ACES PDSI

09/04/2026

Congratulations to our latest cohort of educators who completed training to advance their careers in the early childhood field! Through a grant from CERCLE, ACES PDSI offered this intensive six month training program for New Haven childcare program staff to obtain their CDA credential, a foundational step toward becoming qualified educators of young children. We are looking forward to seeing them continue to grow as educators and professionals!

09/03/2026

What does it look like when students are doing the mathematical thinking? How do our instructional decisions shape what students think, say, and do?

Lisa Seales and Dr. Jessica White of ACES PDSI recently examined these questions with educators from the CT Technical Education and Career System (CTECS). Educators took on the role of learners, working through mathematical tasks and examining instructional practices that support student reasoning, decision-making, collaboration, and productive struggle.

Check out how PDSI can support educators at acespdsi.org.

08/28/2026

On August 26th, PDSI staff attended the CT Early Childhood Cabinet meeting in Hartford to highlight the work of ACES and the RESC Alliance in supporting early childhood Local Governance Partners (LGPs). Professional learning specialists Kim Cellini and Mary Stone presented on the local needs assessment and community plan processes for LGPs in the ACES region. They were joined virtually by Marissa Velazquez and the East Haven LGP team, who spoke of using data to create a coordinated system of support to connect families to resources and services. In addition to supporting community and family engagement, ACES also acts as a fiduciary, provides professional learning, and monitors programs for quality and compliance for multiple LGPs in the ACES region.

Catch the full meeting: https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=26804

08/27/2026

📚 A strong start to the new school year at Ansonia Middle School! This week, ACES PDSI professional learning specialists Lisa Seales and Stacey Simpson welcomed AMS educators back for a day of professional learning focused on restorative practices and executive functioning.

Together, teachers explored how students, educators, families, and support staff may hold different pieces of the same story. They practiced separating observable facts from interpretations, approaching challenging behavior with curiosity, and maintaining accountability while seeking greater understanding.

We celebrate the thoughtfulness, collaboration, and dedication that AMS teachers brought to this important work.! 🎉

08/20/2026

Last night, ACES held its first provider meeting for family child care programs as part of the West Haven Early Childhood Collaborative (WHECC), the Local Governance Partner for the West Haven community. ACES serves as fiduciary and coordinator of the WHECC. We are excited to work alongside these dedicated educators!

08/15/2026

What does it look like when educators experience math as learners while also strengthening their ability to facilitate meaningful mathematical thinking? That was at the core of this week’s ACES Math Institute!

Over four days, ACES educators deepened their mathematical content knowledge, explored K–12 learning progressions, examined student thinking and misconceptions, unpacked Illustrative Mathematics lessons and assessments, and practiced making intentional instructional decisions that support reasoning, engagement, and access for all learners.

08/06/2026

Check it out! Today, professional learning specialists Kim Cellini and Michelle Dellacamera appeared on NBC CT Live to discuss ACES PDSI's support of early childhood programs and play-based learning!

For more information, go to ACESPDSI.org.

08/04/2026

NEW DATE! REGISTER NOW! FREE AI Design Lab for District Innovation - Sept 24, 2026, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Details at acespdsi.org/workshops-events

Join the ACES Center for AI for a free half-day AI Design Lab designed for district teams interested in exploring how AI can help address real challenges in schools and systems. Participants will identify district pain points, see examples of how AI-supported tools and platforms can be imagined and rapidly prototyped, and brainstorm possibilities for improving teaching, learning, operations, communication, and workflow. the ACES Center for AI for a free half-day AI Design Lab designed for district teams interested in exploring how AI can help address real challenges in schools and systems. Participants will identify district pain points, see examples of how AI-supported tools and platforms can be imagined and rapidly prototyped, and brainstorm possibilities for improving teaching, learning, operations, communication, and workflow. #

08/04/2026

NEW DATE! REGISTER NOW! Leading AI Implementation: Readiness, Culture, and Strategy - Sept 15, 2026, 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Details at acespdsi.org/workshops-events

Effective AI integration requires more than selecting tools or building enthusiasm, it demands readiness, alignment, and a clear, strategic approach. This workshop supports district and school leaders in examining the cultural, structural, and professional learning conditions necessary for responsible and coherent AI implementation.

07/10/2026

CALL FOR PROPOSALS -DEADLINE EXTENDED TO AUGUST 7, 2026! Submit your proposal at https://bit.ly/2026acesaiRFP.

We have extended our deadline for proposals for the 2026 ACES AI Conference: Designing Human-Centered Learning in an AI Era. We are seeking engaging, thought-provoking, and practical sessions that help educators and leaders navigate the opportunities and challenges of an AI-enabled future. Sessions are 60 minutes and must be aligned to the conference theme, strands, audience needs, and desired conference experience. Proposals are due by August 7, 2026. Acceptance of proposals will be communicated by August 14, 2026.