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.
2026 SERIES:
Reflect for Insight,
Reset for Action!
Welcome back to the CAYL Catalyst webinar series!
The CAYL Catalyst webinar series brings to you bold conversations of interest to early childhood educators. Our online series is intended to unite early childhood learning communities around timely issues and provide professional development opportunities. Join us every first Thursday of each month for one hour at 4 PM EST.
In 2026, we will host top practitioners, analysts, and thinkers to help us reflect and reset our daily work and strategic adaptations. As always, CAYL’s talks and panels feature prominent leaders alongside on-the-ground educators.
The field of early childhood education is facing increasing scrutiny in both policy and practice. As we consider our next steps, the CAYL Institute invites you to join these three dynamic conversations. We intend to have a phenomenal year of reflection, new insights, resetting, and taking action.
Joan Lombardi
CAYL Catalyst Ep. #57 – Reflect for Insight, Reset for Action! – Featuring Joan Lombardi
March 5, 2026
4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT
On March 5th, Joan Lombardi will share her insights. She was the first Associate Commissioner for child care at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and is known for her innovative leadership and policy advice. For over 50 years, Joan has served as a key advisor to philanthropy, public agencies, and others on domestic and global issues facing young children, families, and communities. Last October, she was awarded ZERO TO THREE’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Hosted by Dr. Valora Washington – CEO and President, The CAYL Institute
Jerlean Daniel
CAYL Catalyst Ep. #58 – Reflect for Insight, Reset for Action! – Featuring Jerlean Daniel
April 2, 2026
4pm ET / 3pm CT / 2pm MT / 1pm PT
On April 2nd, we will conclude our trilogy of dynamic voices with a webinar featuring insights and leadership strategies from Jerlean Daniel, past president, former executive director, and current chair of the Black Caucus of NAEYC. Jerlean is one of our nation’s leading experts on young children, equity, and social justice. She is a distinguished alum of the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as a faculty member and as Director of the University’s Child Development Center.
Hosted by Dr. Valora Washington – CEO and President, The CAYL Institute