NAEYC 2024 Annual Conference Program

Share with us on social media using the hashtag #naeycAC Download the Whova app to your Android or iPhone for updates and full session descriptions. For additional information, visit NAEYC.org/conference

Shaping Early Education Together

Schedule at a Glance

Tuesday, November 5

11:00 AM-5:00 PM Pre-Conference Workshops

1:00-7:00 PM Conference Registration Wednesday, November 6

7:00 AM-6:00 PM Conference Registration

8:30-11:00 AM Sessions

12:00-2:30 PM Sessions

3:30-5:00 PM Opening Session

5:00-7:00 PM Expo Grand Opening

Thursday, November 7

7:00 AM-5:00 PM Conference Registration

8:00-9:30 AM Sessions

10:00 AM-6:00 PM Expo

10:00-11:30 AM Sessions

11:30 AM-1:00 PM Lunch Options ($) in the Expo

1:00-2:30 PM Sessions

3:00-4:30 PM Sessions

4:30-6:00 PM Expo Networking and "NAEYCLand" Poster Session

2024

Friday, November 8

7:00 AM-5:00 PM Conference Registration

8:00-9:30 AM Sessions

10:00 AM-6:00 PM Expo

10:00-11:30 AM Sessions

11:30 AM-1:00 PM Lunch Options ($) in the Expo

12:00-12:45 PM NAEYC Meet the Candidates

1:00-2:00 PM NAEYC Annual Business Meeting and Town Hall

1:00-2:30 PM Sessions

3:00-4:30 PM Sessions

National Association for the Education of Young Children

1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005

202-232-8777 | 800-424-2460

NAEYC.org #naeycAC

4:30-6:00 PM Expo Networking and Poster Session Saturday, November 9

7:00-11:00 AM Conference Registration

8:00-9:15 AM Sessions

9:30-10:45 AM Sessions

11:00 AM-12:15 PM Sessions

12:30-1:45 PM Closing Session

NAEYC is a high-performing, inclusive organization, and we encourage the exchange of diverse opinions. It is important for attendees to recognize that the ideas presented at the Conference do not necessarily reflect NAEYC’s official position and NAEYC assumes no responsibility for any statement of fact or opinion presented at the Conference. NAEYC does not endorse the products or services of any Conference advertiser, exhibitor, or sponsor.

About the Council

Advancement for early educators through high-quality, competencybased credentialing. cdacouncil.org/about

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Welcome Early Childhood Professionals & Leaders!

Welcome to NAEYC’s 2024 Annual Conference!

On behalf of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)— our Governing Board, staff, and volunteers—welcome to sunny Anaheim, California, for the world’s largest convening of early childhood education professionals!

Thousands of us have gathered from near and far for this experience, and we hope that the upcoming days will usher in opportunities to deepen your existing relationships with colleagues, grow your community by connecting with new peers, and expand your knowledge and expertise as you broaden your professional practice.

We take pride in designing an event where we can come together as members of a diverse, passionate, and committed field; to learn, reflect, and grow; and be reaffirmed of the important work we do on behalf of young children, their families, our communities, and our society. We hope you will spend these days:

› Taking advantage of the more than 500 sessions on the topics and issues that matter most to you and are most pressing within our sector

› Maximizing the various networking opportunities we have curated for you to connect and learn from, and with, your colleagues and peers

› Deepening your advocacy experience so you can continue to be an advocate for this profession and the impact of your work

› Recharging and recommitting to advancing equity and promoting high-quality early childhood education across all settings and for all young children

We are thankful for all that you have done to be present with us and for your continued commitment and dedication to this profession and sector.

Have a wonderful time, and don’t forget to share your experiences with us using #naeycAC on social media and in the Whova app!

Tonia Durden Governing Board President

Michelle Kang Chief Executive Officer

¡Bienvenidos a Profesionales y Líderes de la Primera Infancia!

¡Bienvenidos a la Conferencia Anual NAEYC 2024!

En nombre de la National Association for the Education of Young Children (Asociación Nacional de Educación Infantil, NAEYC)—nuestra Junta Directiva, el personal y los voluntarios— ¡les damos la bienvenida a la soleada Anaheim, California, para el encuentro más grande del mundo de profesionales de educación de la primera infancia!

Miles de personas acudimos de cerca y de lejos para vivir esta experiencia, y esperamos que en los próximos días se presenten oportunidades para que profundicen los vínculos con sus colegas, hagan crecer su comunidad conectándose con nuevos compañeros y enriquezcan sus conocimientos y su experiencia a medida que amplían su práctica profesional.

Nos enorgullece organizar un evento en el que podamos reunirnos, como miembros de un sector diverso, apasionado y comprometido, para aprender, reflexionar, crecer y reafirmarnos en la importante labor que realizamos en favor de la primera infancia, sus familias, nuestras comunidades y nuestra sociedad. Esperamos que en estos días:

› Aprovechen las más de 500 sesiones sobre los temas y asuntos que más les interesan y que son los más apremiantes en nuestro sector

› Maximicen las diversas oportunidades de establecer contactos que hemos preparado para que se conecten y aprendan de y con sus colegas y compañeros

› Profundicen su experiencia en la defensa del sector para que puedan seguir abogando por esta profesión y por el alcance de su trabajo

› Recarguen energías y renueven el compromiso de promover la equidad y una educación de la primera infancia de calidad en todos los entornos y para todos los niños pequeños

Les agradecemos por todo lo que han hecho para acompañarnos y por su permanente compromiso y dedicación a esta profesión y al sector.

Esperamos que disfruten mucho y no olviden contarnos acerca de sus experiencias usando las etiquetas #naeycAC en las redes sociales y en la aplicación Whova.

Presidenta de la Junta Directiva

Tonia Durden

Michelle Kang Directora Ejecutiva

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Using this Program

The events/sessions in the Annual Conference Program are arranged chronologically by date and time, then alphabetically by topic track.

Wednesday sessions are 2.5 hours, Thursday and Friday sessions are 1.5 hours, and Saturday sessions are 1.25 hours. To search for sessions by track or other topic areas, use the Topic Key below.

Grandes Comienzos

Use the Annual Conference Program, Annual Conference website, or Whova App to plan your schedule in advance. Select an alternate session for each of your chosen sessions in the event that meeting rooms are filled to capacity or a session is cancelled.

The shooting star icon indicates that a session is part of our Grandes Comienzos initiative. This year's sessions in Spanish will focus on topics such as building community in the classroom, exploring early math learning, supporting cultural and linguistic diversity, and more!

The Opening Session will be presented in English with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish to provide an inclusive conference experience. Headsets will be available inside the Opening Session in the rear of the hall, opposite the front of the stage. Look for the counter labeled “Auriculares para interpretación simultánea durante la Sesión de Apertura”.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

New this year! As an IACET Accredited Provider, NAEYC is now offering IACET CEUs for a limited number of 2024 Annual Conference sessions. Look for the CEUs icon which indicates if a session is offering CEUs. The total CEUs offered is indicated under the session listing.

To earn the CEUs for a session, participants must attend the entire session and complete the assessment. Presenters of sessions offering CEUs will provide more information at their session.

Topic Key

Navigating Conference Sessions

Looking for sessions on a specific topic? Browse Annual Conference sessions by track and popular topics. Numbers listed below correspond with session numbers.

Advocacy/Public Policy

3, 31, 62, 63, 104, 105, 106, 151, 152, 196, 242, 243, 244, 344, 345, 395, 396, 446, 447, 448, 480, 511

Arts and Music

32, 64, 107, 153, 239, 245, 292, 293, 346, 397, 449,

Assessment of Young Children

4, 154, 197, 246, 347

CEUs Session

2, 8, 9, 14, 23, 35, 43, 45, 56, 62, 68, 70, 72, 123, 141, 170, 171, 175, 195, 203, 213, 216, 226, 236, 278, 283, 353, 357, 372, 394, 411, 420, 445, 454, 479, 510, 511, 524

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

5, 6, 33, 34, 65, 66, 108, 109, 155, 198, 247, 294, 295, 348, 398, 399, 450, 451, 481, 512

Cognitive Development

7, 67, 349, 400, 482

Community Partnerships

35, 110, 296, 401, 452

Curriculum—Theories and Approaches

8, 36, 68, 69, 70, 111, 156, 157, 199, 248, 249, 297, 298, 350, 351, 352, 402, 403, 453, 454, 483, 513

Diversity and Equity

9, 10, 11, 12, 37, 38, 39, 40, 71, 72, 73, 112, 113, 158, 159, 160, 200, 201, 250, 251, 252, 253, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 455, 456, 484, 485, 486, 514, 515

Educator/Teacher Preparation

1, 13, 74, 75, 76, 114, 115, 116, 161, 162, 202, 203, 204, 240, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 290, 304, 343, 358, 359, 393, 409, 410, 457, 458, 487, 488, 489, 516, 517

Emerging Bilingual/ Multilingual

14, 117, 163, 205, 259, 305, 360, 411, 490

Family Engagement and Support

41, 77, 78, 118, 119, 120, 121, 164, 165, 166, 206, 207, 260, 261, 262, 263, 306, 307, 308, 309, 361, 412, 413, 414, 459, 460, 461, 491, 492, 493, 518

Featured Session

2, 61, 103, 150, 195, 241, 291, 394, 445, 479, 510, 536

Global Perspectives

122, 310

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

42, 79, 167, 208, 264, 311, 362, 415, 462, 494, 519

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

15, 43, 80, 81, 123, 168, 169, 170, 209, 210, 265, 312, 363, 364, 365, 416, 463, 495, 496, 520, 521

Health and Safety

124, 211, 313, 417

Language and Literacy

16, 44, 45, 82, 125, 126, 127, 171, 172, 212, 213, 266, 267, 268, 314, 315, 316, 366, 367, 368, 418, 419, 420, 464, 497, 498, 522

Leadership

17, 18, 19, 46, 47, 48, 49, 83, 84, 85, 128, 129, 130, 173, 174, 214, 215, 216, 217, 269, 270, 271, 317, 318, 369, 370, 371, 421, 422, 465, 466, 499, 500, 523, 524

Learning Environment

50, 86, 131, 175, 176, 218, 219, 272, 273, 319, 320, 321, 322, 372, 373, 423, 424, 425, 467, 468, 525

Mathematics

132, 133, 177, 274, 323, 374, 526

Men in Early Childhood

87, 220, 275, 501

NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation

426

NAEYC Activities

324, 341, 342

Nature/Outdoor Education

51, 88, 134, 178, 221, 276, 325, 375, 427, 428, 469, 502, 527

Physical Development

89, 135, 222, 326, 429

Play

20, 21, 52, 53, 90, 91, 136, 179, 180, 223, 225, 277, 327, 328, 376, 377, 430, 431, 503, 528

Professional Development—Training and Technical Assistance

22, 54, 92, 137, 138, 181, 226, 227, 278, 329, 330, 378, 432, 470, 471, 529

Professionalism and Ethics

182, 228, 379, 472, 473

Program Administration, Evaluation and Financial Management

55, 139, 183, 331, 380, 530

Research

184, 381

Science

23, 93, 140, 185, 229, 279, 332, 382, 383, 433, 504

Social and Emotional Development

24, 25, 26, 27, 56, 57, 58, 94, 95, 141, 142, 143, 144, 186, 187, 188, 189, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 280, 281, 282, 283, 333, 334, 384, 385, 386, 387, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 474, 475, 476, 505, 506, 507, 531, 532

Social Studies

96, 335

Spotlight Session

97, 145, 190, 224, 235, 284, 336, 388, 440

Standards—Early Learning Standards, Program Standards

191, 285

State Systems—Data, Financing, Professional Development, Standards, QRIS

28, 337

Teaching and Instructional Practices

29, 30, 59, 60, 98, 99, 100, 101, 146, 147, 148, 192, 193, 236, 237, 238, 286, 287, 288, 338, 339, 340, 389, 390, 391, 441, 442, 443, 477, 478, 508, 509, 533, 534

Technology and Digital Media

102, 149, 194, 289, 392, 535

A Degree Within Reach

SAVINGS * 15%

BACHELOR'S GRANT * $3,000

MASTER'S GRANT * $3,000

DOCTORAL GRANT * $5,000

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50% savings on the following programs in the Tempo Learning® competency-based format:†

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SCHOLARSHIPS

$15,000 for PhD programs 10 scholarships available $12,000 for master’s degree programs (excludes MSEd) 20 scholarships available $11,000 for bachelor’s degree programs 20 scholarships available $10,000 for the Doctor of Education (EdD) program 10 scholarships available $6,000 for the MS in Education (MSEd) program 20 scholarships available

*A 15% tuition savings and a tuition grant of up to $3,000 for course-based bachelor’s and master’s programs or up to $5,000 for course-based doctoral programs are available to eligible new students who are Members and Employees of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and who enroll and start class between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. The tuition grant excludes certificate programs, Tempo Learning® programs, the FNP specialization in the MSN program, the accelerated specializations and one-credit track in the MSEd program, and the Self-Designed specializations in the MSEd, PhD in Management, and PhD in Public Health programs.

†A 50% tuition reduction is available to eligible new students who are members of NAEYC who enroll in Walden’s BS in Early Childhood Studies or MS in Early Childhood Studies in the Tempo Learning® format and start classes before June 30, 2024. Tuition reductions are applicable to tuition only and do not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for a course. Walden may change the tuition reduction offered hereunder at any time, but such change will not affect the tuition reduction for students who are currently enrolled at Walden and using the existing tuition reduction. This offer cannot be used by a student in combination with any other tuition reduction benefit.

Tuition grants are awarded as a tuition savings of up to $500 for up to four consecutive subscriptions, beginning with the first term of enrollment, until the entire tuition grant has been earned or the student is no longer eligible. Students must be enrolled continuously (without break) to receive the full tuition grant. The tuition grants are a noncash award, and in no event will the recipient receive a check or other disbursement of money pursuant to the tuition grants. The tuition grants may only be used for credit-bearing courses within the recipient’s program; non-credit courses are not permitted under the tuition grant. Tuition grants and tuition savings are applicable to tuition only and cannot be combined with any other tuition savings benefit. No tuition savings, tuition reduction, or tuition grant will be made retroactively. Any changes that Walden makes to tuition savings, grants, or scholarship offerings will affect new students/recipients. All tuition savings, grants, or scholarships are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Contact a Walden University Enrollment Specialist for details. ††Scholarship recipients must be new students, with a past GPA of 3.25 GPA or higher, who are employees or members of a

Walden partner and who enroll in a degree program and start classes before December 31, 2023. Scholarships will be allocated on a first-come-first served basis.

A scholarship is applicable to tuition only and does not apply toward books, materials, and other supplies or fees needed for the program. All scholarship recipients who enroll in a Walden program are responsible for the technology fee each term as well as any other non-tuition costs, including but not limited to residency travel and other university or program fees as applicable. This offer cannot be stackable with any other offer except book vouchers.

Recipients cannot have received another merit-based Walden scholarship. Applicants must meet all the admission requirements and be fully accepted into one of Walden University’s eligible programs, with the university in receipt of all the applicant’s official documentation. Applicants to nursing programs must have current and active licensure in their country of residence.

Scholarships will be awarded as a tuition reduction as follows: $1,000 over 11 terms for bachelor’s degree programs; $1,500 over eight terms for master’s degree programs (excludes MSED); $1,500 over 10 terms for PhD programs; $1,000 over six terms for MSEd; $1,000 over 10 terms for EdD (excludes Tempo Learning® FNP, and ENP). If a scholarship recipient’s tuition fees are less than the maximum per-term award amount or a scholarship recipient enrolls for less than the maximum number of consecutive terms, the full amount of the scholarship will not be received. Scholarship funds will not be applied to any past-due balance or outstanding bills or charges. The scholarships are

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Tonia Durden (GA)

President

Georgia State University

Term ends: 2027

Kelly Ramsey (OK)

Vice President

Developing People, Inc. / All Our Kin

Term ends: 2026

Brian Johnson (MI)

Secretary

Michigan State University

Term ends: 2026

Michelle Wlazlo (TX)

Treasurer

J.C. Penney Company, Inc.

Term ends: 2026

Natalie Vega O’Neil (WA)

Past President

Junior Achievement of Washington

Term ends: 2025

Joseph Alviani (NJ)

Salesforce

Term ends: 2026

Barbara Cooper (AL)

Start Early

Term ends: 2026

Erin Covington (DC)

Alvarez & Marsal

Term ends: 2027

Stacey French-Lee (GA)

Georgia State University

Term ends: 2025

Dianne Haulcy (MN)

Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Term ends: 2028

Troy Hunter (OH)

Groundwork Ohio Term ends: 2028

Chris Lambert (MD)

Retired educator and attorney Term ends: 2028

Charu Manocha (MA)

SmartPak Term ends: 2025

Xiara Quinn (OH)

Student Member

Learning Grove; University of Cincinnati Term ends: 2025

Yohana Quiroz (CA)

Felton Institute

Term ends: 2025

Kharesa Rivera (CO)

Student Member

University of Colorado Denver Term ends: 2028

Toni Sturdivant (MO)

Mid-America Regional Council Term Ends: 2026

Nicole Woods (VA)

Karsh Institute of Democracy Term ends: 2028

Shu-Chen “Jenny” Yen (CA)

California State University, Fullerton Term ends: 2027

Michelle Kang (MD)

Ex-officio

NAEYC Chief Executive Officer

Start with friendship. Start with kindness. Start with adventure. Start with reading. Start with problem-solving. Start with sharing. Start with perseverance. Start with health. Start with technology. Start with literacy. Start with math. Start with language. Start with understanding. Start with creativity. Start with inquiry. Start with curiosity. Start with communication. Start with music. Start with books. Start with engagement. Start with positivity. Start with movement. Start with play. Start with family. Start with community. Start with joy. Start with love. Start with friendship. Start with a strong foundation. Start with adventure. Start with reading.

Start with problem solving. Start with Scholastic. Start with perseverance. Start with health. Start with technology. Start with literacy. Start with math. Start with language. Start with understanding. Start with creativity. Start with inquiry. Start with curiosity. Start with communication. Start with music. Start with books. Start with engagement. Start with love. Start with movement. Start with play. Start with family. Start with community. Start with joy. Start with love. Start with friendship. Start with kindness. Start with adventure. Start with reading. Start with problemsolving. Start with sharing. Start with perseverance. Start with health. Start with technology. Start with literacy. Start with math. Start with language. Start with understanding. Start with creativity. Start with inquiry. Start with curiosity. Start with communication. Start with music.

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Anaheim Convention Center

Anaheim Convention Center Campus

Anaheim Convention Center

FLOOR PLAN DIAGRAM

Anaheim Convention Center |

KEY Key

NAEYC HOMEROOM

REGISTRATION

NAEYC SHOP

POSTER SESSION

OPENING SESSION

NAEYC Homeroom Booth #1633

NAEYC Shop Booth #529

NAEYC Poster Session

First Aid Station

Anaheim Convention Center

Anaheim Convention Center |

Anaheim Convention Center North

Anaheim Convention Center | Level Three

Anaheim Convention Center

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Connect with NAEYC Online

Want to receive the latest in early childhood education content, along with breaking news from NAEYC? Be sure to sign up for NAEYC Notes, our weekly newsletter, and follow us on social media to connect with other educators, parents, policymakers, and advocates on all things early childhood education.

facebook.com/naeyc instagram.com/naeyc twitter.com/naeyc linkedin.com/naeyc

NAEYC Shuttle Bus

NAEYC Shuttle Bus Information

NAEYC will provide complimentary shuttle bus service among designated Conference hotels and the Anaheim Convention Center. No tickets are needed— your Conference badge is your shuttle bus pass.

As we go to press in October, the following arrangements have been confirmed. Please check the posters in your hotel lobby and at the Anaheim Convention Center for any changes.

To make arrangements for a wheelchair accessible shuttle, please call 626-873-0018.

NOTE: Most NAEYC Conference sessions will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center. Some sessions, meetings, and networking events will take place at the Anaheim Marriott.

