Early Educators Explore Conscious Discipline in Childcare Resources Workshop

Childcare Resources of Indian River proudly hosted a highly successful professional development workshop attended by nearly 130 local early educators. The event featured Cheryl Cotter, an expert in Conscious Discipline, who led an engaging and informative session on this innovative approach to neurodivergent learning.

Nearly 130 early educators joined Childcare Resources’ Conscious Discipline workshop with presenter Cheryl Cotter.

The workshop brought together early childhood educators from thirty-three centers across Indian River County to enhance their skills and knowledge in creating safe, connected, and engaging environments for young children. Conscious Discipline, a comprehensive self-management program that integrates emotional learning with routines, is widely recognized for its effectiveness in transforming classrooms into spaces where children can thrive.

Early educators from First Baptist Preschool. Pictured: Front (L-R) Assistant Director Leanne Parish, School Director Rene’ LaRosa, Courtney Riddell, Coral Redstone. Back (L-R) Jennifer Link, Chrissy Rogers, Ashlie Price.

“If I want to teach a student how to self-regulate, I need to master those skills myself,” said Cotter. “I’m not only helping them to develop the ability to manage their emotions, but I’m also modeling to the entire class what it means to be a safe, supportive presence.”

Cotter guided attendees through practical strategies for fostering emotional intelligence, building strong relationships, and managing challenging behaviors in the classroom. Her insights resonated with educators, who left the workshop equipped with new tools to support the development of the children in their care.

This was the first workshop for Abby Kotecki, a teacher of two-year-olds at Community Preschool. “I found the workshop deeply inspiring. Making sure my students feel safe and that I am coming to them with positive intention is what resonated most for me,” says Kotecki. “I will definitely use these techniques and teachings in my classroom and in my day-to-day life as a mother. I am excited to attend more workshops in the future.”

The workshop was part of Childcare Resources’ ongoing commitment to professional development for local early childhood educators. By offering opportunities like this, the organization aims to elevate the quality of early education in the community, ensuring that every child has the best possible start in life.

(L - R) Presenter Cheryl Cotter and Childcare Resources Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman.

“We are thrilled by the turnout and the enthusiasm of the participants,” says Executive Director Shannon McGuire Bowman. “Our mission is to ensure that every child has access to high-quality early education, and that begins with providing educators with the resources and training they need to succeed.”

Registration is currently open for Childcare Resources’ next workshop Reggio Emilia with Dr. Angela Eckhoff, to be held Saturday, October 5th. Registration and additional information is available at www.ChildcareResourcesIR.org/workshop.

Professional development workshops such as these are sponsored in part by PNC Grow Up Great and Indian River County Children’s Advisory Committee. Childcare Resources of Indian River, a partner agency of the United Way of Indian River County, Indian River County Children’s Services Advisory Committee, and the Indian River Hospital District, elevates and promotes the highest quality early childhood development and education in Indian River County, focusing on economically challenged children and families. To learn more about Childcare Resources, visit ChildcareResourcesIR.org or call 772-567-3202.