We are pleased to announce the release of a new resource for program leaders, caregivers, and teachers. Primary Competencies: A Practitioner’s Companion to the Core Body of Knowledge is designed to support a picture of effective caregiving and teaching look like and to support reflective practice. In this session, participants will learn how the Primary Competencies complement the newly updated New York State Core Body of Knowledge, who they are intended for, and how they can be used in practice. The session will also introduce new tools that teachers and caregivers can use alongside the Primary Competencies to reflect on their work and develop an individualized professional development plan.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2, 6

PALS is an “out of the box” training designed to give early care providers a solid knowledge base of best practices for physical activity. The PALS content addresses physical activity for children birth through age five years. The goal of PALS is to support practice and policy changes in Early Care and Education (ECE) programs. PALS combines content learning with facility-level self-assessments, policy development opportunities, resources, and materials, to support practice change in ECE programs, leading to healthier, more active children.

OCFS: 2 | CBK: 6 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4

Are you interested in fostering a calm and peaceful atmosphere in your childcare environment? Teaching children self-regulation is a vital skill that can significantly reduce behavior management challenges. Join us as we explore effective mindfulness and relaxation techniques that can be immediately incorporated into your classroom. A tranquil environment, coupled with mindfulness practices, benefits both children and educators alike.

OCFS: 1, 3, 10 | CBK: 1, 4 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1, 3, 5

As knowledge and understanding around the Adverse Childhood Experience Study grows, so does the need for tangible action steps to build resilience. To do this, we all must recognize that we have the opportunity and shared responsibility to build resilience of children and families. This 90-minute training begins with a brief review of the ACE Study, discusses the importance of intentional resilience strengthening and engages participants in perspective shift work to equip them with everyday action steps that are grounded in the Protective Factors Framework.

OCFS: 6, 10 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3, 4, 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7

This workshop will share methods for introducing infants and toddlers to art that reflects diverse cultures and how this may enrich their understanding of the world, foster inclusiveness, and spark creativity while promoting developmental skills.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2 | Target Audience: 1, 3, 6

All OCFS licensed/registered programs are expected to use The Facility Application Management System (FAMS) to complete the Comprehensive Background Check process for all employees/ volunteers/ household members. Have questions on how this system works? Need technical assistance in submitting your documents? Come to this session and learn about the process to use FAMS. Time will be given at the end for questions and for individual technical assistance.

OCFS: 5 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1, 3

This session is designed to familiarize participants with the 2020 edition of the publication, “Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Programs: Serving Children from Birth Through Age 8, Fourth Edition.” By analyzing the foundational principles of this framework, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of employing developmentally appropriate strategies, formats, and activities to maximize children’s development and learning.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

This workshop will provide participants with an opportunity to learn about the early intervention process from referral to the transition to preschool services. Learn more about how you can play an active role in this process by identifying developmental concerns, making a referral, and working collaboratively with families and related service providers, along with strategies for working on IFSP goals in the child’s natural learning environment.

OCFS: 1, 2 | CBK: 1, 2, 5 | QSNY: 1 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

In this workshop, early childhood directors will explore the mindset shift required to move beyond daily operations and into impactful, strategic leadership. Through a mix of reflection prompts, group discussion, and practical planning tools, participants will examine the differences between operational and visionary leadership, define their personal leadership mission, and explore four key focus areas (people development, culture, innovation, and community engagement) that support long-term change.

OCFS: 3, 5 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2, 3

This training will provide an overview of the child care handbook as a vital tool for ensuring compliance with OCFS policies and procedures. Participants will learn why the handbook is more than just a set of rules-it serves as a guide to maintaining safe, consistent, and high-quality care for children. A hilight will be placed on the QSNY Standards that require a policy within a handbook. Through discussion and examples, attendees will gain a clear understanding of how a handbook supports daily practice, protects children and staff, and strengthens program accountability. By the end of the session, participants will recognize the handbook as both a resource and a roadmap for professional excellence in child care.

OCFS: 5, 7 | CBK: 2, 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2, 3

Do you want to ignite passion and inspire growth that sticks? Join our workshop to learn how transformational coaching can support your work with educators, leading to sustainable change in their practice. Discover the core principles of transformational coaching that drive lasting impact. Explore new ways to lead through the use of reflective practices. This relationship-based approach to leadership creates environments where both educators and children thrive for years to come. If you want to lead with purpose and inspire with impact, this session is for you!

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | QSNY: 3 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6

This session examines strategies for embedding literacy development across early learning environments and within the broader program community. Through interactive activities and real world examples, participants will learn how to integrate literacy into daily routines, support diverse learners, and effectively engage families in their child’s literacy journey.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1, 2, 5 | QSNY: 2, 5 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of what “resilience” is and how we all can intentionally build it within ourselves and in those around us. Resilience is not a trait, but a skill that is made up of multiple components. Participants will learn strategies for how to strengthen each of those pieces, while deepening their understanding of themselves.

OCFS: 10 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3, 4, 5 | Target Audience: All

Explore research on how children learn about gender roles and learn strategies for creating safe learning environments regarding healthy gender development while responding to children’s feelings about themselves and others’ gender expressions. This training will incorporate portions of healthy sexual development concepts, book lists, materials, and strategies for providers to explore/use.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1, 4 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6

Administrators set the tone for resilience in their programs. This interactive session equips leaders with the R.I.S.E. framework (Relationships, Initiative, Self-Regulation, and Emotional Intelligence) to guide reflective supervision, strengthen staff well-being, and sustain program quality. Participants will assess resilience at the systems level, practice coaching conversations that support teacher growth, and design strategies to embed resilience into staff development. Attendees will leave with practical tools to coach, encourage, and sustain a culture of calm and confidence within their programs.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 4, 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2, 6

One of the most important pillars in early childhood education is literacy. In early learning environments books are intentionally placed for children to easily access. Educators demonstrate the importance of literacy through this intentionality. Discover strategies to deepen children’s experiences with the accessible books by reading books at various times of the day. By engaging in books through read alouds educators support children’s joy of literacy. A joy that will last for years to come.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 5 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3,4

