SMART ECE TRAINING NETWORK · FOR CHILD CARE TEACHERS AND DIRECTORS
Saturday trainings you can use on Monday.
3 clock hours. Hands-on ideas for your classroom. Free children's books to take back to your kids.
SAVE THE DATE · SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2027
Make Space for Reading Conference
A full day of ideas, books, and hands-on learning at Moody Gardens in Galveston. See the full conference page.
Two events happen that day, and each one has its own sign-up. Pick the one that matches where you work.
3
clock hours, instructor-led
$20
per training, on Eventbrite
9–12
Saturday mornings. Doors open 8:45 AM.
994
educators trained in 2025
TRY THIS MONDAY
When a toddler bites, care for the child who was bitten first.
Biting is a normal part of toddler development. It is often about words a child does not have yet. Your response teaches both children what happens next.
From our October 3 training, Biting Happens.
1. Comfort
Go to the child who was bitten. Clean the area and stay close.
2. Name it, calmly
Tell the child who bit, in a few calm words: “Biting hurts. I will help you.”
3. Give them the words
Model what to say next time: “Stop.” “Mine.” “Help, please.”
4. Look for the pattern
Write down the time, place, and what happened before. Patterns show you how to prevent the next one.
FALL 2026 · WINTER 2027
Upcoming trainings
Each training is capped at 50 people. Sign up early to save your seat.
SAT
Oct 17
Director's Network Meeting
For center directors. Aligned to the Texas Core Competencies for Administrators.
Vera Bell Gary Parent Support Center
1727 Bayou Rd, La Marque 77568
SAT
Dec 5
Creating Quality Responses to Challenging Behavior
Practical steps for the moments that test every classroom.
Vera Bell Gary Parent Support Center
1727 Bayou Rd, La Marque 77568
SAT
Dec 12
Creating Quality Responses to Challenging Behavior
Same session as Dec 5, at our Alvin location.
Alvin College
Café E, Student Center (Building E)
3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin 77511 · Park in Lot E
SAT
Jan 9
Biting Happens: What to Do When Toddlers Bite
Why toddlers bite, what to do in the moment, and how to talk with both families.
Vera Bell Gary Parent Support Center
1727 Bayou Rd, La Marque 77568
All trainings: 9 AM–12 noon, doors open 8:45 AM. Instruction is in English, with Spanish subtitles as often as possible. Slides and handouts in Spanish on request.
Every training includes
Clock hours that count
3 instructor-led hours on your TECPDS record. Texas child care staff need 30 hours each year.
Free books for your classroom
You leave with children's books to read with your kids the next week.
Hands-on practice
Large group, small group, and hands-on activities. You try it before you teach it.
Built on Texas standards
Aligned to the Texas Core Competencies and Texas HHSC Minimum Standards.
Coffee and breakfast
Coffee and breakfast snacks are waiting when you walk in.
Ideas for Monday
Strategies you can use in your classroom right away, not just theory.
FOR DIRECTORS
Child Care Center Directors Network
Directors in Galveston County meet to hear policy updates, earn administrator clock hours, and lean on each other. Meetings are free.
CONSULTATION
Help for your center
We come to you. We help with:
Managing challenging classrooms
Writing handbook policies
Business ethics for child care
MEET YOUR TRAINER
Amy Musick, M.Ed., MS
TECPDS Registered Trainer #22443 · Co-Executive Director
Amy taught for 12 years before joining SMART in 2017. She is certified in all of the Texas Core Competencies for Administrators and Practitioners, and she trains other trainers. She was the 2022 Texas AEYC Susan Hargrave Trainer of the Year.
“Providing active and engaging educational programs integrating Science, Math, Art, Reading, and Technology (SMART), so that learners of all ages can achieve and thrive.”