasizing how early relationships, experiences, and environments shape social-emotional development from birth through age five. Participants will explore brain development, attachment, and the role of caregivers in promoting resilience and healthy emotional growth.
Location: BY5, 108 S Walnut St., Suite305, Muncie, IN 47305
Date and time: Tue, Feb 10, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $45
Organizer: Ellie Parkison, (765) 216-7423, ellie@muncieby5.org
Introduction to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (Virtual Session)
Introduction to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
(Virtual Session)
This foundational training introduces the core principles of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH), emphasizing how early relationships, experiences, and environments shape social-emotional development from birth through age five. Participants will explore brain development, attachment, and the role of caregivers in promoting resilience and healthy emotional growth.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Tue, Feb 10, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $25
Organizer: Ellie Parkison, (765) 216-7423, ellie@muncieby5.org
Indiana Early Childhood Education Day
Save the Date!
🗓️ Join us for Indiana Early Childhood Education Day on February 5, 2026, at the Indiana Statehouse South Atrium.
Learn more about the importance of early childhood education and how you can get involved. In partnership with Early Learning Indiana, United Way of Central Indiana, and Early Education Works. An affiliate of NAEYC.
MORE TO COME!
FSSA Finance Meeting
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
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
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
Provider Support Call
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
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
SAFE SITTER Essentials Course
SAFE 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
SAFE SITTER Essentials Course
SAFE 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
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 at completion
CPR breathing barrier
Intersection Between Childcare, Trauma, and Children
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
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!
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 at completion
CPR breathing barrier
FREE Diaper Giveaway and Baby Boo Community Baby Shower
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!
From Awareness to Advocacy: How Early Educators Support Families of Neurodivergent Children
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
📢 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-Days)
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
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 at completion
CPR breathing barrier
Make every learning opportunity count
We develop the Early Care and Learning workforce because they are the foundation of every industry in our region, driving growth, and supporting families.