Shuttle Bus Schedule

Tuesday, Nov. 5 8:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Wednesday, Nov. 6 6:30 – 10:30 am 1:30 – 7:30 PM

Thursday, Nov. 7 6:30 – 10:30 AM 1:30 – 6:30 PM

Friday, Nov. 8 6:30 – 10:30 AM 1:30–6:30 PM

Saturday, Nov. 9 7:00 AM – 2:15 PM

Shuttle Bus Route

HOTEL PICKUP POINT

The Anaheim Hotel Curbside on Harbor Blvd

JW Marriott Anaheim Resort Curbside on Clementine Street

Hotels in walking distance of the Anaheim Convention Center:

› Anaheim Marriott

› Hilton Anaheim

› Anaheim Portofino Inn & Suites

› Clarion Hotel Anaheim Resort

› Cortona Inn & Suites Anaheim Resort

› Desert Palms Hotel & Suites

› Homewood Suites Anaheim Resort/ Convention Center

› Hotel Lulu Anaheim Resort

› Hyatt House at the Anaheim Resort/Convention Center

› Hyatt Place at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center

› Residence Inn Anaheim Resort/Convention Center

› Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort

› SpringHill Suites Anaheim Resort/ Convention Center

› Westin Anaheim Resort

Please remember to wear your NAEYC name badge.

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Announcements

Conference Registration –Name Badge & Conference Program Pick-Up

Attendees, presenters, and exhibitors should bring their registration receipt to the Conference Registration area at the Anaheim Convention Center to pick up their name badge and Annual Conference program. Onsite registration will be available to those who do not pre-register.

REGISTRATION HOURS

Tuesday, Nov. 5 1:00-7:00 PM

Wednesday, Nov. 6 7:00 AM-6:00 PM

Thursday, Nov. 7 7:00 AM-5:00 PM

Friday, Nov. 8 7:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday, Nov. 9 7:00-11:00 AM

Pick up your complimentary registrant bag when picking up your name badge!

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

New this year! As an IACET Accredited Provider, NAEYC is now offering IACET CEUs for a limited number of 2024 Annual Conference sessions in compliance with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

Look for the CEUs icon which indicates if a session is offering CEUs. Also, check out the Topic Key on page 12 which lists the sessions offering CEUs.

For 2.5-hour sessions on Wednesday offering CEUs, participants can earn 0.3 CEUs. For 1.5-hour sessions offered on Thursday and Friday, participants can earn 0.2 CEUs. For 1.25-hour sessions on Saturday offering CEUs, participants can earn 0.1 CEUs. The total CEUs offered is also indicated under the session listing.

To earn the CEUs for a session, participants must attend the entire session and complete the assessment for the session. Presenters of sessions offering CEUs will provide more information at their session.

If you have questions about CEUs, please contact training@ NAEYC.org.

NAEYC Expo

Plan your daily visit to the Expo, where there is always something new to discover. See pages 136 to 142 for a full list of exhibitors. Remember to visit the NAEYC Shop, Booth #529 during Expo hours.

Expo Hours

Wednesday, Nov. 6 5:00-7:00 PM

Thursday, Nov. 7 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday, Nov. 8 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

NAEYC Homeroom

Visit the Badge Ribbon Wall in the NAEYC Homeroom, Booth #1633, in the Expo. Relax in our lounge and chat with staff about early learning program accreditation, membership, HELLO online community, and Interest Forums.

Discover the Benefits of Seeking Accreditation!

NAEYC Early Learning Program staff will be available in the NAEYC Homeroom (Booth #1633) during the Expo Hall hours to introduce you to the accreditation process, answer questions, and direct you to resources. Staff members are also available for one-on-one assistance during a 20-minute consultation. Walk-in appointments are scheduled on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Expo Food Court

Visit the Anaheim Convention Center, Level 1, Halls A/B for convenient for-purchase snack and meal options.

Wednesday, Nov. 6 5:00-7:00 PM

Thursday, Nov. 7 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Friday, Nov. 8 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Lost & Found

Please visit NAEYC Headquarters, Room 201A, Level 2 in the Anaheim Convention Center if you have lost an item while attending Conference sessions. Contact your hotel’s front desk if you lost something at that property.

City Ambassadors at the Anaheim Convention Center

Visit Anaheim will provide complimentary concierge services at the two information booths outside of the Expo (Halls A/B). These city ambassadors can assist attendees with directions and recommend things to see and do in the Anaheim area during their free time.

FedEx Business Center at the Anaheim Marriott

The FedEx Office Business Center is located on the lobby level of the Anaheim Marriott near The Market and the Oasis Tower elevators.

Phone: 657-722-6083

Email: usa0789@fedex.com

Operating Hours:

Monday-Friday 7:00 AM-7:00 PM

Saturday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Sunday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM

Independent Online Courses for Educators

Enroll in any of our 200+ courses and earn semester credits for salary advancement, licensing and certification renewal.

• Flexible enrollment options

• Free transcripts upon completion

• Earn semester credits from a WASC accredited university

• Serving educators for 100+ years

• Affordable high-quality education at competitive rates

Register today at: univ.lv/pdc

HL_NAEYC_halfpage_ad_noreg.pdf 45 9/5/2024 4:38:13 PM

Your vote counts! Meet the NAEYC Governing Board Candidates

F riday , N ovember 8

12:00 - 12:45 P m

ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER ROOM 204B

The slate for the 2025 Governing Board election will be introduced. Candidates will make brief statements and discuss issues facing the Association. This year’s election includes candidates for President-Elect, two Governing Board Members, and one Governing Board Student Member.

You can also meet the candidates in the NAEYC Homeroom on Friday from 10:30 - 11:30 AM. And be sure to VOTE!

Complimentary Wi-Fi

Anaheim Convention Center

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the Anaheim Convention Center. Please note this is not a guaranteed service; it is for light web browsing only.

Network: Anaheim Free Wi-Fi

No password needed

First time users will be asked to create an account and verify their email address to get connected.

Anaheim Marriott

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the Anaheim Marriott’s main lobby. Please note this is not a guaranteed service; it is for light web browsing only.

Network: Marriott Public

No password needed

NAEYC Annual Business Meeting and Town Hall

F riday , N ovember 8

1:00 - 2:00 P m

ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER ROOM 204B

There is so much to talk about: our strategic priorities, the Early Learning Program revision, the membership refresh including how we are evolving to meet the needs of membership, and the work of our affiliates and interest forums.

Join NAEYC President Tonia Durden, Treasurer Michelle Wlazlo, Chief Executive Officer Michelle Kang, Chief Operations and Finance Officer Nanette Lawson, and members of NAEYC’s Governing Board for an engaging conversation.

NAEYC’s vision: Each and every child thrives and learns in a society dedicated to ensuring all children reach their full potential.

NAEYC’s mission: NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for each and every child, 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.

NAEYC’s 4 Strategic Priorities

› High-Quality Early Childhood Education

› The Profession

› Professional Membership, Leadership, and Innovation

› Organizational Excellence

General Consent and Release for Use of Your Image

By registering, you agree and consent to the following terms which shall be deemed a General Consent and Release for Use of Your Image by you in order for, NAEYC, or anyone authorized by NAEYC, to record and use, as NAEYC may desire in its sole and absolute discretion, all recording and reproductions or depictions of such exhibitor’s, or attendee’s name, likeness, voice, persona, words, actions, and/or biography, which NAEYC may make, including without limitation the right for NAEYC, or anyone authorized by NAEYC, to use such recordings, reproductions, or depictions in or in connection with any legitimate purposes, including for advertising, publicity, trade, and editorial purposes, at any time in the future in all media now known or hereafter developed, throughout the world.

Endorsement

NAEYC encourages the exchange of diverse opinions at the Annual Conference. It is important for conferees to recognize that the ideas presented do not necessarily reflect NAEYC’s official position. Moreover, NAEYC assumes no responsibility for any statement of fact or opinion presented at the Annual Conference, nor does acceptance of advertising, exhibits, or sponsorships imply endorsements of any products or services by the Association.

NAEYC urges conferees to contact individual exhibitors and/or presenters about concerns they may have about products, services, or practices. The Association also recommends that conferees extend their compliments to presenters and/or exhibitors whom they feel have provided a product or presentation of exceptional quality.

Conference Etiquette

A successful Annual Conference requires that we extend professionalism and courtesy to one another. The following tips will ensure a pleasant experience for all participants:

› Arrive early, but do not block other participants exiting a meeting room.

› Presenters are encouraged to have a sufficient number of handouts. Presenters are also encouraged to post handouts on Whova app.

› Participants are encouraged to share materials and refrain from taking more than one copy of handouts.

› Bring business cards for networking and requesting materials from presenters.

› Silence cell phones.

› If it is necessary to leave a session early or arrive late, please make the interruption as nondisruptive as possible.

Personal Safety at the Conference

At any conference, losses, theft, and petty crimes may occur. Please exercise adequate caution by following these tips:

› Be alert when walking around, especially at night. Travel with a companion or two, when possible. Carry cash and valuables with you in a safe place, or use your hotel’s safe. Note that hotels are not responsible for items lost in or stolen from guest rooms. Make note of the location of the emergency exits in the Anaheim Convention Center and hotels.

› If you receive an unexpected knock on your hotel guest room door from someone who says he or she is a hotel staff member, call the front desk to confirm.

› Exercise caution when providing your credit card information, particularly over the phone.

Event Safety Policy

In keeping with the Association's duty of care and our responsibility as an event host, NAEYC is guided by recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and will abide by the legal mandates of the State of California at the time of the 2024 Annual Conference (“Event”). Thank you for following NAEYC’s Event Safety Policy which can be found on the NAEYC website at https://www.naeyc.org/events/ annual/policies.

The Annual Conference is about children, not for children. For safety reasons, we cannot allow children or strollers in the event space, including exhibit halls and session areas. If you have children accompanying you to Anaheim, we ask that you make alternative arrangements for child care. You may visit the NAEYC website (www.NAEYC.org) for a list of accredited child care centers near the Anaheim Convention Center, which might offer dropin services. We appreciate your understanding as we work hard to keep everyone safe.

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“We got this!” :

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The building blocks for high-quality childcare.

Spotlight Sessions

Spotlight Sessions are dynamic presentations where industry leaders share their knowledge, research findings, innovations, applications, products and services, with the conference attendee. A session is the work product and views of the presenter and the affiliated organization, and does not imply an endorsement by NAEYC.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

8:00 - 9:30 am

ROOM 210AB

Designing classroom ecosystems of inclusion and belonging

Imagine a space for children designed on the belief that when we plan and respond to the divergent needs of special populations, we increase the usability of the space for every child. Discover a design framework for creating ecosystems rooted in a culture of inclusivity where children of all backgrounds and abilities have a sense of belonging and are valued as contributing members of society. This presentation will introduce educators and program leaders to powerful design concepts that will shift the paradigm of classroom design.

PRESENTED BY

Sandra Duncan, Author

Miriam Beloglovsky, Kaplan Early Learning Company

Rebecca Berlin, Kaplan Early Learning Company

10:00 - 11:30 am

ROOM 210AB

Designing high-quality neuroinclusive learning environments in ECE

Discover how creating neuroinclusive learning environments supports the growth and development of all learners. Understand connections between classroom design, sensory and social-emotional regulation, and learning success in young children. Gain key takeaway design elements and strategies for creating and adapting early childhood centers to positively support the unique strengths and needs of every student.

PRESENTED BY

Lindsay Astor Grant, Learning Redesigned

Mike Lindstrom, studioMLA the ECE studio of Ashley McGraw Architects

1:00 - 2:30 P m

ROOM 210AB

Realizing the promise of assessment

No single approach to assessment can ever tell a full story. Come learn how to reimagine capturing and leveraging assessment information from a variety of inputs to build a complete picture of each child, so you are fully prepared to nurture positive relationships and promote development and learning.

PRESENTED BY

Nicol Russell, Teaching Strategies

Breeyn Mack, Teaching Strategies

3:00 - 4:30 P m

ROOM 210AB

Strive-for-Five conversations to boost children's oral language development

Classroom conversations strengthen young children’s oral language which helps lead to reading success. Research shows that responsive conversations with children throughout the day are foundational for their learning. This session introduces the Strive-for-Five framework that helps teachers orchestrate conversations to expand children’s thinking and develop their language and literacy skills.

PRESENTED BY

Tricia A. Zucker, Children’s Learning Institute at University of Texas Health and Science Center

Sonia Cabell, School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University

NOVEMBER 7 |

3:00 - 4:30 P m ROOM 213B

Creating playful learning experiences for linguistically and culturally diverse children

Play and playful learning are crucial for children's growth and development. This is especially critical today in consideration of modern populations of diverse children for whom equity frameworks must be intentionally applied in learning spaces. During this session, we will present the unique transformation story of a kindergarten program in a primarily Spanish-speaking Latino/a community. This program shifted its approach from rote and teacher-directed instruction to child-directed and playful academic learning over the course of one school year. This story will illustrate a developmentally appropriate and engaging pathway to academic rigor that encourages children to explore complex concepts, think critically, and acquire foundational skills in a holistic manner. Participants will explore ways to provide learning experiences that allow for development of academic knowledge, creativity, curiosity, and trust.

PRESENTED BY

Alexandra Figueras-Daniel, National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Shannon Ayers, Lakeshore Learning Materials

8:00 - 9:30 am ROOM 210AB

How daily mindfulness practice boosts social emotional learning and executive function

Currently, one of the frequent concerns early educators share is that children are enrolling in programs with fewer social skills and more big emotions. What if there was a simple solution that promoted resilience, self-regulation, and improved focus for both educators and children?

This session focuses on the impact of daily mindfulness practice on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Executive Function (EF) skill development in early education.

PRESENTED BY

Rachel Robertson, Bright Horizons

Carol Howard, Bright Horizons

Laura Bakosh, Inner Explorer

Isaac Van Wesep, Reflections Science

10:00 - 11:30 am ROOM 210AB

So you want to write a children’s book

Whether interested in the rewards of becoming an author or burning with a desire to create stories for children, this workshop is the one to attend! Together we will explore everything from developing an idea to finding an illustrator and publishing. Attendees will leave having developed and shared ideas, and more!

PRESENTED BY

Michele Lucia, Walden University

Martha Cheney, Walden University

NOVEMBER 8 |

1:00 - 2:30 P m

ROOM 210AB

Elevating ECE-integrating National CDA® Competencies into state regulations, QRIS and career pathways

Did you know the National Child Development Associate (CDA)® Competency Standards include over 100 performance indicators? Join us for an interactive exploration of how integrating CDA competencies into state regulations, QRIS, and career pathways can elevate the quality and professionalism of early care and education (ECE).

PRESENTED BY

Bisa Lewis, Council for Professional Recognition

3:00 - 4:30 P m

ROOM 210AB

A discussion on designing neuroinclusive learning environments in ECE

Participate in a conversation on how neuroinclusive design benefits all learners. We will examine the impacts, challenges, and practical strategies of creating inclusive spaces, using examples of both new and existing spaces. Directors and educators will gain insight on how the physical environment supports all children's development and growth. Interactive session.

PRESENTED BY

Lindsay Astor Grant, Learning Redesigned

Mike Lindstrom, studioMLA the ECE studio of Ashley McGraw Architects

Professional

• Educators Professional Liability

• Student Educator Professional Liability

• Private Practice Professional Liability

Life

• New York Life Annually Renewable Group Term Life Insurance†

• New York Life 10-Year Level Group Term Life Insurance†

• New York Life 20-Year Level Group Term Life Insurance†

• New York Life Group Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance†

Health

• Educators Dental Plan

• Educators Vision Plan

• New York Life Group Disability Income Protection†

• Long-Term Care Insurance

• Individual and Group Health Insurance

• Medicare Supplement Insurance

• Aflac Accident Insurance & Critical Illness Plans

Legal

• LegalShield™ Legal Plans and LegalShield™ Identity Theft Protection

†

Featured Sessions

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

I love me: Supporting and guiding positive racial development in infants, toddlers, and twos

8:30 - 11:00 am 209AB

Ijumaa Jordan, Ijumaa Jordan Consulting IJC

Julia Childs Loman, Neighborhood House Association

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

SPONSORED BY

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

So Much More than the ABCs (Revised Edition)

The revised edition of this bestselling resource provides a comprehensive and updated overview of what literacy development looks like for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Item 1172

Conference Price $30.40 | List: $38

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Focus on Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Equitable and Joyful Learning with Infants and Toddlers

Peek into infant and toddler classrooms to see teachers making intentional decisions in the key areas of practice that form the six guidelines for DAP in action.

Item 1170

Conference Price $24 | List: $30

Opening Session

A conversation with renowned storyteller and literacy advocate LeVar Burton

“Take a look; it’s in a book.” These words not only connect to a memorable theme song, but also to a movement to foster children’s love of reading and books by centering their voices, curiosities, and capabilities. For decades, LeVar Burton respected children’s points of view and introduced them to engaging, authentic books to spark their imaginations. Through on-location adventures and read-alouds, they learned about themselves and their communities with a clear message: “I can be anything.”

The 2024 NAEYC Annual Conference launches with a conversation with this renowned storyteller and literacy advocate. Although his storied acting career has included several remarkable roles, Burton is best known in the early childhood education community as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS series Reading Rainbow, one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history. Airing from 1983–2009, it also is one of the most acclaimed shows, earning over 200 awards including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.

Burton has spent decades encouraging children to read and leading efforts to provide access to books for children across the United States. He has a mission to create media that fosters empathy, champions diversity, and builds community. Indeed, his work exemplifies the theme for this year’s conference, “One Vision, Many Voices: Shaping Early Education Together.”

3:30 - 5:00 P m

HALL C

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 |

President’s Seminar: Ring the alarm! How are YOU advancing educational equity for young children?

10:00 - 11:30 am

BALLROOM A

Tonia Durden, NAEYC Governing Board President (moderator)

Iheoma Iruka, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health

Stephanie Curenton, Boston University, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Kerry-Ann Escayg, University of Nebraska Omaha

Brian L. Wright, The University of Memphis, College of Education

Gloria Boutte, University of South Carolina

Yohana Quiroz, Felton Institute and NAEYC Governing Board member

SPONSORED BY

A new vision for high-quality pre-K curriculum

8:00 - 9:30 am

BALLROOM A

Sue Bredekamp, Independent Early Childhood Education Consultant

Linda Espinosa, University of Missouri, Columbia

Iheoma Iruka, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health

SPONSORED BY

Empowering change: Amplify your voice for advocacy

10:00 - 11:30 am

BALLROOM A

Calvin Moore, Jr., Council for Professional Recognition

Elisa Shepherd, Council for Professional Recognition

Haley Brush, Council for Professional Recognition

PRESENTED BY

The Ready School Assessment: Assess your school's readiness to meet the needs of all students

1:00 - 2:30 P m

BALLROOM A

Jeff Beal, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Jill Claxton, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Anthony Nielsen, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Madeline Chimka, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

PRESENTED BY

Beyond anti-bias: Teaching for justice in early care and education

3:00 - 4:30 P m

BALLROOM A

Jamie Cho, University of Washington Ninderjit Gill, North Seattle College

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 | ANAHEIM

What kind of world do we want to create with our children? A film screening of “Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values”

3:00 - 5:00 P m

BALLROOM B

John Nimmo, Portland State University

Debbie LeeKeenan, Anti-Bias Leaders ECE

Cassie Worley, Sound Child Care Solutions

Filiz Efe McKinney, Brave Sprout Productions

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

CONVENTION CENTER

Featured Sessions

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 |

To protect and nurture: (Re)imagining mentoring for Black boys in the early grades

8:00 - 9:15 am

BALLROOM A

Brian L. Wright, The University of Memphis, College of Education

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

Being a director is easy (except the bike is on fire; you are on fire; everything is on fire): Tips for new and not-so-new directors

9:30 - 10:45 am

BALLROOM A

Jill Jacobi-Vessels, University of Louisville

Amy Kay, University of Georgia

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

SPONSORED BY

Joy and equity in literacy: The intersection of access and opportunity

11:00 am - 12:15 P m

BALLROOM A

Ryan Lee James, The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy and Its Free Online Cox Campus

Stacey Wallen, The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

SPONSORED BY

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Focus on Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Equitable and Joyful Learning in Preschool

Peek into preschool classrooms to see teachers making intentional decisions in the six key areas of practice that form the six guidelines for DAP in action.

Item 1162

Conference Price $27.20 | List: $34

CENTER

Closing Session

“Library joy:” A conversation with Mychal Threets on cultivating a love of learning and a sense of belonging

Bookending the 2024 Annual Conference is accomplished library professional, literacy advocate, and storyteller Mychal Threets, who spreads his love of libraries and learning to children, families, and communities in person and through social media. His journey and stories lift up the power of books, and his work showcases the transformative effects of “library joy” across domains, including social and emotional development. Threets’s message is clear: Libraries and literacy are for everyone.