Great teaching is more than instruction-it’s rooted in the social-emotional well-being of both children and educators. This engaging 90-minute session invites participants to reflect on their own practices, explore evidence-based strategies, and design actionable next steps to strengthen classroom environments. Using interactive tools and group activities, participants will examine how social-emotional teaching practices align with key professional frameworks (Pyramid Model, NAEYC, Head Start ELOF, TPOT/TPITOS). Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with concrete strategies and a personalized action plan they can implement within two weeks to elevate their teaching and foster excellence in every child’s learning journey

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

This session will help early childhood educators develop effective communication skills when interacting with parents and/or caregivers. Educators can build strong relationships by improving communication, creating a supportive learning environment, and enhancing children’s development and educational experiences. Additionally, this sessions will touch upon developing cultural awareness and employing culturally responsive communication strategies.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4

Las experiencias de música y movimiento transmiten mensajes, promueven el desarrollo infantil y brindan experiencias culturales. Las oportunidades musicales incluyen tanto la producción como la escucha de música. Las actividades de movimiento incluyen bailar, marchar, hacer ejercicio o expresar la creatividad mediante movimientos de grandes músculos. Acompáñenos en esta exploración interactiva de sonidos, ritmos y movimientos, y llévese estrategias para enriquecer las experiencias de los niños.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

Supporting children and families through the process of transitioning into care starts with a strong enrollment plan. Through relationship building, communication, strong policies and practices, families can feel confident in their care decision, children can feel secure, and educators can feel prepared to meet their needs.

OCFS: 3, 5, 7 | CBK: 2, 7 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 2, 3

In this keynote, we will rethink how we view children’s behavior—not as hurdles to overcome but as chances to lay the groundwork for lifelong learning. Using current research and classroom experiences, we’ll examine how play promotes the development of executive functions—such as working memory, cognitive flexibility, and self-control while also supporting social-emotional growth. Participants will learn how intentional interactions between adults and children during play foster self-regulation, problem-solving, and empathy. Through real-life stories, examples, and strategies, this keynote will emphasize how playful learning helps children develop critical thinking, handle social conflicts confidently, and acquire essential skills for success beyond the classroom.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1, 4 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: All

To be a changemaker means to continually vacillate between polarizing realities, emotions, and outcomes—a physical, emotional, and psychological dance that can leave even the most resilient and determined advocate exhausted and depleted. How then, can we fortify our capacity to lead during these times and how can we reorient ourselves to hold onto the glimmers of hope, the promise of community, and the steadfastness of purpose to power our way through? Join us as we explore the answers to these questions, and many others, alongside trusted executive leader, published author, certified coach, entrepreneur, and our 2026 NYAEYC Annual Conference Keynote Speaker, Lucy Recio.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: All

Learn fun physical activities you can lead to help children manage their emotions, behaviors, and stress. These activities help children learn to work together, empathize for others, and problem solve. Preschoolers learn to listen, follow instructions, and develop trusting relationships with adults who care for and play with them. Both children and adults benefit from the joy of movement when they are engaged in active play together. Many of these activities can be played in small indoor spaces and outdoors. They need little equipment and are easy to lead. This is a hands-on session with ideas you can use immediately.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Learning about food- how it grows, where it comes from, how it tastes, and how it is prepared- can be a joyful experience for both educators and children. This experiential session will explore different activities that support food, nutrition, and agriculture education. Participants will leave the session with activities to try with children in their settings.

OCFS: 2 | CBK: 5, 6 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Yes, we do! Last year when OCFS Leadership presented at NAEYC, we heard you then and we want to hear you now! Last year you said you wanted more consistency, more voice, more information, and more communication! This year, we will do a very brief overview of the Regional Offices and then have plenty of time to talk about what has improved, what needs more work. We will break up into regions and have further discussions on the individual concerns unique to your region. You will have an opportunity to ask specific questions, get some clarification and offer suggestions on ways in which we can foster better communication and collaboration. We look forward to our continued partnership with you!

OCFS: 3, 5, 7 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6

Inspired by the screening of Make A Circle, this panel discussion will center on the importance of the child care workforce in shaping a sustainable and accessible child care system in New York State. Panelists will explore current challenges, emerging opportunities, and collective strategies for moving the field forward. Participants who attend the Make A Circle film screening on Wednesday, April 22, and this panel session will receive an additional credit hour of professional development training.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: All

Strong connections between families and classrooms are essential for nurturing every aspect of a child’s growth. In this interactive 90-minute session, participants will explore practical strategies to build authentic partnerships with families that honor diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives. Through guided reflection, group dialogue, and real-world examples, educators will learn how to bridge home and school experiences to support children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and developmental success. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to strengthen communication, foster family engagement, and create inclusive environments where all children and families feel valued and connected.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 2 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4

Children learn best when the adults in their life work in partnership with one another. Resolution of conflicts with families about caregiving practices is essential to establishing a nurturing, positive environment for infants and toddlers. In this session, participants will explore what it means to have a respectful attitude of inquiry, as they learn about the culturally responsive process of Acknowledge, Ask, and Adapt. Participants will explore problem-solving strategies for negotiating and resolving conflicts that respect each family’s culture.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Classrooms can be joyful, but also chaotic. This interactive session introduces the R.I.S.E. framework (Relationships, Initiative, Self-Regulation, and Emotional Intelligence) as a foundation for helping children and teachers navigate big emotions. Participants will explore practical tools such as visual supports, calming rituals, and SEL storytelling to build a culture of calm in the classroom. Through hands-on activities, educators will design a personalized Calm Corner Kit filled with evidence-based strategies that promote resilience and emotional balance. Walk away with ready-to-use templates, creative ideas, and renewed confidence in your ability to help children (and yourself) stay centered even on the busiest days.

