CLASS®

ECEP has worked with Teachstone®, the world trusted leader in Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS®) driven measurement and mentoring, since 2014. CLASS® not only defines teaching quality through the lens of interactions, it provides the ability to measure and improve the interactions that matter most for children’s outcomes. And, it’s a journey of continuous improvement that is data-driven.

Visit the Office of Early Childhood's CLASS® website to learn more about CLASS® in Arkansas.

All CLASS® courses equip early childhood educators to focus on change, promote positive interactions, and improve teaching quality. Each CLASS® course is FREE for anyone to attend and offer the following:

Professional development credit from the Arkansas Professional Development Registry and the Arkansas Department of Education
FREE course materials and access to in-depth content, including a participant manual and other resources
Continuing Education Units, upon request
Certificate of Completion and Verification of Training Hours, upon request
Opportunity to collaborate and build community engagement with other industry experts
Visit the Arkansas Professional Development Registry to find available training or call (800) 632-8754.

1. CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler Intro to Interactions for Educators

CLASS® 2^nd Edition Infant-Toddler Intro to Interactions for Educators training introduces infant–toddler educators to core concepts of high-quality interactions, the CLASS® framework and terminology, and the process of CLASS® observations. Educators will learn how CLASS® applies to early relationship-building, responsive caregiving, and supporting the developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Ideal for those new to CLASS® or early childhood education, this training emphasizes practical strategies to nurture warm, responsive, and engaging interactions with the youngest learners.

CLASS® 2^nd Edition Infant-Toddler Intro to Interactions for Educators helps early educators:

Explore the CLASS® tool and how it boosts quality improvement
Dive into the CLASS® observation process and learn what happens during an observation
Connect CLASS® interactions to daily practices

Level: Foundation
Hours: 6 hours

2. CLASS® 2nd Edition Pre-K–3rd Intro to Interactions for Educators

CLASS® 2^nd Edition Pre-K–3^rd Intro to Interactions for Educators equips educators with the knowledge to understand and improve educator-child interactions, preparing them for CLASS® observations. Throughout this training educators will embrace the life-changing impact of interactions and practice planning for them in daily routines and explore new approaches to ensure every child experiences meaningful interactions.

CLASS® 2^nd Edition Pre-K–3^rd Intro to Interactions for Educators helps early educators:

Explore the CLASS® tool and how it boosts quality improvement
Dive into the CLASS® observation process and learn what happens during an observation
Connect CLASS® interactions to daily practices

Level: Foundation
Hours: 6 hours

3. CLASS® Infant-Toddler Interaction Essentials for Educators

CLASS® Infant-Toddler Interaction Essentials for Educators training is aligned with the CLASS® 2nd Edition Infant-Toddler tool. This training offers a comprehensive exploration of effective interactions with infants and toddlers. Through a mix of CLASS® concepts, engaging videos, real-life scenarios, and hands-on strategies, educators will develop practical skills to enhance their daily interactions. The training also supports the creation of individualized plans to improve and sustain meaningful educator-child connections.

This training is available in three different sessions.

CLASS® Infant-Toddler Interaction Essentials for Educators helps early educators:

Expand understanding of the power of interactions
Explore each CLASS® domain and dimension in-depth
Learn about interactions, practice identifying interactions, and plan for integration of those interactions into daily practices

Level: Intermediate
Hours: 8.75, 13.5, or 18.25 hours

4. CLASS® Pre-K Interaction Essentials for Educators

CLASS® Pre-K Interaction Essentials for Educators is a comprehensive training program that helps empower educators to succeed with flexible, high-impact CLASS® training. Educators learn to apply CLASS® concepts directly to their daily routines and specific contexts to improve interactions with every child throughout the day. This program includes exclusive materials to support the building of and transfer of knowledge to practice.

This training is available in three different sessions.

CLASS® Pre-K Interaction Essentials for Educators helps early educators:

Expand understanding of the power of interactions
Explore each CLASS® domain and dimension in-depth
Learn about interactions, practice identifying interactions, and plan for integration of those interactions into daily practices

Level: Intermediate
Hours: 10.75, 17.5, or 24.25 hours

Additional ECEP Training that Supports CLASS® Implementation

Building Relationships with Infants and Toddlers (4 hours, Foundation Level)

Overview: Equips early childhood educators with practical strategies to nurture strong, caring connections with infants and toddlers, supporting their overall development.
Supports CLASS® Dimensions: Infant Relational Climate, Infant and Toddler Teacher Sensitivity, Behavior Guidance

Guidance and Behavior Management (15 hours or 8 hours if self-paced, Intermediate Level)

Overview: Examines how environmental factors influence behavior. Educators learn to structure daily schedules with rules, rituals, and routines that encourage positive behavior.
Supports CLASS® Dimensions: Toddler Behavior Guidance, Pre-K Routines, Transitions, and Preparation

The Growing Brain: From Birth to Five Years Old (21 hours, Intermediate Level)

Overview: Covers key brain development stages, the role of early experiences in cognitive and emotional growth, and strategies to support young learners.
Supports CLASS® Dimensions: Infant Relational Climate, Teacher Sensitivity, Early Language Support, Toddler Language Modeling, Positive Climate, Teacher Sensitivity, Pre-K Positive Climate, Educator Sensitivity

Every Child Belongs (15 hours, Advanced Level)

Overview: Equips early childhood educators with strategies to support all children, including those with disabilities, by fostering positive interactions and collaborative environments.
Supports CLASS® Dimensions: Infant Relational Climate, Teacher Sensitivity, Early Language Support, Toddler Language Modeling, Positive Climate, Teacher Sensitivity, Pre-K Positive Climate, Educator Sensitivity, Behavior Management, Language Modeling

Pre-K Math and Science (30 hours, Advanced Level)

Overview: Engages educators in interactive learning on early math and science concepts, designed to inspire and educate 3–5-year-olds in these foundational subjects.
Supports CLASS® Dimensions: Pre-K Instructional Learning Formats, Concept Development, Quality of Feedback

Pre-K Relationships and Behavior (45 hours, Advanced Level)

Overview: Equips early childhood educators with strategies to foster positive relationships, address challenging behaviors, manage disruptions, and prepare children with essential skills for kindergarten readiness.
Supports CLASS® Dimensions: Pre-K Positive Climate, Educator Sensitivity, Behavior Management

The Arkansas Department of Education approves all courses provided by Early Care and Education Projects for professional development credit. However, the awarding of professional development credit based on attendance at this workshop is solely at the discretion of the local school district. Learn more by reviewing the Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Professional Development (Feb 2016).