Welcome to the Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas e-learning site! We are committed to providing high-quality professional development and technical assistance (coaching) to early educators in Kansas. All of our courses are available statewide and offer State approved in-service hours. Our courses are instructor led but allow for flexible schedules and participation within the course time frame. We utilize discussion boards, videos, images, self-evaluation tools and action plans to help participants get the most out of the online learning experience.
Director’s Toolbox: Onboarding and Supporting Staff – 4 hr. course
Participants in this course will learn how organizational culture sets the foundation for staff recruitment and development. We will also explore strategies for onboarding newly hired staff as well as strategies for retaining current staff through individualized support. September 30 - October 9. 2026.
This course is approved for 4 State-approved in-service hours.
Family Engagement Through Brain Building Activities- 3 hr. course
Join us in this course to learn about ways to engage families in your program through brain-building activities. We will look at the benefits that family engagement opportunities can provide to your early education program, free family engagement resources and strategies for using them. October 14-21, 2026.
This course offers 3 hours of State-Approved in-service credit.
Safe and Healthy Practices for Infants and Toddlers - 4 hr. course
In this course we will review strategies for keeping infants and toddlers safe during their play and sleep activities. We’ll cover methods for preventing and responding to food allergies, how to prevent injuries during play activities, and ways to help infants and toddlers sleep in the safest environments. This class meets 4 of the 4 hours of the annual Health and Safety Topic Requirements. October 21-30, 2026.
This course offers 4 hours of State-Approved in-service credit.
Literacy in Motion: Active Strategies to Build Early Literacy Concepts – 3 hr. course
Got active children? No worries! Teaching literacy skills can be a full body experience. Learn strategies for teaching rhyming, alliteration and letter recognition with high-energy students. November 4-11, 2026.
This course offers 3 hours of State-Approved in-service credit.
Supporting Children’s Mental Health Through Playful Interactions – 3 hr. course
In this course we will look at how play supports positive mental health in children, different strategies that teachers can use to encourage, support and respond to child-driven play activities, and ways that trauma can affect children’s play. Participants will also learn about resources they can access to continue their professional development in supporting children’s mental health. November 18-25, 2026.
This course offers 3 hours of State-Approved in-service credit.
More Than 1, 2, 3: Creating a Math-Rich Environment – 3 hr. course
Math is about so much more than counting! From noticing patterns in a baby's daily routine to comparing the sizes of leaves on the playground or measuring ingredients for snack, young children are building mathematical thinking through everyday experiences. In this course, participants will explore how to create environments and interactions that naturally make math learning inclusive for all children in care. Participants will leave with practical strategies to help children notice, explore, question, and build mathematical literacy—one playful experience at a time. December 2-9, 2026.
This course offers 3 hours of State-Approved in-service credit.
Director’s Toolbox: I’m a Center Director! Now What? - 3 hr. course
In this course, new child care center directors (or those who would like a refresher) will have the opportunity to explore foundational leadership components for building a strong, dynamic program. Participants will learn about principles of shared leadership, explore their own leadership strengths and areas for growth, and create an action plan to help guide their work with staff and families. December 9-16, 2026.
This course offers 3 hours of State-Approved in-service credit.
Director’s Toolbox: Conflict in the Workplace - 3 hr. course
Child care is a service-based industry that relies on staff to be functioning at their best in to provide high-quality care. This class covers strategies on how to prevent and respond to conflict in the workplace to improve staff attendance, reduce turnover and boost your program’s reputation. February 10-17, 2027
This course is approved for 3 State-approved in-service hours.
Work and Well-being - 3 hr. course
While teachers are supporting the well-being of children, who is supporting them? This class covers strategies for establishing a culture where staff and volunteers feel valued and competent. Participants will complete a worksite audit (either home or center-based), develop well-being policies and explore resources for providing a supportive and productive work environment. January 13-20, 2027
This course is approved for 3 State-approved in-service hours.
