Learning Calendar
Click to learn more or scroll down to see upcoming events
Please print and share with staff & colleagues!
-
Monthly Webinars
Every month we will be offering two online webinars—one focused on infants and toddlers and one that is general early childhood focused. We will change the night of the week each month it is held in hopes of being able to accommodate more of your schedules.
-
In-Person Classes
We teach in-person classes in different towns and cities every month! Check the calendar to find a location near you.
-
Learning Communities
If you are looking for ongoing support, new ideas, and ways to improve your practice, we invite you to join a learning community! Connect with providers to support one another in on-going, regular meetings. Learn more by visiting our learning community page.
-
Learning Events
Another type of in-person class but multiple classes in a day, like a mini-conference. A learning event is a whole day of classes with up to 8 hours of STARS credit offered.
Buffalo Class
Beyond Building with Blocks
Register HERE
Location: Johnson County Library, Fraley Room
Description: Block play offers vital skills for young children such as: cognitive, social, and physical. During our time together we will dig deeper into the benefits of block play in the development of children, discuss how we as educators can engage with, scaffold and extend children's learning, finally we will reflect on our current block area and consider elements that we could add to make it a more enriching space.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Pinedale Class
Intentional Play: Connecting Children’s Play and Standards
Register HERE
Location: Sublette County Library, Board Room, Pinedale
Description: Play is essential to how young children learn and grow. But how do we, as educators, intentionally deepen these experiences and extend learning without losing the joy of play? Join us as we collaborate on bridging the gap between everyday play and Wyoming’s Early Learning Standards.
Facilitated by: Kelce Eckhardt, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Green River Class
Building Early Literacy Through the Joy of Nursery Rhymes: Infants - PreK
Register HERE
Location: Sweetwater County Library, Multi-Purpose Room, Green River
Description: Nursery rhymes do more than entertain-they build the foundation for reading. Join us to explore how simple rhymes boost young children's language skills, memory, and love of learning. Walk away with playful, easy-to-use strategies you can bring into your classroom right away.
Facilitated by: Angela Burton, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Inclusion Early Childhood Credential Course
Register now for our Fall 2026 Inclusion Early Childhood Credential Course!
Please read ALL of this introductory information before registering to avoid having to withdraw and prohibiting others to register.
The WYECPLC infant toddler credential course is a hybrid course. Part of the class will be held on Zoom and if we're not meeting on zoom you're completing "class" independently online in our Google Classroom. Everyone will be required to "attend" every class, complete all assignments, and document 4-6 hours of coaching. Class will begin the week of September 7. Class will be held Fridays from 1:00-3:00pm. Please make arrangements or let your administrators know that you will need coverage during this time. More class information can be found in this attached info sheet.
The class is completely free and will be capped at 15 participants. Please ONLY REGISTER YOURSELF. Do not complete this form on behalf of another. If you're a director, and have a staff member you'd like to participate, please send it to the participant, make sure they understand what the course entails and then they must register themselves and agree to the course requirements. Every spot will be taken for this course which means if you register and then don't end up taking the course it denies someone else the chance to participate.
Please reach out to me with questions at cnorris9@uwyo.edu.
Wheatland Class
Beyond the Toy Box: Choosing Materials That Inspire Play, Thinking, and Learning
Register Coming Soon
Location: Wheatland, WY
Description: The materials we offer children communicate what we value about learning. This interactive session explores how thoughtfully selected materials can spark curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and sustained engagement. Participants will learn how to evaluate toys and classroom materials through a developmental lens, transform closed-ended materials into open-ended learning opportunities, and intentionally design environments that invite exploration and meaningful play.
Facilitated by: Taylor Dory, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Infant Toddler Credential Course
Register now for our Fall 2026 Infant Toddler Credential Course!
Please read ALL of this introductory information before registering to avoid having to withdraw and prohibiting others to register.
The WYECPLC infant toddler credential course is a hybrid course. Part of the class will be held on Zoom and if we're not meeting on zoom you're completing "class" independently online in our Google Classroom. Everyone will be required to "attend" every class, complete all assignments, and document 4-6 hours of coaching. Class will begin the week of September 7. Class will be held Fridays from 1:00-3:00pm. Please make arrangements or let your administrators know that you will need coverage during this time. More class information can be found in this attached info sheet.
