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!
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.
Safe Sitter
Upcoming FREE Youth Training: Safe Sitter Essentials Course
We are excited to offer the Safe Sitter Essentials Course, designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
This engaging, instructor-led class is filled with fun games, role-playing exercises, and practical, hands-on learning. Students will use manikins to practice crucial rescue skills, including choking rescue, ensuring they feel confident and prepared in emergency situations.
Course Content Includes:
Safety Skills
Childcare Skills
Life & Business Skills
First Aid & Rescue Skills
Event Details:
Dates: Friday, June 5th
Time: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm
Location:
Ball State University
2501 N Oakwood Ave, Room 119
Muncie, IN 47304
Cost:
FREE (A $50+ value generously covered by the Training, Resources, and Advocacy Connector - TRAC)
FREE LUNCH Provided
Email Lucinda Stipp at lastipp@bsu.edu with any questions about the class.
Please share this opportunity with families in the community who might benefit.
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.
Trauma-Informed Early Childhood 3-Day Bootcamp
Trauma-Informed Early Childhood 3-Day Bootcamp
Join BY5 for an engaging, hands-on Early Childhood Teacher Bootcamp designed to help educators create safe, nurturing, and emotionally responsive learning environments through a trauma-informed approach.
During this three-day professional learning experience, participants will:
Gain a deeper understanding of how trauma impacts young children's behavior and development.
Explore practical, research-based strategies for responding to challenging behaviors with empathy and confidence.
Strengthen relationships with children, families, and colleagues through effective communication and connection.
Participate in interactive activities, real-world case studies, and reflective discussions.
Leave with practical tools and strategies you can implement immediately in the classroom to support every child's success.
Whether you're new to trauma-informed practices or looking to strengthen your existing skills, this bootcamp will provide valuable insights and actionable techniques to help every child feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
Location:
BY5 Professional Learning Institute – NEW LOCATION!
345 S. High Street
Muncie, IN 47305
Date & Time:
Tuesday, July 21 – Thursday, July 23, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. each day
Organizer:
Ellie Parkison
📞 (765) 216-7423
✉️ ellie@muncieby5.org
Bright Future’s Academy (many dates to choose from)
Bright Future’s Academy is Back!
Empowering Tomorrow’s Caregivers, Today!
Ivy Tech Community College’s Early Childhood Education Department is offering a FREE summer program for students ages 9–14 who are interested in caring for young children and exploring future careers in caregiving and early childhood education.
Participants will receive:
🩹 Pediatric First Aid & CPR training
👶 Safe Sitter Certification®
🎒 Hands-on caregiving skills and activities
🍎 Daily lunch, snacks, and supplies included
🎁 A backpack filled with babysitting supplies for students who complete all five days!
📍 Muncie Campus
July 13–17, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Anderson Campus
July 20–24, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
✨ Space is limited — RSVP today
For more information, contact: Everett Hicks at dhicksjr@ivytech.edu
This is an amazing opportunity for youth to build confidence, leadership, and valuable life skills while having fun and preparing for the future.
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!
Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: Park Place Church of God (Children’s Center), 501 College Dr, Anderson, IN 46012
Learn practical strategies to support young children, understand how trauma affects development, and explore a simple brain model to guide your work. Presented by Annie Wood Bell, MSW, LCSW, Director of Family Success.
Questions? Email: awoodbell@heartofindiana.org
We hope to see you there! 💛✨
Safe Sitter
Upcoming FREE Youth Training: Safe Sitter Essentials Course
We are excited to offer the Safe Sitter Essentials Course, designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
This engaging, instructor-led class is filled with fun games, role-playing exercises, and practical, hands-on learning. Students will use manikins to practice crucial rescue skills, including choking rescue, ensuring they feel confident and prepared in emergency situations.
Course Content Includes:
Safety Skills
Childcare Skills
Life & Business Skills
First Aid & Rescue Skills
Event Details:
Dates: Friday, June 26
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Location:
Love Community Center
1850 N Main St
Rushville, IN 46173
Cost:
FREE (A $50+ value generously covered by the Training, Resources, and Advocacy Connector - TRAC)
Email Trish Mastin at trishmastin1043@gmail.com with any questions and to register for the class.
Please share this opportunity with families in the community who might benefit.
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!
Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30 PM
Location: Spartan Learning Center, 1601 Spartan Drive, Connersville, IN, 47331
Learn practical strategies to support young children, understand how trauma affects development, and explore a simple brain model to 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: awoodbell@heartofindiana.org
We hope to see you there! 💛✨
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.