Before reaching the “final page” of this year’s conference, join NAEYC Governing Board President Tonia Durden for a fireside chat with Mychal that is sure to be brimming with inspiration, joy, and strategies for fostering literacy and a sense of belonging in the children and families in your setting.

12:30 - 1:45 P m

BALLROOM B-E

Mychal Threets

SPONSORED BY

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP! Powerful Interactions (Second Edition)

The new edition of this bestselling classic covers everything you need to understand what Powerful Interactions® are.

Item 1148

Conference Price $30.40 | List: $38

Visit the Shop

NAEYC Shop Booth #529

Come browse the vast array of ECE resources and NAEYC merchandise. All books priced at the member discount and free shipping on most orders. Pick up something for yourself and for the team back at home!

Plus, meet the authors of some of your favorite NAEYC books during the lunch break!

Interest Forums

Interested in joining a community of professionals, exploring important topics, and advocating for issues you’re passionate about? Are you eager to connect with other members of NAEYC? Find your community by joining a number of our Interest Forums! NAEYC Interest Forums are self-organized member groups that host face-to-face meetings at conferences; they also stay connected throughout the year in our online community, HELLO, where we share best practices and champion forum members’ passions in the field. Interest Forums are one of our most popular member benefits, offering discussion and dialogue around specific topics in early education. Want more information about Interest Forums? Check out our table located in the NAEYC Homeroom in the Expo Hall, Booth #1633 or come and meet several Interest Forum facilitators at the "NAEYCLand" poster session on Thursday, November 7 from 4:30-6:00 PM in the Expo.

Culture

› Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Interest Forum

› Black Caucus

› Latino Interest Forum

› Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Interest Forum

› Men in Education Network (M.E.N)

Science, Math, & Technology

› Early Childhood Science Interest Forum

› Technology and Young Children

› Early Math Interest Forum

Social Issues

› Children’s Global Issues Community

› Children of Incarcerated Parents

Student & Professional

› Young and Emerging Professionals

› Diversity and Equity Education for Adults Interest Forum

› Early Childhood Consultants and Authors Interest Forum

› Community Collaboration Interest Forum

› Tribal and Indigenous Early Childhood Network (TIECN)

Play and Policy

› Play, Policy, and Practice

› Young Children and Nature

› Project Approach

Program Focus

› Accessible Education and Inclusive Environments

› Family Child Care Interest Forum

› Infant Toddler Professionals

› Kindergarten Interest Forum

› Laboratory Schools

› PEACE Educators Interest Forum

› Rural Children, Families, and Early Educators Interest Forum

Spirituality

› Faith-Based Interest Forum

› Young Children’s Spirituality Interest Forum

It’s free for members to join an Interest Forum. Join as many groups as you like and stay connected throughout the year! See instructions at NAEYC. org/get-involved/ communities/how-joininterest-forum

Should we be placing limits on screen time?

Join the conversation in these, as well as several other vibrant communities, and connect with fellow educators who share your dedication and enthusiasm

Family Child Care Interest Forum

Interest Forums will hold their business meetings during the Annual Conference. Drop by to learn more about Interest Forums.

LGBTQ+ Interest Forum

11:15 am - 12:00 P m

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Plus (LGBTQ+) Interest Forum will meet in person so that folks will become acquainted, discuss the LGBTQ+-related conference sessions in Anaheim, focus on local and affiliate work, brainstorm on how to stay connect, surface emerging issues, and plan for the 2025 annual conference.

Play, Policy, and Practice Interest Forum

11:15 am - 12:00 P m

Calling all play advocates. Come play, honor play advocates during our awards ceremony and dive into rich conversation on how we can further invest in play policy and advocacy.

ROOM 256B

ROOM 264AB

Interest Forums Sessions

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

Black Caucus Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:30 P m

The Black Caucus has accomplished much in the last few years. Our overarching theme has been mentoring in various forms with equity and social justice at the core. Immediately following our Sankofa session, we invite you to a discussion of next steps. The pandemic, as with ECE as a whole, wreaked havoc on our Steering Committee, a cross generational circle of Caucus leaders open to diverse ideas and approaches. Consider this meeting as an invitation to participate in reimagining how the Black Caucus moves forward over the next five years.

ROOM 262AB

Faith Based Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:30 P m

Come join us and learn about the faith-based Interest Forum. During our meeting, we will discuss how the forum works, accomplishments and plans for the year. If you are interested in a group that focuses on faith-based programming, please join us. You do not need to be a current Interest Forum member to join!

ROOM 260B

Family Childcare Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:30 P m

Family Childcare Interest Forum would like to meet those who would like to know more about the forum or are already apart of the forum to meet and share what is happening in their areas. Building a support system is the goal!

ROOM 255A

Laboratory Schools Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:30 P m

Early childhood professionals who are affiliated with laboratory schools are invited to gather, visit with others, and share experiences. This is a chance to make connections and share information about how our work impacts the field of early childhood.

ROOM 205AB

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Focus on Developmentally Appropriate Practice: Equitable and Joyful Learning in Kindergarten

Peek into kindergarten classrooms to see teachers making intentional decisions in the key areas of practice that form the six guidelines for DAP in action.

Item 1173

Conference Price $29.60 | List: $37

Young and Emerging Professionals Interest Forum 11:45 am - 12:30 P m

The Young and Emerging Professionals (YEP) Interest Forum aims to help connect young and emerging professionals with each other and more seasoned EC professors to grow as leaders in the field. YEP, hopes to build more representation of young professionals in NAEYC.

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs (Fourth Edition)

Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) is a framework that describes e ective teaching practices designed to promote young children’s optimal learning and development.

Item 1156

Conference Price $56 | List: $70

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Families & Educators Together

Use the practical information, strategies, and resources in this book to develop and embed a culture of family engagement in all aspects of your early childhood program.

Item 1139

Conference Price $22.40 | List: $28

ROOM 261A

Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:45 P m

The AANHPI Interest Forum’s mission is to share knowledge, perspectives and resources to better support and serve Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander young children, their families and the early education workforce, in order to advance quality, equity and diversity for all communities. Come join us at this meeting to find out about the AANHPI IF, this year's AANHPI award recipients and the highly anticipated AANHPI Voices Writing Project!

ROOM 264AB

Early Childhood Science Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:30 P m

Come and join the Early Childhood Science Interest Forum at NAEYC's Annual Conference! This is an opportunity to share with members who have an interest in early childhood STEM. We aim to build understandings of the nature of quality science teaching and learning and to promote the understanding of the importance of engaging young children in inquiry-based science curriculum. To that end, we discuss the current or ongoing work of the members as well as introducing science topics of interest with resources to facilitate learning. We also extend an invitation to join us at our virtual monthly meetings.

ROOM 255B

Interest Forums Sessions

Early Math Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:30 P m

Interested in learning more about the work of the Early Math Interest Forum (EMIF)? Join us for our business meeting to hear about what we do and how you can be involved. Attendees will also network and explore the fun of early math with others from across the country.

ROOM 255C

PEACE Educators Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:30 P m

All members of the PEACE Educator’s Interest Forum and those looking into becoming members are invited. We are planning to have a PEACE project recipient share their project. We will also present our annual PEACE awards. The meeting will also cover reports from the Interest Forum and P.E.A.C.E.

ROOM 256B

Project Approach Interest Forum

11:45 am - 12:30 P m

The Project Approach Interest Forum welcomes all participants who want to learn more about the Project Approach, those who are currently implementing the Project Approach, and those who are coaching teachers who use the Project Approach (Katz & Helm). This interest forum meeting will showcase current work in the implementation of the Project Approach as well as provide opportunities for networking and open discussion.

ROOM 255A

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Healthy Young Children (Sixth Edition)

Discover how education and healthcare professionals can work with children and families to promote physical and mental health and provide safe and healthy environments.

Homeroom

Visit the NAEYC Homeroom to relax in our lounge and chat with staff about Early Learning Program Accreditation, Membership, the HELLO online community, and Interest Forums!

› Stop by or make an appointment with the Early Learning Program Accreditation Team to learn about the changes coming to Accreditation!

› Check in with the Membership Team and hear about the ways that NAEYC C.A.R.E.S. for its members!

The Future of NAEYC is Sweet!

Don’t forget to visit the Homeroom to learn more about the exciting changes coming in 2025 for NAEYC members and Accredited programs!

Thursday and Friday | 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Booth #1633

Meet the 2025 Governing Board Candidates

Friday 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Pre-Conference Workshops

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

Preregistration—including a separate registration fee—was required in advance for NAEYC’s Pre-Conference Workshops. On-site registration is not available.

Higher Education Faculty Workshop: Completing the NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation Process

11:00 am - 5:00 P m

Mary Harrill, NAEYC

Erin Speer Smith, NAEYC

Tiffany E. Hunter, NAEYC HEA Commissioner & Metropolitan Community College

Elissa Huss-Hage, NAEYC HEA Commissioner & HOPE Toledo

Erin Donovan, NAEYC HEA Commissioner & Ivy Tech Community College, Muncie and Anderson Campuses

Travis Morgan, NAEYC HEA Commissioner & Athens State University

204A

Participants can earn 0.5 CEUs for this workshop.

Joyful and Effective Learning in Kindergarten: Developmentally Appropriate Practices, Play, & Content: A NAEYC DAP Training

11:00 am - 5:00 P m

Amy Scrinzi, Meredith College

Amy Blessing, Rachel Freeman School of Engineering

Susan Friedman, NAEYC 204C

Participants can earn 0.6 CEUs for this workshop.

CEUs for Pre-Conference Workshops

NAEYC is offering IACET CEUs for its 2024 PreConference Workshops.

See page 12 for more information on CEUs.

Tuesday Food Concessions

ECOGROUNDS

LOBBY A | 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Items include coffee, pastries, snacks, and assorted beverages

ANAHEIM FRESH GO!

LOBBY B/C | 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Grab & Go items such as salads, sandwiches/wraps, coffee, and snacks

DAP Core Materials

The fourth edition of this classic, influential text addresses DAP within the context of our evolving world of early childhood education, with a strong focus on equity.

Engage with 48 case studies providing real-world examples that make for rich discussions and greater learning in educational and professional development settings.

Focus on DAP Series

Plus, visit NAEYC.org/online-learning for on-demand modules of DAP related content, including the Focus on DAP series, the DAP: What You Need to Know series, DAP & Teacher Decision Making, and DAP & The Nine Principles of Child Development and Learning.

Wednesday Sessions

1 | National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators

Affiliate Leadership Day

8:00 am - 3:00 P m

ANAHEIM MARRIOTT | MARQUIS BALLROOM NORTHEAST

Affiliate board members and staff are invited to register for Affiliate Leadership Day. Planned jointly by the NAEYC Affiliate Advisory Council and staff, this day is designed to inspire and build leadership throughout our Affiliate network. By invitation only. For more information, please contact the Affiliate Relations team at affiliate@naeyc.org

SPONSORED BY

(NAECTE): Shaping the future of early childhood teacher educators

8:00 am - 3:15 P m

ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER | 204B

Zeynep Isik-Ercan, Rowan University

Kelli Odden, Mayville State University

Melissa Jozwiak, Texas A & M University-San Antonio

Courtney Dewhirst, University of Oklahoma

Ruth Facun-Granadozo, East Tennessee State University

Hannah Kye, Rowan University

Pamela Evanshen, East Tennessee State University

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

8:30 - 11:00 AM | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

Featured Session

2 | I love me: Supporting and guiding positive racial development in infants, toddlers, and twos

This session will inspire and challenge educators and other adults in the lives of the youngest children to support and guide positive racial development. We will spend time dispelling the developmental myths and misunderstandings about racial development of children age 0–3 using an anti-racist/anti-bias framework. Through storytelling and large and small group experiences, we will analyze scenarios and practice relevant strategies for positive racial development. In addition, we will share ways to ensure that the love that infants and toddlers embody is reflected back to them through our interactions and the environments we provide. We will end our time together creating an action plan that supports positive racial development.

Ijumaa Jordan, Ijumaa Jordan Consulting IJC

Julia Childs Loman, Neighborhood House Association

209AB

Infants & Toddlers

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

SPONSORED BY

Wednesday Sessions

3 | Transforming school culture to welcome Black dads

Lindsey Wilson, Dr. Lindsey Equity Consultant: Shifting the Lens

Josh Thompson, Texas A&M University-Commerce

203AB

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

4 | Assess for success: Formative assessment strategies in early childhood education

Jean Barresi, Capital Region Education Council (CREC); Charter Oak State College

253A

All Children

Assessment of Young Children

5 | We get by with a little help from our friends: Using functional communication systems within daily routines to build friendships, improve communication skills, and reduce challenging behaviors

Nancy Burdic, University of Denver

Ronald Roybal, University of Denver

213B

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

6 | Ants in the pants: Digging deeper into Tier-3 PBIS intervention supports

August Kummerfeldt, Early Learning Coalition of Flagler/Volusia

259AB

All Children

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

7 | Brain-appropriate practices for school-age children

Regina Lamourelle, Santiago Canyon College

Chantal Lamourelle, Santa Ana College

Kisha Champion, Santiago Canyon College

Marianne Laney, Santiago Canyon College

251B

First-to-Third Graders

Cognitive Development

8 | Play-responsive teaching: Weaving together play, learning, and teaching for justice and inclusion

Suzanne Axelsson, Interaction Imagination

254AB

All Children

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

9 | Building community through equitable behavior management and nurturing relationships

Kristie Norwood, Start Early

206AB

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

10 | Understanding and healing from adultism to support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children

Nanci Luna Jiménez, Luna Jimenez Institute for Social Transformation

208AB

Adults

Diversity and Equity

11 | Rethinking the role of early childhood education in a reimagined world: Cultivating a culture that nourishes a sustainable Earth, our peaceful coexistence, and liberation for all

Rukia Monique Rogers, The Highlander School

Robby Astrove, Davison-Arabia Nature Preserve

Sonya Shoptaugh, Creative Childhood

255A

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

12 | A time for ourselves: A brave space for LGBTQ+ educators and their allies

Brian Silveira, Pacific Primary School

Jim Clay, CUNY

Shannon Green, Healthy Families Illinois-Shawnee Health

256B

All Children

Diversity and Equity

LGBTQ+ Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 256B, 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM.

13 | Building a professional early childhood workforce through equitable access: Advanced degrees in teacher education that support early childhood leaders

Jennifer Quong, Texas Woman’s University

Sharla Snider, Texas Woman’s University

260B

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

14 | STEAM ahead! Building on strengths to serve young dual language learners via computational thinking (CT) and STEAM instruction

Lea Ann Christenson, Towson University

256A

Preschoolers

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

15 | Challenging behavior: Understanding the common causes behind it, how to best address it, and how we can try to prevent it

Christina Feldkamp, Discovery Point Franchising, Incorporated

Courtney Moultrie, Discovery Point Franchising, Incorporated

213D

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

16 | Mash-ups, duets, and solos: Using storybooks and informational texts to foster children’s language, thinking, and understanding of the world

Molly Collins, Vanderbilt University 204C

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

17 | Leadership strategies for pedagogical school improvement: Enhancing the impact of mentoring and professional learning for educators

Jane Montgomery, Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool 213C

All Children

Leadership

18 | Inspiring peak performance: Competence, commitment, and collaboration

Jill Bella, Bella Mattina

253C

Adults

Leadership

19 | Communities of practice: Creating a sense of belonging and purpose in your team

Michelle Toral, Miami-Dade County Community Action & Human Services Department Head Start/ Early Head Start

DeArdra Rolle, Miami-Dade County Community Action & Human Services Department Head Start/ Early Head Start

255C

Adults

Leadership

20 | Reclaiming play for all ages in all spaces

Whitney Woodward, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play

Debra Lawrence, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play

Miriam Beloglovsky, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play

Kim Adams, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play

Mitchell Ha, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play

Kristy DeGraaf, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play

Denisha Jones, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play

Kisa Marx, The American Association for the Child’s Right to Play

210AB

All Children

Play

CEUs

NAEYC is offering IACET CEUs for a limited number of 2024 Annual Conference sessions.

Look for the CEUs icon which indicates if a session is offering CEUs.

See page 12 for more information on CEUs.

Wednesday Sessions

8:30 - 11:00

21 | The power of play: Using adult play experiences to transform teaching, advocacy, and leadership

Carly Bedard, Institute for Self Active Education

Walter Drew, Institute for Self Active Education

James Johnson, Institute for Self Active Education

Paola Lopez, Kinderoo Children’s Academy

Michael Patte, Institute for Self Active Education

Robin Ploof, Institute for Self Active Education

Juelie Perry-Schwartz, Inspire to Impact Consulting

264AB

Adults

Play

Play, Policy, and Practice Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 264AB, 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM.

22 | The Velcro effect: Creating professional development that sticks

Karen Davis Platt, ICF

Chyrlette Crump, Easterseals Child Development Center

Danielle Bowen, Learning Bridge Child Development Center

263AB

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

23 | Leveraging physical science to power up all children’s inquiry, thinking, and talk in science and engineering: Topics, approaches, and strategies for preschool teachers

Cindy Hoisington, Education Development Center

Jessica Mercer Young, Education Development Center

Luz Maria Considine Salazar, Education Development Center

260C

Preschoolers

Science

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

24 | Scaffolding social and emotional development with integrated art experiences during the preschool years

Samuel Ortiz Romero, California State University, Fresno

Sharon Arias, California State University, Fresno

212A

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

25 | EI V.I.C.T.O.R.Y.: Winning the game of emotional intelligence

Eyona Lewis, LEAP Coaching Session

251C

Adults

Social and Emotional Development

26 | Choosing glimmers of hope over triggers of fear: Modeling how children who have experienced trauma can transition from fear-based reactions to choice-filled, selfregulated actions

Angela Bayer-Persico, WOA Consulting and Training

Holly Elissa Bruno, Holly Elissa

Bruno Keynotes & Team Building, LLC; FAM Fitchburg Art Museum

255B

Adults

Social and Emotional Development

27 | Exploring nature, nourishing growth, and engaging in play: A practical workshop on multisensory model activities for enhancing children’s daily learning journeys

Teresa Fogolini, North Bay Children’s Center

Jill St. Peter, North Bay Children’s Center

260A

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

28 | Where the rubber meets the road: Support for transitional kindergarten administrators

Kelly Twibell, University of California, Davis

Jennifer Gonzalez, University of California, Davis

213A

Kindergartners

State Systems – Data, Financing, Professional Development, Standards, QRIS

29 | Creating culturally affirming learning experiences

Courtney Torres, Courtney Lea Consulting

253B

First-to-Third Graders

Teaching and Instructional Practices

31 | Creating play spaces as a form of advocacy: For the benefit of self, schools, and communities

Juelie Perry-Schwartz, Inspire to Impact Consulting

Paola Lopez, Kinderoo Academy

207D

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

32 | Music learning supports all learning! Music and movement activities that naturally support children’s development in key early learning domains

Lauren Guilmartin, Music Together Worldwide

Lili Levinowitz, Music Together Worldwide

206AB

Preschoolers

Arts and Music

30 | Guiding principles for outstanding preschool classrooms: Real-world strategies for ordinary humans

Chris Amirault, Self-Employed

261B

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices 12:00 - 2:30 PM |

33 | Supporting inclusion through play and routines: Starting from developmentally appropriate practices

Alissa Rausch, University of Denver

Ben Riepe, University of Denver

Angela VanPolen, University of Denver

Ted Bovey, University of Denver

213B

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

34 | Intentionally impactful practices to raise children’s voices: Support language acquisition, self-regulation, and peer collaboration for preschoolers with autism

Ashley Lawless, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

253C

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

35 | Connecting the dots: Improving kindergarten assessment, teaching, and learning

Jie-Qi Chen, Erikson Institute

Rebeca Itzkowich, Erikson Institute

Bryan Stokes II, Robert R. McCormick Foundation

Carisa Hurley Davis, Illinois State Board of Education

256A

Adults

Community Partnerships

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

36 | Exploring geometry with pattern blocks and puzzles: A unique way of using familiar early childhood materials to immerse young learners in geometry concepts

Christina Sales, University of Northern Iowa (retired); Constructivist Childhood Materials

Sharon Doolittle, University of Northern Iowa (retired)

251B

All Children

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

Wednesday Sessions

TIME | LOCATION

2:30

37 | A is for abolition: Rethinking police as community helpers

Megan Madison, First Conversations

Ijumaa Jordan, Ijumaa Jordan Consulting (IJC)

209AB

Adults

Diversity and Equity

38 | Gender identity and expression in young children: Supporting children who are gender fluid in our early childhood programs

Robin Fox, University of WisconsinWhitewater

Erica Schepp, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

210D

All Children

Diversity and Equity

39 | Creating communities of belonging: Advancing equity and justice in early childhood

Jen Neitzel, Educational Equity Institute

258B

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

40 | Children’s development of difference

Sandra Chapman, Chap Equity Inc.

