Hands on Sensory Theater and Imaginative Play
Presenter: Jonathan Shmidt Chapman

In hands-on sessions, Jonathan will lead participants in exploring a variety of storytelling techniques, including guided narration, process drama, tabletop puppetry, physical sculpture, soundscape, and sensory storytelling. Participants will get a chance to try these techniques, and then unpack the application to the classroom.

Mindfulness for Toddlers- A Brain Based Approach
Presenter: Jill Leshin

This workshop is designed to equip teachers with practical mindfulness strategies to create a nurturing and emotionally supportive classroom environment. Participants will learn tools to enhance emotional regulation, connection, and well-being among young children, fostering an atmosphere where every child feels seen, heard, and celebrated.

For Infant and Ones Teachers: Musicology
Presenters: Mary Goodman & Missy Powers

Mary & Missy will lead an inspired and interactive workshop on using music in the preschool classroom. Educators will learn tips and techniques to make music enjoyable to teach, and also captivating & beneficial for their preschoolers. Teachers will leave feeling excited to sing, dance and learn with their little ones.

Nurturing the Nurturers: Self-Care Strategies for Preschool Administrators and Directors
Presenter: Pamela Brooks

While administrative tasks may seem straightforward, the role requires much more than a job description. It demands discipline, patience, creativity, and, above all, self-compassion.You inspire teachers, greet parents and children, and remind everyone why they’ve chosen a Jewish foundation for their educational journey. This workshop is designed to help you explore techniques to prioritize your own wellbeing as you continue to care for others. Take a moment to invest in yourself, so you can continue doing the incredible work that keeps your school thriving.

PJ Library StoryWalks: Bringing Stories to Life
Presenter: Marcy Lewis

Learn how to transform a PJ Library book into an interactive StoryWalk that combines reading, movement, and hands-on activities. This workshop provides simple steps and creative ideas to engage children foster literacy, and connect stories to Jewish values in a fun, meaningful way.

Unleashing Creativity: Process-Based Art Adventures in Preschool Classrooms
Presenter: Hannah Carter

This professional development workshop is designed for early childhood educators seeking to integrate meaningful, process-based art experiences into their preschool classrooms. Participants will explore the importance of art education in fostering creativity, fine motor skills, and cognitive development in young learners. The session will provide practical strategies for implementing art activities that align with early childhood developmental milestones, encourage exploration, and integrate seamlessly with other areas of the curriculum.

Accelerating Early Literacy: Successful Strategies & Resources
Presenter: Lori Masseur

Reading is the foundational skill for school success, impacting every aspect of academic achievement across all subjects. That’s why learning to read proficiently is a student’s most important educational challenge and the skills needed to learn to read begin in the early years.