Monthly Training/Professional Development

Session
Details

Training Description

Friday
October 2, 2026

9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

$50
4 State Approved Hrs.

We will be celebrating our 10th Anniversary of
the Director's Institute with a day full of food and fun! 

A Director's Institute

Making the Wrong Hire, the Right Hire!
Have you ever hired someone who didn’t meet your expectations at first, but later became one of your best employees? What made the difference? We’re going to explore a challenge that nearly every leader or manager faces at some point: hiring someone who doesn’t initially seem like the right fit. A “wrong hire” doesn’t always mean a bad employee. Sometimes it’s a mismatch in expectations, communication, training, or role alignment. The good news is that many hiring mistakes can be turned into success stories with the right leadership, coaching, and development. In this session, we’ll discuss how to identify whether an employee has the potential to grow, uncover the root causes of performance issues, and apply practical strategies to help them succeed. We’ll also learn when it’s appropriate to continue investing in an employee, and when it’s time to make a different decision. By the end of this training, you’ll have tools to transform challenges into opportunities, improve employee performance, strengthen retention, and build a more resilient team.

Sheila Thomas
BFTS Approved Trainer   

Albany State University-West, 2400 Gillionville Road
Albany, GA 31707, Event Center

Register Here

Saturday
October 3, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Free
6 State Approved Hrs.

GELDS Super Saturday!

GELDS: Foundation
This training introduces early learning workforce professionals to the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS)by explaining what the standards are, why we use them, and their relationship to developmentally appropriate practice. It provides an overview of the organizational structure and language of GELDS.

GELDS: Approaches to Play and Learning
This class will introduce you to the Approaches to Play and Learning of the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). This part provides an overview of the organizational structure and standards and strands in the domains, along with an opportunity for collaborative discussion about what standards in these domains look like in relation to developmentally appropriate practice.

GELDS: Communication, Language and Literacy
This training introduces early learning workforce professionals to the Communication, Language and Literacy Domain of the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). It provides an overview of the organizational structure and standards in the domain, along with an opportunity for collaborative discussion about what standards in this domain look like in relation to developmentally appropriate practice.

Kathi Roberts, Crystal Heard & Alicia Mills
BFTS Approved Trainers

Bright Futures of Columbus,1342 17^th St.
Columbus, GA 31901

Register Here

Tuesday
October 6, 2026

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

$10
2 State Approved Hrs.

Conversations in the Classroom
Need more conversations in your classroom? Join us to learn ways in which to develop more meaningful & extended conversations to foster learning.

Polly Raike
BFTS Approved Trainer 

Register Here 

Thursday
October 8, 2026

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

$10
2 State Approved Hrs.

Lesson Plans Made Simple Using GELDS
Come learn a fun and exciting way of incorporating GELDS into your lesson plans and how to transform their learning environment into a more inclusive and welcoming classroom that is responsive to the needs of each child. Enhancing their ability to grow and learn!

Sandra Jackson
BFTS Approved Trainer

Register Here

Saturday
October 10, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

$25
3 State Approved Hrs.

Fire Safety
This course meets the requirements mandated by the Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner’s office.

Sandra Jackson
BFTS Approved Trainer

Register Here

Saturday
October 17, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

$30
6 State Approved Hrs.

Sip and Paint-
Developing Social, Emotional, and Creative Skills
As Philip Pullman once said, "Children need art and stories and poems and music as much as they need love and food and fresh air and play." This training will give them just that!!! Come be introduced to "Intentional ART", giving children the opportunity to inspire creative thinking! Thus, being able to freely express their feelings/emotions through Art (painting), while enhancing their socialization skills in a more relaxed classroom environment, stimulates social interaction with their peers and adults.

Sandra Jackson
BFTS Approved Trainer

Chili’s Restaurant Crossing, 5080 Riverside Drive, Suite 1600
Macon, GA 31210

Register Here

Saturday
October 17, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Free
6 State Approved Hrs.

GELDS Super Saturday #2!

