Cara Tyrrell, M.Ed

Cara is an early language expert, teacher trainer, parent educator, and founder of Core4Parenting. A former preschool and kindergarten teacher with degrees in ASL, Linguistics, and Education, she teaches parents and educators the power of intentional language in shaping children’s identity, confidence, and future success between birth to five.

She is the host of the top-ranking podcast Transforming the Toddler Years and author of the Talk to Them Early and Often, a guide for raising emotionally intelligent kids who thrive in school and life. Learn more about Cara here.

 Signature Keynote:

Talk Like a Triangle - How To Say What You Mean And Mean What You Say

Get ready to make silly faces,  use funny voices, and play body language games as you learn Cara's newest framework, The Talking Triangle, a powerful relationship-based communication framework that explores the science of human conversation through five intentional language links.

Additional Keynotes:

• Self Skills are the New Smart -Building Character Before Curriculum 

In this thought-provoking keynote, Cara shares five essential self-skills as the foundation for learning, resilience, creativity, and future success in school and life. Weaving real-life stories as touch points, the audience discovers how everyday interactions shape children's ability to navigate challenges, solve problems, and adapt to a rapidly changing world.

• Sing it!  Sign it!  Say it!  - Connection Based Communication to Unlock Everyday Learning Opportunities

Pre-verbal kids are multimodal. Some infants need to hear it. Some toddlers need to see it. Some need to move with it. The most effective communicators know that when a message isn't landing, the answer isn't to say it louder; it is to say it differently. Learn how to choose songs, signs, gestures, facial expressions, and intentional language to meet children where they are to support understanding, connection, and learning.

• Stop Praising. Start Prompting.  Cultivating Confidence Through Creative Expression  

Moving beyond traditional discussions of process-based praise, the audience discovers the power of pronoun-based communication and how the words we choose shape children's self-awareness, self-worth, and intrinsic motivation. Through research, storytelling, and video examples, you will learn how to replace approval-seeking actions with reflective prompts that help children recognize their own accomplishments, develop authentic pride, and build confidence from the inside out.

• Should, Could, Can, Will - Transforming Self-Talk to Teach Intrinsic Motivation

Discover how everyday words shape the stories small children tell themselves about capability and success. Apply the Should, Could, Can, Will framework to help students transform internal dialogue into purposeful action and resilient self-belief. you will learn simple language shifts that strengthen intrinsic motivation, build self-trust, and inspire purposeful action.

Professional Development:

•  How to Talk to Infants and Toddlers While They Play - Intentional Language that Fosters Connection, Confidence, and Creativity

• How to Talk to Kids Before they Can Talk Back: Words That Prevent Power Struggles

• Collaborative Classroom Management — Intentional Language that Builds Bonds and Boundaries turning Classroom Conflict into Cooperation.

•  Let's Talk Toddler! The Power of Pronouns to Raise Gritty, Resilient Kids.

• How to Talk so Kids Feel Safe, Heard, and Loved Even When The Answer is No!

• Discover Your Parenting Why - Aligning Core Family Values with Collaborative Parenting Strategies (Parent Engagement Program)

 Read more in Cara's new book Talk to Them Early and Often.

“Cara, you are simply amazing!! I will always follow, enlist, and share your wealth of information.

You have THE BEST way of phrasing & communicating ~ there is no need to reinvent the wheel, I just share your name, address, and links with my families! 

I know that you are bridging the gaps in their parenting journey and I am merely a transmitter...I am grateful for you and all that you teach. Thank you!! “

- Jill Yarasheski, Parent Educator with Parents As Teachers 

Speaks To Early Childhood

Program Directors

Educators

Caregivers

Parent Groups

Now booking in person and virtual events for 2026/2027

• Conference keynotes and breakout groups

• Interactive full and half-day professional development

• Early Childhood Preservice

• Perspective Shifting Parent Engagement Programs

For Speaking, Media, and Teacher Training Inquiries fill out the form below and our team will be in touch.

To save a date on Cara's calendar or request a pricing sheet, please email [email protected].

For information on book talks and bulk pricing for programs please email the publisher at [email protected]. 

Recent & Upcoming Bookings

Spring 2026

• Online Webinar -  Miss Poppins 

• Thriving Through Motherhood Summit Online & Live Q&A Panel

• Parent Education Program (Session 1 of 2) Hindsdale, Massachusetts
• Health, Wealth, Wisdom Online Summit

• Parent Education Program & In Person Preschool Professional Development  - Marblehead, Massachusetts

• Tools of the Mind Annual Conference Plenary Speaker
• OHIO AEYC Annual Conference
• Parent Education Program (Session 2 of 2) Free book for all in attendance thanks to a generous ECE grant - Hindsdale, Massachusetts
• Author Talk & Book Signings - (tour towns)
• Statewide PD - Infant/Toddler Network of Vermont
• Young Child Learning: Interactive Online Workshop

On The Horizon - 

• Taking the stage at TedX Normal Station ED  (July)
• Early Childhood Investigations - Online Webinar (Aug)
• Infant/Toddler PD - YMCA Kids, Meriden, CT. (Aug)
• Featured Speaker - Infant/Toddler Day: CTAEYC's Featured Speaker Inspire, Engage, Connect Conference (Sept)
• VTAEYC - Connected Minds, Connected Hearts Conference (Oct)
• Full Day Keynote + Sessions - ECE6 Nebraska (March 19-20, 2027)
• Keynote Speaker - SMART Family Literacy, Galveston TX (April 2027)