Instructor: Christina Nojd

No image available Biography: With 24 years of dedicated service in early childhood education, I have embraced various roles throughout my career. I hold a master's degree in early childhood studies, specializing in public policy and advocacy, and have consistently worked to advocate for the needs of young children and their families. My commitment to understanding infant and early childhood mental health motivated me to earn a certificate from the Erikson Institute in 2022. For me, early childhood is more than just a profession; it's a passion that inspires me to support the development of young minds while empowering families and fellow educators.

Courses by this instructor


Let Them Be Little: Understanding Kindergarten Readiness

Kindergarten readiness has become a major focus in early childhood education, but readiness is about more than early academics. This training examines how unrealistic expectations can unintentionally place pressure on young children and educators. Participants will explore developmentally appropriate expectations, the value of play, and the foundational skills children truly need before entering kindergarten. Through reflection and discussion, educators willconsider how to create environments that support confidence, independence, emotional regulation, communication, and curiosity while still honoring childhood. This session encourages professionals to see readiness as a process of healthy development rather than a race to the next stage.
Thursday, November 19, 2026

Let Them Invent: The Learning Behind Loose Parts

Children do not need expensive toys to engage in meaningful learning. Loose parts play encourages creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and imagination through open-ended materials that can be moved, combined, redesigned, and explored in endless ways. This training will help educators understand the value of loose parts play while providing practical ideas for creating engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences in early childhoodenvironments. Participants will explore how loose parts support all areas of development, learn strategies for introducing materials intentionally, and discuss ways to manage organization, safety, and classroom expectations. Educators will leave with practical ideas for using affordable and accessible materials to spark curiosity, engagement, and deeper learning.
Thursday, October 22, 2026, NEC*N101

Let Them Wiggle: Making Circle Time Work for Young Children

Circle time can either become one of the most stressful parts of the day or one of the mostmeaningful. When expectations do not match child development, teachers often spend moretime redirecting behaviors than engaging children in learning. This training explores howdevelopmentally appropriate circle times can reduce frustration for teachers while increasingparticipation, engagement, and connection for children. This session will provide teachers withrealistic, easy-to-implement ideas for incorporating movement, music, visuals, childparticipation, and shorter, more intentional group experiences. Participants will leave withstrategies that support classroom management, reduce power struggles, increase engagement,and help both children and teachers feel more successful during group time.
Thursday, September 17, 2026, NEC*N101