260C

All Children

Diversity and Equity

41 | Family engagement: Strategies to successfully communicate sensitive information to families with empathy and respect

Jane Montgomery, Peachtree

Presbyterian Preschool

213A

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

42 | Lanzarse al mundo de los gérmenes: Los diferentes enfoques de un aula preescolar de doble inmersión inspirada en Reggio y STEAM

Diana Magana Chavez, Fresno State Programs for Children-Joyce M. Huggins Early Education Center

Jacqueline Hernandez-Hernandez, Fresno State Programs for ChildrenJoyce M. Huggins Early Education Center

253B

Preschoolers

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

43 | Using developmental and intervention guidance to teach every young child to gain two democratic life skills necessary for healthy personal development

Dan Gartrell, Bemidji State University

213D

All Children

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

44 | Presenting award-winning authors, illustrators, and early childhood experts whose books and strategies nurture and stimulate the young child’s positive sense of self and belonging and create a love of reading and learning

Donna Knoell, Educational Consulting

Dan Santat, Penguin Random House

Jeff Drew, Penguin Random House

Minh Le, Penguin Random House

Daniel Bernstrom, Astra Publishing House

Rosemary Wells, Simon and Schuster

Joe Cepeda, Candlewick Press

Tim McCanna, Simon and Schuster

201CD

All Children

Language and Literacy

45 | Still so much more to say about literacy teaching and learning

Molly Collins, Vanderbilt University; Boston University

Judith Schickedanz, Vanderbilt University; Boston University

252B

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

46 | The heartbeat of an equity leader: Leading with compassion, celebrating inclusion with dignity, and connecting with collaboration

Kathleen Harris, Seton Hill University

Melissa Tamburrino, Seton Hill University

Maria Stone, Seton Hill University

212A

Adults

Leadership

47 | More than training, transforming together: Reimagining professional development for equity and inclusion

Jackie Joseph, University of Denver

Sally Hansen, University of Denver

251C

All Children

Leadership

48 | Optimizing and sustaining your leadership success

Jamie Heberlein, Life Fulfilled, LLC; Portland Community College

255A

Adults

Leadership

49 | Be the change you wish to see in the world: Leading in times of change

Jayanti Roy, De Anza College

Tim Harper, De Anza College

Phyllis DeMotta, De Anza College

258A

Adults

Leadership

12:00 - 2:30 PM | ANAHEIM

50 | Picture perfect: How to use visuals to maximize children’s attention and engagement in early childhood classrooms

Rebecca Vitelli, Kansas State University

Tabatha Rosproy, Conscious Discipline

203AB

All Children

Learning Environment

51 | Connecting children with nature: How we can, and why we should

Neil Mecham, Berea College

Mike Godfrey, Brigham Young University-Idaho

Janna Hockenjos, Earth Friends Incorporated

261B

All Children

Nature/Outdoor Education

52 | The persistence of problematic play perceptions: How college students’ gendered beliefs about toys can inform teacher education

Taylor Mule’, The University of Memphis

Karyn Allee, Mercer University

253A

Kindergartners

Play

53 | The Toddler Talk model: Supporting play, communication, and connection in toddler classrooms

Jennifer Baumingham, University of Washington

Kathleen Meeker, University of Washington

Qiao Cui, University of Washington

Ann Kaiser, Vanderbilt University

255C

Toddlers

Play

54 | Advancing team synergy: Coaching team membership in early childhood education

Keith Young, AKYConsulting Tamarra Osborne, WestEd

263AB

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

55 | Document! Document! Document! Recordkeeping, statutes, and standards—it can happen here!

Idie Benjamin, Child Care Council of Westchester, Inc.

Elizabeth Rodano, Thrive ECE

210AB

Adults

Program Administration, Evaluation, and Financial Management

Wednesday Sessions

12:00 - 2:30 PM

56 | Everyone needs attention: Helping young children manage their feelings by understanding your own

Tamar Jacobson, early childhood education and development consultant

254AB

Adults

Social and Emotional Development

Participants can earn 0.3 CEUs for this session.

57 | Sharing the calm: How responsive relationships lead to stronger self-regulation skills

Ashley Hoy, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Patricia Bruder, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Karen Murillo, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

255B

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

58 | Creating a traumasensitive environment for children and families

Michelle Smith, Starfish Family Services

262AB

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Book Title

Body Copy

The Essentials: Supporting Dual Language Learners in Diverse Environments in Preschool and Kindergarten

Implement intentional practices that nurture children’s bilingual identities.

59 | The art of listening: Philosophy with young children

Suzanne Axelsson, Interaction Imagination

205AB

All Children

Teaching and Instructional Practices

60 | A STEAM planning guide for all early childhood education professionals

Sharon Arias, California State University, Fresno

Pei-Ying Wu, California State University, Fresno

213C

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

Wednesday Food Concessions

Item XXXX

Item 1151

Conference Price $X | List: $X

Conference $20 | List: $25

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

The Essentials: Supporting Young Children with Disabilities in the Classroom

The core concepts of teaching and supporting children with disabilities alongside their peers will help teachers ensure that all children meet their potential.

Item 1131

Conference Price $22.40 | List: $28

ECOGROUNDS

LOBBY A | 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Items include coffee, pastries, snacks, and assorted beverages

ANAHEIM FRESH GO!

LOBBY B/C | 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Grab & Go items such as salads, sandwiches/wraps, coffee, and snacks

EXPO FOOD COURT

HALLS A/B | 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Concessions include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks

OpeningSession

A conversation with renowned storyteller and literacy advocate LeVar Burton

3:30 – 5:00 PM

HALL C 61 |

“Take a look; it’s in a book.” These words not only connect to a memorable theme song, but also to a movement to foster children’s love of reading and books by centering their voices, curiosities, and capabilities. For decades, LeVar Burton respected children’s points of view and introduced them to engaging, authentic books to spark their imaginations. Through on-location adventures and read-alouds, they learned about themselves and their communities with a clear message: “I can be anything.”

The 2024 NAEYC Annual Conference launches with a conversation with this renowned storyteller and literacy advocate. Although his storied acting career has included several remarkable roles, Burton is

LeVar Burton

best known in the early childhood education community as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS series Reading Rainbow, one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history. Airing from 1983–2009, it also is one of the most acclaimed shows, earning over 200 awards including multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.

Burton has spent decades encouraging children to read and leading efforts to provide access to books for children across the United States. He has a mission to create media that fosters empathy, champions diversity, and builds community. Indeed, his work exemplifies the theme for this year’s conference, “One Vision, Many Voices: Shaping Early Education Together.”

More than ever, early childhood educators need practical guidance for addressing children's social and emotional development. Get these foundational resources for your collection today. NAEYC.org/shop

in Print & E-Book

Visit the Expo

Visit the Expo Daily! There is always something new to discover.

Expo Hours

GRAND OPENING

Wednesday, Nov. 6 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Thursday, Nov. 7 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Golden Tickets available all day!

Drawing at 5:45 PM near booth #756

Friday, Nov. 8 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Golden Tickets available all day!

Drawing at 5:45 PM near booth #756

Join us to give back to the Anaheim community!

Every day at the expo, participate in a variety of hands-on experiences to support children in the Anaheim area.

Golden Ticket Hours

Anaheim Convention Center, Halls A–B

› Visit the exhibitors on Thursday and Friday for your chance to receive a golden ticket.

› Fill out the back of the ticket.

› Take your golden ticket to the NAEYC Shop Booth #529 by 5:30 PM to enter the daily prize drawing.

› Prizes will be drawn at 5:45 PM at Booth #756 on Thursday and Friday.

› You must be present to win if your entry is drawn.

› Tickets entered for the daily drawing will not be included in the following day’s drawing.

Prizes include an Apple iPad, NAEYC Books, Gift Cards galore, and more!

All about our Foundation

Making a difference where we live and work is core to the Bright Horizons® mission. The Bright Horizons Foundation for Children® is one important way we bring this mission to life. Our signature program, Bright Spaces®, supports children experiencing homelessness and other crises, so families have a place to be together, to be playful, and for kids to just be kids.

Come celebrate 25 years of the Foundation's impact with us at booth #1932.

Learn more about the Foundation

Thursday and Friday

All Day

Thursday Sessions

generously brought to you through support from

8:00 - 9:30 AM | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

62 | Catalysts for progress: Asian American advocacy leaders building bridges and driving change in young children and workforce development

Sandy Baba, Asian Interest Forum, NAEYC

Albert Wat, Asian Interest Forum, NAEYC

Jerry Yang, Asian Interest Forum, NAEYC

Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, Asian Interest Forum, NAEYC

Ben Wong, Wah Mei

Michelle Kang, NAEYC

210D

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

63 | P-3 alignment: Capitalizing on California’s universal PK/TK implementation in Santa Clara County’s 26 public school districts to further equitable outcomes for all children

Robyn Stone, Santa Clara County Office of Education

262C

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

64 | Drum, play, create: The benefits of rhythm-based music activities on children’s music development and social and emotional learning

Kayla Hughes, Music Together Worldwide

304A

First-to-Third Graders Arts and Music

65 | Belonging and membership: Coaching early educators to be intentional in promoting peer interactions in the inclusive classroom

Nicole Briceno, The University of Southern Mississippi

Alicia Westbrook, The University of Southern Mississippi

202A

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

66 | A research-based intervention model for struggling emerging readers

Xuesong Wang, Texas A & M International University

Erica Guerrero, Texas A & M International University

213B

First-to-Third Graders

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

67 | Utilizing developmentally appropriate strategies and activities to encourage and support healthy brain development in infants and toddlers

Marlyn Kramer, ECE Training Dynamics, LLC

Sue Hancock, Hancock Professional Development Resources and Consulting

213A

Infants & Toddlers

Cognitive Development

68 | Once upon a STEAM story: Making and tinkering with young children

Cate Heroman, Knock Knock Children’s Museum

204A

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

69 | Investigation, socialization, and the science of reading: Leveraging “what works” to make the most of the year before kindergarten

Laura Bilbrey, Teaching Strategies, LLC

Lesley Jennings, Teaching Strategies, LLC

256B

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

70 | “Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded”: An interdisciplinary view of child development through developmental cascades

Zlata Stankovic-Ramirez, University of Texas at Dallas

Danielle McLellan-Bujnak, Portland State University

258A

All Children

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

71 | Stories of Resistance: Leaning into the power of stories

Kelly Ramsey, All Our Kin

Crystal Sanford-Brown, Avondale School District

Cynthia Davis-Vanloo, Phoenix Consultants, LLP

Jerletha McDonald, National Family Child Care Leader

Meghan Green, Erikson Institute

Alissa Mwenelupembe, NAEYC

204B

All Children

Diversity and Equity

72 | “Pick me up!” strategies to elevate your impact: Insights and tips from DAP to strengthen infant and toddler teaching

Marie Masterson, National Louis University

207A

Infants & Toddlers

Diversity and Equity

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

73 | Rethinking the theorists: Enhancing educator training and experience through the collective knowledge of diverse theorists, founders, and influencers

Alison Mellott, Shippensburg University

Ingrid Everett, Commonwealth University

Camille Catlett, Frank Porter

Graham Child Development Institute

262AB

Adults

Diversity and Equity

74 | Overview of the higher education accreditation standards and self-study process

Mary Harrill, NAEYC

Erin Speer Smith, NAEYC

Erin Donovan, NAEYC HEA Commissioner & Ivy Tech

Community College, Muncie and Anderson Campuses

201D

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

75 | Blending standards, guidance, and resources from NAEYC and DEC to prepare personnel to create caring and equitable environments for young children with disabilities and their families

Megan Purcell, Purdue University

Heather Walter, George Mason University

211B

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

76 | Coaching in relationship: A framework rooted in the Developmental-Interaction Approach (DIA)

Tarima Levine, Bank Street College of Education

Jeré Davis, Bank Street College of Education

Victoria Ozeir, Bank Street College of Education

Davia Brown-Franklyn, Bank Street College of Education

251C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

77 | Building bridges: Preparing for difficult conversations with families

Ramya Krishna, The Learning Circle

Polly Yu, Designed for Young Minds

201C

Preschoolers

Family Engagement and Support

78 | Family math as a strategy toward equitable, engaged early education

Kalei Fowkes, Erikson Institute; Center for Family Math

211A

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

79 | Juntar nuestras culturas: Crear comunidad en el aula promoviendo el compromiso familiar

Marian Sosa Castillo, Melba S. Lehner Children’s School

255C

All Children

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

80 | What is sensory processing disorder, and how can educators minimize negative behaviors associated with it?

Jessica Albert, Henry Frost Children’s Program

252A

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

Thursday Sessions

8:00 - 9:30 AM

81 | Fostering resilience: Trauma-informed practices in early childhood settings

Nancy Moretti, Just For Kids

Early Childhood Learning and Consultancy

253C

All Children

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

82 | Supporting access and equity through literacy-rich classroom environments and interactions

Chad Waldron, Central Michigan University

Meghan Block, Central Michigan University

Kathryn Roberts, Wayne State University

256A

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

83 | Explore the leader in you: The head-heart-hands approach

Pradnya Patet, Brightpoint Community College

Thomasa Bond, Early Childhood Education LLC

Bagvati Yedur, State of Michigan

206AB

Adults

Leadership

84 | Seeing your staff’s potential

Jill Bertelsen, Bertelsen Education

Justin Bertelsen, Bertelsen Education

Sarah Steffen, Bertelsen Education

210C

Adults

Leadership

85 | Shift resistance in seconds: Mindsets and language for leading school transformation

Trish Keiller, Roots Education

258B

Adults

Leadership

86 | Risky business: Learn how to let children push the limits and trust that you are keeping them safe

Kellie Chestler-Root, University of Michigan Health System Children’s Center

213C

All Children

Learning Environment

87 | “Lifting as we climb”: Advocating for Black males in K-16 settings

Brian Johnson, Michigan State University

Reginald Williams, South Carolina State University

Anthony Broughton, Alabama State University

Troy Hunter, The Groundwork Ohio

263C

Adults

Men in Early Childhood

88 | Sticks and stones: Using nature to teach preschool math

Nicole Fravel, Wildwood Nature School; Wildwood Teaching

253A

Preschoolers

Nature/Outdoor Education

89 | Strong bodies, strong brains: How big body play is foundational to children’s selfregulation and learning

Preston Blackburn, Pivot to Play®

259AB

All Children

Physical Development

90 | Keeping up with your dinosaur-loving little ones: Bring museum content to life in your infant, toddler, or preschool classroom

Kalli Decker, Montana State University; Museum of the Rockies

251B

All Children Play

91 | Legislating play in early childhood classrooms: How Connecticut passed a playbased learning law, and what’s next in implementation

Peg Oliveira, Yale University

260A

Kindergartners Play

92 | Pre-K pages: How your early childhood teacher’s book club can be a powerful professional development experience

Stephanie Parker, Birmingham City Schools

LaTerika Smith, Birmingham City Schools

252B

Preschoolers

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

93 | STEAM-based activities for young ecologists

Erin Snyder, Riverside-Corona Conservation District

255A

First-to-Third Graders Science

94 | The WeFEEL approach: Using emotional self-work and diversity activities to create empathetic advocates for inclusion

Andrea Adelman, Florida International University, Miami

Daniela Foerch, Florida International University, Miami

205AB

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

95 | Treat others how you want them to treat others: Exploring the parallel process in early childhood education

Elizabeth Criswell, University of Minnesota Twin Cities

252C

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

96 | Culturally rich pages: Picture books as launchpads for enhancing children’s awareness and appreciation of self, others, and the world

Ruth Facun-Granadozo, East Tennessee State University

Tsitsi Nyabando, Eastern New Mexico University

Narges Sareh, East Tennessee State University

253B

First-to-Third Graders

Social Studies

97 | Designing classroom ecosystems of inclusion and belonging

Sandra Duncan, Author

Miriam Beloglovsky, Kaplan

Rebecca Berlin, Kaplan

210AB

Spotlight Session

SPONSORED BY

98 | PBS KIDS Idea Exchange: Insights and inspiration from teachers who engage young learners in purposeful play and learning with media and hands-on activities

John Sessler, PBS KIDS

Megan Kuensting, PBS KIDS

Sally Kim, PBS KIDS

204C

Adults

Teaching and Instructional Practices

99 | Taking inspiration from Reggio Emilia to reimagine school systems and increase participation and learning

Alison Maher, Boulder Journey School

213D

All Children

Teaching and Instructional Practices

100 | Teaching through transitions: How to use engagement cues and hook techniques to help toddlers and preschoolers transition from one activity to another

Dawnita Gallo, Minnesota State University Moorhead

Jill Mayer, Minnesota State University Moorhead

Gail Maahs, Minnesota State University Moorhead

255B

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

101 | Adding play and handson learning into kindergarten classrooms

Kacey Edgington, Washoe County School District

Amy Prosser, Northwest Regional Professional Development Program

260B

Kindergartners

Teaching and Instructional Practices

Thursday Sessions

8:00 - 9:30 AM | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

102 | Using innovative technology to maximize engagement and learning: Increasing rich, equitable, technology-driven, handson learning to create environments where young children thrive!

Donna Knoell, Educational and Technology Consulting

208AB

All Children

Technology and Digital Media

10:00-11:30 AM | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

Featured Session

103 | President’s Seminar: Ring the alarm! How are YOU advancing educational equity for young children?

It’s time to ring the alarm and examine our progress since NAEYC’s 2019 Advancing Equity Position Statement. In this session, NAEYC Board President will bring together equity educators, scholars, advocates and leaders to share how they have advanced educational equity for teachers, children, families, and communities. This session will also provide an interactive discussion with the audience on how we are collectively being the change we seek in equity and social justice in early childhood education.

Tonia Durden, NAEYC Governing Board President (moderator)

Iheoma Iruka, University of of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health

Stephanie Curenton, Boston University, Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Kerry-Ann Escayg, University of Nebraska Omaha

Brian L. Wright, The University of Memphis, College of Education

Gloria Boutte, University of South Carolina

Yohana Quiroz, Felton Institute and NAEYC Governing Board member

BALLROOM A Adults

SPONSORED BY

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Digital Tools for Learning, Creating, & Thinking

Learn how to use technologies to build on the learning children gain through play, foster their storytelling and reflection, enrich partnerships with families, and more.

Item 1159

Conference Price $16 | List: $20

104 | Re-envisioning Early Learning Program

Accreditation and revising the "Early Childhood Program Standards" position statement: Next steps

Kim Hodge, NAEYC

Amanda Batts, NAEYC

Meghan Salas Atwell, NAEYC

Alissa Mwenelupembe, NAEYC

206AB

All Children

Advocacy/Public Policy

105 | Identifying challenges and effective strategies in developing justice-focused regional early childhood education partnerships

Fred Jones, Southern Education Foundation

Cassandra McGraw, National Center for Families Learning

Rochelle Wilcox, Wilcox Academy

Allison Boyle, Southern Education Foundation

211A

Preschoolers

Advocacy/Public Policy

106 | Processing the election results and looking ahead for what it might mean for ECE

Daniel Hains, NAEYC

Paola Andujar, NAEYC

Nicole Lazarte, NAEYC

253C

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

107 | Embracing the process: Igniting young minds through art

Kristen Groover, Quality Care for Children

Whitney Long, Quality Care for Children

251B

All Children

Arts and Music

108 | What to expect when you are expecting an early intervention visitor in your classroom

Kris Everhart, Family, Infant and Preschool Program

207C

Infants & Toddlers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

109 | Disentangling ableism: Disability does not mean challenging behavior and vice versa

Courtney O’Grady, University of Alabama

Alison Hooper, University of Alabama

Jenna Weglarz-Ward, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

208AB

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

110 | The benefits of family child care in the early childhood education field

Tessie Ragan, Perfect Start Learning Consulting

255A

Adults

Community Partnerships

Family Childcare Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 255A, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM.

