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Professional Development Opportunities for Child Care Providers

• Friday, February 7, 2025, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Friday, March 7, 2025, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Friday, April 4, 2025, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Friday, May 2, 2025, 8:30 AM - 11:00 AM
• Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 9, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, April 23, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

The educators of Cornell Cooperative Extension are pleased to bring you a variety of in-person and virtual professional training programs. This is a collaboration between the Early Childhood and Human Development educators of CCE.

In-person programs will be held from 8:30-11:00am at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center’s Ag Hall, located at 350 Yaphank Road, Yaphank, NY. Doors open at 8:30am, programs begin promptly at 9:00am. Virtual programs will run from 6:30-7:30pm.

For more information please e-mail Allison Grief at ag263@cornell.edu or Kerri Reda at kkr5@cornell.edu.

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In-person opportunities

To register for in-person programs: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/earlychildhoodprofe...

Process Arts and Loose Parts

Friday, February 7
Educator: Patricia Cisek

We’ve all heard the phrase “process over product” when talking about art in preschool and early elementary school, but what does that really mean? This workshop will dive into the ‘why’ of process art and enable teachers with the skills to support their student’s growth through these opportunities. We will focus on getting our hands messy and immersing ourselves in art experiences. Openness and confidence without judgement in creating are skills that you either use or lose, so be prepared to pick up a paintbrush!

Guiding Toddler Behavior

Friday, March 7
Educator: Kerri Kreh Reda

We will discuss the development of toddlers and understand what makes them tick. You will learn how to best guide toddlers through this stage, laying the foundation for a cooperative and warm relationship, and providing guidance for nurturing their development of self-discipline.

Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children

Friday, April 4
Educator: Allison Grief

Allowing children to play outside in nature gives them so much more than just having fun. Learn the many benefits of outside play. Learn how outside free play helps children develop and includes better health and physical development, social skills, communication and self-regulation. Join us on the farm to experience unique examples of messy, free play.

Unpacking Risky Play: The Role of Rough and Tumble Play in a Preschool Setting

Friday May 2
Educator: Maia G Lewis

This session will investigate the idea of risky play, outline the different types of risky play, and discuss why it is important to embrace in an early childhood setting. We will explore opportunities for children to engage in ‘risky’ activities, diving deepest into the role of rough and tumble play, and how it can positively impact young children. Participants will have time for group discussion and reflection to explore how this complex topic affects your teaching practice.

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Virtual trainings opportunities

Understanding Autism

Wednesday, February 5
Educator: Liza Reytblat Haner

This program is designed to educate professionals, caregivers, and parents on the facts and misconceptions of autism. By attending this program, participants will be able to learn about the different levels of autism, common characteristics of autism, as well as learning helpful tips and tools that will help them interact with children on the spectrum. Participants will be able to ask questions, share their own stories, and learn how to be more inclusive.

To register click on the link below:
https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYrce6or...

Using the Environment to Guide Pre-K Curriculum

Wednesday, March 12
Educators: Allison Grief and Maia G. Lewis

Through highlighting Cornell Cooperative Extension’s nature and play based preschool program (Little Farmers Preschool), this presentation examines how the seasons and a changing environment can guide both curriculum and developmental goals. Breaking it down by season, we will feature low-cost creative nature-based play invitations that can be taken off the farm and used in any preschool classroom to spark curiosity and foster a sense of wonder.

To register click on the link below:
https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUrdO-vq...

The Connection Between Play and Literacy

Wednesday, April 9
Educator: Dinah Torres Castro

This program is designed to help childcare providers learn about the connection between emergent literacy skills, child development and children’s play. Providers will learn how play activities can promote literacy and how to encourage more reading both at home and in the childcare setting.

To register click on the link below:
https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdO6up...

La conexión entre el juego y la alfabetización

Miércoles, 23 de abril
Educadora: Dinah Torres Castro

Los padres latinos se encuentran entre los grupos más grandes de padres que no les leen a sus hijos ni con ellos. Para fomentar más lectura en el hogar y en el entorno de cuidado infantil, los proveedores aprenderán cómo las actividades de juego pueden promover la alfabetización. Este programa está diseñado para ayudar a los proveedores de cuidado infantil de habla hispana a aprender sobre la conexión entre el juego, las habilidades de alfabetización emergentes, el desarrollo infantil y el juego infantil.

Para registrarte haz clic en el enlace:
https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0qc-mgq...

Caring for Yourself in Stressful Times – Burnout Prevention

Wednesday, May 14
Educator: Kerri Kreh Reda

Caring for oneself means taking time to do things for our own mental, emotional, and physical health. Often, we forget about self-care as we become stressed or overwhelmed, just when we need it most. Caring for oneself allows us to be more resilient and better manage stress allowing us to do a better job of meeting our responsibilities. During this program we will introduce strategies for stress management, discuss signs and causes of burnout, and offer suggestions for self-care.

To register click on the link below:
https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcod-quq...

Fee

FREE

Location

This event is online

Location

Suffolk County Farm and Education Center
350 Yaphank Avenue
Yaphank, New York 11980

Last updated January 21, 2025