Foundational Child Development Theories: A Workshop for Early Childhood Educators and Caregivers Working with Children Ages 0–6

Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Location: Hanahau'oli School Professional Development Center, located at 1922 Makiki Street, Honolulu, HI 96822

Cost: $100 per participant

Child development theory can provide an important framework for educators and parents who want to better understand how children learn and grow. They can also be a guide for creating constructive and caring learning environments. By understanding child development theories, educators and parents can anticipate children's needs, address potential challenges, and provide appropriate support.

This engaging workshop is designed for early childhood educators and caregivers working with children ages 0–6 who want to deepen their understanding of foundational child development theories. Through interactive lectures and video content, participants will explore the influential work of key theorists including Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Erik Erikson, and John Dewey. Participants will learn how their ideas have shaped progressive education and discover practical ways to apply their theories in your daily interactions with young children.

This workshop is specifically designed for educators working with young children—those who play a vital role in laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Research shows that 85% of a child's brain develops before the age of 3, making these early years a critical window for cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Every interaction matters, and this workshop empowers educators to make the most of every moment by grounding their practice in proven developmental theory.

WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES

Participants will be able to:

Learn the history and roots of progressive education.
Deepen their understanding—or build new knowledge—of influential theorists who shaped progressive education, including Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson, and Dewey and touch on how that shaped pedagogy’s aligned with progressive education like Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia.
Gain practical strategies for applying developmental theory to everyday interactions with young children.
Reflect on their own teaching practices and how they align with developmental theory and best practices in early childhood education.

WORKSHOP AGENDA

9:00 Welcome and Introduction

9:10-9:30 Piaget

9:30-9:50 Vgotsky

9:50-10:10 Erikson

10:10-10:20 Break

10:20-10:50 Dewey

10:50-11:20 Education pedagogy’s derived from progressive theorists: Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia.

11:20-11:50 Activity

11:50-12:00 Q & A

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Pamela Strode is the Owner and Director of Strode Montessori Preschool, serving children ages 0–6. She also serves as an adjunct professor and age-level coordinator for the Montessori Certificate Program at Chaminade University. Pamela holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Education Curriculum Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. She is Montessori credentialed through the American Montessori Society (AMS) and is a regular presenter at The Montessori Event, AMS’s national conference. When she’s not in the classroom or presenting, Pamela enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children—often at the beach, in the pool, out sailing, or baking together as a family.

Leilani Antone is the owner and director of Montessori Camps Hawaiʻi. A community program that supports families, keiki, and adult learners through hosting training, camps, workshops, and consulting with home and licensed daycare and preschools. She is the Director of the Primary Program at Strode Montessori in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, and is an Adjunct Professor at Chaminade University of Honolulu. Leilani holds a Bachelorʻs degree in Early Childhood Education, a Masterʻs in the Art of Teaching with a focus in PreKindergarten to Kindergarten ages with a state licensure, and a Montessori primary teacherʻs credentials from American Montessori Society (AMS). In her free time, Leilani enjoys spending time with her ʻohana by participating in opportunities to support her community through volunteering with various community non-profit organizations that promote indigenous culture awareness.

THIS WORKSHOP IS DESIGNED FOR