The Child Care & Development team has compiled this list of workshops, trainings, and resources to support individuals who care for children, covering all areas of development from birth through elementary age. Unless otherwise noted, these events are hosted by third-party organizations and are not managed by the City of Irvine.
Explore the resources below to support your professional development and parent education journey.


Resources


Parenting Resources
The Child Care Coordination Office has compiled a list of resources to support you on your parenting journey from birth through the elementary years. Whether you’re wondering how to support your child’s learning, address a specific challenge, or just figuring out your child-raising approach, time invested in developing your parenting skills will help you achieve all of the above.

California Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation (IECHMC)
Delivers support, resources, and training activities for early learning and care center-based program staff, family child care providers, and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers. Services include a toll-free help line, monthly open-door sessions held virtually and virtual communities of support. To learn more, click here. Please note: consultation services for child care providers in Orange County, California are provided by StartWell OC.

Start Well Mental Health Consultation for Early Care and Education
Are you or your staff overwhelmed by children’s challenging behaviors? Do you or your staff often call parents to pick up their children due to their challenging behaviors?  Is behavior a ‘hot topic’ amongst your teachers and parents?  Start Well can help and is available to work with YOUR program! Start Well is the local Infant Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation provider. Start Well provides in person consultation for early learning and care center-based program staff, family child care providers, and family, friend, and neighbor caregivers located in Orange County, California. To learn more, click here.

Start Well Office Hours for Early Care and Education Providers: Wednesdays, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. via Zoom
Drop in and virtually talk with an Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant. The Consultant will be available to talk about behavior, social and emotional development, resources and any related questions.
For more information, including Zoom link please, click here.

Help Me Grow Orange County
Help Me Grow connects children and their families to developmental services to enhance the development, behavior and learning of children birth through eight years. By calling the toll free number 1.866.GROW.025, (1.866.476.9025) or using the online link, parents, caregivers, child care providers, early educators, and health care providers have a point of access to developmental services for all young children who live in Orange County.

Inclusion Pathway 
This free online self-paced, self-study tool is a one stop shop for early childhood classroom teachers and caregivers and administrators. Whether you are new to the concept of “Inclusion”, want to learn about the newest resources and information to refine your inclusive practices or are looking for resources specific to supporting children with challenging behaviors, this is the place for you!  Start by completing the self-assessment to help you determine which area of the self-study tool to begin with.  No matter where you are now, each step you take in this educational journey will improve the experience of all children in your program and will help ensure that your program is open to, and truly accessible for all children, no matter their individual needs. 


Training

October 2026

OCTOBER CALENDAR

Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE) 
A variety of online classes are available in October for families.
Organization: Saddleback College FKCE 
Audience: Parents with children ages 0-17 
Location: Virtual via Zoom/In Person 
Dates: View the flier for the class schedule (aqui para español)
Fee: Free 
Information: Please find the registration links in the attached flier above. After registering, participants receive a confirmation email about joining the class. Call 949-582-4884 or contact scfkce@saddleback.edu for more information.
 

Preschoolers and Pixels by Amy Reyes-Hauff, CDHP
In this timely session, together we’ll explore how excessive screen use can affect pre-K children’s social-emotional development, peer relationships, transitions, and engagement in the classroom. Amy Reyes-Hauff, CDHP, State Early Learning and Literacy Specialist with the Wyoming Department of Education, will bring a thoughtful, experience-backed perspective to this growing challenge facing educators and families alike
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
 

Neurodivergent Kids: Celebrating Differences, Building Strengths
If you care for a child who is neurodivergent – whether they have autism, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, or giftedness – it can be hard to know where to start. You’ll learn more about what neurodivergence can look like, how it may impact mental health, and how to support your child with confidence.
Organization: BrightLife Kids
Audience: Parents and caregivers with neurodivergent children
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, October 22, Noon–12:45 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar. For questions, please call 888-275-5357 or email ce@hellobrightline.com.


TASK: Introduction to Assistive Technology 
Did you know that there are many different types of assistive technology available to people of all ages and abilities? In this webinar, we will introduce the Assistive Technology continuum and discuss the different AT categories. Technology will include examples of low-tech, medium-tech, and high-tech. Join us for a brief introduction to assistive technology and see the many options available today!

Organization: TASK Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals 
Location: Virtual
Date: Friday, October 23, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m
Fee: Free
Information: Click here to view the flier and register. For questions, please contact TASK at TASK@taskca.org
 

Annual Trunk-or-Treat & Resource Fair
Learn about TFRS programs, services, and community resources while enjoying candy and fun activities for the whole family! Visit the World System Builder booth, where Richard Roman will be available to share valuable financial literacy resources, answer your questions, and provide helpful information on building a strong financial future. Don't miss the opportunity to connect with Richard - be sure to stop by and say hello! 

Organization: Tustin Family Resource Center 
Audience: Families with children of all ages 
Location: Tustin Family Resource Center, 180 East Main Street, Tustin, CA 92780 
Date: Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: For more information or questions, please contact Richard Roman at 714-319-9086.


Our Voices Across Generations: AANHPI Educators in Early Childhood Education Panel
Together, the panel will examine how identity shapes the way educatiors show up in the classrooms, leadership spaces, higher education, and policy conversations. Participants will reflect on whose knowledge is most often centered in the field, what perspectives may be missing, and how educators and leaders can more intentionally partner with AANHPI educators, children, and families. 

Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.
 