The class is completely free and will be capped at 30 participants. Please ONLY REGISTER YOURSELF. Do not complete this form on behalf of another. If you're a director, and have a staff member you'd like to participate, please send it to the participant, make sure they understand what the course entails and then they must register themselves and agree to the course requirements. Every spot will be taken for this course which means if you register and then don't end up taking the course it denies someone else the chance to participate.
Please reach out to me with questions at cnorris9@uwyo.edu.
Casper Class
Beyond Building with Blocks
Register HERE
Location: Student Union, Casper College, Classroom 315
Description: Block play offers vital skills for young children such as: cognitive, social, and physical. During our time together we will dig deeper into the benefits of block play in the development of children, discuss how we as educators can engage with, scaffold and extend children's learning, finally we will reflect on our current block area and consider elements that we could add to make it a more enriching space.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Jackson Class
Intentional Play: Connecting Children’s Play and Standards
Register HERE
Location: Teton County Library, Jackson, WY
Description: Play is essential to how young children learn and grow. But how do we, as educators, intentionally deepen these experiences and extend learning without losing the joy of play? Join us as we collaborate on bridging the gap between everyday play and Wyoming’s Early Learning Standards.
Facilitated by: Kelce Eckhardt, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Thayne Class
Building Early Literacy Through the Joy of Nursery Rhymes: Infants - PreK
Register HERE
Location: Thayne Community Center, Room B101
Description: Nursery rhymes do more than entertain-they build the foundation for reading. Join us to explore how simple rhymes boost young children's language skills, memory, and love of learning. Walk away with playful, easy-to-use strategies you can bring into your classroom right away.
Facilitated by: Angela Burton, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Powell Learning Event
Join us in Powell for our October Learning Event!
A WYECPLC Learning Event is a full day of classes—like a mini-conference. We offer a full day of in-person classes for anyone who works in early care and education. There will be a different class every hour and door prizes after each session. 8 classes, 8 presenters, 8 hours of training. Participants can attend any or all of the classes and earn up to 8 hours of ECARES credit in one day!
Registration Fee: $20.00 (Nonrefundable)
Registration Coming Soon!
Please reach out with any questions (wyecplc@uwyo.edu)
Agenda Coming Soon
Laramie Class
Beyond the Toy Box: Choosing Materials That Inspire Play, Thinking, and Learning
Register HERE
Location: Albany County Library
Description: The materials we offer children communicate what we value about learning. This interactive session explores how thoughtfully selected materials can spark curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and sustained engagement. Participants will learn how to evaluate toys and classroom materials through a developmental lens, transform closed-ended materials into open-ended learning opportunities, and intentionally design environments that invite exploration and meaningful play.
Facilitated by: Taylor Dory, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Worland Class
Lesson Planning Strategies
Register HERE
Location: UW Extension Classroom, Suite G
Description: There are so many methods that you can use for lesson planning. It can quickly become overwhelming without a solid system and strategies. Join us as we kick off our learning for this school year to discuss why we should lesson plan and workshop ways that will work best for you and your setting. Whether you are working with children in your home, use a paid curriculum, are play-based, or somewhere in between, this session is for you!
Facilitated by: Tyler Gonzalez, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Powell Class
Lesson Planning Strategies
Register HERE
Location: Powell Branch Library, Spruce Meeting Room
Description: There are so many methods that you can use for lesson planning. It can quickly become overwhelming without a solid system and strategies. Join us as we kick off our learning for this school year to discuss why we should lesson plan and workshop ways that will work best for you and your setting. Whether you are working with children in your home, use a paid curriculum, are play-based, or somewhere in between, this session is for you!
Facilitated by: Tyler Gonzalez, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Gillette Class
Beyond Building with Blocks
Register HERE
Description: Block play offers vital skills for young children such as: cognitive, social, and physical. During our time together we will dig deeper into the benefits of block play in the development of children, discuss how we as educators can engage with, scaffold and extend children's learning, finally we will reflect on our current block area and consider elements that we could add to make it a more enriching space.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
AUGUST Webinar
The Science of Connection: Why Relationships Are the Foundation of Learning
Registration HERE
Location: On Zoom
Description: Strong relationships are the foundation of every meaningful learning experience. Drawing from neuroscience, child development, and attachment research, this session explores how responsive interactions shape brain development, emotional regulation, and lifelong learning. Participants will examine the science behind connection and leave with practical strategies for creating emotionally safe, relationship-rich environments where children can thrive.
