Professional Development

Professional learning sessions offered virtual or in-person

Dr. Nichole Rich-Byrne has been providing professional development for educators since 2008. She has been the keynote speaker for the Ashford University Early Learning Conference. Her workshops have been presented to educators across the U.S.

Browse the current offerings below.
Length of sessions: 1.5 hrs – 6 hrs.

Enriched Learning Professional Development

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Approved professional development provider for grades PK-2. Provider # S2024028

Content areas:

Curriculum and Instruction

Data & Assessment

Leadership/Administration

Special Education - General

Supporting Additional Learning Time
(Learning Supports and Early Learning)

It’s Not You It’s Me: Breaking Down Barriers to Courageously Lead with Authenticity

Who should attend: Administrators, Educators, Therapists

**FEATURED SESSION AT THE 2023 NAEYC ANNUAL CONFERENCE**

Finding success in building positive culture requires individuals to have vulnerable, open, and honest internal dialogue. In order to see the challenges that need to be addressed for positive change, we have to understand how our opinions, habits, and practice get in the way. Leadership is an opportunity for constant growth, and our individual leadership style defines our ability to be effective in our profession.

As leaders, we influence those in our immediate reach. Our influence creates a ripple effect. Taking time to reflect on our past practice in order to develop a personal mission that will inspire change for the future is essential.

Participants of this session will be reignited with a deeper passion and purpose that will enable them to break through barriers of communication and inspire change for lasting impact.

The Early Childhood Leader

Who should attend: Early Childhood Coordinators, Early Childhood Directors, Principals, Superintendents, Assistant Superintendents, Special Education Administrators

There is no book or manual for learning the craft of a public school early childhood coordinator or director. The role is dynamic, requiring many hats to wear. This workshop is the manual for successfully running an early childhood program in the public school setting.

Time Out for Educators

Who should attend: Administrators, Educators, Therapists

In the ever-changing times, education professionals are more burnt out than ever. The landscape of education has become increasingly complex and demanding. Join this workshop for a time-out before you get burnt out. Participants will learn how to practice the pause in their day, discover how to reignite with their purpose, and refuel so that they can continue to make a positive impact.

Profiles of Neurodiversity

Who should attend: Administrators, Educators, Therapists

Children may have different ways of thinking, learning, and processing information. Neurodiverse children often have unique strengths and challenges that can contribute to their success in life. This session will explore the strengths and challenges of four common profiles of neurodiversity so that educators can maximize their impact on the success of the learning experiences they create for children.

Yoga, Mindfulness & Music Techniques for Young Children

Who should attend: Administrators, Educators, Therapists

This interactive workshop focuses on the young child and how to integrate yoga into a classroom setting or at home. A discussion of brain development and growth of the child will assist participants in understanding the impact of self-regulation, sensory processing and ADHD. Participants will learn and practice creative techniques that can be easily implemented into any classroom.

Word Walls in the Preschool Classroom

Who should attend: Administrators, Educators, Therapists

Turn evidence into practice by learning how to enhance your approach to literacy instruction in the preschool classroom. Participants will discover how to effectively integrate word walls into daily whole group, small group, and independent lessons. Pre-readiness skills as well as mastery skills for preschool will be addressed so educators can feel confident in planning experiences that align to standards while supporting all children’s levels of learning.

Circle Time Success!

Who should attend: Educators, Therapists

Participants will discover how to structure a whole group literacy-based lesson to review, teach, and practice foundational skills. Educators in this session will also learn how to track progress towards goals and acquisition of skills in real-time to effortlessly monitor student performance.

What others have said...

Excellent job! Best workshop I have attended in years!

– Erin, SLP

She was very well organized and excited about the material. I think it is helpful for a lot of teachers and more should learn this!

– Krista, Adjustment Counselor

She was upbeat and knew her stuff. Made herself understood. I'm excited to apply what I learned!

– Bambi, Developmental Specialist

Presentation was excellent. The manual was great for following lecture and adding notes. This program has given me the desire and confidence to incorporate yoga into my preschool program.

– Cheryl, Assistant Professor

The most beneficial part of the program was how critical movement and breathing is to brain growth, acquisition of skills, and development, hands-on concrete suggestions.

– Jane, Special Ed Teacher

The best session of the conference! I wish this was a full day. You really spoke to everything I've been going through. I was beginning to question if I should stay in education but after today, you helped me feel my passion again! I needed this! Thank you!

- Morgan, Director

Enriched Learning & Dr. Rich-Byrne

Dr. Rich-Byrne is a passionate educator. Her experience includes 8 years as a special education teacher, 10 years as a public school administrator, and 9 years as a graduate adjunct professor in early childhood, special education, and educational administration courses.

During five years in her work as a professor, she was appointed as Program Chair of the Early Childhood Department, which was the largest enrolled program at Ashford University.

In addition to the routine tasks and responsibilities of being an administrator, she has taken 3 public school districts through the NAEYC accreditation and re-accreditation process as well as leading the program review for the Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education program for the former Ashford University. During her time as a principal, her building was known as “the happiest place in town”.

She currently serves as an Adjunct Professor and New Faculty Mentor for Grand Canyon University.