2023 Michigan AEYC Annual Early Childhood Conference Final Program

On behalf of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children - Governing Board, staff and volunteers - I welcome you and thank you for choosing the 2023 Michigan AEYC Early Childhood Conference as part of your professional development journey. The conference focuses on best practices, up-to-date research, advocacy, ideas, strategies and activities to support your daily work on behalf of Michigan’s young children and their families. This year’s event includes both in-person and online components, giving you flexibility to participate in a variety of ways.

Please join us for the keynote sessions Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and Center Stage sessions Thursday and Friday that will inform and energize you. Thursday’s keynote, Together,WeFlourish!by Cheryl Priest, EdD, CAPP, will take place mid-morning Thursday. Join us later Thursday afternoon with Cheryl for the Center Stage Session, YourThoughtsMatter Friday’s mid-morning keynote, ZenandtheArtofEarlyChildhoodisdeliveredbyRichardCohen,MA.CatchRichard’sCenterStagesessionCultivating theCreativeLearnerFriday afternoon. The final keynote, YouarenotAlone:SolutionstoDailyChallenges, will be delivered by Dr. Thomasa Bond Saturday morning.

Visit the ExhibitHallon Thursday and Friday to be inspired, capture resources, browse and shop at over 50 vendors and exhibitors. Join us for the ExhibitHallClosingPartysponsored by Zumbini Friday afternoon! This year’s SilentAuctionto benefit student scholarships and awards is both online and in-person on display outside the Exhibit Hall. Bidding closes at 5pm on Friday. Bidding is now open so don’t wait- bid early, bid high, bid often! Visit the Silent Auction here: https://www.32auctions.com/ miaeyc2023auction

Stop at the red carpet for a photo opportunity on your way to the CMU sponsored CocktailSocialHourThursday evening- all are welcome! The 2nd Annual MichiganAEYCGalatakes place immediately following. The Gala requires a pre-purchased ticket.

Everyone is invited to after hours fun for FridayNightFun:GrownUpsNightOutComedyShow. After a long day of sessions, join keynote speaker Richard Cohen for a fun-filled session of lighthearted singing, interactive games, and good-natured poking fun at the sometimes stressful and most times humorous situations early childhood professionals often find themselves in.

Visit the ConnectionsLoungein the Welsh Lobby and Exhibit Hall Balcony in DeVos to connect with resources, activities, and peers. Relax and recharge in the Exhibit Hall Balcony, post or view the job board, connect with NAEYC, Child Care Licensing, Our Strong Start, and the MiRegistry Help Desk. Create through an art activity sponsored by Kaplan Early Learning, and have fun in the photo booth. Connect with our Advocacy Committee in AdvocacyAlleyto write letters to your lawmakers and add your piece to our collaborative puzzle.

Michigan AEYC Members be sure stop by the Connections Lounge to receive your annual membership gift and grab a snack and water. Thursday evening, I invite you to attend our membershipmeetingto hear about the incredible work of our association and network with fellow members. Friday night, Members can participate in the membersonlypaintandsiphosted by Hammer & Stain West Michigan. Pre-registration is required. Not a member of Michigan AEYC yet? Stop by the membership counter or the exhibit hall to learn about all that Michigan AEYC offers you, including how easy it is to join!

The online conference component provides you with many choices. In addition to live keynotes and sessions Thursday - Friday, conference attendees will have access to a large portion of sessions on-demand starting April25throughMay25. The sessions are designed to provide everyone, regardless of their role or experience, with information to support and extend their knowledge and enhance their practice.

I invite you to spend this time learning, growing, and recharging. Absorb new knowledge and gather new ideas, but also prioritize taking care of YOU. To care for others, we must first care for ourselves. Reunite with old friends and make new connections. Join our many opportunities for relaxing and having fun. Pause and simply soak up the amazing energy that can only be found in a space filled with early childhood professionals and advocates! Thank you for all you do.

Heather Lucas, MichiganAEYCGoverningBoardPresident

Governing Board

President

Heather Lucas, 2022-2024

Immediate Past President

Casey Sterle, 2022-2023

Vice President

Annie McCutchen, 2022-2024 Secretary

Christine Whitmire, 2022-2024 Treasurer

Jennifer Reynolds, 2023-2023

Student Member-at-Large

Kyle Lewandowski, 2021-2023

Central Chapter Member-at-Large

Meghan Chumbley, 2022-2024

Eastern Chapter Member-at-Large

Zazai Owens, 2022-2024

Northern Chapter Member-at-Large

Jennifer Wixson, 2021-2023

Southern Chapter Member-at-Large

Robert Fillmore, 2022-2024

Southeastern Chapter Member-at-Large

Dr. Charmaine Johnson, 2021-2023

Southwestern Chapter Member-at-Large

Kari Momcilovich, 2022-2023

Upper Peninsula Chapter Member-at-Large

Lyndsay Carey, 2022-2024

Western Chapter Member-at-Large

Aarie Wade, 2021-2023

Committee Chairs

Advocacy Committee: Kirsten Charnesky

Awards Committee: Jennifer Griffith

Nominating Committee: Tammy McDaniel

Michigan AEYC Staff

Executive Director

Erica Willard

Director of Accounting

Kelly Williams

Director of Professional Programs

Kelsey Laird

General Accountant

Cherokee Jordan

Program Manager

Miranda Durham

Program Manager

Dianna Erickson

Program Manager

Paula Spencer

Program Specialist

Jennifer Davis

Program Specialist

Alison Hoepfner

Program Specialist

Katherine Julson

Program Specialist

Matt Foster

Program Specialist

Lindsay White

Program Specialist

Nikki LaMaster

Executive Assistant

Shannon Haight

Fiscal & Program Assistant

Laura Laubenthal

Fiscal & Program Assistant

Tony Hoerner

Program Assistant

Olivia Prichard

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children is to promote high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

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.

Table of Contents

Scholarship & Award Winners……….…...4

Conference Overview…………………...6-7

MiRegistry and SCECH Training Credit...9

Schedule At-A-Glance………...………….11

Thursday Sessions………………….….12-24

Friday Sessions……….………………..25-37

Saturday Sessions……………………..38-45

On-Demand Only Sessions……………...46

Exhibits…………………………………….47

Amway Hotel Floor Plans…..………..48-49

DeVos Place Floor Plans………………....50

Accessing On-Demand Sessions

The on-demand sessions are hosted virtually at https://learn.miaeyc.org.

On-demand access will open TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 2023 and will remain available through May 25, 2023. Log-in Information is included in your conference welcome e-mail from Signinapp.com

• The conference platform will not work with Internet Explorer. Utilize another web browser.

• Change your internet settings to allow pop-up blockers.

• Add the following web and IP addresses to your whitelisted addresses if you experience issues: miaeyc.elevate.commpartners.com learn.miaeyc.org

elevate.commpartners.com (IP 198.90.22.203 and 147.75.3.75)

Student Leadership Scholarship

Megan Matson

Scholarships & Awards

Betty Garlick Lifetime Achievement Award

Becky Garske

Retired Early Childhood Education Program Coordinator, Mott Community College

Becky devoted her entire professional career to advocating for high quality education for all children. Her career spanned from an ECE classroom teacher, Director of an early learning center, working at community agencies, and part-time college instructor until finding a home as the ECE Program Coordinator and full-time faculty at Mott Community College from where she recently retired. Becky is revered for the strong relationships she developed with future early childhood educators and the collaborations she cultivated within the communities where students and children live. She is an encouraging and supportive mentor who always took students’ well-being into consideration when making decisions.

Becky’s involvement within the ECE field extends beyond her professional activities including serving as a Past President and Treasurer for Michigan AEYC, presenter for local, state, national and international conferences, Michigan ACCESS officer, and a member on statewide committees.

Jackie Miller Endowment Grant West Midland Family Center Preschool

Debbie Antone

Memorial Grant

Tammy Bandstra

Shela Jones

Brian White

Early Childhood Scholarship

Aubriel Hayes

COVID-19 POLICY

Michigan AEYC will abide by all federal, state, and local requirements as well as any facility mandates in place at the time of the conference. Proof of vaccination is not required to attend the in-person event. Mask-wearing will not be required, but is recommended. Sessions are timed to reduce the number of individuals congregating or passing through the space at any given time. Refusal to adhere to federal, state, or local government mandates, facility requirements or Michigan AEYC policies in place at the time of the conference may result in immediate removal from the premises and registration cancellation, without a refund.

Online conference access to a large number of conference sessions is available to all conference attendees for those seeking to participate risk free or who prefer the convenience of online learning.

Registrants, exhibitors and presenters must refrain from attending in-person who:

• Are (or have within 10 days prior to the event) experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

• Have been exposed, without a face covering, to a known or suspected case of COVID-19 within 14 days of the event, are experiencing symptoms, and have not received a negative COVID test within 72 hours of the event.

• Have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are not yet cleared as non-contagious by a health care provider or are still under quarantine for any reason.

Specific scenarios or refund requests should be directed by email to Kelsey Laird at klaird@miaeyc.org

Information

The Conference Information Counter is located in Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel. The Exhibit Information Counter is located in Ballroom A, Main Level, DeVos Place.

The annual Michigan AEYC Conference is about children, not for children. A primary caregiver may attend with a non-mobile infant with the understanding and expectation that, as necessary, they will leave a session to soothe the child and to minimize any disturbance.

Registration

Online conference registration closes April 14th. Registration after that date must be done onsite during onsite registration times. Onsite registration takes place in Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel:

• Wednesday, April 19 5:00pm - 8:00pm

• Thursday, April 20 7:00am - 4:30pm

• Friday, April 21 7:00am - 2:30pm

• Saturday, April 22 7:30am - 10:30am

Conference Badge

Badge pick-up for pre-registered attendees is located in Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel. Bring your conference welcome email from Signinapp.com (on your phone or printed out) to scan your QR code at an iPad badge station upon arrival and receive your badge.

Onsite registrants should proceed to the Onsite Registration counter, Center Concourse, Concourse Level, Amway Hotel to complete your onsite registration and payment, and badge pick-up.

You must wear your name badge for admission to general sessions, workshop sessions, exhibits, and all conference functions.

Special Arrangements

All sites are handicap accessible. Michigan AEYC honors reasonable requests made by April 5th for assistance.

Text Notifications

Download the Remind app from the iOS AppStore or Google Play, then select Add Class. Enter the code

@miecc2023

Parking

• Amway Hotel - $35 self-parking. Rates subject to change. Michigan AEYC Conference overnight guests receive discount on self or valet parking.

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

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

Exhibit Hall

Vendors of equipment and instructional materials are in the Exhibit Hall, Ballroom A, DeVos Place on Thursday, April 20 and Friday April 21, 9:30am - 5:30pm.

Exhibit Hall Closing Party!

SponsoredbyZumbini

Friday, April 21 4:30pm - 5:30pm. Visit the Exhibit Hall before closing to place your final bid in the Silent Auction (by 5pm), visit vendors, win prizes, enjoy a snack, music and cash bar.

Connections Lounge

Located in the Welsh Lobby and Ballroom A Balcony, DeVos Place, Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 22.