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Facilitated by: Taylor Dory & Angela Burton, WYECPLC Learning Specialists
Cody Class
Lesson Planning Strategies
Register HERE
Location: UW Extension Classroom, 1501 Stampede Avenue STE 2220
Description: There are so many methods that you can use for lesson planning. It can quickly become overwhelming without a solid system and strategies. Join us as we kick off our learning for this school year to discuss why we should lesson plan and workshop ways that will work best for you and your setting. Whether you are working with children in your home, use a paid curriculum, are play-based, or somewhere in between, this session is for you!
Facilitated by: Tyler Gonzalez, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
UW Play Institute
University of Wyoming’s Center for Early Learning
Play Institute: Adopting a Pedagogy of Play
Join us at the play institute hosted by the College of Education Center for Early Learning. This event is for all educators working with children from birth-age 8 in public school and early care and education settings.
*PTSB and STARS Credit available
JUNE 29-30, 2026
8am-5pm
University of Wyoming Conference Center
Laramie, WY
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open.
Early bird pricing: $50 (effective until April 30th)
Late registration: $80 (closes June 19th)
Birth-5 Teachers
Kinder-2nd grade teachers
You can pay for multiple registrations on the same transaction by clicking “continue shopping” until all registrants are added.
Use promo code UWPlay2026 when registering for a discounted ticket.
Birth-5 Teachers: Wyoming Quality Counts scholarships can help cover some of the costs of attending this event. Don’t forget to apply 45-days in advance to quality for financial support.
Learning Opportunities
Internationally recognized keynote speaker
Breakout sessions for PreK and K-2
Roundtable discussions
Poster presentations
Interactive workshops
Play lab demonstrations
Featured Keynote
Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play, will provide two interactive presentations for all conference participants about the science of play and how to leverage the power of play in the classroom.
Mia is the granddaughter of NIFP founder and play expert, Dr. Stuart Brown. She also works as a play and character education consultant for the Office of the Chancellor at the University of Denver. Mia has reached global audiences through her speaking engagements, including recent presentations at Aspen Ideas and the World Expo in Osaka, Japan. She has appeared on podcasts, delivered keynotes, led workshops, and consulted with schools and organizations to leverage the power of play to build strengths of character, enhance learning, improve leadership, strengthen community, and unlock innovation.
Learn more about Mia on her website.
Shareable Flyer
Click the image to download this shareable flyer.
June Webinar
Empowering Children Through Connection: Building a True Sense of Belonging in Our Programs/Classrooms
Registration Link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113715
Location: On Zoom, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81517431456
Description: To truly support a child's development, we must weave a web of support that spans the program/classroom, the home, and the community. Join us as we explore strategies for strengthening our program/classroom community, moving from family "involvement" to family "partnership," and building connections for children to their communities. We will discuss how to create a program/classroom environment that honors every child’s story.
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Facilitated by: Kelce Eckhardt, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Jackson Class
Meaningful Circle Time: Transforming Our Daily Routine into Impactful Learning
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113714
Location: Teton County Library
Description: Come join us as we discuss making our circle times purposeful for the children in our program. During this session, we will collaborate and plan impactful circle times that foster connections, encourage engagement, and align with children’s interests and developmental needs. Together, we will reflect on how to transform this daily routine into an enriching experience for every child.
Facilitated by: Kelce Eckhardt, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Wheatland Class
Honoring Children’s Creative Thinking Through Process Art
RegistrationLink: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113682
Description: This session focuses on process-oriented art as a powerful context for children’s thinking, exploration, and problem solving. Educators will examine what it looks like to offer open-ended materials without predetermined outcomes and how stepping back allows children to make decisions, test ideas, and revise their work. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing learning through the process rather than the finished product.
Facilitatedby: Taylor Dory, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Buffalo Class
The Role of Play in Child Development
Registration link: Coming soon!
Location: TBD
Description: “Play is not just cute. It’s not extra. It’s not what we do after the “real learning” is finished. Play is where the real learning happens.” -Amanda Morgan. During our time together we will develop a deeper understanding of how play impacts brain development and how we as early educators can create a space where children can engage in high quality play.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
May Webinar (Infant Toddler)
Exploring Art with Infants and Toddlers
Registration Link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113740&agent=1
Location: On Zoom, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81517431456
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Description: During our time together we will explore art concepts that can be implemented with infants and toddlers, discuss how we as educators can support the development of creative thinking and create a space where infants and toddlers can explore and engage in the art process.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, Learning Specialist
Mountain View Class
Not Just Cute: Making Play Intentional and Powerful
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113698&agent=1
Location: Mountain View Branch Library
Course Description: Play is more than fun—it is the foundation of learning in early childhood. In this session, educators will explore how everyday play supports brain development, language, and social-emotional growth in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Drawing on Not Just Cute by Amanda Morgan, along with guidance from NAEYC and ZERO TO THREE, participants will learn to recognize the learning happening in play, strengthen their role as intentional teachers, and apply simple strategies to make play more meaningful in their daily practice.
