For the past 20 years, since the office’s formation, OCDEL has been innovatively investing in cross-system professionals who serve infants, young children, their families, and the workforce that cares for them in a variety of ways.  Most notably, OCDEL has supported the statewide Infant/early childhood mental health consultation program and has funded over 700 early childhood professionals through a Foundations of Infant Mental Health professional development course.

With funding from the Preschool Development Grant, OCDEL is supporting 6 single-day virtual trainings on the Foundation of Reflective Supervision for early childhood professionals serving in supervisory roles. The intent of this training is to help supervisors better support the people they lead. Supervisors in childcare, early intervention, home visiting, and family support programs often work in high-stress environments while supporting children and families with complex needs. This training is intended to equip supervisors with practical skills and shared tools to slow down, listen, reflect, and problem-solve with staff in thoughtful, supportive ways.

The goal is to help supervisors create safe, trusting spaces where staff can talk openly about challenges, learn from their experiences, and take care of their own well-being. By strengthening these supervisory relationships, Pennsylvania aims to reduce burnout, improve staff confidence and retention, and ensure that children and families receive consistent, high-quality, relationship-based services across the state.

Professional Development Opportunity

Foundations of Reflective Supervision

Available Training Dates:

• Friday 3/6/26 9-4 PM EST
• Friday 3/13/26 9-4 PM EST
• Friday 3/27/26 9-4 PM EST
• Friday 4/10/26 9-4 PM EST
• Friday 4/24/26 9-4 PM EST
• Friday 5/1/26 9-4 PM EST

This introductory training provides early childhood system supervisors with a foundation in Reflective Supervision/Consultation (RSC) and its role in supporting reflective practice across early childhood systems. Participants will explore the importance of deep listening, emotional awareness, and curiosity in building strong reflective relationships. Supervisors will reflect on how their own emotions, experiences, and reactions show up in reflective spaces and practice bringing these thoughtfully into received and provided supervision. The day of training emphasizes holding the baby and family in mind, navigating inevitable relational ruptures and repairs, and planning intentional transitions within reflective supervisory relationships.

This training is ideal for supervisors and leaders seeking to strengthen their reflective stance and support staff well-being and effective practice.

By participating in this training, Participants will be able to:

• Explain key points about the importance of listening in RSC.
• Name one’s own emotions or past experiences and how they show up in reflective spaces.
• Bring feelings and reactions to their own RSC.
• Practice holding the baby and family in mind with supervisees.
• Accept that ruptures will occur, and that repair strengthens relationships with supervisees.
• Plan thoughtful transitions for reflective relationships with supervisees.

Virtual Event. Limited to 30 participants per date.

Each participant will be mailed a copy of “A Practical Guide to Reflective Supervision” by Heller & Gilkerson.

CEU: Infant Toddler Training Hours, PQAS, and Act 48 hours will be provided by the Pennsylvania Key and/or Early Intervention Technical Assistance.  

OCDEL will seek to diversify the participants to ensure representation from geographic and system partners across the Commonwealth’s early childhood system, with a strong focus on supervisors from within Early Care and Education, Early Intervention, Home Visiting, and Family Support Programs.

Apply by 2/23/26 by 11:59 PM EST to be considered: forms.office.com/r/MKvYnDmWUq

Grant Disclosure: This project is supported by the Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five Initiative (PDGB5), Grant # 90TP0096-01-00, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.