Quality early childhood programs make the difference in the life of a child.
Welcome
About us
The Institute for Education and Professional Development, Inc. was established in 2005 to provide professional development and consultation services to early childhood programs and educators. We work collaboratively with programs, educators, and agencies to improve the quality of education and care for young children and families.
IEPD has master instructors who provide training, coaching and mentoring services. Each of the IEPD instructors receives training on adult learning principles, training design and delivery, and evaluation. All of the IEPD instructors have worked in the field of early childhood education, bringing their own experiences and "lessons learned" to the training.
Our trainings are fun, engaging, and are filled with important information and resources. We want to work with you, hear your stories, successes and challenges, and provide assistance to help you in your work.
Our Vision
Children will thrive in early education programs and become healthy, caring, and competent adults.
Our Mission
Supporting early childhood educators and programs so children grow and learn!
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Institute for Education and Professional Development, Inc. (IEPD) complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, creed, sexual orientation or sex (including gender identity and gender stereotyping).
Meet Dr. Jody Figuerido, President of IEPD, Inc.
Welcome to IEPD! Our mission is to support educators, families, and programs in providing high quality care and education for young children.
I have been working in the field of early childhood education since my youth. My experience includes elementary education, serving as Director of an early education and care program, and developing training for agencies and educators at the Department of Early Education and Care and The Institute for Education and Professional Development. I am proud of our work at IEPD as it is the result of years of experience and education with a goal of supporting the growth and learning of children and adults.
My education includes a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, and a Doctorate Degree in Adult Learning. I am also a CDA Professional Development Specialist, certified by the Council for Professional Recognition. My life work has been to promote quality early childhood programming for children, families, and educators.
Please contact me with any questions, to discuss your work, or simply to connect! Let’s work together to help each child have a solid foundation so that some day, each child is happy, successful in his/her own way, and has a deep love of learning! I may be reached at j.figuerido@iepd.org
Testimonials
Ardith Wieworka CEO, Mass. Afterschool Partnership Exec. VP, Child Development and Education
Ardith Wieworka CEO, Mass. Afterschool Partnership Exec. VP, Child Development and Education
Ardith Wieworka CEO, Mass. Afterschool Partnership Exec. VP, Child Development and Education
“Dr. Jody Figuerido is a leader in the field of training and professional development for the early education and care field. Under Jody’s direction, the Institute of Education and Professional Development has become the flagship organization for educators who wish to improve quality in their programs and promote positive outcomes for children. IEPD’s trainings are engaging, relevant and research based. I highly recommend IEPD for you, your staff and your program!”
Elizabeth A. Reedy, CEO, Frameworks of Tampa Bay, Inc.
Ardith Wieworka CEO, Mass. Afterschool Partnership Exec. VP, Child Development and Education
Ardith Wieworka CEO, Mass. Afterschool Partnership Exec. VP, Child Development and Education
“Dr. Jody Figuerido has been instrumental to the professional development of Educators in the Commonwealth. Under her leadership and expertise, she and her team have prepared Educators of young learners by providing research based comprehensive strategies to the field. As a Partner with the Educator and Provider Support grant in Region 5 and the statewide QRIS Measurement Tools grant, Dr. Figuerido has developed and facilitated high quality CEU trainings that meet the direct needs of the Commonwealth and the early education field and her consultation services to participating Educators have played a significant role in the success of their program improvement planning and individual professional development, thereby positively impacting the outcomes of the children in their care! When considering training needs to enhance your program, I highly recommend the Institute for Education and Professional Development.”
Tammy Parella Education/Disabilities Coordinator, WCAC
Ardith Wieworka CEO, Mass. Afterschool Partnership Exec. VP, Child Development and Education
Tammy Parella Education/Disabilities Coordinator, WCAC
As part of our Practice Based Coaching initiative in WCAC Head Start, we asked Jody to provide professional development and consultation related to CLASS observations in our classrooms. Jody’s expertise in this area was beneficial to our teachers so they knew what was expected of them in their classroom not just during the CLASS observations but on a daily basis in the Early Childhood Setting. She shared practical strategies and tips on how to make the most of your CLASS observations and how to set goals and work on this goal to make your classroom environment successful. Our staff left with a renewed sense of commitment to the important work of classroom coaching from Jody. She has brought a wonderful blend of knowledge related to teaching in an Early Childhood Setting. Jody’s professional development and observations done in our classrooms was certainly an inspiring experience and we have seen growth in our classrooms due to the goals Jody has helped work on with our teachers.