INFORMATION FOR
Inclusive education is proactively planning for the needs of all learners.
The Learning Resource Center-North Satellite (LRC-NS) is an NJDOE grant-funded program that promotes inclusive education by integrating professional learning opportunities, family and community events, resources, and services. Services include an educational resource lending library, a self-service production center, and in-person and virtual professional learning opportunities.
As a member of the Learning Resource Center Network, the LRC-NS works to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and achieve in the least restrictive environment.
The LRC-North Satellite at William Paterson University is a partnership with the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education and is 100% funded by federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B funds (CFDA #84.027A).
The LRC-NS is a membership-based organization that is available to the general public at no cost. When you join LRC-NS, you gain access to the production center, lending library and more! Not a member yet? Join today!
The Learning Resource Center - North Satellite at William Paterson University, in collaboration with the Office of Special Education, NJDOE, is pleased to offer free and engaging Professional Learning Opportunities for educators, leaders, and Instructional coaches. Through active engagement, participants will focus on content area instruction specific to inclusive education. Please see below for registration information and session details.
“WE LEARN WEDNESDAYS”
Preschool Behavior Series Session 1: Laying the Foundation: Proactive Supports for Every Student
In this foundational session, participants will explore the core practices that create asupportive and predictable classroom environment for all learners. We'll focus on proactivestrategies—such as clear expectations, consistent routines, and positive reinforcement—thatreduce challenging behaviors before they start. Participants will leave with practical tools forsetting up a learning space and schedule that supports engagement, independence, and asense of belonging across the day.
CST Team Basics: Building a Strong Foundation for Effective Special Education PlanningEssential Skills and Knowledge for Collaborative, Student-Centered IEP Development
This foundational workshop is designed for new or aspiring CST team members across allgrade levels who want to strengthen their understanding of the IEP process and enhance teamcollaboration. Participants will learn about the key roles and responsibilities of each teammember, essential legal requirements under IDEA, and best practices for engaging familiesand using assessment data effectively. The workshop provides practical guidance ondeveloping clear, measurable goals and individualized plans that promote meaningfulprogress for students with disabilities in diverse educational settings.
Preschool Behavior Series Session 2: Noticing the Signs - Early Responses to Emerging Needs
As student needs begin to surface, early intervention is key. This session helps coaches andeducators identify subtle behavioral and learning cues that signal a need for additional support.Participants will explore low-intensity, easily implemented strategies that can be used withinthe classroom to redirect behavior, increase participation, and ensure students remainconnected to learning. The goal is to respond quickly and effectively before challengesescalate.
Preschool Leadership Series Session 1: Early Childhood Foundations - Understanding What Makes Early Learning Unique
Designed specifically for school leaders without a background in early childhood, this sessionprovides essential insights into how young children learn and develop. Explore the key stages ofearly childhood growth, the unique nature of play-based and relationship-driven learning, andthe vital role early education plays in setting the foundation for lifelong success. Gain practicalknowledge to better support early childhood programs and build stronger partnerships witheducators and families.
Preschool Behavior Series Session 3: Digging Deeper into Challenging Behavior - Individualized Strategies for Ongoing Challenges
Some students require more targeted, individualized interventions to succeed. This sessionfocuses on how to develop and apply more structured supports tailored to students whodemonstrate ongoing or significant challenges. Educators will work through real-worldscenarios and learn how to use data, collaborate with support staff, and implement practical,high-impact strategies that address the root causes of behavior and learning difficulties.
Supporting Middle Schoolers with ADHD in the General Education Classroom
Middle school is challenging for any student—but for those with ADHD, the increased demandsfor organization, independence, and self-regulation can feel overwhelming. In this session,you'll learn about environmental modifications that minimize distractions and maximize focus,teaching techniques that work WITH the ADHD brain, not against it, gain immediatelyapplicable strategies to help students with ADHD succeed academically, socially, andemotionally in your general education classroom.
Preschool Leadership Series Workshop 2: Leading the Impact
Supporting and Advocating for Early Childhood ProgramsThis workshop equips school leaders with strategies to effectively support early childhoodeducators and elevate program quality. Learn how to foster collaboration, advocate forresources, align early learning with broader school goals, and lead teams through change.Leave with actionable tools to champion equitable access, improve transitions, and create ashared vision that values early education as a cornerstone of your school community.
Developing Effective IEPs for Preschoolers with Disabilities: Foundations of Early Childhood Special Education and IEP Development
Explore the unique developmental milestones and learning needs of preschoolers withdisabilities. Learn how to use assessment data and family input to create clear, measurable,and achievable goals that promote each child’s progress and align with the preschoolcurriculum without duplicating it.
Inclusive Practices in the General Education Elementary and Middle School Classroom
This workshop will help new and experienced general educators to explore practical, researchbasedinclusive practices that benefit every student. Learn how to use Universal Design forLearning (UDL) principles to reduce barriers and increase access, to foster belonging, and builda classroom community where differences are celebrated. Co-teaching models andcollaboration strategies with special education staff as well as differentiation techniques thatwork across content areas and grade levels will be discussed.
Supporting Young Scientists: Fostering Discovery in Early Childhood
In this hands-on (but virtual) workshop, we will explore diverse strategies to support sciencelearning for young children—both inside the classroom and beyond. Designed for Pre-K andKindergarten educators, this session highlights developmentally appropriate ways toincorporate science across the daily schedule, from morning routines to outdoor exploration.Participants will engage with a variety of engaging activities that promote curiosity,observation, and investigation using simple materials and real-world contexts. Whetherindoors or outside, educators will gain the tools and confidence to create rich, inquiry-basedlearning experiences that spark children’s natural wonder about the world around them.
Turning Your Co-teacher Partnership Into a Dynamic Duo
Having a strong relationship with your co-teacher leads to a big reward—a welcoming, caringclassroom that both children and teachers enjoy being part of. In this workshop you will learnhow to build a positive relationship, co-plan, identify roles and responsibilities, adopt coteachingstructures, problem solve, and more.We will identify key co-teaching practices that will promote quality inclusive practice anddevelop ways to support children with disabilities in any environment, as it relates toevidence-based and developmentally appropriate practices.
