Professional Development

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. 

Program Descriptions:

In-person, Ag Hall, 8:30-9:00 participant check-in, 9:00-11:00 teaching 

*OCFS credits

Friday, February 7  Process Arts and Loose Parts   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 help equipped 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!

To register click on the link below:

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/earlychildhoodprofessionaldev

Friday, March 7. Guiding Toddler Behavior  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.

To register click on the link below:

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/earlychildhoodprofessionaldev

Friday, April 4  Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children  Educator: Alison 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.

To register click on the link below:

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/earlychildhoodprofessionaldev

Friday May 2. Unpacking Risky Play: The Role of Rough and Tumble Play in a Preschool Setting   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 effects your teaching practice. 

To register click on the link below:

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/earlychildhoodprofessionaldev

Virtual trainings will be held 6:30-7:30, date determined by educator

Wednesday, February 5   Understanding Autism. 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/

Wednesday, March 12   Using the Environment to Guide Pre-K Curriculum  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/

Wednesday, April 9.  The Connection Between Play and Literacy. 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. La conexión entre el juego y la alfabetización

To register click on the link below:

https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvdO6up...

Miércoles, 23 de abril   La conexión entre el juego y la alfabetización   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...

Wednesday, May 14   Caring for Yourself in Stressful Times – Burnout Prevention. 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 itmost. 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...

Last updated January 17, 2025