Register today for a conference day packed full of excellent content.
Our annual conference will be presented virtually this year with both a morning and an afternoon keynote address from renowned speaker and researcher, Dr. Walter Gilliam.
Additionally, participants will be able to choose from twelve high-quality breakout session related to current topics in early care and learning.
In the morning keynote, Dr. Walter Gilliam will share his latest findings regarding expulsion and suspension practices in early education settings and discusses gender and racial disproportionality and the potential causes for these disparities.
In the afternoon keynote Dr. Gilliam will focus on his research and findings regarding the impact that the pandemic has had on families, children, and practitioners.
Join us. We look forward to virtually learning and being together!
Sponsorship:
We gratefully acknowledge the co-sponsorship of this conference by the Michigan Department of Education. Co-sponsorship by the Michigan Department of Education assumes the active participation of Department of Education staff in planning and development of the agenda. No person shall be denied the opportunity to participate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, marital status, or disability. The conference facility must meet federal and state accessibility standards. Commercial products or services displayed or presented as a part of the conference are not considered endorsed by the State Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Education.
Continuing Education: SCECHs and MiRegistry training hours are available.
Close the Agenda
Welcome and Opening Remarks: Friday - 9:00am to 9:10am
Morning Keynote Address - Dr. Walter Gilliam: Friday - 9:10am to 10:10am
Breakout Presentations - Session 1: Friday - 10:20am to 11:20am
A - Individualized Positive Behavior Support Using Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Young Children (PTR-YC)
Alissa Hofstee
This is session is an overview of Prevent-Teach-Reinforce for Young Children (PTR-YC): The Early Childhood Model of Individualized Positive Behavior Support, a guide used in early care and education programs to resolve persistent challenging behaviors with toddlers and preschoolers.
(3-5)
B - Teaching is My Superpower - Building Teacher Resilience
Kathy Gilbert
In a profession where up to 50% of professionals leave the field in the first five years, describing teaching as stressful seems to be a major understatement. Teaching during a pandemic raises those stressors to Olympic proportions. In this session, we will explore what contributes to burn-out, what a resilient teacher looks like, and what steps we can take to build our protective factors of resilience.
(Birth-8)
C - Wellness in Early Childhood: Utilizing a Reggio Inspired Lab School Approach
Margaret DeSormes
Join Central Michigan University's Child Development and Learning Laboratory Team for a Reggio-inspired journey through a yearlong project to address, "How do children develop healthy lifestyles and express their understanding of personal and community wellness?" Insights regarding idea generation, documentation, family input, child interests, and provocations that scaffold learning provide opportunities for all.
(3-5)
F - Move ON: Dealing with Anger and Anxiety
Karen Tompkin
This workshop is of interest to parents and advocates of people with exceptional needs. Participants will learn about the neurochemistry of stress and how it directs behavior. Through a presentation and related activities, you will leave with a plan to reduce the effects of stress on your body and brain.
(Birth-8)
D - What the HECK are They Talking About? - One Families Experience with Early On
Kristen Reese
What does it mean to families when programs are strength-based, family-centered, based on family/professional partnerships, and interagency collaboration? Kristen Reese, a parent, shares her family’s experience with Early On services for her daughter to promote awareness, sensitivity, and the importance of partnerships for anyone who works with children and families.
(Birth-3)
E - Supporting Diversity and Disability Through Children's Literature
LaShorage Shaffer
In this session we will discuss ways to bring diversity and disability into the classroom. Children’s literature is a staple across all programs for young children. One of the outcomes for children is to have positive social emotional skills, including self-awareness. Using children’s literature, participants will learn key strategies to meet this outcome.
(Birth-8)
Breakout Presentations - Session 2: Friday - 11:30am to 12:30pm
A - Partnering with Families of Dual Language Learners
Noel Kelty
Tomoko Wakabayashi
In this session participants will learn how educators and families can collaborate to support English literacy development for children who are learning two languages at once. Join us to gain strategies and tips that focus on literacy skills that transcend languages.
(Birth-8)
B - Purposeful Play: Dr. Stanley Greenspan's Floortime Model
Kelsey Brewer
Explore how to apply Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s Developmental, Individual, Relationship based, Floortime model in the classroom and during therapy sessions. Discover the importance of family involvement in play-based interventions. Walk away with a thorough understanding of implementing play-based interventions and a plan to use the model effectively with students and families.
(Birth-8)
C - Families as Partners: Engaging Families in Their Child's Education
Danya Stump
Eva McDermott
This session will enable participants to learn the benefit of family involvement in early childhood education. By learning strategies to support and engage families, participants will be able to increase the level of participation and make learning meaningful to all stakeholders in their students lives.
(3-5)
D - Promoting Inclusion by Thinking Differently About Disability
JoDell Heroux
This session will provide an overview of the importance of establishing a sense of belonging for ALL children by deconstructing commonly held beliefs about disability. By identifying our beliefs about disability, we can begin to dismantle institutional/systemic barriers to belonging and inclusion for ALL children.
(Birth-8)
F - Raise Your Voice for Young Children
Kay DuBay, Katie Bourbina
With so many challenges in the past two years affecting systems and families, it is difficult for educators and leaders to sort out and lift up the needs related to supporting families and educating young children. Join Michigan Division for Early Childhood board members to understand the basics of advocacy, including an overview of appropriations and lawmaking, and how your knowledge, experience and voice can make a difference.
(Birth-8)
E - Re-energize, Renew, and Remind Yourself Why
Cheryl Priest
Are you living your best possible ideal, for yourself and your life? Juggling today’s responsibilities takes a toll on the strongest soul. I see you. I hear your struggles. I believe in you. Explore the science of flourishing and leave with a concrete plan to keep your tank full!
(Birth-8)
Lunch Break and Poster Sessions: Friday - 12:30pm to 1:30pm
Afternoon Keynote Address - Dr. Walter Gilliam: Friday - 1:30pm to 2:30pm
Conference Credits and Wrap Up: Friday - 2:30pm to 2:40pm
: Thursday - 1:00am to 1:00am
