Saturday, April 14, 2026

NOTE THAT THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS AND MAY SESSIONS MAY CHANGE DATE AND TIME

8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Opening and General Session
Conference Welcome, Announcements and Wolf Trap Warm Up

Arts Integrated Strategies for Early Learners (Drama)
Presenter: Melissa Richardson, Master Teaching Artist, Wolf Trap

Start your day by exploring the fundamental elements of drama with Wolf Trap Master Teaching Artist, Melissa Richardson. Discover how these elements connect to a variety of curricular and developmental goals. Engage in interactive, hands-on experiences in arts integration that support early learners.

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Open
Concessions available from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

9:45 – 10:45 a.m. – Concurrent Workshops

Building Parental Resilience Through Relationships and Cultural Responsiveness in Early Childhood
Presenter: Kamiesha Vann

This professional learning session examines how early childhood educators foster Parental Resilience, a key protective factor in the Strengthening Families Framework from the Center for the Study of Social Policy. Participants will explore how strong, trusting relationships empower families to navigate challenges and build confidence in their parenting journey. Through reflection and strategy-building, educators will learn culturally responsive approaches to create emotionally safe, inclusive environments where every family feels valued, supported, and connected.

Define parental resilience within the context of the Strengthening Families Framework and explain its importance in early childhood settings.
Describe the role of educator-family relationships in promoting resilience and emotional well-being for parents facing stress or adversity.
Identify at least two culturally responsive strategies that support authentic, trusting relationships with diverse families.
Reflect on personal biases, assumptions, or barriers that may impact connection and trust-building with families from varying cultural backgrounds.

Stomping, Climbing, Crawling, Running: The Whys and Hows of Physical Play in the Toddler Classroom
Presenter: Preston Blackburn

Toddlers move, and then fall, and then move again. The hierarchy of this movement is setting the stage for Chaucer and Chemistry, so we want to make sure they move in all sorts of ways. Join us for a lively session on the powerful foundation built out of moving the body. It all starts the minute we are born, but our culture has been ignoring it. Time to put the focus back on moving to help children build the success we so ache for them to have.

Examine the connection between physical activity, brain development, and future academic success.
Review how sedentary behaviors make learning harder than it should be, while more movement improves learning outcomes for happier classrooms for both teachers and students.
Learn effective ways to incorporate more moving into the school day to enhance learning and behavior as toddlers move from unsteady movers to confident, strong, and powerful movers.

9:45 – 11:15 a.m. – Concurrent Workshops

Active Supervision in Early Childcare Settings
Presenter: Misty Jewell
This training focuses on maintaining constant awareness of children’s activities, identifying potential hazards, and preventing injuries in child care settings. Participants will learn to plan safe environments, position themselves effectively, and engage with children using active supervision techniques.

Identify the six key strategies of active supervision—setting up the environment, positioning, scanning, listening, anticipating, and engaging—and explain how each prevents harm.
Recognize common indoor and outdoor hazards and develop plans to minimize them.
Demonstrate techniques for maintaining awareness of children’s locations and needs during all activities.
Create an action plan to strengthen supervision practices through clear policies, staff communication, and accountability.

Cybersecurity for Early Childhood Professionals: Protecting Programs, Families, and Children in a Digital World
Presenter: Andy Roszak

Early childhood programs are increasingly reliant on digital tools — from online enrollment and parent communications to payroll and electronic child records. With this shift comes new vulnerabilities. This interactive session will demystify cybersecurity for early childhood professionals. Participants will learn common risks, such as phishing scams, weak passwords, and unsafe Wi-Fi connections, and discover practical, low-cost strategies to protect their programs, staff, and families. Real-world examples from early childhood settings will be shared, along with step-by-step guidance on how to strengthen digital “hygiene” and create safer practices. No technical expertise is required — this course is designed to provide practical, actionable solutions for directors, administrators, and educators in child care and preschool settings.

Identify at least three common cybersecurity risks (e.g., phishing, ransomware, weak passwords) that threaten early childhood programs.
Describe two strategies for protecting sensitive child, family, and staff data in early childhood settings.
Demonstrate knowledge of digital hygiene practices (such as strong passwords, secure Wi-Fi, and safe device use) by applying them to case study scenarios.
Develop an action plan with at least two steps they can take immediately to improve cybersecurity at their own program.

