Professional Classes

Magda Gerber believed that infants deserve the best a society can give them.

RIE helps caregivers in a wide array of childcare settings provide every infant and toddler with the responsive and respectful care that is foundational to a healthy life.

How do we provide the best possible care to infants and toddlers in childcare settings? Our professional development programs help doulas, nannies, cuidadoras, family childcare, and center-based caregivers gain new insight and skills for their work in infant/toddler care.

  • In this 3-hour introductory course, you’ll receive an overview of the Educaring® Approach, learning how this work encourages adult caregivers to see young children as competent and capable humans from birth. The Approach seeks to help parents and professionals build stable, secure, healthy relationships with infants and toddlers, encouraging the children’s natural abilities from the very start.

  • A sixty-hour program, thoroughly examining  the Educaring Approach, this course provides 36 hours of in-class shared collaborative learning experiences complemented by extensive outside-of-class observations and self-study.  The course is meant to enable the student to understand and internalize Magda Gerber’s Educaring Approach.  For those wishing to apply to enter RIE’s apprenticing pathway to become a credentialed RIE Associate, successful completion of this course is a prerequisite. For Professionals seeking career advancement and parents that desire in-depth training

  • This 12-hour course is for in-home caregivers and offers knowledge and practical suggestions that can help make this work easier and more enjoyable, resulting in advantages for the children who receive professional care.

  • Este curso de 12 horas es para cuidadores en el hogar y ofrece conocimientos y sugerencias prácticas que pueden ayudar a que este trabajo sea más fácil y agradable, lo que resulta en ventajas para niños que reciben atención profesional.

Professional Moments

  • A Perfect Introduction

    As a new preschool teacher, the Intro to Educaring workshop was exactly what I needed to understand the RIE approach. The hands-on activities and video observations showed me how to create environments where toddlers can truly thrive. Learning about authentic observation versus evaluation was eye-opening – now I document what children actually do rather than what I think they should be doing. The workshop gave me practical tools I could implement immediately, and I left feeling inspired rather than overwhelmed."

    — Rachel P., Preschool Teacher

  • Building Solid Ground

    After years in early childhood education, I thought I knew respectful caregiving, but RIE Foundations showed me how much deeper I could go. The comprehensive curriculum helped me understand the theoretical basis behind the practices, making me more confident in explaining the approach to colleagues and parents. The extended observation practice refined my ability to truly see children without judgment. This course didn't just change my teaching – it changed how I interact with people of all ages.

    — Michael J., Early Childhood Education Director

  • Elevating Nanny Care

    The Nurturing Nanny course transformed how I approach my work with families. I learned to see myself as a partner in each child's development, not just someone who keeps them safe and entertained. The modules on respectful caregiving routines completely changed diaper changes and mealtimes – they became opportunities for connection and learning. Parents have noticed how much calmer and more engaged their children are, and several families have asked me to stay longer because of the positive changes they've seen.

    — Carmen V., Professional Nanny

  • Honoring Culture While Embracing RIE Principles

    Cuidadoras Cariñosas was perfect for me as a Spanish-speaking childcare provider. The course honored my cultural values while introducing RIE principles in a way that made sense for the families I serve. Learning to implement 'cuidado respetuoso' has strengthened my relationships with both children and parents. I now feel confident explaining to families why I move slowly during care routines and allow children to participate in their own care. The bilingual resources have been invaluable for communicating with parents about their child's development.

    — Isabella M., Family Childcare Provider

  • Transforming Our Center

    Our entire teaching team took the Educaring in Childcare Settings course together, and it revolutionized our program. We learned how to adapt RIE principles for a group setting while maintaining the individual respect each child deserves. The guidance on creating predictable routines and appropriate environments was game-changing. Our toddler room is now a place of calm exploration rather than chaos. Parent feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and staff turnover has decreased significantly since we implemented these practices.

    — Dr. Patricia L., Childcare Center Administrator

  • From Skeptic to Advocate

    I'll admit I was skeptical when my employer suggested RIE training. The idea of 'slowing down' seemed impractical in our busy infant room. But the professional course showed me how efficiency and respect aren't opposites – they actually support each other. When you move with intention and involve children in their care, everything flows more smoothly. The ongoing mentorship component helped me navigate challenges and celebrate small victories. I'm now our center's RIE mentor, helping other teachers discover this approach.

    — James T., Infant/Toddler Teacher