• Create at the Process Art Station sponsored by Kaplan

• Snap a funny picture at the photo booth

• Write a letter to your lawmaker

• Decorate your piece of the advocacy puzzle

• Visit the MiRegistry Help Desk

• Ask the Experts: Michigan Child Care Licensing, Our Strong Start, NAEYC and Michigan AEYC

• Check out the Job Board postings

• Take a break to rest and recharge your phone

• Help yourself to free publications

• Complete a satisfaction and engagement card in exchange for a gift (while supplies last)

• Michigan AEYC members: pick up your annual membership gift, snacks and funny ribbons

Silent Auction

The Michigan AEYC Silent Auction is live! All proceeds benefit Michigan AEYC student scholarships and awards. https://www.32auctions.com/miaeyc2023auction

Poster Session

The poster session invites teachers, service providers, researchers, and students across disciplines to share information about early childhood, early intervention, inclusive practice, family-school relationships, teacher education, professional development and related areas.

The Poster Session takes place following the keynote on Friday, April 21, 12pm- 1pm in the Ballroom B/C/D of DeVos Place

Dining & Things to Do

Food service is not included in registration. Quick lunch lines are available Thursday and Friday in the main hallway of DeVos Place near the Exhibit Hall. A grill cart is available during the lunch period in the Exhibit Hall. Additionally, the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel offers several dining options and there are numerous options within walking distance. Access a map of dining options in and around the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. https://bit.ly/ downtownGRdining

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.

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.

Membership Meeting

Michigan AEYC members are invited to the Annual Membership Meeting Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 6-6:45pm, Ford Ballroom, Amway Hotel. Hear about the work of your professional organization statewide.

Gala

SponsoredbyKaplanEarlyLearningCompany

At the Michigan AEYC Gala you’ll join your peers in recognizing this year’s award and scholarship winners, enjoy live dueling piano entertainment by the talented ‘Greg and Smokin’ George,’ a full plated dinner and drinks! Attire: Come as you are.

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 $45/ticket

Tickets: https://bit.ly/eccgala2023 (limited number available)

Cocktail Social and Red Carpet

SponsoredbyCentralMichiganUniversity

Meet up with friends before dinner, build your network, connect with students/alumni/staff, and explore new opportunities- all are welcome! Gather maroon & gold tickets throughout the day to enter for drawings, then join us for free appetizers and a cash bar. Free swag for the first 100 attendees. Stop at the red carpet for a photo op!

Friday Night Fun: Grown Ups Night Out

SponsoredbyMAISA

After a long day of workshop sessions, join in a fun-filled evening of lighthearted singing, interactive games. Keynote speaker Richard Cohen pokes good-natured fun at crying babies, snot-nosed kids, persnickety parents and hand-print holiday turkeys with his special brand of stand-up comedy created especially for stressed-out, paint-covered, marker-stained early childhood professionals! Friday 8-9:30pm, Ambassador Ballroom. Free admission. Cash bar.

Zumbini Instructor Training

Join Zumbini Instructor Caitlin Basler LIVE during the 2023 Annual Early Childhood Conference on Saturday, April 22 10:15am – 4:15pm

Created by Zumba and BabyFirst, Zumbini is a fun, unique, and effective ECE program designed to promote cognitive, social, emotional, and motor skill development for children ages 0 – 5 through music and movement.

FREE for Michigan AEYC Members/$35 for Non-Members

Pre-registration required: https://bit.ly/MIAEYCZumbini

Michigan AEYC Event Code of Conduct

Michigan AEYC Is committed to providing a professional, collegial, supporting, respectful, friendly, safe, and welcoming environment for all participants and Michigan AEYC staff regardless of a person’s race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, age, religion, disability status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical appearance or other characteristic and any other legally protected classes.

All participants, including, but not limited to attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, staff, service providers and others are expected to comply with this Event Code of Conduct. Michigan AEYC expects participants and speakers to uphold the professional and educational purposes of NAEYC and its events by respecting the rights, privacy, safety, and dignity of everyone.

Expected Behavior:

• All participants are treated with respect and consideration, valuing a diversity of views and opinions.

• Strive for inclusive, transparent, and open communication.

• Be considerate, respectful, and collaborative in speaking and listening.

• Do not appropriate knowledge shared during this meeting or future collaborations.

• Acknowledge the contribution of others.

• Respect the rules and policies of the event.

• Comply with the safety protocols prescribed by Michigan AEYC and event venues including protocols in place for COVID-19.

• Participants will not bring any children under the age of 18 into the event including exhibit and session areas.

Unacceptable Behavior

Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated during any portion of a meeting or event. Unacceptable behavior includes but is not limited to:

• Intimidating, harassing, abusive, discriminatory, derogatory, or demeaning speech or actions.

• Individual attacks on others.

• Harmful or prejudicial verbal or written comments or visual images related to gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, disability, or other personal characteristics, including those protected by law.

• Real or implied threat of professional or financial damage or harm.

• Inappropriate or repeated disruption of meetings or events.

• Deliberate intimidation of others.

• Photographing, video, or audio recording of slides, oral or poster presentations without presenter/author’s permission.

• Presentations, postings, and messages should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or solicitation for services. Michigan AEYC reserves the right to remove such messages and potentially ban sources of those solicitations.

Reporting Harassment: Report harassment and disruptive behaviors to Michigan AEYC at miaeyc@miaeyc.org.

Violation of this Policy, as determined by Michigan AEYC in its sole discretion, is grounds for any action that Michigan AEYC deems appropriate, including but not limited to warning the offender, denying the offender access to a Michigan AEYC event and restrictions from future Michigan AEYC meetings and events. Michigan AEYC reserves the right to take whatever action it, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, with respect to the investigation of any matters related to this Policy.

Training Credit

Training credit is issued through MiRegistry and the Michigan Online Educator Certification System for eligible attendees. In order to qualify to receive training credit for each session attended, attendees must:

• Have a valid MiRegistry account to receive MiRegistry Training Credit. Visit www.miregistry.org to set up account AND/ OR have a valid PIC Number to receive SCECH credit in the Michigan Online Educator Certification System.

• Provide your MiRegistry ID number and/or PIC number in your conference registration (Numbers are printed on badges)

To receive training credit for in-person sessions, complete the Training Credit Form EACH DAY you are finished attending sessions for the day by scanning the Daily Training Credit QR Code. A new code will be displayed each day and you will not receive access to codes from days prior. Please complete only one training credit form each day.

DailyTrainingQRCodesarelocatedonlargesignsneartheMembershipCounter,CenterConcourseinAmway Hotel,ConferenceLevel,AmwayHotel,onsessionsigns,andoutsideoftheExhibitHall,BallroomA,DeVosPlace. IfyouareunabletocompletethetrainingformbyusingtheQRCode,visittheMembershipCounter,AmwayHotel.

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. Session attendance will be entered into MiRegistry and MOECS at the close of all online session content. Allow for up to an additional 30 days for your training credit to appear.

Online Content

In addition to over 170 in-person sessions, conference registrants will receive access to over 60 pre-recorded sessions for on-demand viewing and training credit. All online content is pre-recorded. No live online content.

Online content will be available at 8:00am TUESDAY, APRIL 25 and remain available through MAY 25.

Conference registrants will receive instructions for logging in to the online conference platform along with in-person badge pick up instructions 48 hours 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 48 hours prior to the event.

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

Accessonlineconferencecontent:

http://learn.miaeyc.org

Schedule At-A-Glance

Wednesday, April 19

9:30am - 4:00pm Institutes of Higher Ed Summit

Pre-registrationrequired

4:30pm - 5:30pm ACCESS Social Networking

5:00pm - 8:00pm Registration & Badge Pickup

Thursday, April 20

7:00am - 4:30pm Registration & Badge Pickup

8:30am - 10:00am Workshops

9:30am - 5:30pm Exhibits, Lounge, Silent Auction

10:30am - 12:00pm General Session 12:00pm - 1:30pm Exhibits, Lunch on your own

1:30pm - 4:30pm Workshops

3:15pm - 4:30pm Center Stage

5:30pm - 7:00pm Cocktail Social and Red Carpet

6:00pm - 6:45pm Membership Meeting

7:00pm - 9:00pm Michigan AEYC Gala Dinner Advanceticketpurchaserequired

Friday, April 21

7:00am - 2:30pm

& Badge Pickup 8:30am -

Session Type, Age Category and Track Key

Home Based Care School Age Professionalism Program Administration

Age Categories:

IT=Infant/Toddler PS=Preschool KP=Kindergarten&Primary SA=SchoolAge

All=IT,PS,KP,SA AD=Adult

Wednesday, April 19

9:30am - 4:00pm Institutes of Higher Ed Summit

Amway,Governors(pre-registrationrequired)

4:30pm - 5:30pm

ACCESS Social Networking

5:00pm - 8:00pm Registration & Badge Pickup

Amway,CenterConcourse

Thursday, April 20

7:00am - 4:30pm Registration & Badge Pickup

Amway,CenterConcourse

8:30am - 9:45am

DeVosPlace,WelshLobby&BallroomA

DeVosPlace,BallroomB/C/D

12:30pm - 2:00pm PD Specialist Lunch and Learn

Amway,AmbassadorEast(pre-registrationrequired)

1:30pm - 4:30pm Workshops

3:15pm - 4:30pm

5:30pm - 7:00pm

DeVosPlace,BallroomB/C/D

Cocktail Social and Red Carpet sponsoredbyCMU

AmwayGrandPlaza,ImperialMezzanine

6:00pm - 6:45pm Membership Meeting

Amway,FordBallroom

7:00pm - 9:00pm Michigan AEYC Gala sponsoredbyKaplan Amway,PantlindBallroom(ticketrequired)

Workforce Development

Preparing Educators Who Can Foster Inclusion: Building a Repertoire of Effective Practices

Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway

This session will share ways to prepare educators to design and implement inclusive environments and interactions for young children. Discover multiple examples of how to bring an inclusive lens to any course or presentation using free resources.

Laurie Dinnebeil, University of Toledo & Camille Catlett, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: Adult

Grow Your Own Teachers: Addressing the Childcare Crisis through Higher Education

Pullman, Conference Level, Amway

Exploring multiple initiatives supported through higher education including the Michigan Future Educator Stipend and Fellowship as well as various additional pathways to support the growth of the early childhood workforce.

Niccole Erickson & Melissa Thiebaut-Marinelli, Ferris State University

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: All, Adult

Thursday, April 20

The Changing Landscape of Early Childhood Teacher Education: A Series of Round Table Discussions by Michigan ACCESS

Governors, Concourse Level, Amway

Are you a higher ed faculty or MiRegistry trainer? Join us in small group discussions about current topics impacting early childhood teacher education. You will attend three rounds of discussion, with various topics to select from.

Danielle Savory, Lansing Community College; Jill Harrison, Delta College; Rod Reyes, Mott Community College

Tammra Houseman, Bay College; Beth Marshall, Washtenaw Community College;

Tricia McKay, Lansing Community College

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: Adult

Program Administration

Coaching for Compliance vs. Transformation

Vandenberg B, Concourse Level, Amway

This fast-paced session will help you understand the differences between coaching for compliance (following the rules, meeting deadlines, and corrective action plans) and coaching for transformation (growth, development, and being a better person). You'll understand WHEN each method is more effective, WHERE to conduct each session, and WHY using one method over the other might be adding to your stress. Bring your questions!

Michelle Burhkard, Grow By 1

CKCC: Management Age Levels: All

Positive Team Communication

Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway

Foster a positive team environment, hold your team accountable to policies, and create documentation to help complete accurate evaluations.

