Young professionals enrolled in Ulster BOCES Career & Technical Center programs recently gained hands-on experience in community leadership by supporting the fifth annual Mid-Hudson Valley Leadership Day (MHVLD). The day-long gathering exemplified the commitment of Ulster BOCES to collaborate and forge connections with local business partners in the community, thereby acting as an engine of economic development in the workforce. 

This year's Leadership Day focused on equipping caregivers with strategies to prevent burnout and maintain emotionally supportive environments. The event, which was held on November 8 at the Mountain View Mexican Restaurant in Ulster Park, was co-hosted by Family of Woodstock, Inc. and Ulster BOCES. 

Ulster BOCES young professionals, including ones from the Early Childhood/New Visions program, played a central role in the event's success. From welcoming guests to introducing the keynote speaker, creating unique centerpieces, to providing live ukulele music, they gained invaluable hands-on experience and real-world skills.

Keynote speaker Jeff A. Johnson, an early childhood expert and founder of playvolutionhq.com (a website focusing on early learning), led a session titled Embracing Play, which highlighted the profound impact of child-led play on cognitive, social, and emotional development. He spoke of the necessity for caregivers to prioritize their own well-being. “There are different ways to burn out,” he noted. “One is slow, like letting the air out of a balloon, and the other is fast, where the balloon just pops. If you’re running on empty, it’s impossible to create the nurturing spaces children need to thrive.”

Ava Miller, a young professional from the Saugerties Central School District who is enrolled in the Ulster BOCES Early Childhood/Educational Studies program, reflected on the keynote address: “It really hit me how important it is to take care of ourselves if we want to take good care of the kids we teach,” she said. “Knowing that how we feel can actually shape the kind of space we create for little ones was eye-opening.”

Michelle Friedel, an instructor in the Ulster BOCES New Visions/Early Education program, elaborated on the significance of self-care in early childhood education. “When caregivers are stressed or burnt out, it’s difficult to provide the nurturing spaces that young learners need to thrive,” she asserted. 

Young professionals from the Ulster BOCES Transitional Occupation Programs (known as TOP A and TOP C) as well as the Early Childhood/Educational Studies, Pre-University/New Visions Education, Criminal Justice, and Music Production programs contributed to the event’s logistics, creating a welcoming atmosphere and showcasing their skills. Students from the Criminal Justice program greeted attendees, while those in Music Production set a calming tone by playing live ukulele music during breaks. The TOP A young professionals delighted guests with homemade brownies and cookies, beautifully boxed as favors. Adding a personal touch to the event, TOP C young professionals expertly packaged the baked goods for attendees to take home.

Young professionals from the Early Childhood/New Visions program crafted unique cornucopia centerpieces. These creative pieces featured both scented and unscented Play-Doh, as well as sensory-rich materials like rain sticks, glitter tubes, and slime—inviting attendees to explore tactile experiences aligned with the day's focus on the power of play.

The event also honored Ian and Janet Winter of the Maple Ridge Community for their unwavering commitment to children, families, and the early childhood profession. As founding committee members of MHVLD, the Winters have long championed the mission of supporting caregivers and fostering connections among early childhood professionals. “Their dedication to uplifting both the field and each other is the spirit behind this event,” Friedel said.

Kerry Wolfeil, team leader of Child Care Services at Family of Woodstock, Inc., underscored the value of the event. “Mid-Hudson Valley Leadership Day is dedicated to helping educators and caregivers create environments where play can flourish,” Wolfeil said. “But just as importantly, it focuses on the well-being of those who guide our children. 

When we care for ourselves, we are better equipped to care for others.”

As the event came to a close, participants expressed a collective sense of enthusiasm for the future. “There’s a renewed commitment among our attendees to prioritize both their own self-care and the growth of their educational communities,” said Friedel. “The connections and insights shared today have set the stage for continued collaboration.”

In addition to professional learning, attendees enjoyed breakfast and lunch, access to resources, and time to network with peers, ensuring they left with practical knowledge and valuable connections.