We’re thrilled to celebrate NJ Early Intervention Week 2025! This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Joining Hands to Empower Every Family,” reminds us that early intervention is a community effort, and every connection we make matters.
We invite families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals to join us for a series of FREE virtual and in-person events designed to support and empower everyone involved in a young child’s life. Registration is required — Zoom links will be sent to those who register!
Here’s the full schedule:
Monday, May 19 at 11:00 AM - Virtual - Click Here to Register
From Meltdowns to Moments of Connection: Understanding Routines & Challenging Behaviors in Young Children (Birth–3)
Presenter, Yola Sosa-Ortiz is the Assistant Director of Early Relational Health at the Center of Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health and International consultant for Pyramid Model Consortium.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Recognize how predictable routines support emotional regulation and reduce challenging behaviors in infants and toddlers.
- Identify common triggers and unmet needs behind challenging behaviors in the Birth–3 population.
- Explore simple, practical strategies to create responsive routines at home and in care settings.
- Strengthen collaborative approaches between families, caregivers, and early interventionists to support young children’s social-emotional development.
Monday, May 19 at 10:30AM - In-Person - Click Here to Register
Sensory Play & Story Time: Sensory Bins, Music & More
101 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ
Registration Required! Join us for a fun, interactive session featuring story time, music and movement, and hands-on sensory play—all led by Toni Marie Mullin, OTR/L, a certified pediatric occupational therapist with over 15 years of experience. This FREE event is designed for families currently receiving Early Intervention services and offers an inclusive environment where every child can explore, learn, and grow through play. Let’s celebrate your child’s journey, connect with other families, and enjoy meaningful moments together!
Tuesday, May 20 at 4:30 PM - Virtual - Click Here to Register
Everyday Tips for Talking to Your Child – Including Signs!
Presenter, Kayley Mayer, is the Program Coordinator and Teacher of the Deaf P-3 Early Childhood & K-5 Elementary Education Deaf Education: Signed Communication and Oral/Aural Communication.
This presentation will give parents and caregivers activities and ideas they can use right away to help foster language development through daily routines. Participants will also learn core sign language vocabulary that can be used alongside the suggested activities. Gain insight into baby signs and methods of support for your children!
Wednesday, May 21 at 6:00 PM - Virtual - Click Here to Register
Sensory Emotional Engagement: The Power of Play
Presenter Michele Parkins is an Occupational Therapist specializing in Sensory Processing and Integration Disorder and social-emotional development in children. Michele is the founder of the Sensory Emotional Engagement Mode.
This presentation will give parents and caregivers insights on how play enhances sensory processing, emotional regulation, and child development.
Wednesday, May 21 at 10:30 AM - In Person - Click Here to Register
Music Together: A Joyful Interactive Music Class Supporting Early Childhood Development
26 Stangl Road, Flemington, NJ
Sing, dance and bond with your little one in a joyful, interactive music class that supports childhood development through rhythm and play! Registration required!
Thursday, May 22 at 1:00 PM & 3:00PM - Virtual - Click Here to Register / Registrese Aqui
Positive Strategies for Toilet Training
- 1:00 PM (in English)
- 3:00 PM (in Español)
Come join us as we discuss positive strategies and helpful resources for supporting your child as they start to learn the skills needed to use the toilet independently
Learning outcomes:
- Identify when your child is developmentally ready for toilet training
- Review positive parenting strategies to use when toilet training your child
- Explore helpful resources for supporting your child to learn toileting skills
Acompáñenos mientras hablamos sobre estrategias positivas y recursos útiles para apoyar a su hijo(a) en el proceso de aprender las habilidades necesarias para usar el baño de manera independiente.
Resultados del aprendizaje:
- Identificar cuándo su hijo(a) está preparado/a, desde el punto de vista del desarrollo, para comenzar el entrenamiento para ir al baño.
- Revisar estrategias de crianza positiva que puede usar durante el entrenamiento.
- Explorar recursos útiles para apoyar a su hijo(a) en el aprendizaje de las habilidades para ir al baño.
Friday, May 23 at 10:30 AM - In-Person - Click Here to Register
We Rock the Spectrum: Play Day at We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym
1642 Stelton Road, Suite 403, Piscataway, NJ
Come join us for a fun, sensory-safe play experience designed for children of all abilities! This event is open to families currently receiving, or have received, Early Intervention services and offers a welcoming environment for social, motor, and sensory exploration. Let’s connect, celebrate, and create joyful moments together in a space built for every child to thrive! Registration Required.
Each event is designed to be practical, encouraging, and packed with tips you can use right away!
Let’s celebrate Early Intervention Week by learning and growing together.
