Early Childhood Symposium

In 2019 we offered the first Early Childhood Symposium at BPL. Each year we explore topics that deeply impact young children, families and early childhood educators that are not often included in teacher PD or training programs. NYS Certified teachers who attend the symposium receive 6 free CTLE credits toward maintaining their certification. All educators, formal, and informal, who work with children ages 0-8 are welcome to attend.  

Fostering an Anti-Ableist Mindset with Nikki Montgomery, MA, MEd, GPAC, and Allysa Ware, MSW

Ollie Ollie Oxen Free: Play for All with Ijumaa Jordan

Teaching Disability Justice with We Move Together with Kelly Fritsch, Anne McGuire, and Eduardo Trejos

Abolitionist Teaching in the Early Years with Akiea Gross from Woke Kindergarten

Building Compassionate Communities: Black Lives Matter in Early Childhood Classrooms with Laleña Garcia

The Social Science Behind the Development of Early Racial Awareness and Bias with Dr. Jess Sullivan and Dr. Leigh Wilton

Early Childhood Symposium Topics:

2019: The Impact of Immigration Policy on Young Children with the Center for Law and Social Policy

2020: Gender Development and Play in Early Childhood with Lindz Amer

2021: Black Lives Matter in Early Childhood Classrooms with Laleña Garcia, Woke Kindergarten, and Dr. Jess Sullivan and Dr. Leigh Wilton

2022: Disability and Intersectionality in Early Childhood Classrooms with We Move Together, Alyssa Ware, and Nikki Montgomery

2023: Play and Equity in Early Childhood Education with Ijumaa Jordan, and Kisa Marx

2024: Science of Reading and Early Literacy with Melanie Okadigwe, Susie Rolander (Bank Street) and the Child Mind Institute

2025: Climate Justice in Early Childhood

If you are interested in signing up for the next Early Childhood Symposium, join our mailing list here.