October 2026

Welcome to October! Spooky season is upon us, but do you know what isn’t scary? Upcoming YoungStar Connect Trainings and Resources!

Upcoming Trainings

Four-Step Approach to Difficult Conversations with Families Presented by Jessica Bowden

  • When: Wednesday, October 21 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
  • Deadline: Register by October 18

    Managing difficult conversations can be challenging. The four-step approach offers strategies for promoting positive interactions with families that are collaborative, supportive, and focus on problem-solving. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these strategies and leave with strengthened communication skills that can be used personally and professionally.

    This session will be presented in English. There will be no Spanish interpretation available.

Quality Conversations: ERS Observation - Meaningful Displays for Children Presented by Nicole Cusimano

  • When: Monday, October 26 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

  • Deadline: Register by October 23

    In our ERS Quality Conversation series, our Observation specialists dive into specific topics in the Environment Rating Scales (ERS). This focused discussion will offer insights into enhancing room displays that support children’s growth and development, aligning with ERS standards. Gain a deeper understanding of how targeted improvements can elevate your program’s overall quality.

    This session will be presented in English. There will be no Spanish interpretation available.

Spanish Sessions! Hablemos del "time-out" Presented by Maria Matrak and Paola Nunez-Garcia

  • When:Multiple dates (November 2 through November 4) from 11:00AM to 1:00PM
  • Deadline: Register by October 20

    A través de la plataforma Zoom, exploraremos las regulaciones sobre los “time-outs” y su impacto en su programa. También abordaremos cómo cumplir con estas normas mientras garantizamos que tanto los niños como los cuidadores cuenten con las herramientas necesarias para tener éxito. Esta sesión combinará capacitación y asesoría grupal para apoyarlo en la implementación de nuevas prácticas de manera efectiva.

    This is presented in Spanish. There will be no English interpretation available.

Want more options? Visit the YoungStar Connect training calendar. If you need training accommodations or have any questions, please email Nicole Cusimano at ncusimano@youngstarconnect.com

Tip of the Month

Caring for and guiding children can bring challenging moments. Adults may experience frustration, stress, uncertainty, or strong emotional reactions while still being responsible for responding safely and appropriately. YoungStar Connect is here to help! We created a toolkit that provides practical resources to help adults build awareness of their own responses, recognize when stress is increasing, regulate during challenging moments, and respond to children with intention. For more information, click HERE.

 

Upcoming Events

A quick reminder that the WECA Conference is tomorrow! YoungStar Connect staff is excited to see you there if you are planning on attending!

This year’s theme is “Connected Through Care: How We Are & Why It Matters.” Join WI-AIMH as they celebrate their 25th anniversary and take some time to talk with YoungStar Connect staff in the exhibitor area!

 If you are interested in learning practical skills, trends and practices from experts, please consider registering! YoungStar Connect staff will be there and are eager to talk with you about how our services support school-age providers

Partner Spotlight

You’re the one in the room when the bite happens at circle time, when the runner bolts at pickup, when the meltdown hits five minutes before nap. Courtesy of CESA 1, this series hands you what actually works. Scan the QR code or click the image for more information!

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