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Thursday, March 20
 

8:00am CDT

Voices of Early Childhood Educators: Conversations About Change in the U.S. South; Meet the Authors and Hear About SECA’s New Book. LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends I
Join us for a celebration of voices, stories, and impactful change! The session will officially launch the edited book about SECA, titled Voices of Early Childhood Educators: Conversations About Change in the U.S. South—a book five years in the making! It is packed with SECA histories, and inspiring insights and real-world experiences from ECE educators across the South. In this special “Meet the Author” panel, you’ll get to dive into the rich stories of how early childhood educators are shaping the future in unique and powerful ways. Our authors will share the behind-the-scenes of their chapters, touching on the challenges and triumphs of working in the South and the incredible resilience and creativity of the ECE community. Don’t miss the chance to grab a copy of the book on-site and get it signed by the authors, all while connecting with fellow ECE advocates who are driving change in classrooms and communities across the South. Let’s kick off this exciting chapter together!
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends I

8:00am CDT

Be the 1 that Makes a Difference! LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends V
Leadership begins with the participant being the ONE to be a positive leader presented through their actions.The letters a-c-t-I-o-n will be used to assign leadership words to motivate the participant to be a better leader.
Speakers
avatar for Judy Prine

Judy Prine

retired, SECA
Dr. Judy Prine is a Compliance Inspector 1 for the Mississippi State Department of Health, where she trains directors, director designees, and caregivers concerning the Regulations Governing the Licensure of Child Care Facilities. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends V
  Administration

8:00am CDT

Supporting Language and Brain Development in Early Childhood LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends VII
Babies are learning language from the moment they are born. As we learn more about how the brain develops, we have learned the importance of talking with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Current research practices for supporting early language and literacy place a specific focus on the connections between language and brain development. Dr. Patricia Kuhl from the University of Washington has conducted extensive research on early language and brain development. Her work has played a vital role in how we understand the effects of exposure to language at an early age supports the structure of the brain during the most pivotal developmental stage. Research from Dr. David Dickinson at Vanderbilt University explores specific ways adults can support language in young children through responsive interactions. 85% of brain development takes place during the first three years of a child’s life. The connections between oral language and literacy development show a supportive relationships to executive function skills, vocabulary acquisition, and home language and the impact of these on all future learning. By exploring specific techniques for talking and increasing conversational turns to support language development through child-directed speech, narrative talk, reading books, using home language, and storytelling activities adults working with children can support families in providing opportunities to increase the quality and quantity of spoken language through everyday practices. We will explore initiatives and programs that provide ways for practitioners, childcare workers, and families to gain access to resources to support practical strategies for increasing language and supporting brain development.
Speakers
avatar for Beth Haynes

Beth Haynes

Doctoral Student, University of Alabama at Birmingham
I am a doctoral student in Early Childhood Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. My past work experiences include administrator in weekday and children's ministries, teacher in public 4K- 1st grade classroom for 10 years, and coordinator for a non-profit early literacy... Read More →
BH
SECA Presesntation Handout pdf
12 Ways to Support Language Development in Infants and Toddlers pdf
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends VII
  Age Level, Infant/Toddler, Preschool

8:00am CDT

Using Play Intentionally to Build Social Skills and Prevent Challenging Behaviors LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends VI
We know children learn best through play, but how do we facilitate play intentionally to prevent challenging behavior? In this session, we look at evidence-based play methods that are actionable and easy to implement. Simple strategies to build trust, engineer empathy skills, facilitate negotiation, and engage in sensory play with children displaying challenging behaviors will be shared. Join us and share some of your own strengths and struggles over play-based learning.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Freedman

Rebecca Freedman

Co-Founder, FirstDay Learning
Rebecca Freedman is an experienced educator and consultant.  As Sr. Vice President of Professional Development at FirstDay Learning, Ms. Freedman oversees all content development designed to support educators and families in evidenced based mental health and Applied Behavior Analysis... Read More →
FP
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends VI
  Age Level, Preschool

8:00am CDT

Working with Families of Preschool Children with Special Needs LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends III
Young preschool children with special needs have limited capacity to communicate and connect to the real world. The surrounding adults play a critical role in the development of these preschoolers. However, there have been so many challenges nowadays due to the varied family structures and limited resources available for these family members after pandemic. There were very limited resources nor publications about practical partnership among family members, preschool teachers, and a higher Ed institution for the preschool children with special needs. This two-year Trilateral Approach provides a real opportunity to make the ideal evidence-based practices which happen in the real life of young preschool children in Eastern Kentucky.
This presentation will focus on sharing the firsthand activities that Families of preschool children with special needs from Eastern KY region went through and the effects of collaborated works among families, preschool teachers and the higher education institution for the development of preschool children with special needs along with its chain consequences on the development of siblings through family play activity time.
Speakers
NK

Nancy Kidd

Project Assistant, Morehead State University
MN

Miranda Newland

Project Assistant, Morehead State University
MS

Mee-Ryoung Shon

Professor of Education, Morehead State University
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends III
  Age Level, Preschool, Special Needs |   DEIB, Preschool, Special Needs

8:00am CDT

Making Marks and Spinning Stories: Sparking Creativity in Emergent Writers LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends II
Talk and telling stories has an essential place at the core of writing. Through talk, children unfold their thinking and develop the confidence to take risks in their writing. This session explores several ways teachers can capitalize on children’s oral language development while supporting their emergent writing skills. Attendees will participate in simulations of versatile techniques and routines that guide children’s use of writing utensils and storytelling. Additionally, attendees will make and take home their own sets of storytelling materials. This interactive session will equip attendees with practical, creative, and developmentally appropriate techniques and materials to nurture writing in their students.
Thursday March 20, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends II
  Child Development, Cognitive

9:00am CDT

2025 SECA Leadership Summit LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Legends I
The SECA Leadership Summit (additional registration fee) is a one-day event held on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Educators from across the country will visit various off-site early childhood centers and end with an afternoon discussion. Please note that this event is partially off-site meaning you will not be able to attend any workshop sessions from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm during the SECA conference.  Leadership Summit will begin with tours that will leave at 9:00 am and conclude around 1:00 pm.  Participants will meet in the hotel lobby. Upon returning to the conference site, participants will conclude the day with an afternoon tea and table discussions about effective leadership with an amazing group of SECA FOSSILS.  Space is limited, so please register early.
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:00am - 3:00pm CDT
Legends I
  Leadership

9:15am CDT

Using Core Competencies to Support Planning Time & High Quality Environments
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends V
This presentation addresses an important, yet overlooked, topic - planning time. The session will present data from ECE teachers and directors about planning time, curriculum, and working environments that connect with state and national administrative core competencies. Presenters will provide a snapshot of the field regarding planning time practices related to curricula and supportive work environments while addressing the practical barriers that administrators face. We will assist in applying this information and take a practical approach so administrators can construct individual plans for how they will support their staff through planning time and environmental best practices. Get ready to share perspectives with other administrators as we create our next step blueprints pulling from the collective expertise of everyone in the session. This presentation represents the diverse experiences of EC professionals by elevating the voices of teachers and directors at a variety of program types and draws on recent literature on teacher well-being. The presentation will provide applicable and relevant information to assist directors in meeting professional core competencies that are feasible and support their staff.
Speakers
AB
EH

Erin Hamel

Assistant Professor, University of Georgia
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends V
  Admin

9:15am CDT

Exploring Art Appreciation for Toddlers LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends III
This session will start with a welcome and ice breaker activity, using types of art works to create table groups (Brown Bear, Brown Bear-connection)
The group will reflect on their personal experiences with art and exposure to art works. Time for sharing in small groups and a few whole group comments will help to establish commonality and possible new insights.
The objectives will be reviewed to help participants gauge if the content is what they expected. there will be post-it notes on tables for participants to write down questions for discussion at the end of the presentation. I will review the agenda for the session.
Teaching Points- What the typical toddler art experiences looks like (input form participants)
Common definition of "art" for our purpose today- It is not crafts or "make -it like this one."
PowerPoint examples of types of art works, how and where they can be integrated into the environment and some routines.
Exploration- time for participants to review samples of art and think about how they might appeal to children, where and how they can be made accessible.
Application- some examples and then time for participants to revisit the exploration samples and identify potential learning goals.
Implementation- make a plan for how you can start! Include type of art, materials you will need, how you will introduce it, where it will "live" in your room, and a timeline. Share ideas and hopefully have time for those questions.
Speakers
avatar for Natalie Jackson

Natalie Jackson

Program Director, Early Head Start
SECA 2025 ART WALK pptx
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends III
  Age level, Infant/Toddler, Art |   Curriculum, Infant/Toddler, Art

9:15am CDT

Sensory Processing 101 for Early Childhood Educators: Recognizing Signs and Creating Supportive Environments LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends VII
This interactive session equips early childhood educators with the foundational knowledge of sensory processing in young children. Led by an occupational therapist with 27 years experience in pediatric field, the session explores how children experience the world through their senses. Participants will gain a practical understanding of sensory processing challenges and discover how to recognize signs in their classrooms.

