In this training, we will be setting the scene to spark curiosity that goes beyond the pages of the book. We will journey into the world of science, math, art, and beyond by using our informational texts as a springboard. Have you ever wondered how to introduce informational text to children? By the end of this training, you have at least three strategies to utilize in your programs to encourage curiosity and exploration on every level.

1 hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of a reflection form. A link to a reflection form will be provided following the session.

United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Your TNPAL-verified director should enter documentation of attendance and participation in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About the Presenter: Ashmin Small, MS CDFR, has over 25 years of experience in the field of early childhood education. Passionate about supporting both children and educators, she is dedicated to creating nurturing environments that foster growth, curiosity, and lifelong learning. Her extensive experience and commitment to quality care continue to make a lasting impact on the early childhood community

This session focuses on engaging children from birth to five in hands-on art experiences that support early learning and development while strengthening connections to high-quality children’s literature.

Participants will explore developmentally appropriate art activities that encourage creativity, sensory exploration, fine motor skills, and self-expression. Each activity is intentionally paired with children’s books to promote early literacy, language development, and comprehension through meaningful, play-based experiences. Emphasis is placed on process art, open-ended materials, and inclusive practices that honor each child’s developmental stage and unique abilities.

Educators will leave with practical strategies for integrating art and literature into daily routines to create rich, engaging learning environments for young children.

1 hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of a reflection form. A link to a reflection form will be provided following the session.

United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Your TNPAL-verified director should enter documentation of attendance and participation in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About the Presenter: Lisa Maddox-Vinson demonstrates a profound commitment to Early Childhood Education, holding a master’s degree in early childhood leadership. With 15 years of service as the Children’s Library Director for the LaVergne Public Library, she was integral to the establishment of a library that ranked fifth in the nation for its exemplary children’s programs. In her previous role as an Early Childhood Education Coordinator at Austin Peay State University, she collaborated with the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance to enhance educational initiatives.

Lisa served as a Leadership Advisor for the Middle/North area of the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance at Tennessee State University. In this capacity, she provided guidance and coaching to directors while also teaching courses in Early Childhood Education. Furthermore, Lisa is the creator of the award-winning children’s recording, “Snap, Clap, Wiggle, and Giggle,” which contains a collection of songs designed to enrich Early Childhood classrooms.

Lisa is an accomplished presenter at various national, state, and local conferences throughout the United States. She has conducted informative sessions and workshops at distinguished events, including the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Southern Early Childhood Association (SECA), and the National Kindergarten Conference. Additionally, she has served as a keynote speaker for the Mississippi Early Childhood Association and the Kentucky Early Childhood Association.

Her professional dedication extends to participation on several Early Childhood advisory boards, including the Tennessee Association for Children’s Early Education, the Two Rivers Association for Children’s Early Education, the Head Start Board, the Southern Early Childhood Association, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Board. With more than thirty years of experience working with children and adults, Lisa considers it an honor to serve families, educators, and children.

What’s the difference between a curriculum and a lesson plan? How can educators use both to create meaningful learning experiences? In this dynamic session, we’ll break down the roles of curriculum and lesson planning, helping participants understand how to use each effectively and creatively.

Educators will learn how to design engaging lesson plans that meet students where they are, enhance existing curricula, and reflect the diverse learning styles and needs of their classrooms. We’ll explore how tapping into your creativity can transform lessons into powerful tools for connection and growth.

This session also covers the purpose and types of assessments, offering practical insights into how assessments support planning and student progress. Participants will leave with key techniques for building strong, simple, and impactful lesson plans that foster deeper learning and engagement.

1 hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of a reflection form. A link to a reflection form will be provided following the session.

United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Your TNPAL-verified director should enter documentation of attendance and participation in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About the Presenter: Originally from Chicago, IL, Ms. Johnson is an Author, Small Business Owner, and Early Childhood Consultant/Specialist with over 15 years of experience. A graduate of Langston University and Spertus Institute, she holds degrees in Child Development, Business Administration, and Nonprofit Management. Passionate about empowering families and educators, her mission is to bridge the gap between parents and educators by laying the proper foundation our children need to thrive. She can be contacted at ms.johnson@wedroppinjems.com.

About Droppin’ J.E.M.S.: Droppin’ J.E.M.S. is an educational organization dedicated to empowering students, parents, schools, and businesses through high-quality tutoring, consulting, and training programs. Droppin’ J.E.M.S. is Setting the foundation to Empower Our Communities, Heal Our Villages, and Reclaim Our Education. Find out more at www.wedroppinjems.com.

Do you ever have a learner who does not participate or seems “all over the place”? Do you ever wonder where to start with teaching non-traditional learners? This webinar will cover important skills you can embed in daily routines to increase skill acquisition in neurodivergent learners, as well as tools to increase engagement.

1 hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of a reflection form. A link to a reflection form will be provided following the session.