Facilitated by: Char Norris, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Torrington Class
Wandering and Wondering: Navigating Children’s Paths with Responsive Teaching
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113796
Location: EWC Campus, Tebbet Building Room 131 (Lower Level)
Description: In this session we will talk about creating spaces that put the child in the center of all they do and are adaptable and responsive to children's needs and interests. We will talk about different teaching strategies and how they can intentionally select and use them to be responsive to children's learning. Additionally, we will discuss how the materials we choose and our interactions with children impact a child's development. We will be exploring this process of recognizing children's interests, needs, and curiosities and feeling confident in the tool-bag we have to respond effectively and meaningfully.
Facilitated by: Lauren Carlisle, WYECPLC Senior Program Coordinator
Riverton Class
Meaningful Circle Time: Transforming Our Daily Routine into Impactful Learning
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113697
Location: Riverton Public Library
Description: Come join us as we discuss making our circle times purposeful for the children in our program. During this session, we will collaborate and plan impactful circle times that foster connections, encourage engagement, and align with children’s interests and developmental needs. Together, we will reflect on how to transform this daily routine into an enriching experience for every child.
Facilitated by: Kelce Eckhardt
Rock Springs Learning Event
Join us in Rock Springs for our May Learning Event!
A WYECPLC Learning Event is a full day of classes—like a mini-conference. We offer a full day of in-person classes for anyone who works in early care and education. There will be a different class every hour and door prizes after each session. 8 classes, 8 presenters, 8 hours of training. Participants can attend any or all of the classes and earn up to 8 hours of STARS credit in one day!
Registration Fee: $25.00 (Nonrefundable)
Please reach out with any questions (wyecplc@uwyo.edu)
Agenda Below:
April Webinar (Infant Toddler)
Understanding Emergence: Using Standards as a Lens for Observing Play
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113519
Location: On Zoom, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81517431456
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Description: When we have the skills and strategies to help us identify what’s happening during children’s play, we can better scaffold and design learning! During this session we will learn how we can practice observation guided by Wyoming’s Early Learning Standards to identify what skills are emerging in our youngest learners.
Facilitated by: Tyler Gonzalez, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Infant Toddler Credential Course
Infant Toddler Credential Course
(Spring/Summer 2026)
Registration link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoTla4_TanPNk1HqCqw59-NETEChZBFf5Be57LpBFQQVX46A/viewform?usp=header
Location: Class is hybrid—A portion of the classes will be held online on Zoom and the other classes are held in our Google Classroom.
Time: Class is Fridays from 1:00-2:30pm. You do not have to attend every Friday. See course schedule below.
Description: This course focuses on the development of children from birth to three years old and the key role that educators have in supporting and nurturing all aspects of infant-toddler learning and development. It serves as an introductory course to providing high-quality infant toddler care. We explore a range of topics which include infant toddler teacher dispositions, principles of high quality infant toddler care, building relationships with children and families, creating environments that support learning and development, and exploring equity and diversity in an infant toddler classroom. We will learn how to have teacher-child interactions that support infants’ and toddler’s physical and perceptual, social-emotional, cognitive, and language and literacy development. We will discuss principles of inclusion and components of professionalism and ethical practice.
Facilitated by: Char Norris, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Rawlins Class
Honoring Children’s Creative Thinking Through Process Art
RegistrationLink: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113486
Description: This session focuses on process-oriented art as a powerful context for children’s thinking, exploration, and problem solving. Educators will examine what it looks like to offer open-ended materials without predetermined outcomes and how stepping back allows children to make decisions, test ideas, and revise their work. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing learning through the process rather than the finished product.
Facilitatedby: Taylor Dory, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Gillette Class
The Role of Play in Child Development Pt 2
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113397&agent=1
Location: Campbell County Library
Description: During our time together we will recap what we learned about how play impacts brain development. Next we will utilize videos of children playing to gain a deep understanding of what it means to observe young children and plan in order to scaffold their learning.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Cheyenne Class
Supporting Children’s Big Feelings
Registration link: Register with Melanie at Laramie County Public Library
Location: Cottonwood Room
Description: Infants and toddlers communicate their needs and frustrations primarily through behavior. In this class we will explore age-appropriate strategies to help young children identify their feelings and express them healthily. Additionally we will learn how to move past traditional discipline and reframe our role to be more of a guide and coach for young children. That way we can reduce our own stress while providing the explicit social-emotional teaching toddlers need to thrive.
