The Early Childhood Learning Series is a year‑long collection of immersive, hands‑on professional learning experiences designed to strengthen teaching practices for educators of young children.
Hosted at partner locations across the Houston area, this series connects educators with expert presenters, community institutions, and developmentally grounded approaches that build joyful, responsive, and engaging early learning environments.
Featured Workshops
Literacy & Science Experiential Learning: Texas Parks & Wildlife
Photo: Texas Parks & Wildlife
MARCH 21, 2026
Sheldon Lake State Park
14140 Garrett Rd.
Houston, TX 77044
Take literacy beyond classroom walls! Explore how nature and storytelling build strong foundations for pre-readers and emerging readers. Experience Houston-area natural environments while connecting children's authors, science exploration, and outdoor learning. Leave with hands-on strategies that bring literacy to life through curiosity, observation, and the natural world.
Hands-On Nutrition Experiential Learning with Culinary Kellie (Series)
HYBRIDPAID
JUNE 27, 2026
Fortis Academy
11902 Spears Rd
Houston, TX 77067
NOTE: Some sessions are in-person, hybrid, or virtual
Step into a commercial kitchen for an unforgettable experience! Culinary Kellie models best practices for teaching healthy eating through safe, engaging, hands-on cooking. Learn practical techniques, classroom-friendly strategies, and developmentally appropriate ways to make nutrition education interactive, memorable, and fun — while exploring HCDE’s Fortis campus.
Sphero STEM Symposium
HYBRIDPAID
AUGUST 1, 2026
HCDE Administration Building
6300 Irvington Blvd.
Houston, TX 77022
Explore robotics with your youngest learners! Presenter Pharaoh introduces Sphero robot coding in a fun, approachable way. This hands-on session blends early childhood best practices with technology to spark curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving — with classroom-ready STEM ideas you can use right away
Bright Beginnings: Creating Environments Where Children Thrive (Series)
HYBRID
SEPTEMBER 19 OR 26, 2026
Children's Museum of Houston 1500 Binz
Houston, TX 77004
NOTE: Some sessions are in-person, hybrid, or virtual
Learn how to create classrooms where children feel secure and ready to learn. Dan St. Romain shares practical management and cooperative learning strategies, including visual cues, routines, transitions, redirection, and the use of music and gestures. Align expectations with developmental stages while building a joyful, well-managed space.
Nurturing Neurodiversity: Strategies for Early Childhood Inclusion (Series)
HYBRID
NOVEMBER 14, 2026
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet St
Houston, TX 77005
NOTE: Some sessions are in-person, hybrid, or virtual
Create inclusive classrooms where every child thrives. In partnership with Rice University, the Neuhaus Education Center, and the MFAH, this session highlights common developmental delays and practical inclusion strategies. Learn to collaborate with specialists, use IEP goals in daily routines, apply trauma-informed practices, and build emotionally safe, responsive learning environments
Early Childhood Learning Series Schedule
Date
Event
March 21, 2026
Literacy/Science Experiential Learning: Texas Parks & Wildlife
HYBRIDBright Beginnings: Creating Environments Where Children Thrive: Classroom Managementwith Dan St. Romain/Children’s Museum Houston
October 8, 2026
ONLINEPAIDCreating a Positive Learning Environment: Dan St. Romain & Friends: Visual Cues and Predictable Routines, Managing Transitions Smoothly (e.g., from play to clean-up)
October 22, 2026
HYBRIDPAIDBehavior Management Strategies: Dan St. Romain & Friends: Redirection and distraction techniques, Using Visuals, Songs, and Gestures to Support Understanding
November 1, 2026
ONLINEPAIDDevelopmentally Appropriate Expectations: Dan St. Romain & Friends: Tailoring Rules and Responses to Developmental Stages, Managing Impulsivity and Emotional Outbursts, Using Visuals, Songs, and Gestures to Support Understanding
November 14, 2026
HYBRIDNurturing Neurodiversity: Strategies for Early Childhood InclusionMini-Series: MFAH/Rice University - School Literacy & Culture /Neuhaus Education Center
November 19, 2026
ONLINEPAIDUnderstanding and Supporting Children with Disabilities: Overview of Common Developmental Delays and Disabilities, Inclusive Classroom Strategies, Collaborating with Specialists, and Using IEP/IFSP Goals in Everyday Routines
December 3, 2026
ONLINEPAIDTrauma-Informed Practices for Young Children: Recognizing Trauma Signs in Young Children, Creating Emotionally Safe Classrooms
