2022 Michigan AEYC Annual Early Childhood Conference Preliminary Program by miaeyc

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Annual Early Childhood Conference

THE POWER OF YOU! May 5 - 7

Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place Grand Rapids, MI PLUS virtual access through June 6, 2022

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM Register online at:

www.miaeyc.org Become a Michigan AEYC member and save on your registration fee!

2022 Annual Early Childhood Conference

THE POWER OF YOU Grand Rapids, May 5-7, 2022

Conference Information Accommodations Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel is the conference headquarters. A variety of restaurants and lounges are available to cater to your mood and appetite. The Kitchen Counter by Wolfgang Puck for a quick bite; The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck where made-from-scratch comfort fare meets authentic global classics; MDRD for a lively dinner of modern Spanish entrees, sharables and desserts on the 27th floor; Ruth’s Chris Steak House serving the best steaks; Taco Alley serving up fast & easy tacos, burritos & chips on the go; Rendezvous for craft cocktails, wine and light eats; IDC a speakeasy balcony bar; the historic Lumber Baron bar; and Starbucks. We encourage you to check with the hotel regarding amenities and services available or with limited service due to COVID-19. Rate: Single, Double, Triple or Quad For reservations call: Reservation link: Reservation deadline Website:

Reservation Instructions •

Call or select the hotel of your choice

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Identify yourself as attending the Michigan AEYC Early Childhood Conference

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Provide the following information: • Number of rooms required • Accommodations desired:

Single, Double, Triple or Quad • Number and names of people sharing the room • Credit card information • Email, phone and personal information • Special requests (handicap accessible, featherfree bedding, etc.)

$153

Deposits Hotels in Michigan require a credit card number or a first night deposit to hold your room. Changes, Cancellations All changes and cancellations must be made directly with the hotel.

Downtown Courtyard by Marriott The Downtown Courtyard by Marriott is connected by skywalk to the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place. The hotel features a restaurant/lounge, and offers easy access to Downtown businesses. We encourage you to check with the hotel regarding amenities and services available or with limited service due to COVID-19.

For reservations call: Reservation link: Reservation deadline Website:

Call or book online early for reservations

• Arrival and departure dates and times

800-253-3590; 616-776-6450 https://book.passkey.com/e/50235807 April 11, 2022 www.amwaygrand.com

Rate: Single, Double, Triple or Quad

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$148

877-901-6632; 616-242-6000 https://book.passkey.com/e/50235807 April 11, 2022 www.marriott.com

Registration & Fees

On-Site Registration

Online registration with credit card or purchase order payment is available until April 29, 2022. Registration is considerably less for Michigan AEYC members at the Standard or Premium level. To register as a member, you must be a current member at the Standard or Premium level at time of registration. Entry level members do not qualify for registration discount. Membership status is checked. To become a member, visit www.miaeyc.org.

On-site registration takes place in the Conference Registration Area, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel: • Wednesday, May 4

6:00pm - 8:00pm

• Thursday, May 5

7:00am - 4:30pm

• Friday, May 6

7:00am - 2:30pm

• Saturday, May 7

7:30am - 10:30am

Name Badges

New this year, add a Michigan AEYC membership to your conference registration to receive discounted registration and all the perks of membership right away.

A confirmation email is sent upon completion and acceptance of your online registration.

The Student/T.E.A.C.H. rate is for current undergraduate students or current T.E.A.C.H. recipients. A copy of your current class schedule or T.E.A.C.H. contract must be uploaded with your registration.

Name badges are NOT mailed. Name badges are to be picked up onsite at Conference Registration, Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel. Registered conferees will receive an email with name badge pick-up instructions and QR code one week prior to the conference. Access to your email with your QR code is required to retrieve your name badge.

Refunds of registration fees are made upon written request. Requests must be received by April 15, 2022. A $15.00 processing fee is deducted from each refund. Absolutely NO refunds are issued after April 15, 2022.

Special Arrangements

A registration can be transferred to another person upon request by email to llaubenthal@miaeyc.org.

All sites are handicap accessible. Michigan AEYC honors reasonable requests for aids, services or assistance. Requests must be submitted in writing by April 8, 2022.

Parking

Poster Session The Poster Session showcases practitioners, researchers, and students across disciplines with a focus in early childhood to share information on inclusive practices. The Poster Session takes place on Friday, May 6, 11:45am- 1pm in the hall/lobby area of DeVos Ballroom A, Main Level.

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Amway Hotel - $32 self-parking. Rates subject to change. Michigan AEYC Conference overnight guests receive discount on self or valet parking.

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Marriott Courtyard - $24 self-parking. Rates subject to change. Michigan AEYC Conference overnight guests receive discount on self or valet parking.

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View a map with additional downtown parking options by visiting https://bit.ly/GRDowntownParking

Dining & Things to Do

Exhibits Vendors of equipment and instructional materials and Presenters’ Marketplace are in the Exhibit Hall, Ballroom A Main Level, DeVos Place on Thursday, May 5 and Friday, May 6, 10:05am - 5:30pm.

Food service is not provided by Michigan AEYC, however the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers several dining options and there are numerous options within walking distance. Quick lunch lines are NOT available. Use this QR code to access a map of dining options in and around the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. https://bit.ly/downtownGRdining

Presenters’ Marketplace on Saturday, May 7 is 9:00am - 1:30pm Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel.

Gala Join Michigan AEYC in celebrating YOU! At the Michigan AEYC Gala you’ll join your peers in recognizing this year’s award and scholarship winners, enjoy entertainment and live auction by the talented artist and musician group Empty Canvas, a full plated dinner and drinks! Attire: Come as you are.

DASH- Downtown Area Shuttle The Grand Rapids Downtown Area Shuttle (DASH) offers downtown visitors a great way to get around. DASH buses pass every stop every 15 minutes. For shuttle info, visit https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/ Departments/Mobile-GR/DASH-the-Downtown-Area-Shuttle.

Gala entrance is not included in conference registration. Individual tickets, as well as a table reservation, may be purchased in advance only at a rate of $35/ticket.

Downtown Conference Attendee Exclusives Grand Rapids rolls out the red carpet for conference attendees! Experience Grand Rapids has arranged discounts at a number of local restaurants, attractions and other businesses to help you truly experience the city while you are here. These savings are not available to the general public. Redeem your discounts simply by presenting the digital coupon on your phone. It’s that easy! Visit Visit.experiencegr.com/exclusives for a full listing of exclusive discounts.

Ticket sales: https://miaeyc.formstack.com/ forms/2022_gala_registration

Things to Do Visit https://bit.ly/GREventsMay4-7 for a list of events happening downtown Grand Rapids May 4 - 7, 2022.

Silent Auction Annual Business Meeting

The Michigan AEYC Silent Auction is live! View and bid on unique items and experiences on the auction website. All proceeds benefit Michigan AEYC student scholarships and awards.

Michigan AEYC members are invited to the Annual Business Meeting Thursday, May 5, 2022 from 6-6:45pm, Imperial Ballroom, Amway Hotel. Hear updates on the work of your professional organization statewide.

https://bit.ly/eccauction 3

Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children 2022 Early Childhood Conference

Schedule At-A-Glance FRIDAY May 6

WEDNESDAY May 4 9:30am - 4:00pm

Institutes of Higher Ed Summit

7:00am - 2:30pm

Registration & badge pickup

4:30pm - 5:30pm

ACCESS Social Networking

8:30am - 10:00am

General Session

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Registration & badge pickup

10:05am - 5:30pm

Exhibits & Silent Auction

10:15am - 1:15pm

Zumbini Instructor Training

THURSDAY May 5 7:00am - 4:30pm

Registration & badge pickup

8:30am - 10:00am

General Session

10:05am - 5:30pm

Exhibits & Silent Auction

10:15am - 4:00pm

Workshops

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Center Stage

6:00pm - 6:45pm

Annual Business Meeting

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Michigan AEYC Gala Dinner

Pre-registration required

10:15am - 4:00pm

Workshops

11:45am - 1:00pm

Poster Session

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Center Stage

2:45pm - 4:00pm

Film Screening: Anti-Bias Education in Action: The Early Years

8:00pm - 9:00pm

Member Networking Events Pre-registration required, Members only

SATURDAY May 7

Advance ticket purchase required

Conference registration includes in-person attendance AND access to online content for 30 days.

7:00am - 10:30am

Registration & badge pickup

8:30am - 9:30am

General Session

10:00am - 3:15pm

Workshops

10:15am - 1:15pm

Zumbini Instructor Training Pre-registration required

*MiRegistry and/or SCECH training credit available for eligible attendees

12:30pm - 1:45pm

Film Screening: Me, The Other

Michigan AEYC provides a forum where individuals can gather and discuss issues vital to those who work on behalf of young children and their families. Although Michigan AEYC encourages the exchange of diverse opinions, the ideas presented do not necessarily reflect any of Michigan AEYC’s official positions. Michigan AEYC assumes no responsibility for any statement of fact or opinion presented at this conference, nor does acceptance of advertising or exhibits imply endorsement of any products or services by Michigan AEYC. Co-sponsorship of a conference 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 part of the conference are not considered endorsed by the State Board of Education and the Michigan Department of Education. Regarding Changes in the Conference Program: Michigan AEYC provides this preliminary program for your convenience in planning. However, Michigan AEYC emphasizes that this is a preliminary program. Changes to sessions, times and other aspects of the conference will occur after publication of this preliminary program. The 2022 Early Childhood Conference final program will be published on the conference website.

