Quality Practice & Professional Development
DEEL provides high-quality professional development resources for City of Seattle-funded early childhood programs & providers, including Seattle Preschool Program (SPP, SPP+), Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP).
Our Team's Commitment to Racial Equity
Every educator implements a democratic educational approach through equity driven instruction and a high quality learning environment.
Equity Driven Coaching
Coaches will utilize a culturally responsive instructional coaching method.
Training For Educators
Training will be culturally responsive with a focus on race and social justice, anti-bias education, restorative healing practice and social and emotional learning.
Tools For Responsive Teaching
Educators will receive tools and resources to improve their culturally responsive instructional practice, to improve the learning environment, and to support and improve child outcomes.
DEEL Coaching
DEEL Coaches use a Culturally Responsive Instructional Coaching approach to provide intensive, intentional, and reflective coaching to classroom-based staff. The coaches use the lenses of equity and cultural responsiveness to understand the professional development and specific needs of all instructional staff in the classroom.
Coaches also provide guidance and training to directors, site supervisors, and other key personnel. Meet our Team!
DEEL Training
The Department of Education and Early Learning provides professional development to early childhood educators in the greater Seattle area. Learn more about our professional development resources and services, including training workshops, seminars, and technical assistance.
Register for DEEL-hosted training here!
Seattle Preschool Program & Pathway Providers Required Training
DEEL supports professional development and training for early childhood educators in the following curriculum:
The Creative Curriculum® is research-based and supports the development of the whole child. High-quality, comprehensive resources empower educators to intentionally teach and care for our youngest learners during the most critical and formative years of development.
*Creative Curriculum Cloud users can view the New User Checklist here. Not sure if you have access to the CC Cloud? Talk to your DEEL Coach!
The HighScope Preschool Curriculum is based on more than 50 years of research on early childhood development and has been validated by direct evaluation of the curriculum. The HighScope framework for understanding and supporting children's learning from ages 3-5 years is based on 58 key developmental indicators (KDIs), which are aligned with national and state early learning standards, Common Core State Standards, and the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework.
The Soy Bilingüe seminars are designed to provide a framework for teaching young children whose primary language is one other than English. Seminars cover relevant research and practical information related to bilingual early childhood methods with a goal of development of cultural competence and respect for young learners growing up in a bilingual world.
DEEL supports professional development and training for early childhood educators with the following assessments:
An observation-based assessment system used to document children's development from birth-kindergarten; can be used with all children, including English Language Learners, children with disabilities, and children who exceed typical developmental expectations. TSG is being incorporated into the Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) program.
The Ages & Stages Questionnaires® (ASQ®) provides reliable, accurate developmental and social-emotional screening for children between birth and age 6.
Classroom Assessment Scoring System is an observational instrument developed to assess classroom quality in preschool through third grade classrooms. The CLASS dimensions are based on observed interactions among teachers and students in classrooms. The instrument may be used as a research tool, a professional development tool, and/or as a program development and evaluation tool.
Training is offered in a variety of content areas, with a particular focus on race & social justice. Topics include, but are not limited to:
- Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices
- Anti-Bias
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Inclusion/Universal Design
- Outdoor Teaching
In addition to training and workshops in the above areas, DEEL hosts an annual spring conference titled The Children, Race, and Racism Institute. Prior year topics have included: Elevating the Brilliance of Black Boys; The Intersection of Language, Race, and Culture; Trauma, Resiliency, and Healing; and more.
Recordings are available of the 2021 Children, Race, and Racism Institute: Elevating the Brilliance of Black Boys. Click to view!
In response to the ongoing pandemic, all training is currently being delivered in a virtual setting.
Training is open to Seattle Preschool Program (SPP and SPP+), Pathway, ECEAP, and CCAP providers, including birth-to-three/infant-toddler providers.
Click the links to learn more and register!
Dates for 2023-24 school year to be announced!
Please note: DEEL-contracted early learning providers can also access FREE virtual training from many of our partners, including HighScope, Teaching Strategies, School's Out Washington, and Hilltop Educator Institute. Contact us for more information!
Who can attend these trainings?
DEEL-hosted trainings are open to early childhood educators in the Seattle Preschool Program, Pathway, ECEAP, and CCAP agencies.
Some trainings are differentiated for targeted audiences such as infant-toddler or preschool and may be more relevant for educators who work in those settings.
Am I eligible for release time?
Seattle Preschool Program teachers are eligible for up to 28 days of release time per school year, subject to approval. Details are included in the form below.
Is there a cost for training?
DEEL-hosted trainings are free.
For external trainings, there may occasionally be a cost. In some cases, there is a code that can be used at checkout (email the DEEL Training Team for registration codes). If there is not a code available, please check with your DEEL Coach to see if you are eligible for reimbursement.
What if I need an interpreter?
DEEL can arrange for interpreters upon request for any DEEL-hosted training. Please indicate at the time of registration that you would like an interpreter.