Online Training Opportunities
The following training is hosted through the NDE Digital Learning Center.
First Connections
First Connections is a multifaceted, comprehensive online course offering education about infants and toddlers to teachers, caregivers, and parents across Nebraska and beyond.
The online training curriculum consists of six modules. Download the complete First Connections syllabus.
- Introduction to Caring for Infants and Toddlers
- Part 1: Development of Infants and Toddlers
- Part 2: Development of Infants and Toddlers
- Program Quality and Evaluation
- Relationships with Families
- Keeping Infants and Toddlers Safe and Healthy
Requirements of the course include reading information, viewing video, completing assignments and taking short tests. All assignments and tests must be completed and graded prior to the end of the course. There are no extensions, no exceptions.
The course cost is $25.00. It is worth 45 in-service clock hours. The course must be completed within 90 days. Download the complete list of First Connections policies and procedures.
For specific questions about First Connections, contact one of the following Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm central time, except for observed holidays.
Course Information: Tammi Hicken, 531-207-8917, tammi.hicken@nebraska.gov
First Connections content: Meghan Shepherd, mrs.megan.shepherd@gmail.com
Technical assistance with Canvas: Dorann Avey, 402-890-2336, dorann.avey@nebraska.gov
Register for First Connections
School Age Connections
School Age Connections is a multifaceted online set of modules offering education about school-age children to teachers, caregivers, and parents across Nebraska and beyond.
School Age Connections consists of three modules. For a complete syllabus.
- Understanding the Development of the School Age Child
- Successful Programming for School Age Children
- Guidance for Working with School Age Children
Requirements of the course include reading information, viewing video, completing assignments and taking short tests. All assignments and tests must be completed and graded prior to the end of the course. There are no extensions, no exceptions.
Each School Age Connections module is $10 and is worth 5 in-service clock hours each. Each module must be completed in 30 days. School Age Connections policies and procedures.
For specific questions about First Connections, contact one of the following
Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm central time, except for observed holidays.
Course Information: Tammi Hicken, 531-207-8917, tammi.hicken@nebraska.gov
School Age Connections content: Julie Jones-Branch, jjonesbranch@yahoo.com
Technical assistance with Canvas: Dorann Avey, 402-890-2336, dorann.avey@nebraska.gov
Register for School Age Connections
It is advised that you sign up for one module at a time.
Step Up to Quality Orientation
The Step Up to Quality orientation is your first step on the path to quality.
The online orientation is designed to inform participants of the following:
- The history of Step Up to Quality
- Program goals, supports and benefits
- Introduction to the Nebraska Early Childhood Professional Record System (NECPRS)
- An overview of Steps 1-5
The Step Up to Quality online orientation is available for free and provides 1.5 hours of in-service credit.
Enroll in the online orientation.
View instructions for enrolling in the online Step Up to Quality orientation.
Visit the Step Up to Quality website for more information.
Prepare to Care: Health and Safety Training
This training provides a general overview of Nebraska’s health and safety standards. This training is designed for all applicants who are applying for licensure, and their staff as well as all license exempt child care providers who receive subsidy payment.
- Safe and Healthy Environment
- Safe and Healthy Children
- Preparing for Emergencies
Nebraska’s Core Competencies for Early Childhood
This course will guide you through the Core Competencies document and explain how you can use it for professional growth. This course is meant to be an introduction to the document. The optional self-assessment provided in the course will help you further understand the Nebraska Core Competencies and how best to use them as an early childhood professional.
This is a free online course that can be completed independently through the Canvas Learning Management System. Once the course is successfully completed, a certificate for 1 hour of training will be made available.