For all who work with and care for young children — early educators, human service professionals, health care providers, early intervention specialists, and parents.

Growing Together is an eight-week, online master class designed to deepen professional understanding of child development through exploratory practice — a reflective, inquiry-based approach to learning from one’s own experiences. Participants will engage in meaningful self-study and shared inquiry to collectively explore essential questions about children, families, and their own professional identities.

Trainers: Dr. Jennifer Kampmann & Dr. Andrew Stremmel
Format: 8 weeks, online with live Zoom sessions on the evenings of March 2, 9 & 23 and April 13 & 27 (6:30-8:00 p.m. CST). All Zoom sessions will be recorded and available for master class participants to view later if they are unable to attend the live sessions.)
Office Hours: Available alternating weeks for individualized support. Tentatively scheduled March 16, 26 & 30 and April 9, 23 & 30 (6:30-8pm CST).
Capstone Seminar: 1-day seminar and final presentations on May 8, 2026 at USD Sioux Falls

Course Experience

Participants will:

• Develop their own question of practice — a personal inquiry into an aspect of their work with children and/or families.
• Engage in reflective, creative, and artistic methods (storying, journaling, observation, conversation).
• Gain confidence as reflective practitioners who continually learn from experience.
• Present their inquiry projects and insights during a collaborative one-day, in-person capstone seminar at USD Sioux Falls. (A stipend will be provided for successfully completing the course and participating in the capstone seminar.)

By the end of this master class, participants will:

• Understand themselves and their practice in new ways.
• Cultivate habits of curiosity, reflection, and professional inquiry.
• Design a sustainable framework for lifelong learning and development
• Build a community of practice with others dedicated to children’s growth and well-being.

Course Participation

To get the most from the experience, participants are expected to:

• Engage in all 8 weeks of the course through a mix of asynchronous learning and live Zoom sessions (every other week).
• Attend at least 3 of 4 live Zoom meetings and participate in discussions and reflection activities.
• Join one online office-hour session (optional but highly encouraged) for individualized guidance.
• Complete weekly readings and reflections in the online learning portal (approximately 2–3 hours per week).
• Develop and carry out a personal inquiry project, exploring a self-selected question of practice.
• Present findings at the final in-person seminar at USD Sioux Falls.

Who Should Apply

This course is designed for any professional who works with or cares for young children, including:

• Early childhood and elementary educators
• Social workers, home visitors, and family support specialists
• Health care and behavioral health providers
• Early intervention and special education professionals
• Program administrators and parent leaders

No prior research or graduate-level experience is required—just curiosity, reflection, and a desire to grow.

How to Apply

Enrollment in the Growing Together: Master Class in Child Development Professional Inquiry is limited to 30 participants to ensure a rich, interactive learning experience. We welcome applications from all professionals who work with or care for young children — including educators, health and human service providers, early intervention specialists, program leaders, and parents.

Application Deadline

Applications are due Jan. 2, 2026.
Accepted participants will be notified by Feb. 2, 2026.

Selection Criteria

Participants will be selected based on:

• Demonstrated commitment to children’s growth and well-being
• Interest in reflective, inquiry-based professional learning
• Representation across disciplines and settings (to ensure a diverse cohort)
• Ability to attend the online sessions and final seminar at USD Sioux Falls

Application Format

Applicants should submit their responses in one of the following formats:

• Online form submission (preferred). If you apply using this online form, we recommend you prepare answers to the application questions before beginning the form.
• OR emailed Word or PDF document to [email protected] and put Growing Together Master Class Application in the subject line.