The Rhode Island Early Learning Standards Project provides four professional development opportunities to support early care and education professionals in creating high-quality, Standards-based programs for young children.  Professional development participants receive exceptional training from experienced RI Early Learning Standards Certified Trainers, work in small and large groups, share information, reflect on past and current practice and complete assignments that lead to improved early childhood programs and effective teacher practices.

Choose the Level that meets your needs:

Introduction to the RI Early Learning Standards 

Participants in this fifteen-hour, 5-session training will obtain an overview of the  Rhode Island Early Learning Standards, learn how classroom curriculum supports children in gaining skills associated with school success, and find new ways to encourage families to help children learn using Fun Family Activities for Preschoolers.

This option is the preferred training for early childhood professionals who want to learn more about the eight domains and learning goals of the Standards and how they can be used as the basis for enhancing classroom curriculum. It is a popular option for early childhood support staff, children’s librarians, social workers, and other professionals who want to gain an appreciation of the RI Early Learning Standards and consider the implications for their work with young children and their families. 

 Upon successful completion of the 5-session training, participants receive a Certificate of Achievement from the RI Department of Education and 15 hours of RIDE professional development credits.

Level I: Using the RI Early Learning Standards as a Framework for Curriculum Development

This 30-hour, 10-session training focuses on strategies to enhance curriculum in all domains and learning goals addressed in the Standards.  Participants explore the four components of a quality curriculum: content, process, teaching and facilitating, and context and take a critical look at their current teaching practice in each of these areas.  Teachers will focus on curriculum development and implementation and practice effective, intentional teaching strategies to improve outcomes for children. Participants will examine their classroom curriculum and take steps to align their curriculum to the RI Early Learning Standards. 

Participants choosing this option should have previous training in child development, experience working with preschool age children, and be prepared to complete college-level written and reading assignments. 

Upon successful completion of this 10-session training, participants receive a Level I Certificate of Achievement from the RI Department of Education and 30 hours of RIDE professional development credits. 

 Participants who complete 30 hours of core training plus 15 hours in the Next Steps series are eligible to receive three undergraduate credits through the University of Rhode Island.

Level II: Implementing a Standards-based Program

This intensive, competency-based training for lead teachers and experienced early childhood professionals is designed to improve teaching practice by implementing Standards-based practices in the area of curriculum, assessment, differentiated teaching and learning, and family engagement. Participants in this training develop a Practitioner Portfolio to document their progress in (a) implementing a quality curriculum aligned with the Standards, (b) integrating authentic assessment into daily practice, (c) using a variety of teaching strategies that build upon children’s interests, learning styles, and developmental levels, and (d) engaging families in their child’s education. 

Participants in this session should have a strong early childhood background with knowledge and experience in the areas of curriculum and assessment.  Individuals should have an early childhood educational background that includes a minimum of 12 higher education credits in Early Childhood Education.

Training includes ten 3-hour sessions.  Participants who successfully complete the 30 hours of training receive a Level II Certificate of Achievement through the RI Department of Education and 30 hours of RIDE professional development credits.  Participants who complete 30 hours of core training plus 15 hours in the Next Steps series are eligible to receive three undergraduate/graduate credits at the 400 level through the University of Rhode Island.  

Level III: The Administrator’s Role in Implementing a Standards-based Program

This intensive training for administrators of early care and education programs builds upon the core elements of implementing a Standards-based program and focuses on program-wide implementation, policy and management issues, support systems for staff, and the dynamics of systems change. Administrators participating in this training develop a Program Portfolio to document their progress in implementing a Standards-based program.  Participants who successfully complete 30 hours of training receive a Level III Certificate of Achievement through the RI Department of Education and 30 hours of RIDE professional development credits.  Participants who complete 30 hours of core training plus 15 hours in the Next Steps series are eligible to receive three graduate/undergraduate credits through the University of Rhode Island.

Next Steps

The Next Steps Workshop Series offers a menu of three-hour sessions designed to extend the learning of both administrators and practitioners who are engaged in RIELS training.  Level I, Level II and Level III participants will want to attend sessions that support the goals they have identified in their Reflection Notebooks and Practitioner and Program Portfolios.