Celebrate Early Childhood Education: College Hosts Week of the Young Child, April 13-17
April 10, 2026
Hudson Valley Community College will host a series of workshops and lectures to celebrate the annual Week of the Young Child, April 13-17, in Higbee Hall. The events are free and open to the public.
The Week of the Young Child, created by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), is a nationwide celebration of early childhood education. Teachers, students, parents, and anyone interested in the field of education are encouraged to attend. The events are sponsored by the college’s Education Club and the Department of Education and Social Science.
Monday, April 13, Noon-12:50 p.m.
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 101
Topic: DAP Classroom Management Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom
Guest Speaker: Alex Stuto, 4th Grade Teacher, Schodack CSD
Join Alex Stuto for a discussion on strategies for managing an inclusive classroom. She will share practical tips and explore the role of social-emotional development in building effective classroom management practices.
Tuesday, April 14, 10-10:50 a.m.
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 101
Topic: The Spotted Zebra Story
Guest Speaker: Sheri Canfield, Director/Owner, Spotted Zebra Learning Center
Sheri Canfield will share the story behind founding Spotted Zebra Learning Center, the challenges it faced, and the philosophy that guides its mission. Attendees will learn about the values and strategies that continue to shape the center’s work.
Tuesday, April 14, Noon-12:50 p.m.
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 101
Topic: Navigating the Referral Process: Supporting Students with Speech and Language Needs
Guest Speakers: Tim Haller, M.Ed., Speech-Language Pathologist, and Cindy Greene, M.Ed., Speech-Language Pathologist
Tim Haller and Cindy Greene will discuss the referral process for speech therapy, focusing on the steps teachers should take when referring students. They will also cover how to communicate effectively with parents and identify signs of speech difficulties in children.
Friday, April 17, 8-9:30 a.m.
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 100
Topic: Eric Carle Make and Take Workshop
Guest Speaker: Jenny Edwards, Senior Education Specialist, University at Albany
Join Jenny Edwards for a creative hands-on workshop where participants will create paper collages inspired by Eric Carle, author and illustrator of beloved children’s books. All materials will be provided. Space is limited to 25 participants. To reserve a spot, email Assistant Professor Chris Saxe at c.saxe@hvcc.edu.