Samantha Mitchell, Children’s Discovery Academy

CKCC: Management Age Levels: Adult

Social Emotional

Building Resilience in Early Childhood

Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway

Living in a post-pandemic world is difficult, especially when children and educators already may have experienced trauma or ACEs. Learn to teach children skills to become more resilient, as well as tools for educators to grow their own resiliency

Brooke Morgan, Kent ISD

CKCC: Interactions and Guidance Age Levels: All

Infant & Toddler Care

Exploring Outside Time with Infants & Toddlers

Nelson, Conference Level, Amway

Learn the importance of getting Infants and Toddlers outdoors, what issues face caregivers, and ideas for materials to support I/T's outdoors.

Liz Colegrove & Kristy Wood, Child Care Network

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT

Preschool

Science Time

Ambassador East, Concourse Level, Amway

You don't have to be a scientist to do science in your classroom. Explore this "hands-on" workshop with easy inexpensive experiments, science activities and science table top props. Learn how to incorporate science throughout the classroom.

Sherry Ann Wolfer, Early Childhood Consultant

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Thursday, April 20

Terrific Transitions! Engaging Children During Transition Times

Ford, Lobby Level, Amway

Discover how to engage children during transitions in this interactive presentation. Learn strategies for planning successful transitions, new transition activities to add to your teaching toolbox, and make and take a transition prop to incorporate into your classroom.

Jocelyn Prewett & Anastasia Bristley, Central Michigan University Child Development and Learning Lab

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: PS

Early Reading Concepts

Berkey, Conference Level, Amway

Make the most of your read aloud time with children! Oral language concepts, reading comprehension and concepts about print are all skills that can be and should be exposed to children at the earliest levels. We will also talk about strategies to offer parents to read with their children.

Casey Sterle, Leslie Public Schools

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: All

The New Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth to Kindergarten: What Are They and What Do You Need to Know?

Grand View, Conference Level, Amway

The Michigan State Board of Education approved new early childhood standards for early learning and program quality in November 2022. Join us to talk about how the new standards reflect changes in state and national guidelines, as well as advances in research around brain development, social-emotional learning, equity, and trauma-informed education. Bonnie Bonifield, Miss Bonnie, LLC & Richard Lower, Michigan Department of Education/Office of Great Start

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT, PS

Thursday, April 20

School Age

Multi-Sensory Math

Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway

Come see how to help young children master key early learning math skills through hands-on discovery and multi-sensory experiences. Using visual, auditory, kinesthetic/tactile activities for teaching or reinforcing concepts helps young learners grasp abstract math ideas conceptually.

Angie Meredith, hand2mind

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: KP, SA

Professionalism

Childcare System Change: Powered by Community Voices

Winchester, Conference Level, Amway

Community connections create the foundation for a high quality, affordable early care and education system. Learn how to collect and leverage voices from families, childcare providers and employers to understand your community childcare needs and influence local policy and programming. This session will discuss a case study from Emmet County by reviewing the key components of creating a community powered plan for systems-wide change.

Laura Tuthill & Jennifer Wixson, North Central Michigan College; Karen Ann Kling, University of Michigan

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: All

8:45am - 10:00am

Program Administration

Great Start to Quality On-Site Observation: Commitment to equity and empowerment!

Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway

Learn how to prepare for a Great Start to Quality On-Site Observation. Discover how the process is supportive and equitable. The Assessment Team will share information on the observation process and provide helpful tips.

Kristen Howard & Assessment Team, Early Childhood Investment Corporation

CKCC: Management Age Levels: All, Adult

Data is Talking, Are You Listening?

Plaza Boardroom A, Lobby Level, Amway

During the data process, there is time for both collaboration and individual reflection. Kalamazoo County Pre-K utilizes a process that encourages peer partnership, data review, and time to plan for implementation.

Cathleen Doonan & Lara Ynclan, Kalamazoo RESA

CKCC: Observation, Documentation & Assessment Age Levels: PS

Social Emotional

Wrap Around Support for Challenging Behaviors

Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway

This presentation will include what support means for Challenging Behaviors in the classroom. Not only how to support the child and family but how to take care of your well-being as well. Come learn how we incorporate a Behavior Support Team of teachers to implement all of the above.

Michele Blake, Sara Root & Brittany Cavanaugh, Heartfelt Impressions

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: All

Thursday, April 20

Infant and Toddler Care

Literacy Essentials

Atrium, Atrium Level, Amway

Learn the 10 essential classroom practices that will develop your children's literacy skills. Also, discover how you can encourage parents to practice literacy skills at home.

Sandra Weyer, The Order of the Fishermen Ministry Head Start

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT

Preschool

The Cultural Fabric of Early Childhood Education sponsored by Central Michigan University

Pantlind, Concourse Level, Amway

A. Wade Boykin describes a "profound and inescapable cultural fabric of the schooling process in America." In this session, we apply culturally responsive teaching to early childhood in effort to move beyond the tourist curriculum often prevalent in our classrooms.

Kimberly Davidson & Abbigail Macdonald, Central Michigan University

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP

Nurturing Whole Child Development through Arts Integration sponsored by Northern Michigan University

Imperial, Lobby Level, Amway

During this interactive workshop, participants will explore what is meant by arts integration in the early childhood classroom and its benefits in supporting whole child development. Participants will lean on NAEYC's (2022)

Developmentally Appropriate Practice Principle #5 on the role of active learning to discover multiple ways to enhance equity and whole child development through arts integration.

Cindy Basse, Northern Michigan University & Wendy Highland, State of Michigan LARA

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP

Teachers' Perceptions of the Impact of Storytime on Children's Development

Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway

Teachers around the world use Storytime in their preschool classrooms on a regular basis. Most curricula present stories as part of the curriculum. This study looks to understand early childhood teachers' planning for and scope of strategies used at storytime, and to learn about their perceptions of the impact of storytime on children's social and emotional, language and literacy, and cognitive development.

Reem Assiri, PhD student, Oakland University

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: PS

CMU CDLL Lending Library- What is it? And How Can YOU Utilize it? Sponsored by Central Michigan University

Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway

Are you an early childhood educator, looking for classroom resources; technology, art supplies, large motor/science activities? CMU's Child Development and Learning Lab has a lending library, fully funded through the Grow Up Great Grant by PNC Bank. Learn about what is available and how to you can take advantage of these resources meant to improve early childhood learning in our community.

Teresea Looman & Willi Sheahan-Stahl, Child Development and Learning Lab Central Michigan University

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: All

Thursday, April 20

School Age

Evaluating the Landscape of ECE Today: Bringing it Back to DAP!

Haldane, Conference Level, Amway

Now more than ever, ECE educators are facing a disparaging gap between DAP and the insurmountable pressures from stakeholders. This session evaluates the current conditions in ECE surrounding best practices (post-covid). Practical strategies for advocating the implementation of DAP will be discussed.

Christina Mirtes & Jessica Grimone-Hopkins, Eastern Michigan University

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: All

Rough & Tumble Play in a School Setting

Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway

Hear success stories about incorporating rough and tumble games and experiences into our school age program. Learn more about giving students the power to make decisions when engaging in active play and leave with strategies of ways to try this in YOUR school setting.

James Olmstead & Marissa Cobleigh, Fenton Area Public Schools World of Wonder

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Home-to-School Mismatch

Kendall, Conference Level, Amway

Learn about including ESL in curriculum for African American early learners to support African American Vernacular English (AAVE), which is considered the cultural, home, environmental and community language and is very different from Anglo Academic language.

Valerie Parker, Director

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement

Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Professionalism

NAEYC and the Unifying Framework

Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway

The Unifying Framework reflects unprecedented consensus by educators across states and settings, administrators, employers, and higher education, incorporates the recommendations from all eight decision cycles, including those related to educator roles and responsibilities, aligned preparation and pathways, professional compensation, and a supportive infrastructure with shared accountability. It also calls for significant increases in federal and state investments to help ensure the 40 million U.S. children, birth to age 8, are well-served by an effective, diverse, and fairly compensated workforce of professionals.

Mary Harrill, NAEYC

CKCC: Professionalism

Age Levels: Adult

Thursday, April 20

10:30am - 12:00pm

General Session Keynote

Together, We Flourish! sponsoredbyCentralMichiganUniversity BallroomB/C/D,DeVos

Cheryl Priest, EdD, CAPP

CentralMichiganUniversityFacultyMember,AppliedPositivePsychologyPractitioner,RetreatPlanner,StudyTour Facilitator,Speaker,Dreamer,Trainer,Advocate,Trailblazer

Flourishing doesn’t happen alone. We live in a shared existence AND at the same time, find ourselves feeling alone and longing for relationship and acceptance of others. There is an aching to be seen and to belong. If you desire deeper, high-quality connections - and also feel at a loss for “how to,” this conversation has the power to ignite a transformation in your life!

During this keynote session, we will explore strategies for increasing joy and well-being through the power that comes with a “we” orientation. Relationships are a pathway to flourishing. And I’ll let you in on a little secret. Your personal transformation has unlimited potential to ripple outward and touch others. When we gather and savor our shared experience, we will grow!

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.

1:30pm - 2:45pm

Workforce Development

Reconsidering How We Prepare Teachers Birth to Kindergarten

Governors, Concourse Level, Amway

Teacher preparation programs have had to adjust their programs to meet Michigan's changing teacher certification structure. In our session, we'll discuss what that looks like and the potential unintended consequences on the profession.

Kathryn Ohle, Grand Valley State University

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: All

Relationship Based Coaching - Making Connection a Priority Sponsored by Central Michigan University

Ford, Lobby Level, Amway

An insightful look into the process of creating, implementing, and adjusting relationship-based coaching models in a teaching lab setting from the perspective of the designer, coach, and coachee.

Alex Henry & Brooke Fullington, CMU Child Development and Learning Lab

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: Adult

Program Administration

Maximize the Impact of Your In-House Trainings!

Grand View, Conference Level, Amway

Are you a Director or Owner charged with holding training for your staff? Are you at a loss on what to do, or how best to do them? Come and find some supportive solutions!

Brooke Rains & Candy Sorensen, Child Care Network

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

Finding Ourselves in Michigan's Collective Early Childhood Action Plan

Winchester, Conference Level, Amway

Come explore the results of two years of needs assessment and strategic planning work as we dive into the Michigan Collective Early Childhood Action Plan. This interactive session will explore the priorities and strategies with the Plan and offer participants the opportunity to add their own strategies and inform future directions to help make Michigan the best state in which to raise a child.

Jonnie Taton, Amanda Stoel, Dr. Scott Koenigsknecht, Michigan Department of Education

CKCC: Family and Community Engagement Age Levels: All, Adult

Social Emotional

Fostering Independence and Handling Emotional Issues with Children

Berkey, Conference Level, Amway

Children go through emotional changes at home: illnesses, death, separation and divorce. Learn powerful tools for teaching responsibility and effective ways of managing energy that will help children grow and develop to be independent and motivated.

Namrata Carolan, Carolan Consulting

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: All

Infant and Toddler Care

Planning and Recall Time with Older Toddlers sponsored by HighScope

Nelson, Conference Level, Amway

Not sure what to do with those older twos who have not quite moved out of toddlerhood and into preschool? Want to add planning and recall into your schedule but not sure where to start? In this session we will look at the signs of readiness for planning and recall, go over the "how to’s" for implementing them, and share concrete planning and recall strategies.

Danielle Grimaldo, HighScope Foundation

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Preschool

Age Levels: IT

The Art of Storytelling: Helping Children Become Storytellers sponsored by Central Michigan University

Vandenberg B, Concourse Level, Amway

Through this interactive presentation, participants will have the opportunity to engage with various storytelling materials while learning new ways to incorporate storytelling in their preschool classroom.

