empowering afterschool professionals, creating opportunities for all

We are excited to support your continued efforts to provide supportive spaces and opportunities for children with special needs, including skills for creating inclusive and supportive afterschool environments.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – subject to change

• 9:30-10:00 – Registration and Breakfast 
• 10:00 – 11:30 – Session 1
• 11:30 – 12:15 – Lunch
• 12:30 – 2:00 – Session 2

REGISTRATION FEE – $50.00/person

REGISTRATION deadline is Friday, April 20, 2026

WORKSHOP SELECTION

Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation email. An additional email will be sent with a link to the Workshop Selection Form to choose your workshops.  Workshop information TBD.

• Empower Every Learner: UDL and Assistive Tech in Action!, Dr. Lauren Tucker – Designed for afterschool employees eager to enhance their skills in supporting diverse learners through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and assistive technology. This interactive workshop will introduce practical, low-tech strategies that can be implemented immediately, ensuring that every student feels included and empowered. Participants will explore the principles of UDL and discover how differentiation can transform learning experiences. Through hands-on activities, staff will explore visual supports, technology, and accommodations tailored to meet individual student needs. Additionally, we will showcase free and low-cost technology tools that can elevate student engagement. Leave with actionable strategies and a toolkit of resources to foster an inclusive, supportive environment for all learners. Let’s work together to make every after-school moment count!
• Kids Included Together:  Small Bites, Phillip A. Collazo, MSEd., CYT – Join us for three engaging, practical, and impactful sessions wrapped up into one 90-minute workshop.  We will focus on empowering and supporting you in your inclusive programming.  Learn how to implement three practical strategies immediately with these small bites: 
  1. More than Meets the Eye:  Supporting Children with Challenging Behaviors – Are you supporting children who exhibit challenging behaviors?  Research indicates that these actions often stem from deeper, underlying needs for support.  Think of it like an iceberg; what we see on the surface is just a small part of a much larger picture beneath.
  2. A 3 Step Approach to De-Escalation – Adults often try to shield children from strong emotions, but research shows it is more effective to guide them through these feelings using self-regulation strategies.  Join us to learn a practical three-step approach to de-escalation.
  3. Beyond the Attitude:  Making Sense of Disrespect – Struggling with children who seem disrespectful?  Defining disrespect can be difficult, as it is often shaped by personal, cultural, and social backgrounds.  These behaviors are challenging, but understanding what they are – and how they differ from others – is a critical first step.

PRESENTERS

• Dr. Lauren Tucker is an Associate Professor of Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University with expertise in accessibility, assistive technology, and artificial intelligence (AI). With an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and a concentration in Assistive Technology, she has extensive experience as an educator, researcher, and consultant. Dr. Tucker’s work emphasizes integrating AI to create inclusive learning environments and professional practices. As a passionate advocate for accessible theater, Dr. Tucker has collaborated with community organizations to design sensory-friendly and inclusive theater experiences.
• Phillip A. Collazo is a Service Delivery Coach with Kids Included Together (KIT). He has over 25 years of experience teaching children and youth of all abilities. He brings a deep understanding of inclusive education to his role. For the past 17 years, he has facilitated professional development workshops for caregivers and educators nationwide and internationally, helping to create more welcoming and supportive learning environments. Phillip began as an Education and Training Specialist at KIT and, in 2025, was named KIT’s Service Delivery Coach. In this role, he leverages his experience and innovative thinking to empower teams to set and achieve professional growth goals, strengthening KIT’s impact across the field.

Request for Presenters can be found here (closed). Please submit your application by March 16th.

SPONSORS

If you would like to sponsor this or any other event, please click here. To access our 2026 Prospectus, click here.

PAYMENTS & DEADLINES

• Registration deadline is Monday, April 20th.
• We accept check/money order, and credit card via the online registration process.
• You may request an invoice upon registration.
• Payment by Check – Make check payable to Connecticut Network for Children and Youth and send payment to Connecticut Network for Children and Youth, PO Box 1409, Hartford, CT 06143.

DELAY, CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

• Due to inclement weather (snow, ice, flooding, etc.) or other emergencies, events may be delayed or canceled.  Participants are responsible to check the CTNCY Facebook Page for delay or cancellation notices.
• Refunds will be granted to registrants who cancel their registration in writing by email to Marla Berrios no later than Friday, April 17th.
• Refunds will not be provided to registrants who neither cancel before Friday, April 17th nor attend the event.  Confirmed registrants who are unable to attend the event may send a substitute in their place at no additional cost.  Substitution information must be received by the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth no less than two business days before start of the event.

QUESTIONS

• For any general conference questions, contact Monica Whalen, Conference Coordinator.
• For any conference registration questions or billing, contact Marla Berrios or via phone at (203) 483-1846.

TERMS OF REGISTRATION

Submission of your conference registration authorizes the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth to publish in any format and use for promotional and educational purposes your name and any photos, videos, and audio recordings taken of you at the conference.  It also authorizes the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth to contact you by mail, phone or email.  Please note the following Media Release.

Consent to Photograph, Film or Videotape Participants for Non-Profit use (e.g. educational, public service, or health awareness purposes)

As a conference participant, I acknowledge and grant permission to the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth to use my image (photographs and/or video) for use in Connecticut Network for Children and Youth publications including videos, email blasts, recruiting brochures, newsletters, and magazines and to use my image in electronic versions of the same publications or on the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth website or other electronic forms of media.

I hereby waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs or electronic matter that may be used in conjunction with them now or in the future, whether that use is known to me or unknown, and I waive any right to royalties or other compensation arising from or related to the use of the image.