Making Connections 2025 | Annual Conference with Brightside Up

MAKING CONNECTIONS 2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Dive into an experience that's brimming with inspiration, learning, and the chance to connect and exchange ideas with fellow early childhood professionals. Let's gather for a day, jam-packed with dynamic workshops geared toward understanding the world of children. Our lineup features experts in child development, nutrition, movement, and play – an event you won't want to miss.

Check in | 7:15 am

Morning Sessions | 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Mid-Morning Sessions | 10:15 am - 12:15 pm

Lunch | 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm

Afternoon Sessions | 1:15 pm - 3:15 pm

6 hours of training | 0.6 CEUs

Buffet Lunch

Flu shots are available from 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm with an insurance card & while supplies last

Vendors

Family/Group Family Child Care owners and Legally Exempt Providers ATTEND FREE with VOICE/CSEA by visiting VOICE/CSEA, then call Brightside Up to register. Assistants are not covered by VOICE/CSEA and are encouraged to apply for EIP.

Funding may be available for Family/Group, Center and School-age providers through the Educational Incentive Program (EIP) by visiting ECETP.

Eligible Quality Stars NY programs will receive a code to register using QSNY funding.

Credit card payment will be required at checkout.

Family and Group Family Child Care owners can call 518-426-7181 to register using VOICE/CSEA

Info: Block play is often overlooked as a valuable way to support infant and toddler learning and development. Although they may not be ready for structurally sound bridges or elaborate towers, infants and toddlers are quite prepared to explore shapes, weight, size, and all the imagination that comes with block accessories such as play people, small animals, cars, stop signs, and more. In this training, we will use the Infant and Toddler Environmental Rating Scale (ITERS) as a guide for selecting materials to improve a block area. There will also be time for a Make and Take to help you extend the learning into your program.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 4
ELG: D1
CDA: 2, 3
QSNY: CPI 6
ITERS-3: 18 FCCERS-3: 18

Info: The teaching and learning in infant classrooms aren't always obvious to the untrained eye. If you look carefully, you'll likely notice it during diapering, nap transitions, drop-off and pick-up routines, and mealtimes. Daily routines are central to infant and toddler care and are an important part of the curriculum. The way these routines are carried out has a lasting impact on young children. Daily routines offer one-on-one interactions, opportunities for relationship building, and skill development through loving, meaningful responsive routines.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D3
CDA: 3

Info: A program’s health care plan is an integral part of the daily duties faced by childcare providers. Understanding the health care plan is the best way to keep children in care healthy and safe. Learn the best way to complete and utilize your health care plan, as well as the documents required by OCFS for children with allergies, medications, and special needs.
OCFS: 2, 5
CBK: 5, 7
CDA: 1
SAC: 4

Info: Embark on an exciting journey of design and testing! Use the scientific method to document creative projects, compare airplane designs, and craft balance sculptures with a reusable construction set. Explore innovative building experiences in your childcare program while prioritizing safety and supervision. Embrace the unique creations of young innovators and let their curiosity flourish!

OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1
SAC: 7, 8, 10
SACERS-U:25

Info: Process art is a vibrant celebration of the creative experiences children encounter during their artistic journeys. We will shine a spotlight on the paths they take to arrive at their results, embracing the magic of the process itself rather than solely the outcomes. Join us for this dynamic training, where you can deepen your understanding of children’s creativity through developmentally appropriate art and sensory experiences, all while embracing the delightful messiness of exploration. Together, we will reveal the profound differences between process-focused and product-focused art, delving into an array of captivating sensory materials that will awaken and inspire your senses.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1
CDA: 2
QSNY: CPI 6
ECERS-3: 18

Info: A high-quality program opens the door for children to engage in a wealth of opportunities that nurture and refine their fine motor skills. Preschoolers thrive when immersed in daily experiences filled with developmentally appropriate activities, empowering them to build the confidence and capabilities essential for handwriting, computer keyboarding, scientific exploration, and intricate art projects. In this workshop, we will explore innovative teaching strategies, captivating materials, and dynamic activities designed to elevate fine motor development, ensuring each child flourishes in their growth.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D2
CDA: 2
QSNY: CPI 6
ECERS-3: 17

Info: Uno de los pilares más importantes en la educación infantil es la lectoescritura. En los entornos de aprendizaje temprano, los libros se colocan intencionalmente en áreas de fácil acceso para que los niños puedan explorarlos libremente. A través de esta intencionalidad, los educadores demuestran la importancia de la lectoescritura. En este taller descubrirá diferentes estrategias para profundizar las experiencias de los niños con libros accesibles mediante la lectura en diferentes momentos del día. Al involucrar a los niños con los libros a través de la lectura en voz alta, los educadores fomentan experiencias emocionales positivas y crean momentos especiales que perdurarán por muchos años.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D4, D5
CDA: 2, 8
QSNY: CPI 6
ECERS-3: 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 FCCERS-3: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14

Info: Delve into the intricate reasons behind a child's challenging behavior and uncover the underlying functions at play. Is the child feeling overwhelmed or perhaps under-stimulated? Are they seeking attention or trying to escape a situation? Discover effective strategies for identifying the root causes, gaining a deeper understanding, and crafting a thoughtful plan to address these behaviors with compassion and insight.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D3
CDA: 3
ITERS-3: 30 FCCERS-3: 29

Info: As early childhood caregivers, we hold a vital role in nurturing and monitoring children's development, allowing us to identify those who may need a little extra support along the way. This engaging training introduces the CDC's invaluable "Learn the Signs, Act Early" checklists and resources, which empower us to take proactive steps in fostering healthy growth. Moreover, we will explore effective strategies for collaborating with families, ensuring that they are well-informed partners in this journey. Participants will leave inspired with practical tools and strategies that they can implement right away, making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children we serve!
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 3
ELG: D1, D2, D3, D4, D5
CDA: 7, 8
QSNY: COA 6, 8