Jacquelyn Weller & Susan Wassman, CMU Child Development and Learning Lab

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

CLASS: A Framework for Building Connections and Strengthening Collaboration sponsored by Teachstone

Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway

Learn about the CLASS as a framework for teacher-child interactions. During this session, learn how CLASS serves as a framework to support effective interactions, continuous quality improvement, and teaching. Explore how Teachstone is bringing forward enhancements that make the tool more equitable to use, easier to access, and more impactful.

Sara Diamond, Kim Pold & Christina Nystrom, Teachstone

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Science Activities in a Faith Based Environment

Pullman, Conference Level, Amway

Age Levels: All

This session will focus on developmentally appropriate science activities with a direct linkage to Bible stories utilized in faith based environments. Participants will be encouraged to participate in and interact with experiments and activities

Nicole Beattie, Storytime with Ms Nicole

CKCC: Teaching & Learning

Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Thursday, April 20

School Age

The Michigan State-wide Expansion of Text and Learn for Kindergarten (TALK): A Community and Research Partnership for Early Childhood Education sponsored by HighScope

Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway

Learn about the Michigan state-wide expansion of TALK, a text message service that connects caregivers of young children to their libraries, including early findings from an evaluation conducted by HighScope.

Madeline Chimka, HighScope Research Foundation & Jodi Krahnke, Ypsilanti District Library

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

Bob Books with VersaTiles and ConfiDice

Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway

Bob Books offer repetition and fun stories to introduce important sight words. Partner that with our VersaTiles and ConfiDice and students can combine purposeful practice for a hands-on way of reviewing what they are learning in their Bob Books. Engage your beginning reader with a fun puzzle-like way to practice reading!

Angie Meredith, hand2mind

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Professionalism

Advocacy to Impact Improvements in Early Childhood

Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway

Presented by members of the Michigan AEYC Advocacy Committee. Often, early childhood professionals don't recognize their current role in advocating for improvements in early childhood and how critical it is. This session will cover the basics of advocacy on a local, state, and federal level. Participants will gain knowledge and skills that will better equip them to speak up on behalf of the children and families they serve.

Annette Sobocinski, Amy Moore, Child Care Network & Jolene Andriaschko, United Way for Southeastern Michigan

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: All, Adult

1:45pm - 3:00pm

Workforce Development

Tools to Support Your Course Quality and Impact

Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway

Do your courses provide opportunities to learn, practice, and apply concepts and practices? Is content related diversity, equity, and inclusion addressed explicitly? Discover new tools and practices for accomplishing both in this session.

Camille Catlett, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: Adult

What It’s Like to Offer the BK Grade Band

Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway

This workshop will explore the benefits of offering the BK grade band certification as well as offer time to discuss how to increase interest and enrollment. We will define and describe the rigor of the standards and how that translates into a high quality ECE teaching workforce.

Jennifer Haeussler, Siena Heights University

CKCC: Professionalism

Age Levels: Adult

Thursday, April 20

Program Administration

Updates from the Office of Great Start Directors

Pantlind, Concourse Level, Amway

Leadership from the Office of Great Start will provide updates on progress for the various program and policy initiatives engaged in across the areas of early childhood development, family education, child care, preschool, and Head Start.

Office of Great Start Directors, Michigan Department of Education

CKCC: Management Age Levels: IT, PS, KP, Adult

Social Emotional

The Power of the Story

Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway

Stories are important and it's important to understand that stories are not just books. Stories tell about who we are, what we need or provide an escape. Stories are the most powerful tool we have. Come learn how stories can be powerful, share your stories and learn how you can use your story

Heidi Friedel, Consultant

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: All

The Magic Wand: The Effective Moves any Teacher could use to Reduce Incidents in the Classroom

Imperial, Lobby Level, Amway

Learn "Magical" effective strategies to build positive and secure relationships, learn differences between behavior vs. developmental stages, develop strategies and choices considering environment, schedules, and activities. Walk away with new positive guidance and self-regulation skills.

Sandra Ampudia, The Discovery Source & Elizabeth Villaverde, GSQ Western Resource Center

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: IT, PS

Infant and Toddler Care

Essential Instructional Practices in Language and Emergent Literacy: Birth to Age 3 - Gestures

Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway

Gestures are hand and body motions used for communication, like pointing, waving, tapping fingers to your mouth to mean eat, or tracing a pretend tear down your cheek for sad. Children who use more gestures learn to talk earlier and use more words, which also supports their emergent literacy.

Chandra Cooke & Brittany Wright, Child Care Network

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT

Preschool

Inclusive Practices to Support Children with Disabilities in Preschool Programs

Atrium, Atrium Level, Amway

This session will provide information and resources on how to create a climate of individualized support to meet high expectations for children with disabilities in preschool programs. An introduction to free online inclusion modules, which are available to promote and support high-quality inclusive practices, will also be included in this session.

Jori Novak & Brenda Woods, Office of Innovative Projects

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: PS

A Balanced Approach: 10 Ideas to Incorporate Preschool Academics into Play

Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway

Incorporating academics into play is proven to help preschoolers learn more efficiently. Details of our favorite learning activities will be shared to help keep your classroom exciting while meeting kindergarten readiness expectations.

Kayleen Allred & Morgan Bechler, Little Minds Learning Academy

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Thursday, April 20

Everyday Opportunities for Math

Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway

Children are born knowers and doers of math. What does math have in common with putting your blanket away after a nap? Everything! Join us to discover how you can support children's math learning through daily routines and activities when they're with you - and when they're at home!

Heather Lucas, Michigan Department of Education & Bonnie Bonifield, Miss Bonnie, LLC

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT, PS

Circle Time that Connects With What Really Matters

Plaza Boardroom A, Lobby Level, Amway

Community circle is a powerful process to talk about what really matters. This experiential session offers practice in helping children identify feelings and needs, experience self-empathy and empathy.

Heather Kindem, Breathing and Feelings & Needs Specialist

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: PS, KP

School Age

Fostering Creativity Across the Curriculum: Going Beyond A is for Alligator

Haldane, Conference Level, Amway

Creativity is an essential component of the classroom but is so often slighted or limited to being only a part of what happens in the art room. Broaden understanding about the creative process for those who work with young children.

Desiree Hickman, Sam Houston State University & Wykeshia Glass, North Carolina Central University

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Professionalism

Centering Equity in HOPEful Interactions

Kendall, Conference Level, Amway

Discover how the science of positive experiences drive healthy development, and how you can be an agent of change by promoting the HOPE framework and equitable interventions.

Michael Austin & Brook Albert, Early Childhood Investment Corporation

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: All, Adult 3:15pm - 4:30pm

Center Stage: Your Thoughts Matter sponsoredbyCentralMichiganUniversity BallroomB/C/D,DeVos

Cheryl Priest, EdD, CAPP

Who do you bring to the “we?” Is there a limiting mindset that comes from negative self-talk, self-judgment, and by giving too much attention to “what’s wrong or what’s missing?” Your internal messengers- what you think, imagine, sense and feel guide the behavior that you and others see. Together, we will explore opportunities to soften self-judgment through micro-practices that incorporate self-compassion, self-respect and place more emphasis on “what’s great!” Loosen your attachment to these conscious and unconscious biases, and grow a sense of identity that is broader, more inclusive, and more interested in other people and relationships!

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

Workforce Development

Tips from an NAEYC Peer Reviewer

Winchester, Conference Level, Amway

This session will include helpful tips for those preparing for or thinking about their first NAEYC higher education accreditation site visit.

Jill Harrison, Delta College

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

Thursday, April 20

What’s Happening with Early Childhood at WMU? sponsored by Western Michigan University

Nelson, Conference Level, Amway

The shift to grade bands for teacher education has been the impetus for creative restructuring of undergraduate majors and graduate degrees to provide early childhood professionals with a variety of paths toward working with young children (birth – age 8) and their families in a variety of settings and capacities. We’ll share for excellent professional preparation and invite you to share your vision for a flexible, comprehensive early childhood professional preparation path to undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Lori Farrer, Western Michigan University

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: Adult

Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Roundtable Discussions (Great Start to Higher Education, in collaboration with Michigan ACCESS)

Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway

This session will feature organized discussions focused on commonly taught early childhood courses (e.g., child-familycommunity, infants and toddlers). Each roundtable will be led by a Michigan faculty member who has recently revised the course being discussed to support increased emphasis on inclusion and knowledge application. They will share information about the enhancements to the content and pedagogy, and the impact the changes are having for students.

Danielle Savory, Lansing Community College

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: Adult

Social Emotional Let's Build Relationships

Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway

Learn 6 steps to successfully encourage children's self control, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving abilities, among other social and emotional skills.

Dawn Vandemark, Clinton County RESA

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: PS, KP

Trauma-Engaged Practice and Fostering Resilience

Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway

So you're trauma informed - now what? Learn how to become trauma-engaged, understand the unique biology of trauma and resilience in early development, and walk away with practical tools for implementation in a variety of settings.

Brooke Aernouts, Family Futures

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: All, Adult

Young at Heart: Adult Learning Principles through the Lens of Play

Governors, Concourse Level, Amway

Adults need to play too! Join a conversation about bringing playful learning to grown-ups through a lens of family engagement and caregiver education. Come ready to play as we explore these principles with hands-on play invitations!

Meighan Taylor & Angela Aernouts, Play and Learn GRCC

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: IT, PS, Adult

Infant and Toddler Care

Art Smart - The Importance of Art in the Infant and Toddler Classroom

Vandenberg B, Concourse Level, Amway

Infants and toddlers require the same developmental and sensory experiences received from art as older children. Come explore how art aids in the development of the infant and toddler mind and creative ways to implement these experiences in the infant and toddler classroom.

Rachel Ellen Maria Burns, Wayne RESA

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT

Thursday, April 20

Preschool

Daily Outdoor Education in Michigan: Shifting Attitudes & Expectations to Support Meaningful Outdoor Play

Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway

Explore how adult attitudes and expectations surrounding daily outdoor play influence the quality of children's outdoor learning. Additionally, learn how to create meaningful outdoor play opportunities by utilizing your space, materials, knowledge, and experiences.

Windy Carroll & Sara DeYarmond, Our Savior Lutheran School

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP

Documentation and Assessment

Berkey, Conference Level, Amway

In this interactive training we will discuss key components of documentation and assessment. You will learn about the why of documenting and assessing, the basics, how we assess different mediums, and explore where you are in the Documenter Experience stages.

Sarah Cooper, CLASS Consultant/Coach & Ashela Trevino, Ludington Early Childhood Center

CKCC: Observation, Documentation & Assessment Age Levels: PS

Data Detectives

Ford, Lobby Level, Amway

Teachers gather evidence on child development, searching for clues to uncover truths about students. The mystery is, what to do with this information? This course will provide tactics and resources for planning based on data.

Laura Ynclan & Cathleen Doonan, Kalamazoo RESA

CKCC: Observation, Documentation & Assessment Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

PLAN for Interactions

Ambassador East, Concourse Level, Amway

Quality interactions are built on four essential foundational skills. Learn about these foundational skills and how to incorporate them into every interaction you have with the children in your care.

Kathy Gilbert, KMG Research LLC

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: All

School Age

Notice and Wonder: Building Curiosity in Play sponsored by Central Michigan University

Grand View, Conference Level, Amway

This session focuses on how to promote curiosity and inquiry-based learning in early childhood classrooms. Participants will engage in playful learning opportunities that foster math and science learning through curiosity and inquiry.