OCFS: 1, 3, 4 | CBK: 1, 4, 5 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1, 3

Early Childhood programs have a special place in supporting families in all aspects of their lives. We not only provide them with safe and engaging environments for their children to learn and grow, but we also offer them ways to connect with other families, community organizations, information on child development, and more. During this session, you will explore tools you can use to build stronger relationships with your children and families. You will also develop strategies to incorporate their background and culture into your programming and engagement opportunities.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 2, 5 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

If you are looking to develop positive supports to prevent challenging behavior, teach desired skills, and respond in challenging moments in ways that guide children to more desired behaviors, this is for you. The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations has rolled out the Teaching Tools for Young Children Using Function-Informed Support to Address Challenging Behavior within Routines (TTYC). We will review the process of collecting data on behavior observations then referencing the TTYC to develop a support plan. This strategy is easy and can be done from the comfort of any early childhood setting. Get your brains & pens ready to engage in this session!

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 4 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

The co-chairs of the Governor’s NYS Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) will provide a brief overview of the ECAC’s work and then engage the audience in a rich discussion about state and local efforts, needs, opportunities, and barriers to providing New York’s youngest children with high-quality comprehensive early childhood systems that support the whole family, including a discussion of recent changes in federal funding.

OCFS: 7 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2

Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) is a national program of the Children’s Environmental Health Network (CEHN) that partners with child care professionals to identify and eliminate or reduce environmental health hazards found in child care settings. By focusing on practical, science-based solutions, EHCC helps ensure that the places where young children learn and grow are as safe and healthy as possible. With climate-related threats on the rise, EHCC’s work is more urgent than ever, especially as children are uniquely vulnerable to environmental hazards due to their developing bodies and age appropriate behaviors. The program provides tools, training, and standards to help caregivers create healthier indoor and outdoor environments, supporting children’s long-term well-being and development.

OCFS: 1, 2, 4 | CBK: 4, 6 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

Esta sesión está dirigida a educadores que han cursado la serie del Modelo Pirámide y desean repasar los puntos principales del tercer nivel del Modelo. Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de reflexionar sobre los comportamientos que los niños pequeños pueden presentar y que representan un desafío para los adultos. Mediante la metáfora de “ser un detective del comportamiento”, analizarán ejemplos de comportamientos con el objetivo de identificar su causa mediante diversas estrategias. Además, aprenderán cómo, al realizar ciertas modificaciones en su práctica y entorno, pueden prevenir la aparición de comportamientos desafiantes.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

As a “STAR—Supporting Transitions and Resources to Kindergarten,” participant our goal is to help children and families successfully navigate the transition from various early childhood settings into kindergarten. In this session we will provide resources that foster collaboration among families, early childhood programs, and your local community.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6

This session will introduce “old school” childhood games and activities as they relate to a child’s cognitive and physical development. Games and activities like Jacks, hola hoop, pick up sticks, checkers, scrabble and chess. We will discuss how games and activities can strengthen a child, both physically and cognitively, while discussing how to engage and support each child…and have fun! A list of additional cultural games and activities will be provided.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

Nutrition is a strong focus within the early childhood community, and local foods have been gaining attention for their enhanced nutritional content, quality, and taste. Local food programs offer a range of benefits including enhanced nutrition and wellbeing for children and caregivers, community connections, and hands-on education opportunities. Beyond that, serving local foods is considered a best practice under the CACFP, and CACFP funds can help defray costs associated with local purchasing. Participants will learn about these benefits, sources of local foods, and models to incorporate them into their childcare program. Participants will leave with an action plan ready to implement their ideas.

OCFS: 2 | CBK: 6 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 2

Strong adult relationships are at the heart of effective early childhood programs. Coaching With Powerful Interactions (Dombro, Jablon, & Johnsen, 2024) provides a practical framework that can be used by coaches, administrators, and teachers to strengthen communication, build trust, and support one another in ways that benefit young children. In this interactive session, participants will learn the three steps of a Powerful Interaction and explore how they can be applied in diverse professional roles, from coaching conversations to team meetings to daily interactions with colleagues. Through reflection, discussion, and practice, participants will learn strategies for asking thoughtful questions, using intentional communication, and fostering professional connections that inspire growth and collaboration. Participants will leave with a foundational understanding of the framework and initial ideas for how to bring Powerful Interactions into their professional roles. This session is designed for anyone looking to build stronger, more collaborative relationships in early childhood settings.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6

This interactive professional development workshop, Understanding and Supporting Neurodiverse Learners in the Early Years, will provide educators with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to support young children with diverse learning needs. The goal of this training is to help educators develop a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and recognize the unique strengths and challenges that neurodiverse learners bring to the classroom. Participants will learn practical strategies to create inclusive, supportive environments that foster belonging, growth, and success for all children. This session also aims to strengthen collaboration with families and specialists while encouraging educators to reflect on their own practices to promote equity and inclusion.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1, 2 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

This session introduces HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences), a framework showing how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can buffer the effects of trauma and strengthen lifelong well‑being. Educators will explore how intentionally building PCEs-through supportive relationships, safe environments, meaningful engagement, and emotional growth-promotes resilience even in the presence of adversity. The training offers practical, classroom‑ready strategies, including ways to embed PCEs into daily routines, help students return to calm, prevent escalation, and repair relationships without blame. Participants leave equipped to create learning environments where children feel secure, connected, and able to thrive, not just cope.

OCFS: 10 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

Advancing social change efforts, while centering human dignity and thriving, requires that we take care of ourselves and one another. Yet, what can an ethos of care look like when we find ourselves continually dancing with exhaustion, urgency, grief, and loss in our personal and professional lives? This interactive and engaging session will weave text-based dialogue, reflection, and somatic practices as tools to help participants establish rituals to sustain their purpose, strengthen their leadership, and power our collective advocacy. Come prepared to pause, release, refuel, and recommit to the necessary work before us in service to ourselves and in honor of the children, families, colleagues, and communities we are a part of.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: All

From a baby’s first coo to a toddler’s emerging sentences, every sound, gesture, and interaction plays a vital role in shaping the brain. This workshop dives into how language and communication develop during the earliest years of life, when the brain is building connections at an astonishing pace! Participants will explore key milestones in infant and toddler communication, learn strategies to nurture responsive interactions, and gain insights into how these everyday moments strengthen neural pathways for learning, social connection, and future literacy. Together, we’ll discover how the smallest voices lay the foundation for a lifetime of communication.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1, 5 | QSNY: 5 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6

When was the last time you reviewed your programs emergency plan? All providers are required to fill out an emergency plan, but do you consider all hazards that you may face? This session will allow you to identify possible hazards, help further develop your plans and how to review your plans to ensure a safe environment for the children and families that you serve.

