Center for Inclusive Child Care

"I Have Questions About CICC… Can You Help?" Absolutely! Maybe you’re wondering, “What exactly does early childhood coaching look like?” Or “Is this only for kids with special needs?” Perhaps you’re thinking, “Can someone help me navigate the challenges in my classroom?” At CICC, we offer free, relationship-based coaching and resources to child care providers across Minnesota. We work alongside you, not to evaluate but to support, encourage, and equip you with real strategies that make your day-to-day easier and your classroom more inclusive. Want to know how it works? How do I get connected? What kinds of challenges do we help with? We’ve answered all your questions in one place ⬇️ #inclusionmatters #earlychildhoodeducation #childdevelopment #earlychildhoodeducators #teachersupport

Nuevo Curso de Autoaprendizaje: Apoyando las Necesidades Sensoriales de los Niños Pequeños en tu Cuidado ¿Quieres entender mejor y apoyar a los niños pequeños con necesidades sensoriales? Nuestro nuevo curso de autoaprendizaje en línea explora el Trastorno del Procesamiento Sensorial (SPD) y ofrece estrategias prácticas para ayudar a los niños a tener éxito. En este curso aprenderás: 💙 Cómo el SPD impacta el comportamiento y el desarrollo. 💙 Las respuestas del sistema sensorial y los comportamientos relacionados con el SPD. 💙 Herramientas y estrategias para crear entornos de aprendizaje positivos para niños con necesidades sensoriales. Este curso ofrece 10 horas en el Marco de Conocimiento y Competencia y en las Áreas de Contenido de CDA, convirtiéndolo en una excelente oportunidad de desarrollo profesional para cuidadores y educadores. ¿Listo para empezar? ¡Haz clic en el enlace en los comentarios para registrarte hoy! #inclusionimporta #capacitacionencuidadoinfantil #cuidadoinclusivo #procesamientosensorial #educacioninfantil

80% of a child’s brain develops by age 3. These early years shape everything: social connections, emotional growth, and the foundation for lifelong learning. At CICC, we are experts in early childhood development, helping educators provide the care and opportunities children need to unlock their full potential. Our mission is simple but profound: to carry hope to early childhood educators. Through compassion, resources, and expert guidance, we empower educators to create nurturing, inclusive environments where every child, especially those with unique needs, can grow into curious, confident, and capable individuals. 💡 We believe in the power of relationships, reflection, and trust. Together, we’re shaping futures and supporting the incredible people who care for our youngest learners. Ask us how you can partner with us to support educators and children today. #inclusionmatters #earlychildhoodeducation #childdevelopment #earlychildhoodeducators #mnchildcare

Earlier this week, we shared Part 1 of our Trauma Responsive/Healing Centered Strategies self-study series. Today, we’re thrilled to introduce Part 2: Self-Regulation for Children and Adults—another FREE 10-hour training opportunity, thanks to a Greater Twin Cities United Way 80x3 grant! This course dives into the critical topic of self-regulation and its impact on children and caregivers: ✨ Understand how children’s regulation systems develop and the power of co-regulation. ✨ Explore strategies to support young children who’ve experienced trauma. ✨ Learn about compassion fatigue, its impact on caregivers, and actionable ways to manage it. We know how emotionally demanding this work can be, and this training is designed to provide practical tools for both you and the children you serve. Register now through the link in our comments. #inclusionmatters #traumainformedcare #healingcentered #childdevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation

Struggling with Toddler Biting? You’re Not Alone. When biting occurs in your child care setting, it can feel frustrating and overwhelming. You want to support the child, reassure parents, and create a positive learning environment, but where do you start? Our upcoming event, Teeth and Teach: Tackling Toddler Biting with Empathy & Strategy, is a free virtual coaching session designed to help educators and caregivers understand why biting happens and what to do. What You’ll Learn: ✅ The real reasons toddlers bite—and what it’s telling us ✅ How to respond in the moment without escalating the situation ✅ Strategies to prevent biting before it starts Choose Your Session: 📅 March 6, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM 📅 March 18, 2025 | 1:00 - 2:00 PM Click the link below to reserve your spot! Your Guides: ⭐ Sarah Hawley, RN, BSN, PHN – Certified CPR Instructor, Owner of Minnesota Child Care Health Consultants ⭐ Brenda Lowe, MA ECE, IMH-E® – Infant Family Specialist, Reflective Supervisor, and CICC Coach Lead 1 hour of Professional Development credit in Develop is available to participants! Spots are limited—reserve yours today! #inclusionmatters #childdevelopment #parentingcommunity #caregiversupport #toddlerbehavior

