Ocean County ECE

Event ID: 151372 – Sunny Steps: Summer Gross Motor Strategies
June 16, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
This training highlights the importance of quality gross motor
activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children
during the summer months. Aligned with ITERS-3 and
ECERS-3, participants will explore best practices for
supervision, skill development, and intentional planning. The
session will focus on creating engaging, developmentally
appropriate activities that encourage movement, build
confidence, and ensure safe, active play all summer long.

Do you work with families? Do you have children of your own? Please share this amazing series with families you work with and/or consider joining yourself! This is a great series, and it is based on the Pyramid Model for supporting social emotional competence in children! If you have any questions, or would like more information, please reach out to Teri Torquato at [email protected]

📣Attention Ocean County Families!!!📣
Join us for a Books, Balls, and Blocks event on Thursday, May 7th! Children birth to five years old will receive FREE developmental screenings!

From Words to Wonder: Teacher-Child Interactions Wednesday 4/15/26 1:00-2:00 pm Event ID: 151369
Learn how to create high-quality, positive interactions with children birth to five that support social, emotional, and
cognitive development. This training, aligned with ITERS and ECERS standards, covers responsive and respectful communication, playful engagement, open-ended questions, nonverbal cues, and “serve and return” strategies to build strong teacher-child connections.

Bedtime "Bugs" & Buds
As the sun stays out a little longer, wind down with stories that celebrate the season's awakening.
The Activity: Flashlight Reading. Grab a cozy blanket and head to a "secret garden" (a tent made of sheets!) with a flashlight. Read spring classics like:
• The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
• Planting a Rainbow (Lois Ehlert)
• Waiting for Wings (Lois Ehlert)
Ask your child: "If you were a tiny seed sleeping in the dirt, what kind of flower would you want to wake up as?" 🌸

Stronger Roots, Brighter Blooms 🌳
In nature, the strongest flowers have the deepest roots. The same goes for your childcare business!
Our Business Bootcamp and Joint Purchasing ventures are designed to strengthen your center’s financial roots. By pooling our resources across Ocean County, we help you lower costs on supplies and improve your bottom line. More savings for you means more resources for your students.
Ready to strengthen your roots? Join the Alliance today.

ECERS tip of the week!

Strengthening Families Part 2 - Knowledge of Parenting & Child Development & Social Emotional Competence of Children Thursday 3/26/26 7:00-9:30 pm Event ID: 151070
Part 2 focuses on building knowledge of parenting and child development, as well as the social and emotional competence of children. Participants will deepen their understanding of how
this knowledge can help parents build confidence and support their children’s development. The course will also explore how culture influences parenting styles, identify strategies to
strengthen parenting knowledge, and provide tools to promote children’s social and emotional growth. Through practical resources and everyday actions, participants will gain the skills
needed to enhance family dynamics, foster emotional resilience, and support both parent and child development.

A Fresh Start for Your Staffing 🦋
Is your staffing plan stuck in winter dormancy? ❄️➡️🌱 Spring is the perfect time to refresh your team and find the support you've been looking for.
OCSSA members gain access to our exclusive Substitute Pool and specialized recruiting processes. Don’t let staffing shortages wilt your program’s potential. We help you find the right educators to help your classrooms thrive!