About the Course

Stepping into your first classroom can feel overwhelming. Between lesson planning, classroom management, and connecting with students, there's a lot on your plate. This 16-hour course cuts through the noise and gives you exactly what you need to know—no more, no less. You'll learn from experienced educators who've been where you are, discovering the strategies that actually work in real classrooms. Whether you're nervous about discipline, unsure how to engage students, or just want to feel more prepared, this course addresses the real challenges preservice teachers face. By the end, you won't just understand teaching theory—you'll have a practical playbook ready to go. Let's get you classroom-ready.

Dr. Rhonda Crabbs

Rhonda Crabbs is an early childhood education leader, trainer, and curriculum specialist with extensive experience supporting educators, children, and families across Texas. She is the founder of Shade Tree Learning, an organization dedicated to providing high-quality professional development, CDA support, and leadership training for early childhood professionals. Through Shade Tree Learning, Dr. Crabbs offers instructor-led webinars, director credential programs, curriculum support, and practical training designed to strengthen early childhood programs and empower educators.

What You'll Learn

8 Chapters · 44 Lessons

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      What is Child Development

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Core Principles

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Nature and Nurture

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      The Teacher's Role

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Early Brain Development

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Relationships and the Brain

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Definition of Age-Appropriate

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Characteristics of Age-Appropriate Activities

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Three Important Considerations

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Age-Appropriate vs. Developmentally Appropriate

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Worksheets Versus Hands-On Learning

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Adapting Activities for Individuality

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Example of Differentiation

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Providing Constructive Feedback

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Definition

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Goals of Positive Guidance

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Moving Beyond "Good" and "Bad" Behavior

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Development Influences Behavior

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Behavior is Communicatation

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Define

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Self-Esteem Versus Self-Concept

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Related Concepts

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Foundations of Healthy Self-Esteem

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Internal Messages

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Encouragement Versus Praise

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      What is Supervision

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      The Purpose of Supervision

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Active Supervision

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Active Versus Passive Supervision

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Positioning

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Transitions

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Definition

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Characteristics

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Interactions Matter

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Children Watch Adults

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Modeling Respectful Communication

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Teacher Self-Awareness

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Communicable Disease

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Infectious Agents

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Common Childhood Illnesses and Infections

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Chain of Infection

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Young Children Are at Greater Risk

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Handwashing

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Quiz

Ready to Start Your Teaching Journey with Confidence?

This is a required class for anyone that does not have at least 2 years of experience in childcare.

$50.00

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