PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

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PACT Professional Development Days (PDD) for the 2025-2026 School Year

Fall 2025- Virtual- Thursday, Oct. 23 & Wednesday, Oct. 29 -COMPLETED

Spring 2026-In-Person-Thursday, March 19 from 9am-1pm in Rockville. Our Spring PDDs will alternate between Rockville and Fairfax each spring in consideration of all of our members’ locations. Registration for the spring will be posted the beginning of March.

Register Now! 

Spring 2026 Professional Developmental Day: Thursday, March 19 8:45am-1:00pm 

PACT is pleased to offer an in-person workshop this Spring 2026. 

" Cultivating Positive Behavior in an ECE Classroom” by Saba Ahmed 

The workshop will be held at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville located at 100 Welsh Park Drive, Rockville, MD 20850 

Schedule of Events: 

8:45 Registration and Hospitality Tables Open 

9:20 PACT Business Meeting 

9:30 Workshop begins 

11:00 Break 

11:15 Workshop resumes 

12:45 Workshop ends 

Workshop Description: This presentation explores the importance of shaping behavior in early childhood and highlights how positive behavior guidance forms the foundation for future social and emotional development. Through understanding the science behind early brain development and practical strategies for fostering strong relationships and social-emotional learning, educators will be equipped to create nurturing and effective classroom environments. 

COK hours: Child Development 3 

Presenters' Biography 

Saba Ahmed is a seasoned leader in the world of early childhood professional development and growth. Saba fosters a collaborative environment for early childhood education teachers to grow, learn about emerging trends, and tackle critical issues in the field of ECE. Saba’s work is rooted in a passion for transformational learning and advocating for early childhood education/educators. She is a brain development research fanatic and believer that authentic connection is the greatest predictor of long-term impact. Saba is a lifelong learner and has built expertise in the process of learning for both adult and early learners, and the socialemotional and neuro-cognitive skills that prepare children for success in school and life. 

Saba earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Special Education. This academic background fuels her passion for creating inclusive and nurturing learning environments that cater to the unique needs of every individual.

Credit Hours and Core of Knowledge Area 

Members who attend the full session 8:45am-12:45pm this Spring 2026 will receive 3 Core of Knowledge credit hours. COK hours: Child Development 3 

Registration

Registration and payment can be completed HERE. Please sign up individually to ensure your email is recorded. Registration should be submitted by Friday, March 13. 

Current Members (dues paid for the 2025-2026 school year): There is no additional fee to attend this spring’s professional development day. You are still required to complete the registration using the link above. 

New and Returning Members: There will be a $35 fee to attend this spring’s professional developmental day. You must complete the registration using the link above and pay the $35 fee. By completing the Spring PDD registration, you are also receiving a membership to PACT for the remainder of this school year. 

Assessments and Evaluations 

Members will be asked to complete a content assessment and presenter evaluation via a Google form. QR codes for the assessment and survey will be provided at the conclusion of the workshop. For those of you who prefer to do the assessment and evaluation at home, links will be emailed in the evening. **Requirements by MSDE also stipulate members from MD must pass the assessment with a score of 70% or higher. 

Certificates 

In accordance with MSDE regulations, participants MUST attend the full three-hour presentation and complete a content assessment along with a presenter evaluation before receiving their certificate. Personalized certificates will be emailed to participants within 7-10 business days. 

Interested in Being a Presenter?

Trainers who would like to present a workshop at a future PACT Professional Development Day, please contact Bernadine Occhiuzzo and Doreen Bunten