Trainings in Massachusetts
Worker Centered & Community Focused.
Childcare Trainings in Massachusetts
** Confirmation of registration to a training will be emailed at least two days before the training begins **
** All registrations automatically close two business days before the training or once the maximum number of participants has been reached **
For inquiries related to the ELCC Program, please contact Angela (angela.garcia@seiuesf.org) For inquiries related to FCC Foundations, please contact Gleyribel (gleyribel.rodriguez@seiuesf.org).
Understanding and Supporting Children with Special Needs in a Family Child Care Program
(Two-day training)
Date: SEPTEMBER, Tuesday 8th & Wednesday 9th
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Language: English
Location: Virtual
Instructor: Linda Schumacher & Jenn Harris
Description: This training provides Family Child Care educators (FCC educators) with the foundational tools needed to create an inclusive, safe, and professional environment. The training begins with the Connection and Purpose module, where participants will identify the essential theoretical, logistical, and administrative elements that support services for children with special needs. This module helps educators understand not only the “what” of inclusion, but also “how” to manage documentation, coordinate external supports, and organize the administrative processes necessary to deliver high-quality, compliant services.
In the second phase, Knowledge and Application, participants will explore daily pedagogical practices in greater depth. Educators will learn to classify the most common special needs in early childhood according to their nature and characteristics. By understanding whether a need is sensory, cognitive, motor, or developmental in nature, educators will be better prepared to adapt their environments and activities effectively.
By the end of the training, participants will have a strong foundation for transforming their program into a space where every child, regardless of their challenges, has meaningful opportunities for connection, participation, and growth.
Available spots: 60 spots (First-come, first-served basis). Only one registration per email address.
IMPORTANT:
-This training is only available to Bargaining Unit members verified through EEC and SEIU 509.
-To obtain a Certificate of participation, you must be eligible according to the Bargaining Unit and attend 100% of class time.
-Certificates will be emailed 3-4 weeks after the training finalizes.
SPRINGFIELD CPR/Pediatric First Aid
** Bilingual**
Date: OCTOBER, Saturday 10th
Time: 8:45 - 12:30 pm
Language: English
Location: 100 Alderman Street, Springfield, MA. 01108 - Iglesia Ùltima Cosecha
Instructor: Celina Reyes/Entre Amigos, LLC.
Description: During this 3.5 hour training, Educators will learn the necessary skills to obtain a pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.
Available spots: 40 spots (First-come, first-served basis). Only one registration per email address.
NOTE *This training is only available to Bargaining Unit members verified through EEC and SEIU 509.
Check out our FAQs →
Curriculum for Preschoolers
(Two-day training)
Date: NOVEMBER, Tuesday 10th & Thursday 12th
Time: 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Language: English
Location: Virtual
Instructor: Linda Schumacher & Kim Grady
Description: This intensive six-hour training is designed specifically for Family Child Care educators in Massachusetts who seek to enhance the quality of their educational programs while maintaining full compliance with EEC regulations. Throughout the training, participants will explore how to transform regulatory requirements into meaningful educational opportunities by developing a strong curriculum that addresses the needs of children of varying ages.
The course focuses on supporting all developmental domains and provides practical tools to foster skills ranging from emotional self-regulation to early mathematical thinking. The central emphasis is on creating meaningful learning experiences that not only meet state standards but also proactively prepare children for success in school.
By the end of the training, educators will have a clear and adaptable curriculum framework, documentation strategies aligned with EEC requirements, and a renewed understanding of their role in supporting children’s academic and personal success within a safe and professional environment.
Available spots: 60 spots (First-come, first-served basis). Only one registration per email address.
IMPORTANT:
-This training is only available to Bargaining Unit members verified through EEC and SEIU 509.
-To obtain a Certificate of participation, you must be eligible according to the Bargaining Unit and attend 100% of class time.
-Certificates will be emailed 3-4 weeks after the training finalizes.
LAWRENCE CPR/Pediatric First Aid
** Bilingual**
Date: DECEMBER, Saturday 12th
Time: 8:45 - 12:30 pm
Language: English
Location: 599 Canal Street, 4 West, Suite 5, Lawrence, MA. 01840 ( Entre Amigos, LLC. )
Instructor: Celina Reyes/Entre Amigos, LLC.
