Kaplan’s On-Site Professional Learning: Everything You Need to Know

Providing high-quality professional development does more than check the box. It can help enhance program quality, improve learning outcomes, and support the growth and retention of skilled educators.

But finding adequate training is a constant challenge for many leaders in early childhood education. They need solutions that meet their goals, budget, and staff needs, while driving meaningful impact in the classroom. If that sounds like you, you're in the right place.

For decades, Kaplan has supported early educators with engaging, high-quality professional development. We design on-site professional learning solutions that empower you and your staff to craft rich and transformative learning experiences for young children. Read on to see how our in-person professional learning can meet the unique needs of your program.

What Can You Expect from Kaplan’s On-Site Professional Learning?

At Kaplan, we’re committed to delivering training that’s not just informative but also drives ongoing instructional improvements. That’s why our practical, research-based professional development programs go beyond subject-centered instruction. We tailor training sessions to your program’s unique goals and challenges to deliver learning that is meaningful and immediately applicable in the classroom. Our Professional Learning Team, with decades of combined teaching experience, works closely with you to understand your needs and build a customized training plan that’s both relevant and impactful for your staff.

“We spend time listening to and getting to know our clients so we can tailor educational programming to best meet their needs, staff’s concerns, and budget.” -Laura Wilhelm, Ed.D., VP of Professional Learning Services at Kaplan 

Each on-site professional learning package offers up to six hours of interactive training per day, delivered at the location of your choice. While most teams host sessions at their school or program, we’re happy to adapt to any venue with adequate seating and audiovisual capabilities.

We also offer a diverse range of learning formats—from interactive, instructor-led sessions to on-site coaching and inspirational keynotes—depending on your team’s budget and needs. You also have the option to book multi-day sessions for on-site professional learning if you feel your staff needs the extra support and instruction. 

After each training, certificates of completion are available upon request, and post-session surveys are provided to track engagement and guide improvements for future trainings. 

Here’s what makes Kaplan’s on-site professional learning stand out:

1. Instructors with real classroom experience

Sessions are led by passionate early childhood professionals who don’t just teach—they “walk the walk,” bringing deep expertise and enthusiasm to each session. 

We require all our instructors to have classroom experience, specific training in their area of expertise, and advanced degrees in fields like early education, leadership, special education, and child psychology. With decades of practical, firsthand experience with educators and young learners, their authentic stories and real-world examples mirror educators’ day-to-day realities in an early childhood classroom.

The number of assigned trainers for your on-site PD session depends on a variety of factors, including your professional learning goals, participant numbers, session timing, specific content requests, and budget considerations. Our Professional Learning Team will work with you directly to determine the ideal number of instructors you will need to ensure an effective learning experience.

2. Practices grounded in current research

While our instructors have impressive backgrounds, we don’t solely rely on their experience to train early educators. Our strategies are grounded in the latest research in early childhood education. We also ensure each training aligns with national standards from NAEYC and the Head Start and Early Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF).

3. Interactive content that sparks engagement

Forget passive, “sit and get” professional learning experiences. Our interactive and dynamic training sessions spark “aha!” moments that keep educators energized from start to finish. Depending on the topic, sessions may include a range of hands-on activities, materials, and handouts to engage participants and reinforce learning. 

We also create space for collaborative learning opportunities, inviting participants to ask questions and share insights throughout each session. This includes breakout rooms for peer interaction and reflection.  

For one Head Start director, our in-person training opened the door to real change in how their team used Learning Accomplishment Profile™ - Birth through Kindergarten, an assessment for tracking children’s development from birth to age five:

“The LAP-BK training was SO needed! We opened Pandora's box and learned that we have work to do to implement it with fidelity. We enjoyed the presentations, and Dr. Brown and Quentell were lovely.​ We attempted to train our teachers in-house when we adopted LAP-BK last school year. We now know we should have sought training and technical assistance because we were not implementing the tool with fidelity. Dr. Brown facilitated a discussion between management and teachers that enabled us to rewrite our procedure, clarify our expectations, and clear up confusion.​” -E.D. Head Start and Early Head Start Director, TN

4. Practical strategies with immediate application

Our on-site professional learning isn’t a one-and-done solution. Instead, it’s designed to spark continuous growth and impact for your staff. Here’s a question our instructors often ask before finishing a session: 

“What bite-sized strategy can you use in your classroom tomorrow?”

The goal is to inspire educators to consider small ways they can drive meaningful change in their classroom, even before the session ends. But don’t just take our word for it. In our recent professional learning survey, 96% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the training session provided insights they can apply to improve their teaching and/or coaching practices.

We equip educators to hit the ground running with practical, easy-to-implement tools and strategies they can use right away. 

5. High-quality PD designed to fit your budget

Every educator should have access to high-quality professional development. Whether you choose on-site or virtual professional learning, we tailor your professional learning plan to fit within your budget, and your staff will receive the same exceptional content and expert-led training that drives real impact.

What training topics are offered as part of on-site professional learning?

• Classroom management
• Inclusive practices
• Science and STEM
• Loose parts play
• Art and music
• Language and the science of reading
• Support for multi-language learners
• Mindfulness
• Interpersonal skills

In addition to traditional professional learning, we also offer in-person instructional coaching and implementation training for curricula and assessment tools, including Connect4LearningⓇ, Learning Accomplishment Profile (LAP), and Learn Every Day.

How much are Kaplan’s on-site professional learning packages?

When it comes to our on-site professional learning, we don’t provide out-of-the-box solutions. We customize our on-site professional learning packages to align with your program’s unique needs, and pricing is based on several key factors, like format, group size, and whether we include kits or support materials. 

Typical sessions start at around $4,400 for up to 30 participants, which includes all trainer expenses, including travel, lodging, and materials. But pricing may vary based on factors such as your team size, the number of trainers needed, and whether supporting resources are included. 

We aim to deliver training that aligns with your schedule, budget, and program structure, while helping you drive real impact. To get a more accurate quote for on-site professional learning for your team, please contact our Professional Learning department. 

Is Kaplan’s on-site professional learning right for your team?

• Does your team benefit from face-to-face learning and collaboration?
• Are you interested in training that addresses your specific goals and challenges?
• Are you looking for highly qualified instructors who understand your daily challenges?
• Do you need actionable, research-based strategies that can be immediately applied in the classroom?
• Would interactive, hands-on instruction help your staff apply these strategies more confidently?

If the answer is “yes” to most—or all—of these questions, then our customized, in-person professional learning could be an excellent fit for your program. We deliver training that fosters real-time connection, maximizes retention, and gives educators access to immediate, personalized support.

Explore our on-site professional learning solutions for early childhood programs

Ongoing professional development isn't just a nice-to-have. It’s an investment in higher-quality classrooms, more confident educators, and better outcomes for children. With extensive expertise, Kaplan delivers professional learning that sparks meaningful growth and measurable impact.

Ready to bring high-quality, research-based training to your team? Contact our Professional Development Team today to learn more about our customized on-site professional learning packages. They’ll be happy to help you design the best training and consulting solution for your team.