Posted on 03/18/26
Baltimore, MD - Mar. 18, 2026 - At this year’s Jewish Educational Services’ Early Childhood Conference on March 9th, the auditorium buzzed with the sounds of teachers diving into the same sensory activities they usually set up for children. Cornstarch goo, soap shavings, and simple science experiments quickly became lively moments of discovery. It reminded everyone how much learning happens when we explore, experiment, and simply play.
Lisa Murphy, known nationally as the Ooey Gooey® Lady, led the day with her signature energy, humor, and clear, practical explanations. Through hands-on demonstrations, she showed how everyday experiences give children the foundation they need for later academic success. Her research-based approach felt accessible and genuine, and educators responded with enthusiasm and laughter.
Over 260 educators from 13 preschools came together for the day and were eager to share their feedback with enthusiasm. Many described the training as insightful and inspiring. One participant summed it up perfectly, saying, “On a scale of 1 to 10, this was a 20!” Another shared, “I haven’t had that much fun learning in a very long time. Lisa is real, funny, and approachable.” Her reminder to educators to think about what a child will remember from “their only day” in a classroom resonated deeply and became a recurring theme throughout the day.
The feedback spoke for itself. More than 90 percent of participants said they left with ideas they could use right away, whether it was a renewed appreciation for play, inspiration to adjust their teaching, or new strategies to bring back to their classrooms.
When our EC consultants visited programs the next morning, they saw early signs of impact, including fresh sensory stations, open-ended art invitations, and more opportunities for child-led exploration. The ideas were not only understood but already being put into practice.
In addition to this conference, educators can continue building their skills through JES’s ongoing early childhood learning opportunities. Each month, JES hosts virtual sessions such as Preschool Power Hour with Morah Anne, which offers preschool educators a space to discuss real classroom behaviors and explore practical strategies, and Reading Roundtable with Debbie Logue, where K–2 teachers share ideas and learn new ways to make reading interactive, engaging, and accessible for young learners. Both sessions provide opportunities to learn, connect, and bring fresh, research-informed practices back to the classroom.
To schedule training, including MSDE approved training for your early childhood program, contact Faye Friedman at JES for available options and support.