OCFS: 4, 5,7 | CBK: 6, 7 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

This workshop will cover all aspects of block play and reach beyond stacking, exploring the developmental benefits of block play across all domains, unlocking opportunities for learning experiences. Participants will learn how block play fosters problem-solving, early math & science concepts, creativity, and collaboration in young children. Through hands-on activities, videos, and discussion, participants will gain practical strategies to enhance block play in their classroom/program.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 4, 5 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

The session will demonstrate how working with families is a key component to Pyramid Model implementation and the needs for promoting protective factors for families. The National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations resources related to family engagement will be shared in connection to the tiers of the Pyramid Model.

OCFS: 1, 10 | CBK: 2 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 2, 3, 4, 5

Are you curious about how to take your early childhood program to the next level? Join us for this informative session all about QUALITYstarsNY-New York State’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) designed to support programs like yours!

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 2

Many early education programs can pose a health risk to children without even knowing it. This session identifies items common to child care such as furniture, toys, cookware & cleaning supplies and shares their potential for harm. Fear not! Strategies to make your program healthier will also be discussed.

OCFS: 2, 4 | CBK: 4, 6 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

La Escala de Evaluación del Ambiente en el Cuidado Infantil Familiar es una herramienta utilizada para analizar la calidad de todo el programa y clasificarlo en sus diferentes componentes, identificando las fortalezas del programa y las posibles áreas de crecimiento.

OCFS: 1, 4, 5 | CBK: 1, 3, 5 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 3

Family disengagement is often misunderstood as disinterest, when it is frequently rooted in trauma, fear, exclusion, and systemic barriers. This 90-minute Courageous Conversation invites participants to examine family engagement through an equity-centered, trauma-informed lens. Together, we will explore post-pandemic realities, implicit bias, and institutional practices that impact trust and belonging, and reflect on strategies for rebuilding authentic partnerships with families.

OCFS: 4 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

In this interactive workshop, participants will reflect on the meaning of networking in their own journey, discover practical strategies to build meaningful connections, and explore how strong networks fuel collaboration, advocacy, and career growth in the ECE field.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2

At my daycare there’s a farm DO you want to create one too? Let’s discuss how to integrate gardening into the childcare curriculum. Talk about the benefit of gardening with children. Look at the nutritional and health impact of gardening with children. Discuss how to involve families at daycare and home. Dive a little deeper and discuss the possibilities. In the section beyond the garden incorporating animals. ( chickens, rabbits, etc.) I will provide a Padlet of resources and information on how to get started/ expand. Start small just add one thing. Make it fun and engaging. In our session activity, we will plant a small pot of herb seeds as part of this course. (Soil pots and seeds provided)

OCFS: 2 | CBK: 6 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 3

Ever wondered what happens once you submit a training for approval in Aspire? This session pulls back the curtain on the review process, clarifying what reviewers look for, why certain submissions are returned, and how the revised Core Body of Knowledge guides decisions. We’ll highlight examples from the field and share strategies to strengthen submissions. By demystifying the process, Aspire strengthens trust, supports trainers and directors, and ensures consistent quality across New York.

OCFS: 5 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 6

In this session, participants will discover how trauma-informed play can create safe, healing spaces for young children in early learning settings. They will explore how stress and trauma shape children’s development and behavior, and practice strategies for responding through play that promotes regulation, trust, and resilience. Through hands-on activities, case scenarios, and reflection, participants will leave with practical tools for guiding children’s social-emotional growth and a deeper understanding of how to support them with sensitivity. They will also take away self-care strategies to sustain their own well-being as they do this important work.

OCFS: 10 | CBK: 1 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1, 3, 5

Boundaries is a trauma-informed training designed to help caregivers, educators, and service providers set healthy, sustainable boundaries without guilt. This session reframes boundaries as a protective factor-for both those who give care and those who receive it-while offering practical tools to prevent burnout, strengthen relationships, and support long-term wellness in the work we do.

OCFS: 6 | CBK: 4 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: All

This training will focus on effective strategies for communicating with parents, employees, and the broader community using modern digital tools. Participants will explore how to leverage social media, SMS/text alerts, and website optimization to strengthen engagement, increase visibility, and build trust.

OCFS: 5 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2, 3, 6

This training will focus on self-awareness and how it can empower us to be our authentic self. We will explore 7 types of rest (Social, Spiritual, Physical, Creative, Mental, Sensory, and Emotional) and strategies to increase self-awareness in our daily lives.

OCFS: 10 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 6

OCFS has been working on the Impact project, a project aimed at developing a statewide definition of quality child care. This workshop will provide an update on the Impact project. It will also provide time for reflection, conversation, and reactions to important topics related to quality child care. This workshop will address and be relevant to quality across all modalities of child care.

OCFS: 1, 2, 7 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 5

Planning for learning experiences that meet the needs of all children in care can feel daunting. Utilizing the NYS Early Learning Guidelines Intentional Teaching Cycle, we’ll explore a variety of effective strategies and resources that can be applied during the planning process resulting in intentional, individualized, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences where children are safe and engaged.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1, 3

This session will focus on The Big Five practices, developed by the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations, focus on promoting positive social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes for young children. These practices aim to prevent challenging behaviors and support children’s development in these areas. The core of the model involves building positive relationships, creating predictable routines, teaching behavior expectations, and promoting social-emotional skills.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 5 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

Sometimes situations arise that require a thoughtful response based on core values, standards, and beliefs. Join us to discuss the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Ethical Code of Conduct to better understand how it supports decision making in the early childhood field and can be used to guide acceptable behavior in the workplace. You will learn to identify your ethical responsibilities, work through dilemmas, and build solutions to diverse problems through real-world scenarios.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Cleaning, Sanitizing and disinfecting is one of the most effective ways to keep children healthy and safe. Doing it all in a busy, early childhood setting can be a real challenge! Let’s explore practices and products to see how well children are being protected from potential harm in your program. Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) has the facts to back up safer and heathier strategies.