111 | Do you hear what I hear?

Exploring sound with infants and toddlers through project work

Connie Mosher, Fresno State Programs for Children, Inc.

Connie Rodriguez, Fresno State Programs for Children, Inc.

262C

Infants & Toddlers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

112 | Challenging implicit disability bias: An answer to critical staff shortages in early education

Jewell Cockrum, Ability KC

Kyle Boehr, Ability KC

201C

Adults

Diversity and Equity

113 | Fabulous families: Engaging and including LGBTQ+ families

James Clay, City University of New York

Laleña Garcia, City University of New York

253B

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

Thursday Sessions

10:00 - 11:30 AM

114 | Re-envisioning Early Learning Program

Accreditation and revising the "Early Childhood Program Standards" position statement: Next steps

Mary Harrill, NAEYC

Erin Speer Smith, NAEYC

Elisa Huss-Hage, NAEYC HEA Commissioner & HOPE Toledo

201D

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

115 | Strengthening early childhood and special education communities: Rutland Head Start and the ECSE BA program at Vermont State University Castleton

Lauren Weiss, Vermont State University-Castleton

Angela Sillars, Vermont State University-Castleton

Donna Barrow, Rutland County Head Start

Melissa Burke, Rutland County Head Start

211B

Preschoolers

Educator/Teacher Preparation

116 | Making the most of your first NAEYC Annual Conference and more for young and emerging professionals

Leah Walker, Rowan University Early Childhood Demonstration Center

Gloria Goodwin, ECE Professionals, Inc. & South Carolina First Steps

Isabella Frueh, Greater Cincinnati Foundation & Southwest Ohio

AEYC

261A

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

Young and Emerging Professionals Interest Forum will take place in Room 261A, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM

117 | Early language learning is a great idea . . . says everyone. But how does it work?

Rebekah Sampson, Early Beginnings Education

Ana Carolina Paulista Lucas, Early Beginnings Education

252B

All Children

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

118 | Building bridges: Storytelling to connect with families

Tiffany Schaefer, Cradle2College.com

Lea Chan, Bright Horizons

204A

Preschoolers

Family Engagement and Support

119 | Authentic learning and assessment: Partnering with farmworker families and their children in a rapidly changing world

Annie White, California State University Channel Islands

Mari Riojas-Cortez, California State University Channel Islands

Lauren Chase, California State University Channel Islands

212A

Infants & Toddlers

Family Engagement and Support

120 | Working together for healthy media use

Mary Rothschild, Health Media Choices

213C

Adults

Family Engagement and Support

121 | Family education and involvement in faith-based settings

Heidi Friedel, Early Childhood Consultant

260B

Adults

Family Engagement and Support

Faith Based Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 260B, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM.

122 | Lessons learned through global projects: Using motivators to encourage social-emotional development in children

Nili Luo, Gordon College Kelly Hantak, United 4 Children

202B

All Children

Global Perspectives

123 | After you’ve tried everything and it still doesn’t work, it’s time to push past it! A guide for dealing with intense challenging behaviors in young children

Angela Searcy, Simple Solutions Educational Services and Erikson Institute and Gryphon House

Publishing

207D

All Children

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

124 | Protecting children’s health against environmental hazards in child care

Jessica Price, Children’s Environmental Health Network

260C

All Children

Health and Safety

125 | Translanguaging playbased family literacy (PBFL) for multilingual children

Jinhee Kim, Kennesaw State University

Sophia Han, University of South Florida

Sohyun Meacham, University of Northern Iowa

Su-Jeong Wee, California State University, Los Angeles

251C

All Children

Language and Literacy

126 | Supporting language development in infants and toddlers

Danielle Yenser, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

256B

Infants & Toddlers

Language and Literacy

127 | The power of fairy tales in preschool: How stories connect children to the world

Nicole Gardner, Early Childhood Center at Westside Neighborhood School

Paige Dunseith, Early Childhood Center at Westside Neighborhood School

264C

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

128 | Five steps to success as a new leader

Anne Laguzza, The Works Consulting

257

Adults

Leadership

129 | Creating inclusive learning environments: Why it matters, how it looks in real life, and what we can do

Sally Hansen, University of Denver

Ronald Roybal, University of Denver

255C

Preschoolers

Leadership

130 | Sankofa: Embracing past, present, and future

Jerlean Daniel, Co-Chair, NAEYC Black Caucus

Jean Simpson, Trinity University and Past President, OMEP-USA

262AB

Adults

Leadership

Black Caucus Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 262AB, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM.

131 | Intentional environments: Setting the stage for learning

Laura Lisa Delgado, Learning Beyond Paper

Elizabeth Fields, Learning Beyond Paper

213A

All Children

Learning Environment

132 | Spotlight on spatial orientation and data science content: Using books, movement, hands-on manipulatives, and technology to foster preschoolers’ developmentally appropriate mathematics learning

Ashley Lewis Presser, Education Development Center

Jessica Mercer Young, Education Development Center

Regan Vidiksis, Education Development Center

253A

Preschoolers

Mathematics

133 | Connecting the E and M in STEM: Supporting early mathematics through engineering design

David Banzer, University of Illinois Chicago

258A

Preschoolers

Mathematics

134 | A playground for pollinators: Even toddlers can make outdoor spaces more environmentally friendly

Laura Wilhelm, Kaplan Early Learning Company

Carla Gull, Goshen College

Pamela Jenkins, Rainbow Fleet CR&R

209AB

Toddlers

Nature/Outdoor Education

Thursday Sessions

10:00 - 11:30 AM

135 | Start your engines: Active play sparks brain growth and physical development

Sharron Krull, Play Power

210C

Preschoolers

Physical Development

136 | Multisensory play: Big ideas for our littlest learners

Doug Fisher, San Diego State University

Kateri Thunder, Math+Literacy, LLC

Nancy Frey, San Diego State University

Kierstan Barbee, Corwin

207B

All Children

Play

137 | Determining effective methods of presentation to engage all adult learners in training content

Shannon Lockhart, HighScope Foundation

204C

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

138 | Walk a mile in my shoes: Coaching to meet the culturally diverse needs of early childhood educators, children, and families

Stephanie Simon, First Up: Champions for Early Education

252A

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

139 | Create an effective and comprehensive employee orientation and onboarding process to increase new staff engagement, empower employees for success, and maximize retention

Meaghan Fullerton, Weekday Nursery School

Nicole Dial, Weekday Nursery School

207A

Preschoolers

Program Administration, Evaluation, and Financial Management

140 | Enriching children’s scientific thinking about the phenomena of light through provocations

Sandra Seipel, Northwest Missouri State University

Rebecca Moore, Northwest Missouri State University

263C

Preschoolers

Science

141 | Simple strategies for creating positive verbal environments: Promoting healthy social and emotional development and connection with and guidance of young children

Amber Tankersley, Pittsburg State University

205AB

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

Laboratory Schools Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 205AB, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM.

142 | Ordinary magic

Michelle Toral, Miami-Dade County

Community Action & Human Services Head Start/Early Head Start

DeArdra Rolle, Miami-Dade County Community Action & Human Services Head Start/Early Head Start

213B

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

143 | Creating harmony: Supporting preschoolers’ social and emotional development with music and movement

Lili Levinowitz, Music Together Worldwide

Katie O’Dea, Music Together Worldwide Ellen Acuna, Music Together Worldwide

252C

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

144 | From the inside out! How to use compassion and empathy to diffuse school-age bullying behaviors

Ericka Gergely, Shine Early Learning: SPARK Learning Lab

259AB

First-to-Third Graders

Social and Emotional Development

145 | Designing high-quality neuroinclusive learning environments in ECE

Lindsay Astor Grant, Learning Redesigned

Mike Lindstrom, studioMLA the ECE studio of Ashley McGraw Architects

210AB

Spotlight Session

SPONSORED BY

- 11:30 AM

146 | Change in teachers’ perceptions: Increased identification of children’s strengths after utilizing a video reflection tool

Jessica Branch, Murray State University

Melissa Chapman, Murray State University

Kimberly Vigil, Murray State University

202A

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

147 | Unveiling joyful learning: Exploring developmentally appropriate practices in kindergarten

Amy Scrinzi, Meredith College

Amy Blessing, Rachel Freeman School of Engineering

254AB

Kindergartners

Teaching and Instructional Practices

Featured Session

148 | Engaging and challenging the gifted preschooler

Christine Bonow, Scottsdale Unified School District

Sarah Torrilhon, Scottsdale Unified School District

Shelley Pappas, Scottsdale Unified School District

255B

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

149 | Directing innovation: How directors can implement artificial intelligence for transformative child care

Samia Kazi, Global Childhood Academy

BALLROOM E

Adults

Technology and Digital Media

150 | The Ready School Assessment: Assess your school’s readiness to meet the needs of all students

Learn how the Ready School Assessment can provide a road map for schools that want to implement best practices that lead to improved school improvement efforts and child outcomes. Participate in a simulation that shows how to effectively use the Ready School Assessment, including how to use the strategy report. The strategy report aligns with the tools best practices and shows which strategies to implement next to move from the present performance level to the next higher performance level. Review the research that supports the validation and use of the assessment and the interpretation of its results.

Jeff Beal, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Jill Claxton, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Anthony Nielsen, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Madeline Chimka, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

BALLROOM A

Kindergartners

PRESENTED BY 1:00 - 2:30 PM | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

Thursday Sessions

151 | From powerless to powerful: Engaging early care and education providers in advocacy to move public policy

Rochelle Wilcox, For Providers by Providers Louisiana

Kristi Givens, For Providers by Providers Louisiana

209AB

Infants & Toddlers

Advocacy/Public Policy

152 | Federal Update

Daniel Hains, NAEYC

Paola Andujar, NAEYC

Nicole Lazarte, NAEYC

213D

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

153 | Music, language, and literacy skills: A pathway for all students to reach their highest potentials

Mary Anderson, My Music Starts Here

BALLROOM E

Preschoolers

Arts and Music

154 | Understanding student proficiency: Using standards to create proficiency scales for early learners

Wendy Daniels, Instructional Intensity, Inc.

Tammy Macy, Instructional Intensity, Inc.

Tami Bebee-Schwartz, Instructional Intensity, Inc.

213B

Preschoolers

Assessment of Young Children

155 | Coaching to support early childhood inclusion: Practices for increasing participation and engagement

Alicia Westbrook, The University of Southern Mississippi

Nicole Briceno, The University of Southern Mississippi

202B

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

156 | The EcoSonic Playground Project: Encompassing all dimensions of learning for the young child through musical exploration

Elissa Johnson-Green, University of Massachusetts Lowell Erica Green, Bellows Free Academy

211B

Kindergartners

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

157 | Where are the blocks in primary grades?

Eugene Geist, Louisiana State University

263C

First-to-Third Graders

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

158 | Our right to thrive: Deepening self and collective care practices in ECE settings through a healing circle model

Jodi Becker, Healing Early Childhood

201C

Adults

Diversity and Equity

159 | Leading with intent: Intentionally aligning policies and practices with DEIBJ

Nancy Yee, NAEYC Affiliate Advisory Council

Crystal Abbe, NAEYC Affiliate Advisory Council

Erin Ellis, NAEYC Affiliate Advisory Council

Brigitte Yount Willis, NAEYC Affiliate Advisory Council

252B

Adults

Diversity and Equity

160 | Incorporating anti-bias education goals in your classroom through the use of children’s books

Lori Blake, Central Connecticut State University

255A

All Children

Diversity and Equity

161 | Leveraging AI in teacher preparation programs: An innovative approach to assignment creation

Dawn Wilkinson, Enhancing Early Childhood

Melissa Busby, Enhancing Early Childhood

207B

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

162 | Supporting real inclusion for each and every child and their family

Camille Catlett, Frank Porter Graham Institute

LaShorage Shaffer, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Kelli Odden, Mayville State University

Danielle Savory Seggerson, Lansing Community College

Mary Harrill, NAEYC

211A

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

163 | Multilingualism and the brain: How speaking more than one language boosts children’s cognitive capacity

Karen Murillo, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

251B

Preschoolers

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

164 | Welcoming family culture to strengthen family relationships: Engaging with families to extend language and literacy by learning about who they are and where they come from through storytelling

Tricia Mynar-Cramer, Maui Family Support Services, Inc.

Sarah Wong, Maui Family Support Services, Inc.

Leinaala Bailey-Cosma, Maui Family Support Services, Inc.

Traci Robello, Maui Family Support Services, Inc.

251C

Infants & Toddlers

Family Engagement and Support

165 | Developing culturally responsive family partnerships in kindergarten: Communicating about the value of play and honoring families’ funds of knowledge

Iris Chin Ponte, Henry Frost Children’s Program, Inc.

Debbie LeeKeenan, Anti-Bias Leaders ECE

254AB

Kindergartners

Family Engagement and Support

166 | Strengthening families: Increasing awareness of the whole child to support diverse communities in preventing maltreatment

Mirna Mejia, Las Vegas Urban League Early Childhood Connection

Mary Regan, Las Vegas Urban League Early Childhood Connection

258A

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

167 | Ciencia inspirativa: Desarrollando la indagación, curiosidad y el lenguaje en estudiantes multilingües

Luz Maria Considine Salazar, Education Development Center

Janna Kook, Education Development Center

Jessica Mercer Young, Education Development Center

255C

Preschoolers

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

168 | From the beginning: Implementing a wellness program model for early childhood education

Rio Poliquin, Placer County Office of Education

Michelle King, Placer County Office of Education

202A

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

169 | Let’s play, learn, and grow together: Using group games to support executive function, self-regulation, and social and emotional development

Kenneth Sherman, HighScope

204C

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

170 | Coaching teachers to try new things! Pyramid strategies and NAEYC accreditation align to support children’s social skills and decrease challenging situations and behavior

Meg Formica, Connecticut Association for the Education of Young Children

Monica Franzone, Connecticut College Child Development Lab School

Maegan Adams, Bristol Child Development Center

Christopher Badenhop, Consolidated School District of New Britain

260B

All Children

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

Thursday Sessions

1:00 - 2:30 PM

171 | Let’s read aloud! Best new children’s books on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), social and emotional learning (SEL), and more

Amy Vandament, The Book Vine for Children

Isabel Baker, The Book Vine for Children

208AB

All Children

Language and Literacy

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

172 | Written by Room 6: Two teachers talk about autonomy and authorship with young children

Abbey Galeza, Kent State University

Sara Knapp, Kent State University

213C

Kindergartners

Language and Literacy

173 | Are you who you imagine? Reimagining your organization’s vision and leadership goals

AnneMarie Robley, Imagine Early Learning Centers

Cora Zoccolo Ungaro, Imagine Early Learning Centers

Gail Krieger, Imagine Early Learning Centers

204A

Adults

Leadership

174 | Leadership inside your classroom: Recruit, train, retrain, and lead paraprofessionals and support staff

Trevor Newton, Teach and Direct LLC

207D

All Children

Leadership

175 | You can’t do it alone, and no one can do it for you: Using reflection and planning to build teams that benefit everyone

Chris Amirault, self-employed

252A

Adults

Learning Environment

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

176 | Building agency in young children through Montessoriinspired environments

Heidi Morrison, Bright Horizons

Rachel Karrer Flack, Bright Horizons

253B

All Children

Learning Environment

177 | Intentional and playful: Supporting mathematics learning that builds on what young children know

Angela Chan Turrou, UCLA School of Education

Nick Johnson, San Diego State University

Megan Franke, UCLA School of Education

252C

Preschoolers

Mathematics

178 | Demystify the design process: Five attainable steps outdoor classroom designers use to create spaces built for joy, connection, creativity, and community building

Heather Fox, Dimensions Foundation

Jeff Lindstrom, Dimensions Foundation

256A

Preschoolers

Nature/Outdoor Education

179 | Science with a story: Interactive play + STEM + literacy

Jaymee Herrington, Cimarron Elementary School

256B

Preschoolers

Play

180 | Perspectives of play: How scholars perceive the role of play in human development

Vivien Geneser, Texas State University

Melissa M. Day-Mifflin, University of Texas-San Antonio

260C

Adults

Play

181 | Building equitable professional development opportunities in today’s early childhood education workforce

Brittany Foss, Kennebec Valley Community Action ProgramEducare Central Maine

Sara Wilkes, Kennebec Valley Community Action ProgramEducare Central Maine

261A

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

182 | Being an early childhood professional (Part 1)

Erin Cofer, SPARK Learning Lab

Becky Grider, SPARK Learning Lab

207C

Adults

Professionalism and Ethics

183 | Early childhood leadership: Navigating Generation Z

Jane Humphries, McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership at National Louis University

259AB

Adults

Program Administration, Evaluation, and Financial Management

184 | The application of project-based learning to teaching practices in kindergarten: Exploratory empirical research

Liping Chi, Shenzhen No. 11 Kindergarten

Siyuan Xing, Shenzhen No. 11 Kindergarten

Lun Du, Shenzhen No. 11

Kindergarten

Houbin Fang, Columbus State University

212A

Kindergartners

Research

185 | Screen-free coding activities to create robust early childhood science experiences

Angie Meredith, hand2mind

260A

All Children

Science

186 | Continuity of care with infants and toddlers: I know it’s effective, but how do I get there?

Jeanne Malone, Ithaca Community Childcare Center

207A

Infants & Toddlers

Social and Emotional Development

187 | Creating a spiritual and social-moral classroom community: Embracing identity, diversity, respect, and kindness

Kathleen Harris, Seton Hill University

210C

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

188 | Cultural intelligence: A look into cultural differences

Kianna Lewis, Haven Education

258B

Adults

Social and Emotional Development

189 | Supporting young children’s emotional regulation through responsive interactions

Val Krage, University of WisconsinLa Crosse

261B

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

190 | Realizing the promise of assessment

Nicol Russell, Teaching Strategies

Breeyn Mack, Teaching Strategies

210AB

Spotlight Session

SPONSORED BY

191 | Beyond cookies and juice: Meeting and exceeding nutrition standards when feeding young children

Donna Pomerson, Learning Care Group

Nicole Spain, Learning Care Group

213A

Preschoolers

Standards – Early Learning Standards, Program Standards

1:00 - 2:30 PM | ANAHEIM

192 | ABC to XYZ: Research updates for effective alphabet instruction

Lucy Hart Paulson, Language Literacy Links

206AB

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

3:00 - 4:30 PM | ANAHEIM

Featured Session

193 | Let the kids rule: What happens when children decide how many can play in an interest area

Heather Strong, Lower Columbia College Head Start

253A

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

194 | Unleashing curiosity and creativity: Early childhood learning through playful STEM, STEAM, and STREAM activities

Phong Tran, Eye On Computers

255B

All Children

Technology and Digital Media

195 | Beyond anti-bias: Teaching for justice in early care and education

For decades, anti-bias education for young children has supported identity and diversity in early childhood classrooms while nurturing children's agency, yet in early childhood spaces, we witness the same inequities of racism, ableism, Eurocentrism, and monolingualism continue to persist. Building beyond anti-bias education means critically examining early childhood practices through the lens of justice. Specifically, this workshop will explore examples of how early childhood education can create new ways of being that challenge current power dynamics and move us all toward building more equitable systems.

Jamie Cho, University of Washington

Ninderjit Gill, North Seattle College

BALLROOM A

Adults

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

3:00 - 5:00 PM |

196 | MAKE A CIRCLE Film: A love letter to early educators and a rally cry for a child care system in crisis

Jen Bradwell, MAKE A CIRCLE Film

Patricia Moran, Creative Learning Center

Charlotte Guinn, Rose's Day Care

Anne Bauer, All People's School

Daniel Hains, NAEYC

BALLROOM B

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Book Title

Anti-Bias Education for Young Children & Ourselves (Second Edition)

Body Copy

More then ever, young children need educators who can help them navigate and thrive in a world of great diversity. This classic resource, now expanded and updated, is your guide to building a strong anti-bias program.

