Our Conference
Past programs have featured pre-conference receptions and guest speakers focused on classroom practice, leadership, and child development. Featured events have included an intimate viewing of The Wonder of Learning – The Hundred Languages of Children, held on February 27, 2015, at Williamsburg Northside Lower School.
The annual conference serves as a gathering point for early childhood educators, program administrators, and advocates working across New York City. It is designed as a full day of professional learning, with workshops, panel discussions, and informal networking opportunities that allow participants to exchange practical ideas. The event emphasizes shared learning among practitioners who support young children in classrooms, family childcare settings, and community programs throughout the five boroughs. Past gatherings have included pre-conference receptions and featured guest speakers whose work centers on classroom practice, leadership in early childhood settings, and the developmental needs of young learners, creating a relaxed yet focused environment for collegial exchange.
Program highlights typically reflect the diverse interests of the early childhood field, balancing sessions on instructional practice with conversations about program leadership and family engagement. Featured events have included curated viewings of exhibits and documentary work that explore how children express ideas and construct knowledge through play, art, and conversation. These special sessions are often hosted in intimate school or community settings, allowing attendees to engage closely with the material and with one another. The mix of keynote conversations, smaller breakout sessions, and reflective programming gives participants a chance to step away from daily routines and consider broader questions about pedagogy, equity, and the role of the educator in supporting each child's growth.
What participants can expect is a welcoming, practitioner-oriented experience grounded in respect for the work of early childhood professionals. Workshops are generally led by experienced educators and specialists who bring classroom-tested strategies to the sessions, and topics often span curriculum design, observation and assessment, social-emotional development, and inclusive practice. The atmosphere prioritizes conversation and reflection over formality, with comfortable pacing and opportunities to connect with colleagues from a range of program types. Whether attending for a single keynote or the full program, educators leave with renewed perspective, practical resources, and a stronger professional network to carry back to their own learning communities.