Through engaging activities and real-life examples, educators will learn simple strategies to create supportive environments that cater to diverse sensory needs. The session will cover topics such as:

*The sensory system and its impact on learning
*Identifying signs of sensory over- and under-stimulation
*Adapting the classroom environment to promote sensory regulation
*Easy-to-implement activities that cater to different sensory preferences

By the end of this session, educators will feel empowered to create classrooms where all children can thrive and learn comfortably.
Speakers
VM

Vickie Maertz

Occupational Therapist, PALS
Vickie Maertz holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and has worked with children for the past 32 years. She is a Level 3 trainer with TCPEDS. Vickie likes to find creative and interactive ways to teach not only the updates to minimum standards but also about special needs children... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends VII
  Age Level, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Art, Play |   Curriculum, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Art, Play |   Admin, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Art, Play

9:15am CDT

Open Ended Play Explorations LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends VI
This training session focuses on the critical role of open-ended play in early childhood development and the importance of intentionally designing play spaces to support this type of exploration. Participants will learn how open-ended play fosters creativity, problem-solving, and social-emotional growth in children. The session will provide practical guidance on setting up play environments that are developmentally appropriate, flexible, and conducive to self-directed learning. Educators will also explore strategies for observing and facilitating play without interrupting its natural flow. By the end of the training, participants will be equipped with the tools and insights needed to create intentional, supportive environments that encourage children to explore, imagine, and learn through play.
Speakers
MB
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends VI
  Curriculum, Play

9:15am CDT

"Penning Playfully: Sparking Literacy in Preschoolers Through Shared and Interactive Writing!" LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends II
Research indicates that writing in early childhood offers numerous developmental and educational advantages. Early educators are crucial in fostering emerging literacy among young children by providing regular chances for them to engage in writing activities. Through consistent opportunities to write, children improve fine motor skills, develop alphabet knowledge, enhance phonemic awareness, and acquire a variety of other skills. During this interactive session, we will trace the journey of Isabella, a pre-kindergarten student, over the course of a school year, examining samples of her writings and exploring how current HCS leadership team teachers, guide and support students' exploration of writing. Join us to learn supporting brain research and many developmentally appropriate activities to foster growth in your classroom.
Speakers
avatar for Cristy Dothard

Cristy Dothard

School Readiness Specialist, Huntsville City Schools Pre-K
AECA - Alabama Early Childhood Association President
avatar for Contessa McCloud

Contessa McCloud

School Readiness Pre-K Specialist, Huntsville City Schools Pre-K
With over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, I have worked as an infant, toddler, preschool, and pre-kindergarten teacher, as well as a child care consultant. Currently, I serve as a School Readiness Pre-K Specialist. I hold a bachelor's degree in child development... Read More →
avatar for Amy Harbour

Amy Harbour

Teacher, Huntsville City Schools
I have been a classroom teacher for almost 20 years and am so thankful I get to spend my days with some of the best little people!  I have been married to my husband, John, since 1998.  We have two children, Allie and Jake.  My favorite things to do outside of school is spending... Read More →
FREEAlphabetandLetterSoundsPostersPhonicsAnchorCharts 1 pdf
shared writing presentation and resources docx
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends II
  Curriculum, Literacy |   Child Development, Literacy

9:15am CDT

Inclusive Practices for General Education Classrooms LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends I
Do you have little learners who exhibit challenging behaviors? Using hands-on, interactive techniques, we will explore tools and materials to use in the classroom with children who need additional support. We will investigate tips, techniques, and materials to reach ALL children compassionately.
Speakers
avatar for Cindy Galloway

Cindy Galloway

4K Coach, First Steps
After years in public school kindergarten and higher education, I am currently a 4K Coach in SC. I am a long-time member and presenter for SECA and SCECA.
avatar for Amanda Bailey

Amanda Bailey

4K Coach, South Carolina First Steps
I am currently a First Steps 4K Coach after years of teaching Head Start, early intervention, and in a self-contained, cross categorical special needs preschool classroom in the public school system.
Thursday March 20, 2025 9:15am - 11:15am CDT
Legends I
  DEIB, Special Needs |   Admin, Special Needs

11:30am CDT

The Five Pillars of Purpose-Driven Profit LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends I
Building value as a childcare business owner — for yourself and the children and families you serve — hinges on running a profitable school. As an owner, you must be financially healthy and thriving to provide excellent care and education. So, how can you ensure that you continue to deliver on your mission while building your bottom line?

Join Kathy Ligon, the early education industry’s go-to expert for financial know-how and business growth, to discover the five key components for financial health. Based on more than 30 years of analyzing successful early education organizations' financial practices, this session will break down what the average ?nancially healthy school looks like in numbers and how your company can mimic that success.
Speakers
avatar for Kathy Ligon

Kathy Ligon

CEO, HINGE Advisors
My mission in the ECE space is to support business owners in becoming as financially healthy as possible toward the purpose of supporting children, teachers, and families. We help owners exit their business and real estate when they are ready with a confidential, competitive process... Read More →
01 HINGE 2025 The Five Pillars of Purpose Driven Profit pdf
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends I
  Admin, Financial health

11:30am CDT

Educating Secondary Students to Fill the Child Care Educator Pipeline LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends V
Join us as we share our attempts at minimizing the child care staffing crisis in our state, through two initiatives that are training high school students in early childhood education best practices. The University of Arkansas Fort Smith Early Childhood Education Program, in collaboration with the Arkansas Early Childhood Association, has piloted two models for offering college credit and early childhood credentials to secondary learners. After graduating from their local high schools, these students will have the training for providing the highest quality of care to children birth-five. Furthermore, they will be able to continue their education through the fully online Early Childhood Associate and Bachelor degrees, while employed in their local child development centers. We will have a time for brainstorming alternate solutions to the current staffing crisis, as we are all in this together!
Speakers
avatar for Shelli Henehan

Shelli Henehan

Director of Early Childhood Education, University of Arkansas Fort Smith
DR. SHELLI HENEHAN is the Coordinator of Assessment and Professor for the School of Education at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith, where she is currently also serving as the Director of Early Childhood Education. Her doctoral degree is in Workforce Development, specializing in... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends V
  Admin   Professional Development   Leadership

11:30am CDT

Creating Math Experiences for Young Children: How Do I Do That? LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends VI
This session creates space for early childhood education practitioners and future practitioners to engage in activities and conversations centered around intentional and purposeful planning of opportunities and activities aimed at helping young children grow and develop a variety of math skills, processes and thinking.
Speakers
SC

Susan Clark

Assistant Teaching Professor, The University of Southern Mississippi
Dr. Susan Clark is an assistant teaching professor in Child and Family Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi. In addition, she serves as the curriculum specialist at the campus-based Center for Child Development, which serves 100 children birth to 5 years of age and serves... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends VI
  Age level, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Play, Math |   Curriculum, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Play, Math

11:30am CDT

Breaking the Barriers of Limitations! Together We can! LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends VII
Most teachers, therapists and childcare facilities are hesitant to deal with children with special needs, especially autism spectrum disorder because of the challenges they present.
We are breaking the barriers of limitations with a combination of awareness about disabilities and empowering parents. Facilitating inclusion helps all of us understand that we have more in common, being different physically or emotionally is just a normal part of life.
Speakers
avatar for Mansur Choudry

Mansur Choudry

Assistant Professor - Director Autism Clinic, University of Centra Oklahoma - Special Care Inc.
Dr, Mansur Choudry is the Director of Autism Clinic, at Special Care and is a Board certified Behavior Analyst. He is Assistant Professor in the Special Education Department at the University of Central Oklahoma.For his work in the field of special education and specifically autism... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends VII
  Age Level, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Special needs |   DEIB, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Special needs

11:30am CDT

Choices: Essential to Preschool Children's Cognitive and Social/Emotional Development LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends III
Allowing children to make choices and to play during the daily routine are essential to the development of their executive function, self regulation, social skills and problem-solving. However, not all daily routines allow this to happen. This session will remind us of the essential skills and understandings that preschool children gain through play and how to provide it for them.
Speakers
KM

Karan Marshall

COnsultant/Trainer, Educational Services for Parents and Teachers
Karan Marshall has taught young children and their teachers for more than 50 years. She has been a children's classroom teacher and director, CDA instructor, community college adjunct faculty and academic advisor, workshop leader, and CDA Professional Development Specialist. She is... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends III
  Child Development

11:30am CDT

Integrating Media and Technology in Early Childhood Education: LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends II
This training session is designed to equip early childhood educators with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to effectively integrate media and technology into their teaching practices. The focus is on using these tools to enhance learning, engagement, and development in young children while maintaining a balanced and safe digital environment. Participants will receive handouts and resources that will reinforce developmentally appropriate use of technology. Based on research and firsthand experience, this session will give practical applications to incorporate media into the early learning classroom in a way that is developmentally appropriate for ages 2-5.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Holmes

Stacey Holmes

CDA Coach/Instructor, Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC)
Fred Rogers Technology Statements pdf
NAEYC and Fred Rogers Technology pdf
Integrating Technology in the EC Classroom pptx
Thursday March 20, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends II
  Technology, Media Literacy

1:30pm CDT

Children and Lead: What We Don't Know Can Hurt Them LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends V
Children and Lead: What You Don't Know Can Hurt Them

Children under 6 are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning. The good news is that lead poisoning is 100% preventable. In this fun and informative session, participants will learn about the dangers of lead, common sources of lead, lead exposure prevention, and community resources for families.
Speakers
TO
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends V
  Age Level, Infant/Toddler, Preschool

1:30pm CDT

Code Me a Story: Linking Literacy with Computational Thinking and Engineering LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends II
In this session, we will share basics of coding in early childhood, computational thinking, and engineering. We will discuss methods of integrating literacy with these STEM disciplines. We will share methods that we used in our preschool classroom to integrate literacy with computational thinking and engineering, through lessons that included storytelling, problem solving, coding, and constructing. From activities ranging from coding a classmate to reach the Three Little Pigs house, sequencing familiar stories and creating our own, and engineering a boat for the Gingerbread Man that would float, students were able to explore STEM concepts through a literacy lens.
Speakers
MB