OCFS: 2, 4 | CBK: 4, 6 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

Constant staff turnover drains valuable time and resources-but a strong onboarding process can change that. In this practical, results-driven workshop, participants will learn how to improve staff retention by designing an onboarding plan that supports long-term growth from day one through the first 90 days. Explore effective practices that incorporate adult learning theory, the growth mindset framework, and proven coaching strategies to create a culture of continuous development. Each participant will walk away with the beginnings of an onboarding plan that strengthens your team and sets new staff up for lasting success.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2

Family Cafes are a family engagement strategy that build connections between families and ECE professionals through meaningful conversations on topics relevant to all families and caregivers. This session will share free resources available for ECE programs, training agencies, or community partners to use in facilitating cafes on healthy eating, physical activity, and screen time with families. During the session, participants will experience a family café on child nutrition that incorporates information on local foods and consider how they can incorporate cafes or family conversations on child nutrition into their practice.

OCFS: 2 | CBK: 6 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

Thinking about becoming an Aspire-approved trainer? This session walks directors, coaches, and family childcare providers through the T-TAP process – from application basics to endorsement pathways – with an emphasis on building trainer capacity within programs and communities. We’ll highlight common pitfalls, share updated guidance, and provide practical tips for assembling strong applications. Participants will leave with clarity and confidence about how T-TAP can open doors for them as professional development leaders.

OCFS: 5 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 6

Discover how to turn everyday household items and recyclables into engaging, educational tools for young children! This interactive workshop will showcase creative examples and practical ideas for using “trash”-like cardboard, containers, and paper tubes-to support early learning through play. While this is not a make-and-take session, you’ll leave with plenty of inspiration, tips, and step-by-step guidance to try at home or in the classroom. Ideal for parents, educators, and caregivers interested in low-cost, sustainable learning resources.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

This workshop explores how early conversations about bodies, boundaries, and relationships help create safe, nurturing environments that prevent child sexual abuse. Grounded in evidence-informed research, it highlights the vital role parents and caregivers play as children’s first teachers. Participants learn how everyday interactions—asking permission, honoring body autonomy, and responding calmly to curiosity—build trust, consent, and healthy relationships from the start. The session also addresses common questions about age‑appropriate behaviors and supports open, shame‑free dialogue. Attendees leave with practical tools to promote safety, confidence, and lifelong well‑being through early, respectful relationship education.

OCFS: 6 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

When circumstances are uncertain, leaders can feel out of balance and overwhelmed with the demand of supporting others. It can be challenging to slow down, be intentional, and remain curious when leading a team or organization. How can we move from surviving to thriving as leaders. Reflective Supervision/Consultation promotes and supports the development of a relationship-based organization. Reflective supervision is not therapy. It is focused on experiences, thoughts, and feelings directly connected with the work. This training is intended for supervisors interested in deepening their understanding of reflective practice and Reflective Supervision/Consultation (RSC) for professionals who work in infant and early childhood systems.

OCFS: 5 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2, 6, 7

This hands-on workshop will teach you how to use AI tools responsibly and ethically to support your curriculum planning. You’ll learn practical ways to use AI as a helpful partner while always keeping children’s safety, privacy, and development at the center of your decisions. During the workshop, you will learn how to ask AI for activity ideas, adapt lessons for different learners, and create materials that align with children’s developmental stages. You’ll also learn important guidelines for using AI responsibly to keep children’s information private while making your planning time more efficient. Most importantly, we’ll focus on how AI can support your work without replacing the caring, relationship-based teaching that makes early childhood education special.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 5, 7 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1, 2

Supporting multilingual children in early childhood settings goes beyond teaching English-it involves honoring their cultural identities, creating inclusive environments, and being patient with the language learning process. When professionals adopt respectful, informed strategies, they empower children to become confident, competent communicators in multiple languages.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 5 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

All behavior is communication. Learn about the different functions of challenging behavior in early childhood education and how prevention techniques can help you manage them. Learn more about how to de-escalate behaviors that are already happening and get a better understanding of them.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 1 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1

Everyday interactions shape how children feel about themselves, their teachers, and the classroom community. This interactive session explores the 5:1 ratio of positive attention-five deposits for every withdrawal-as a powerful way to nurture relationships and support children’s growth. Participants will reflect on what makes interactions meaningful, practice using positive descriptive feedback, and consider how even small shifts in language and attention can create a thriving, supportive environment for all children.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1, 4 | QSNY: 1, 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Learn from a Certified Lactation Counselor! This training equips child care providers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to create a supportive environment for breastfeeding families. Designed for providers in all child care settings and modalities, this session emphasizes the importance of human milk feeding and offers practical strategies. It will also review the NYS laws and regulations that relate to Breastfeeding.

OCFS: 2, 3, 7 | CBK: 6 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 5

Let’s be honest- not every day feels like a win. Sometimes, we struggle to manage child behaviors and how they affect our emotions. In this session, we will dive into those “hot button behaviors” and discuss the reasoning behind some of them while we work toward solution-focused guidance in the school-age environment.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 1 | Dev. Focus: 4 | Target Audience: 1

Discover the fascinating world of schema theory: the repeated patterns of play that help infants and toddlers make sense of their world. In this hands-on session, you’ll explore common schemas, such as transporting, enveloping, and rotation, using simple, everyday materials you already have at home or in your classroom. You will leave with fresh eyes for noticing these powerful learning moments, practical ideas for extending them, and easy ways to share the joy with families. Come ready to play, reflect, and see children’s actions in a whole new light!