Trunk-or-Treat Event
Join us for a night of safe trick-or-treating at our Trunk or Treat! The event is open to the community. It is a school-sponsored event and completely free! We will be handing out candy and playing games. Bring the whole family for an evening of Halloween fun! 
Organization: Innovation High School Center 
Audience: Families with children of all ages 
Location: 505 North Euclid Street, Anaheim, CA 92801, Parking Lot
Date: Thursday, October 29, 5:30–7 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: View the flier, or for questions, please contact Lexie Apodaca at 714-681-0228.


Start Well: The Early Years Training Series 
Join us on Friday, October 30, 2026, for the next topic in our Early Years Training Series “Foundations of Healing: Trauma Informed Practices.” Designed for professionals supporting young children and families, this training focuses on trauma-informed approaches that support safety, connection, and healing.

Organization: Start Well Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals 
Location: The Village at 17th Street in Santa Ana, in the upstairs Community Room
Date: Friday, October 30, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. 
Fee: Free
Information: To view the flier, please click here. For more information or questions, please contact Start Well at info@startwelloc.org. 




 

November 2026

NOVEMBER CALENDAR

Foster and Kinship Care Education (FKCE) 
A variety of online classes are available in November for families.
Organization: Saddleback College FKCE 
Audience: Parents with children ages 0-17 
Location: Virtual via Zoom/In Person 
Dates: View the flier for the class schedule (aqui para español)
Fee: Free 
Information: Please find the registration links in the attached flier above. After registering, participants receive a confirmation email about joining the class. Call 949-582-4884 or contact scfkce@saddleback.edu for more information.

Boundaries vs. Requests: Setting Limits Without Escalation by Alyssa Blask Campbell
In this session, we’ll build on your understanding of the nervous system and explore what it looks like to set limits in a way that supports regulation rather than disrupts it. You’ll learn the difference between a boundary and a request, and why that distinction matters so much in early childhood classrooms.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, November 4, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

HuUbuntu: I Am Because We Are - Way of Life by Dr. Patrick Makokoro
This session offers practical insights and tools for showing up whole for oneself first, so practitioners can more sustainably and authentically support the children, youth, and families they serve. It will also mark the launch of Dr. Patrick Makokoro's new book, HuUbuntu: I Am Because We Are — A Way of Life.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, November 5, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

Developmental Screening
Family Support Network is excited to invite the families you serve to a free, in-person Developmental Screening. These comprehensive in-person developmental screenings are designed for children ages 0–5 and assess key areas of early development, including:

  • Speech & Language
  • Social, Emotional & Behavioral Development
  • Fine & Gross Motor Skills
  • Hearing, Vision, Dental, and more

Licensed specialists provide one-on-one screenings, and families receive same-day results, plus guidance and follow-up support.
Organization: Family Support Network, Department of Developmental Services, and Regional Center of Orange County
Audience: Families with children ages 0–5
Location: South Orange County Family Resource Center, 22481 Aspan St., Suite B, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Date: Friday, November 6, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. 
Fee: Free; registration is required
Information: Registration is required. View the flier for more information. For questions, contact Katya Aguilar at 714-447-3301 ext. 205 or email kaguilar@fsn-oc.org.

Belonging Matters: Inclusive Practices for Early Childhood
Join Start Well Consultants as we explore fair, welcoming, and equitable learning environments for all young children. In this webinar, we will discuss practical strategies, no-cost inclusive tools, and building collaborative relationships to support the healthy social and emotional development and access to early mental health supports for all.
Organization: StartWell and OC Health Care Agency
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals 
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Fee: Free 
Information: View the flier or register for the webinar. 

Inspiring Terrific Toddlers 1: Why Do They Do That? Promoting Toddler Development to Reduce Frustrating Behaviors by Raelene Ostberg
In this engaging and practical session, participants will explore how typical toddler development influences behaviors that adults may find challenging. They will examine what toddlers are learning through these behaviors and how responsive adult interactions can support their social-emotional development.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

One System, Shared Impact: The SPARK EC Hub Research Collective
A virtual gathering for early childhood educators, researchers, advocates, and community partners to share research, innovations, and promising practices, explore opportunities for collaboration, and connect with others in the ECE field. Our mission is to build “systemness” through connection, collaboration, and shared research-moving ideas into action and creating greater collective impact.
Organization: The California State University-Education and Leadership
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Date: Tuesday, November 17, 10 a.m.–Noon
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar.

When to Say When: Building Confidence in Supporting Neurodivergent and Developing Minds Part II: Direct Guidance, by Michele Hemenway Pullen
In Part II, participants will explore how thoughtful observation and documentation can inform decisions about when additional support may be appropriate. The session will also examine how educators can partner effectively with families, guardians, trusted adults, and other professionals to support positive outcomes for children.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.

This is Your Brain on Fairytales: Storytelling, Neuroscience, and Connecting the Dots in Early Childhood by Stephanie Goloway
In this webinar, you’ll learn what goes on inside the brain as children hear stories of dragons and giants, and the brave people who tame them. Using familiar story arcs to guide us, we’ll explore how neurotransmitters like dopamine, cortisol, testosterone, endorphins, and oxytocin magically transform fanciful tales into powerhouses for developing social-emotional and literacy skills in every child.
Organization: Early Childhood Investigations
Audience: Early childhood educators and professionals
Location: Virtual
Date: Thursday, November 19, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Information: Register for the webinar. If unable to attend the live webinar, all registrants receive an email with the recording link the next business day after the live presentation.