Helping Little Children, Find Their Big Voice: Intentionally Teaching the Skills of Assertiveness and Effective Communication
Presenter: Kim Hughes

Tap into the powers and skills of Conscious Discipline® to transform adult perception of conflict from seeing misbehavior to seeing a call for help. Conferees will be empowered to reframe their negative perceptions about peer-to-peer struggles and classroom disruptions and use daily classroom conflict as an opportunity to teach students life skills. Accordingly, teachers will be equipped to focus on assertive solutions by teaching both victims to use a self-assured voice and bullies to use effective verbal communication strategies in times of conflict. Imagine walking away from this session with new skills and resources of how to turn classroom conflicts into shared cooperation by using conflicts as an opportunity to teach missing social-emotional skills.

Identify strategies that teach children to handle and resolve conflicts, initially with teacher support and facilitation, and then independently too.
Empower both victim and aggressor so each one is successfully involved in the process of conflict resolution three.
Explain the benefits of teaching young children how to successfully advocate for their rights and needs.

I'm Gonna Find a Way: Engineering Practices that Promotes Play-based Learning
Presenter: Gwen Robertson

This workshop helps participants to plan and implement play-based learning that crosses all domains through the process of engineering. Hands-on engineering activities empower children to see themselves as doers, thinkers and problem-solvers. They learn that it is more than one way to do things and to fail is ok, just try again. This workshop will incorporate physical, cognitive and social emotional learning while infusing STEM practices into children's play based learning Engineering activities provide open-ended challes that help children develop resilience, perseverance and a sense of curiosity that answers the question 'What if'. Participants will walk away with practical ideas to foster learning, minimize behavior challenges, and adapt your environment to meet the needs of all children in your care.

Participates will discuss how to incorporate hands-on engineering learning experiences, creative learning activities, and investigations that support and promote life-long learning.
Participants will distinguish how to create an environment that encourages active participatory learning, where children can explore their interests, make choices, and build on their existing knowledge.
Participants will investigate and play with different resources and materials that they may use in their centers or homes that will help teachers to understand what children select, what they choose as desirable and what they bring to their learning

Learning from Young Children: Joy, Mindfulness, Creativity and More
Presenter: Michele Lucia

This presentation explores the profound lessons that early childhood educators can learn from young children, emphasizing their intrinsic wisdom. Educators will explore how to integrate joy, mindfulness, gratitude, creativity, presence, and social connection into their teaching and their lives. Key themes include such things as cultivating a joyful learning environment, fostering mindfulness, practicing gratitude, nurturing creativity, and living in the present moment. Through engaging activities and reflective discussions, participants will gain practical tools and inspiration to enrich their teaching practices and create supportive learning environments for both educators and children.

Understand the Wisdom of Children
Incorporate Joy in Teaching
Foster Mindfulness and Presence , Practice Gratitude
Nurture Creativity Enhance Social Connections and Embrace Curiosity

Small Voices, Big Feelings: Guiding Preschool Behaviors with CLASS based Strategies
Presenter: Carla Helton

In this session, participants will deeper their knowledge of the Pre-K CLASS tool and use CLASS strategies, such as Regard for Student Perspectives, Productivity, and Behavior Management to improve child engagement, support autonomy and child voice, as well as increase on-task behavior and build a classroom that lends itself to a respectful and productive learning environment.

Learn to support Improve child engagement
Support autonomy and child voice in a more developmentally appropriate way
Learn how to Increase on-task behavior
Build a more respectful and productive learning environment

Noon – 1:15 p.m. – Lunch & Learn General Session

Lunch & Learn General Session: Implicit Bias
Presenter: John Richardson-Lauve, St. Joseph’s Villa

We all want the kids in our care to be successful and feel supported. None of us wants for our kids to feel like we are playing favorites or making unfair decisions. But, by virtue of our own experiences, the world in which we live, and the nature of our brains, it is difficult to override our nature. These biases are part of being human. Our brain is wired up to use shortcuts. Rather than deny them, it is important to be aware of them, explore and understand them, and work to manage them. In this presentation, we will set out a framework to prevent our unconscious bias from impacting our work with kids and their families, giving practical tools to use on Monday.

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Concurrent Workshops

Culturally Responsive Anti-Biased Training
Presenter: Sarah Rice

“Teacher, Teacher, What do you see? (I see children looking at me, am I stereotyping what I see?) Discussions about our bias in the classroom and our interactions with the students through Instructional Practices.

Define positive identity in children.
Discuss importance of positive identity development on children's social and emotional well-being.
Introduction to creating a classroom that identify strategies to using cultural socialization to build positive identity in young children.

