The Mississippi Department of Education, through the Office of Early Childhood Education, is offering training professional learning opportunities titled: Investigating the Mississippi Early Learning Standards for PRE-K4 and Promoting Social and Emotional Development in Pre-K4. These trainings will take place during the months of August and September in-person and virtually as part of the MS LIFT grant in conjunction with the Mississippi Department of Human Services. These trainings are open to childcare center directors, teachers, assistant teachers, Head Start, and caregivers that serve 4-year-olds (public and private). A description of each offered training opportunity is detailed below:
Investigating the Mississippi Early Learning Standards for Pre-K4
Participants will explore the Mississippi Early Learning Standards for 4-year-old children. Trainers will discuss the components within the standards document including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Approaches to Learning, Science, Physical Development, Social Studies, and Creative Expression. This training will give early educators a clearer understanding of the academic expectations of a high-quality learning environment for programs serving 4-year-old children. The Investigating the Mississippi Early Learning Standards for Pre-K4 training will be offered at the following locations/dates:
Holmes Community College Grenada Campus – Aug. 20 from 5 – 6:30p.m.
Virtual Online Course – Aug. 22 from 5 – 6:30p.m.
Virtual Online Course – Aug. 27 from 5 – 6:30p.m.
Promoting Social and Emotional Development in Pre-K4
This training will give an in-depth look at strategies to improve the social and emotional growth of 4-year-old children. Participants will learn how to cultivate an environment that promotes positive relationships and increase self-regulating behaviors among 4-year-old children. The Promoting Social and Emotional Development in Pre- K4 training will be offered at the following locations/dates:
Mississippi State University Child Development and Family Studies Center Starkville – Sept. 17 from 5:45 – 7:15 p.m.
Virtual Online Course – Sept. 19 from 5 – 6:30p.m.
Virtual Online Course – Sept. 24 from 5 – 6:30p.m.
Copiah-Lincoln Community College Natchez Campus – Sept. 26 from 5 – 6:30 p.m.
Additionally, a half-day in-person training will be offered that consist of both professional learning opportunities:
Investigating the Mississippi Early Learning Standards for Pre-K4 and Promoting Social and Emotional Development in Pre-K4
Hinds Community College Jackson Campus – Sept. 19 from 8 a.m. to 12:30p.m.
Space is limited at each location and participants must register via the Go Sign Me Up website. The link can be accessed here: Browse Courses (mdek12.org). The trainings will be conducted in several locations and virtually as well, so be certain of the intended date and location when completing registration. Registration is granted on a first come, first serve basis.
Participants who successfully complete the evening trainings are eligible to receive 1.5 contact hours. Participants who attend the half-day training on Sept. 19 are eligible for 4.5 contact hours. Please note: These trainings do not meet the requirement for CEUs, SEMIs or OSLs.
Contact earlychildhoodtrainings@mdek12.org if there are any questions regarding registration.