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Take play seriously

Preserving opportunities for play and experiential learning in early childhood and elementary education is not a departure from academic excellence; it is an investment in the well-rounded development and long-term success of every child.

Early Childhood Conference 2026

Hundreds of early childhood educators gathered at UFT Headquarters to address a serious topic: the power of play. The UFT’s 18th annual Early Childhood Conference integrated the theme “learning through play” throughout the joyous events of the day —...

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.

UFT Professional Provider Education Program CPR/AED/First Aid Summer Training

Take one of our classes to obtain certification in necessary lifesaving skills, including first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators, for child care providers. Each four-hour class is designed to meet the needs of licensed, registered and legally exempt (informal) providers. Participants who complete the class will receive a certificate of completion and a certification card indicating proficiency in these lifesaving skills. We offer classes in English and Spanish for each time slot.

UFT Professional Provider Education Program CPR/AED/First Aid Summer Training

Take one of our classes to obtain certification in necessary lifesaving skills, including first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators, for child care providers. Each four-hour class is designed to meet the needs of licensed, registered and legally exempt (informal) providers. Participants who complete the class will receive a certificate of completion and a certification card indicating proficiency in these lifesaving skills. We offer classes in English and Spanish for each time slot.

UFT Professional Provider Education Program CPR/AED/First Aid Summer Training

Take one of our classes to obtain certification in necessary lifesaving skills, including first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators, for child care providers. Each four-hour class is designed to meet the needs of licensed, registered and legally exempt (informal) providers. Participants who complete the class will receive a certificate of completion and a certification card indicating proficiency in these lifesaving skills. We offer classes in English and Spanish for each time slot.

Protect play: an essential ingredient in early childhood success

Play fosters a lasting love of learning, and must be protected in early childhood classrooms. Research overwhelmingly reinforces the benefits of play-based instruction. Children who engage in cooperative play generally have higher self-esteem, and...

A stroke of genius

Follow along as the 2nd-grade students in Jacqueline Velten and Melissa Hamm’s integrated co-teaching class at PS 54 on Staten Island travel to the Staten Island Museum to experience “Art Now: Watercolor Fun,” one of 20 class trips the museum offers...

Time to lay it on the line with lawmakers

President Michael Mulgrew reminds members the UFT stays in the fight for the things that matter to educators, students, their families and our communities. As the budget process gets underway at the state and city level — the UFT is geared up to...

Care for city’s youngest on tap

At the Delegate Assembly on Jan. 14, UFT President Michael Mulgrew updated delegates on the union’s work to expand access to affordable child care and addressed a range of national, state and city issues affecting educators.