Description: During this 3.5 hour training, Educators will learn the necessary skills to obtain a pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.
Available spots: 40 spots (First-come, first-served basis). Only one registration per email address.
NOTE *This training is only available to Bargaining Unit members verified through EEC and SEIU 509.
Check out our FAQs →
WORCESTER CPR/Pediatric First Aid
** Bilingual**
Date: SEPTEMBER, SUNDAY 13th
Time: 8:45 - 12:30 pm
Language: English
Location: 886 Main Street, Worcester, MA. 01610 (Iglesia Central Adventista del Séptimo Día)
Instructor: Celina Reyes/Entre Amigos, LLC.
Description: During this 3.5 hour training, Educators will learn the necessary skills to obtain a pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.
Available spots: 40 spots (First-come, first-served basis). Only one registration per email address.
NOTE *This training is only available to Bargaining Unit members verified through EEC and SEIU 509.
Check out our FAQs →
Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
(Two-day training)
Date: OCTOBER, Monday 19th & Tuesday 20th
Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Language: English
Location: Virtual
Instructor: Rosile Moreta
Description: Designed specifically for Family Child Care educators in Massachusetts, this training provides a clear pathway to strengthen professional practice and meet high-quality standards. Throughout the modules, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory framework established by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), including key concepts related to licensing, ratios, and payment processes based on the official definitions of infants and toddlers.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the training explores neurobiology and the major developmental domains—physical, cognitive, social-emotional, and language development—enabling educators to identify and support key milestones from birth to 33 months of age.
By the end of the training, participants will have practical tools to design a dynamic and flexible curriculum that transforms daily routines into intentional learning experiences while ensuring a safe, enriching environment aligned with state regulations.
Available spots: 60 spots (First-come, first-served basis). Only one registration per email address.
IMPORTANT:
-This training is only available to Bargaining Unit members verified through EEC and SEIU 509.
-To obtain a Certificate of participation, you must be eligible according to the Bargaining Unit and attend 100% of class time.
-Certificates will be emailed 3-4 weeks after the training finalizes.
BOSTON CPR/Pediatric First Aid
** Bilingual**
Date: NOVEMBER, Saturday 14th
Time: 8:45 - 12:30 pm
Language: English
Location: 858 Morton Street, Mattapan, MA. 02126 ( Kiddies Corner Childcare Center)
Instructor: Celina Reyes/Entre Amigos, LLC.
Description: During this 3.5 hour training, Educators will learn the necessary skills to obtain a pediatric CPR/First Aid certification.
Available spots: 40 spots (First-come, first-served basis). Only one registration per email address.
NOTE *This training is only available to Bargaining Unit members verified through EEC and SEIU 509.
Check out our FAQs →
The foundations of your brand: How to attract more families to your Family Child Care Program
(Two-day training)
Date: DECEMBER, Monday 7th & Tuesday 8th
Time: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Language: English
Location: Virtual
Instructor: Shirley Moore
Description: Do you want more families to learn about your Family Child Care Program and become interested in enrolling their children? In this workshop, you will learn how to use your “Brand and Marketing” to show what makes your program special, communicate it clearly and attractively, and connect with the families you want to reach.
What will you learn?
Understand brand and marketing and how they work together to promote your Family Child Care business.
Identify what makes your program special and different, and learn how to clearly communicate your mission, values, and what you offer.
Get to know the families you want to attract and create messages that connect with what they need and value.
Learn ways to promote your program and improve its image and presentation to make it professional and attractive to families.
Explore simple templates and tools to create promotional materials that represent your Brand.
Create a story for your program and a simple 30-day Marketing plan to put your ideas into action.
Why participate? Having a great program is only part of the journey. Families need to know about it, understand what makes it special, and know why they should choose you. Learn how to show the value of your program, promote it effectively, and attract more families!.
Available spots: 60 spots (First-come, first-served basis). Only one registration per email address.
IMPORTANT:
-This training is only available to Bargaining Unit members verified through EEC and SEIU 509.
-To obtain a Certificate of participation, you must be eligible according to the Bargaining Unit and attend 100% of class time.
-Certificates will be emailed 3-4 weeks after the training finalizes.
