Niagara University’s Levesque Institute for Civic Engagement is hosting the 2025 Early Childhood Summit on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Russell J. Salvatore Dining Commons on campus. Educators and community organizations working in early childhood settings are invited to participate. This event will foster collaboration, personal growth, and early childhood best practices and is generously funded by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation.
Anthony Toombs Sr., founder of The Life is Good Playmaker Project, will deliver the morning keynote address, “The Power of a Playful Mindset.” Using storytelling and science, Toombs will share why play is the most powerful tool to tackle the growing mental health crisis.
The afternoon’s keynote address will be delivered by Sheri Scavone, CEO of the WNY Women’s Foundation, who will present “Collective Action for Early Childhood: What the Data Tells Us and What We Can Do About It.”
The day also features a number of workshops during two breakout sessions. Topics include:
- The Pyramid Model – Gimme Five: The Big Five Practices to Prevent Challenging Behaviors
- Developmental Milestones/Components of Pre-school and Special Education Evaluation
- Cultivating Joy, Connection, and Communication Through Play
- Partners in Learning: Empowering Teachers to Engage Parents
- Building Strong Foundations: The Science of Reading in Early Childhood
- Chew and Chat: Conversations During Mealtimes
- Beyond the Page: Critical Thinking and Social Justice in Picturebooks
- Supporting Neurodivergent Students with Self-Regulation & Classroom Strategies
The summit is free for registered participants only and refreshments are included. Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE), NYS Office of Family Services (OCFS), and Core Body of Knowledge (CBK) certificates are available.
For more information to register or contact Lisa McCue, 716.286.8567.