Zero to Three: The Growing Brain, Everyday Play
Free Upcoming Training: Zero to Three: The Growing Brain, Everyday Play
Join Muncie BY5’s Infant and Toddler Program Coordinator, Katie Lehman, for a virtual training.
This engaging session will explore the importance of play in early childhood and how it supports healthy brain development. Participants will learn about:
~ The development of play
~ Guided play vs. free play
~ Core skills children develop through play
~ Ways to promote and support these skills
Date: June 11, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual Training
Whether you work with young children or are passionate about early learning, this training offers valuable insights and practical strategies you can use every day!
Questions: contact Katie Lehman 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.
Safe Sitter
Upcoming FREE Youth Training: Safe Sitter Essentials Course
We are excited to offer the Safe Sitter Essentials Course, designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
This engaging, instructor-led class is filled with fun games, role-playing exercises, and practical, hands-on learning. Students will use manikins to practice crucial rescue skills, including choking rescue, ensuring they feel confident and prepared in emergency situations.
Course Content Includes:
Safety Skills
Childcare Skills
Life & Business Skills
First Aid & Rescue Skills
Event Details:
Dates: Tuesday, June 9
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Location:
Love Community Center
1850 N Main St
Rushville, IN 46173
Cost:
FREE (A $50+ value generously covered by the Training, Resources, and Advocacy Connector - TRAC)
Email Trish Mastin at trishmastin1043@gmail.com with any questions about the class.
Please share this opportunity with families in the community who might benefit.
Safe Sitter
Upcoming FREE Youth Training: Safe Sitter Essentials Course
We are excited to offer the Safe Sitter Essentials Course, designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
This engaging, instructor-led class is filled with fun games, role-playing exercises, and practical, hands-on learning. Students will use manikins to practice crucial rescue skills, including choking rescue, ensuring they feel confident and prepared in emergency situations.
Course Content Includes:
Safety Skills
Childcare Skills
Life & Business Skills
First Aid & Rescue Skills
Event Details:
Dates: Friday, June 5th
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location:
Economic Development Group
721 West 21st Street
Connersville, IN 47331
Cost:
FREE (A $50+ value generously covered by the Training, Resources, and Advocacy Connector - TRAC)
FREE LUNCH - Sponsored by Firefly
Email Trish Mastin trishmastin1043@gmail.com with any questions about the class.
Please share this opportunity with families in the community who might benefit.
Safe Sitter
Upcoming FREE Youth Training: Safe Sitter Essentials Course
We are excited to offer the Safe Sitter Essentials Course, designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
This engaging, instructor-led class is filled with fun games, role-playing exercises, and practical, hands-on learning. Students will use manikins to practice crucial rescue skills, including choking rescue, ensuring they feel confident and prepared in emergency situations.
Course Content Includes:
Safety Skills
Childcare Skills
Life & Business Skills
First Aid & Rescue Skills
Event Details:
Dates: Friday, June 5th
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location:
Ball State University
2501 N Oakwood Ave, Room 119
Muncie, IN 47304
Cost:
FREE (A $50+ value generously covered by the Training, Resources, and Advocacy Connector - TRAC)
LUNCH will be provided
Email Lucinda Stipp at lastipp@bsu.edu with any questions about the class.
Please share this opportunity with families in the community who might benefit.
Nature and Outdoor Learning Workshop
Free Upcoming Training: Nature and Outdoor Learning Workshop
We are excited to invite you to an engaging, hands-on workshop focused on nature-based education!
Presented by experienced outdoor educators Erica Oliver and Emma Dragoo, this session invites participants to explore the Growing Up WILD curriculum while gaining practical strategies for meaningful outdoor learning. This workshop is perfect for both beginners and those looking to expand their current approach to nature-based education.
Workshop Highlights:
Learn how to prepare for a variety of weather conditions to ensure safe exploration.
Discover creative ways to bring elements of nature indoors.
Develop techniques to foster deeper connections with the natural world.
A special thank you to our sponsor, Ivy Tech Community College, for making this session completely FREE for attendees. Lunch will also be provided!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, May 30, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM ET
Location: BSU Dr. Joe & Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse and the Environmental Education Center
Address: 2430 W University Avenue, Muncie, IN 47306
We hope you can join us for this inspiring day of learning, resources, and actionable ideas.
