Professional Development

Are You Interested in Hosting a Professional Development Event for Your Staff?

First Up offers subject matter experts who bring passion and knowledge into each training, and can bring Professional Development to your staff, virtually or in person, for a relevant, valuable training experience.

Our Team Can Help You!

First Up's Workforce and Professional Development team can help you create an intentional training plan for your team. Whether you need a single training session, a full in-service day or a series of training courses throughout the year, our team of experienced instructors can bring learning experiences that meet the needs of your staff. Contact Nancy Nicewonger at Nancy.nicewonger@firstup.org to begin the process!

What We Offer!

First Up delivers many trainings created using the latest research and information, tailored for you.

Our Professional Development catalog HERE lists the many content areas developed into PD sessions approved by the PD Registry.
Pennsylvania Quality Assurance System (PQAS) hours and Act 48 hours are available for all First Up training.
A variety of trainings are available and in alignment with STARS standards. VIEW FLYER HERE
Contact Nancy Nicewonger at nicewonger@firstup.org to select training that will be tailored for your staff.

P.R.I.D.E. At First Up Annual Conference 4.29.2023-072

Methods of Delivery

Instruction is brought to you through a variety of delivery methods in order to meet your needs.

In person sessions at a location of your choice (available in most of the Southeast region- Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties)
A live, virtual session with your staff together at your center and the instructor live through zoom. Staff can gather as a large group or in small teaching teams for this interactive, engaging online session available throughout PA.
A live, virtual session with staff individually logging into zoom from a location of their choice. This allows your team to be trained together while allowing staff to be home or at another location for more flexibility.
Virtual training courses are listed on the PD Registry at a pay per person rate, if you need one or two staff members trained on a particular topic. This is great for new staff or an experienced staff member seeking higher level training.

Contact Nancy Nicewonger at Nancy.nicewonger@firstup.org to design an intentional training plan for your staff. Click HERE Request Professional Development.

Learn More about Specialized Training Opportunities

Advocacy Trainings
Community of Practice Opportunities
- For Directors
- For Teachers
Equity Initiative
Leadership Institute Series
Proficiency Certificate Program
Trainings delivered in Spanish
Trainings Specific for Age Groups
- Infants and Toddlers
- Preschool and Pre-K
- School Age
Virtual Trainings listed on the PD Registry Calendar

NEW or Updated Trainings for 2025

Anti-Bias Education for Ourselves: You Bring to Teaching Who You Are
Approaching Risky Play through Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Brain Development Three Part Series
Building Essential Relationships for Early Childhood Educators
Building Essential Relationships for Infant Toddler Educators
Children are not Colorblind: Shifting from a Color-blindness Approach to Anti-bias Education
Classroom Management for Experienced Staff
Coaching as a Change Agent
Effective Team Building: Connecting, Collaborating and Communicating
Impactful Leadership Series
Leadership in Action
Leadership: The Nuts and Bolts
Nurturing Through Nature- Four Part Series
Play: The Role of the Teacher in Children’s Play Development
Responding Fearlessly to Big Topics Using the Anti-Bias Framework
Supporting Teacher Self-Efficacy
Supporting the Cognitive Development of Infants and Toddler
A Three Part Series FOR families- Caring Strategies for Families