Maria Beattie

Assistant Director, UNF Preschool
TF

Tasha Felder

Teacher, UNF Preschool
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends II
  Age Level, Preschool, STEM Education, Curriculum, Literacy |   Curriculum, Preschool, STEM Education, Curriculum, Literacy

1:30pm CDT

Imaginative Small World Play LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends VI
Imaginative Small World Play
Educators will investigate the benefits, materials and skills to create small world play for young children. Young children will engage in using their imagination, creativity, building, sensory and language skills through small world play experiences. Imagination is nurtured with small world play experiences, let's imagine some small worlds for your students.
Speakers
RE

Rebecca Evans

Owner/EC Specialist, The Educator House
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends VI
  Curriculum, Art, Play, Language, Loose Parts

1:30pm CDT

Creating Meaningful Activities and Interactions that Provide Opportunities for Children to Thrive LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends VII
Meaningful planning is an essential practice to support optimal development for young children. This session will help participants plan and create activities that are meaningful. Participants will learn ways to extend learning through their interactions by implementing the CLASS tool. Participants will engage in hands-on activities to discuss ways to extend learning opportunities in meaningful ways.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Hannah Mills

Mary Hannah Mills

NHI-Project Manager, Mississippi State Univerity Early Childhood Extension
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends VII
  Curriculum, Play, Infant/Toddler, Preschool |   Age Level, Play, Infant/Toddler, Preschool

1:30pm CDT

Strengthen the Profession by Strengthening the Professionals LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends III
Early Childhood Education has survived the COVID era (barely), but that survival has been precarious. The urgent call for strategies to save, strengthen and build this profession has been heard for years. Find out what South Carolina is doing to build the profession in our state and identify strategies you can adopt to strengthen the profession in your state, as well as strengthen the professional within you!
Speakers
avatar for Kristine Jenkins

Kristine Jenkins

4K Manager, Leadership Development, SC First Steps 4K
Kristine Jenkins has over 28 years of experience in the field of Early Childhood Education. Of these years, 17 years were spent as an owner/director of three childcare centers in Myrtle Beach, SC. The last 12 years have been with SC First Steps 4K program where she serves as a 4K... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Legends III
  Leadership   Admin

2:45pm CDT

Perceptions and Experiences of Climate Change in Early Childhood Education LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Legends III
In the last five years, extreme weather events in Louisiana have become more common as the rate of occurrence rose from 2.2 events per year to nearly 6 events per year (5.8; NCEI, 2024). The result is that young children under the age of 5 years old are growing up in a region where extreme weather events are commonplace. Yet, it is rare for early childhood curricula to address climate change (CC). Young children play an important role in the future of our environment because they frequently experience and will inherit the ongoing consequences of the increased incidences of extreme weather events.

This presentation shares the story of a 25-year-old female art teacher working at a school with students who identify as 50.5% Black, 28.4% White, 12.7% Hispanic, 6.9% Asian, and 1.5% Native American. The teacher began a lesson on CC by introducing a graphic text featuring an otter and his family in an extreme weather event requiring them to move their home. To promote dialogue with the children and gain an understanding of their experiences, she circulated around the room and asked children to discuss their drawings (i.e., “Tell me about your drawing” and “What happened?”). Results show that young children related to the displacement of the otter and relayed their own stories. Further, adults make attempts to insulate children to protect them from the stress of CC events. However, despite these efforts, children and adults in New Orleans face the stress of an uncertain future.
Speakers
EH

Erin Hamel

Assistant Professor, University of Georgia
EA
HT
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Legends III
  Age Level, Preschool, Kindergarten, Science |   Curriculum, Preschool, Kindergarten, Science

2:45pm CDT

STEAM-based Activities for Young Ecologists LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Legends VI
Harnessing younger students’ innate curiosity about the natural world and desire to protect it can be done with hands-on classroom activities that build STEAM skills, increase environmental literacy and show sustainable paths forward. In this session, the presenter will facilitate a series of interdisciplinary lessons that involve creating 3-D models, engaging in an interactive story, and working collaboratively on solving authentic problems. In one activity, participants create a 3-D model of the Earth, which they decorate to show different physical geography features, including farmland, forests and cities. In another, they use engineering skills in experimenting ways to clean up a local river. In yet another activity, they explore the impacts of both individual and collective actions that make positive impacts on their environment and create handprint pledges to “lend a hand to the Earth” in small and large ways. The session activities aim to excite and motivate students to work toward the type of world they want, and showing them how STEAM skills can empower them to do that. The presenter will allow time for discussion and provide participants with take-home lessons in an electronic format.
Speakers
AV

Amy Velchoff

Lecturer, Texas State University
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Legends VI
  Currriculum, STEM/STEAM;

2:45pm CDT

AI in the Classroom: Innovative Strategies for Engaging Early Childhood Learners LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Legends VII
Join us for an engaging workshop designed for early childhood professionals focusing on integrating AI tools in early childhood education. This session will cover AI basics and demonstrate practical applications to enhance teaching and learning. Participants will engage in hands-on demonstrations of AI tools, exploring how these technologies can support diverse educational needs. We’ll discuss strategies for personalized learning experiences, using data to inform instruction, and fostering children's development. We will also address common challenges and concerns regarding AI in early childhood settings, equipping participants with strategies to navigate these issues while maximizing AI's benefits. The workshop will emphasize innovative curriculum design, offering approaches to create interactive lessons that leverage AI to enrich the learning experience. Participants are encouraged to bring their own devices if they wish to try creating their own curriculum during the session. To support ongoing collaboration, attendees will gain access to a shared electronic file containing resources and insights post-workshop. Join us to discover how AI can transform your early childhood classroom, empowering educators and supporting every child's unique learning path.
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Cook

Lisa Cook

Assistant Professor, Tarleton State University
Dr. Lisa Taylor Cook has worked in child development programs, family child care and public schools.  For the past 15 years, she has worked in the early childhood field in private, public, and military child care programs.  As an assistant director and training and curriculum specialist... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Legends VII
  Technology, AI

2:45pm CDT

Managing Your Monkeys: Keeping Tasks from Overwhelming Your Day LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends V
Running a program means doing 100 things in any given day. Managing all the tasks can be overwhelming.
There are always at least 3 arenas of activities you need to manage. You are a ringmaster. You need a whip, some music and talented lion tamers to keep everything moving along & safe.

If you don’t, the monkeys will get loose & cause mayhem…making it impossible for you to get your work done.
Join this session to identify your monkeys, tiger time, lion tamers & soundtrack.
Speakers
KW

Kate Woodward Young

Childcare Conversations
avatar for Childcare Conversations

Childcare Conversations

Co-Founder, Childcare Conversations
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends V
  Admin, Time Management

2:45pm CDT

Working Smarter, Not Harder - part 1 and part 2 LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Legends II
SECA is desiring to work with affiliates to offer an open forum to strengthen our state organizations. This session is meant to be a learning and sharing opportunity for all. For the first hour (2:45-3:45), each state's leadership team involved in day to day business operations should plan to attend. The content will include membership, Wild Apricot, organizational techniques, and reasonable expectations. 
During the 2nd hour (4-5), we'll review information for those who are conference planners. In part 2 - we will focus more on providing ideas for state conferences/funding, how to find keynotes/ local presenters/ sponsors, program - printed or apps, and negotiating with hotels/conference centers/AV companies.
This will be an opportunity to share in an open panel with one another offering guidance to others and asking for suggestions for improvement for all. Participants are welcome to attend one or both sessions.  
Speakers
avatar for Judy Whitesell

Judy Whitesell

Meeting Planner, SCECA
M.Ed in Early Childhood EducationBA in Elementary EducationNational Board Certified Teacher - Early Childhood Generalist
avatar for Becky Wardlaw

Becky Wardlaw

Executive Director, SCECA
Welcome to South Carolina! We are glad that you are here and hope you will follow the health and safety guidelines from SC DHEC. WE appreciate that you WEAR A MASK to keep you and those around you safe and healthy. You can contact me with questions about SCECA, the conference or anything... Read More →
Thursday March 20, 2025 2:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Legends II
  Leadership

4:00pm CDT

Loose Parts Play in the Preschool Classroom
Thursday March 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Legends VI
This session will help participants learn strategies for designing physical spaces and open-ended play provocations using loose parts that help young children develop skills in all developmental domains and individual approaches to learning.
Speakers
avatar for Michelle Brunson

Michelle Brunson

Professor, Northwestern State University
Dr. Brunson has worked in early childhood for over 20 years. Her Cradle to Prison Pipeline Intervention Service Learning Project provides literacy materials and school supplies to families living in poverty so they’ll have access to resources to strengthen social-emotional, physical... Read More →
avatar for Omar Vigo

Omar Vigo

PhD Candidate, Louisiana State University
SECA 2025 Loose Parts Handout Part I Final pptx
SECA 2025 Loose Parts Handout Part II Final docx
Thursday March 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Legends VI
  Age Level, Preschool

4:00pm CDT

The Magic of ABC-123 Behavior Change Plans LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Legends VII
Are you seeing escalating challenging behaviors in your classroom and/or program and feeling unsure how to create an effective plan to help both the teacher and child? This session takes a deep dive into the creation and use of easy to implement, actionable behavior change plans. Participants will be trained on FirstDay’s ABC-123 plan for effective prevention and responses to challenging behavior. Time and guidance will be provided to understand the key steps in a behavior change program and make specific plans to implement them in your own programs and classrooms.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Freedman

Rebecca Freedman

Co-Founder, FirstDay Learning
Rebecca Freedman is an experienced educator and consultant.  As Sr. Vice President of Professional Development at FirstDay Learning, Ms. Freedman oversees all content development designed to support educators and families in evidenced based mental health and Applied Behavior Analysis... Read More →
FP
Thursday March 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Legends VII
  Age Level, PreSchool