Online Content

Training Credit

In addition to over 130 in-person sessions, conference registrants will receive access to over 100 pre-recorded sessions for on-demand viewing and training credit. Whether participating in the conference as an online only attendee, or attending in-person, conferees will be able to participate in a variety of online session offerings, meaning no longer having to worry about missing one session while attending another.

Training credit is issued through MiRegistry and the Michigan Online Educator Certification System. In order to qualify to receive training credit for each session attended, attendees must: 1. Have a valid MiRegistry account to receive MiRegistry Training Credit. Visit www.miregistry.org to set up your account. AND/OR

Online content will be available at 8:00am Thursday, May 5 and remain available through Monday, June 6, 2022.

Have a valid PIC Number to receive SCECH credit in the Michigan Online Educator Certification System.

Conference registrants will receive instructions for logging in to the online conference platform along with in-person badge pick up instructions one week prior to the event. The conference platform is located on Michigan AEYC’s Knowledge Center. For attendees who have participated in events on the Michigan AEYC Knowledge Center in the past, existing log-in information will be utilized to access the online conference. For those new to the Michigan AEYC Knowledge Center, a username and password will be assigned and included in the log-in instructions email one week prior to the event.

2. Provide your MiRegistry ID number and/or PIC number in your conference registration. 3. We recommend providing the email you associate with your MiRegistry and/or MOECs account when registering for the conference. 4. To receive training credit for in-person sessions, complete the Training Credit Form EACH DAY you attend sessions by scanning the Daily Training Credit QR Code when you are done attending sessions for that day. A new code will be displayed each day and you will not receive access to codes from days prior.

We encourage registrants to log-in to the platform before the conference begins to avoid a technology challenge when accessing a live online event.

5. To receive training credit for virtual sessions, you must watch the training recording in its entirety. Credit will not be issued for sessions in which the entire training recording is not viewed.

Visit the Michigan AEYC Knowledge Center for helpful hints, FAQs, and to learn about additional upcoming training and events.

6. Session attendance will be entered into MiRegistry and MOECS at the close of all session content, after June 6, 2022. Please allow for up to an additional 30 days for your training credit to appear.

Access online conference content:

http://learn.miaeyc.org

Training credit QR codes will be displayed each day in Amway and DeVos. Training credit will not be issued for partially viewed or partially attended in-person sessions.

Session Type, Category and Track Key

In-Person Session Trauma

IT = Infant/Toddler

Program Administration

PS = Preschool

On-Demand Session

Social Emotional

KP = Kindergarten & Primary

Inclusion

SA = School Age

Power to the Profession / Policy & Research All = IT, PS, KP, SA

AD= Adult

Wednesday, May 4 9:30am - 4:00pm

Institutes of Higher Ed Summit

4:30pm - 5:30pm

ACCESS Social Networking

5:00pm - 8:00pm

Registration & Badge Pickup

7:00am - 4:30pm

Registration & Badge Pickup

8:30am - 10:00am

General Session

10:05am - 5:30pm

Exhibits & Silent Auction

10:15am - 4:00pm

Workshops

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Center Stage

6:00pm - 6:45pm

Annual Business Meeting

7:00pm - 9:00pm

Michigan AEYC Gala Dinner

Thursday, May 5

(advance ticket purchase required)

Keynote Why Should Students Learn From Me? Matinga Ragatz, PhD Learning, Instruction, and Innovation Specialist; Author; Speaker; Coach; Visionary; Buck Institute of Education National Faculty; Michigan Teacher of the Year; US Nation Teacher Hall of Fame Inductee You have rich life experiences, maybe multiple credentials or degrees. You have a classroom full of resources and a roster of students. Have you ever asked yourself this essential question?

In this keynote, we will consider our education fallacies and teaching beliefs that truly hinder our mission as educators. We will review strategies that will encourage early education habits that can mold the way younger students begin to see themselves as learners.

Management The Business of Being a Director Directors need two skill sets: program and business. This session will go into depth about the business of child care beginning with the business side and ending with day-to-day operations. Fostering relationships will help you be more effective and will pass through to your organization's continued viability.

Center Reflections After One Year Open Reflections on what we've learned and how we've grown after one year open. Unique viewpoints include: running a center inside a running elementary school, benefits of being a nonprofit and employer-sponsored childcare.

Karin Cooney, Angel Care Preschool & Child Care

Age Levels: IT, PS, SA

Samantha Mitchell, Children’s Discovery Academy, Inc.

Age Levels: IT, PS, KP, SA

Thursday, May 5, cont.

Management, cont. Professions and Personality Types Discover how to pair Early Childhood Professionals with the career that is right for them based on their personality types.

Moving Learning Forward Supporting infant and toddler learning is important! Understanding how to scaffold for early, middle and later learners will be explored.

Amy Bond, Great Start to Quality Central Resource Center

Heather Moroni & Betsy Spiker, Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center

Age Levels: IT, PS, KP, SA

Age Levels: IT Using Kinesthetic Learning to Teach Academics This session will go through the benefits of kinesthetic learning and activities that help students move and learn at the same time.

Teaching & Learning Multisensory Literacy for Early Childhood Come see how using multisensory manipulatives allow young learners to listen to and manipulate sounds before reading them. Develop literacy skills while engaging in learning sound and spelling relationships, decoding strategies, and reading fluency. See lessons that include visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile instruction that help students make connections. One lucky participant will win a complete kit!

Kyle Curtis, Rochester Community Schools Age Levels: PS, KP Block Play: Stacked with Learning Potential This session will discuss the definition of a block, types of blocks, appropriate set-up of the block area, the stages of block play, the benefits for children and the teacher's role in block play.

Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind Age Levels: KP

Jennifer Fernandez, School Specialty, LLC Age Levels: IT, PS

Science Time You don't have to be a scientist. Explore this "hands-on" workshop containing easy and inexpensive science activities and science table top props that you can incorporate throughout your classroom.

Inclusion in the Early Childhood Classroom All students, no matter their physical, behavioral or cognitive "limitations", deserve full access to the same curriculum and activities inside the classroom as their same age peers. Accommodations and modifications may, or may not, be made and some may be difficult, but as teachers it is our job to think outside the box and work with the special education team members to give those students our best, just like we give the rest of the students.

Sherry Ann Wolfer, Let’s Dig In Age Levels: PS, KP, SA Storytelling and Retelling Using fun stories with children in your program and classroom! Stories can be used for so many purposes related to curriculum and even to build routines for management. Come and listen to and learn fun stories and songs that can be used throughout the day and curriculum!

Jessica Edinger & Katie Jonston Benzie County Central School Age Levels: PS

Casey Sterle, Leslie Public Schools Age Levels: All

Thursday, May 5, cont.

Teaching & Learning cont. Math Manipulatives for Early Childhood Research shows that manipulatives help students "see" math concepts. In this session, participants will learn how to incorporate manipulatives into lessons to deepen students' conceptual understanding of abstract math ideas. Come see how to build confidence in your young learners by developing conceptual understanding through manipulatives such as Rekenreks and Cuisenaire Rods.

Do You Want to Be My Friend? Most of our students come to us for their first school experience. Learn how to teach children the skills they need to make friendships, empathize with others and build emotional literacy.

Brooke Morgan & Jennifer Campbell, Head Start for Kent County Age Levels: PS

Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind

Don’t Break Your Bank Teachers have a limited budget to purchase materials for their classroom. We will explore and share ways to make materials that won't break your bank. Real materials and their uses will be shared.

Age Levels: KP Building Teaching and Learning Multisensory Approaches to Children Portrayal of Literacy Guarnera et. al (2019) believe that mental images define cognitive processes that engage multisensory integration of play, movement, reading and communication functions. Understanding of mental imaginary during multisensory processing can uncover realistic learning opportunities occurring across modalities that portrayal aspects of literacy for early childhood and school age learners.

Mary Max and Betsy Spiker, Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center Age Levels: PS Every Child Ready to Read Learn the Five Practices of Early Literacy set forth by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Public Library Association (PLA) and how to use them in your classroom to prepare children for future reading success.

Darya Owens, Reeword Books Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Wendy Lehman, Rochester Hills Public Library Age Levels: IT, PS

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS! The Michigan AEYC Annual Early Childhood Conference runs smoothly because leadership is organized and ready, and volunteers offer invaluable assistance. WE have a volunteer spot for you! Volunteer as a conference host. This is your chance to get involved in the largest early childhood convening in the state and give back to the early childhood community. Volunteer at least 5 hours of your time and receive a $50 discount on your conference registration in the form of a refund AFTER you have completed your volunteer responsibilities and the conclusion of the conference. Limited number of volunteer positions available.

https://bit.ly/MIAEYCVolunteer

Large Group Reboot! This workshop will guide participants in thinking more deeply about large group/circle time experiences; examining what their goals are, considering what their greatest challenges are and working through the process of problem-solving and planning based on best practice. Discover ideas for facilitating multi-age groups, embedding gross-motor movement with limited space, including props and allowing children to take the lead.

Rosy Hickman, Country Schoolhouse Tammra Houseman, Bay College ECE Program Age Levels: PS

Thursday, May 5, cont.

Teaching & Learning cont. Transitions Made Musical with The Music Lady Make your day run a little smoother with some new and innovative ways to help with transitions by using music. Instrumental and vocal ideas that will lead you to creating your own customized tunes so you can sing and play throughout your day.

