Professional Learning That Connects Research to Practice

Engaging, practical workshops for educators and professionals serving children and families. Led by Amanda Hill, each session brings together research, real-world examples, and opportunities for discussion and reflection—helping participants leave with strategies they can use in their everyday work.

Explore the topics below, or get in touch to discuss a workshop tailored to your team’s needs.

From Research to Relationships: Child Development in Everyday Practice

Connect child development research to everyday interactions with children and families. Participants explore how developmental knowledge can shape expectations, strengthen relationships, and guide practical decisions.

Ideal for: Early childhood educators, family support professionals, and parent educators.

Understanding Behavior: A Developmental Approach to Guidance

Explore what children’s behavior can tell us about their developmental needs, emerging skills, and experiences. Participants examine realistic scenarios and identify supportive responses, environmental adjustments, and strategies that help children build skills.

Ideal for: Early childhood educators and professionals supporting families with young children.

Observe First: Understanding Children Before Responding

Discover how observation can help adults better understand children’s strengths, interests, and needs. Participants practice separating observations from interpretations, recognizing patterns, and using what they notice to guide supportive interactions, adjust learning environments, and plan meaningful experiences.

Ideal for: Early childhood educators and professionals supporting children and families.

Partnering with Families: Building Trust Through Everyday Conversations

Strong partnerships grow through respectful, responsive communication. Participants practice listening with curiosity, recognizing family strengths, and approaching challenging conversations in ways that support collaboration.

Ideal for: Educators, family engagement staff, and family support professionals.

Engage, Reflect, Apply: Designing Learning for Adults

Design learning experiences that invite adults to participate, reflect, and apply new ideas. Participants explore practical ways to incorporate discussion, relevant examples, and meaningful activities into workshops and parent education sessions.

Ideal for: Trainers, parent educators, facilitators, and professional development leaders.

Learning Through Play: Connecting Everyday Experiences to Development

Explore how play supports children’s physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. Participants examine everyday play experiences, identify the learning taking place, and consider how intentional materials, environments, and interactions can extend children’s exploration while preserving their choice and curiosity.

Ideal for: Early childhood educators, family support professionals, and parent educators.

Workshop Details

Workshops are available virtually, with select in-person opportunities by arrangement. Sessions can be tailored to your team’s roles, experience, and goals. Most topics are available as 60–90-minute sessions. Extended workshops and coordinated training series can be developed by agreement. Each workshop includes opportunities for discussion, reflection, and practical application, along with participant resources to support continued learning.

Plan a Workshop for Your Team

Interested in a listed topic or looking for something tailored to your organization? Share your audience, preferred dates, and learning goals. Amanda will follow up to discuss options and provide a proposal.

[Inquire About a Workshop]

Google Sites

Report abuse