Keynote – Featured Speaker – Session 1

The Wonder of Spiritual Formation in Early Childhood

We hold on to and celebrate those sacred moments in our classroom where we see the “wonder” in a child’s eyes about the love of God. As adults, we are sometimes even challenged (and certainly blessed) by a child’s expression of pure faith and desire to know and respond to God. As early childhood educators, we can set the stage for preschoolers in our care to experience the wonder of God. This session will focus on principles of the spiritual formation in early childhood.

Sessions 3 and 4

Let Them Eat Dirt and Other Renegade Ideas

Sometimes, the best preschool teachers are the ones who resist the urge to follow the crowd and succumb to the latest trend in early childhood. This session will present several counter-cultural ideas that may unlock creativity and confidence in the preschoolers in your classroom.

Sessions 2 and 3

Transition Toolbox

Attention Grabbers… Gear Changers… Time Fillers… It’s all in your TRANSITION TOOLBOX!

Time spent between activities is often unproductive and leads to chaos. Promote success in your classroom by using the “tools” from this workshop to capture your students’ attention and easily move through the preschool day.

Fine Motor Factory

In the Fine Motor Factory workshop, we’ll discuss stages of fine motor development and discover hundreds of activities you can use with preschoolers to build these important skills. You’ll learn ways to help strengthen a child’s hands, fingers, and wrists throughout the school day. From morning table time and free choice centers to circle time and small groups, workshop participants will see opportunities for including fine motor play

Sessions 2 and 3

Trauma Revealed: Strategies for Understanding and Helping Kids

Gain essential tips and strategies for supporting children who’ve faced challenges and learn how trauma affects their world. Be prepared to empower every child in your classroom!

Understanding Trauma in Children

Statistics tell us that 99.2% of society has experienced trauma, including our children. Come learn what trauma is and what it looks like in your preschoolers.

Sessions 2 and 3

A Hands-On Journey into Understanding Childhood Learning and Behavior

Join us in an exploration of understanding the child you teach. We will look at the “why” behind their actions, learn about the characteristics of various age groups, discover their unique learning styles, and explore versatile learning approaches. Get ready to unravel the mysteries of teaching and connect with your students in a whole new way!

Bible Beginnings: Bringing Faith to the Preschool Classroom

Discover engaging methods to weave the Bible into every moment, bringing stories to life through lively conversations and activities. Join us on a teaching adventure as we bring the Bible to life in the lives of our preschoolers.

Exceptional Preschoolers, Exceptional Programming

Explore strategies for recognizing and accommodating diverse learner needs with an emphasis on exceptional learners. Gain invaluable insights on when to seek additional testing and support, paving the way for classrooms where every student can truly thrive!

Creating a Classroom Culture Using Circle Time

Creating a classroom culture is the most important thing within your preschool classroom- here a student learns the basics of school foundations, routines, and creating a bond between teacher and students and among classmates. Join us to learn about some of the basic tenets of circle time, how to continue to create a culture of learning and growth for students, and how to adjust your circle time routines to meet the needs of your learners.

School Safety

School Safety

Session 5

Help!! Did they Really Leave Me In Charge?

Learn about the real ins and outs of being a director from acquiring substitute teachers to making it through the first week of criers to safety in our classrooms.

Lunch – 12:30-1:15

Session 4 – 1:15-2:15

• Let Them Eat Dirt and Other Renegade Ideas in Early Childhood
• Bible Beginnings: Bringing Faith to the Preschool Classroom
• Creating a Classroom Culture Using Circle Time
• Understanding Trauma in Children
• Fine Motor Factory
• Building Your Communication Skills with Parents

Session 5 – 2:15-3:15

• Fine Motor Factory
• Understanding Trauma in Children
• Bible Beginnings: Bringing Faith to the Preschool Classroom
• Creating a Classroom Culture Using Circle Time
• Help!! Did they Really Leave Me In Charge?