Strategies for Supporting Multilanguage Learners Strategies for supporting multilanguage learners in the preschool classroom will be covered in depth. The session will also cover multilanguage development. Educators will leave this session inspired and prepared to work with multilanguage learners.

Beverly Meyer, Beverly The Music Lady

Dr. Jolene Andriaschko, Strategic Education Consulting Solutions, LLC.

Age Levels: All

Age Levels: PS

Play Now: Vyogtskian Strategies & Development of Play In this session, we review contributions of Vygotsky to understanding play. After, participants will move around to different stations to take part in different play-based activities that lead children's development.

Building Number Routines with NumberBlocks See how to build number routines with Numberblocks! Numberblocks are the friendly characters from the global hit TV math series. Number routines immerse young learners in hands-on development of number sense and foundational math skills in a predictable frame that is engaging. Come see how to help young learners master key early learning math skills through hands-on discovery and play!

Adam LeRoy & Melissa Bishop, Saginaw Valley State University, Shawna Boomgaard, Oakland University Age Levels: PS, KP

Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind

Into the Wild: Teaching Core Subjects through an Environmental Lens Discover ways to cultivate environmental stewardship while building skills in numeracy, literacy, problem solving, scientific inquiry, communication and more. Engage in role-playing simulations, mathematical modeling, problemsolving challenges, interactive stories and games.

Age Levels: PS, KP

Professionalism Discover the Michigan Personas: An Engaging and Effective Resource for Your Work Faculty and presenters: Join this session to learn about where to access and how to use a new collection of Michigan personas, which are short stories about a child and family right here in our state. This new resource can support engagement, learning, and applications connected to a wide variety of topics, including supporting dual language learners, individualizing for the needs of each and every child and using culturally responsive practices.

Vanessa Wyss, Ferris State University Age Levels: KP, SA Math, It's as Easy as 1-2-3 Young children are performing math skills every day. This session will provide a better understanding of what math looks like with infants and toddlers; how to support and what to say when those "mathematicians" show their skills!

Jill Tarrant-Rector, CACS Heat Start and Early Childhood Programs

Kari Holmberg, CCRESA, Danielle Savory Seggerson, Lansing Community College, Dr. LaShorage Shaffer, University of Michigan- Dearborn & Camille Catlett, University of North Carolina

Age Levels: IT

Age Levels: All, Adult

Thursday, May 5, cont.

Professionalism, cont. A New Michigan Early Childhood Resource Collection The last five years have seen tremendous shifts in the early childhood education field as both NAEYC and DEC have embraced a position on equity and a set of professional standards and competencies for supporting early childhood educators. This session will share a new resource collection for helping faculty, professional development colleagues and early childhood education leaders and staff to make the shift from supporting all children to using evidence-based practices to support each and every child and family.

The New ZN Teaching Endorsement: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About The Next Chapter of Early Childhood Certification What's the difference between the new ZN endorsement and the current ZS endorsement and what competencies do we expect newly certified teachers to bring to the field? All this and more in our exciting session!

Gina Garner, Michigan Department of Education Age Levels: All, Adult Step Back Into Your Dreams You had dreams - for children, families, and your life's work. Revisit/revise those dreams. Change that "had" back to "have." Allow today's dreams to pull you through your fears and fatigue to spot energizing opportunities.

Dr. Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University

Kari Holmberg, CCRESA, Danielle Savory Seggerson, Lansing Community College, Dr. LaShorage Shaffer, University of Michigan- Dearborn & Camille Catlett, University of North Carolina

Age Levels: Adult

Age Levels: All, Adult

Strong Beginnings: Michigan's Vision for StateFunded Preschool for Three-Year-Old Children Learn about Strong Beginnings, a preschool program for three-year-old children currently being piloted in 12 Michigan classrooms. The design of the program as well as its implementation successes and challenges will be shared.

Powerful Tools To Get Results From Staff Do you struggle to get your staff to 'do stuff'? Would you like them to perform at a higher level? I'll share with you two powerful tools that make all the difference: coaching & mentoring. We'll talk about what they are, when to use them, and give you some 'jedi-mind tricks' to increase your impact.

Dr. Joan Lessen-Firestone, Clinton County RESA & Emily Houk, Research to Practice Consulting

Dr. Michelle Burkhard, Grow By 1, LLC Age Levels: It, PS, KP, Adult

Age Levels: PS

Interactions & Guidance

Even Iron Wears Thin: Stories of Joy and Struggle from Early Childhood Education in Michigan This presentation shares findings from a critical qualitative inquiry detailing the stories of early childhood educators in Michigan. A panel of early childhood providers working in a variety of settings shares their lived experiences and invites participants to discuss where (as a profession) we go from here.

Rascals, Rhythm, and Risk Join me for a journey through a year of challenging behaviors which were transformed through risk taking activities. We will discuss how to adapt to the children in your care, establish routine, and embrace risk taking.

Katie Sloan, Central Michigan University

Liz Powers, University of Michigan Towsley Children’s House

Age Levels: All, Adult

Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

Thursday, May 5, cont.

Interactions & Guidance, cont. Supporting Children with Exceptional Needs This session will discuss supporting children with exceptional needs in the classroom. Participants will learn strategies to help them feel more equipped to support all children in an inclusive classroom environment.

Honoring Joyful Learning and Developmentally Appropriate Practices in an Early Childhood Classroom While providing environments and experiences for the children in their care, early childhood educators play a significant role in a child’s development. To support equitable experiences, educators adjust daily to meet the needs of all children. How are those adjustments made? Using the NAEYC’s DAP position statement, presenters will share strategies that will support joyful learning and best practices.

Sara Castleman & Jenny Fendt, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: PS We're All In This Together...We're Going to Make It Rules seem to be changing constantly, children are dealing with a lot, and parents and teachers are stressed. How do we combat all of these things? Where do we start? It starts with us, the educator, it trickles down to our kids and to their parents. This workshop will help us take care of ourselves, so we can go about the business of making children's lives better. This workshop will help us learn to love on the littles that act out the most, and it will also help us handle parents that just need to know we are on the same team. We are on the team that wants the very best for our kiddos. We are all in this together!

Becky Garske & Paula Spencer, Mott Community College Age Levels: All, Adult

Great Start to Quality- An overview of Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) Gain insight on the CLASS tool, related age groups, and how it will look in your setting. Explore ways that deepen knowledge on strategies that support meaningful teacher-child interactions and enhance quality.

Jennifer Rountree & Kristen Howard, Early Childhood Investment Corporation Age Levels: IT, PS

Rebecca Kozlow, Skeels Christian School Age Levels: All

Emotional Maturity & Leadership in the Classroom Where do emotions come from? How do YOUR emotions affect your ability to care for children? How can you limit burnout and stress for good in your life? Let’s chat about the answers to these questions, and more, in this fast-paced session that will help you understand YOU more so you can serve children and families in a much more positive way.

No One is Listening to Me! Do you ever feel like all you do is talk all day but no one in your classroom is listening to you? We will explore respectful, efficient ways of communicating with children that will help with everything from following directions to conflict resolution!

Kathy Jensen & Theresa Dickinson, Premiere Preschool Age Levels: PS, KP

Dr. Michelle Burkhard, Grow By 1, LLC Age Levels: All, Adult

Thursday, May 5, cont.

Interactions & Guidance, cont. Supporting Executive Function Skills in Young Children Executive function is responsible for many skills we have as adults, including self-control and memory skills, and its development begins in the early years. Explore the areas of executive function, learn how play is used to support its development and gain strategies and tools for classroom use.

The Trauma Tree; An Introduction to ACEs and Trauma After a review of Erickson and Maslow we will discuss trauma, ACES and the impact toxic stress has on children and families. We will then discuss ways to support young children in the early childhood classroom.

Michelle Smith, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: All

Danielle Grimaldo, Wayne Metro CAA Age Levels: IT, PS

Addressing Challenging Behavior: Understanding Program-Wide Implementation of the Pyramid Model MDE's Early Childhood Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) initiative is supporting the Program-Wide Implementation of the Pyramid Model in four program sites across the state. The Pyramid Model is a framework of evidence-based practices for promoting young children's healthy social and emotional development and reducing challenging behavior. Highlights of this model will be shared from sites implementing as well as additional resources.

Observation, Documentation & Assessment Empowering Data Inquiry with Early Childhood Professionals in MI School Data Take a tour of the MI School Data portal, the home for Michigan's educational data. Explore the Early Childhood menus to access demographic and performance data. Explore student, program, and pathway data. Check out the new features now available to connect PK programs to third grade M-STEP with assessment and performance comparisons. Learn the roles and permissions available for educators and how to obtain a login.

Michelle McQueen, MiMTSS Technical Assistance Center & Pat Sargent, Michigan Department of Education Age Levels: PS

Dr. Rhonda Provoast & Dr. Jennifer Parker, Macomb Intermediate School District

The Umbrella of Optimism: Protecting Children from Depression Pessimism is a self-fulfilling habit with disastrous consequences including depression, underachievement and poor health. Prevent children from absorbing this trendy outlook through practices that dispute pessimism, celebrate persistence and view obstacles as challenges to overcome.

Age Levels: All Blending Learning Models While Instilling Social Justice At Detroit Parent Collective, we co-learn with students using the outdoors and natural materials as our learning environment. We take elements from Reggio, Montessori and Waldorf to provide a true child-led experience. We also provide Social Justice pieces through books, ongoing conversations and research so we can create tomorrows' leaders today.

