- Create developmentally appropriate, hands-on learning materials that support physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development through play-based experiences. (NAEYC Key Competency: 4b – Creating developmentally appropriate learning experiences)
- Apply intentional teaching strategies to extend children’s thinking, problem-solving, and emerging literacy skills while honoring child-led exploration. (NAEYC Key Competency: 4c – Using developmentally effective approaches)
- Adapt materials and play-based activities to support diverse learners, including children with varying developmental abilities, cultural backgrounds, and language experiences. (NAEYC Key Competency: 2b – Supporting and engaging diverse families and communities)
- Engage in professional dialogue with early childhood educators to discuss research-grounded best practices, reflect on instructional decision-making, and identify strategies for continuous improvement in early learning environments. (NAEYC Key Competency: 6c – Engaging in professional collaboration and continuous learning)
Early Childhood Make-It, Take-It Skills Training is a hands-on professional learning experience designed for early childhood educators and caregivers working with infants and young children. In Indiana, early childhood educators are required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of professional development annually, and this training provides high-quality, practical hours that support that requirement. Participants actively create developmentally appropriate materials and activities that promote children’s physical, cognitive, and early learning development using affordable, accessible resources that can be immediately implemented in classroom, child care, or home-based settings. Upon completion, participants receive a skills training certificate that meets Indiana Child Care Licensing requirement for professional development hours as well as the national CDA training hour requirements and may be applied toward the 120 clock hours of professional education in the functional area of Advancing Children’s Physical and Intellectual Development. The training is also aligned with the NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies, as reflected in the stated learning objectives, ensuring instruction is grounded in developmentally appropriate, inclusive, and research-based early childhood practice.