Item 1143

Item XXXX

Conference Price $36 | List: $45

Conference Price $X | List: $X

197 | One picture is worth a thousand words: Practical approaches to documenting STEM learning in pre-K classrooms

Lori Caudle, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Temvelo Matsebula, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Hannah Thompson, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Charles Flowers Jr., The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

253A

Preschoolers

Assessment of Young Children

198 | Change your mind, and the rest will follow: Creating equitable and inclusive ECE

Kimberly Hile, University of Alabama Huntsville

Courtney O’Grady, University of Alabama

Jenna Weglarz-Ward, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Loretta Hayslip, University of Alabama Huntsville Early Learning Center

207B

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

199 | “The next right thing” for each child in your care: Individualizing support for infants and toddlers

Clarissa Martinez, Teaching Strategies, LLC

Breeyn Mack, Teaching Strategies, LLC

213A

Infants & Toddlers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

200 | Executive functioning is an equity-building strategy!

John Till, The Family Partnership

Dianne Haulcy, The Family Partnership

Cassaundra Davis, The Family Partnership

Colin Earle, The Family Partnership

201C

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

201 | Mommies, mermaids, and boy colors: Supporting gender exploration through play

Lauren Lodato, Lavender Learning Lab

Katelyn Owens, Lavender Learning Lab

202A

All Children

Diversity and Equity

202 | Dissecting key assessments in higher education accreditation

Mary Harrill, NAEYC

Erin Speer Smith, NAEYC

Tiffany E. Hunter, NAEYC HEA Commissioner & Metropolitan Community College

201D

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

203 | Reflections from the NAEYC history seminar: Our stories that inform the future

Blythe Hinitz, The College of New Jersey

Ed Greene, Knology

Judith Mikkelson, Washburn University/International Round Table Symposium

Jean Simpson, Trinity University

Byron Phillips, Mercer Street Friends

210C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

204 | Pushing back against the push down: Engaging preservice teachers in complex pedagogies

Andrea Anderson, Appalachian State University

Denise Brewer, Appalachian State University

263C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

205 | Building foundations for multiliteracy: Nurturing oral language development in young children

Lauren Shea, American University

213C

Preschoolers

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

3:00 - 4:30

206 | Equitable family-school partnerships to support early literacy

Shanon Everett, Michigan Department of Education

Melissa Manko, Michigan Department of Education

251B

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

207 | Caring for those in foster care: How schools and teachers can support children and families navigating the foster care system in their communities

Becky Sayler, Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool

Felicia Jones, Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool

262C

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

208 | Cuando el problema matemático comienza con el problema

Claudia Gabriela Sosa Díaz, Red de Colegios Semper Altius

255C

Kindergartners

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

209 | Responding to challenging behaviors: Connection first with hand in hand listening tools

Angela Sillars, Vermont State University

Maya Coleman, Hand in Hand

Pam Oatis, Hand in Hand

Ahava Vogelstein, Hand in Hand

207A

All Children

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

210 | A behavior analytic approach to expulsion and suspension in preschool: What every leader must know and be able to do

Karina Soto, ABA Centers of America

252A

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

211 | Fostering healthy foundations: A holistic approach to health promotion in early care settings

Crystal Crowell, Child Care Aware of America

Nicole Garro, Child Care Aware of America

211A

Adults

Health and Safety

212 | Decoding the unspoken: Understanding nonverbal cues in infant-toddler behavior to cultivate nurturing relationships and language skills

Juelie Perry-Schwartz, Indian River State College

207D

Infants & Toddlers

Language and Literacy

213 | Getting LIT for LITeracy: Using intentional, interactive, and musicbased activities to bolster early literacy skills

Anthony Broughton, Alabama State University; MISTER B 259AB

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

214 | Leading with an equity lens: Building on leadership essentials to energize and strengthen your impact in guiding program change

Teri Talan, National Louis University

Marie Masterson, McCormick Center for Early Childhood Leadership

Jill Bella, Bella Mattina

204C

Adults

Leadership

215 | Empowering early childhood educators: A coaching journey toward developing shared goals, equitable practices, and growth-driven reflection

Laurie Zepezauer, Early Educator Support Office at East Carolina University

Angela Morse, Early Educator Support Office at East Carolina University

Shawanda Jordan, Early Educator Support Office at East Carolina University

Angie Jahr, Early Educator Support Office at East Carolina University

206AB

Preschoolers

Leadership

216 | Creating and improving workplace environments so staff can thrive

Ellen Galinsky, Families and Work Institute

Marty Elquist, The Children’s Cabinet

Brianna Cambra, The Children’s Cabinet

Deborah Bergeron, The National Head Start Association

254AB

Adults

Leadership

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

217 | Leadership with the brain in mind

Chantal Lamourelle, Santa Ana College

Regina Lamourelle, Santiago Canyon College

Marianne Laney, Santiago Canyon College

Kisha Champion, Santiago Canyon College

255B

Adults

Leadership

218 | “I can’t because . . .” A collaborative approach to transformational environmental change

Kate Michalsen, Pearl City School District #200

Christine Burkholder, Designing Environments for Growth and Inspiration (DEGI)

Sandra Duncan, Nova Southeastern University

204A

All Children

Learning Environment

219 | Transform your site into an outdoor classroom: How to turn your playground into an outdoor learning environment with budget-friendly ideas you can implement immediately

Theron Royer, Gillispie School

Mindy Coates Smith, Gillispie School

252B

Preschoolers

Learning Environment

220 | Recruiting and retaining men in early childhood education

Lanor Payne, Normandy Schools Collaborative

211B

Infants & Toddlers

Men in Early Childhood

221 | Empowered community builders: How students connected with others across campus by using literacy and STEM and created a community experience in the woods

Katie Musick, Riverfield Country Day School

Julie Williams, Riverfield Country Day School

Andrea Sawyers, Riverfield Country Day School

264C

First-to-Third Graders

Nature/Outdoor Education

222 | From dreams to reality: Launching or expanding your child care program

Zuleika Hines, Beyond Basic Learning

202B

Adults

Physical Development

223 | Mirrors, windows, and sliding doors: Using compelling materials to make children visible in the classroom

Heather DiGiovanni, Henry Frost Children’s Program; Complementary Curriculum Approach

Lisa Kuh, Complementary Curriculum Approach

212A

Preschoolers

Play

224 | Creating playful learning experiences for linguistically and culturally diverse children

Alexandra Figueras-Daniel, National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Shannon Ayers, Lakeshore Learning Materials

213B

Kindergartners

Spotlight Session

SPONSORED BY

225 | Beautiful oops: Fostering resilience, problem solving, and creative thinking in the classroom

Barney Saltzberg, Barney Saltzberg-Author

BALLROOM E

All Children

Play

Thursday Sessions

3:00 - 4:30 PM

226 | Voices of Practitioners: Inquiry into our own practice, and getting started in teacher research

Isauro Escamilla, San Francisco State University

Barbara Henderson, San Francisco State University

256A

All Children

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

227 | Addressing the need for pre-kindergarten teachers in rural Mississippi

Gena Puckett, North MS Child Care Resource and Referral Center & Graduate Center for the Study of Early Learning

260B

Preschoolers

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

228 | Being an early childhood professional (Part 2)

Erin Cofer, SPARK Learning Lab

Becky Grider, SPARK Learning Lab

207C

Adults

Professionalism and Ethics

229 | “What can you teach a toddler?” Aligning developmentally appropriate practice with STEM education for infants and toddlers

Amie Perry, East Tennessee State University

Alissa Lange, East Tennessee State University

255A

Infants & Toddlers

Science

230 | Think outside the pages: Making storybooks come to life through movement, yoga, dramatic play, and mindfulness

Nicole Kristoff, Kokopelli Discovery Center

204B

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

231 | Play for the win: Building self-regulation skills and supporting trauma-informed healing

Julia Sayles, Georgetown University

Kelli McDermott, Georgetown University

209AB

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

232 | Bibliotherapy: Merging educational and clinical theories with practice

Katie Thomas, William James College

251C

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

233 | Unteachable moments! Where and when to effectively foster positive change in challenging behavior

Amy Alt, City of Madison

Lisa Jones, YoungStar Connect

256B

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

234 | Sea creatures and young hearts: Fostering empathy in children

Mayra Almodovar, Hartnell College

Bianca Pierre-Louis, Monterey Bay Aquarium

Tammy Boates, Hartnell College

261A

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

235 | Strive-for-Five conversations to boost children's oral language development

Tricia A. Zucker, Children’s Learning Institute at University of Texas Health and Science Center

Sonia Cabell, School of Teacher Education and the Florida Center for Reading Research at Florida State University

210AB

Spotlight Session

SPONSORED BY

236 | Joyful learning in the natural world: Snails, worms, and holes in trees

Melissa Fine, Division of Early Childhood in Queens, NY

260A

Kindergartners

Teaching and Instructional Practices

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

237 | Making sense of it all: Observing and interpreting early childhood peer cultures

Jane Broderick, East Tennessee State University

Ashley Shook, East Tennessee State University

260C

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

239 | “More fun than a field trip!” Still teaching in the key of life

Mimi Brodsky Chenfeld, OAEYC

GRAND BALLROOM G/H

All Children

Arts and Music

238 | Dance and decode: Hoppin’-poppin’-boppin’ phonics through musical play

Erica Robertson, Adventures Publishing House

Candice Williams, Urby Education Academy

304A

First-to-Third Graders

Teaching and Instructional Practices

Kickstart your Leadership Journey at "NAEYCLand"

4:30 - 5:30 PM

NAEYC EXPO, HALL B

Join us for an opportunity to connect with NAEYC leaders and discover how you can make an impact!

See page 90 for more information.

CEUs

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

From Children’s Interests to Children’s Thinking

Find out how the cycle of inquiry makes the process of planning and implementing an emergent curriculum more approachable.

Item 1145

Conference Price $28 | List: $35

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Making and Tinkering With STEM

Explore STEM concepts through making and tinkering! Inspire and challenge children in preschool through third grade with engineering design challenges inspired by their favorite books.

Item 1130

Conference Price $20 | List: $25

NAEYC is offering IACET CEUs for a limited number of 2024 Annual Conference sessions.

Look for the CEUs icon which indicates if a session is offering CEUs.

See page 12 for more information on CEUs.

Thursday & Friday Food Concessions

ECOGROUNDS

LOBBY A | 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Items include coffee, pastries, snacks, and assorted beverages

ANAHEIM FRESH GO!

LOBBY B/C | 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Grab & Go items such as salads, sandwiches/wraps, coffee, and snacks

EXPO FOOD COURT

HALLS A/B | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Concessions include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks

Kickstart Your Leadership Journey at “ NAEYCLand!”

Thursday | 4:30-5:30 PM

Anaheim Convention Center | NAEYC Expo, Hall B

Join us at “NAEYCLand” for an opportunity to connect with NAEYC leaders and discover how you can make an impact!

Engage directly with representatives from diverse groups within NAEYC, including members of the NAEYC Governing Board, A liates, the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education, Interest Forum facilitators, consulting editors, peer reviewers, and policy & advocacy experts.

This is your chance to ask questions, gather insights, and explore ways to get involved. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to elevate your leadership journey—see you at “NAEYCLand!”

Friday Sessions

generously brought to you through support from

8:00 - 9:30 AM |

ACCESS to shared knowledge in practice (Part 1):

Reconceptualizing inclusion: Designing early childhood programs that support each and every adult learner/student

Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute

Lansing Community College

Westmoreland County Community College

Lehigh Carbon Community College

A new vision for high-quality pre-K curriculum

CEUs

NAEYC is offering IACET CEUs for a limited number of 2024 Annual Conference sessions.

Look for the CEUs icon which indicates if a session is offering CEUs.

See page 12 for more information on CEUs.

8:00 - 9:30 AM | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

This session presents findings and recommendations aimed at creating a vision for a high-quality preschool curriculum. The Committee's report supports equitable curriculum development, state- and program-level curriculum selection, and local implementation. The Committee reviewed research on child development, curriculum efficacy, access to learning opportunities, and experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse children, families, and educators. The session presents findings including

Fundamental principles and definitions that should guide the content, development, and use of a high-quality, equity-driven curriculum for preschoolers.

The components, criteria, and/or features of a high-quality preschool curriculum that support equity and learning and development of all children, with special attention to Black, Latino/a, and Native children, multilingual learners, children with disabilities, and children experiencing poverty.

› How the components of a high-quality, equitable curriculum should guide state and local program directors to make curricular decisions for diverse learners.

› Curricular supports and professional development needed by early educators in diverse settings to enable effective and equitable implementation of a high-quality curriculum.

› Funding mechanisms, state and federal policies, and innovations to support the selection and use of an effective and equitable preschool curriculum.

› Research needed to address current gaps in understanding components of high-quality preschool curricula.

Sue Bredekamp, Independent Early Childhood Education Consultant

Linda Espinosa, University of Missouri, Columbia Iheoma Iruka, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health

BALLROOM A Preschoolers

SPONSORED BY

MARRIOTT

Friday Sessions

8:00 - 9:30 AM

242 | Everyday quality: Including family child care educator perspectives in quality measurement and supporting continuous quality improvement

Alison Hooper, The University of Alabama

Rena Hallam, University of Delaware

Whitney Wahl, The University of Alabama

202A

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

243 | Re-envisioning Early Learning Program

Accreditation and revising the "Early Childhood Program Standards" position statement: Next steps

Kim Hodge, NAEYC

Amanda Batts, NAEYC

Meghan Salas Atwell, NAEYC

Alissa Mwenelupembe, NAEYC

209AB

All Children

Advocacy/Public Policy

244 | Affordability, accessibility, and quality: Act 76 and Vermont’s Readiness Payment Program

Dawn Rouse, State of Vermont

Rey Garofano, State of Vermont

212A

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

245 | Creativity: Using the arts, music, and literacy to develop creativity

Rebecca Tate, Nye County School

District

BALLROOM E

Preschoolers

Arts and Music

246 | An equity-centered and holistic approach to assessing math in the early years

Lisa Lunney-Borden, St. Francis

Xavier University

Wendy Mackey, St. Francis Xavier University

Jarrett Laughlin, Sprig Learning

213A

Preschoolers

Assessment of Young Children

247 | Systemic change and creating inclusive early childhood public school programs

Annie Corley-Hand, Leading Innovative Learning Associates, LLC

207A

First-to-Third Graders

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

248 | Analyzing pre-K curriculum: Defining HQIM for early childhood

Shana Weldon, EdReports

Courtney Allison, EdReports

213C

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

249 | Flipping the script: Using screen time to support healthy development

Jeremy Walters, Stanford University

252A

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

250 | Using literature to teach young children about race and identity

Kelly Bird, Making Space LLC

210C

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

251 | Addressing implicit bias and microaggressions in teacher-family relationships

Maryam Daha, Foothill College

252C

Adults

Diversity and Equity

252 | Creating a climate of equity: Exploring dispositions and practices around gender and ability

Desirée Toldo, New York

Early Childhood Professional Development Institution

Stefanie Horton, New York

Early Childhood Professional Development Institution

260C

Adults

Diversity and Equity

253 | Children as philosophers: How to cultivate philosophical sensitivity in children as part of an anti-bias curriculum

Carol Flanagan, Evergreen Community School

Iwona Dziag, Evergreen Community School

264C

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

254 | Credit where credit is due: Implementing credit for prior learning for early childhood educators

Mary Harrill, NAEYC

Tiffanie Kloida, Waukesha County Technical College

Kimberly Krzanowski, Early Childhood Innovation Center, Delaware State University

Elizabeth Kelleher, Early Childhood Innovation Center, Delaware State University

201D

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

255 | Growing leaders: Building a stronger workforce through mentoring

Emily Nauth, East Tenth United Methodist Children & Youth Center, Inc.

Jenny Spencer, Conscious Discipline

207C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

256 | Expanding the wellqualified ECE workforce in California: Pre-K–3 credential as a new pathway

Pei-Ying Wu, California State University, Fresno

Marcia Haas, California State University, Fresno

213B

All Children

Educator/Teacher Preparation

257 | Teacher-student interactions: Coregulation as the path to self-regulation

Donna Housman, Housman Institute

Sierra Dickerson, Housman Institute

251B

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

258 | By invitation only: Higher education accreditation peer reviewer meeting

Erin Speer Smith, NAEYC

Erin Donovan, NAEYC HEA Commissioner & Ivy Tech Community College, Muncie and Anderson Campuses

263AB

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

259 | Michigan’s approach to supporting multilingual learners in preschool

Shanon Everett, Michigan Department of Education

Patricia Garcia-Arena, American Institutes for Research

211B

Preschoolers

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

260 | “Come on in; you belong here!” Welcoming families of children with disabilities into ECE programs

Jenna Weglarz-Ward, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Maryssa Mitsch, San Francisco State University

Jessica Branch, Murray State University

202B

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

261 | Hand in hand: Cultural competency and reflective practice in infant-toddler care

Jacquelyn Ching, The Learning Bridge

260B

Infants & Toddlers

Family Engagement and Support

262 | Life journey through clay

Evone Martinez, SNOWFLAKE

261A

Adults

Family Engagement and Support

263 | Flags do not have to be red: Talking with families differently about child development

Jackie Smith Ziniewicz, TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804

Sue Stolzer, TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804

263C

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

Friday Sessions

8:00 - 9:30 AM |

264 | Aprende y crece con PBS: Función ejecutiva, aprendizaje socioemocional y el mundo del trabajo

Sandra Cruz, PBS SoCal

Nancy Duran, East Los Angeles College

Dagmar Morales, Kenton County Public Library

256A

Preschoolers

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

265 | Eliminating expulsions, suspensions, and exclusions: How understanding implicit bias and trauma can support children’s well-being

Ellaine Miller, Think Small Institute

258B

All Children Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

266 | The caterpillar effect: How to transform children’s learning experiences and advance their language and literacy development through their emerging interests

Chermaine Tolbert, Quality Care for Children

210D

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

267 | Make stories come alive with STEM

Christina Cho, De Anza College

Jayanti Roy, De Anza College

253B

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

268 | The what and how of phonological awareness instruction: Why rhyming alone is not enough

Emily Hoffman, National Louis University

Colleen Whittingham, Loyola University

254AB

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

269 | Language and LiteracyEstablishing positive program and family connections

Kassy Lopez~Sonchar, A ‘Lil’ SASS

Early Childhood Consultation LLC

253C

Adults

Leadership

270 | Moving from “We can’t!” to “Let’s try!” Promoting positive change in your program with a collaborative framework for innovation

Kirsten Haugen, Dimensions Educational Research Foundation

Katorra Enoch-Longshore, Council for Professional Recognition

Iris Chin Ponte, The Henry Frost Children’s Program

260A

Adults

Leadership

271 | Leading the way: Supporting and maintaining inclusive programs for children, families, and staff

Sarah Lang, Virtual Lab School, The Ohio State University

Kristen Knight, Virtual Lab School, The Ohio State University

Summer Luckey, Virtual Lab School, The Ohio State University

Erin Tebben, Virtual Lab School, The Ohio State University

261B

Adults

Leadership

272 | Outdoor spaces: Tips for planning lively learning centers, curriculum areas, and safe places

Heather Olsen, University of Northern Iowa

204C

All Children

Learning Environment

273 | Curated moments: Rich inquiry, robust environments, and intelligent materials

Jennifer Kesselring, Riverfield Country Day School

Ashley Stewart, Riverfield Country Day School

Whitney Dickinson, Riverfield Country Day School

Jerry Bates, Riverfield Country Day School

256B

Infants & Toddlers

Learning Environment

274 | Choosing and using picture books in kindergarten and early primary math

Jill Davis, University of Central Oklahoma

K. Nicole Pearce, Texas A&M University at Commerce

255A

First-to-Third Graders

Mathematics

275 | Fathers and families: Creating a male-friendly environment in an inclusive classroom

Joshua Alvarez, Kaplan Early Learning

213D

All Children

Men in Early Childhood

276 | Nature’s classroom: Unleashing the power of outdoor play for young learners

Ozden Ozkanoglu, The Fay School

201C

All Children

Nature/Outdoor Education

277 | Playing for keeps: Unleashing creativity and championing play for a thriving childhood and beyond

Kim Adams, Today We Play- Barron Park Preschool

207D

Preschoolers

Play

278 | NAEYC’s latest DAP resources: Which is the right one for your setting

Susan Friedman, NAEYC

Dana Battaglia, NAEYC

258A

All Children

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

279 | Tinkering with science, nature, and loose parts

Diann Gano, Under the Ginkgo Tree

255B

Preschoolers

Science

280 | Stop in the name of love: A mad community = a S.A.D. child

Eyona Lewis, LEAP Coaching Session

207B

Adults

Social and Emotional Development

281 | From “Good job” to “You did it!” Using encouragement instead of praise to support children’s learning

Danielle Yenser, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Jessica Logan, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

208AB

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

282 | Making space for healing: How to use somatic and artsbased approaches to enhance emotional regulation and trauma-informed care in the classroom

Nikita Gupta, LITTE Healing and Consulting

Anna Reyner, Creative Play LA

253A

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

283 | Bopping to their brilliance: Using hip-hop play to engage and support the SEL of Black boys

Anthony Broughton, Alabama State University; MISTER B

259AB

Kindergartners

Social and Emotional Development

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

284 | How daily mindfulness practice boosts social emotional learning and executive function

Rachel Robertson, Bright Horizons

Carol Howard, Bright Horizons

Laura Bakosh, Inner Explorer

Isaac Van Wesep, Reflections Science

210AB

Spotlight Session

Friday Sessions

8:00 - 9:30 AM |

285 | Connecting meaningful classroom experiences to early learning standards

Debbie Keiser, Lillio

262C

Preschoolers

Standards – Early Learning Standards, Program Standards

286 | Sensory shenanigans: Unleash the power of learning in sensory smart environments

Dawn Keller, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Marla Pankratz, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Robyn Randol, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

206AB

All Children

Teaching and Instructional Practices

287 | Building engineering identities through children’s literature: Intersections of language, literacy, and STEM in the early childhood classroom

Angela Eckhoff, Old Dominion University

211A

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

288 | Learning and growing together: The challenges and rewards of a mixed-age, playbased classroom

Melanie Douglass, Little Folks School

Elliott Hughes, Little Folks School

255C

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

10:00 - 11:30 AM | ANAHEIM MARRIOTT

290 | ACCESS to shared knowledge in practice (Part 2): Reconceptualizing inclusion: Preparing early childhood educators who can individualize for each and every child and family

Camille Catlett, Frank Porter

Graham Child Development Institute

Danielle Savory-Seggerson, Lansing Community College

Brandi Slider, Westmoreland County Community College

ORANGE COUNTY BALLROOM 2/3/4

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

289 | Empowering young minds: Unplugged adventures in early childhood computer science education with creative commands and smarter robots

Temvelo Matsebula, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Charles Flowers Jr., University of Tennessee Knoxville

Hannah Thompson, University of Tennessee Knoxville

Francia Zelaya, University of Tennessee Knoxville

251C

Preschoolers

Technology and Digital Media

Thursday & Friday Food Concessions

ECOGROUNDS

LOBBY A | 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Items include coffee, pastries, snacks, and assorted beverages

ANAHEIM FRESH GO!

