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Early Childhood Conference 2026

Hundreds of early childhood educators packed Shanker Hall for the UFT’s 18th annual Early Childhood Conference to address a serious topic: the power of play. From powerful presentations to CTLE-credit-bearing workshops and even a group karaoke sing-along, attendees were informed about “learning through play” is a key component of instruction that needs to happen in every classroom, every day.

Teacher Alyssa Rosado of PS 185 in Manhattan shows off the popsicle stick figure she made as part of exploring ways to build students’ foundational reading skills through joyful learning.

Teacher Alyssa Rosado of PS 185 in Manhattan shows off the popsicle stick figure she made as part of exploring ways to build students’ foundational reading skills through joyful learning.

Erica Berger
Chapter Leader Amy Craine of the Richmond Pre-K Center on Staten Island (2nd from right) is recognized by UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford (center) and UFT President Michael Mulgrew (left).

Chapter Leader Amy Craine of the Richmond Pre-K Center on Staten Island (2nd from right) is recognized by UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford (center) and UFT President Michael Mulgrew (left).

Erica Berger
Teacher Latasha Hall of PS 36 in Manhattan expresses the sentiment of many attendees about the event.

Teacher Latasha Hall of PS 36 in Manhattan expresses the sentiment of many attendees about the event.

Erica Berger
Members display the tropical fruit sculpture trees they built around the classic early reader “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.”

Members display the tropical fruit sculpture trees they built around the classic early reader “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.”

Erica Berger
Alford joins members during group karaoke in a nod to the conference’s “learning through play” theme.

Alford joins members during group karaoke in a nod to the conference’s “learning through play” theme.

Erica Berger
Members explore strategies for diverse learners during a workshop at the conference.

Members explore strategies for diverse learners during a workshop at the conference.

Erica Berger
Chalk and other writing materials on conference tables encourage attendees to get in touch with their creative sides.

Chalk and other writing materials on conference tables encourage attendees to get in touch with their creative sides.

Erica Berger
Members get hands-on experience with how art impacts learning in one of the conference’s CTLE-credit-bearing workshops.

Members get hands-on experience with how art impacts learning in one of the conference’s CTLE-credit-bearing workshops.

Erica Berger
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Teacher Alyssa Rosado of PS 185 in Manhattan shows off the popsicle stick figure she made as part of exploring ways to build students’ foundational reading skills through joyful learning.

Teacher Alyssa Rosado of PS 185 in Manhattan shows off the popsicle stick figure she made as part of exploring ways to build students’ foundational reading skills through joyful learning.

Erica Berger
Chapter Leader Amy Craine of the Richmond Pre-K Center on Staten Island (2nd from right) is recognized by UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford (center) and UFT President Michael Mulgrew (left).

Chapter Leader Amy Craine of the Richmond Pre-K Center on Staten Island (2nd from right) is recognized by UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford (center) and UFT President Michael Mulgrew (left).

Erica Berger
Teacher Latasha Hall of PS 36 in Manhattan expresses the sentiment of many attendees about the event.

Teacher Latasha Hall of PS 36 in Manhattan expresses the sentiment of many attendees about the event.

Erica Berger
Members display the tropical fruit sculpture trees they built around the classic early reader “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.”

Members display the tropical fruit sculpture trees they built around the classic early reader “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.”

Erica Berger
Alford joins members during group karaoke in a nod to the conference’s “learning through play” theme.

Alford joins members during group karaoke in a nod to the conference’s “learning through play” theme.

Erica Berger
Members explore strategies for diverse learners during a workshop at the conference.

Members explore strategies for diverse learners during a workshop at the conference.

Erica Berger
Chalk and other writing materials on conference tables encourage attendees to get in touch with their creative sides.

Chalk and other writing materials on conference tables encourage attendees to get in touch with their creative sides.

Erica Berger
Members get hands-on experience with how art impacts learning in one of the conference’s CTLE-credit-bearing workshops.

Members get hands-on experience with how art impacts learning in one of the conference’s CTLE-credit-bearing workshops.

Erica Berger