Early Childhood Academy (ECA) Fall 2026 (PEATC)

Description:

A FREE self-paced online course for families of young children (birth through age six) with disabilities & developmental delays. You are your child’s first and most important teacher, and you help set a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success! In this 5-week online program, families of children with disabilities learn about supporting their child’s early learning and development and preparing them for kindergarten and beyond.

Learn about:

• Parents as first teachers
• Importance of inclusive early education
• Developmental milestones
• Supporting language development and encouraging positive behaviors
• Benefits of Assistive Technology
• Preparing children with disabilities for school
• Early intervention and early childhood special education services

The course begins November 13, 2026 and will be open through December 18, 2026.

The training will take approximately 7 hours and can be accessed anytime during the 5 week timeframe. This free program is designed for busy families! Sessions open weekly and are available to view day or night. Participants who complete all sessions receive a certificate of completion.

Presented by PEATC in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).