LOBBY B/C | 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Grab & Go items such as salads, sandwiches/wraps, coffee, and snacks

EXPO FOOD COURT

HALLS A/B | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Concessions include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks

10:00 - 11:30 AM | ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

Featured Session

291 | Empowering change: Amplify your voice for advocacy

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion featuring leaders from The Council for Professional Recognition, including Dr. Calvin Moore Jr., CEO, Elisa Shepherd, VP of Strategic Alliances and Haley Brush, Policy and Advocacy Manager. "Empowering change: Amplify your voice for advocacy" invites educators, advocates, and community leaders to explore the vital role of advocacy in early childhood education.

In this engaging session, attendees will learn about The Council’s 2025 policy agenda, federal and state advocacy initiatives, and the importance of grassroots engagement in shaping the future of the profession.

Through this collaborative discussion, you will gain a deeper understanding of the Council's mission and how to effectively engage with policy issues that matter most to young learners and the educators who support them. Let’s come together to amplify our voices, champion meaningful change, and drive impactful advocacy for the future of early childhood education.

Calvin Moore, Jr., Council for Professional Recognition

Elisa Shepherd, Council for Professional Recognition

Haley Brush, Council for Professional Recognition

BALLROOM A

PRESENTED BY

292 | Little learners, big museum: Making the most of your art museum visit

Alli Rogers Andreen, Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Denise Gonzalez, Dallas Museum of Art

Lillian Young, The Brooklyn Museum

202B

Preschoolers

Arts and Music

293 | Leap off the page! Using music and movement to make picture books come alive!

Margaret Hooton, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

BALLROOM E

Preschoolers

Arts and Music

294 | Everyone can play: How to support each and every student through an inclusive learning environment

Meg Druga, Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Center at James Madison University

Erin Saxon, Virginia Department of Education Training and Technical Assistance Center at Old Dominion University

211A

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

295 | This never gets easy: Talking with families about developmental concerns

Leslie Fox, WestEd

Jenine Schmidt, WestEd Jamie Michaud, WestEd

213D

Infants & Toddlers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

296 | HOPE Toledo pre-K: Our journey to create a comprehensive, communitybased approach to highquality preschool

Elisa Huss-Hage, HOPE Toledo John Jones, HOPE Toledo

Shawna Woody, HOPE Toledo

211B

Adults

Community Partnerships

10:00 - 11:30 AM

297 | Curriculum for all: Intentionally engaging infants and toddlers

Caroline Gilbert, The Learning Experience

Chelsea Dicker, The Learning Experience

Maria Moon, The Learning Experience

206AB

Infants & Toddlers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

298 | Seeds of discovery: Cultivating project-based learning in early childhood education with a nature focus

Jean Barresi, Capital Region Education Council (CREC)

Sara Castle, Capital Region Education Council (CREC)

Traci Protz, Capital Region Education Council (CREC)

Natasha Robinson, Capital Region Education Council (CREC)

253A

All Children

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

299 | Shazam! Sharing stories of self and solidarity

Sovandara Chhin, Dixon Montessori Charter School

Ashley Person, Bridging Education

202A

First-to-Third Graders

Diversity and Equity

300 | An anti-bias show and tell: How we integrated identity work into early childhood education

Holli Blanc, Cranbrook Schools

Kate Schallhorn, Cranbrook Schools

Shauna Macauley, Cranbrook Schools

205AB

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

301 | Holding space for conversations about climate justice

Ninderjit Gill, WAEYC

Jamie Cho, WAEYC

Kirsten Haugen, World Forum Foundation

Binta Dixon, Exchange Press

Alissa Mwenelupembe, NAEYC (moderator)

251C

All Children

Diversity and Equity

302 | The many stories of our beloved community: Honoring young children’s kinship and connections with the world

Rukia Monique Rogers, The Highlander School

260A

All Children

Diversity and Equity

303 | A basic strategy to characterize girls’ contexts to support their STEM learning in early childhood education

Nicolas Arias-Velandia, East Tennessee State University

263C

Adults

Diversity and Equity

304 | Using artificial intelligence in higher education: Crafting pedagogy that enhances learning, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility in early childhood educators

Sara Matthews, University of Idaho

204C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

305 | Key foundations for supporting multilingual learners: A practical look at the first two items in the SelfEvaluation of Supports for Emergent Bilingual Acquisition (SESEBA) tool

Brenda Andress, Orange Public Schools

Carol Gough-DaSilva, Orange Public Schools

Susan Morales, Orange Public Schools

253B

Preschoolers

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

306 | The silent pandemic: Supporting children and families affected by opioid use disorder (OUD)

Sara Hooks, Towson University

207C

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

307 | Creating opportunities for multilingual learners: Linking classroom content and children’s funds of knowledge through technology

Bernice Vasquez, Passaic Public Schools

Alexandra Figueras-Daniel, National Institute for Early Education Research

213A

Preschoolers

Family Engagement and Support

308 | The project approach: An approach to engaging families in reciprocal partnerships in the home-based setting

Pegi Stamps, Project Eagle

Carol Bolz, Mid-America Regional Council

Lisa Holliday, Project Eagle

255A

Preschoolers

Family Engagement and Support

Project Approach Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 255A, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM.

309 | Championing guided play: Educating families about the value of using guided play to support student outcomes

Claire Goss, Bright Horizons

Heidi Morrison, Bright Horizons

Patricia Sinclair, Bright Horizons

260B

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

310 | What a wonderful world: Traveling the world with children through food

Nicole Spain, Learning Care Group

Sherrie Gomez, Learning Care Group

213B

Preschoolers

Global Perspectives

311 | Técnicas dialógicas: Fortalecer vínculos entre familias y educadores y explorar el aprendizaje temprano de matemáticas

Smirla Ramos Montañez, TERC

Viviana López Burgos, TERC

256A

Preschoolers

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

312 | “What’s your idea for solving the problem?” Involving children in the conflict resolution process

Kenneth Sherman, HighScope

203AB

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

313 | Child protection one step at a time: 120 days to a strong child safety policy

Deborah Ausburn, Taylor English Duma LLP

Thomas Rawlings, Taylor English Duma LLP

212A

Adults

Health and Safety

314 | Lessons from Tools of the Mind classrooms: Where the science of reading meets the science of learning and development

Deborah Leong, Tools of the Mind

Elena Bodrova, Tools of the Mind

Angela Alvis, Tools of the Mind

207D

All Children

Language and Literacy

315 | Meet the authors and illustrators: Children’s literature at NAEYC

Amy Vandament, The Book Vine for Children

Isabel Baker, The Book Vine for Children

Jon Klassen, Candlewick Press

Ruth Forman, Simon & Schuster, LLC

Barney Saltzberg, Hippo Park, an imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers

259AB

All Children

Language and Literacy

316 | Strategies for supporting children’s vocabulary and language development during center time

Kate Anderson, Johns Hopkins University

264C

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

317 | Addressing crucial conversations

Cynthia Krosky, Achieving Corporate Excellence, Inc.

261B

Adults

Leadership

Friday Sessions

10:00 - 11:30 AM

318 | Find the joyful leader within by taking a joy break and adding joy to your work in early childhood

Teresa Byington, University of Nevada Reno Extension

Danielle Pertile, University of Nevada Reno Extension

Monica Salazar, University of Nevada Reno Extension

Rebecca Vizina, University of Nevada Reno Extension

BALLROOM C

Adults

Leadership

319 | Sensory regulation and classroom design: Sensory strategies to decrease challenging behaviors and increase the brain’s readiness for learning

Lindsay Astor Grant, Learning Redesigned

209AB

All Children

Learning Environment

320 | Rethinking the image of the child and DAP in peer relationships: Insights from a visual ethnography of children collaborating to pursue their own goals

Fuminori Nakatsubo, Hiroshima University

Chiharu Uchida, Toyo University

Nozomi Kato, Nagoya University of Arts and Sciences

Takeshi Hida, Ichinomiya Kenshin College of Nursing

210D

Kindergartners

Learning Environment

321 | Healing hearts, nurturing minds: Unveiling strategies to address trauma and ACES in early childhood education

Heidi Allen, Camden Central School District

213C

Preschoolers

Learning Environment

322 | Creating a peaceful climate to counter the roots of violence

Donna Satterlee, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Joyce Daniels, Folsom Lake College

Gaby Litsky, Jane Addams Peace Camp

Pam Bonneville, retired

256B

All Children

Learning Environment

PEACE Educators Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 256B, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM.

323 | Playful math: Strategies for educators, librarians, and family learning leaders to promote equity and culturally sustaining family math at home, school, and in the community

Jessica Mercer Young, Education Development Center (EDC)

Kristen Reed, Education Development Center (EDC)

Shakesha Thompson, Education Development Center (EDC)

Alissa Lange, East Tennessee State University

255C

All Children Mathematics

Early Math Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 255C, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM.

324 | Contributing to NAEYC Publications: Share Your Voice

Susan Friedman, NAEYC

Dana Battaglia, NAEYC

Annie Moses, NAEYC

251B

Adults

NAEYC Activities

325 | Risky versus reckless: Inviting children to take healthy risks while keeping them safe

Christina Davis, Woodland Playhouse, LLC; Christina Davis Teaches

252C

All Children

Nature/Outdoor Education

326 | Build mind-body connections through yoga in the classroom

Nancy Harding, Early Years Educational Consultant

252B

First-to-Third Graders Physical Development

327 | Purposeful play in early childhood education

Debby Spitzer, hand2mind

258A

Preschoolers Play

328 | STEAM storybook play: A journey into hands-on learning using children’s books to support diversity and inclusion

Rachel Keene, Scott Family Amazeum

Sarah Wiley, Scott Family Amazeum

261A

Preschoolers

Play

329 | Prove the effectiveness of your training: How to create and use evaluations to improve outcomes

Candace Storrer, University of Kentucky

Bambi Cliffe, University of Kentucky

210C

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

330 | Connecting teaching practices to curriculum using curriculum conversations and strengths-based feedback strategies

Shannon Lockhart, HighScope Foundation

260C

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

331 | Learn to PLAY with employee retention

Siobhan Carroll, Shine Early Learning

258B

Adults

Program Administration, Evaluation, and Financial Management

332 | Spinning, rolling, and swaying: Investigating balance with infants and toddlers

Sherri Peterson, University of Northern Iowa

Sonia Yoshizawa, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

255B

Infants & Toddlers

Science

Early Childhood Science Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 255B, 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM.

333 | Supporting the social and emotional development of kindergartners through the implementation of the Imagine Project

Rebecca Moore, Northwest Missouri State University

Sandra Seipel, Northwest Missouri State University

207B

Kindergartners

Social and Emotional Development

334 | Fostering a culture of care in early childhood classrooms

Candace Smith, Governors State University

Ali Pepper, Camp Chicago

262AB

Kindergartners

Social and Emotional Development

335 | Reimagining early childhood social studies for equity and justice

Anna Falkner, University of Memphis

Noreen Rodríguez, Michigan State University

262C

All Children

Social Studies

336 | So you want to write a children's book

Michele Lucia, Walden

Martha Cheney, Walden

210AB

Spotlight Session

SPONSORED BY

337 | Investment strategies in early childhood education that center quality for all learners and early childhood educators

Rhian Allvin, Brynmor Early Education & Preschool

Gretchen Preston, Gretchen’s House

Marica Cox Mitchell, Bainum Family Foundation

Mary Ann Best, Brynmor Early Education & Preschool

David Millard, Brynmor Early Education & Preschool

201C

Adults

State Systems – Data, Financing, Professional Development, Standards, QRIS

10:00 - 11:30 AM |

338 | “What if?” and “I wonder”: Extend fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and finger plays through STEAM explorations!

Judy Ross, Upside Preschool

207A

Kindergartners

Teaching and Instructional Practices

339 | The longer we sit here together, together, together, the unhappier I become: How to create engaging, interactive, and meaningful circle time

Sheila George, University of Maryland

Lauren Bond, Bond Education Services & Training

253C

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

340 | Playful learning for pennies: How to design playful learning environments and materials to build early learning skills with dollar store finds

Kristen Johnson, Calvert County Public Schools

Michelle Ward, Calvert County

Public Schools

Nancy Gregory, Calvert County

Public Schools

Robyn Butcher, Calvert County Public Schools

254AB

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

Join NAEYC for a Star-Studded Block Party

We look forward to seeing those who have purchased tickets to the Star-Studded Block Party. Join NAEYC Friday evening to connect with friends new and old as you enjoy music, food, and networking under the stars outside on the Grand Plaza, located in front of the Anaheim Convention Center. Admission includes a variety of options from local food trucks, one drink ticket per person, and live entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy celebrity impersonators, listen to local music, and have fun connecting with your ECE community!

Friday, November 8 7:00 - 9:00 PM Grand Plaza (OUTSIDE OF THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER) THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT

341 | Your vote counts! Meet the NAEYC Governing Board Candidates

The slate for the 2025 Governing Board election will be introduced. Candidates will make brief statements and discuss issues facing the Association. This year’s election includes candidates for President-Elect, two Governing Board Members, and one Governing Board Student Member.

You can also meet the candidates in the NAEYC Homeroom on Friday from 10:30 - 11:30 AM. And be sure to VOTE! 204B

NAEYC Activities

342

| NAEYC Annual Business Meeting and Town Hall

There is so much to talk about: our strategic priorities, the Early Learning Program revision, the membership refresh including how we are evolving to meet the needs of membership, and the work of our affiliates and interest forums.

Join NAEYC President Tonia Durden, Treasurer Michelle Wlazlo, Chief Executive Officer Michelle Kang, Chief Operations and Finance Officer Nanette Lawson, and members of NAEYC’s Governing Board for an engaging conversation.

NAEYC’s vision: Each and every child thrives and learns in a society dedicated to ensuring all children reach their full potential.

NAEYC’s mission: NAEYC promotes high-quality early learning for each and every child, 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.

NAEYC’s 4 Strategic Priorities

› High-Quality Early Childhood Education

› The Profession

› Professional Membership, Leadership, and Innovation

› Organizational Excellence

204B

NAEYC Activities

Thursday & Friday Food Concessions

ECOGROUNDS

LOBBY A | 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Items include coffee, pastries, snacks, and assorted beverages

ANAHEIM FRESH GO!

LOBBY B/C | 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM

Grab & Go items such as salads, sandwiches/wraps, coffee, and snacks

EXPO FOOD COURT

HALLS A/B | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Concessions include pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and snacks

Friday Sessions

343 | ACCESS to shared knowledge in practice (Part 3): The changing landscape of early childhood teacher education—a series of roundtable discussions

Jennifer Koel, Waukesha County Technical College

D’Lee Babb, Western Kentucky University

Debra Murphy, Cape Cod Community College ORANGE COUNTY BALLROOM 2/3/4

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

1:00 - 2:30

344 | Child care is economic infrastructure: Why New Jersey is investing more than $100 million to strengthen the sector AND the state’s long-term economic competitiveness as a result!

Tara Colton, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)

Alex (Alexandra) Himmel, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)

Meghan Tavormina, New Jersey Association for the Education of Young Children (NJAEYC)

Andrea Breitwieser, New Jersey Department of Human Services (NJ DHS)

202B

Infants & Toddlers

Advocacy/Public Policy

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Book Title

Learning Stories and Teacher Inquiry Groups

Body Copy

Integrate the Learning Stories approach and teacher inquiry groups to promote authentic assessment to inform instruction, and foster collaboration.

Item 1154

Item XXXX

Conference Price $20 | List: $25

Conference Price $X | List: $X

345 | DEC and NAEYCPartnerships for inclusion and equity in ECE/ECI/ECSE

Peggy Kemp, Division for Early Childhood, Council for Exceptional Children

LaShorage Shaffer, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Courtney O'Grady, University of Alabama

Bridgitt Mitchell, NAEYC

203AB

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

346 | From play to theater: Creating imaginary worlds to elevate social and emotional learning and academic achievement in your classroom

Jennifer Ridgway, Yard Dramas

255A

Preschoolers Arts and Music

347 | Rehumanizing young children through the lens of formative assessment: Moving from “what” children do or don’t know to “how” they know

Brian Mowry, Frog Street Press

213B

Preschoolers

Assessment of Young Children

348 | Help! I want to include children with disabilities in my early childhood class/program, but I am not sure how

Maryssa Mitsch, San Francisco State University

Amber Friesen, San Francisco State University

207C

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

349 | Baby blooming moments: Simple strategies to optimize babies’ brain development

Michelle Mintz, Baby Blooming Moments®

207A

Infants & Toddlers

Cognitive Development

350 | What makes intentional teaching intentional?

Intentionality and the active decision-making process in play-based learning

Mia Chen, Deakin University

253A

Kindergartners

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

351 | Adaptations and applications of the Montessori approach across early childhood settings: Supporting self-regulation and playful learning

Lisa Kuh, Complementary Curriculum Approach, Educational Consultant

255B

All Children

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

352 | Tinkering together: Curiosity in action

Claudia Caro Sullivan, Tinkering Studio, Exploratorium

Steph Muscat, Tinkering Studio, Exploratorium

258A

Adults

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

353 | Developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) compromised by political contexts: What are early childhood educators doing every day to support children and families?

Lynn Hartle, The Pennsylvania State University, Brandywine (USA)

Kelsey MacLeod, ABELS academy

209AB

Adults

Diversity and Equity

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

354 | Transgender children in today’s schools: A time of upheaval

Aidan Key, Gender Diversity

210C

All Children

Diversity and Equity

355 | The playground is too hot: Fostering climate resilience in early learning settings

Charlene Nolan, Western Washington University (moderator) Rixa Evershed, Charles Wright Academy

Rukia Monique Rogers, The Highlander School

Alexandra Dutton, Old Firehouse School

251C

All Children

Diversity and Equity

356 | Transforming our understanding of children’s behaviors

Carmen Espinosa, National Institute for Early Education Research-NIEER

260A

Preschoolers

Diversity and Equity

357 | Empowering Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Communities: Strategies to support AA&NHPI children, families, and educators for a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable society

Debbie LeeKeenan, Anti-Bias Leaders ECE

Caryn Park, Antioch University School of Education Seattle

Sala Sataraka, University of Washington, College of Education

Ninderjit Gill, North Seattle College and WAEYC

264AB

All Children

Diversity and Equity

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

Asian Interest Forum business meeting will take place in Room 264AB, 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM.