I am an Educator, Not a Marketer: Marketing 101 for Program Leaders
Presenter: Rebecca Berlin

Early childhood leaders do not think of themselves as marketing or sales professionals. Still, they market and sell daily every time they reach out to parents, community members, or volunteers. It's not just about spreading awareness; it's about building relationships, inspiring action, and creating lasting change. This session will provide foundational information on developing your organization’s brand and marketing plan. Let's flip the script and approach nonprofit marketing with the vigor and determination of a salesperson - because every enrolled child and their family, onboarded and retained staff member, donation, partnership, and advocate gained brings us one step closer to making a difference in the world.

Understanding why educators are excellent marketers.
Know and be able to use the 5 Be's of marketing.
Understand why branding is important.
Be able to define how to best outreach to families.

Increasing Language Comprehension Ability
Presenter: Dawn Hall

Participants will learn practical strategies for story selection and impactful language building activities. Socioeconomic and multicultural perspectives will be highlighted. Strategies for increasing vocabulary acquisition for children learning English will be discussed. Examples of the structure of an effective and interactive read aloud will be provided.

Increased awareness of the most beneficial books to choose for an interactive read aloud.
Learned appropriate techniques for increasing language understanding and tier two vocabulary for all students.
Increased understanding of the specific elements, strategies, and questioning techniques to use to when teaching lessons involving literature.
Become more aware of specific supports for English language learners to develop both their native language proficiency and English skills.

Interact For Impact: Making Every Moment Count
Presenter: Caitlin Ellis

What if the most powerful learning experiences in early childhood weren’t the group lessons, but the everyday interactions in between? In this engaging session, discover how consistent, intentional interactions can transform everyday moments into impactful opportunities for learning all day long. Using examples from the STREAMin³ curriculum and the ECE Resource Hub, you'll explore strategies, routines, and quick activities to embed intentional interactions in both structured and unstructured times—such as mealtimes, rest, care routines, and transitions—unlocking the full potential of each part of the day to elevate learning and development.

Identify parts of the early childhood day where interactions are more or less effective.
Explore strategies, routines, and quick activities from the ECE Resource Hub and STREAMin³ to add intentionality to mealtimes, rest, outdoor play, care routines, transitions, and more.
Develop a plan to make every part of the day an opportunity for meaningful interactions.

Loose Parts: Using Open Ended Materials to Promote Learning
Presenter: Tammy Foster

The session will begin with a discussion of the theory of loose parts and its benefits to student learning. We will see how using loose parts spark children to ask “what if” and enhances their ability to use their imagination. Then we will explore ways to embark on your loose parts journey which will include how to involve your students and families by sending home information on loose parts and involving them in starting your collection. To conclude, we will investigate how to incorporate loose parts into your curriculum by planning developmentally appropriate provocations that are hands-on, encourage creativity and create learning opportunities. This will be done through examples of activities (using photos and hands-on examples) as well as the sharing of other ideas from attendees.

Be introduced to the theory of loose parts and their benefits to student learning.
Learn how to incorporate loose parts into their classroom .
Apply their new knowledge to support developmentally appropriate curriculum

Planning Successful Transitions That Support School Readiness Across Early Childhood Settings
Presenter: Myra G. Crouch, PhD

Continuity that supports school readiness is necessary to ensure that children’s experiences in care and education settings contribute consistently to these developmental achievements and that early problems are quickly identified and addressed. When vertical continuity over time results in consistent high-quality learning experiences, it helps ensure that early learning programs support children’s early core skills. Moreover, the growing school readiness movement has brought increased attention to identifying early learning programs that are most effective for young children. Preschool to third grade programs provide an exemplary example to incorporate these principles into a broader framework for promoting school success. Virginia defines school readiness as the capabilities of children, their families, schools, and communities that will best promote successful transitions that support school readiness. Join this interactive session that will focus on the key skill areas that educators and administrators can use right away in planning instruction for preparing young children and their families as they transition from pre-k programs and throughout the early grades.

Explore how and what makes for successful transitions among early childhood classroom settings.
Learn what it takes to foster continuity as children move from early learning programs to preschool to kindergarten through third grade.
Discuss the specific roles of early learning programs, schools, and families to prepare young children to enter school ready for success.
Highlight innovative practices through group activities that educators can use to support families and schools as children move into the early school grades.