United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Your TNPAL-verified director should enter documentation of attendance and participation in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About the Presenter: Elizabeth, also known as “Ms. Liz”, worked as an early childhood educator for 12 years before becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. For 5 years, she was Owner and Director at a Reggio Emilia preschool that specialized in inclusion. She is passionate about disseminating information for educators to feel confident in their classrooms and promote behaviors for all children to be included. She can be contacted at elizabeth.mcmellon@keyautismservices.com.

About Key Autism Services: Key Autism Services provides expert ABA therapy with highly trained Board Certified Behavior Analysts, offering compassionate, flexible care at home, in clinics, schools, and communities to support each family’s unique needs. Learn more at: www.keyautismservices.com.

Reading is more than decoding letters; it’s about making meaning. In this session, we’ll explore how comprehension begins long before children can read independently and continues to evolve throughout their development.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the key areas of literacy and where comprehension fits into the bigger picture. We’ll unpack the stages of comprehension from infancy through elementary school and beyond, highlighting how early experiences with language, storytelling, and interaction lay the foundation for lifelong understanding.

This session also challenges a common misconception: just because a child can read fluently doesn’t mean they truly comprehend. We’ll examine the different levels of comprehension and why nurturing this skill is essential for academic success and critical thinking.

1 hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of a reflection form. A link to the reflection form will be provided following the session.

United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Documentation of attendance and participation should be entered by your TNPAL-verified director in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About the Presenter: Originally from Chicago, IL, Ms. Johnson is an Author, Small Business Owner, and Early Childhood Consultant/Specialist with over 15 years of experience. A graduate of Langston University and Spertus Institute, she holds degrees in Child Development, Business Administration, and Nonprofit Management. Passionate about empowering families and educators, her mission is to bridge the gap between parents and educators by laying the proper foundation our children need to thrive. She can be contacted at ms.johnson@wedroppinjems.com.

About Droppin’ J.E.M.S.: Droppin’ J.E.M.S. is an educational organization dedicated to empowering students, parents, schools, and businesses through high-quality tutoring, consulting, and training programs. Droppin’ J.E.M.S. is Setting the foundation to Empower Our Communities, Heal Our Villages, and Reclaim Our Education. Find out more at https://www.wedroppinjems.com/.

Join Alison Clougherty of Blind Early Services as she presents “The Importance of Specialized Early Intervention for Children with Visual Impairments.”

In this webinar, we will discuss the importance of vision-specific early childhood interventions for families of children with vision impairments and multiple disabilities. We will also introduce you to BEST and the services we provide, as well as the collaboration opportunities that may be available. Finally, we will touch on common vision diagnoses and tools that can support this population.

1 hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of a reflection form. A link to a reflection form will be provided following the session.

United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Your TNPAL-verified director should enter documentation of attendance and participation in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About Blind Early Learning Services: Blind Early Services TN, or BEST, provides specialized early intervention vision services for the entire state of Tennessee. We provide direct service, parent connection, resources, and advocacy.

In this session, we’ll explore the power of positive redirection, starting with ourselves. Before we can effectively guide children, we must first understand how our own emotions, reactions, and mindset shape the learning environment. This webinar invites educators to reflect inward, recognizing how self-awareness and emotional regulation can influence not only student behavior but also our personal well-being.

1.5 hours of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of a reflection form. United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Documentation of attendance and participation should be entered by your TNPAL-verified director in their TrainTN Director Portal.

1.5 hours of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of a reflection form. A link to the reflection form will be provided following the session.

United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Documentation of attendance and participation should be entered by your TNPAL-verified director in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About the Presenters: Originally from Chicago, IL, Ms. Johnson is an Author, Small Business Owner, and Early Childhood Consultant/Specialist with over 15 years of experience. A graduate of Langston University and Spertus Institute, she holds degrees in Child Development, Business Administration, and Nonprofit Management. Passionate about empowering families and educators, her mission is to bridge the gap between parents and educators by laying the proper foundation our children need to thrive. She can be contacted at ms.johnson@wedroppinjems.com.

About Droppin’ J.E.M.S.: Droppin’ J.E.M.S. is an educational organization dedicated to empowering students, parents, schools, and businesses through high-quality tutoring, consulting, and training programs. Droppin’ J.E.M.S. is Setting the foundation to Empower Our Communities, Heal Our Villages, and Reclaim Our Education. Find out more at https://www.wedroppinjems.com/.

Participants will learn how Signal Centers is partnering with TN DHS to support early childhood educators by providing salary supplements directly to educators. Jen will cover highlights such as qualifications for WAGE$, steps to apply for WAGE$ and resources for continuing higher education in Early Childhood Education.

About the Presenters: Jen Tedder is the Director of WAGE$ TN. She holds a BA in Applied Psychology from Carson Newman University, a master’s in social work from University of Tennessee Knoxville and an Ed.S. from Middle Tennessee State University. Before joining WAGE$ in Spring of 2023, she served in an administrative role in higher education where she gained experience managing a program that served approximately 1600 students in a 6-county region. Previously, she worked as a school social worker to support families and children of all ages. Jen is passionate about high quality education for every child and sees Childcare WAGE$ as an innovative initiative to keep great teachers in the classroom. She can be contacted at jennifer_tedder@signalcenters.org.