4:00pm CDT

Shooting for Exceptional Professional Development: Creating Connection & Capacity LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Legends III
Finding the most engaging strategies for meaningful professional development is an important part of a director’s role. Ensuring that information and activities are geared to all staff and can benefit everyone present is often a challenge. This session will cover five important components of excellent professional development with details and examples. A free workbook can be accessed after the session for later consideration and support.
Speakers
BA
SJ
Thursday March 20, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Legends III
  Professional development

5:00pm CDT

SECA Fossils Meeting LIMITED
Thursday March 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm CDT
Legends I
Open to SECA Fossils.
Thursday March 20, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm CDT
Legends I
 
Friday, March 21
 

7:30am CDT

What Pushes Your Buttons? Recognizing and Reacting to Your Triggers
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Legends VII
This session will invite participants to identify social-emotional triggers in themselves which impact their own development and the development of those they teach or supervise. A variety of interactive and hands-on activities will be used to personalize the experience for each participant and to help them realize "what pushes their buttons".
Speakers
avatar for Cindy Galloway

Cindy Galloway

4K Coach, First Steps
After years in public school kindergarten and higher education, I am currently a 4K Coach in SC. I am a long-time member and presenter for SECA and SCECA.
avatar for Amanda Bailey

Amanda Bailey

4K Coach, South Carolina First Steps
I am currently a First Steps 4K Coach after years of teaching Head Start, early intervention, and in a self-contained, cross categorical special needs preschool classroom in the public school system.
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Legends VII

7:30am CDT

Early Childhood Development, But Make It BINGO LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Legends II
Learning about early childhood development theories...boring! Who even cares about them? Aren’t they supposed to just take up space in textbooks? Well, what if we saw exactly how childhood development theories can help us become better teachers while playing BINGO, listening to Beyoncé, looking at silly pictures of cats, and winning prizes? This session will cover the “greatest hits” of Erik Erikson, Magda Gerber, Maria Montessori, Jean Piaget, and others, showing you how their theories help us understand the growth and development of children each and every day.
Speakers
avatar for Derrick Toups

Derrick Toups

Deputy Director, Center for Early Childhood Advancement, Agenda for Children
Derrick Toups lives in New Orleans where he serves as Deputy Director, Center for Early Childhood Advancement at Agenda for Children. At Agenda, Derrick annually oversees more than $45 million of public funding, contracts, and capacity building initiatives as part of implementing... Read More →
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Legends II
  Child Development

7:30am CDT

Recognizing Developmental Delay in the Early Childhood Setting LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Legends III
As of August 2024, the Texas Administrative Code introduced the eligibility category of Developmental Delay to include ages 3-9. School districts are not required to use the new Developmental Delay disability designation but may, beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. Noncategorical Early Childhood (NCEC) must no longer be used beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. Previously, Developmental Delay was not recognized for children over the age of 3 in Texas which could lead to gaps in services when transitioning from Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) to Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE). This change aims to provide more consistent support for young children who exhibit developmental delays, ensuring they receive necessary interventions during this critical period of development. This category will include students who have general delays in the 5 areas of development including cognition, communication, motor skills, adaptive behavior, and social skills. It is important for early childhood professionals to recognize and identify developmental milestones and delays so that students can be referred, evaluated for, and provided special education and related services when needed to ensure future success. This session will provide guidance for recognizing developmental delays in all areas of development as well as action steps to take to support families in the referral process when necessary.
Speakers
EB
avatar for April Crutcher

April Crutcher

Instructor of Special Education, Midwestern State University
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Legends III
  DEIB, Special Education, Developmental Delay, Developmental Milestones

7:30am CDT

Moving Beyond PowerPoint: Making Virtual and In-person Training Engaging, Interactive, and Effective LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Legends I
This session will focus on strategies to include more engagement and interactive opportunities for participants in training sessions both virtual and in-person. Engagement land interaction are just as important to adults as to children.New and easy-to-use digital tools will be introduced to facilitate effective training that is robust, energetic, and adaptable to many settings.
Speakers
NA

Nancy Alexander

Director, NSU Child and Family Network
Nancy P. Alexander is director of Northwestern State University Child and Family Network. NSU Child and Family Network provides a variety of professional development programs including webinars, CDA training, coaching, online, and conferences. Nancy earned a bachelor’s degree from... Read More →
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am CDT
Legends I
  Professional Development

7:30am CDT

The Left Brain of Quality: Leadership and Logistics LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 9:45am CDT
Legends V
Revitalize your early childhood education programs with our dynamic training session on leadership and business logistics. This session delves into critical, yet often-neglected, aspects of business management and operations vital for maintaining a high-quality educational environment. Participants will gain essential tools and insights that will empower them to enhance their leadership capabilities, streamline program operations and ultimately deliver a higher quality program, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful educational experience for young learners.
Speakers
avatar for Niki DaJon, MBA

Niki DaJon, MBA

Owner, KSL Consulting Firm
Niki Da’Jon, originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, is a formidable force in the realm of early childhood education and business administration. A proud alumna of Loyola University New Orleans and the University of New Orleans, her academic prowess is matched only by her passion... Read More →
Friday March 21, 2025 7:30am - 9:45am CDT
Legends V
  Admin

8:00am CDT

ust for Students Breakfast: Students Start YOUR Engine!! with Lisa Maddox Vinson LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Champions 3
Students, get ready to join us for breakfast and dive into a morning of interactive STEM learning. STEM, an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is an educational approach that combines these four areas of study. It's student-centered and interdisciplinary, encouraging you to develop problem-solving skills. We have prepared hands-on activities to engage you and prepare your engine for the day.  We are looking forward to seeing you there!  And don't forget, we have some exciting giveaways you won't want to miss!
(Student registration Required)
Friday March 21, 2025 8:00am - 9:45am CDT
Champions 3

8:45am CDT

Shooting for Parent Engagement in Their Child's Learning: Plans & Resources
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends VII
Making sure that families have their own voice in activities planned just for them is, first of all, respectful and second, the best way to encourage participation and host successful events. Using a specially designed template, participants will use the ideas presented to plan an event for implementation when they return home. Together we will share our best ideas and learn from one another to create some great take-home strategies. The free template and a curated resource list will be available after the session.
Speakers
SJ
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends VII
  Admin, Family Engagement, Preschool |   Age Level, Family Engagement, Preschool

8:45am CDT

Building Background Knowledge Using Literacy and Engaging Activities LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends I
This session will provide early childhood educators information about the importance of building background knowledge. It will also demonstrate how educators can use literacy to and engaging activities to build background knowledge. The participants will then have the opportunity to create a short literacy lesson that builds background knowledge with a group that has a measurable objective and an engaging activity.
Speakers
CR
avatar for Niekisha Walker

Niekisha Walker

Senior Training Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs
I am a training specialist with the VA. I have previously worked as an Instructional Systems Specialist with the Air Force and Army. I also have experience as a govt contractor with the Navy. Before I began working with the government, I was Media Specialist for K-5th and a teacher... Read More →
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends I
  Age Level, Infant/Toddler, PreSchool, Kindergarten

8:45am CDT

From Reaction to Reflection: Supporting Social-Emotional Development in the Preschool Classroom LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends VI
Have you ever tried to support a child who displays challenging or mistaken behaviors? Do you often struggle with helping dysregulated children return to a regulated state? As Early Childhood professionals we aspire to promote safety, security, and a sense of belonging in the classroom. By using evidence-informed pedagogical practices as a foundation, our presentation will explore best teaching practices for preschool-aged children. As professionals we know the importance of providing a calm and regulated space for young children through the implementation of social emotional learning and trauma-informed practice. The purpose of our session is to assist early childhood professionals in supporting children who may become dysregulated, defensive, and reactive in the classroom. When children experience heightened states of arousal, they exhibit one of four primary reactions—fight, flight, freeze, and fawn. We will explore each of these responses in depth and provide resources for professionals as they navigate associated challenging or mistaken behaviors.
Speakers
avatar for Kristin Hommel-Miller

Kristin Hommel-Miller

Instructor, University of Central Oklahoma
VL

Vanessa Leal

Student, University of Central Oklahoma
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends VI
  Age level, PreSchool, Social Emotional |   Child Development, PreSchool, Social Emotional

8:45am CDT

Emotional Intelligence: The Role of the Early Childhood Educator LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends II
This session will evaluate the advantages of using emotional intelligence in the early childhood classroom. Emotions are experienced before rational thought processes can occur; therefore it is necessary for early childhood educators to understand, practice, and model emotional intelligence as children develop their social emotional skills. Emotionally Intelligent early childhood educators are the key to establishing fully engaged learning environments. Participants will identify the four basic emotions and diverse vocabulary to describe emotions using emotion dolls and other hands-on group activities. The session will also guide participants in analyzing realistic early childhood classroom scenarios and how to model and use emotional intelligence in those situations. Participants will also be provided with techniques to cultivate poise, proficiency, and positive personalities that can strengthen early learning settings and promote collaboration in the early childhood education workforce.
Speakers
TD

Tara Dickerson

Project Direcot, Mississippi State University Extension Services
MT
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends II
  Child Development, Social Emotional

8:45am CDT

Sounds Like Play: Using Play to Foster Phonemic Awareness with Young Children LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends III
The science of reading has created motivation to examine early literacy practices at every level. This session will explore the important pillar of phonemic awareness in the science of reading and how it applies in the early years. Participants of this session will explore developmentally appropriate ways to ensure this skill is integrated into the early learning classroom through the vehicle of play.
Speakers
avatar for Douglas Bell