Tracy Donohue, Central Michigan University

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Professionalism

Incorporating a Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Lens Through Professional Development sponsored by HighScope

Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway

In this session, participants will discuss the importance of seeing all teacher's strengths and learning strategies to build on their learning and understanding through education and training with a racial equity, diversity, and inclusion lens.

Najwa Dahdah, Empowered Child Care Consulting, Inc. & Shannon Lockhart, HighScope

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: Adult

7:00am

4:30pm

5:00pm

6:00pm

Workforce Development

Future PME Launch: How to Recruit Qualified Staff from High School CTE Programs

Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway

Learn how high school career and technical education students are earning their CDA and MI-YDA credentials and can work in your program as young as age 16 to meet your staffing needs.

Candace Vinson, Lorraine Thoreson & Robin Zeiter, Michigan Department of Education

CKCC: Management Age Levels: All

Program Administration

The First Years of a Directorship!

Ambassador East, Concourse Level, Amway

This training will focus on "What I wish I knew?”, "What to do now?”, knowing your why, and running an effective staff meeting versus professional development training.

LaTonya Redfearn, Kids-R-Us Child Development Center, Inc.

CKCC: Management Age Levels: Adult

Homelessness and Early Childhood Education for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers - Making Every Moment Count

Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway

We will address the importance of intentional and impactful teaching of infants, toddlers and preschoolers experiencing homelessness. The largest percentage of children that enter homeless shelters are under the age of five. For early childhood educators the more traditional year with a child in a classroom is vastly different when working with children that are homeless. This session will provide insights into a high quality early childhood education program that is making a difference in the lives of young children and their moms that are homeless, and strategies to transfer to your program.

Elizabeth Grace, Alternatives for Girls

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT, PS

Social Emotional

Analyzing and Redirecting Challenging Behaviors in a Toddler Classroom

Grand View, Conference Level, Amway

Toddlers are at an age where they are learning about their big emotions. Many times, those big feelings become normal, but challenging behaviors in a classroom. In this session, we are going to become social scientists as we work to dissect what needs toddlers are trying to communicate with their behaviors. We will also be exploring different strategies to experiment with in the classroom to redirect them to more appropriate and safer behaviors.

Alicia Oldham, Starfish Family Services

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: IT

Classroom Environments

Nelson, Conference Level, Amway

High school students will present information about developmentally appropriate décor for classroom use. Information about how color impacts the learning will also be discussed.

Lindsey Arntson & Olivia Nowicki, DCTC High School Educational Careers Program

CKCC: Management Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Grief and Loss: What about the Children?

Winchester, Conference Level, Amway

This session will tackle the facts and myths about grief and loss - it is not just death that causes this. We will discuss the grieving process (for children and adults) and how we as the caring adults in those children's lives can help our children through this process. Resource for caregivers and families as well as children's literature resources will be available and shared.

Heidi Friedel, Consultant

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: All

Infant and Toddler Care

Literacy for Children Birth Through 3...What Does that Look Like?

Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway

Language and emergent literacy skills develop rapidly during the first 3 years. This session will share practices and ideas that support children in developing their skills.

Jill Tarrant, CACS Head Start and Early Childhood Programs

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT

Preschool

Loose Parts for Preschoolers

Governors, Concourse Level, Amway

Looking for ways to tap into children's natural sense of curiosity? Loose parts may just be the answer you have been searching for. Within a responsive learning environment, the use of loose parts strengthens creativity, problem-solving skills, divergent thinking, independence and critical thinking skills. Explore the theory and implementation of loose parts with Preschoolers in this interactive workshop.

Deborah Nerderman, ECE Program Solutions

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Setting Limits with Shared Control in the ECE Classroom

Ford, Lobby Level, Amway

Shocking but true, you can set limits in a preschool classroom while sharing control with the children. Gain an understanding of the "why" and "how to" of setting limits and sharing control with the children.

Kimberly Tiemann & Autumn Jervis, Gretchen’s House

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: PS

Friday, April 21

Cooking in the Classroom

Vandenberg B, Concourse Level, Amway

Cooking in the classroom with children can provide many valuable experiences...math, science/technology, language, literacy and communication just to name a few. We will present/demonstrate some tried and true ideas you can use immediately as well as some new innovative ideas. Let's get in the kitchen together!

Rebecca Boss & Betsy Spiker, Heartfelt Impressions Learning Centers

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

PLAN for Interactions

Berkey, Conference Level, Amway

Quality interactions are built on four essential foundational skills. Learn about these foundational skills and how to incorporate them into every interaction you have with the children in your care.

Kathy Gilbert, KMG Research LLC

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Age Levels: All

Using the New Early Childhood Standards of Quality for Birth to Kindergarten in Your Early Childhood Practice

Pullman, Conference Level, Amway

The Michigan State Board of Education approved new early childhood standards for early learning and program quality in November 2022. In this session, we’ll dig deep into how to use these standards in your early childhood practice – the examples, tips, suggestions, and reflection questions built in to support our work with children and families.

Bonnie Bonifield, Miss Bonnie, LLC & Richard Lower, Michigan Department of Education/Office of Great Start

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT, PS

Professionalism

Adventures in Networking: Building Your Early Childhood Career One Step at a Time

Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway

Have you wanted to expand on your early childhood career and did not know where to start? Our field needs to retain and grow our future early childhood leaders. This training will cover what next steps you can take to expand your career in early childhood education including resumes, marketing yourself, job hunting, interviewing, and of course networking! Tips and resources will be shared so that you can make the most of your early childhood career.

Jolene Andriaschko, Strategic Education Consulting Solutions, LLC

CKCC: Professionalism

Age Levels: All

Friday, April 21

8:45am - 10:00am

Program Administration

Introduction to A Leadership Map

Atrium, Atrium Level, Amway

This fast-paced session will introduce you to the 5 Levels of Leadership method, a map to assess, plan, grow, and develop your leadership and influence skills. Whether you're a new leader or experienced, if you've never heard about the 5 Levels of Leadership, this is definitely a session for you! You'll have access to several tools and resources to guide your growth after the session. Bring your leadership questions!

Michelle Burkhard, Grow By1

CKCC: Management Age Levels: All, Adult

Educator Well-Being: A Tool for Recruitment and Retention

Imperial, Concourse Level, Amway

Staff retention and turnover are especially challenging now. Learn how you can lift up your current staff and attract new candidates by focusing on well-being! By learning a framework, as well as lots of tools, you will leave this session with ideas about how your organization can become a magnet for healthy educators.

Jennifer Moore, Moore Well-Being & Priscilla Lindsey, Prescott Elementary School

CKCC: Management Age Levels: All, Adult

Balancing It All From the Director's Desk to the Classroom

Kendall, Conference Level, Amway

Discover how to balance, manage and facilitate staff, roles, responsibilities and parent demands while maintaining and running a successful child care program.

Dr. Tangella Colston

CKCC: Management Age Levels: All

Expulsion Prevention: Determination, Skills and a Plan

Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway

Preschool children are expelled at least three times more than school-aged children. Learn skills for challenging behaviors and ideas on which to build a plan and policies to prevent expulsion.

Elizabeth Villaverde, Great Start to Quality Western Resource Center & Allison Caledonis, Consultant & Trainer

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

Social Emotional

Sharing the Calm: How Responsive Relationships Lead to Stronger Self-Regulation Skills Sponsored by HighScope

Pantlind, Concourse Level, Amway

Shift your perspective about children in support of a new approach to classroom management. Explore strategies to establish an environment of shared control while developing student self-regulation skills.

Ashley Hoy & Patty Bruder, HighScope Educational Research

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Understanding Behavior From the Inside Out

Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway

Age Levels: PS

Behavior is communication. We tend to label behavior as good or bad. Behavior is the primary way children demonstrate what is happening in their autonomic nervous system. Changing our interactions contribute to children feeling safe, connected and belonging impacts behavior.

Gloria Sherman, Parenting and Teaching with G.L.O

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Age Levels: All

Preschool

Enhancing and Extending Outdoor Experiences Using Technology sponsored by Northern Michigan University

Haldane, Conference Level, Amway

During this workshop, participants will explore how to enhance exploration and discovery in the preschool outdoor learning environment, through meaningful integration of technology. Leaning on Principle #9 of NAEYC's (2022)

Developmentally Appropriate Practice, participants will walk away from the workshop unpacking biases towards technology and realizing the potential it has on whole child development, when used intentionally in the outdoor learning environment.

Cindy Basse, Northern Michigan University & Tammra Houseman, Bay College

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP

Biophilia Design

Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway

Incorporating Biophilia Design by blending nature into Early Childhood spaces improves the health and wellness of everyone. Come hear practical and low cost ideas to enhance your indoor and outdoor space.

JaneAnn Benson, Grand Rapids Community College

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: All, Adult

Reaching Higher with HighScope

Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway

Learn the benefits of High Scope and how to properly implement this curriculum in your classroom from Plan-Do-Review, to scaffolding and the importance of child-led play and child-guided lesson plans.

Amber Jones, West Bloomfield Preschool Academy & Kyle Lewandowski, Stepping Stones Daycare and Preschool

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Beyond the School Day: Using Events as a Stepping Stone for Family and Community Engagement

Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway

Join us to learn how our program used monthly events as the building block to establishing a successful culture of family and community engagement within our program.

Elizabeth Hampton & Emily Welanko, Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: All

Kids Don’t Know They Can’t See Well

Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway

Eighty percent 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 are 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.

Emily Aslakson, OD, MEd, FCOVD, FAAO & Alli Richardson, Michigan College of Optometry & Alli Richardson, Binocular Vision and Pediatric Resident Doctor

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: All

Professionalism

Leveraging Teacher Voice to Support Future Instruction Transitions: Lessons from the 2020-2021 School Year sponsored by HighScope

Plaza Boardroom A, Lobby Level, Amway

This presentation includes experiences from preschool teachers that navigated transitions between remote and in-person instruction during the 2020-2021 school year. Findings include recommendations for future transitions and remote instruction based on teacher experiences and perceptions.

Madeline Chimka, HighScope Educational Research Foundation & Chloe Reeble, University of Nebraska

CKCC: Management Age Levels: Adult

Friday, April 21

10:15am - 12:00pm

General Session Keynote

Zen and the Art of Early Childhood sponsoredbyKaplanEarlyLearningCompany

BallroomB/C/D,DeVos

Richard Cohen, M.A.

Consultant,Coach,MotivationalSpeaker,Instructor

Many of us think of “early childhood” as more than a stage of development or a career choice. Join Richard as he shares his story and elicits the stories of his audience members. Laugh, cry and cheer as we reflect together on why we choose play, why we choose anti-bias work and why we choose to give young children meaningful learning experiences. What does it mean to place ourselves in positions of service? How do we balance our humanity and our professionalism in an ever-changing world? How are we community builders? Get ready for a keynote that will provoke your thinking, engage your emotions and nourish your spirit!

12:00pm - 1:00pm

Research & Practice Poster Session: Inclusive Practices in Early Childhood & Early Intervention

Ballroom B/C/D, DeVos

Presented in Partnership with the Michigan Division for Early Childhood

1:30pm - 2:45pm

Workforce Development

Looking for Knowledge on the CDA and MI-YDA Training and Credentialing Process? Come to the CDA and MI-YDA Boot Camp

Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway

Why reinvent the wheel? There are existing training resources available for supporting students obtaining their CDA and MI-YDA credentials. Presenters will share these resources and provide information about an opportunity for funding credential fees for CTE students.