Jade Androl & Dr. Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University Age Levels: All, Adult

Anthony Ells, Detroit Parent Collective Age Levels: PS

Thursday, May 5, cont.

Child Development Fostering Independence and Handling Emotional Issues With Young Children Discover how to support young children getting through emotional changes at home, illnesses, death, separation and divorce. Learn powerful tools to teach responsibility and effective ways to managing energy that will make your child grow and develop into an independent child and be motivated. Find out the 5 steps to help a child be respectful and courteous.

The Value of Humor Throughout Development: Importance of Laughter in Young Children, Families, and Early Childhood Professionals Join this session to examine the many benefits of humor filled interactions for young children, families and professionals. The development of humor in young children and the many benefits impacting social, emotional, cognitive and physical development are highlighted. Although this is a lighthearted topic, there are serious benefits of humor to combat the issues facing young children, families and professionals today. Ideas for implementation in the early childhood environment, as well as with families and early childhood teams will be included, with story sharing opportunities available.

Namrata Carolan, Somerset Child Care Age Levels: All, Adult Wellness in Early Childhood: Utilizing a Reggio Inspired Lab School Approach Join CMU'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.

Holly Hoffman, Central Michigan University Age Levels: PS Connecting in a Disconnected Time In a time we were forced to be apart and asked to create a curriculum and environment we never thought would be possible at a preschool level, we persevered. Come with us on this journey that captures child development and connections during the pandemic. The teachers showed up and the children showed up. The families showed up. There is so much to tell.

Margaret Desormes, Central Michigan University Age Levels: PS Sponsored Session: "EYE" Make a Difference! Tips and Tricks to Optimize your Students Vision for Learning Did you know, 80% of learning occurs thru the visual system and less than 10% of kids have an eye exam before they start school. Over 25% of children have vision issues that is often undetected (and will pass a vision screening) which can result in delayed development, poor performance in school and social settings and low self-esteem. Learn how to detect and help your students succeed.

Angela Sintery & Jen Cozart, UM-Flint Early Childhood Development Center Age Levels: PS Learning Through Music, Dance and Yoga Discover simple ways to integrate dance, music and yoga into your daily curriculum. Explore ways to foster all 5 areas of child development (cognitive, social and emotional, speech and language, fine and gross motor) through music, dance and yoga activities.

Dr. Erica Johnson Carder, Michigan Optometric Association

Jamaica Stevens, JAMaROO Kids Age Levels: KP

Age Levels: All

Thursday, May 5, cont.

Child Development, cont. Small Groups It's Easy as 1-2-3 -Teaching Virtually, Hybrid, or in Class! Come learn fresh new small group hands-on ideas you could immediately implement over the computer or in your classroom. You will even have an opportunity to do a make and take to go home with you!

Supporting Children with Disabilities or Suspected Delays in Inclusive Child Care Settings In this session you will learn how to refer and support children, from birth through the age of five, with developmental delay and/or disabilities to thrive in inclusive child care settings.

Laura Roe, Dearborn Public Schools

Jennifer Koenigsknecht & Jeanne Hanses, Early On Michigan

Age Levels: All

Age Levels: IT, PS

Let's Talk: Parent and Provider Communication Parents and providers who communicate effectively can help children thrive by providing consistency and supportive relationships. Learn strategies to effectively communicate with parents and explore ways to problem solve communication challenges.

Family & Community Engagement Valuing Superdiversity As our classrooms become more diverse we have the opportunity to find new ways to meet the needs of young children and their families. We will explore the concept of superdiversity, consider some emerging approaches and begin to develop some of our own ways to invest in the value of superdiversity.

Courtney Aldrich, MSU Extension Age Levels: All, Adult

Center Stage Cultivating Equity Through Social Emotional Learning This session features a first look at the tools, strategies and learning approaches featured in Matinga’s new book, Pulse of PBL. The workshop welcomes traditional and PBL teachers since the teaching of social emotional learning competencies applies to all classrooms. Teaching social and emotional learning skills is a great idea, but what does it look like in the classroom? How we do leverage our curricular responsibilities and other distractions and reach ALL of our students?

Trisha Pickett, UMHSCC Age Levels: All Not Just "Playing Around": Supporting Families through Play-Based Interactions Join a conversation about building caregivers' confidence in play-based learning. Parents are a child's first and best teachers. As Early Childhood professionals we can provide them with the tools they need through group play settings.

Meighan Taylor & Kathleen Neumann, Grand Rapids Community College Age Levels: IT, PS, Adult

Matinga Ragatz, PhD Age Levels: PS, KP, SA, Adult

Friday, May 6 7:00am - 2:30pm

Registration & Badge Pickup

8:30am - 10:00am

General Session

10:05am - 5:30pm

Exhibits & Silent Auction

10:15am - 4:00pm

Workshops

10:15am - 1:15pm

Zumbini Instructor Training (register in advance)

11:45am - 1:00pm

Poster Session

1:00pm - 2:15pm

Center Stage

2:45pm - 4:00pm

Film Screening

8:00pm - 9:00pm

Michigan AEYC Member Only Networking Events (register in advance)

Keynote The Power of You… and a Song! Vincent Nunes, Musician, Artist We all know,” says Vincent, “good music enhances almost any movie. Imagine Star Wars without John Williams’ iconic themes. Would it have the same power? Music gives emotional depth and extra meaning to the words, pictures and content. This is true in the movies and in early childhood educational environments as well. The power of you and a song is undeniable!” Vincent pairs his original, interactive music with age-appropriate activities and fundamental movement skills to enhance curriculum content, encourage creative thinking and introduce shared community values. Get ready to sing, move and celebrate the power of you and a song!

Management How to Market/Advertise Your Child Care Business You have an amazing program! Now learn how to attract amazing families to your program. We will show you how to market your program for little or no cost to boost enrollment!

How to Recruit, Hire, Train, and Retain the Right Person for the Job The best leaders are individuals that utilize their power with understanding. The key to retaining the best person is to recruit and hire the best candidate. Participants will gain information needed to recruit, hire, train and retain the right person for their position. Recruiting techniques will be discussed to outline ways to attract the most qualified applicants. Training staff to reduce mistakes to provide quality care for children. Retaining the right person provide continuity and consistency for the children.

Tori Webster, Best Friends ECE Center Age Levels: All, Adult How to Develop an Extraordinary Team Culture In a few steps you can take your team from bathroom bullies to terrific teammates! Explore how working with your team to develop a culture TOGETHER can change everything.

Dr. Thomasa Bond, State of Michigan Age Levels: Adult

Kathy Jensen & Theresa Dickinson, Premiere Preschool Age Levels: Adult

Friday, May 6, cont.

Management, cont. Organizational Hacks for Early Childhood Educators Ever wonder how some teachers look like they have it all together? Get advice and learn tips, tools, and tricks to keep you organized. Ideally, for preschool teachers; others may find it useful, too.

Top 10 Licensing Rule Violations Hear from Child Care Licensing the most common licensing rule violations and ways you can ensure you pass your licensing inspection with flying colors.

Sharon Riebel, Child Care Licensing Age Levels: All, Adult

Denise Swanson, World of Wonder Age Levels: PS, KP, SA, Adult

Teaching & Learning

Great Start to Quality- New Process Coming Fall 2022 This session will offer a chance for program staff, directors and others to learn about how Great Start to Quality is shifting from a rating system to a quality improvement model for licensed programs. Attendees will have a chance to explore in detail the improvements to the process including why Great Start to Quality is being revised, how equity is a key consideration for decisions that have been made, the stakeholders involved in the decision-making process, what you can do to prepare for the changes and more. Great Start to Quality's Director of Systems, Validation Manager, and Assessment Manager will be leading the session, ensuring attendees can get any questions answered.

Finding Your Voice Parents are struggling to connect with and sustain healthy relationships with their kids more than ever. Communication breakdowns can occur, which makes it difficult for parents and children to regulate their emotions and stay centered. Rarely do we focus on teaching kids the power of emotional intelligence, being authentic, transparent, having self-respect and speaking the truth. Your students’ parents can learn strategies for forming healthy relationships, co-regulation, diffusing high intensity situations and empowering their children to find their voice. We’ll learn the 3 R's - retaliation, resistance and rebellion- and how to address these issues.

Katherine Sellery, Conscious Parenting Revolution Age Levels: SA, Adult

Christy Opsommer & Melissa Mosley, Early Childhood Investment Corporation

From Training to Implementation, Seeing Positive Results in Literacy Participants will learn about one ISD's strategies and focus to reach full implementation of the Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy: Pre-K. Audience members will have the opportunity to explore, discuss and reflect on strategies that may work in their local context.

Age Levels: All, Adult On Board Power Does your child care need help in how to properly onboard new staff? We will learn what should be discussed in orientation, forms that need to be completed and how to engage and excite your new staff about your workplace culture.

Tori Webster, Best Friends ECE Center

Sean LoRosa, & Kirsten Kostielney, Livingston Educational Service Agency

Age Levels: Adult

Age Levels: PS

Friday, May 6, cont.

Teaching & Learning, cont. Positive Discipline School Laws: Common Forms of Punishment & Student Discipline; Ethics & the Early Childhood Educator. This will give new and seasoned educators on ways to identify and how to resolve conflicts.