Info: This presentation will define what Music Therapy is, how the brain and body responds to music, and how music can positively impact children’s emotions, cognition, and behaviors. Norene will share stories and examples of her work with the children on the Pediatric Palliative Care program. She will then provide resources, song adaptations, multi-sensory interventions, redirection techniques, family connection projects, and experientials. Your participation will help showcase the flexibility of music and its multifaceted benefits.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D2
CDA: 2

Info: *Exploring the Power of Play: How Our Interactions During Play Can Promote Children’s Thinking*
Together let’s investigate the stages of play, why play in our school age programs is important for student learning, and our role while interacting with students in their play. Come away with strategies to scaffold your questioning to extend children’s thinking further and inspire high-quality interactions.
OCFS: 1
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1
SAC: 2
SACCERS-U: 28, 29

Info: There exists a balanced approach between the chaos of wild, reckless play and the intentionality of mindful, risky play. This middle ground allows for personal autonomy for both educators and children. Join us to explore the benefits of risky play and discover how to implement these experiences with careful boundaries to ensure that they remain safe and do not turn reckless. We will also brainstorm ways to apply these principles in your own program. Special emphasis will be placed on risky outdoor play, creating environments where children can "unplug," and seamlessly integrating risky experiences into a play-based curriculum, both indoors and outdoors.
OCFS: 3, 5
CBK: 1, 5
ELG: D1, D2
CDA: 2

Info: Introducing math to young children is a delightful and interactive experience that sparks curiosity and love for learning. We will begin by building a strong foundation in early math concepts, followed by an exciting exploration of developmentally appropriate materials, such as vibrant counting trays, designed to foster essential math skills. The role of the teacher as a facilitator is vital in this journey; it involves thoughtfully planning and implementing engaging activities, crafting innovative teaching methods, and nurturing a spirit of exploration through discovery and play. Together, we will learn to create a rich, joyful environment where young learners can thrive in their mathematical journeys.

OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D5
CDA: 2
QSNY: CPI 6
ECERS-3: 23, 24, 25

Info: Un programa de calidad ofrece a los niños numerosas oportunidades para explorar y desarrollar la motricidad fina. Los niños en edad preescolar se benefician de experiencias diarias con actividades de motricidad fina apropiadas para su desarrollo, lo que les permite desarrollar la confianza y las habilidades necesarias para escribir a mano, usar el teclado, realizar experimentos científicos y realizar proyectos artísticos complejos. Revisaremos estrategias de enseñanza, materiales y actividades para promover el desarrollo de la motricidad fina.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D2
CDA: 2
QSNY: CPI 6
ECERS-3: 17
FCCERS-3: 15

Info: Children are fascinated by the natural world. When children are provided with many kinds of science materials and experiences, they readily explore nature and science concepts. In this training, we will use the Infant and Toddler Environment Rating Scale (ITERs) as a guide for materials to enhance the nature and science area play for learning. There will also be time for a make-and-take to extend the knowledge into your program!
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D5
CDA: 3
QSNY: CPI 6
ITERS-3: 20 FCCERS-3: 20

Info: Let children’s natural interests, curiosities, and newly developing skills lead you to create meaningful learning opportunities. Join us to gain strategies for observing and documenting children’s interests and share ideas for applying those interests to long-term projects aimed at engaging children and families. We will also practice using the Activity Checklist to help us identify potential interests.
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D5
CDA: 3
QSNY: CPI 6

Info: Diabetes management involves a complex care plan. This training provides a foundational understanding of diabetes, how to handle a diabetic emergency, and how to begin creating a care plan for a child in your program. Participants will gain insights into important questions to ask, necessary documentation, and resources available to support the management of a child with diabetes in the program.
OCFS: 2, 5
CBK: 5, 7
CDA: 1
SAC: 4

Info: Get active and promote physical health! This session will model games and activities that can promote physical growth among school-age children. Through social games, energizers, group games, and sports drills, we will explore ways to engage the body in movement across the curriculum.
OCFS: 3
CBK: 4
SAC: 9

Info: Children can embark on a fascinating journey through four captivating realms of science: life science, physical science, earth and space science, and ecology. By thoughtfully creating a dedicated science area, we can ignite their curiosity and inspire a deeper exploration of these intriguing subjects. This workshop will not only encourage observation and inquiry but also foster a sense of wonder about the world that surrounds us. Let’s cultivate an environment that nurtures young minds, sparking their imagination and fueling their desire to learn!
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D5
CDA: 2
QSNY: CPI 6
ECERS-3: 22

Info: Dramatic play is a powerful avenue for children's development, nurturing skills like coordination, cooperation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. A well-designed dramatic play area invites creativity, allowing children to engage with props like cash registers and plastic food to craft lively scenarios such as shopping or doctor visits. Join us on an exciting exploration of pretend play and discover how it fosters essential social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive skills that pave the way for real-life success. Let's unlock the magic of dramatic play together!
OCFS: 1, 3
CBK: 1, 4
ELG: D1, D3
CDA: 3
QSNY: CPI 6
ECERS-3: 21

Info: Los beneficios de la actividad física en el crecimiento y desarrollo infantil son numerosos, como el desarrollo del equilibrio, la práctica de habilidades motoras y el desarrollo cerebral. Exploraremos estos beneficios, y más, a través de diversas actividades. Esté abierto a conversar, reír, aprender y jugar en esta capacitación interactiva. También se abordarán las mejores prácticas de movimiento.

OCFS: 1, 2, 3
CBK: 5
ELG: D2
CDA: 2
QSNY: PH 6
ECERS-3: 6, 7 FCCERS-3: 24

Host or Publisher Brightside Up