Michigan AEYC Staff

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

Program Administration

How to Start a Child Care Business in Michigan & Financial Resources

Governors, Concourse Level, Amway

Caring for MI Future is a statewide effort to help child care entrepreneurs open 1,000 new or expanded child care programs by the end of 2024. This initiative, led by the Michigan Departments of Education and Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (MDE & LARA) is focusing on what entrepreneurs need most to open and expand child care businesses help finding and renovating space, startup funding, help recruiting staff, and support creating a business plan.

Mikki Godfrey, Our Strong Start

CKCC: Management Age Levels: Adult

Anishinaabe 101

Winchester, Conference Level, Amway

Your service area includes the Indigenous peoples of Michigan, the Anishinaabe. How much do you know about them? What implicit bias do you hold that we can address? What historical traumas have they experienced that lead to modern day barriers to outreach and care, and what are cultural protocols for a diverse group of people like the Anishinaabe?

Meredith Kennedy, Storyteller

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: All, Adult

Friday, April 21

Social Emotional

The Trauma Tree; Trauma Informed Care Part 1

Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway

We will review Erickson and Maslow and discuss the effect trauma has on brain development. We will also discuss the different types of trauma and ways to support young children in the classroom.

Michelle Smith, Starfish Family Services

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Age Levels: All

Mindfulness Mini-Retreat for the Early Childhood Professional sponsored by Central Michigan University

Ambassador East, Concourse Level, Amway

Do YOU have a habit of cultivating small, daily meaningful moments? Put on the brakes and gain focus! Carve out small spaces for self-care as a professional practice that renews creativity and revives work.

Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University

CKCC: Professionalism

Age Levels: Adult

Sensory Awareness- Supporting Self Regulation Through Play

Ford, Lobby Level, Amway

Sensory awareness is for everyone, as all behavior is communication. Let's find ways to understand and support the children in our care. Using curiosity and movement, we will find ways to help children self-regulate through activities and tools (not toys).

Allison Caledonis, Trainer & Elizabeth Villaverde, Villaverde Consulting

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

The Importance of Social Emotional Learning

Pullman, Conference Level, Amway

Age Levels: All

Social-emotional learning is vital for students to learn crucial life skills, including the ability to understand themselves, develop a positive self-image, take responsibility for their actions, and forge relationships with the people around them. How do we teach these skills to our little ones?

Kyle Lewandowski, Michigan AEYC Student Member-at-Large

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Preschool

Propping Up Children's Literacy Experiences

Vandenberg B, Concourse Level, Amway

Age Levels: All

Explore the benefits of using props while reading books with young children. Through active engagement, learn how to select developmentally appropriate books, create usable props, and incorporate early childhood standards. There will be giveaways!

Margaret Mudge, Lowry Center for Early Childhood Education

CKCC: Teaching & Learning

Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

Great Start Toward Quality Inclusion: A Model and Resources for Including Each and Every Child

Grand View, Conference Level, Amway

Learn how one Michigan school district promoted preschool inclusion. Hear about the professional development, learn from educators who planned for and implemented high-quality inclusive practices in their classrooms, and get all the inclusion resources.

Camille Catlett, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, UNC, Cortney Last & Kathleen Beaudoin, Monroe County ISD, Heather Hovey, Dundee Community Schools

CKCC: Teaching & Learning

Age Levels: PS

Friday, April 21

Becoming Young Authors

Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway

Children want to write. They want to write the first day they attend school. Before they went to school they marked up walls, pavements and newspapers with crayons, chalk, pens or pencils...anything that makes a mark. Writing is not a guided practice- it's free hand!

Seniqa Smith, Whole Child Community Center

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Sleep: Health and Wellness for Staff- Introducing Sleep Health Programs for Parents and Preschoolers

Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway

Sleep and routines are needed to build physical and emotional resilience. Learn how Pajama Program addresses this need, now part of CFOC national health guidelines, with its research supported, innovative sleep health programming, to help deliver "Good Nights for Good Days".

Ann Raftery, Pajama Program

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: PS, Adult

School Age

Literacy Stations for Young Learners

Nelson, Conference Level, Amway

Literacy stations are a great way to differentiate learning for all students in the classroom. This interactive session will focus on how to create, implement, and manage literacy stations without substantial preparation time.

Kirsten Cannon, Lakota Local Schools

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Professionalism

Cultural Competence and Why it is Important for the Success of the Program and Community

Berkey, Conference Level, Amway

In this session, participants will discuss the importance of cultural competence when practiced with intentionality to promote equality and bridge the gap in early childhood classrooms to ensure quality education and better serve programs and the community.

Felicitas Gonalez-Memberillo & Najwa Dahdah, Empowered Child Care

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: All 1:45pm - 3:00pm

Program Administration

Yours, Mine and Ours - Connecting with Families and Students

Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway

This session will explore ways to connect to families and students and maintain that connection throughout the school year. We will discuss why a secure connection is important for early school success and how to transfer that connection at the end of the year or when the child moves on.

Lisa Clarke, St. Clair County RESA

CKCC: Management Age Levels: All

Partnering with Parents of Color

Plaza Boardroom A

Learn ways in which educators and parents can partner for the best interest of the child. We’ll provide educators with information on how to engage with people from various communities in effective ways. The session will also highlight the EPIC model of the two generational approach used by ELNC.

Shawna Smith, Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Social Emotional Friday,

Classroom Practices for Teaching Multilingual Learners

Haldane, Conference Level, Amway

In this training, learn classroom practices for teaching Multilingual Learners (MLLs). Topics will include research on school readiness development, language, math, literacy, and social emotional skills, as well as small group learning. Additionally, there will be a concentration on language and early literacy skills for MLLs that will cover focusing on the home language in the classroom, developing vocabulary, phonological awareness, word recognition, print knowledge, and early writing. You will leave this training with the skills and knowledge to assist the MLLs in your classroom to have a successful head start in their education.

Jolene Andriaschko, Strategic Education Consulting Solutions, LLC

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Age Levels: PS, KP

Supporting Self-Regulation Development for Preschool and Kindergarten Children: An Overview of Early Findings from HighScope's Investing in Innovation Project sponsored by HighScope

Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway

This presentation provides an overview of and findings from HighScope's Investing in Innovation (i3) Project that provided training and coaching to preschool and kindergarten teachers in Michigan to support children's self-regulation development.

Fernando Andrade & Madeline Chimka, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Sensory; It's Not Just Sand and Water

Pantlind, Concourse Level, Amway

Age Levels: PS, KP

Explore methods to support sensory seeking students in your classroom through play, problem solving, and curriculum.

Alexandra Schenk & Alaina Yancy, Gretchen’s House

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Infant and Toddler Care

Infant and Toddler Outdoor Environments

Kendall, Conference Level, Amway

Age Levels: All

Taking Infants and toddlers outdoors can be challenging. Let's discuss ways to have an enjoyable and engaging outdoor experience. We will share pictures and examples of creative and simple ways to enhance the experience.

Sheila Johnson & Jenny Maynard, Wayne Oakland Macomb Resource Center

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

Preschool

Loose Parts for Preschoolers

Imperial, Lobby Level, Amway

Age Levels: IT

Looking for ways to tap into children's natural sense of curiosity? Loose parts may just be the answer you have been searching for. Within a responsive learning environment, the use of loose parts strengthens creativity, problem-solving skills, divergent thinking, independence and critical thinking skills. Explore the theory and implementation of loose parts with Preschoolers in this interactive workshop.

Deborah Nerderman, ECE Program Solutions

CKCC: Teaching & Learning

Age Levels: PS

Pre-K Classroom Arrangement - Creating an Intentional Learning Environment

Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway

Learning how to set up an intentional Pre-K Learning Environment and how the Learning environment is an essential to the growth and development of children.

Felecia Wodarski, Great Start to Quality

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: PS

Friday, April 21

Supporting Children with Special Needs Through Imbedding IEP Goals into the Daily Routine sponsored by HighScope

Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway

In this session participants will learn strategies for embedding IEP goals and scaffolding on children's learning throughout the day while staying true to active learning and developmentally appropriate practices.

Shannon Lockhart, HighScope Foundation

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP

They've Got the Whole World in Their Hands: Geography for Young Children

Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway

Are you wondering how to introduce geography to young children? This presentation will provide examples of materials you can use to help present this topic in a developmentally appropriate way. Using a "parts to whole" framework, we will start with our planet and move to our continent, country, state, and city to help children understand their place on Earth. This workshop will cover ways to learn about the elements of the earth (land, air, water), land and water forms, and mapping. You will learn songs to sing and activities that refine small motor skills and visual-spatial relationships through hands-on learning experiences.

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

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Professionalism

A Conversation with the Governor’s Office

Ambassador West, Concourse Level, Amway

Join Michelle Richard, Senior Education Policy Advisor to Governor Whitmer, to learn about current Early Childhood initiatives; followed by a Q & A.

Kirsten Charneskey, Michigan AEYC Advocacy Chair & Michelle Richard, Early Childhood Policy Advisor for Governor Whitmer

CKCC: Professionalism

Age Levels: All

How to Effectively Use Your Coaching & Mentoring Tools

Atrium, Atrium Level, Amway

This fast-paced session will help you understand how the tools of coaching and mentoring can be used to increase your leadership effectiveness, help others get their work done, and lower your stress level. You'll learn the difference between these two tools and when to use them with which person you want to lead.

Michelle Burkhard, Grow By 1, LLC

CKCC: Professionalism

Age Levels: All

Friday, April 21

3:15pm - 4:30pm

Center Stage: Cultivating the Creative Learner

BallroomB/C/D,DeVos

Cultivating the Creative Learner

Richard Cohen, M.A.

Get ready for a very nontraditional, interactive presentation filled with dancing, singing, playing, laughter and thoughtprovoking ideas about creativity, imagination and wonder. We’ll look at what’s happening in our brains and spirits as we create. We’ll explore how to encourage young children’s creative thinking and problem-solving. We’ll take a look at inspiring early childhood environments and activities and consider how to implement these ideas in our own spaces.

Workforce Development

MiRegistry: What Will You See in 2023?

Vandenberg B, Concourse Level, Amway

Track your growth, reach your potential. Join the MiRegistry team in this session for best practices, FAQ's, and new system features for members and trainers.

Carlie McKinney, MiRegistry

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

The Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Training Program- How it works

Ford, Lobby Level, Amway

During this workshop, participants will learn how to implement the components of an apprenticeship and where there is funding to pay for training costs.

Dick Bulkowski, Teresa Rivera, Michael Fravel &Abigail Parada-Lopez, Steepletown

CKCC: Management Age Levels: Adult

Program Administration

Quality Education and the Health of Young Children: What Really Matters?

Governors, Concourse Level, Amway

The health of young children is foundational to quality early care and education. But what aspects of health are important and should be prioritized in Michigan's child cares and preschools? An experienced expert panel debates!

Brooke Rains, Child Care Network & Andrew Hashikawa, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan

CKCC: Health, Safety & Nutrition Age Levels: All

The Early Childhood Director's Guide to Solving Everyday Challenges

Haldane, Conference Level, Amway

As a Program director you will wear multiple hats and as part of your role at the center you may feel alone when you face issues and situations with children, staff, and parents. Well, you are not alone. We will examine real-world issues experienced at actual child-care centers and outline how to avoid mistakes, oversights, and incidents as much as possible by developing policies and procedures and by implementing staff training to reduce the risk.

