College Marks Week of the Young Child with Lectures, Workshops
March 25, 2025
Hudson Valley Community College will host a series of workshops and lectures to mark the annual Week of the Young Child, April 7-11. The events, which will take place in Higbee Hall, are free and open to the public.
Teachers, students, parents or those who are interested in the field of education are encouraged to attend these events that celebrate teaching and learning. The Week of the Young Child events at Hudson Valley are sponsored by the Education Club and the Department of Education and Social Science.
Monday, April 7, 11-11:50 a.m.
The Responsive Classroom
Presenter: Lynn Schuster, Director of Academics, The Robert C. Parker School
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 100
The Responsive Classroom is a research-based approach to teaching and learning for kindergarten through eighth grade that focuses on the strong link between academic success and social emotional skills. Join us for a discussion with Lynn Schuster, director of academics at the Robert C. Parker School, for an overview of this model and how it is implemented both school-wide and in individual classrooms.
Monday, April 7, 4-5 p.m.
Navigating the Referral Process: Supporting Students with Speech and Language Needs
Presenters: Tim Haller, Speech-Language Pathologist, and Cindy Greene, Speech-Language Pathologist
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 101
Join this informative session on the referral process for speech therapy. This discussion will cover essential steps for teachers in referring students for speech therapy, including how to communicate effectively with parents. While the focus will be on school-aged children, we will briefly touch on the process for younger children as well. Additionally, we’ll highlight key signs teachers should watch for to identify and support students with speech difficulties. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights!
Tuesday, April 8, 1-1:50 p.m.
Working in the Zone of Proximal Development
Presenters: Stephanie Kneer and Gretchen Rubel, Berlin Elementary School
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 101
This is an opportunity to learn from two experienced second grade teachers about teaching within students' proximal zone of development. The zone of proximal development is a concept in educational psychology that represents the space between what a learner is capable of doing unaided and what a learner can do even with support.
Stephanie Kneer and Gretchen Rubel are part of a four-teacher team at Berlin Elementary School and are experts in differentiation. They rotate their three classes through each classroom to provide a more targeted learning experience. Come discover how to implement differentiation effectively in your own teaching and the incredible benefits of working as a cohesive team.
Thursday, April 10, 11-11:50 a.m.
Day in the Life of a Principal
Presenter: Adam Biggs, Principal of St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delmar
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 100
Join Principal Adam Biggs as he offers valuable insights into his role at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delmar, through an engaging "Day in the Life" format. He’ll share details about his responsibilities, the relationships he builds with staff and students, and his personal educational journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from his experiences and gain a deeper understanding of school leadership!
Friday, April 11, 8-9 a.m.
Eric Carle Make and Take Workshop
Presenter: Jenny Edwards, Senior Education Specialist, Professional Development Program at University at Albany
Location: Higbee Hall, Room 100
Join us for a fun and creative one-hour workshop with Jenny Edwards, where you'll have the opportunity to create your own paper collages inspired by the work of beloved children’s literature author and illustrator, Eric Carle. All materials will be provided, and space is limited to 25 participants. To reserve a spot, email Assistant Professor Ann Plourde at a.plourde@hvcc.edu. We can’t wait to see your creativity come to life!