*Infant Toddler STARS Credit available
Facilitated by: Lauren Carlisle, WYECPLC Program Specialist
Sheridan Class
The Role of Play in Child Development Pt 2
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113564&agent=1
Location: YMCA, Strategy Studio
Description: During our time together we will recap what we learned about how play impacts brain development. Next we will utilize videos of children playing to gain a deep understanding of what it means to observe young children and plan in order to scaffold their learning.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Casper Learning Event
Join us in Casper for our next Learning Event!
Learning Events are like mini-conferences. We offer a full day of in-person classes for anyone who works in early care and education. There will be a different class every hour and door prizes after each session. Participants can attend any or all of the classes and earn up to 8 hours of STARS credit in one day!
Registration Fee: $25.00 (Nonrefundable)
Please reach out with any questions (wyecplc@uwyo.edu)
Location: Energy Institute Room 100
**There will be two extra classes just for home-based childcare providers.
AGENDA
Click the image to view/print the agenda.
Sheridan Class
The Role of Play in Child Development
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113563&agent=1
Location: Sheridan County YMCA
Description: “Play is not just cute. It’s not extra. It’s not what we do after the “real learning” is finished. Play is where the real learning happens.” -Amanda Morgan. During our time together we will develop a deeper understanding of how play impacts brain development and how we as early educators can create a space where children can engage in high quality play.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Gillette Class
The Role of Play in Child Development
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113396&agent=1
Location: Campbell County Library
Description: “Play is not just cute. It’s not extra. It’s not what we do after the “real learning” is finished. Play is where the real learning happens.” -Amanda Morgan. During our time together we will develop a deeper understanding of how play impacts brain development and how we as early educators can create a space where children can engage in high quality play.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Pinedale Class
Meaningful Circle Time: Transforming Our Daily Routine into Impactful Learning
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113490
Description: Come join us as we discuss making our circle times purposeful for the children in our program. During this session, we will collaborate and plan impactful circle times that foster connections, encourage engagement, and align with children’s interests and developmental needs. Together, we will reflect on how to transform this daily routine into an enriching experience for every child.
Facilitated by: Kelce Eckhardt, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
April Preschool Webinar
Connecting Children’s Play and Standards
Registration Link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113491
Location: Zoom, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81517431456
Description: Play is vital for children’s development. As educators, we can deepen these experiences and extend learning. Join us to explore how we can bridge the gap between play and Wyoming’s Early Learning Standards in our daily teaching.
Time: 6:30-8:00pm
Facilitated by: Kelce Eckhardt, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
March Webinar (Infant Toddler)
Children Taking the Lead: Supporting Problem Solving with Infants and Toddlers
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113553&agent=1
Location: On Zoom, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81517431456
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Description: Infants and toddlers are natural born scientists. They observe, try hypothesis and draw conclusions. During our time together we will consider what problem solving looks like for this young age group, and discuss what we can do as early childhood professionals to support their problem solving skills.
Facilitated by: Kara Cossel, Learning Specialist
Alpine Class
Intentional Transitions: Supporting Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Through the Rhythm of the Day
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113615&agent=1
Description: This interactive session explores the critical role of well-planned transitions in supporting infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Participants will reflect on current classroom transitions, examine children’s reactions, and identify opportunities to simplify and improve routines. The session includes research-informed strategies, practical tools, and hands-on reflection activities to help educators create predictable, responsive, and developmentally appropriate transitions that foster emotional security, engagement, and positive behavior.
Facilitated by: Char Norris, WYECPLC Learning Specialist
Lander Class
Meaningful Circle Time: Transforming Our Daily Routine into Impactful Learning
Registration link: https://wyregistry.org/index.cfm?module=trainingEventEditor&eventID=100113489
Location: Fremont County Public Library, Conference Rooms A & B (upstairs)
Description: Come join us as we discuss making our circle times purposeful for the children in our program. During this session, we will collaborate and plan impactful circle times that foster connections, encourage engagement, and align with children’s interests and developmental needs. Together, we will reflect on how to transform this daily routine into an enriching experience for every child.
Facilitated by: Kelce Eckhardt