Rooted in Growth: Outdoor Learning as a Foundation for Early Childhood Education
Presenter: Amanda Abrill

Outdoor Education as a Foundation for Early Childhood Education will explore how time spent outdoors fosters curiosity, creativity, and holistic development in young learners. This session will highlight why outdoor education is essential in early childhood, showcase a variety of practical approaches to integrating it into daily routines, and engage participants in hands-on lessons that can be adapted for any setting. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies, activity ideas, and resource materials to support their own outdoor learning initiatives, ensuring children build strong foundations for lifelong growth.

Identify the key benefits of outdoor education for early childhood development, including cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth.
Explore several approaches for integrating outdoor education into early learning environments.
Practice hands-on activities that demonstrate how outdoor experiences can be adapted for different settings and age groups.
Access and apply a variety of resources and tools to implement outdoor education strategies in classrooms or programs.

Unlocking Engagement: Strengths-Based Strategies for Inclusive Preschool Classrooms
Presenter: Meg Druga

In inclusive preschool settings, promoting autonomy is essential for enabling young children to take an active role in their own learning. This session explores how educators can harness each child’s strengths, preferences, and interests to enhance engagement, and build an inclusive, supportive environment where every learner can thrive. By embracing the uniqueness of each child’s abilities and needs, educators can design personalized, strength-based learning experiences that boost child development including social and emotional growth. Participants will gain actionable strategies to nurture autonomy and self-determination skills, equipping young learners to confidently explore, make choices, and develop independence. This approach not only enhances individual success but also fosters a culture of inclusivity where every child feels valued, capable, and empowered to thrive!

Identify guiding principles of inclusive preschool environments and explain how promoting autonomy supports student engagement and participation.
Examine the roles of choice-making, self-efficacy, and self-regulation in fostering autonomy, and apply strategies that use children’s strengths, preferences, and interests to enhance learning.
Design strength-based, inclusive learning experiences by developing actionable plans that incorporate adaptations, modifications, and supports to nurture independence and self-determination in young children.

2:45 – 3:45 p.m. – Concurrent Workshops

ALL Children, All Spaces: Adaptations, Accommodations, and Resources to Support Children with Developmental Delays and Disabilities in Every Environment
Presenter: Christine Spence

This session will be an interactive discussion on including and supporting young children with developmental delays and disabilities in early childhood spaces such as classrooms and community activities. Many young children have diagnosed or undiagnosed disabilities or developmental delays, and participate in a variety of early care and education settings. While some children thrive with minimal adaptations, other children benefit from intentional accommodations. Presenters will share vignettes to talk through possible adaptations, accommodations, and resources that can support young children with developmental delays and disabilities to thrive in all settings.

Recognize that children with disabilities, developmental delays, trauma and other adverse childhood experiences are present in every classroom
Identify four adaptations and accommodations to support children with varying and complex learning needs
Identify three resources to support teaching strategies
Identify two action steps to incorporate learned strategies into their own classroom curricula
Identify one colleague to network with and continue the learning process

2:45 – 4:15 p.m. – Concurrent Workshops

Brain Under Construction... Why Children Act Like Children
Presenter: Elyssa Brinn

This training explores the developing brain in early childhood and how it directly shapes children’s behavior. Participants will learn the science behind why “little people” act the way they do, reframe age-appropriate behaviors through the lens of brain development, and gain practical strategies to support children with empathy and understanding. The session emphasizes the power of co-regulation, equipping educators with brain-based tools to strengthen relationships, foster emotional resilience, and create calm, responsive learning environments. Key topics include early brain development, practical, brain-based strategies for the classroom, and reframing challenging behaviors as developmental milestones.

Explain how brain development influences behavior in infants, toddlers, and preschooler
Identify age-appropriate behaviors through a developmental lens rather than as misbehavior.
Apply strategies for co-regulation to help children build self-regulation skills.
Strengthen adult-child connections using neuroscience-informed practices.
Create supportive classroom environments that align with how young brains grow and learn.

Deliver with IMPACT: Brain-Boosting Techniques for Presentations and Adult Learning
Presenter: Shauna King

Too often, professional development for early childhood staff feels more like a lecture than a learning experience, leaving trainers frustrated and participants disengaged. Whether you're a coach, administrator or educator suddenly responsible for leading adults, you deserve tools that actually work. In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to design and deliver training that captures attention, invites participation, and improves retention, without relying on slides alone. Grounded in brain science and practical application, this session will boost your confidence, sharpen you delivery, and help you transform passive workshops into powerful learning moments. Whether you're a new or aspiring administrator, instructional coach or someone who finds yourself suddenly responsible for leading PD, this session provides a clear framework for engaging adult learners with confidence. Learn how to structure short, impactful presentations that activate attention, emotion, and participation, so your message sticks and your training truly makes an impact.