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1, 2 | QSNY: 1 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4

Get ready to explore the adventurous side of early learning through the lens of risky play! This session invites educators to rethink risk, design playful environments, and create inclusive experiences that celebrate every child’s unique way of learning. Together, we’ll discover how embracing exploration can lead to fewer behavioral challenges and more joyful, engaged learners.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Training will focus on implementing techniques to combat burnout and fatigue while developing an individualized long term self-care plan.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 3

This training provides strategies to help preschoolers build positive peer relationships. Educators will explore practical approaches to fostering cooperation, empathy, and problem-solving skills that support healthy social development in the classroom.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

This session explores the essential language and storytelling experiences that occur before children begin learning to read. It emphasizes how these early years provide a unique opportunity to cultivate language, story comprehension, expressive skills, and familiarity with the structure and format of books. Participants will engage with reflective discussion, video examples, and practical strategies to nurture children’s natural curiosity and communication abilities. This training helps adults create rich, developmentally appropriate literary experiences that prioritize language growth and storytelling over formal reading instruction, fostering a lifelong love of books and stories.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 3, 4, 5 | QSNY: 1, 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 3, 5

In this session, we will explore our company’s personnel policies and the crucial role they play in guiding the operation of our childcare centers. Having clear and concise rules and policies in place simplifies our jobs and enhances our professionalism. We will review our parent and staff handbook, emphasizing key policies to implement and the importance of effectively enforcing them. Participants will also learn various methods for tracking employee data and how to utilize this information in challenging conversations with their staff. Join us as we work together to strengthen our understanding and application of these essential policies.

OCFS: 3, 5 | CBK: 2, 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2

This engaging training will explore strategies for using stories to help children identify and manage their emotions, empathize with others, and build essential social-emotional skills. Participants will learn how to select appropriate books, implement discussion techniques, and design activities that extend learning beyond the story. By the end of the session, educators will be equipped with practical approaches to integrate emotional literacy into their teaching through the magic of storytelling.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1

What comes next in your professional journey? This session will map the many ways Aspire supports growth – from becoming an approved trainer through T-TAP, to pursuing the SAC or CDA, to exploring endorsements. We’ll highlight real examples of how educators and directors have advanced their practice and leadership and provide tools to help participants chart their own next steps with confidence.

OCFS: 5 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2

Music connects educators and families with young children. It promotes development of self-confidence and also motor skills. During this session, participants will dance and sing to specific movement and songs, while reflecting on how they connect with children.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

This training session on teaching process art to preschoolers is designed to empower educators with the knowledge and skills to facilitate creative and exploratory art activities. The session begins with an introduction to the concept of process art, emphasizing its focus on the creative journey rather than the final product. Through a combination of presentations, hands-on activities, and group discussions, teachers will explore various materials and techniques, learning how to set up engaging art stations and encourage children’s creativity. Practical strategies for classroom management and integrating process art into the curriculum are also covered. By the end of the session, teachers will feel confident in their ability to foster a supportive and inspiring art environment for their young students. The training concludes with a Q&A and reflection period, allowing teachers to share insights and plan for implementation in their classrooms.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

In this session we will introduce coaching theory through a Strength-based social emotional learning perspective. We will celebrate our own strengths and others as we discuss the purpose, beliefs and strategies of coaching. As participants gain knowledge in the benefits of implementing a coaching approach for staff and students. Participants will discuss the types of coaching stances and practice utilizing coaching stems that they can use in their coaching interactions. In reflection, participants will practice listening and become a coach for their partners utilizing the skills they learned.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | QSNY: 3 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 6

What if those challenging behaviors in your classroom weren’t problems to stop, but messages waiting to be understood? These behaviors often give us clues about children’s sensory needs, especially those linked to proprioception, the body’s sense of movement, position, and pressure. When we learn to “read” these cues, we can respond in ways that reduce stress, support self-regulation, and promote deeper engagement and connection. In this interactive session, we’ll explore what proprioception is, why it matters for young children, and how it influences behavior and learning. Grounded in the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), this session highlights practical strategies teachers can use- including integrating multisensory experiences into daily routines and curriculum- to proactively meet sensory needs and foster engagement for every child. You’ll leave with fresh tools and insights to reflect on and respond to the meaning behind children’s behavior and to build more positive, joyful interactions for teachers and children every day.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 4, 5 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1

Everyone is born with traits that make them unique. Temperament refers to the combination of traits with which we were born. The similarities and differences between our own temperament and a child’s temperament can make interactions come naturally or perhaps take a little more work from the adult. Through demonstration and self-reflection, you will walk away with strategies to build a deeper understanding of a child’s temperaments.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

This training is designed to equip daycare providers with the knowledge and tools to understand how trauma and ADHD can intersect and influence a child’s behavior, development, and emotional regulation. Participants will explore how early adverse experiences can mimic or intensify ADHD symptoms, making it challenging to distinguish between trauma responses and neurodevelopmental conditions. Through real-life scenarios, reflection, and practical strategies, providers will learn how to respond with sensitivity, reduce triggers, and foster resilience.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 3

Created during COVID, the ACES curriculum was designed to support a deeper understanding of how trauma impacts our youngest citizens. Over the last five years, significant research has emerged that changes some of our previously held beliefs around best practice and trauma-informed approaches to early care. This session is intended to present an overview of that revised curriculum to prospective trainers and providers.

OCFS: 10 | CBK: 1, 7 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6

Come learn about updates, news, and initiatives happening within the Division of Child Care Services, along with guests from ECLC and SUNY! We will discuss exciting initiatives to support the ECE workforce, health and safety topics, and an overview on the Impact project, plus more!