The Sky is NOT the limit: Groundbreaking Women in STEAM Learn about inspirational women who broke racial, cultural and gender barriers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Gain ideas for teaching young children about these women, to foster all children's dreams and aspirations.

Jordan Ervin & Marcus Holmes, Focus: HOPE Early Learning/Youth Development Age Levels: All, Adult

Sally Mowers & Helena Kriss, Michigan State University Child Development Laboratories

Incorporating Child-Centered Montessori Practices into Your Classroom Are you curious about how Montessori principles of child-centered education might support a non-Montessori classroom? Are you considering integrating some of them in your own Early Childhood learning environment, but not sure where to start? This presentation will provide an overview of basic Montessori practices, and offer suggestions for how you can reasonably incorporate them into your class. Among the topics we will discuss is the "prepared environment," and how it supports all types of learners. We will also offer ideas for helping your students develop intrinsic motivation and deepen their leadership skills, discuss classroom management from the Montessori perspective of positive discipline and more.

Age Levels: PS, KP Music & Movement through the Seasons Learn simple ways to integrate music and movement into your daily curriculum! Discover creative ways to use books and other props found throughout your classroom to build vocabulary, spark creativity and foster imaginative play.

Jamaica Stevens, JAMaROO Kids Age Levels: IT, PS Where the Arts Come into Play Part 1; The Multiple Intelligence Way Focus on the theory of Multiple Intelligences as it pertains to early childhood educational domains, indicators and daily activities of literacy, music, movement, dramatic play, social, emotional and cognitive development

Nanci Guartofierro, Stepping Stones Montessori School/Chaminade University of Honolulu

Todd Greenbaum, Neighborhood Child Care Consultants

Age Levels: PS

Differentiation and Resources for Gifted Students Attendees will leave with practical and researchbased strategies for differentiating and challenging gifted students in the general education classroom. These strategies can be immediately implemented in the classroom without an overwhelming amount of preparation.

Where the Arts Come into Play Part 2: Literacy and the Arts Improvisation An interactive creative arts improv session incorporating the theory of Multiple Intelligence. Participants will have hands-on experience and walk away with the understanding to apply the theory of MI in their daily classroom routine.

Kirsten Cannon, Lakota Local Schools

Todd Greenbaum, Neighborhood Child Care Consultants

Age Levels: SA

Age Levels: PS

Friday, May 6, cont.

Teaching & Learning, cont. Making Books Come to Life This session will demonstrate different ways to make props for books, such as flannel board pieces, printables and using found objects. We will talk about making a home/school connection with take home books and activities. Finally, we will talk about integrating books into curriculum and areas of the classroom/daily routines.

Fostering Equitable and Inclusive Learning Through Play This session is centered on participants identifying teaching practices that foster equitable and inclusive learning activities through play. Participants will collaborate with peers to brainstorm ways to promote equity through playful learning.

Lisa Clarke, St. Clair County RESA

Tracy Donohue, Central Michigan University & Kristen White, Northern Michigan University

Age Levels: PS

Age Levels: PS, KP Atomic Habits - A Source of Incredible Power and the Building Blocks of Remarkable Results Whether you are working to grow children's Habits of Mind or fuel mighty improvement in your own life, learn how to multiply positive habits by making actions obvious, attractive, easy and satisfying!

Discovering the Math All Around Us Teaching math is critical-why is it so hard to feel confident doing it? Children are natural mathematicians-you are too. Discover the math hiding in your classroom and in teachable moments all day long.

Dr. Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University

Heather Lucas, State of Michigan & Bonnie Bonifield, Independent Consultant

Age Levels: All, Adult

Age Levels: PS Read Aloud Wow! The Best New Children's Books of the Year. Learn read aloud-techniques and strategies and discover the best new picture books of the year (STEAM, social-emotional, stories, inclusive, high quality). The joy of reading is fundamental to learning, and that joy can be cultivated!

Make Yourself More Musical with The Music Lady Music is an essential tool in your teacher tool belt. Make yourself more musical in your classroom throughout the day with great ideas that encourage healthy development in all aspects of learning.

Amy Vandament, The Book Vine for Children

Beverly Meyers, Bev, The Music Lady

Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

Age Levels: All

Storybook Math for Toddlers Use nursery rhymes and stories to promote developmentally appropriate math concepts for toddlers and young preschoolers. Materials presented use "found" and inexpensive materials for play-based learning that is easily shared with families.

Kate Cole, Early Childhood Consultant Age Levels: IT

Friday, May 6, cont.

Teaching & Learning, cont. Multisensory Literacy for Early Childhood Come see how using multisensory manipulatives allow young learners to listen to and manipulate sounds before reading them. Develop literacy skills while engaging in learning sound and spelling relationships, decoding strategies and reading fluency. See lessons that include visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile instruction that help students make connections. One lucky participant will win a complete kit!

The Power of A,E,I,O, U and the Other Phonemes in Early Literacy Development Presentation focuses on brain-based literacy development and will advance the conceptual understanding educators must recognize to promote children's early literacy skills. Practical and usable phonological/phonemic awareness strategies that can be implemented will be included.

Cynthia Chovich, Colorado Mesa University Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind

Age Levels: KP, SA

Age Levels: SA Rocks, Sticks, & Mud: Creating & Utilizing an Outdoor Classroom for Meaningful Play No matter your school's setting, you can create an outdoor learning space for the students in your Early Childhood program. Learn how to overcome perceived barriers to outdoor learning and work with the space and materials available to you to support meaningful outdoor play.

Fabulous Feltboards A hands on look at the use of feltboard games/ songs/activities in the classroom.

Janice Zoerman, Lakeshore Little People’s Place Age Levels: IT, PS Large Group Reboot! This workshop will guide participants in thinking more deeply about large group/circle time experiences. Examine your goals, consider your greatest challenges, and work through the process of problem solving and planning based on best practice. Ideas will be shared for facilitating multi-age groups, embedding grossmotor movement with limited space, including props and allowing children to take the lead.

Wendy Carroll & Sara DeYarmond, Our Savior Lutheran School Age Levels: PS Beautiful Boy It's Okay to Cry Learn from my research and writing on social emotional development for boys. Our boys generally have more IEPs and B.I.R forms filled out for them. Let’s help boys deal with their feelings in a more controlled way. By presenting the data/observations I've seen over the last 10 years of how we manage our young boys and their feelings, we can help improve the climate of the classroom as well as their home life by engaging the families with this information as well. "Beautiful Boy Its Okay to Cry" is a great way to start the conversation of helping change the stigma that's placed on our boys at such a young age.

Rosy Hickman, Country Schoolhouse & Tammra Houseman, Bay College Age Levels: PS Making the Most of Teachable Moments What do you do when comments are made, feelings are hurt or conflict arises? Never fear, these are teachable moments! In this session, we'll learn to identify teachable moments and make the most of them.

Lucinda Martinelli, Whole Planet Consulting

BreYanna Chism, Genesee Intermediate School District

Age Levels: KP, SA

Age Levels: PS

Friday, May 6, cont.

Teaching & Learning, cont. Project Springboard: Reimagining School PostCOVID Hear about our experience as the only preschool team selected of 22 (from 3 countries & 15 states) to reimagine school with Project Springboard. See our model for a "Portrait of a Child as Lifelong Learner"

Avoiding Burnout - The Importance of Self Care for Child Care Providers Self care is a hot topic. In this training, we will talk about what self care is, and how to implement it regularly throughout your day.

Julie Sizemore, RESPECT Care Teaching Age Levels: Adult

Linda Mora & Laura Wagonlander, Fenton Area Public Schools

Staff Action Research: Best Professional Development Ever! We do action research! Teachers select topics that they have interest in or passion for and then spend the school year investigating, researching and sharing with colleagues their projects, challenges and discoveries.

Age Levels: PS, KP, SA STEM-tastic Explorations in Early Childhood Coding for early childhood students? Of course! Early elementary STEM experiences can capture the natural interest of young children and maintain that enthusiasm through the elementary grades. Come see how Coding Critters and Jack, the robot mouse, can bring early STEM concepts to preschool learning through 100% screen-free coding.

Laura Wagonlander & Linda Mora, Fenton Area Public Schools Age Levels: All

CDA from A to Z Participants will be provided an overview of the CDA credentialing process. The scholarship eligibility and potential cost requirements will also be outlined. We will also discuss the application process with the Council for Professional recognition, and the required documents needed to submit a T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship application. Other scholarships we offer at T.E.A.C.H. will also be outlined. We will also provide some resources and websites to help support attendees through the CDA process.

Angie Meredith, Hand2Mind Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Professionalism The Relationship of Coaching on Quality Ratings in Early Childhood Care ECE programs with intentional coaching score higher on several measures of quality associated with better child outcomes. Research demonstrates a gap in understanding the relationship of coaching to quality scores within a QRIS. This presentation highlights a Ph.D. study conducted to determine the difference among QRIS scores between two groups of childcare centers: those with coaching before QRIS entry and those with no coaching before entry. Does coaching within a QRIS make a difference?

Jennifer Davis & Katherine Julson, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: Adult

Dr. Michelle Burkhard, Grow By 1, LLC Age Levels: All, Adult

Friday, May 6, cont.

