Upcoming Webinars
Our online series unites the early childhood learning community around timely issues and provides professional development opportunities.
Webinars are offered without cost and are open to all. An archive of recorded webinars are available in our video library.
2025 SERIES:
THE WAY FORWARD
Ready to leap into the future of early childhood education?! CAYL Catalyst 2025 is paving THE WAY FORWARD with bold ideas, innovative perspectives, and tangible actions. Let’s jump together to the cutting edge of possibility as we kick off our 2025 series!
As we kick off the new year, we will explore three key questions:
- What is the way forward with people – the educators who care for and guide young children?
- What is the way forward with programs – how and how well we serve children and families
- What is the way forward with policy – community, state, and federal initiatives that help advance our profession?
Join us for this live webinar series!
Dr. Leah Austin
John Nimmo, Ed.D.
Gladys Vega
CAYL Catalyst Ep #48
Our Professional Promise: Belonging, Equity, and Inclusion
May 1, 2025
4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT
In today’s climate, open commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion are increasingly scrutinized, with federal policies challenging long-standing efforts in these areas. Yet, organizations and advocates remain dedicated to ensuring that all children, families, and educators are supported through anti-bias education and inclusive practices.
Join us on May 1, 2025, for a powerful conversation as we discuss the ongoing importance of equity in early childhood education, explore why anti-bias curriculum matters now more than ever, and what actionable steps we can take to advance the best interests of children, families, and the workforce.
Don’t miss this critical discussion on standing up for what truly matters in education and advocacy.
Featuring:
Dr. Leah Austin
President & CEO of National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)
John Nimmo, Ed.D.
Co-Director and Co-Founder of Anti-Bias Leaders ECE
Gladys Vega
President and CEO of La Colaborativa
Hosted by Dr. Valora Washington
CEO and President, The CAYL Institute
Dr. Karen Mapp
Andrea Maldonado
Keairra Chaney
CAYL Catalyst Ep. #49:
From Frivolous to Phenomenal: Reclaiming the Power of Family Engagement
June 5, 2025
4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT
Family engagement has long been named a core value in early childhood education — but turning that value into meaningful practice remains a challenge. In today’s landscape of economic and employment uncertainty, connecting with families in authentic, consistent, and impactful ways is more important than ever — and yet, often more difficult.
Join us for a powerful and practical session that explores what it really means to engage families in ways that support children’s academic and social outcomes. Whether you’re looking to refresh your approach, get inspired by what’s working in the field, or gain concrete strategies you can apply immediately, this webinar is for you.
Join us on June 5, 2025, for From Frivolous to Phenomenal: Reclaiming the Power of Family Engagement, featuring:
–Dr. Karen Mapp – Professor of Practice, Harvard Graduate School of Education
–Andrea Maldonado – Director of Quality Assessment and Recognition, National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC)
–Keairra Chaney – Curriculum Designer, Waterford.org
And hosted by Dr. Valora Washington – CEO & President, The CAYL Institute
Yasmina Vinci
CAYL Catalyst Ep. #50:
Head Start: History, Impact and the Way Forward
July 10, 2025
4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT
For six decades, Head Start has laid the foundation for early childhood education in the United States — a groundbreaking program that has not only supported generations of children and families — but also shaped the very field of ECE. As we mark this 60th anniversary, it’s time to honor the legacy, celebrate the impact, and reflect on what’s next.
Throughout its history, Head Start has faced cycles of scrutiny — moments when its effectiveness and future have been questioned. And yet, time and time again, the program has demonstrated its value through rigorous research, evidence-based practices, and a committed, evolving workforce. Together, these elements continue to affirm Head Start’s powerful and lasting impact.
In today’s policy and funding landscape, familiar questions are surfacing once again. What is the future of Head Start? How do we protect and grow this national treasure?
Join us on July 10, 2025, for Head Start: History, Impact and the Way Forward, featuring:
–Yasmina Vinci – Executive Director, National Head Start Association
(Additional panelists will be announced soon!)
Hosted by Dr. Valora Washington – CEO & President, The CAYL Institute