HPYC's Educator Newsletter

HPYC partnered with AOK, ECCP, Family Childcare Network Presentations from ECCP and ReachOut (Hamden B-3 provider). Family Educators were able to choose outdoor play equipment to enhance Outdoor Learning as part of the Hamden ARPA grant.

HPYC is excited to announce that The Learning Center has achieved NAEYC Recognition.

Congratulations!

Given the new NAEYC system which started in March 2025, we would encourage you to connect with our ACES team. Programs may apply for free AQIS supports through an application process that will open this summer/Fall. Programs working on their 4th annual report will also need to be ready to renew through the new system.

Social-emotional skills can be categorized into four types: behavior regulation, friendship skills, emotional literacy, and problem-solving skills. Children can learn these social-emotional skills in a variety of ways; through behaviors they see modeled by the adults in their lives, peer relationships, and explicit classroom activities. The use of children’s literature is a particularly effective way to anchor social-emotional learning experiences, because books can serve as a point of reference for children, as characters model coping strategies, creative problem-solving, and the acceptance of differences.

The Technical Assistance Center on Social Emotional Intervention for Young Children (TACSEI) created The Backpack Connection Series to provide a way for teachers and parents/caregivers to work together to help young children develop social emotional skills and reduce challenging behavior. Teachers may choose to send a handout home in each child’s backpack when a new strategy or skill is introduced to the class. Each Backpack Connection handout provides information that helps parents stay informed about what their child is learning at school and specific ideas on how to use the strategy or skill at home. This series was developed in collaboration with Pyramid Plus: The Colorado Center for Social Emotional Competence and Inclusion and Bal Swan Children's Center in Broomfield, Colorado

Learn more about the Pyramid Model, explore new strategies and research, and network with your colleagues from across our neighboring states at the inaugural Northeast Regional Pyramid Model Conference. Carefully selected topics and speakers provide attendees with an in-depth, participatory learning experience. You will have the chance to learn about the unique needs and opportunities across urban and rural communities related to Pyramid Model implementation throughout our region.

This course was developed by the Child Health and Development Institute (CHDI) in collaboration with families and national experts based on current research and best practices. It is intended for anyone who works in or with the child welfare system, including caseworkers, clinical staff members, residential program staff members, and others - no clinical background required.

Through an agreement between the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) and the Connecticut State Community Colleges (CT State), CT State Community Colleges will be offering ongoing CDA Cohorts at a variety of campuses.

ACES is offering a CDA Portfolio Support Group.This 12-week support group is designed to support early childhood educators in creating their CDA portfolio and articulating how they meet the Competency Standards of the CDA process.

Here are some resources you may be interested in:

ECE Pathway Exams Pathways Early Childhood Education Exams | Charter Oak State College

CT Community College CT State Expands Free College Tuition Program - CT State

CT Student Loan Reimbursement SLRPInformation2025.pdf