Thomasa Bond, Child Care Licensing

CKCC: Management Age Levels: Adult

Social Emotional

What On-Site Observation Tool is Right for Me?

Grand View, Conference Level, Amway

Learn about options for On-Site Observation in the newly reimagined Great Start to Quality. Gain insight on CLASS, ERS, and SEL PQA. Feel empowered in making the observation tool choice that is right for you.

Jennifer Rountree & Kristen Howard, Early Childhood Investment Company

CKCC: Management Age Levels: IT, PS, SA

Friday, April 21

The Trauma Tree: Trauma Informed Care Part 2

Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway

After a review of trauma and ACEs in session 1, we will discuss ways to build relationships with children and families and practical ways to mitigate the effect of trauma in the classroom.

Michelle Smith, Starfish Family Services

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: All

Infant and Toddler Care

Exploring Outside Time with Infants & Toddlers

Berkey, Conference Level, Amway

Learn the importance of getting Infants and Toddlers outdoors, what issues face caregivers, and ideas for materials to support I/T's outdoors.

Liz Colegrove & Kristy Wood, Child Care Network

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT

Preschool

Supporting Children with Disabilities or Suspected Delays in Inclusive Child Care Settings

Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway

In this session you will learn how to refer and support children, from birth through the age of five, with developmental delay(s) and/or disabilities to thrive in inclusive child care settings.

Jennifer Koenigsknecht, Early On Michigan & Laura Goldthwait, Michigan Department of Education

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: IT, PS

Including Parents in the Classroom

Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway

Discover the benefits of including parents in your classroom. We’ll share a variety of ways you can involve parents in your programming.

Andrea Kitchner & Beverly Hayhurst, Somerset Academy Troy

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: All

Outsmart the Wiggles: Big Body Play for Learning Success

Ambassador East, Concourse Level, Amway

When kids wiggle and can't control their bodies, it is hard for them to learn. Movement helps kids sit still/attend. Through physical activity, kids learn self-regulation and build key strengths so when it is time to learn, they can. This session includes games that can be used immediately.

Preston Blackburn, Pivot to Play/Pop, Hop & Rock

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: All

Children's Literature: Using Books Everywhere and for Everything!

Nelson, Conference Level, Amway

Moved to Ambassador East

This presentation will include books on a wide range of subjects such as Social-Emotional, STEAM, Diversity and Inclusion. We will explore the multiple ways books can build the foundation for a safe space and fuel a passion for learning and literacy in early childhood.

Becky Garske, Consultant & Paula Spencer, Mott Community College

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Friday, April 21

Y5s / Kindergarten Transition Ideas

Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway

How can we help our preschoolers and their families successfully move on to elementary school? Learn about activities to assist staff, families, and children with this important transition and formulate your center's Y5s/Kindergarten Transition Plan.

Denise C Swanson, The New Standard- GSRP

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP

Supporting Curriculum Through Community Walks

Winchester, Conference Level, Amway

Our class took weekly walks for a whole year. We visited community parks, nature areas and the neighborhood. Walks supported and enhanced learning across multiple learning domains. Now the walks are a regular part of each school year. Learn how you can use community walks to support learning in your preschool program.

Joyce Neyer, Isabella Child Development Center

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: All

4:30pm - 5:30pm

Exhibit Hall Closing Party sponsored by Zumbini

Ballroom A, DeVos

Visit the Exhibit Hall before closing to place your final bid in the Silent Auction (by 5pm), visit vendors, win giveaways from Whimsicality and Michigan AEYC, enjoy a snack, music and cash bar. Join

• Infant

•

• Students

•

•

• Leadership

• Play

•

•

Saturday, April 22

7:00am - 10:30am Registration & Badge Pickup Amway,CenterConcourse

7:00am - 8:30am

8:30am

10:15am - 2:00pm

10:15am - 4:15pm Zumbini Instructor Training sponsoredbyZumbini

Amway,VandenbergB(pre-registrationrequired)

10:30am

8:30am - 10:00am

4:30pm

General Session Keynote

Amway,Governors(closedevent-pre-registrationrequired)

You Are Not Alone: Solutions to Daily Challenges

sponsoredbyNorthernMichiganUniversity

AmbassadorBallroom,Amway

Dr. Thomasa Bond

Author,Consultant,ChildCareLicensing

As a caregiver and provider, you are required to wear multiple hats and as a result you may feel alone when you face issues and situations with children, staff, and parents. Well, you are not alone. Together, we’ll examine real life challenges experienced in actual settings and outline how to avoid mistakes, oversights, and incidents as much as possible by learning how to proactively address issues before they occur.

10:15am - 11:30am

Social Emotional

Communicating With Your Team

Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway

This training looks at how to communicate with your team effectively and strategies for communicating in ways that will promote active supervision and engagement with children.

Julie Sizemore, RESPECT Care Teaching

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

Young at Heart: Adult Learning Principles through the Lens of Play

Pantlind, Concourse Level, Amway

Adults need to play too! Join a conversation about bringing playful learning to grown-ups through a lens of family engagement and caregiver education. Come ready to play as we explore these principles with hands-on play invitations!

Meighan Taylor & Angela Aernouts, Play and Learn GRCC

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: IT, PS, Adult

Infant and Toddler Care

Turning your "No" into "Yes": Activities to Redirect Challenging Behaviors in Your Learning Environment

Atrium, Atrium Level, Amway

Participants will learn new activities to help redirect challenging behaviors for all ages.

Jenny Maynard, Leaps and Bounds Family Services

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: All

Saturday, April 22

Preschool

Knowledge of Self and Others: Going Beyond Paper and Pencil Self-Portraits

Haldane, Conference Level, Amway

How can we meet the needs of all learners? What if children aren't ready to draw or write? Come find out how you can incorporate self-portraits into your lesson plans throughout the year, while keeping it fun and engaging for all students with the use of non-standard, open-ended materials.

Jennifer Stortini, Dearborn Public Schools GSRP

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Planning for Extending of Instruction: Creating Standards-Based Checklists with Developmental Continuum or Learning Trajectories in Mind

Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway

Participants will create their own checklists based on standards, then discuss the role of their checklists in helping with intentional identification of extension points in their scaffolding of children's development and learning.

Martha Baiyee, Eastern Michigan University

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: All

Playing with Purpose! Crafting Child-led Centers that Leverage Play as a Vehicle for Standard-Aligned Learning

Imperial, Lobby Level, Amway

Play is a powerful instructional method for PreK that leads to rigorous learning for students across all backgrounds and abilities. For teachers, it can be a challenge to balance standard-driven benchmarks and specific learning objectives with opportunities for child-led play. This session takes a closer look at center time to explore ways that teachers can intentionally craft opportunities for child-directed play that hits on key early learning concepts and skills. Learn easy to implement strategies that guide student inquiry and cultivate meaningful play experiences with standard-aligned outcomes.

Debby Spitzer, Hand2mind

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP

My Favorite Family Tradition: A Year-Long Family Engagement Project

Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway

Traditions represent a child's unique family unit and are a part of a child's unique family culture. Families visited the classroom communities and shared their favorite home traditions within a year-long, documented project.

Julie Burns-Ross, Teacher

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: PS

Initial Conversations With Parents About Autism Spectrum Disorder

Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway

If you've ever struggled with the thought of starting a conversation with parents about their child showing signs of autism, come hear from people in the autism community, as well as specialists who work with autistic children, and even a parent of an autistic child.

Katie Slajus, Somerset Academy

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: All

Home Based Care

Meal Planning With Children...Can It Be As Easy As Ordering Pizza?

Kendall, Conference Level, Amway

During this session, providers will discover meal planning techniques and quick preparation tips. Ideas will be shared on how to include children and engage families with every day menus, and a discussion on creating a cookbook.

Carrie Brock, Early Childhood Discovery House, LLC & Jill Tarrant, CACS Head Start and Early Head Start Programs

CKCC: Health, Safety & Nutrition Age Levels: All

Saturday, April 22

Strategies to Improve Work/Life Balance for Home Based Programs

Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway

In this session, we will talk about identifying areas impacting and discuss strategies to improve work life balance and reduce the burden of business operations for home based child care providers.

Liz Fuss & Tina Blanchard, Child Care Network / Great Start to Quality Southeast Resource Center

CKCC: Management Age Levels: All

Professionalism

Maximizing Empathy, Minimizing Distress: A Conversation on Student Support and Teacher Wellbeing sponsored by Central Michigan University

Plaza Boardroom A, Lobby Level, Amway

Join us in a conversation around compassion fatigue, empathetic distress, and burnout. How do we care for students while prioritizing our wellbeing? How can we navigate relationship building and student support without experiencing compassion fatigue?

Margaret Petix & Dr. Katie Sloan, Central Michigan University

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: All

10:30am - 11:45am

Program Administration

Recruit, Prepare, and Support Parent Leaders for Success

Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway

How are you implementing the policies you established for authentic parent leadership? What are some best practices for recruiting parents? Who should you recruit? Who should do the recruiting? How could they recruit? Let the parents of Mitten Mommas address how to build the support and programming to recruit, prepare and support Family Leaders for success.

Meredith Kennedy & Mia Hawthorn, Mitten Mommas

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: All

Level Up with Great Start to Quality

Nelson, Conference Level, Amway

Learn about Great Start to Quality's new Quality Improvement Recognition System. GSQ staff will walk you through how to achieve a new quality level in the new QRIS.

Dana Frederick & Melissa Mosley, Early Childhood Investment Corporation

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: All

Infant and Toddler Care

Promoting and Supporting Inclusive Care for Infants and Toddlers

Berkey, Conference Level, Amway

This session will provide information and resources on how to create a climate of individualized support to meet high expectations for children with disabilities in infant and toddler education programs. An introduction to free online inclusion modules, which are available to promote and support high-quality inclusive care, will also be provided.

Brenda Woods & Jorri Novak, Office of Innovative Projects/Early On Training and Technical Assistance

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: IT

Preschool

Where the Arts Come Into Play; Intro 101

Grand View, Conference Level, Amway

An introduction to the Theory of Multiple Intelligences- recognizing how each child learns in his/her own way. We will present successful activities incorporating children's literature with music, movement and dramatic play.

Todd Greenbaum, Neighborhood Child Care Consultants

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Saturday, April 22

Leaping into Literacy

Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway

Join us as we leap into a fun filled, intentional discussion focusing on Early Literacy development and instructional practices. This training will provide childcare professionals with interactive, hands-on activities to add to your learning environment.

Kelly Pyle & Felicia Wodarski, Great Start to Quality

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Mindful Kids: The Art of Practicing Mindfulness in Early Childhood Programs

Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway

This training focuses on mindfulness in early childhood education. Gain an understanding of what mindfulness is, why it is important, and strategies to incorporate it into classrooms, with individual and group activities.

Deborah Nerderman, ECE Program Solutions

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: PS

The Formula for Best Math Practices

Pullman, Conference Level, Amway

An overview of best practices to set preschool-aged children up for mathematical success- getting back to the understanding of math concepts and not the memorization of math.

Brittany Wright & Jessica Bustos, Child Care Network

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

School Age

Thick Conversations During Play to Enhance Learning sponsored by Central Michigan University

Ford, Lobby Level, Amway

Play is an integral part of children's learning. This session focuses on facilitating thick conversations to reinforce and extend children's learning. Participants will examine thick conversations and explore ways to incorporate them within children's play.

Megan Matson & Lauren Westra, Central Michigan University

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Home Based Care

Family Game Night

Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway

Family Game night for all! Incorporate games into your classroom or that can be used as a family night to show parents how to interact with children at home.