Douglas Bell

Professor, Kennesaw State University
Dr. Bell has been in early learning for over 30 years. He has been a teacher, administrator and adult trainer. His areas of expertise are social emotional development and behavioral guidance, early literacy, infant and toddler quality, young dual language learners, and administra... Read More →
Sounds Like Play pdf
Quick Overview of the Phonemic Awaress Skills pdf
Examples of Phonemic Awareness In the Early Learning Environment pdf
Friday March 21, 2025 8:45am - 9:45am CDT
Legends III
  Curriculum, Literacy, Science

9:00am CDT

Coffee with the Exhibitors LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 9:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Come enjoy a cup or joe (or tea) with our exhibitors!
Friday March 21, 2025 9:00am - 2:00pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom

9:00am CDT

Silent Auction Begins
Friday March 21, 2025 9:00am - 4:45pm CDT
Registration
This annual event is one of the most popular features of our conference and will support our student groups and chapters in the future.  All proceeds from the Silent Auction will be placed in the Janie Humphries Student Leadership Development Fund to be distributed to our state affiliates to support our students and emerging leaders.  Stop by throughout the day to bid on a variety of items from each of the SECA states and be sure to be there at the close of the auction to see if you were the lucky winner.   Remember, those last-minute bids can make the difference between getting the item or watching someone else take it home!
Friday March 21, 2025 9:00am - 4:45pm CDT
Registration

9:00am CDT

Visit with the Exhibitors!
Friday March 21, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Did you know? Without our exhibitors, we couldn't have held a conference!
Did you know? On average, our exhibitors invest over $2,000 on booth spaces and expenses!
Please support our exhibitors so they can support us!
Thank an exhibitor today!

Friday March 21, 2025 9:00am - 5:00pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom

10:00am CDT

Friday Keynote Speaker Steve Gross and The Healing Power of Play and Optimism
Friday March 21, 2025 10:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Legends IV Ballroom
The Healing Power of Play and Optimism
Optimism is powerful. When human beings strengthen their ability to see and focus on the goodness and value in themselves, others, and the world around them, their social, emotional and cognitive superpowers emerge. Optimism, however, is fragile. Chronic stress, fear and overwhelming adversity can weaken and destroy our capacity for optimism. This inspiring presentation by Steve Gross, helps Early Childhood Professionals discover the power of optimism to create safe, loving, joyful, and engaging environments where kids can heal, grow and thrive. Using research, humor and personal stories from 30+ years of work with kids and their caretakers Steve will share how practicing optimism can bring out the best in ourselves, our colleagues and our children.

Friday March 21, 2025 10:00am - 12:15pm CDT
Legends IV Ballroom
  Professional development

12:15pm CDT

Visit with the Exhibitors! LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Did you know? Without our exhibitors, we couldn't have held a conference!
Did you know? On average, our exhibitors invest over $2,000 on booth spaces and expenses!
Please support our exhibitors so they can support us!
Thank an exhibitor today!

Friday March 21, 2025 12:15pm - 1:00pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom

12:30pm CDT

In pursuit of What Is in the Best Interest of Children: Reflections on Practices that Support Children’s Success: A Panel with Authors
Friday March 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends VII
Friday March 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends VII

12:30pm CDT

Your Voice Matters - The Preschool Revolution: Building a Culture of Equity from the Start LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Champions 3
Join us for our Annual advocacy luncheon, Your Voice Matters!
(additional registration fee)

How do we approach talking about bias, diversity, race and differences with children? Creating a culture of diversity in classrooms is more than just multicultural books and posters. Biases are developed during infancy and toddlerhood when learning happens unconsciously. We will take a look at how these hidden messages are formed and what we can do to change them. As early childhood providers, it is critical that we bring this work to the top of the curriculum, disrupting bias before it becomes unconscious.
Speakers
avatar for Audrey Rowland

Audrey Rowland

CEO, Green Space Learning
Green Space Learning provides online and in person, professional development and CDA preparation. We also design, build and install outdoor learning environments that connect children with nature.
Friday March 21, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Champions 3
  Advocacy

1:00pm CDT

Cultivating a Connection: Ensuring Every Child Feels Valued LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends III
This session is designed to help early childhood educators foster a sense of belonging and value in their classrooms. Participants will engage in activities and discussions that emphasize the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse identities. By exploring their own multicultural selves, educators will gain a deeper understanding of diversity and empathy, essential for creating inclusive environments. The session will highlight how recognizing individual identities and providing individualized support can enable full participation and potential achievement for all children. Emphasis will be placed on the significant role teachers play through their words, actions, and attitudes, and the importance of intentional efforts to create positive feelings and inclusive practices. Strategies for promoting a sense of identity and belonging will be shared, along with reflections on the lasting impact educators have on children's lives. Participants will leave with actionable commitments to implement changes in their classrooms, ensuring that every child's social, emotional, and cognitive development is supported.
Speakers
avatar for Tammy Compton

Tammy Compton

Quality Counts Program Director, Spartanburg County First Steps
avatar for Teresa Phillips

Teresa Phillips

Training Coordinator/ ECE Quality Coach, Spartanburg County First Steps - Quality Counts
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends III

1:00pm CDT

Add Pop to Parent Participation LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends V
This presentation introduces the pop-up concept to parent education and engagement in early childhood. Are your parents in a hurry? Too busy to attend parent meetings? This concept can help! In efforts to increase parent engagement we share a wide variety of strategies to support parent-child learning at home and parent participation at school.
Using curriculum objectives to guide and the element of surprise we have increased parent participation and family engagement in our program, and you can as well!
We will walk you step by step through our process from timing, topic selection, presentation, preparation and follow up. Some samples include physical/emotional health and development, cognitive development, and creativity.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop their own Pop-Up Parent Meetings to use, increasing participation at their site/center. We will also share some of our proven effective parent activities and some challenges.
Speakers
avatar for Hely Martinez

Hely Martinez

Center Director/ Family Service Worker, Brevard Early Head Start
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends V
  Admin, Family Engagement

1:00pm CDT

The Power of Failure; Helping Build Resilient Kids LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends II
Some children fall down and pop back up and keep going, some lay on the ground and cry, waiting to be rescued. When exactly does this mindset occur in a child? Can we nurture a “can do attitude” in order to prepare the resilience inside a child they will need for the rest of their lives? Yes, and it starts when a child is born and is a lifelong journey.

As infants begin to roll, sit, crawl and walk there will be many falls. How the people around the child treat him during these times will begin to shape the mind. Do I try to reach that toy on the top shelf again or cry and point? A growth mindset comes from the encouragement given or is hindered by the adults around them looking to establish a bond. How can you build a bond with a child, without hindering their ability to keep trying in the face of adversity.

Experiments and brain scans show interesting results when children are pushed beyond their comfort zones. Failure can lead to discouragement but pushing past that failure strengthens the connections in the brain so when something goes right the concept is solidly learned. We can have environments perfectly set up for this kind of trial and error as long as children are allowed to work uninterrupted. Let us help you discover the power of failure
Speakers
avatar for Jolene Tollett

Jolene Tollett

Director, MOLO Bilingual Montessori School
I have been working in Montessori for almost 20 years and have AMS credentials in Early Childhood as well as a Master's in Early Childhood Curriculum and Development. I taught in a public Montessori school in inner-city Houston for nine years before becoming a private school director... Read More →
R
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends II
  Age Level, Infant/Toddler

1:00pm CDT

Enhancing Family Engagement in Early Childhood Education LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends VI
This session highlights the critical role of family engagement in fostering young learners' growth and development. Participants will explore the benefits of building strong partnerships with families and discover practical strategies, resources, and activities to actively involve families in the classroom. The training will provide creative, culturally responsive approaches to strengthen communication, promote collaboration, and create a welcoming environment for families to support their child’s learning journey.
Speakers
avatar for Stacey Holmes

Stacey Holmes

CDA Coach/Instructor, Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC)
FCL Learn and Grow Together pdf
Wombats FCL Guide pdf
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends VI
  Age Level, Preschool, Family Engagement |   Admin, Preschool, Family Engagement

1:00pm CDT

Apples, Alligators, and All That! LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends I
"Apples, Alligators, and All That" will be a jam-packed fun and entertaining session! In the session we will gain knowledge of phonological awareness and its importance. We will sing and dance and learn new alphabet songs to use in the classroom to help your students to be strong in early literacy with definite letter recognition and confidence in letter recognition and letter sounds. Many door prizes and giveaways! Come join us!!
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Carroll Books /Apples, Alligators, and All That

Stephanie Carroll Books /Apples, Alligators, and All That

Pre-K Teacher, Ferriday Lower Elementary
Friday March 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Legends I
  Curriculum, Literacy

2:15pm CDT

Visit with the Exhibitors! LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 2:30pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Did you know? Without our exhibitors, we couldn't have held a conference!
Did you know? On average, our exhibitors invest over $2,000 on booth spaces and expenses!
Please support our exhibitors so they can support us!
Thank an exhibitor today!

Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 2:30pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom

2:15pm CDT

Owning Your Power
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Legends V
"Own Your Power" is a workshop for childcare administrators to help them build confidence in their leadership abilities. Through interactive exercises and group discussions, participants will learn practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, building trust with staff and parents, and maintaining their own well-being while leading their team.
Speakers
KW

Kate Woodward Young

Childcare Conversations
avatar for Childcare Conversations

Childcare Conversations

Co-Founder, Childcare Conversations
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Legends V
  Advocacy

2:15pm CDT

Storytime STEM: Fusing Inquiry, Literacy, and Playful Learning LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Legends VII
What makes a natural scientist? Wonder, curiosity, a sense of purpose, and PLAY! We know that children learn best through a hands-on playful environment, but isn't that too much work to set up? When there is so much on teachers' plates, how can we connect science, STEM, literacy, and executive function in a playful, seamless way? In this workshop, participants will learn how to take a playful approach to integrating experiences across the curriculum -- while maintaining their own joy and ease. Join us as we develop a toolbox of practical ideas for connecting storytime STEM curriculum experiences that organically harness play to create opportunities for reading, writing, math, science, and executive function throughout the day. The workshop experience is hands-on and encourages active and engaged participation throughout.
Speakers
avatar for Diane Jackson Schnoor

Diane Jackson Schnoor

CEO, Dr. Diane's Adventures in Learning
Dr. Diane Jackson Schnoor helps educators build connections through multicultural picture books and STEM experiences to engage learners and build opportunities for literacy, math, and science gains across the curriculum. She brings 25+ years of practical knowledge from her work in... Read More →
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Legends VII
  Age level, Preschool, Play, STEM |   Curriculum, Preschool, Play, STEM

2:15pm CDT

Hands-on Activities to Encourage Emotional Development in Early Education LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Legends II
In our conference session, Hands-on Activities to Encourage Emotional Development in Early Education, our Glenville State University Early Education Student Group, as well as early education faculty, will share a variety of hands-on learning activities to enhance and encourage young children’s emotional development. The presenters will share hands-on activities to encourage and strengthen emotional development, as well as activities to connect children’s literature to emotional growth. Family engagement activities will also be shared. Activities will be interactive and developmentally appropriate for preschool and kindergarten aged children. Handouts will be available. The content will be developed under the close guidance and support of the university’s early education faculty.
Speakers
CS
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Legends II
  Child Development, Social Emotional

2:15pm CDT

Empowering Minds, Nurturing Hearts: Trauma-Sensitive Teaching for Student Resilience LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Legends III
This professional development program offers a comprehensive exploration of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma-sensitive pedagogy and socio-emotional learning. Participants will gain valuable insights and practical strategies to create a supportive and empowering learning environment that fosters resilience and social-emotional development in students. Through engaging sessions and collaborative activities, educators will acquire the knowledge and tools necessary to implement trauma-informed practices and cultivate a holistic approach to education that addresses the diverse needs of students in today's educational landscape.
Speakers
avatar for Pamela Cernjul, Ed.D
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Legends III
  Child Development, Social-Emotional, ACEs |   Professional Development, Social-Emotional, ACEs

2:15pm CDT

Strengthening the Early Childhood Workforce: Strategies from New Orleans LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends I
In 2022, New Orleans voters passed a 20-year property tax (millage) that allocates over $20 million annually to provide free early childhood seats and services. With state matching funds that doubles this investment, New Orleans has had to rapidly expand its early childhood infrastructure, including its workforce. Join the leader of the city’s early childhood workforce task force to learn how New Orleans is thinking about teacher preparation and pathways, pay and benefits, and retention and recruitment for early childhood educators.
Speakers
avatar for Derrick Toups

Derrick Toups

Deputy Director, Center for Early Childhood Advancement, Agenda for Children
Derrick Toups lives in New Orleans where he serves as Deputy Director, Center for Early Childhood Advancement at Agenda for Children. At Agenda, Derrick annually oversees more than $45 million of public funding, contracts, and capacity building initiatives as part of implementing... Read More →
Orleans Parish Early Care and Education Workforce Task Force Playbook pdf
SECA 2025 Strengthening the Early Childhood Workforce Strategies from New Orleans pdf
Friday March 21, 2025 2:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends I
  Advocacy   Admin

3:15pm CDT

Visit with the Exhibitors! LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 3:15pm - 3:30pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Did you know? Without our exhibitors, we couldn't have held a conference!
Did you know? On average, our exhibitors invest over $2,000 on booth spaces and expenses!
Please support our exhibitors so they can support us!
Thank an exhibitor today!

Friday March 21, 2025 3:15pm - 3:30pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom

3:30pm CDT

SECA Conversations for Change
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Champions 3
Join us for SECA Conversations for Change! Engage in meaningful, rich, non-judgmental, safe conversations with state leaders and members in an attempt to grow individually and to explore how SECA can use our platform to ensure all children and families receive the respect and acceptance they deserve regardless of skin color.  
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Champions 3
  Aadvocacy, Inclusion

3:30pm CDT

Top Secret Tips to Keeping Your Incredible Staff
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends V
Are you a childcare administrator or manager struggling to retain talented staff? Join us for "Top Secret Tips to Keeping Your Incredible Staff," a dynamic and interactive session designed to help you understand your own personality and those of your team to foster a supportive and effective work environment. In this session, we will explore stress points, love languages, learning styles, and management styles, providing you with valuable insights to create a harmonious and productive team.

Participants will engage in a variety of activities, including self-assessment, identifying traits in others, and practical application using basic assessment tools. You will assess a hypothetical staff member or a real-life example from your experience, and create a personalized development plan to enhance strengths and address challenges. To make the learning process engaging, the session will incorporate a game show format where participants answer questions and solve scenarios related to staff management, promoting an interactive and competitive environment.

Group discussions will foster a collaborative learning atmosphere, allowing participants to share insights and strategies. By the end of the session, you will have created a personalized tool or plan for effectively managing and retaining your staff, based on the assessments and strategies discussed.
Speakers
KW

Kate Woodward Young

Childcare Conversations
avatar for Childcare Conversations

Childcare Conversations

Co-Founder, Childcare Conversations
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends V
  Admin, Staffing

3:30pm CDT

Advocacy, It's Everyone's Job LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends VII
Participants will learn the fundamentals of advocacy, its importance and several ways they can help. Participants will take part in a fun and educational role play activity helping to reinforce key concepts from the session. A concluding open discussion will focus on the question "Now that you know more about advocacy, how do you plan to make a difference in our field of early childhood?"
Speakers
TR

Tammy Rutland

Consultant, Grant Writing LLC
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends VII
  Advocacy

3:30pm CDT

ECE Partnerships: Convergence of the Ideal and Reality LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends VI
It is not uncommon to hear the phrase, “Teaching is not what it used to be” these days. What brought on that phrase? Is it really that teaching has changed or is it something else? We also hear the comments such as “Since the Covid……” as well as the increase in challenging behaviors and increased social-emotional needs. Addressing the needs of these students and their families cannot be done by the classroom teacher alone. We will need to work together with the other experts and professionals internally within the program and externally within the community.

In this session, we will examine the concept of partnership and how to transfer aspects of the ideal definition to the existing early childhood education field.
Speakers
RA

Ryan Alverson

Associate Professor, Northern Kentucky University
JG

Jaesook Gilbert

Faculty, Northern Kentucky University
Dr. Gilbert is a professor of early childhood education (birth-kindergarten) program at Northern Kentucky University. Courses she teaches include programming and education for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and kindergarten, screening and ongoing assessment, current issues and trends... Read More →
2025.SECA.presentation pptx
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends VI
  Age Level, Preschool

3:30pm CDT

Connecting with the Entire School Community to Supercharge your Music Program. LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends III
Classroom teachers make awesome music teachers! Supercharge your music time with techniques to enhance student engagement and receive a free library of music and movement activities to take home with you. We will have fun with some great music, while also getting into educational content by comparing music education to language immersion and focusing on getting family members on board as partners in your teaching. Also like a language program, we will consider music vocabulary and how exposure to a large variety of musical styles and elements at this critical time in development is essential for children to understand and enjoy music of a variety of styles and from different cultures.
Speakers
avatar for Rob Sayer

Rob Sayer

CEO, The Music Class
Hi everyone! I started The Music Class 27 years ago to help young children grow up able to sing in tune, move to the beat, and enjoy music to the fullest. Early childhood is when parents and educators can make this happen! The best part is that bringing meaningful music education... Read More →
The Music Class Free Trial pdf
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends III
  Curriculum, Music

3:30pm CDT

How to Speak Up: It’s Even For Introverts LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends II
Have you ever noticed that certain people do all the talking? You may be thinking to yourself that is a good thing: If other people talk, then I don’t have to! But not speaking up keeps you from getting your ideas heard, your values understood, and your needs met. What if there was a solution? In today’s interactive presentation you will pick up three tools to help you speak up, even if you are an introvert.
Speakers
avatar for Tonya Lehman

Tonya Lehman

Speaker, Joy Lab
Tonya is a national speaker and teacher.  With her rich background, she shares valuable insights and practical techniques to enhance your confidence, catering to both introverts and extroverts alike.  She and her husband raised their daughters in San Diego, California, and enjoy... Read More →
Friday March 21, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Legends II
  Professional Development

4:45pm CDT

Silent Auction Ends! LIMITED
Friday March 21, 2025 4:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Registration
This annual event is one of the most popular features of our conference and will support our student groups and chapters in the future.  All proceeds from the Silent Auction will be placed in the Janie Humphries Student Leadership Development Fund to be distributed to our state affiliates to support our students and emerging leaders.  Stop by throughout the day to bid on a variety of items from each of the SECA states and be sure to be there at the close of the auction to see if you were the lucky winner.   Remember, those last-minute bids can make the difference between getting the item or watching someone else take it home!
Friday March 21, 2025 4:45pm - 5:00pm CDT
Registration

6:00pm CDT

You’re Invited! SECA Awards Reception
Friday March 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Legends IV Ballroom
Join us as we celebrate the 2025 SECA Award winners. There will be food, music and networking!
Friday March 21, 2025 6:00pm - 8:00pm CDT
Legends IV Ballroom
 
