Weekday Education Conference
Bloom East – July 17, 2026
Warren Baptist Church, Augusta, GA
For Weekday Teachers of 1-5 Year Olds
12 + Breakout Session Topics
Bright From the Start credit pending
Cost is $60 and includes lunch and conference materials.
Weekday Education Approval Codes from Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning will be given out at the conference.
- 8:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. – EST
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Date: July 17, 2026
Weekday Education Conference 2026
Click here to purchase tickets.
Conference Merch
The Bloom 2026 T-shirt is now available for online order and home delivery
— no need to wait until the conference for pickup!
Here’s what makes this shirt special:
- Made from 100% preshrunk jersey knit cotton for comfort and durability
- Weighs 5.3 ounces, striking a balance between lightness and quality
- Features a seamless double-needle 7/8” collar
- Finished with double-needle sleeves and hem for a polished, long-lasting look
It’s a great way to remind yourself and others to Bloom every day!
Weekday Conference Speakers
Please check additional information using our handouts and speaker grid and room maps.
Friday, July 17, 2026
Session One – 8:45-10 – Keynote Speaker
Amber Weldon Stephens
Blooming with Music
→ Keynote Session Details
Music Makes You BLOOM!
Let’s explore how intentional musical engagement at an early age nurtures cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth in preschoolers. This session provides practical, easy-to-implement strategies for integrating music into daily routines, transforming simple songs and rhythms into powerful tools that help young children blossom in faith and learning.
View the Speaker line-up!
→ Session Details
Balancing Academic Readiness and Play-Based Learning
Directors will learn how to communicate the value of play to parents and support teachers in planning intentional play experiences. The session will also address common pressures from families for “more academics” and offer language and strategies that affirm educational excellence.
Director Q&A
→ Session Details
Science is All Around Us
Incorporate science into every unit to spark curiosity and build essential life skills. Discover exciting experiments, hands-on activities, and simple ways to make your science center a favorite spot—while helping preschoolers grow in their love for science and God’s world.
Hands On Math
Math is everywhere! Discover engaging songs, games, art, and hands-on activities that make preschool math fun and meaningful—leaving with fresh ideas your little learners will love
→ Session Details
Understanding Trauma in Preschoolers
Many preschoolers come to classrooms having gone through difficult circumstances that impact them far after the trauma or difficulty. Come understand how trauma and brokenness impact student’s bodies, brains, and stress systems and how that plays out in your classroom.
Addressing Big Behaviors: Practical Applications for Preschoolers
When children have experienced hard things, they respond differently to correction. Come learn tips and strategies that help you stay connected with students even when they exhibit big behaviors!
→ Session Details
First 1000 Days of Speech Language Development: Nurture, Detect, and Develop with 4n Proven Strategies
Early speech and language identification is key to helping children understand and use language well. Learn simple ways to increase conversation, play, and shared reading to build strong language fluency.
Cradle to 4K: Secrets OT’s Wish You Knew about Fine Motor and Self Help Skills
From birth, children build the motor skills needed for self-feeding, dressing, and writing. Learn key fine motor insights to support development from cradle to 4K—strengthening handwriting skills without traditional handwriting practice.
→ Session Details
Playful Phonics Foundations: Engaging Activities for Infants and Preschoolers
This session explores the role of early phonics in literacy development from infancy to age five. Participants will learn practical, developmentally appropriate strategies to build phonological awareness, letter–sound knowledge, and reading readiness through play, songs, shared reading, and multi-sensory experiences—creating phonics-rich environments that support long-term reading success.
Tech You Can Touch: Active EdTech for Young Learners
This session explores how to introduce foundational tech thinking without screens dominating the classroom. Participants will discover unplugged coding activities, collaborative tools, and simple ways to teach digital responsibility—leaving confident to help young learners build healthy, curious, and safe technology habits.
→ Session Details
Music Makes You BLOOM!
Let’s explore how intentional musical engagement at an early age nurtures cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth in preschoolers. This session provides practical, easy-to-implement strategies for integrating music into daily routines, transforming simple songs and rhythms into powerful tools that help young children blossom in faith and learning.
Conference Maps & Handouts
Bloom Conference Mission
Change for Change
Bring your loose change—and even a few dollars—and drop it off during lunch! Every coin and dollar adds up to make a real difference.
All funds collected at each location will go directly to a local mission effort serving children in your community. Explore the mission effort below to find out where your money will be given at Bloom.
Together, our small change can create big change for kids who need hope and support.
Learn more here: oaksministries.org
Weekday Education Portal
Thanks to all Our Sponsors & Partners
Partnering with Churches to reach Greater Atlanta and the World for Christ!