Kristin Carrick-Myers & Stephanie Robison, The Houghton Lake United Methodist Church Preschool/GSRP

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: PS

CLASS: A Framework for Building Connections and Strengthening Collaboration sponsored by Teachstone

Winchester, Conference Level, Amway

Learn about the CLASS as a framework for teacher-child interactions, with a focus on family child care and group home settings. During this session, we will discuss how CLASS serves as a framework to support effective interactions, continuous improvement, and teaching. We will also explore how Teachstone is bringing forward enhancements that make the tool more equitable to use, easier to access, and more impactful.

Sara Diamond, Kim Pold & Christina Nystrom, Teachstone

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: All

Saturday, April 22

12:30pm - 1:45pm

Social Emotional

Peace, Not Pieces: Building Relationships Within the School Walls

Plaza Boardroom A, Lobby Level, Amway

Do adults need Positive Emotional Development and Learning Skills (PEDALS)? We will learn the steps to building strong relationships and creating an atmosphere of peace and not pieces for the children in our care.

Tonya Reeves, PEDALS

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

Infant and Toddler Care

Language and Literacy for Infants and Toddlers

Riverview, Lobby Level, Amway

We have all heard that reading and talking with infants and toddlers is important, but have you ever wondered how and why? This workshop will provide you with background knowledge and practical tips you need to start creating a quality language and literacy-rich environment for the infants and toddlers in your care.

Christine Britton, ECE Program Solutions

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT

Preschool

Pairing Picture Books with STEAM

Haldane, Conference Level, Amway

Bridging the gap to bring literacy and STEAM together! Picture books open the door to children's imaginations, and that is just the beginning. Take learning to the next level and extend with STEAM!

Renee Reid & Jennifer Stortini, Dearborn Public Schools

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Rough and Tumble Play: Learning Your Limits

Pantlind, Concourse Level, Amway

This presentation focuses on how rough and tumble play can be introduced into both child cares and schools in a way that fosters gross motor, fine motor, and social-emotional development. These activities are often shut down by teachers, but are developmentally appropriate and can be a great learning experience for both children and teachers.

Andrew Jones, Little Seeds Child Development Company

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: IT, PS, KP

My Class is Coding! Play-based Technology in the Classroom

Imperial, Lobby Level, Amway

Skills associated with coding are common to many skills taught in preschool. Early coding skills support sorting, classifying, recognition of shapes and sets. Learn how to add coding to your curriculum and all without a computer.

Kathy Gilbert, KMG Research

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Hey, Mural! Building Classroom Community

Kendall, Conference Level, Amway

Learn how preschoolers reflected classroom community by creating a mural inspired by Hey Wall! by Susan Verde. Be inspired by this visual representation of community using literature as a springboard. Mural will be presented.

Kathryn Maisonville & Kathleen Pernick, Detroit Country Day School

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Saturday, April 22

Differentiation: A Big Word Made Easy

Thornapple, Conference Level, Amway

Gain a better understanding of what differentiation means, how assessment plays a role, and leave with ways to easily incorporate differentiation into classroom activities and learning centers.

Alayna Bialick & Marija Pasalic, Somerset Academy

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

School Age

How to Succeed and Communicate Effectively with the Most Challenging Personalities - How to Get Along When You Don't Get Along

Emerald B, Concourse Level, Amway

True family and school collaboration is what we all strive to accomplish, but sometimes personalities and disagreements over how best to educate children create roadblocks to our success. How do you rebuild a trusting relationship when that trust has been broken? What are the most common barriers to collaboration? What is our role, and how do we move forward successfully?

Cheryl Levine & Beth Kohler, Special Education Mediation Services

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: All

Home Based Care

A Home Provider's Guide for Using Children's Play Schemas to Plan Materials and Activities

Pearl, Concourse Level, Amway

Have you ever felt frustrated that you've bought a great new piece of equipment for your children, but they just want to play with the box? Do you have children who are always throwing things, climbing on things, or hiding little things they find in their pockets? This session will offer some insight into the meaningful purpose of those types of behaviors and help end power struggles.

Becky Stoessner, Head Start for Kent County

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: All

Professionalism

Avoiding Burnout - The Importance of Self Care for Child Care Providers

Vandenberg A, Concourse Level, Amway

Self care is a hot topic and navigating burnout is an even bigger topic. We will talk about what self care looks like in child care and how you can implement it regularly.

Julie Sizemore, RESPECT Care Teaching

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

CDA from A to Z

Atrium, Atrium Level, Amway

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 offered through T.E.A.C.H. will also be outlined. In addition, we will provide resources and websites to help support attendees through the CDA process.

Michigan AEYC

CKCC: Professionalism Age Levels: Adult

Saturday, April 22

12:45pm - 2:00pm

Program Administration

The First Years of a Directorship!

Pullman, Concourse Level, Amway

This training will focus on "What I wish I knew”, "What to do now?”, knowing your why, and running an effective staff meeting versus professional development training.

LaTonya Redfearn, Kids-R-Us Child Development Center, Inc.

CKCC: Management Age Levels: Adult

Social Emotional

Stop the Tantrums

Berkey, Conference Level, Amway

We can only say, "STOP" so many times before we lose our marbles! There is a plethora of research out there that shares why a child may be having tantrums, and how to go about stopping them. Learn how you can use super practical and easy-to-follow steps to minimize these tantrums, lower your stress level, and regain control of your home or classroom.

Jenna Young, Behavior Therapist & Parent Coach

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance

The Classroom Family Sponsored by HighScope

Ford, Lobby Level, Amway

Age Levels: IT, PS

An intentional focus on diversity and inclusion: This session will delve into strategies for educators to represent the families in their classrooms to ensure an equitable, diverse, and inclusive experience for all.

Jessica Logan, HighScope Research Foundation

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement

Infant and Toddler Care

Perfect Playthings for Infants and Toddlers

Nelson, Conference Level, Amway

Age Levels: PS

Choosing perfect playthings for infants and toddlers helps them explore their world and will stimulate their curiosity, develop coordination, lets them express themselves, and helps them build on what they already know!

Sheila Johnson, Great Start to Quality Wayne Oakland Macomb Resource Center

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: IT

Preschool

Where the Arts Come Into Play; DIY Workshop 201

Grand View, Conference Level, Amway

As a follow up to Intro 101, we will provide materials, storybooks and supplies for participants to create an activity based on a chosen book that applies to one or several Multiple Intelligences through the Arts.

Todd Greenbaum, Neighborhood Child Care Consultants

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

It Takes a Village: How Your Program Can Help Families Grow Their Tribe

Heritage Hill, Conference Level, Amway

Join us to learn how you can use your program to help families and children build life-long connections that provide support and stability.

Emily Welanko & Elizabeth Hampton, Heartfelt Impressions Learning Center

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: All

Saturday, April 22

Meaningful Connections in the Classroom

Emerald A, Concourse Level, Amway

Meaningful connections between you and your students helps them experience greater growth in the classroom. Gain knowledge about their development to help make those connections.

Jessica Westness, St. Paul’s Preschool

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: IT, PS

Totally Integrated STEM

Ambassador, Concourse Level, Amway

STEM is not 4 subjects; it is a state of mind and a set of habits of mind. Play, sing, dance, read, and measure with us in a totally new approach.

Dr. Juliana Texley, JASON Learning

CKCC: Observation, Documentation and Assessment Age Levels: All

Meaningful Math and Sensory Science

Ruby, Concourse Level, Amway

Learn creative ways to make math and science experiences more interactive in your learning environment for preschool aged children.

Felicia Wodarski & Kelly Pyle, Great Start to Quality

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

The Power of a Name: Using Children's Names to Foster a Sense of Community

Winchester, Conference Level, Amway

Participants will discuss the various ways that they foster a sense of community in their early childhood settings. They will leave with a ready to use strategy on how to tap into children's names in achieving the goal of creating a positive and caring sense of community.

Martha Baiyee, Eastern Michigan University

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: All

School Age

They're Children's Books: What Are We So Afraid Of?

sponsored by Central Michigan University & Northern Michigan University

Ottawa, Lobby Level, Amway

Children's books are being challenged in schools and libraries across the country. In this session, participants will explore the affordances children's books provide in providing justice and equity in early childhood.

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

CKCC: Teaching & Learning

Age Levels: PS, KP, SA

Note: All sessions with next to the title are available for on-demand viewing April 25 - May 25 by logging into the online conference at http://learn.miaeyc.org.

Love of Literacy Bringing Books to Life

Inspire a love of literacy in children by equipping early childhood educators and parents with the tools to bring classic children's books to life through an event called “Book Days,” which combines a theatrical experience with themed activities.

Kassi Kincaid, Book Days

CKCC: Child Development Age Levels: PS

Track: Preschool

Are You Asking the Right Question? Supporting Higher Order Thinking Skills in Young Children

Let’s be intentional in the use of questions and vocabulary. This training will provide information to embed in daily routines to support higher-order thinking skills, and language competence.

Sandra Ampudia, The Discovery Source

CKCC: Interactions & Guidance Age Levels: IT, PS

Track: Preschool

Dando Apoyo al Desarrollo de las Funciones Ejeuctivas en la Primera Infancia (dual-language session)

Supporting the Development of Executive Function in Early Childhood sponsored by HighScope

During this session, participants will reflect on executive functions and how these impact behavior in preschool.

Karen Murillo, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

CKCC: Teaching & Learning Age Levels: PS

Track: Preschool

Tips for Engaging Fathers in the Early Education Process

This interactive workshop will highlight resources for early childhood educators to help them effectively recruit, engage, and equip the fathers of students in their classrooms. Father involvement in early education is directly connected to academic achievement. This presentation will overview tips, best practices, and strategies for involving fathers in educational development.

James Worthy, National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: Adult

ACEs, The Brain and Behaviors: How Teachers Can Change Children's Learning Outcomes

This workshop will focus on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), their impact on development, and how teachers can make a difference in preschool children's learning outcomes via trauma-informed practices. Strategies to support children's social-emotional and cognitive learning will be presented through activities and discussions.

Dr. Wanda Spalteholz, Macomb County Head Start

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: PS, Adult

Track: Social Emotional

Estrategias de Apoyo para Familias, Niños y Niñas Bilingües (dual-language presentation)

Supportive Strategies for Dual Language Families and Children sponsored by HighScope

In this dual-language session, participants will gain an insight on the importance of creating spaces for dual language children, as well as supportive interactions for families.

Karen Murillo, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

CKCC: Family & Community Engagement Age Levels: IT, PS, KP Track: Social Emotional

DeVos Place, Ballroom A

Atrium Level: Lower Level

Atrium

Below Wolfgang Puck Restaurant (use Atrium, Lower Level, Amway Hotel Stair)

Lobby Level: First Floor

Imperial Ballroom

Ottawa

Gerald R. Ford Ballroom

Riverview

Plaza Boardroom

Concourse Level: Second Floor

Ambassador Ballrooms Governors’ Room

Emerald A and B Vandenberg A and B

Pearl Pantlind Ballroom

Ruby Imperial Mezzanine

Conference Level: Third Floor

Berkey

Grand View

Haldane

Heritage Hill

Kendall

Nelson

Pullman

Thornapple

Winchester

Main Level: First Floor

Ballroom A

Ballroom B/C/D

Welsh Lobby

Secchia Hallway

To Amway Hotel

Secchia Hallway

Welsh Lobby