OCFS: 3, 7 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 2, 3, 6

Everyday moments matter! Grounded in the Program for Infants and Toddlers Care (PITC) approach, this workshop will examine how play, routines, and interactions become the building blocks of learning for infants and toddlers.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 5 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2 | Target Audience: 3, 4, 5

Little Builders, Big Thinkers: Unlocking the Power of Block Play explores how intentional block play fosters rich learning across developmental domains while centering curriculum and teaching practices. In this interactive training, participants will examine the research behind block play, analyze photos to identify developmental skills, and engage in hands-on building challenges with prompts that model effective teacher scaffolding. The session highlights strategies for organizing inviting block areas, using open-ended questions to extend children’s problem-solving and collaboration, and integrating storytelling to deepen literacy connections. By the end of the training, educators will leave with practical, low-cost ideas and a concrete action step to strengthen their block play curriculum.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 5 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 3

Join us to explore the Pyramid Model Implementation Data System (PIDS). During this session, we will demonstrate how to easily access various reports within PIDS that provide information at multiple levels; program, classroom, and child. Together we will review a variety of data elements and associated reports, consider the potential applications for identifying internal growth opportunities, and plan for targeted support at the classroom and child level.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 5 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1, 2

As climate change increases the frequency, severity, and duration of hazardous heat events, the places in which we live, work, play, and learn are having to grapple with adapting to hotter conditions. Hazardous heat has been shown to negatively impact human health, leading to heat stress symptoms and worsening asthma, heart, and lung disease. Children are particularly vulnerable to these heat, and heat exposures at home or school can affect children’s behaviors and impair their learning. In this session, we will explore these pathways throughout which heat impacts the health, learning, and behaviors of children, as well as highlight multiple strategies to deploy heat resilient solutions in care or educational settings to protect and promote health and learning for all children.

OCFS: 2, 4 | CBK: 4, 6 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

The participants will receive a demonstration of the various pathways to early childhood educational advancement including credentials, certificates and teacher certification.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4

In Early Childhood Education, workplace culture is the foundation of quality care. When educators feel valued, supported, and empowered, children thrive. This engaging, solutions-focused workshop offers practical strategies to boost morale, support professional growth, and reduce staff turnover through small but powerful cultural shifts. Participants will explore innovative ideas for staff appreciation, coaching techniques rooted in a growth mindset, and leadership practices that create a positive, connected team environment. Designed for Classroom Teachers to Program Directors, this session provides the tools to build a workplace where all staff feel seen, supported, and inspired to stay-because great care starts with a great culture.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2

In the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, research has shown a spike in staff turnover and retention (Sandstrom, Kuhns & Drukker, 2023). The turnover reasons are complex and multifaceted with research to support psychological distress and poor mental health, difficulties forming relationships with parents, mental health problems with male children and the challenging behaviors that can accompany those problems, and both individual determinants, such as social capital and health, and service-related determinants, such as lack of focus on staff well-being and poor professional training availability (Bang et al., 2021; Browne et al., 2021; Ng et al., 2023). This session will present the current published research surrounding burnout and turnover, possible responses and prevention strategies that promote health and well-being, and next steps for additional research.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6

In this training we will look at the idea of “risky play.” When adults allow children the freedom to take appropriate risks, play then becomes what it is supposed to be – FUN! Play is should allow children to explore, be creative and grow. Risky play allows children to grow and develop their confidence, resilience and social skills. Learning to process and navigate risk is a life skill – in this training we will look at how educators and parents can allow, support and embrace the risk in play.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 4 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1

We do the most important job on the planet! We help pack young children’s suitcases with all of the essential skills and tools they will need and use on life’s journey. Young children take their early experiences and lessons with them for the rest of their lives. We can put protective factors in the suitcase by focusing on resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from change and misfortune. Research tells us that resilience is increased when children have healthy initiative, self-regulation, and attachments in their suitcase. When children are well-packed, they also have fewer challenging behaviors. During this workshop, you will learn more about resilience, protective factors, and strategies for packing a suitcase. You will get a “packing list”!

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1, 4 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: All

Are there policies and practices that impact your work or your community that you want to change? If you’re not sure where to start or how to break through and be an advocate, this session is designed for you. This session will provide information about connecting your work to policy change. The knowledge, experience, and skills you have are critically important and can help you to effectively communicate with funders, policymakers, and more. Expect to leave the session with deepened knowledge to help you to create a clear roadmap to advocate for the issues you care about!

OCFS: 7, 8 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: All

Calling all intentional educators! During this engaging, hands-on session, participants will learn the steps of the Cycle of Intentional Teaching and about what it means to be a “guide on the side” to support emergent curriculum while meeting state standards and expectations in an early childhood classroom. The group will collaborate to create lists of ideas of ways to work through each step of the cycle – first, supporting wonder (and what that looks like). Then, observing the students, families, and interactions in and out of the classroom. Next, reflecting on their “noticings”, including the best ways to organize these ideas, when to do it, and for what purpose. And, finally, responding – which is actually comprised of several steps including planning, carrying out, and modifying as needed. When participants leave this session, they will feel prepared to adequately observe and document children’s interests and connect them with relevant activities and invitations and move through the remaining steps to create an ever-changing space to meet the children where they are while simultaneously addressing standards and expectations. This presentation provides special emphasis on preschool and kindergarten NYS early learning standards.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1, 3, 4 | QSNY: 1, 2 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 4

During this training participants will look at the health and nutrition practices that support development of young children’s brains and bodies. Strategies will be shared with participants to enhance their classroom skill and knowledge around child health and nutrition.

OCFS: 2 | CBK: 6 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Over the past few years, the Office of Children and Family Services has made significant modifications to the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), formerly referred to as Child Care Subsidy. Join staff from the OCFS Division of Child Care Services to learn about how changes to eligibility and other program rules provide increased stability for families and programs and a preview of what’s coming next as NYS works to come into compliance with new federal rules. Presenters will also share information on other initiatives geared toward increasing access to CCAP, reducing barriers for families, strengthening our child care system and integrating technology into the CCAP.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 5 | Target Audience: 1, 3, 4, 5

What does the research say about family engagement and its effect on child development? How can you create true partnerships with your families? Learn how one center used data to create a plan of how to increase family engagement, and then time will be provided to create a plan of your own.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Communities of Practice (CoPs) bring teachers and administrators together in meaningful collaboration to improve outcomes for children, families, and programs. In this interactive session, participants will explore how CoPs bridge the gap between professional development and daily practice. Through reflection, discussion, and scenario-based activities, attendees will learn how to cultivate trust, promote equity, and translate shared learning into sustainable program improvement. Participants will leave with practical tools and one actionable next step to launch or strengthen CoPs in their own context-whether at the classroom, program, or system level.

OCFS: 5 | CBK: 7 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1

Cornell University conducted a study to uncover what early childhood programs can do to help support a healthy workforce. Come learn about these strategies and practices and help your program be healthier.