For questions regarding upcoming training sessions, please contact the training coordinator in your state.
Guided by Principles, Focused on Outcomes
We believe that family child care providers possess deep wisdom, experience, and assets —which is why we believe they should be decision-makers regarding program and policy decisions.
We are worker centered in all that we do —this means all trainings are designed and centered around the needs of providers. Our promise is to harness the inherent insights and knowledge providers have and to support them along the way. Workers are integral to our mission as they not only help inform the design of our policies and programs, but also aid in the facilitation of trainings to their peers.
SEIU-ESF Training Programs are guided by four fundamental principles
Focused on Healthy Outcomes for Children and Families
We believe that all children deserve high quality early care and learning experiences. All trainings and technical assistance will be designed to ensure that providers have the tools they need to continuously improve outcomes for children.
Culturally Responsive
We believe that the training and professional development experience for providers will be most effective and relevant if we listen to and celebrate their lived experiences. The majority of facilitators will be Spanish-speaking and all trainings will be facilitated in both English and Spanish.
Application of Theory into Practice
We believe that providers will learn best through doing. We will bring together research and practice experts to ensure a well-rounded context for learning. We will prioritize the demonstration of best practices through modeling and the sharing of resources.
High Expectations and High Support
We believe that providers will do well if they have clear and high expectations, reduction of structural barriers, and multiple layers and modalities of support. We will utilize a relational-based approach to learning, coaching, and mentoring to create a cohesive web of support for providers.
"I took the QRIS Level 2 training…and I’m so glad I went through with it! The fact that it was a free training made it even better, that they even gave us the opportunity to have an extra class just to make sure we got everything done that we needed, which was awesome!!! “
- Tina
Frequently Asked Questions
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All ESF trainings are free and available to licensed and license-exempt family child care providers who serve families with vouchers or subsidies in Massachusetts. Union and non-union members alike are welcome to join.
At this time, we are unfortunately unable to offer these trainings to assistants.
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ESF-MA develops all of its programs around five principles:
Worker-centered. We believe that family child care providers possess deep wisdom, experience, and assets and should be decision-makers regarding program and policy decisions impacting their profession and livelihoods. All trainings will be designed +to center the voice and needs of providers. We will harness the wisdom of providers by supporting them to be designers and facilitators of training for their peers.
Focused on Healthy Outcomes for Children and Families. We believe that all children deserve high quality early care and learning experiences. All trainings and technical assistance will be designed to ensure that providers have the tools they need to continuously improve outcomes for children.
Culturally Responsive. We believe that the training and professional development experience for providers will be most effective and relevant if we listen to and celebrate their lived experiences. We are committed to providing training in both Spanish and English, and utilizing interpretation and translation to make all trainings accessible.
Application of Theory into Practice. We believe that providers will learn best through doing. We will bring together research and practice experts to ensure a well-rounded context for learning. We will prioritize the demonstration of best practices through modeling and the sharing of resources.
High Expectations and High Support. We believe that providers will do well if they have clear and high expectations, reduction of structural barriers, and multiple layers and modalities of support. We will utilize a relational-based approach to learning, coaching, and mentoring to create a cohesive web of support for providers and increase preparedness for advancement in the state’s QRIS system.
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We strongly encourage providers to choose programs that are aligned with their individual professional development plans and their personal goals for quality improvement.
All of ESF-MA’s trainings have been approved for training hours with EEC. Within two weeks of successful completion of a training program, providers will receive a certificate of completion.
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SEIU Local 509 and EEC have joint oversight of ESF-MA’s administration of the training fund. The Joint Training Fund Committee meets quarterly to review and approve all program offerings.
Decisions about what programs we offer are provider-driven. If you are interested in learning about a particular topic, let us know by emailing our Program Director, Elizabeth Sheehan Castro at elizabeth.sheehancastro@seiuesf.org.
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If you are having trouble registering online or would prefer to register by phone, please contact the Training Coordinator for your state.
Massachusetts:
Johana Rodriguez, Training Coordinator, johana.rodriguez@seiuesf.org
☎: 323-201-7308
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Rhode Island:
Jacqueline (Jax) Canola, PD & TA Program Manager, jacqueline.canola@seiuesf.org
☎ : 513-453-6252
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