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
IEPD, Inc. is Proud to be a Certified Women Owned Business!
Testimonials
Devin Cole, Neighborhood Villages
Rachel Rugo, Toddler - PreKindergarten Support Liaison at The Laurel School
"IEPD has been integral to the development and delivery of Neighborhood Villages' CDA Apprenticeship Program. The IEPD team delivered high quality instruction, and adapted the curriculum to the structure of apprenticeship flawlessly. Without their creativity and willingness to adapt, our program would be far less valuable to its participants. IEPD has supported 125 apprentices working to advance their careers in ECE. We have recommended IEPD to partners and will continue to recommend them."
Rachel Rugo, Toddler - PreKindergarten Support Liaison at The Laurel School
Rachel Rugo, Toddler - PreKindergarten Support Liaison at The Laurel School
A note to Jody Figuerido after conducting a CDA visit:
"I just wanted to send a quick message and say how wonderful it was to meet you yesterday. You have such a warm and gentle energy, and it's just what this education world needs! Thank you for sharing your information with me, as well as telling me about the excellent Pyramid Model Innovation technique. I am looking forward to learning more about it and sharing it with our teachers here at The Laurel School. I'm wishing you well and maybe our paths will cross again one day!"
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
“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
"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."
Liz Scott, CDA Graduate & PD Specialist
"Completing my CDA was more than just earning a credential -- it was a turning point in my career. The support I received throughout the program inspired me to become a Professional Development Specialist so I could help guide others through their journey. The support I received from the IEPD team was incredible -- encouraging, consistent, and always just a call or message away. I felt seen, supported, and empowered every step of the way. Since earning my CDA I've become Director certified and continue to grow through ongoing professional development. The experience gave me the confidence, knowledge, and purpose to support other educators and uplift the field of early childhood education."