Identify brain-based strategies that support attention, engagement, and memory in adult learners.
Structure how to create short-form presentations using a research-informed, easy-to-follow framework.
Practice delivery and facilitation techniques that increase participation and impact.
Identify practical tools for reducing presentation anxiety and improving facilitation confidence.

Materials Matter: A Scaffolded Lens on the Provisions of Play
Presenter: Christine Murray

This hands-on session introduces a repeatable framework to help children build lasting relationships with materials and support responsive environments. We’ll explore how to support children as they move from initial introduction to materials through experimentation, exploration, creation, and synthesis—integrating new and prior understandings of their world. Learn when to launch, revisit, or extend art and sensory invitations, new approaches to construction play, and meaningful integration of loose parts. Includes tools to support evolving play all year.

Describe the five stages of the materials framework (introduction, exploration, experimentation, creation, and synthesis)
Explain how each stage supports children’s development through play.
Reflect on classroom materials and environments using the framework as a lens.
Engage in hands-on material exploration to practice observation, documentation, and reflection as tools for scaffolding engagement.
Determine whether a challenge with materials or engagement calls for a pedagogical adjustment (such as purpose or framing) or a procedural one (such as setup, quantity, or routine).
Collaborate with peers to plan responsive strategies that strengthen classroom systems, elevate material use, and support joyful, inclusive, developmentally appropriate play for all learners.

Mealtime = Learning Time
Presenter: Tracie Mercado, Nimita Sheth

Mealtime is more than just a chance to feed children—it’s an opportunity to support their growth, learning, and social development. In this interactive training, participants will actively explore the nutritional and developmental needs of infants and young children through engaging discussions and hands-on activities. Together, we will practice strategies for planning balanced, varied meals and snacks, experience the benefits of Family Style Meal Service, and discover fun, practical ways to bring nutrition into lesson plans and curriculum. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools and ideas to bring back to their classrooms and programs.

Develop an understanding of the unique nutritional needs of infants and young children.
Learn effective strategies for implementing Family Style Meal Service.
Explore practical approaches for supporting and accommodating picky eaters.
Gain tools and ideas for incorporating nutrition into lesson plans and curriculum.

Rooted in Growth: Outdoor Learning as a Foundation for Early Childhood Education
Presenter: Amanda Abrill

Rooted in Growth: Outdoor Education as a Foundation for Early Childhood Education will explore how time spent outdoors fosters curiosity, creativity, and holistic development in young learners. This session will highlight why outdoor education is essential in early childhood, showcase a variety of practical approaches to integrating it into daily routines, and engage participants in hands-on lessons that can be adapted for any setting. Attendees will leave with concrete strategies, activity ideas, and resource materials to support their own outdoor learning initiatives, ensuring children build strong foundations for lifelong growth.

Identify the key benefits of outdoor education for early childhood development, including cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth.
Explore several approaches for integrating outdoor education into early learning environments.
Practice hands-on activities that demonstrate how outdoor experiences can be adapted for different settings and age groups.
Access and apply a variety of resources and tools to implement outdoor education strategies in classrooms or programs.

Stations that Shine: Creating Engaging, Intentional Learning Experiences in Pre-K
Presenter: Becca Carter

In this interactive session, participants will explore how to design and implement learning stations that maximize engagement, foster independence, and align with Pre-K standards. Teachers will leave with practical strategies, examples, and resources to create stations that shine—providing students with meaningful, hands-on opportunities to learn and grow.

Participants will be able to: Identify the key components of effective Pre-K learning stations.
Design stations that balance structure with student choice.
Incorporate strategies that build social, emotional, and academic skills.
Walk away with ready-to-use ideas for their own classrooms.

Take the Bite Out of Biting
Presenter: Jane Plum

Biting is an emotionally charged issue for infant-toddler teachers, for parents and for children. A fuller understanding of the Conscious Discipline brain state model, recognizing developmental needs that lead to biting and the Skill of Composure can change your focus from the upset to solutions. Leave with a biting program, a sample biting policy and techniques for responding to parents.

Explore the Conscious Discipline Brain State Model and its relation to safety and connection in the infant/toddler classroom.
Explore basic developmental characteristics and needs of children of various ages in relation to biting.
Practice the skill of composure.
Practice responding in order to prevent biting and teach new skills.
Prepare a Biting Policy that emphasizes child success and teaching rather than punishing.