Lindsey Thurman is the Marketing and Public Relations Specialist for WAGE$ TN. She is a proud alumna of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where she majored in communications. With a passion for making a difference, she feels right at home in the non-profit sector. A dynamic marketing professional, she thrives on creativity, forging connections with audiences, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. Lindsey’s journey has taken her through diverse experiences, from international endeavors to the fast-paced world of news, and now early childhood education. Lindsey is passionate about sharing the impact stories of early childhood educators as she continues to expand WAGE$’s reach across Tennessee! She can be contacted at lindsey_thurman@signalcenters.org.

Josué Vega is the Marketing and Communication Specialist for Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee. He brings extensive experience as a journalist, former news producer, and university marketer. Josue has also worked for National Public Radio, an experience that fueled his desire to produce quality storytelling for excellent and exciting causes. He can be contacted at josue_vega@signalcenters.org.

About Child Care WAGE$ Tennessee: Child Care WAGE$® TENNESSEE is a statewide initiative which rewards qualifying Early Childhood Educators with salary supplements based on their current education, with the opportunity to increase their supplement as more Early Childhood Education coursework is completed. This promotes higher retention in classrooms, which helps children develop stable attachments with qualified educators, all within a secure learning environment.

Parent engagement is key to the success of children’s educational experiences. This professional development will empower participants to understand the importance of family engagement and clearly define the difference between family involvement and family engagement. Participants will learn about funds of knowledge and how to gather them from children and families to use in the classroom. Participants will also learn about a concrete tool (PhOLKS) to use to gather funds of knowledge as well.

About the Presenter: Ms. Danielle Norton is the founder and owner of DDN Consulting, LLC. She has over eighteen years of experience in early childhood education. Ms. Norton has taught in preschool classrooms, as well as coached and mentored numerous early childhood educators. While teaching in Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools, Ms. Norton was voted Teacher of the Year, an inaugural member of the Blue Ribbon Teacher cohort, and an inaugural member of the Teacher Leadership Institute. She is a train-the-trainer for the Pyramid Model Framework, an anchor observer for the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS-R) and has been a certified observer for the Classroom Assessment Scoring System, Pre-K (CLASS). Ms. Norton has experience in private learning centers, public elementary schools, and nonprofit environments. DDN, Consulting, LLC offers trainings/workshops on a variety of topics such as literacy, math, classroom management, and family engagement. She can be contacted at danielle.ddnconsulting@gmail.com.

Our words are powerful. With our words, we can either build each other up or tear each other down. How do we communicate clearly and consistently, even about difficult matters, in order to promote and strengthen healthy relationships?

During this workshop, we will:

• Examine our role as Caring Adults in a child’s life
• Discuss how to encourage a Growth Mindset for students and ourselves
• Practice reframing conversations to promote growth
• Review communications with colleagues, families and students (bring existing work) through the lens of SEL

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of the reflection form/quiz. United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Your TNPAL-verified director should enter documentation of attendance and participation in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About the Presenter: Tamara Fyke is a creative entrepreneur with a passion for kids, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and founder of BlueWonder Creative which focuses on children’s mental health and wellness in education through Love In A Big World and healthcare through Brav3Up. She is a leader for community programs as well as in-school support services, program development, and research. Tamara received her master’s degree in education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development and worked at Vanderbilt’s Center for Safe & Supportive Schools. She is the editor of Building People: SEL for Kids, Families, Schools and Communities which will be re-released in June 2023, and author of Family Matters: Thriving as One which will be released in July. She is the proud mother of three grown children and resides in Nashville, TN.

About Love in a Big World: Love In A Big World is founded on the study of character traits that guide everyday student interactions and provide a unifying foundation for young minds and hearts.

Join us as we explore Positive Childhood Experiences (Bethell, 2019) and how we can integrate them into our practice on a daily basis in order to counteract ACEs and build resilience in our students. Participants will be able to examine their practice and determine how to integrate PCEs into their practice.

1-hour of TN DHS credit is available upon completion of the reflection form/quiz. United Way of Greater Nashville is a Pre-Approved Institution with TrainTN. Your TNPAL-verified director should enter documentation of attendance and participation in their TrainTN Director Portal.

About the Presenter: Tamara Fyke is a creative entrepreneur with a passion for kids, families, and urban communities. She is the creator and founder of BlueWonder Creative which focuses on children’s mental health and wellness in education through Love In A Big World and healthcare through Brav3Up. She is a leader for community programs as well as in-school support services, program development, and research. Tamara received her master’s degree in education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development and worked at Vanderbilt’s Center for Safe & Supportive Schools. She is the editor of Building People: SEL for Kids, Families, Schools and Communities which will be re-released in June 2023, and author of Family Matters: Thriving as One which will be released in July. She is the proud mother of three grown children and resides in Nashville, TN.

About Love in a Big World: Love In A Big World is founded on the study of character traits that guide everyday student interactions and provide a unifying foundation for young minds and hearts.