Professionalism, cont. Moving Beyond Self-care: Creating Frameworks of Support to Retain Early Childhood Educators With all the stressors on education right now-staff shortages, COVID protocols, community division and overwhelming amounts of loss [personal and communal]-we must consider how we will keep and support our early childhood educators. This session will share the ways Opportunity Thrive and Ready for School have created a dynamic partnership to train and support the wellbeing of early childhood educators in the greater Ottawa County area, and how you can use these resources to build a better path forward for you and your fellow educators. Moving beyond "self-care" towards embedded communal practices, databased approaches and individualized coaching we can dramatically shift the status quo and help our early childhood educators thrive in this profession.

Trauma-Informed Preschool: Practical Tools & Strategies Children with trauma need high-quality Preschool experiences in order to be prepared for Kindergarten, but many are suspended or expelled from Early Childhood Programs due to challenging behaviors. Learn how to identify trauma in children, strategies for managing trauma behaviors, how to partner with families of children with trauma and tools for helping children self-regulate in the classroom.

Sara DeYarmond & Catie Berg, Our Savior Lutheran School Age Levels: PS, KP Best Practices in Implementing Behavior Strategies Attendees will leave the session with practical and current research-based Tier 2 and 3 behavior strategies that can be immediately applied in the classroom.

Rebekah Schipper, Opportunity Thrive Age Levels: All, Adult Teaching Is My Superpower - Building Teacher Resilience We'll examine popular theories for building resilience as well as what research shows contributes to burn-out, what a resilient teacher looks like and what steps we can take to build protective factors of resilience.

Kristen Cannon, Lakota Local Schools Age Levels: KP, SA

Calming the Chaos: Recovering from the Pandemic with Social-Emotional Strategies The last two years have challenged us in unprecedented ways. Children and adults are experiencing fatigue and residual trauma. This session explores concrete strategies for all ages to build resiliency and find peace amidst chaos.

Kathy Gilbert, KMG Research Age Levels: All, Adult

Interactions & Guidance

Laura Ynclan, KRESA

Activities to Promote Toilet Learning This training looks at toilet learning - the science behind it, activities that can promote it, the partnership between child care and home, as well as cues for when to back off.

Age Levels: PS, Adult

Julie Sizemore, RESPECT Care Teaching Age Levels: IT

Friday, May 6, cont.

Observation, Documentation & Assessment

"I made the swirls!" Using Great Art Masterpieces to Help Children Notice Details in Drawings and Paintings We will briefly discuss the Reggio Emilia philosophy and then give a detailed description of our investigation using "Starry Night" by Van Gogh and "The Weeping Women" by Picasso. This investigation in the winter of 2022 helped the children develop observation and critical thinking skills, as well as strengthen their language and fine motor skills.

STEAM Integration and Documentation Participants will gain insight into incorporating and reporting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) activities in the early childhood classroom (toddler through kindergarten). Ideas for STEAM specific observation and documentation will be provided.

Dr. Kelly Vigants, Ferris State University Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

Caryn Finkelstein & Nadin Elhage, University of Michigan, Dearborn

Qualitative Characteristics of Children's Play Play provides a context for facilitating new learning and improving skills in all developmental areas. A child with autism does not easily gain play skills naturally like their peers. Learning from their environment can be impacted by repetitive patterns of behaviors, restricted interests and language deficits. These obstacles make it difficult in gaining play skills, engaging with peers, appropriately exhibiting play behaviors and gaining key developmental skills. Supports need to be put into place for children with autism to overcome these roadblocks. Breaking down play levels into incremental steps and providing evidence-based strategies to move from one stage to the next, will help children enhance their play skills. The QCCP was derived from a need for a play-based assessment that breaks play stages into incremental targets. Learn the background, importance, and utilization of The QCCP.

Age Levels: PS, KP

Child Development From Recyclables to Challenging Materials for Infants and Toddlers Materials play an important role in infant-toddler development. In this session, we will link engagement of materials to infant-toddler development, and try out and create recycled materials that challenge young children's learning skills.

Shannon Lockhart, HighScope Foundation Age Levels: IT Why Do All These Kids Have Behavior Challenges? Join this session to learn about types of behaviors, challenges and how to best manage them in the classroom.

Sara Kuser, The Arc of Chester County Age Levels: IT, PS

Kyle Curtis, Rochester Community Schools Age Levels: All

Friday, May 6, cont.

Child Development The Value of Humor Throughout Development: Importance of Laughter in Young Children, Families, and Early Childhood Professionals Join this session to examine the many benefits of humor filled interactions for young children, families and professionals. The development of humor in young children and the many benefits impacting social, emotional, cognitive and physical development are highlighted. Although this is a lighthearted topic, there are serious benefits of humor to combat the issues facing young children, families and professionals today. Ideas for implementation in the early childhood environment, as well as with families and early childhood teams will be included, with story sharing opportunities available.

STEM, STEAM and 21st Century Block Play A properly designed block center provides key skill development opportunities. Learn how magnetic building systems are playing a key role in changing the way we think about block play in the 21st century.

Chad Richert, Panelcraft, Inc. Age Levels: PS, KP, SA Art Smart - The Importance of Art in the Infant and Toddler Classroom Infants and toddlers require the same developmental and sensory experiences received from art as older children. Explore how art aids in the development of the young mind and creative ways to implement these experiences in infant and toddler classrooms.

Holly Hoffman, Central Michigan University Age Levels: PS

Robin Meinicke & Rachel Ellen Maria Burns, Starfish Family Services

Let's Get Musical Music and movement is an important part of the Early Childhood/Elementary Classrooms. Music and movement promotes intellectual and social-emotional learning. It helps the body and the mind work together. Other benefits of music and movement include developing small motor skills, developing large motor skills, learning to express emotions and improving balance and coordination. Education others who may not be aware of these studies will help them become better educators but it will also help prepare children for success as the go in to the elementary school setting and beyond.

Age Levels: IT Sensory as a Trauma Informed Strategy Participants will discover the benefit of embedding multimodal sensory experiences in the environment to help children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. Session will review the impact of trauma on brain development, overview sensory pathways and highlight strategies for building resilience.

Melissa Smith, NogginBloom Age Levels: All Fathers in Milestones This presentation is for new fathers and those who support them. We will focus on the importance of Skin to Skin, Safe Sleep and Developmental Milestones for ages birth to twelve months.

Kyle Lewandowski, Student Chapter Member-atLarge, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: PS, KP

Jordan Ervin & Marcus Holmes, FOCUS: Hope Early Learning/Youth Development Age Levels: IT

Friday, May 6, cont.

Family & Community Engagement

Child Development, cont. "So You Noticed That": Discussions of Race and Ethnicity During Storytime This session presents results from a study of children and teachers discussing racial and ethnic concepts during group reading. Groups talked about basic components of Anti-Bias Goals but stopped short of more difficult conversations. Implications outline the importance of dismissing the notion that young children are 'colorblind' and becoming aware of personal beliefs when incorporating anti-bias principles.

Building Community: It Takes a Village ParentChild Playgroups Learn about our unique Parent-Child Programs: JumpStart (funded through a United Way Community Impact grant) and WonderWorks (tuition based). Our playgroups are in person, everyday and include a new outdoor component at area parks.

Ann Majchrowski & Linda Mora, Fenton Area Public Schools

Kimberly Davidson & Tracy Donohue, Central Michigan University

Age Levels: IT, PS, SA, Adult

Age Levels: PS, KP

Using Digital Tools to Connect Teachers, Communities & Families Successful early childhood education depends on relationships and collaborations with children’s families and communities. In order to build an effective partnership with families and communities, teachers must understand and employ a variety of communication strategies in addition to in-person teacher interactions. We’ll discuss family engagement, as it was in the past and how it has shifted with the new advent of technology.

Teaching with Intention - Developmentally Appropriate Practices: A Brief Overview Understanding and effectively implementing developmentally appropriate practices is key to the effective facilitation of any curriculum. Learn the foundation of developmentally appropriate practices and how to use them to teach with intention.

Rachel Ellen Maria Burns & Robin Meinicke, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: All

Dr. Patricia A. Edwards, Savvas Learning Company Age Levels: PS, KP

Connecting in a Disconnected Time In a time we were forced to be apart and asked to create a curriculum and environment we never thought would be possible at a preschool level, we persevered. Come with us on this journey that captures child development and connections during the pandemic. The teachers showed up and the children showed up. The families showed up. There is so much to tell.

Early Literacy - Everyday Opportunities Children's literacy development begins right from the start at home with families. Participants will learn to engage children with motivating and fun language and literacy activities that can happen in every area of a child's life. This session provides fun ready-to-use ideas that can be used to support literacy development in programs, at home or about in the community. These easy-toimplement activities help parents and caregivers support children's language and literacy development.

Angela Sintery & Jen Cozart, UM-Flint Early Childhood Development Center Age Levels: PS

Patricia Loper, Charlevoix-Emmet ISD Age Levels: PS

Friday, May 6, cont.

Family & Community Engagement, cont.

Health, Safety & Nutrition

Bridging Divides; Through Work + Play Detroit Parent Collective {DPC} is dedicated to offering a supportive co-working environment, together with a high quality onsite childcare program; Free Thinker School. Driven by its commitment to a social impact model, DPC is inclusive to Detroit area families with a special emphasis on bridging societal divides in all their forms.

Experiences of ECE Professionals as Mandated Reporters: Identifying Critical Areas for Support and Training This presentation shares findings from a mixedmethods study exploring the needs of ECE professionals in relation to mandated reporting of child abuse and neglect. Themes including bias, negative emotions, training needs and more are discussed.