Do you work with children impacted by trauma? We know how challenging—and important—your work is. Supporting children through trauma can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. That’s why we created Trauma Responsive/Healing Centered Strategies Part 1: Relationships and Environments, a 10-hour self-study course designed to equip you with the tools to build healing, relationship-centered environments for young children. In this course, you’ll learn how trauma impacts development and relationships, how to identify trauma triggers, and how to create supportive and healing spaces for the children in your care. Thanks to a grant from Greater Twin Cities United Way 80x3, this training is FREE! Complete it at your own pace and earn 10 clock hours for professional development. Register now through the link in our comments! #inclusionmatters #traumainformedcare #healingcentered #childdevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation

Happy Family Day! Today is a beautiful reminder of the love, support, and connection that families bring into our lives. Families come in all shapes and sizes, but at their core, they share one thing: a foundation of love that helps us grow, dream, and thrive. Take a moment today to honor the people who create a sense of family in your life—parents, grandparents, caregivers, siblings, friends, and loved ones. Tell us, what’s one thing your family does that brings you joy? Share in the comments below! #inclusionmatters #familyday #loveandconnection #familysupport #childdevelopment

¿Qué dice tu aula sobre el aprendizaje y desarrollo de los niños pequeños? El espacio en el que los niños crecen y aprenden tiene un impacto directo en su bienestar, confianza y curiosidad. Te invitamos a una sesión gratuita de mini-coaching en español donde exploraremos cómo hacer de cada aula un entorno acogedor, inclusivo y enriquecedor. 📅 Tema: Reflexionando sobre los entornos de bebés y niños pequeños 🗓️ Fecha: Jueves 20 de febrero | 6:00 - 7:00 PM 📍 Lugar: Westwood Early Childhood Center, St. Louis Park, MN 📌 Regístrate en el enlace abajo. Durante esta conversación, hablaremos sobre cómo el ambiente físico y emocional del aula influye en los niños y compartiremos estrategias prácticas para fortalecer su desarrollo. También abordaremos formas de construir relaciones más sólidas con las familias y hacer pequeños cambios que generan un gran impacto. Los asistentes recibirán: ✔ 1 hora de coaching aprobado por Develop ✔ Cena gratuita ✔ Recursos en español La sesión será facilitada por Sandra Vargas, quien tiene más de 15 años de experiencia en educación infantil y aportará herramientas útiles que podrás aplicar de inmediato. Este es el inicio de una serie de encuentros diseñados para apoyar a educadores comprometidos con la infancia. Asegura tu lugar y sigamos aprendiendo juntos. #EducaciónInfantil #CuidadoInfantil #CapacitaciónECE #Inclusión #CICC

We know that early childhood education changes lives, but now, over 35,000 kids in Minnesota don't have access to affordable, high-quality care and education. That's why we're encouraging our community to join Greater Twin Cities United Way for Advocacy for Children Day at the Capitol! When: Thursday, February 20, 2025 Time: 9:30 – 10:30 AM (Doors open at 9:00 AM) Where: Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul This is a chance for parents, educators, and advocates (of all ages!) to come together and urge lawmakers to prioritize our youngest learners. The event includes: ✅ Circle Time in the Rotunda—where legislators & early childhood professionals bring stories to life for kids ✅ Call to Action—a chance for kids & adults to write messages to lawmakers ✅ Advocacy in Action—a powerful opportunity to make your voice heard If you believe every child deserves a great start, join the conversation. Your voice matters; this is the perfect way to advocate for Minnesota's future. RSVP today! https://lnkd.in/gQvSn7um #inclusionmatters #greatstartmn #acd2025 #earlychildhoodmatters #minnesotakids