More than 300 early childhood educators packed Shanker Hall for the UFT’s 17th annual Early Childhood Conference. Attendees took inspiration from social and emotional learning expert Leslee Udwin, the event’s keynote speaker, and enjoyed a day of camaraderie with colleagues, a vendor fair, workshops for professional development and a grab-and-go lunch.

Keynote speaker Eric Litwin, the original author of the “Pete the Cat” series, told stories and sang songs as he encouraged the 400 members who attended the UFT’s 16th annual Early Childhood Conference at UFT headquarters to put their whole selves into reading and acting out books for young readers. Members attended hands-on workshops about creating literacy activities, activities for English language learners, fun math games and more.