OCFS: 2 | CBK: 6 | QSNY: 4 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 2

Eco-Healthy Child Care® (EHCC) Standards are designed to protect children – but let’s be honest, providers often wonder how to fit these expectations into an already packed day. Providers juggle diapers, meals, learning activities, family communication, behavior support, cleaning, documentation, and a hundred tiny emergencies before lunch. So, when new health and safety rules come along, it’s natural to think: “These rules are great… but how am I supposed to do all this on top of everything else?” You’re not alone. And that’s exactly what this session is designed to address.

OCFS: 2, 4, 5 | CBK: 4, 6 | Dev. Focus: All | Target Audience: All

In this session, participants will learn about proposed revisions to the early care and education career ladder in New York, along with an aligned parity compensation pay scale. Participants will have the opportunity to provide input and feedback on this proposal.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: All

Literacy in Community (LINC) is a nonprofit that empowers parents, caregivers and educators to support

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1, 2 | QSNY: 5 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: All

This interactive, participatory workshop will focus on curriculum in classrooms/programs for babies birth to 12 months old. Participants will explore how, and why, to individualize routines and partner with families in infant classrooms. Additional topics that will be discussed include relationship-based practices for infant classrooms/practices, developmentally appropriate infant curriculum, key teacher system, and the continuum of family partnerships.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1, 2 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

This interactive presentation explores the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ students, teachers, and parents within early childhood education settings. Through shared personal narratives from both speakers and participants, we will delve into effective methods for fostering inclusion, understanding the nuances of exclusion, and providing compassionate care. By validating diverse experiences and incorporating them into our collective understanding, this session aims to enrich the lexicon of early childhood education and promote environments where all voices are heard and valued, ultimately supporting the well-being and development of all children and families.

OCFS: 1, 3, 10 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 1

Children move from activity to activity at various times of the day; some transitions are quick, some are slow, and some depend on the individual child. A brief, engaging transition helps children to move from one activity to the next with intent. We will explore how effective transitions can help to reduce challenging behaviors and enhance the learning experience. We will also discuss and practice strategies for transitioning between activities and each participant will leave with a plan to support successful transitions.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 4 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

This workshop will explore the concept of Reflective Supervision, what the benefits are, and how to put it to use in your role as a supervisor.  We will focus on some basic concepts and strategies and share PCANY’s Individual Development Plan Annual Review process that enhances one’s ability and capacity in their role and explores the individual’s growth opportunities. This process encourages self-assessment of readiness for growth and goal

OCFS: 6 | CBK: 2 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 6

This engaging session explores 3 common myths that quietly influence how we approach circle time, teacher-directed activities, and the use of worksheets in preschool classrooms. Through discussion, reflection, and practical strategies, educators will identify these myths and replace them with developmentally appropriate practices that support young children’s learning and growth. Let’s bust some myths and build better foundations for early learning!

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 5 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

Understanding infant behaviors and what they are communicating is necessary for planning for the developing needs of the children in our care. Join us in learning about infant behavior, development and communication as well as strategies for regulating ourselves and the babies through the busy day.

OCFS: 1, 3 | CBK: 1, 3 | QSNY: 1 | Dev. Focus: 1 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Whole group activities, such as circle time can be a fun place to interact and learn as a

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 5 | QSNY: 3 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 1

OCFS will provide an overview of all of the child care work and initiatives included in the Executive budget, share out about the work of the NYS OCFS Impact Project, and provide updates and data on how recent initiatives have impacted child care availability, the workforce, and the trajectory of the Child Care Assistance Program.

OCFS: 3, 7 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3, 5 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3, 6

Reading with young children is a powerful way to help them recognize their feelings and understand the emotions of others. Whether we are reading to infants, toddlers, or preschoolers, it promotes the development of emotional language and provides emotional context to self, people, and events. All books, even those not explicitly about feelings, can help educators support emotional literacy when using a social-emotional perspective. In this session, participants will be able to explore the NYS Book Nooks, a valuable resource of diverse examples of ways to use children’s books to promote social-emotional skills. The variety and richness of these resources are comprehensive and sure to inspire and engage educators, igniting their passion for teaching and promoting social-emotional skills in young children.

OCFS: 1 | CBK: 1 | QSNY: 2 | Dev. Focus: 1, 2, 3 | Target Audience: 1, 2, 3

Are you curious about how to take your early childhood program to the next level? Join us for this informative session all about QUALITYstarsNY-New York State’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) designed to support programs like yours!

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 3 | Target Audience: 2

This workshop will review the evidence of health risks from plastics. We will consider production of plastics, use of plastics and disposal of plastics. Considerations for early childhood education settings and practical steps to reduce exposure risks will be described.

OCFS: 2, 4, 5 | CBK: 4, 6 | Dev. Focus: 2, 3, 4 | Target Audience: All

Early childhood professional development providers are always looking for ways to make presentations more memorable, promote ongoing learning and reflection and to summarize key points. One way to achieve these goals is through using language comparisons such as similes, analogies, metaphors and mnemonics. Let’s look at when, why and how to use different kinds of language comparisons as an effective training strategy and discuss their role in adult learning. Experience developing and using language comparisons and leave with new ways to enrich your training content.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: 6

This training offers participants working in afterschool programs the opportunity to share the many learning centers that can interest children. Participants will share the learning centers they offer, and the accessories, materials, and the many activities they offer within those centers.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 5 | Dev. Focus: 4 | Target Audience: 6

Resilience is not the only answer when facing hard things, but it can provide grounding and a foundation for the work that lays ahead. Centering resilience reminds us that we cannot give what we do not have, and thus, we must start on the inside and work our way out. Resilience research reveals time and again that those who have overcome serious tragedies almost always attribute their resilience to ordinary, rather than extraordinary, processes (Ann Masten, 2014). During this keynote/workshop we will center tangible resilience building opportunities that will create some much-needed momentum when we are facing overwhelm and hopelessness.

OCFS: 3 | CBK: 7 | Dev. Focus: 5 | Target Audience: All