Krista McClure, Free Thinker School

Katie Sloan, Central Michigan University & Melissa Bishop, Saginaw Valley State University

Age Levels: All, Adult

Supporting Fathers in the Classrooms Educators' perceptions play a role in father engagement in their children's early education. The purpose of this presentation to inform educators about cultural barriers to family, specifically fathers' engagement from different cultural background.

Film Screening

Sinsery Gardner, Concordia University & Latifa Alremaih, Oakland Family Services Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

Center Stage Songs in the Key of Children “When a child is presented a new song, the first questions asked are, ‘What do I get to do? What’s my part? How do I fit into this song?'" says Vincent. “Being ‘a good (passive) audience’ has its place, but it isn’t a priority for children. They are looking for ways to participate and engage in a substantive way.” In this workshop, educators, even those with out musical training or ability, will learn how to identify songs that connect with early learners (i.e. songs in the key of children). We will analyze song structures which work in an early childhood environment, including Zipper Songs, Echo Songs, Mantras, Sequence Songs and Building-block Songs.

Zumbini Training REGISTER IN ADVANCE to participate in a live Zumbini Instructor Training as part of this year’s conference. Friday and Saturday, 10:15am-1:15pm. You must attend both sessions and complete an online training portion to complete the training. FREE for Michigan AEYC Standard and Premium Members, $35 for non-members and Entry Level.

Vincent Nunes, Artist & Musician Age Levels: All

Saturday, May 7 7:00am - 10:30am

Registration & Badge Pickup

8:30am - 9:30am

General Session

10:00am - 3:15pm

Workshops

10:15am - 1:15pm

Live Zumbini Training (register in advance)

12:30pm - 1:45pm

Film Screening

Keynote Voices from the Field: Building Transformative Relationships Ja’Nel Jamerson, Flint Early Childhood Collaborative LaTonya Redfearn, Kids R Us Child Development Center Chris Whitmire, Heritage Southwest ISD Moderator: Tammy Arakelian, Oakland Public Schools This interactive panel will explore the experiences, innovative ideas and excellent practices that work to lift up the early childhood workforce at different levels across Michigan. Panelists include Ja’Nel Jamerson, Executive Director of the Flint Early Childhood Collaborative, LaTonya Redfearn, owner of Kids-R-Us Child Development Center, and Chris Whitmire, Director of Early Childhood Education for Heritage Southwest ISD. Learn from our panelists how family and community engagement, workforce benefits and initiatives and investing in people can make all the difference.

Management Positive Climate through Parallel Process: An Administrator's Guide This session will highlight how leading with parallel process can support overall program climate and ultimately classroom climate. We will cover strategies and structures that administrators can embed in their management system to build connections and supports, both with and between staff members.

Melissa Smith, NogginBloom Age Levels: All, Adult Boosting Retirement Savings and Minimizing Taxes Now Saving for retirement can also be a great way to lower your taxes now, especially if you are over 50. From retirement savings to healthcare, there are programs that can give you the boost that you need.

Dr. Thomasa Bond, State of Michigan Age Levels: Adult

Buddy Farmer, Teacher Advisors, LLC Age Levels: Adult

Saturday, May 7

Teaching & Learning STEM Learning and Literacy for Infants and Toddlers Infants and Toddlers are explorers who learn about the world around them with their senses. Families and teachers can help promote their learning through exploration with different materials and activities. One of the biggest ways to support their STEM development is through language. In this training, we will be discussing each of the four concepts and how they look in an environment with infants and toddlers. We will discuss STEM literacy and how to integrate it in children's exploration, and how to plan engaging and developmentally appropriate activities to promote a love and interest in STEM.

World of Wonder's WonderWay Reggio-Inspired Program Come discover WonderWay, our multi-age, five day a week, flexible schedule preschool program. This unique program utilizes the Reggio-inspired philosophy to support children in constructing their own knowledge and developing skills through exploration, self-expression and collaboration.

Michelle Schneider & Linda Mora, Fenton Area Public Schools Age Levels: PS Storybook Math for Toddlers Use nursery rhymes and stories to promote developmentally appropriate math concepts for toddlers and young preschoolers. Materials presented use "found" and inexpensive materials for play-based learning that is easily shared with families.

Alicia Oldham, Starfish Family Services Age Levels: IT Transitions Made Musical with The Music Lady Make your day run a little smoother with some new and innovative ways to help with transitions by using music. Discover instrumental and vocal ideas that will lead you to creating your own customized tunes so you can sing and play throughout your day.

Kate Cole, Early Childhood Consultant Age Levels: IT Working Together: Sharing Ideas for Success Let's collaborate together! This session will focus on classroom management strategies and creative activities to keep children engaged throughout their school day.

Beverly Meyer, Beverly, The Music Lady Age Levels: All Rocks, Sticks, & Mud: Creating & Utilizing an Outdoor Classroom for Meaningful Play No matter your school's setting, you can create an outdoor learning space for the students in your Early Childhood program. Learn how to overcome perceived barriers to outdoor learning and work with the space and materials available to you to support meaningful outdoor play.

Natasha Van Slambrouck, Lincoln Consolidated Schools Age Levels: All Make Yourself More Musical with The Music Lady Music is an essential tool in your teacher tool belt. Make yourself more musical in your classroom throughout the day with great ideas that encourage healthy development in all aspects of learning.

Windy Carroll & Sara DeYarmond, Our Savior Lutheran School Age Levels: PS

Beverly Meyer, Beverly, The Music Lady Age Levels: All

Saturday, May 7

Professionalism

Interactions & Guidance

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship 101 Participants will be provided with an overview of the early childhood education degree continuum and what T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships are available for different levels of education. Scholarship eligibility and requirements as well as potential costs to recipients and employers will be outlined. Participants will be guided through the application process at the school and scholarship level, MI-YDA and CDA credentialing process will be outlined. Still don’t think you can afford it? We’ve got a cost analysis that might make you think twice.

Continuing Anti-Bias with Infants and Toddlers Join me to hear more about my own journey bringing anti-bias into the classroom with infants and toddlers, where we will take a dive into books and music with an anti-bias lens.

Olivia Prichard, Michigan State University Age Levels: IT

What Children CAN Do!: Developmentally Appropriate Expectations in the Classroom Reflecting on current ideas and practices regarding expectations of children in the classroom and exploring ways to guide and support children using appropriate expectations, based on development at various ages, while helping to reduce teacher stress.

Lindsay White, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: Adult

Avoiding Burnout - The Importance of Self Care for Child Care Providers Self care is a hot topic right now. In this training, we will talk about what self care is, and how to implement it regularly throughout your day.

Honilynn Hendricks, The Community House Early Childhood Center Age Levels: IT, PS, KP Teaching Is My Superpower - Building Teacher Resilience We'll examine popular theories for building resilience as well as what research shows contributes to burn-out, what a resilient teacher looks like and what steps we can take to build protective factors of resilience.

Julie Sizemore, RESPECT Care Teaching Age Levels: Adult

Kathy Gilbert, KMG Research Age Levels: All, Adult How to Mitigate the Negative Impacts of ACEs in the Early Childhood Classroom How to mitigate the negative impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the early childhood classroom

Jen Davis & Katherine Julson, Michigan AEYC

Jennifer Philleo, West Bloomfield Preschool Academy

Age Levels: Adult

Age Levels: All

Saturday, May 7

Interactions & Guidance, cont. We’re All In This Together… We’re Going To Make it! Rules seem to be changing constantly, children are dealing with a lot, and parents and teachers are stressed. How do we combat all of these things? Where do we start? It starts with us, the educator, it trickles down to our kids, and to their parents. This workshop will help us take care of ourselves, so we can go about the business of making children's lives better. This workshop will help us learn to love on the littles that act out the most, and it will also help us handle parents that just need to know we are on the same team. We are on the team that wants the very best for our kiddos. We are all in this together!

Let's Get Musical Music and movement is an important part of the Early Childhood/Elementary Classrooms. Music and movement promotes intellectual and social-emotional learning. It helps the body and the mind work together. Other benefits of music and movement include developing small motor skills, developing large motor skills, learning to express emotions and improving balance and coordination. Educating others who may not be aware of these studies will help them become better educators but it will also help prepare children for success as the go in to the elementary school setting and beyond.

Kyle Lewandowski, Student Member-at-Large, Michigan AEYC Age Levels: PS, KP

Rebecca Kozlow, Skeels Christian School Age Levels: All

Understanding and Supporting Students and Families of Refugee Background The number of families of refugee background in West Michigan is growing rapidly. This session will provide information about the refugee experience, anecdotes for teaching, cultural competency and intentional inclusion of home cultures. Topics will include interpretation and translation for dual/multi-language learners, social -emotional supports for students and families and behavior guidance. Specific classroom resources and activities, as well as additional training for teachers and family service workers will be provided.

Child Development Kids These Days: The Impact of Trauma on Young Children The instances of trauma in children are on the rise. We will discuss the reasons why and learn how stress and trauma impacts young children and their brains. This will not be the most lighthearted session you will attend, but all educators needs to understand the implications of trauma on our students. Children who have experienced trauma are some the hardest to reach, but when you reach them, also the sweetest victory.

