The Science of Early Learning and Adversity: Connecting What We Know to What We Do

Learn how the latest research can help foster strong early learning environments and inform the strategies and supports that effective leaders can provide for adults and children throughout the pandemic recovery period. 

Overview

The decisions and actions of leaders are the linchpin of the early learning environment, especially during times of challenge, uncertainty, or change. Each day, these leaders design and drive the policies, processes, and interactions that shape teaching and learning that impacts young children’s lives. Participants in The Science of Early Learning and Adversity: Connecting What We Know to What We Do will return to their settings with enhanced knowledge and strategies that support the design and implementation of strong early learning environments—those that buffer stress, increase resiliency, and boost development. Offered as part of the Saul Zaentz Professional Learning Academy, this program is squarely aligned with the Academy’s mission to equip leaders with the cutting-edge knowledge, strategic tactics, and collaborative networks they need to improve early learning environments.

Program Details

Participants in this online institute will work with renowned thought leaders, who will share the latest science that sits at the intersection of child development, education policy, and early intervention for children experiencing adversity. Participants will learn how this science can inform the supports they provide for adults and children throughout the pandemic recovery period. 

Speakers include:

• Sarah Enos Watamura, Professor & Chair of the Department of Psychology, University of Denver
• Drema Brown, Head of School at Children's Aid College Prep Charter School, New York
• Elizabeth City, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Education

Live sessions will take place on Tuesday, June 21 and Wednesday, June 22 from 12:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET each day. Each live session will be a combination of a group plenary session, which is recorded, followed by a facilitated reflection and discussion portion, which is not recorded. Please note that we strongly encourage live participation, as these sessions will be a good opportunity to engage with your colleagues and faculty in the program.

Specific activities include:

• Plenary sessions
• Small-group discussions and reflections
• Facilitated question-and-answer discussions

Program Objectives

• Understand the latest science describing the relationship between adverse experiences and early learning and development
• Identify the adult competencies necessary for cultivating learning environments that buffer stress, and learn how to develop and support those competencies among early educators
• Explore first steps in addressing a problem of leadership related to stress and resilience in the early learning environment
• Build a collaborative community among a national network of early childhood education leaders engaged around common challenges

Who Should Attend

• Directors of early education centers or programs
• Leaders of early education service organizations across the mixed delivery system
• Principals, directors, administrators, and coaches in public school pre-K programs
• Teachers who take on leadership roles, and aspiring leaders
• State early education leaders
• Grantmakers and advocates

Earn CEUs

Professional Education is excited to offer Continuing Education Units (CEU's) for your successful participation in this program.

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a nationally and internationally recognized unit of measurement for non-credit continuing education programs. As an IACET Accredited Provider, Professional Education offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

Requirements to be eligible to earn CEUs:

• Attend or view all program sessions.
• Complete program evaluation.
• Successfully complete all program requirements.

Upon successfully meeting all requirements outlined above, you will be notified via email that you have A) earned the certificate of completion for the program and B) are now eligible to earn CEUs. This email will contain the link to complete the required reflection assignment if you wish to receive CEUs, along with a submission deadline, and time frame for receiving your CEUs. After submitting your reflection assignment, we will notify you via email of your CEU status, and if you have met all requirements, you will be able to download and view your CEU certificate at this point in time.

This program is eligible for 0.5 CEUs and 5 clock hours.

Note: Professional Education is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

Fees & Policies

Participants receive a certificate of participation at the close of the program. Payment or a purchase order must be received within 30 days of program acceptance, or upon receipt of the invoice if acceptance is within 30 days prior to the start of the program. Click here for more information on payment and financial aid.

Please click here for more information on our on-campus and online refund and withdrawal policies.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion. In the unlikely event of program changes, the school is not responsible for non-refundable travel arrangements or other planning expenses incurred.