Saturday, March 22
 

8:00am CDT

Intentional Light Play with Infants and Toddlers
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends III
Light is everywhere around us. We can find it in our homes, classes, toys, appliances and even outside from the sky! Children's natural curiosity about and interest in light can lead to many intentional play opportunities. Play with lights can give a wealth of opportunities to build on children's fascination with light while supporting their development and learning in all areas.
Speakers
MB
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends III
  Age Level, Infant/Toddler

8:00am CDT

Building Strong Partnerships: Enhancing Early Childhood Education for Exceptionalities LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends I
Effective partnerships between communities, educators, caregivers, and families play a pivotal role in supporting early childhood development, particularly for children with exceptionalities. This session advocates for the strength and importance of fostering collaborative partnerships within early childhood education settings and beyond to optimize learning outcomes and holistic development for exceptional learners. This session will explore practical strategies, case studies, and research-based approaches to cultivate strong partnerships that empower all stakeholders in the education and care of young children with exceptionalities.
Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Aslinger

Rebecca Aslinger

Associate Professor in Early Childhood, Chattanooga State Community College
I am a mom of 4 and an educator and wife of 22 years. I love learning, crafting, and when I can sleep. I teach Early Childhood Education courses at Chattanooga State. One of my other loves is supporting teachers in the classroom.I can be reached at rebecca.aslinger@chattanoogasta... Read More →
SECA Presentation 2025 PPT (3) (3) pdf
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Legends I
  DEIB, Exceptional needs, Community partnership |   Admin, Exceptional needs, Community partnership

8:00am CDT

Discipling Big Emotions Through The Arts LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 10:15am CDT
Legends VII
Wake up with Dr. Maria LIVE. Let's go inside the mind of preschoolers and pretend to feel their big emotions while interacting with storytelling, music, and art. Then, learn to breakdown the big emotions as an interactive learning process and disciple preschooler BIG Emotions in your classroom. You will be using your dramatic play skills, dancing, and coloring with Dr. Maria. Come have a FUN Learning experience with Dr. Maria.
Speakers
DM

Dr. Maria Rutherford

Professor, SECA
Dr. Maria Rutherford is a tenure professor, grant writer, and published author in early childhood education. Dr. Maria's expertise is child development, curriculum and instruction, and literacy.
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 10:15am CDT
Legends VII
  Age Level, Preschool

8:00am CDT

Implementation of a Multi- Component Workshop Model for Teachers in Inclusive Centers. LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 10:15am CDT
Legends VI
Training and coaching practices used to prepare educators in Early Learning Centers include children with disabilities yet, successful inclusion in preschool education requires teachers to modify the instructional setting, use effective instructional methods and strategies, adapt instruction, and provide equal learning opportunities for all children. The lack of special education knowledge, skills in evidence- based practices, and teaching experiences to fulfill these roles is one of the most significant barriers to effective inclusion of children with or at risk for disabilities. The criteria for staff development effectiveness would require an understanding of content and pedagogical knowledge that requires countless hours.
The proposed VP-GEEP is a multi-component workshop approach model is a structured and purposefully directed site-based professional development workshop model that identifies special education concepts that will engage educators with a hands-on approach, and promote a collegiality and collaborative exchange of ideas, practices, and strategies to improve children’s outcomes in context. Site based educators are aware of critical contextual characteristics and therefore, can apply contextual based evidence-based practices to intervene and plan for the child with disabilities based on their needs, and resources. The mnemonic VP-GEEP is a purposely designed seamless workshop model that will assist teachers in Early Learning Centers recall special education concepts. Each letter in the model represents a concept that educators will collaboratively learn, apply, and implement strategies and practices in context.
Speakers
LG

Lucy Gitonga PhD

Assistant Professor of Special Education, Mercer University
I am a university instructor specializing in preparing pre-service teacher candidates, with over 28 years of teaching experience in public schools. I am passionate about empowering families with knowledge on special education topics and have authored children's books that celebrate... Read More →
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 10:15am CDT
Legends VI
  Age Level, Preschool

8:00am CDT

Image of the Child: Developmental Cascades LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 10:15am CDT
Legends V
Presenters:
Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez, Ph.D., Texas Woman's University, Denton, TX, US
Mary Harper, Ph.D. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, TX, US
Danielle McLellan-Bujnak North Orange County Community College District, Anaheim, CA, US
Josh Thompson, Ph.D., East Texas A&M University, Commerce, TX, US

We will review developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) (three core considerations and nine principles) and how DAP has evolved over four iterations. We will introduce a new lens for viewing child development by discussing developmental cascades and exploring the ideas surrounding the image of the child from various practitioners working with or on behalf of young children. Multiple tools for observing children and their development will be shared with participants to illuminate the variety that exists among settings. Participants will also gain knowledge in strengths-based versus deficit-based approaches to children’s development and an understanding of what it truly means to “follow the child” in their development.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Harper, PhD

Mary Harper, PhD

Assistant Professor & Program Coordinator of Early Childhood Education, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
avatar for Danielle McLellan-Bujnak

Danielle McLellan-Bujnak

Adjunct Professor, North Orange County Community College District
Danielle McLellan-Bujnak, MSc is a spirited early childhood educator and teacher educator, researcher, and workforce advocate who brings equal parts heart and scholarship to the field. With a background in lifespan human development and a passion for progressive, relationship-based... Read More →
avatar for Josh Thompson

Josh Thompson

Professor Early Childhood Education, East Texas A&M
Playful learning came about naturally for me - because I happened to be born human, and all humans naturally come to learn playfully. Privilege came in the form of a rich robust family and community that valued play, choice, interest, passion, and fun. My passion is to promote and... Read More →
avatar for Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez

Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez

Assistant Professor of Child Development, Texas Woman's University
I am a professor of Child Development at TWU. I study physical classroom environments, developmental cascades, and high quality early childhood education for all children.
Walker final pdf
SECA 2025 Final Presentation pptx
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 10:15am CDT
Legends V
  Child Development

8:00am CDT

Coffee with the Exhibitors! LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Did you know? Without our exhibitors, we couldn't have held a conference!
Did you know? On average, our exhibitors invest over $2,000 on booth spaces and expenses!
Please support our exhibitors so they can support us!
Thank an exhibitor today!

Saturday March 22, 2025 8:00am - 1:00pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom

9:15am CDT

Visit with the Exhibitors!
Saturday March 22, 2025 9:15am - 9:30am CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Did you know? Without our exhibitors, we couldn't have held a conference!
Did you know? On average, our exhibitors invest over $2,000 on booth spaces and expenses!
Please support our exhibitors so they can support us!
Thank an exhibitor today!

Saturday March 22, 2025 9:15am - 9:30am CDT
Discovery Ballroom

9:15am CDT

Mindfulness in the Classroom: Cultivating Calm and Focus in Early Learners
Saturday March 22, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Legends II
This professional development session explores the research-based benefits of mindfulness in the classroom and for self-care. Participants will acquire practical strategies and insights on mindfulness to cultivate a supportive learning environment that promotes resilience, inclusion, and social-emotional development in students. Engaging sessions and collaborative activities will equip educators with the tools to integrate mindfulness into their classrooms and to support their own well-being.
Speakers
avatar for Pamela Cernjul, Ed.D
Saturday March 22, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Legends II
  Admin, Classroom Management, Social Emotional, Mindfulness |   Child Development, Classroom Management, Social Emotional, Mindfulness |   Mental Health, Classroom Management, Social Emotional, Mindfulness

9:15am CDT

Let's Recycle! Project-Based Learning through the Lens of a PreK Classroom LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Legends I
In our preschool classroom, children engaged in a project on recycling, tackling the question: "How can we throw away less trash?" Through this project, they were able to engage in a project with a community and environmental impact, utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills, all while addressing the early learning standards. In this session, we will share about the important components and phases of project work in a preschool classroom, exploring the topic through our own implementation of a project with the children. We will explore the seven essential project design elements, how to determine if a project topics meets all these elements, and ways in which to make learning integrated and meaningful. Through project-based learning, teachers can cover important standards, teach valuable skills, all while giving children opportunities for agency, allowing them to be at the helm of their own learning. By looking at a project that we did with our children, participants will be able to see what a project looks like when put into practice.
Speakers
MB

Maria Beattie

Assistant Director, UNF Preschool
avatar for Julia Hensler

Julia Hensler

Teacher, UNF Preschool
Saturday March 22, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Legends I
  Age level, Preschool, STEAM |   Curriculum, Preschool, STEAM

9:15am CDT

Social Emotional Development for Young Children: The Power of Positive Affirmations and Self-Love LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Legends III
Social-emotional development is a vital aspect of a child's growth, shaping their ability to understand and manage emotions, establish positive relationships, and develop a healthy self-concept. One of the most effective ways to nurture this development is through affirmations and the promotion of self-love. Join me as we explore the reasons for this and how to implement it in the classroom and beyond.
Speakers
CC

Crystal Campbell

President, SECA
Saturday March 22, 2025 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Legends III
  Child Development, Social Emotional

10:15am CDT

Visit with the Exhibitors! LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Did you know? Without our exhibitors, we couldn't have held a conference!
Did you know? On average, our exhibitors invest over $2,000 on booth spaces and expenses!
Please support our exhibitors so they can support us!
Thank an exhibitor today!