Brooke Aernouts, Refugee Education Center

Nicole Valinski, Ionia Public Schools

Age Levels: All, Adult

Age Levels: PS, KP Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood It is vital that each child is represented in our programs. The purpose of this training is to teach individuals how to welcome and embrace families from diverse cultures.

Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders Join this session to gain an understanding of autism spectrum disorder and learn strategies to help students.

Marie Ronise Haywood, Unique Children’s Center

Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Kyle Curtis, Rochester Community Schools

Age Levels: All, Adult

Saturday, May 7

Child Development, cont. Say Yes to Mess! Let’s explore messy play! Participants will explore messy materials and put themselves in the role of a child. We will discuss sensory play and its role in child development and learning. Participants will have an opportunity to share experiences with messy play and brainstorm ways to add more messy play and sensory play activities in the classroom.

Learning Through Music, Dance and Yoga Discover simple ways to integrate dance, music and yoga into your daily curriculum. Explore ways to foster all 5 areas of child development (cognitive, social and emotional, speech and language, fine and gross motor) through music, dance and yoga activities.

Jamaica Stevens, JAMaROO Kids Age Levels: KP

Sheri Williams, Agape Love Child Care Center Age Levels: IT, PS

Learning Through Gardening! De-stress, & Enhance Confidence, Social, and Emotional Development in Children Learning through gardening is the oldest way of learning. Human and nature are inseparable, and mother nature is the best teacher. In today's world children are stressed, angry, frustrated and developing social emotional issues. Learn how gardening can help!

Seema Ibrahim, At Momm’s Child Care and Consulting, Inc.

Rachel Ellen Maria Burns & Robin Meinicke, Starfish Family Services

Age Levels: All

Family & Community Engagement

"So You Noticed That": Discussions of Race and Ethnicity During Storytime This session presents results from a study of children and teachers discussing racial and ethnic concepts during group reading. Groups talked about basic components of Anti-Bias Goals but stopped short of more difficult conversations. Implications outline the importance of dismissing the notion that young children are 'colorblind' and becoming aware of personal beliefs when incorporating anti-bias principles.

Sinsery Gardner, Concordia University & Latifa Alremaih, Oakland Family Services

Kimberly Davidson & Tracy Donohue, Central Michigan University

Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

Age Levels: PS, KP

Saturday, May 7

Family & Community Engagement, cont. Not Just "Playing Around": Supporting Families through Play-Based Interactions Join a conversation about building caregivers' confidence in play-based learning. Parents are a child's first and best teachers. As Early Childhood Professionals we can provide them with the tools they need through group play settings.

A Story of Reggio-Emilia Inspired World Connections Experience the ease in which two schools, worlds apart, were able to come together and provide meaningful connections between students; as friends and learners.

Becky Duncan & Linda Mora, World of Wonder ELC

Meighan Taylor & Kathleen Neumann, Grand Rapids Community College

Age Levels: KP, SA

Age Levels: IT, PS, Adult

Film Screening

The Power of Fatherhood: How to Engage Fathers in Early Childhood This session will discuss the benefits of including fathers in early education and provide ways to increase fatherhood engagement in early childhood programs.

Gabrielle Dunai, Kent ISD Bright Beginnings Age Levels: All, Adult My Name Story: A Year-Long Family Engagement Project A child's name is powerful. It is part of one's identity within a cultural community. Families shared their child's name story, homes and culture. Documentation of project will be presented.

Julie Burns-Ross, Detroit Country Day School

Zumbini Training

Age Levels: PS

REGISTER IN ADVANCE to participate in a live Zumbini Instructor Training as part of this year’s conference. Friday and Saturday, 10:15am-1:15pm. You must attend both sessions and complete an online training portion to complete the training. FREE for Michigan AEYC Standard and Premium Members, $35 for non-members and Entry Level.

On-Demand ONLY Sessions

Management

Professionalism Tapping for Stress, Anxiety and Resiliency Teaching and learning is state dependent. You must regulate before you educate. In this experiential program, learn and APPLY self-regulation, Emotional Freedom Technique/ EFT (Tapping) which is an evidence-based stress, anxiety relief and trauma relief method.

Motivating and Engaging your Team During Challenging Times Stress levels are high and managing work in this demanding time is challenging for many. A lot has been asked of child care administrators - more than any other profession. In this informative session, we will discuss the levels of stress, how it impacts the team's coping skills and how to support different team members' mindsets. Leading has a lot to do with knowing our individual strengths and nurturing those around us. We'll take a close look at the role of "love languages" at work. Participants will leave this session with practical strategies to bring out the best in their team members, to take care of themselves, to manage stress and to show up resilient. Learn to shift from surviving to thriving.

Tijana Coso, The Tapping Project/ Coso Consulting Age Levels: All, Adult Tools and Strategies for Group Work: Establishing a Culture of Professionalism, Collaboration, and Positive Work Ethic A common skill required for leadership and management in early childhood is the ability to help people work together professionally, collaboratively and with a positive work ethic. Leaders often struggle with getting members of teaching teams to get along, engaging adult learners in evaluation and growth processes and establishing a shared vision among a large program. While leaders in ECE receive significant knowledge through formal education there often remains unanswered questions. Learn about tools and strategies to work better together through examining organizational culture, establishing a shared vision, reflecting on leadership practices and implementing concrete action steps to address tension.

Prerna Richards, Together We Grow Age Levels: KS, KP, SA

Teaching & Learning Embedded Learning Opportunities for Young Children with Disabilities Early childhood special education professionals have recommended embedding instruction into already existing classroom activities and routines for young children with disabilities (Davis, Kilgo, & Gamel-McCormick, 1998). Embedded learning opportunities promote engagement for young children with disabilities.

Christine Snyder & Holly Delgado, U of M Health System Children’s Center

Jessica Grimone-Hopkins & Christina Mirtes, Eastern Michigan University

Age Levels: Adult

Age Levels: PS

Love of Literacy This training will inspire a love of literacy in children by equipping educators and parents with the tools to bring classic children's books to life through an event called Book Days.

Kassi Kincaid, Book Days Age Levels: All

On-Demand ONLY Sessions

Professionalism, cont.

Child Development

What’s New in 2022? MiRegistry Updates and Useful Information In this session, we will discuss new MiRegistry system features and improvements as well as existing features you may not know about. We will cover many frequently asked Membership, Trainer and Training Sponsor Organization (TSO) questions and share strategies to help you successfully navigate and complete online training.

The Power of Expectations in Young Children Geared toward families and early childhood professionals, learn and discuss ways to powerfully enhance self-esteem of children with disabilities. Tools are offered to help empower children with a healthy sense of self through expectations.

Emily Finnerud & Carlie McKinney, MiRegistry

Analyzing the Use of Technology During Preschool Play Routines Way too much screen time? The use of technology has increased during the pandemic. Session focuses on our multi-state data collection of preschool teachers and parents and shares screen time observational tools for best practice.

Kathy O’Connell, Radiant Abilities, LLC Age Levels: All

Age Levels: Adult

Interactions & Guidance Transforming Challenging Behaviors Challenging behaviors are a normal part of any early childhood classroom or program but they can become all-consuming and exhausting for adults when the educators don't understand brain development and what the children are trying to communicate through these behaviors, be it is simple push back, not listening, demanding attention or being defiant. This session will go deeper and take a closer look at the important role of the educator as they lay the foundation of the young developing brain between birth- 5 years of age. Participants will learn strategies to help manage challenging and disruptive behaviors displayed in their classrooms by gaining a better understanding of what brain states are in action (Survival, Emotional or Executive), and what the children are trying to communicate through their behaviors while chasing the "why" behind the behavior. Participants will leave this session with practical and effective "tricks" to apply immediately in their classrooms.

Christina Mirtes & Sara Muchmore, Eastern Michigan University Age Levels: PS

Prerna Richards, Together We Grow Age Levels: All

On-Demand ONLY Sessions

Family & Community Engagement What Do/Did We Know About Effective Communication and Collaboration and How Has the Pandemic Changed Our Way of Building Family and School Relationships? Communicating with families of young children and those new to special education services has always played an important role in building collaborative relationships between families and schools. When we communicate with each other we build better teams which result in improved educational outcomes for students. Covid-19 has presented us with a unique opportunity to create and improve family-school partnerships. Now more than ever we know and understand the importance of collaborative school and family relationships. This workshop will provide you with communication and collaboration strategies and help you learn how to build stronger, more effective family-school relationships.

Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) with an equity lens We all know that DAP practices provide optimal growth and development for children but without equity in place all children cannot thrive. We'll introduce practical, effective, and easy adjustments to intentionally implement in classrooms and programs making them more inclusive and equitable for all children. The early years form the sense of self-identity which is critical for children's ability to be active learners. Educators who are culturally, linguistically and equitably trained can provide the best foundation for young children. Following this class, teachers and staff will have gained a renewed understanding of how to create environments where all children can grow up to have pride, self-esteem and confidence.

Kathy O’Connell, Radiant Abilities, LLC Beth Kohler & Cheryl Levine, Special Education Mediation Services

Age Levels: All

Age Levels: All Cultivating Collaborations: Developing a Sustainable Farm to ECE Program Farm to early care and education (ECE) provides a natural connection to provide healthy, local and culturally relevant fresh food to help support the development of young children, but also to support the local economy and strengthen partnerships within the community. This session intends to help practitioners see the "what" the "why" and the "how" of Farm to ECE within existing frameworks they are already using.

Meagan Shedd, Michigan State University Age Levels: IT, PS