91¾«Ñ¡

---

2025-2026 Early Learning Webinar Series

• P-3 Cultural Connections:ÌýÌý
  • The Office of Early Learning and the Office of Cultural Education presented on the P-3 Cultural Connections Framework and Resource Kit. This resource is designed to help educators bring experiential learning into early childhood classrooms and connect students with cultural opportunities through field trips, virtual visits, traveling programs, grant opportunities, and more.
• Transition from PreK to Kindergarten:ÌýÌý
  • The Office of Early Learning facilitated this informative webinar, which provides resources and strategies to support families in the transition process from prekindergarten to kindergarten. Staff from Niagara Falls City Schools, North Bellmore Union Free School District, and Wayland-Cohocton Central School District shared examples of transition practices implemented in their programs.
• Learning Centers for PreK and Kindergarten:Ìý
  • This webinar focuses on creating high-quality, student-centered PreK and Kindergarten classrooms through effective use of learning centers. Explore practical strategies aligned with NYS standards to design and differentiate centers—like blocks, literacy, math, science, and dramatic play. Learn how to integrate centers into daily routines while fostering inclusive environments.

---

2024-2025 Early Learning Webinar Series

• Libraries and Literacy - Office of Early Learning
  • The 91¾«Ñ¡ State Library and Office of Early Learning co-present the Libraries Supporting Literacy Best Practices webinar for library staff focused on supporting the State’s latest literacy initiatives. The webinar explores the key components of how public libraries can support young readers and families to increase literacy opportunities.Ìý
• Student Centered Learning Environment Best Practices
  • ​The Office of Early Learning has created a webinar and resource document that can be used by educators to enhance their classroom environment. The following video and documents will show how to bring learning centers into a classroom, how to integrate the theme of study into the classroom, and how to incorporate student choice and why it is important.
• Inclusion in PreK - Why It Matters and Best Practices from the Field
  • ​This webinar focuses on ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, background, or individual needs, has an equal opportunity to learn and grow. This webinar will explore practical examples from across 91¾«Ñ¡ State of how programs and educators are supporting children with disabilities in inclusive classroom settings.Ìý
• Supporting Emergent Multilingual Learners
  • ​â¶Ä‹â€‹In this webinar, we will discuss valuable strategies for enhancing language development while recognizing the strengths that multilingual students bring to the prekindergarten classroom. Through the examples provided, participants will be able to identify practices that nurture development for emergent multilingual learners. By elevating these practices, schools can foster not only language development but also create more inclusive, respectful, and empowering environments for EMLs and all children. Supporting emergent multilingual learners with appropriate language-rich environments can boost self-confidence, enhance their learning experience, and prepare children for academic success and graduation.
• Fostering Positive Behavior in the Prekindergarten Classroom
  • ​Prekindergarten is a crucial time for children's development as they are introduced to new social and academic environments. Teachers and parents alike play a significant role in fostering positive behavior in prekindergarten children, as it can set the foundation for future success in school and life. Positive behavior in prekindergarten is not only essential for academic success, but it also helps children build social skills, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.
• Science Everywhere
  • ​This webinar is to introduce Science Everywhere: an early learning initiative, emphasizing the importance of Inquiry-Based Learning. Spearheaded by the 91¾«Ñ¡'s Office of Early Learning and Office of Cultural Education, the initiative seeks to foster a love for science and nature in young children through hands-on learning experiences.
• The Value of Play - Play-Based Learning for P-3 Students
  • ​This webinar is designed to help teachers and administrators understand the value of play in children’s development and learning. Play-based learning is a multifaceted approach that helps children work toward learning goals and meet developmental expectations.

---

2023-2024 Early Learning Webinar Series

• Best Practices for UPK Collaboration Webinar
  • ​The Best Practices for UPK Collaboration webinar, which took place on March 13th, 2024, provides an overview of best practices for districts as they seek to partner with Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to provide prekindergarten programming. Presenters from the Office of Early Learning were joined by district and CBO representatives from Whitney Point CSD to share insights on building successful prekindergarten programs with agencies in the community.Ìý
• Social Emotional Learning Building Programmatic Practice
  • ​Social Emotional Learning in the P-3 Classroom, which took place on May 15, 2024, explores inspiring examples from districts that have embraced Social Emotional Learning, delving into the benefits it brings to both students and educators. Topics include creating nurturing environments, enhancing academic outcomes, and building a foundation for lifelong well-being in our schools.

---

Ìý