Saturday March 22, 2025 10:15am - 10:30am CDT
Discovery Ballroom

10:30am CDT

Integrating Arts and Artists in Early Childhood Literacy
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends VI
Packed with arts integration strategies to activate your natural storytelling skills through foundational performing arts elements, participants will discover ways to use props, movement, dramatic play, and simple songs to activate sequential thinking skills and recall in early learning literacy. The presenter will share arts integration lessons and strategies specifically designed to reach early literacy standards for preschoolers. Participants will have the opportunity to develop an initial concept of an arts integration lesson that they could envision trying in their learning environments along with some “best practices” in arts integration lesson development. Lastly, participants will learn techniques for collaborating with teaching artists to enrich their classroom learning environments with exposure to creative professionals.
Speakers
avatar for Angela Dittmar

Angela Dittmar

Director of Teaching Artist Residencies, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
ABC at UTC actively integrates arts-based solutions across multiple fields and disciplines to shape a collaborative community while amplifying diverse voices, perspectives, and skillsets into an arts-rich world of today and tomorrow.
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends VI

10:30am CDT

Building Emotional Bridges with Colleagues and Young Children: Restorative Communication Techniques for Early Childhood Educators LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends III
This engaging, two-hour workshop is designed to equip early childhood educators and administrators with practical tools to navigate conflict and build stronger relationships with young learners, colleagues, and families. Participants will explore how restorative communication can transform their classrooms and communities into nurturing, supportive environments.
The session begins with an introduction to Restorative/Nonviolent Communication (NVC) with real-world examples tailored to early childhood settings. Educators will complete a fun conflict style survey and discuss in groups how their individual styles influence interactions with children and peers. They will then practice the four-part NVC framework (Observation, Feeling, Need, Request), using developmentally appropriate strategies that help young children express their emotions and needs.
Throughout the workshop, participants will learn how to use children’s literature and play-based activities to foster communication skills in even the youngest learners. They will also engage in hands-on active listening exercises with partners, practicing essential techniques for meaningful conversations with children and colleagues. In small groups, participants will identify habits that unintentionally block effective communication and explore ways to shift them. They’ll also play GROK—a playful game designed to teach both adults and children how to navigate emotions and conflicts with empathy.
Participants can engage with activities at their comfort level, with opportunities to reflect and develop an action plan for applying their new skills immediately. To support continued growth, attendees will gain access to a free online course on restorative communication, ensuring they feel confident implementing these tools long after the workshop ends.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Moore

Jennifer Moore

Global Education Consultant, Moore Well-Being
Global Education Consultant
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends III
  Admin, Communication, Handling Conflict

10:30am CDT

The Joy of Shared Leadership: Leveraging Everyone’s Strengths; Support School Community LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends I
Have you ever wondered about shared leadership and how you can leverage the strengths of each person you work with? This interactive training for teachers, administrators, and specialists provides you an opportunity to examine and reflect on your own practices by exploring different styles of leadership and vision statements to guide you in becoming successful leaders in any role. This is a collaborative time for understanding and using different early childhood education roles to create a culture of building school-wide partnerships and individual relationships that support high-quality outcomes for children and families. Participants will work together to compose an alignment resource that correlates state standards (including QRIS, core competencies, and early learning guidelines) and NAEYC developmentally appropriate practices to promote best practices as we encourage teachers to be leaders. After our time together you will walk away with a leadership vision, practical next steps, and a clear understanding of how leadership styles tie into your role and how to empower others to grow leadership skills in the work they are doing. We will also explore how teachers can empower their children and families to be leaders and advocates so that everyone in the school is engaging in the Joy of Shared Leadership.
Speakers
AB
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends I
  Leadership   Aadvocacy

10:30am CDT

Calm, Cool, and Connected: Working with Challenging Behaviors LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends V
Children often find themselves overwhelmed by emotions and upsets. This can lead to challenging behaviors. Through specific strategies and connection and self-regulation, children can move from upset to cooperation and participate in learning experiences. Strategies will be shared and practiced in preventing challenging behaviors, as well as responding to challenging behaviors. Participants will learn, practice, and evaluate experiences and structures useful with young children in reducing challenging behaviors.
Speakers
avatar for Douglas Bell

Douglas Bell

Professor, Kennesaw State University
Dr. Bell has been in early learning for over 30 years. He has been a teacher, administrator and adult trainer. His areas of expertise are social emotional development and behavioral guidance, early literacy, infant and toddler quality, young dual language learners, and administra... Read More →
Presentation calm cool and connected pdf
Saturday March 22, 2025 10:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Legends V
  Professional Development, Social Emotional, Infant/Toddlers, Preschool |   Age Level, Social Emotional, Infant/Toddlers, Preschool

12:30pm CDT

Visit with the Exhibitors! LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:30pm - 12:45pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors!

Did you know? Without our exhibitors, we couldn't have held a conference!
Did you know? On average, our exhibitors invest over $2,000 on booth spaces and expenses!
Please support our exhibitors so they can support us!
Thank an exhibitor today!

Saturday March 22, 2025 12:30pm - 12:45pm CDT
Discovery Ballroom

12:45pm CDT

The Power of Play: Neurodevelopmental Techniques and Play Interventions
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends III
This presentation will provide an overview of the brain research which supports understanding of basic play principles, diversity in play styles, and advanced play concepts and interventions. Participants will learn how to improve the play environment, increase likelihood that the needs of all children are met, expand poor play skills, increase focus and attention during play, transfer play to higher symbolic levels, and use play to support behavior.
Speakers
MS

Maria Sargent

Professor, Ashland University
Maria Sargent has been active for 30+ years in general education, special education, behavior intervention, brain research, and arts intervention. She is a full professor at Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. The presenter is known for cross-disciplinary work training professionals... Read More →
The Power of Play Sargent pdf
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends III
  Age Level, PreSchool

12:45pm CDT

Oral Storytelling: Creating A Literate Foundation in Young Children LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends VI
Literacy doesn’t start with children decoding and encoding text; rather it begins as children engage in functional and playful conversations and oral storytelling experiences supported and facilitated by their teachers and other caregivers. In this session, participants will better understand the role of oral language and storytelling in young children's literacy development. Session participants will learn effective ways to prompt children for language success and learn storytelling activities such as story acting, storymaking, and creating oral mentor texts. This interactive session will help participants plan playful, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences designed to build a literate foundation in young children.
Speakers
DB
ML
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends VI
  Age level, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Language, Literacy |   Curriculum, Infant/Toddler, Preschool, Language, Literacy

12:45pm CDT

Introducing Young Learners to Art and Artists through Children’s Books LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends V
You don’t have to be an artist to promote artistic expression by children. Books written for children provide a practical avenue for introducing young learners to artists, works of art, and art media. Integrating the visual arts with language development and early literacy allows children to learn about themselves and others in a creative, collaborative environment.

Consider how artists portray human figures, families, and nature. It is important to make connections with children’s funds of knowledge gained through their experiences of home, family, community, and culture. Using children's books as a starting point, teachers can provide young learners with opportunities to manipulate art tools and materials, represent their perspectives, express their personal interests, and build conceptual knowledge.

As teachers, we provide models of art talk. Terminology such as color, shape, texture, lines, patterns, and designs can be components of conversations about art processes and products. In addition, teachers can use open-ended questions to elicit children’s thinking and decisions about art making. Take a few minutes to practice art talk before or after you contribute to a group art project during the session.

You will come away with a list of recommended list of read aloud storybooks, art series for children, biographies for featured artists, and relevant resources for teachers. We hope that you will be inspired to plan creative explorations for children that will promote inquiry and investigation through hands-on activities and lively conversations.
Speakers
LM

Lin Moore

Professor of Early Childhood Education, Texas Woman's University
"Dr. Lin Moore is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at Texas Woman's University. She teaches courses in early childhood curriculum, play, action research, and leadership. Research interests include perceptions of play, parental engagement, English language learners, and mentoring... Read More →
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends V
  Curriculum, Art, Literacy, Language

12:45pm CDT

Nurturing Young Writers: CLASS Strategies for Early Literacy Success LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends II
The implementation of emergent writing with proven strategies such as, the CLASS framework can help revolutionize early literacy development in classrooms. The CLASS framework places an emphasis on high-quality teacher-student interactions in key areas like Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support which fosters a greater love of writing within young minds. This session will demonstrate how to seamlessly integrate writing into daily routines, create meaningful writing opportunities through play, and provide effective feedback and scaffolding while to support young writers. These practical, actionable tips will transform the approach to teaching writing; which in turn, will nurture confident, capable young authors.
Speakers
avatar for Katherine Dyson

Katherine Dyson

Instructional Coach, Louisiana State University- PCECC
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends II
  Currriculum, Literacy

12:45pm CDT

Beyond the Basics: Transforming Early Learning Through Visionary Leadership and Proven Strategies LIMITED
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends I
Beyond the Basics: Transforming Early Learning Through Visionary Leadership and Proven Strategies

Discover how to elevate early childhood programs from surviving to thriving in this dynamic and interactive session. With a focus on children from birth to five years old, this presentation will provide actionable insights and tools to transform your childcare center into a high-quality, sustainable program. Led by Dr. Daphene Booker-Harris, The Preschool Icon™, attendees will learn from her proven 7-figure blueprint and groundbreaking approaches that have empowered over 200 childcare business owners worldwide.

Participants will explore key leadership strategies, innovative family engagement practices, and methods to align profitability with purpose, all while adhering to state licensing regulations and quality standards. Through real-life case studies, hands-on workshops, and group discussions, you’ll gain practical tools to implement immediately. Whether you’re navigating challenges or looking to expand your impact, this session will inspire and equip you to create meaningful change in your program.

Leave with a personalized action plan and a commitment to take your program to the next level. Join us to learn how visionary leadership and strategic planning can transform your center into a model of excellence, sustainability, and community impact. Perfect for childcare center owners, directors, and early childhood professionals, this session will ignite your passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and families.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Daphene Booker-Harris
Saturday March 22, 2025 12:45pm - 1:45pm CDT
Legends I
  Leadership
 
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