Intersection between Childcare, Trauma and Children
Intersection between Childcare, Trauma, and Children
We are excited to invite all early educators in the East Central Indiana region to a special, FREE professional development session focused on the intersection of childcare and trauma.
During this evening session, we will:
Discuss critical brain development using a practical hand model of the brain.
Explore the basics of how trauma impacts a child's short- and long-term functioning.
Share practical strategies and frameworks to help both educators and children feel safer as they manage difficult emotions and behaviors.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: BY5 Professional Learning Institute, 108 S Walnut St #206, Muncie, IN 47305
Cost: FREE (Dinner will be provided!)
We look forward to sharing a meal and this vital information with you as we continue to support our birth-to-five population together.
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.
Zero to Three: The Growing Brain
Upcoming FREE Virtual Training: The Growing Brain – Social-Emotional Development
Please join us on May 19th for a special free virtual training session: The Growing Brain by Zero to Three, presented by Muncie BY5's Infant and Toddler Program Coordinator, Katie Lehman!
This session is designed specifically for those supporting our birth-to-five population, offering valuable insights into the brain's role in social-emotional development during these crucial early years.
Utilizing Zero to Three's curriculum, participants will:
Understand how social-emotional development unfolds in the first 5 years and how to effectively support it in young children.
Identify the specific brain regions involved in social interactions and emotional responses.
Understand the vital role of relationships and attachment in social-emotional development.
Understand the effect of stress on a child's social-emotional development.
Understand the development of empathy.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Location: Virtual (Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email containing the URL to join)
Cost: FREE
If you have any questions regarding the training, please email Katie Lehman at katie@muncieby5.org.
Safe Sitter
Upcoming FREE Youth Training: Safe Sitter Essentials Course
We are excited to offer the Safe Sitter Essentials Course, designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.
This engaging, instructor-led class is filled with fun games, role-playing exercises, and practical, hands-on learning. Students will use manikins to practice crucial rescue skills, including choking rescue, ensuring they feel confident and prepared in emergency situations.
Course Content Includes:
Safety Skills
Childcare Skills
Life & Business Skills
First Aid & Rescue Skills
Event Details:
Dates: Tuesday, May 19, and Thursday, May 21 (This is a two-day class)
Time: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM each day
Location:
Monroe Central Jr./Sr. High School
1878 North 1000 West
Parker City, IN 47368
Cost:
FREE (A $50+ value generously covered by the Training, Resources, and Advocacy Connector - TRAC)
Email jeri.mccorkle@bsu.edu with any questions about the class.
Please share this opportunity with families in the community who might benefit.
2026 Indiana Early Childhood Conference
2026 Indiana Early Childhood Conference
May 15, 2026 – May 16, 2026
LOCATION
Indiana Convention Center
ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
We believe in high-quality early learning for each and every child. We believe the connections to people, information, and resources will positively impact the quality of early learning experiences for those children. Join us for 2026!
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.
Make a Circle Documentary Screening
Special Event: Make a Circle Documentary Screening
You are invited to a special screening of the award-winning documentary, Make a Circle.
From an award-winning filmmaking team, Make a Circle follows a group of child care providers who are determined to change how society values the education of its youngest citizens. The film offers a rare, inside look at the lives of early childhood educators. By weaving together the magic they create in the classroom with the children they serve, their personal struggles at home, and their tireless dedication to their profession, the documentary sheds light on the backbone of a child care system on the brink.
Please join us for an evening of awareness, appreciation, and community support for early childhood educators.
Event Details:
When: May 6, 2026 | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Indiana Room at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens
Address: 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway, Muncie, IN 47303
Feel free to share this invitation with anyone who might be interested. We look forward to seeing you!
Second Annual Early Childhood Professionals’ Summit
We’re excited to announce the Muncie BY5 Second Annual Early Childhood Professionals’ Summit — a day to ELEVATE • EDUCATE • EMPOWER those who make a difference in the lives of young children!
📅 Saturday, April 25th, 2026
🕗 8:00 am – 3:30 pm
📍 Muncie Central High School, 801 N Walnut St, Muncie, IN 47305
🎤 Featuring Heather Bernt-Santy, also known as That Early Childhood Nerd!
Join us for an inspiring, energizing event full of learning, connection, and growth. 💙
Email Katie Lehman at katie@muncieby5.org or Emma Dragoo at emma@muncieby5.org for questions.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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. 💛
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.