GELDS: Social & Emotional Domain
This training introduces early learning workforce professionals to the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS)by explaining what the standards are, why we use them, and their relationship to developmentally appropriate practice. It provides an overview of the organizational structure and language of GELDS.

GELDS: Cognitive Development Domain
This training introduces early learning workforce professionals to the Cognitive Development domain of the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). It provides an overview of the organizational structure and standards in the domain, along with an opportunity for collaborative discussion about what standards in this domain look like in relation to developmentally appropriate. 

GELDS: Physical Development Domain
This training introduces early learning workforce professionals to the Physical Development domain of the Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards (GELDS). It provides an overview of the organizational structure and standards in the domain, along with an opportunity for collaborative discussion about what standards in this domain look like in relation to developmentally appropriate.

Jennifer Taylor, Zoe Thwaites, & Crystal Heard
BFTS Approved Trainers

Bright Futures of Columbus,1342 17^th St.
Columbus, GA 31901

Register Here

Tuesday
November 3, 2026

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

$10
2 State Approved Hrs.

Ready, Set, Let’s Read:
Developing Strategies for Early Readers
Join us to explore how brain development effects early literacy and strategies to use in the classroom to develop early readers.

Polly Raike
BFTS Approved Trainer   

Register Here

Saturday
November 7, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

$30
6 State Approved Hrs.

November Super Saturday!

Supervision Made Easy
Are you sure you have adequate supervision? Learn how to create a safe and secure environment for children and staff by following the rules and regulations.

Developmental Stages and Domains-
Child Growth and Development Preschool
This training will enhance your knowledge in the Developmental Stages and Domains of Preschool Children. You will have the opportunity to become more innovative in your approach to implementing age and developmentally appropriate all- inclusive activities. using GELDS. Come and Grow with Us!

Sandra Jackson
BFTS Approved Trainer

Grace Learning Center, 1569 Edna Place, Macon, GA 31204

Register Here

Saturday
November 7, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

$30
6 State Approved Hrs.

F.L.I.P. IT!
F-feelings, L-limits, I-inquiries, & P-prompts! Join us in gaining practical insight into implementing the FLIP IT strategies, empowering staff to effectively handle challenging behaviors and foster a positive learning environment for all. 

Diane Fitchlee & Alicia Mills
BFTS Approved Trainer

Houston Road Daycare & Learning Center, 6045 Houston Road
Macon, GA 31216

Register Here

Thursday
November 12, 2026

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

$10
2 State Approved Hrs.

Stop Shaken Baby Syndrome - Preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome (Abusive Head Trauma)
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS), also known as Abusive Head Trauma AHT), is a serious and preventable injury that occurs when an infant or young child is violently shaken. This action can cause severe brain damage, permanent disability, or even death. This training is focused on preventing SBS. Prevention starts with education: caregivers/providers will be given information on how even the gentlest shaking can be dangerous, and we should never shake a baby for any reason, including frustration or attempts to stop crying. Safe coping strategies for supporting a crying child will be addressed, along with the dissemination of information regarding associated risks and consequences to other caregivers or providers, thereby enhancing measures to safeguard children from harm.

Sandra Jackson
BFTS Approved Trainer

Register Here

Thursday
December 3, 2026

7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

$10
2 State Approved Hrs.

Communicating with Families
Let’s talk about how having available resources and getting families involved maps an effective way toward establishing productive family communications/relationships and ensuring the safety of the children in our care.

Sandra Jackson
BFTS Approved Trainer

Register Here

Saturday
December 5, 2026

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

$30
6 State Approved Hrs

December Super Saturday!
Managing Stress Effectively, Love Thy Self
This training assists the participant in identifying/classifying various stressors as well as, strategies for relieving stress. By using appropriate stress relieving strategies, one can maintain a healthier and happier life; that leads to positive avenues in their
professional and personal life.

What?! Healthy Behavior Management Strategies
This course defines behavior management and helps the caregiver differentiate between challenging behaviors. It offers positive strategies that result from inappropriate classroom behavior.

Sandra Jackson
BFTS Approved Trainer

Kuntry Kiddle Daycare, 6981 Thomaston Road
Macon, GA 31220

Register Here