Topics, Dates, Times, Description, and Presenters 

September 8, 2026  7:00-7:30 

Creative Curriculum Overview & Keys to Your Child’s Success

Presented by Allyson LaReau & Michelle Tucker, Preschool Instructional Coaches

• Learn about the different components of the Creative Curriculum, including ways to extend learning at home
• Explore the connection between student attendance and student success
• Gain an understanding of your child’s report card and GOLD assessment

October 21, 2026 7:00-7:30 

Establishing Routines & Limiting Screen Time

Presented by Daniella Jernick, Preschool Social Worker

• Learn how predictable daily routines support children's behavior, confidence, and school readiness.
• Discover practical strategies for fostering independence through everyday activities at home.
• Understand how to set age-appropriate limits on screen time while encouraging meaningful play and family interaction.

November 12, 2026 7:00-7:30 

Growing Happy, Resilient Children 

Presented by Daniella Jernick, Preschool Social Worker

• Learn how young children develop emotional regulation and why it is essential for school success.
• Explore strategies to help children identify, express, and manage their emotions in healthy ways.
• Discover practical techniques for supporting positive behavior, resilience, and problem-solving at home.
• Gain tools to strengthen your child's confidence, self-regulation, and relationships with others.
• Leave with everyday strategies to create a calm, supportive home environment that promotes emotional well-being.

December 8, 2026 7:00-7:30 

Big Feelings, Positive Guidance: Responding to Challenging Behaviors with Confidence

Presented by Daniella Jernick, Preschool Social Worker & Shannon O’Grady, Preschool Intervention & Referral Specialist 

• Learn why challenging behaviors happen and what children may be communicating through their actions.
• Discover positive guidance strategies that teach appropriate behaviors while building strong relationships.
• Explore ways to prevent challenging behaviors through routines, expectations, and positive reinforcement.
• Gain practical tools to respond calmly and consistently to tantrums, aggression, and other common preschool behaviors.
• Leave with strategies to help children build self-regulation, problem-solving, and social-emotional skills at home.

January 14, 2027  7:00-7:30 

Healthy Habits

Nicole Pacchini, School Nurse 

• Learn healthy habits that support children's growth, learning, and overall well-being.
• Explore the importance of nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and good hygiene in early childhood.
• Gain strategies for preventing the spread of illness and knowing when to keep children home from school.
• Understand how to establish healthy routines that promote lifelong wellness.

February 18, 2027 7:00-7:30 

Play with Purpose: How Preschoolers Learn Everyday

Presented by Allyson LaReau & Michelle Tucker, Preschool Instructional Coaches

• Learn how intentional teaching helps children develop skills through meaningful play and everyday experiences.
• Explore the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and how they guide classroom instruction across all areas of development.
• Discover how teachers use children's interests, observations, and assessments to plan engaging learning experiences.
• Understand how play builds early literacy, math, science, social-emotional, and problem-solving skills.
• Gain simple ideas for extending learning at home through everyday routines and play.

March 3, 2026 7:00-7:30 

Read, Play, Grow: Building Literacy Through Play

Presented by Allyson LaReau & Michelle Tucker, Preschool Instructional Coaches

• Learn how everyday play builds the foundation for reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Discover simple, engaging activities that promote early literacy at home through books, songs, games, and conversations.
• Explore how preschool classrooms develop literacy skills through purposeful play and meaningful interactions.
• Understand the importance of oral language, vocabulary, phonological awareness, and print awareness in preparing children to become successful readers.

April 20, 2027 7:00-7:30

Building Adaptive Skills for Success

Presented by District Preschool Speech & Occupational Therapists 

• Learn how speech, language, fine motor, sensory, and self-help skills support children's success at home and in school.
• Discover practical strategies to strengthen communication, independence, and participation through everyday routines and play.
• Explore activities that build fine motor skills needed for dressing, eating, drawing, writing, and classroom participation.
• Gain simple techniques to encourage language development, following directions, and social communication.

May 19, 2027 7:00-7:30

Kindergarten Readiness

Presented by Allyson LaReau & Michelle Tucker, Preschool Instructional Coaches

• Understand what kindergarten readiness means academically, socially, and emotionally, and how to ease first-day worries.
• Get practical tips to build your child’s independence, confidence, and ability to follow directions, take turns, and work with others.
• Explore fun, simple activities that support early literacy, math, and motor skill development at home.
• Learn about daily kindergarten routines and take home tools to support a smooth and successful transition to school.

June 4, 2027  7:00-8:00 P.M.

Preschool Readiness

Presented by April Vitiello, Director of Early Childhood & Daniella DaCunha, Supervisor of Early Childhood

• Understand why starting preschool is a big milestone for both you and your child
• Discover tips to make the preschool transition smoother and less stressful
• Get an introduction to the Raising Raiders Preschool Program and what it offers