358 | Checking in on the ECE field: Results from NAEYC’s ongoing surveys of educators, providers, and ECE higher education programs

Mary Harrill, NAEYC

Meghan Salas Atwell, NAEYC

201D

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

Friday Sessions

1:00 - 2:30

359 | Fine motor development with diverse learners: Supporting the foundations of writing through play

Yvette Mere-Cook, Samuel Merritt University

261B

Preschoolers

Educator/Teacher Preparation

360 | The power of bilingual children’s picture books

Aura Perez-Gonzalez, California State University Channel Islands

Mari Riojas-Cortez, California State University Channel Islands

211B

Preschoolers

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

361 | Delivering difficult messages: Collaborative conversations with families when there are developmental concerns

Niki Dial, Weekday Nursery School

Meaghan Fullerton, Weekday Nursery School

259AB

Preschoolers

Family Engagement and Support

362 | Identidad y cultura como herramientas de aprendizaje: Aplicación del currículo emergente

Maria Beteta, LEARN Regional Educational Service Center

205AB

All Children

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

363 | Understanding the sensory needs of young children, and solving challenging behavior issues

Tracy Becerra-Culqui, Mom Sensory Magic; California State University, Dominguez Hills

213A

All Children

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

364 | Empowering early relationships: A journey into responsive caregiving to promote self-regulation and well-being in young children

Jean Barbre, Portland State University

Ingrid Anderson, Portland State University

252B

Infants & Toddlers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

365 | Navigating preschool challenges through developmentally appropriate and elementary-approved approaches

Samantha Ernest, Fayette County Public Schools

Amy Stults, Fayette County Public Schools

256A

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

366 | Play is reading readiness: Aligning preschoolers’ play to the science of reading

Karen Lindeman, Penn West University at Edinboro

Janelle Newman, Penn West University at Edinboro

213C

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

367 | Tiny talkers: Nurturing oral language and literacy development in infants and toddlers

Melanie Loewenstein, Texas A&M University Commerce

David Brown, Texas A&M University Commerce

252A

Infants & Toddlers

Language and Literacy

368 | Creating meaningful, literacy-focused professional development in early childhood education

Jessica Michel, The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy at the Atlanta Speech School

Darna Turner, The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy at the Atlanta Speech School

253B

Infants & Toddlers

Language and Literacy

369 | Fostering multilingual teacher and staff recruitment and retention through authentic cultural responsiveness

Elizabeth Beltran, ChildrenFlow, LLC

210D

Adults

Leadership

370 | Leveling up your preschool coaching

Maritere Wise, East Aurora School District 131

Jodi Eppeinstein, East Aurora School District 131

Dina Piwowarczyk, East Aurora School District 131

252C

Adults

Leadership

371 | The left brain of quality: Leadership and logistics

Niki Da’Jon, Career Training Group, LLC; KSL Consulting Firm

256B

Adults

Leadership

372 | Adventures in outdoor play: Investigating three ways to boost playful learning opportunities outside through enhanced outdoor spaces, loose parts, and your yes!

Rusty Keeler, Rusty Keeler

204C

All Children

Learning Environment

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

373 | Using technology to facilitate young children’s indepth learning

Patricia Randall, Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool

261A

All Children

Learning Environment

374 | Math beyond manipulatives

Karen Rinne, Independence School District

Sarah Harraman, Independence School District

260C

Preschoolers

Mathematics

375 | Making learning visible in an outdoor environment

Audrey Fergason, Wellesley Community Children’s Center

201C

Preschoolers

Nature/Outdoor Education

376 | Planning for play with purpose

Kenisha Bynoe, Coaches Corner EY

Angelique Thompson, Coaches Corner EY

255C

All Children

Play

377 | Reimagining the sensory table: Easy-to-build constructions using recycled materials to create spaces that nourish children’s innate inquiry and problem-solving abilities through play

Thomas Bedard, Saint Paul Public Schools, retired

264C

Preschoolers

Play

378 | Winning beyond the workshop: Because workshops alone don’t work!

Flora Gomez, Teach for Teachers, Inc.

207D

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

379 | Reflecting on your work with families and children to create a more sustainable and intentional family child care program

Lizz Nolasco, Erikson Institute

Stephanie Salinas, Erikson Institute

262AB

Adults

Professionalism and Ethics

380 | Can’t we all get along? Conflict resolution in early child care programs

Kari Rains, Creative Educational Strategies and Services

Jane Humphries, Creative Educational Strategies and Services

208AB

All Children

Program Administration, Evaluation, and Financial Management

381 | What high-quality math learning and family engagement looks like for Black preschoolers and their families: Lessons learned from interviewing Black families

Ashli-Ann Douglas, Vanderbilt University

207B

Preschoolers

Research

382 | Hands on, minds on: How museums and schools can work together to create engaging STEM experiences

Amanda Murphy, Carnegie Science Center

Laura Saxon, Pittsburgh Public Schools

Shannon Gaussa, Carnegie Science Center

211A

Preschoolers

Science

383 | Empowering young minds with STEM digital read alouds

Lauren Shea, American University

212A

All Children Science

384 | Setting limits through play: A trauma-informed approach

Christian Bellissimo, Christian Bellissimo, Play therapist

206AB

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

385 | “Help me get unstuck!” Emotion- and problemfocused coping skills for school-age children

Ericka Gergely, Shine Early Learning: SPARK Learning Lab

213D

First-to-Third Graders

Social and Emotional Development

386 | Making the most of storytime: Using children’s books to teach emotional intelligence

Donna Housman, Housman Institute

Sierra Dickerson, Housman Institute

251B

Adults

Social and Emotional Development

387 | Trauma-informed care: How to recognize, understand, and support children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and other traumas

Dana Rethwisch, Palo Verde College

260B

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

388 | Elevating ECE-integrating National CDA* Competencies into state regulations, QRIS and career pathways

Bisa Lewis, Council for Professional Recognition

210AB

Spotlight Session SPONSORED BY

389 | The first six weeks: Successful behavior management in a preschool classroom

Tasha Felder, University of North Florida

Melissa Leone, University of North Florida

253C

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

390 | Unleashing the power of words: The hip-hop literacy laboratory

Andre Mountain, Marbut Traditional Theme School

258B

First-to-Third Graders

Teaching and Instructional Practices

391 | A journey into the voyagers classroom: Hearing the voices of our kids

Nuria Gutierrez, Lowell School

Dehejia Butler, Lowell School

Nathalie Sviedrys, Lowell School

262C

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

392 | The future of child care: Artificial intelligence integration and transformation

Tony D’Agostino, Inspire Care 360

254AB

Adults

Technology and Digital Media

393 | ACCESS to shared knowledge in practice

(Part 4): Examining higher education teaching pedagogy in preservice teacher education—a series of roundtable discussions

Jennifer Koel, Waukesha County Technical College

D’Lee Babb, Western Kentucky University

Debra Murphy, Cape Cod Community College

ORANGE COUNTY BALLROOM 2/3/4

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

Featured Session

From

Survive to Thrive

Being an early childhood program leader is more challenging than it’s ever been. Each chapter of this guide provides the building blocks directors need to develop e ective policies and procedures, build a strong sta , handle confrontation and conflict, and more.

Item 1136 Conference Price $22.40 | List: $28

394 | What kind of world do we want to create with our children? A film screening of “Families

Embracing Anti-Bias Values”

Parents and other family members have hopes and dreams for the kind of world their children will experience and contribute to now and in the future. What can early childhood educators learn from listening to the voices of families about these aspirations? Faced with the narrative that parents are pushing back against DEI initiatives, this workshop tells a different story—a story about diverse families actively seeking to create a more just and inclusive world through engaging with an anti-bias approach in their homes, extended families, communities, and schools. Parents and other caregivers bring their social identities and histories to these experiences and efforts. They walk their life journey with their children over the long haul, not just for a couple of years. Using film clips of diverse families sharing their own anti-bias journeys and their stories about the challenges and uncertainties of parenting, participants will reflect on how early childhood programs can support families and collaborate with them as social justice allies for and with young children. Through small group opportunities, participants will apply key ideas to their own settings and create action plans for how to engage alongside families in anti-bias education.

John Nimmo, Portland State University

Debbie LeeKeenan, Anti-Bias Leaders ECE

Cassie Worley, Sound Child Care Solutions

Filiz Efe McKinney, Brave Sprout Productions BALLROOM B

Adults

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

Friday Sessions

3:00 - 4:30

395 | The daycare myth: What we get wrong about early care and education (and what we should do about it)

Dan Wuori, Early Childhood Policy Solutions LLC

259AB

All Children

Advocacy/Public Policy

396 | State of the states: Recent trends and key wins in early childhood policy & advocacy at the state level

Paola Andujar, NAEYC

Daniel Hains, NAEYC

260A

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

397 | Social and emotional learning through music, movement, and folktales

Janis McDavid, Ms. Janis Music

BALLROOM E

Kindergartners

Arts and Music

398 | Improving child care accessibility: What families with disabilities and child care providers say they need

Jessica Mausner, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Kristen Jones, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Kelly Rolfes-Haase, U.S. Government Accountability Office

211A

All Children

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

399 | Inclusion and building self-determination in every learner!

Julie McClamroch, Augusta County Public Schools

Sarah Beck, Augusta County Public Schools

Amanda Fortune, Augusta County Public Schools

263C

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

400 | The power of STEAM: Bringing engineering, art, and technology to life in the early childhood classroom

Claudia Castillo-Magallanez, Frog Street Press

Monica Cordoba, Frog Street Press

Melody Dunn, Frog Street Press

261B

Preschoolers

Cognitive Development

401 | We are the people in your neighborhood: Building partnerships with local PBS stations and NAEYC Affiliates

Devon Tutak, Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Ambria King, Georgia Public Broadcasting

Alyson Panzarella, Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children

Megan Kuensting, PBS KIDS

264AB

All Children

Community Partnerships

402 | Making circle time “count”: Going beyond calendar and weather for more meaning and relevance

Tracy Cheney, Three Cheers Consulting with TLC

206AB

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

403 | Facilitating meaningful and humanizing spaces for learning: Challenging Eurocentric curriculum in early childhood

Oona Fontanella-Nothom, California State University, Los Angeles

Kisha Montes, California State University, Los Angeles

Melina Rodriguez, California State University, Los Angeles

Nina Ewelina Resnik, California State University, Los Angeles

255B

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

404 | Climate change and early childhood education: A national perspective

Michelle Kang, NAEYC (moderator)

Nse Witherspoon, Children’s Environmental Health Network

Angie Garling, Low Income Investment Fund

Jammie Albert, National League of Cities

Christy Merrick, Natural Start Alliance

251C

All Children

Diversity and Equity

405 | When I need more and you need less: Supporting sensory processing in the early childhood environment

Victoria Ozeir, Bank Street College of Education

Tarima Levine, Bank Street College of Education

Davia Brown-Franklyn, Bank Street College of Education

253A

All Children

Diversity and Equity

406 | From adult power to child empowerment: Exploring the connections between the uses of power by adults and the educator’s support of the development of selfempowerment in children

Wilma Gold, Educators for Peaceful Classrooms and Communities Inc.

Ana Page, Educators for Peaceful Classrooms and Communities Inc.

258A

All Children

Diversity and Equity

407 | Using early childhood apps infused in universal learning design, culturally responsive pedagogy, and developmentally appropriate practices to enrich student learning

Craig Blum, Illinois State University

Miranda Lin, Illinois State University

260C

Adults

Diversity and Equity

408 | It’s cool to be kind: Music, stories, and games to teach anti-bullying skills

Joanie Calem, First Do No Harm

BALLROOM A

All Children

Diversity and Equity

409 | Teacher preparation: How to train your staff so they can be successful, organized, knowledgeable, and prepared

Crystal Bacon, First Baptist Weekday Preschool

203AB

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

410 | Breaking barriers: Supporting and strengthening our early childhood education workforce

Doris Buckley, Northern Essex Community College

213A

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

411 | Dual language development in early childhood: Promoting biliteracy for preschoolers

Iliana Alanis, The University of Texas San Antonio

Irasema Gonzalez, The University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley

253B

Preschoolers

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

412 | Preparing for kindergarten: An in-depth look at the lived experiences of parents preparing a child for kindergarten

Grace Bache-Wiig, Clemson University

207B

Kindergartners

Family Engagement and Support

413 | Fathers in the classroom: Unveiling early childhood educators’ insights on involving fathers in early education

Jawan Burwell, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

252B

Preschoolers

Family Engagement and Support

414 | Constructing an impactful family engagement strategy with social media: Strategies to successfully utilize social media as a way to connect with families and the community

Natalie Albert, Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool

Katie Williams, Peachtree Presbyterian Preschool

255A

Preschoolers

Family Engagement and Support

Friday Sessions

3:00 - 4:30 PM

415 | Inclusividad: Apoyando la diversidad cultural y lingüística

Ivonne Monje Rojas, City University of New York

Tatiana Bacigalupe, City University of New York

260B

Infants & Toddlers

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

416 | Respectful and intentional boundary setting in the classroom

Monica McCary, Bright Horizons

Erin Hagny, Bright Horizons

209AB

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

417 | Navigating the nutrition maze: Decoding food labels

Heather Burkhead-Goins, Institute of Child Nutrition

207C

Adults

Health and Safety

418 | Silent orchestration: Sharing wordless picture books in the early childhood classroom

Paul Ricks, Brigham Young University

Lynne Kganetso, Brigham Young University

Terrell Young, Brigham Young University

202A

First-to-Third Graders

Language and Literacy

419 | ‘Ōlelo Hawai’i and the ABCs: Culturally responsive alphabet instruction

Colleen Whittingham, Loyola University Chicago

Germaine Tauati, INPEACE: Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture

256B

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

420 | Joyful reading and creative expression: How educators and families can support children’s language and literacy development through culturally affirming read alouds, social and emotional development, and creative expression

Steven Hicks, Sacramento County Office of Education

Pamela Spycher, Regional Educational Laboratories WestREL West

Julie Montali, Sacramento County Office of Education

Kim Austin, Regional Educational Laboratories West - REL West

261A

All Children

Language and Literacy

Participants can earn 0.2 CEUs for this session.

421 | Leadership and followership—you cannot have one without the other: Creating a co-constructed model of leadership for successful change

Heather Hennesey, Fort Worth ISD

207D

Adults

Leadership

422 | The ship doesn’t always sail smoothly: Four key skills every director needs to stay afloat

Lorraine Peters, Our Kids Place Country Day

Leslie Peters Browne, Our Kids Place Country Day

213D

All Children

Leadership

423 | Inspiring places and practices: Transformational play experiences across continents

Alex Henry, Ferris State University; Cozy & Flourish LLC

Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University; Cozy & Flourish LLC

202B

Preschoolers

Learning Environment

424 | Creating high-quality learning environments for every child: Utilizing the ideal learning framework in early childhood education

Cathrine Floyd, Trust for Learning Jocelyn Tucker, Foundation for Early Childhood Education, Inc.

213C

All Children

Learning Environment

425 | Play-based curriculum and academic rigor: Finding balance between intentional play and formal instruction

Joanna Sicinski, Monroe County Community School Corporation

Jennifer Smallwood-Holmes, University of Maryland

Amelia Laakso, University of Maryland

252C

Preschoolers

Learning Environment

426 | Using systems thinking to navigate NAEYC’s programmatic accreditation

Lori Blake, Central Connecticut State University

Monique Gibbs, New Haven Public Schools

210D

Adults

NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation

427 | Learning in the natural world: Leveraging naturebased learning to support growth across developmental domains

Kristina Atler, Learning Care Group

Renee Thompson, Learning Care Group

207A

Preschoolers

Nature/Outdoor Education

428 | Glowing with the beauty of nature: Helping children’s physical, emotional, and STEAM sensibilities

Mary Pollman, Metropolitan State University

Nili Luo, Metropolitan State University; Gordon College

251B

Preschoolers

Nature/Outdoor Education

429 | A quadrad for learning? The benefits of rhythmic activities for the classroom and beyond

Cassandra Nabalta, East Tennessee State University

262C

All Children

Physical Development

430 | Playing in unplayful times: The role of play in environmental education

Lisa Goddard, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia/ Fondazione Reggio Children-Centro Internazionale Loris Malaguzzi

201C

All Children Play

431 | Discovering wonder: Creating opportunities for meaningful interactions in infant-toddler environments

Gabrielle Holt, Montessori Country Day School

Catherine Mason, Seedling Education Group

256A

Infants & Toddlers

Play

432 | Joyfully training adult learners: Lose the lecture at Camp Train-a-Lot

Sarah Wright, University of Nevada Reno Extension

Teresa Byington, University of Nevada Reno Extension

257

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

433 | Playful learning with light and shadow: Materials that support young children’s independent inquiry and engineering habits of mind

Beth VanMeeteren, Iowa Regents’ Center for Early Developmental Education

Seon Chun-Burbank, Vanguard University of Southern California

262AB

Preschoolers

Science

434 | Taming the temperaments of 2-year-old children

Cheryl Hovey, Fisher College; Ez Ed 2 Go

205AB

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

435 | Bringing joy into social and emotional learning with the Feel Your Best Self toolkit

Sandra Chafouleas, University of Connecticut

Emily Wicks, University of Connecticut

210C

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

3:00 - 4:30

436 | Quick, five-minute tips for self-care

Jodi Favazza, Prince George’s County Public Schools; Wellthy Living Massage and Wellness

212A

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

437 | How to train your amygdala: A trauma-informed, play-based approach to help children cope with intense feelings and challenging behaviors in the classroom and beyond

Anna Housley Juster, Boston Child Wellness

Sue Gaon, Lakeshore Learning Materials

Shannon Ayers, Lakeshore Learning Materials

253C

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

438 | Little learners, big emotions: Twelve effective strategies for managing emotions in early childhood

Jessica Jama, hand2mind

254AB

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

439 | “We are here!” Building social consciousness about children in rural communities through the lens of today’s picture book narratives

Wilma Melendez, Nova Southeastern University

255C

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

440 | A discussion on designing neuroinclusive learning environments in the ECE

Lindsay Astor Grant, Learning Redesigned

Mike Lindstrom, studio MLA the ECE studio of Ashley McGraw Architects

210AB

Spotlight Session SPONSORED BY

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Spotlight on Young Children: Challenging Behavior

Children engage in challenging behavior for many di erent reasons; preventing and responding to that behavior begins with understanding why it occurs.

Item 1171

Conference Price $20 | List: $25

441 | Navigating the funding journey: Continuing the work to encourage the funding of playful, evidence-based learning

Katrina Herd, Utah State Board of Education

Jared Lisonbee, Utah State Board of Education

Cristina Barrera, Utah State Board of Education

204C

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

442 | Advocating and teaching require passion and joy

Daphene Harris, Global Preschool Consulting 208AB

Adults

Teaching and Instructional Practices

443 | Creating engaging classroom displays: The importance of documentation as the third teacher

Cecilia Fowler, University of Maryland

Kaitlin McAllister, University of Maryland

211B

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Spotlight on Young Children: Observation and Assessment (vol. 2)

Understand how to e ectively assess young children in familiar settings; use this data to inform the curriculum; and communicate this information with sta , families, and communities.

Item 1168

Conference Price $20 | List: $25

Public Policy Forum

FEBRUARY 23-25, 2025

Washington, DC

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON!

As students, educators, directors, advocates, and allies across states and settings, YOU are powering the movement in support of child care and early learning.

Join us in person for NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum in 2025, where we will bring together hundreds of early childhood educators and stakeholders to strengthen our advocacy skills, expand our policy knowledge, deepen our relationships with Congressional offices, and build a powerful movement across states and communities!

November 19-22, 2025 | Orlando, Florida

Submit a proposal to share your knowledge and expertise with the early childhood education community at next year’s Annual Conference!

If you are selected to present, you also receive a discount on conference registration! Visit NAEYC.org/conference in December for the deadlines and proposal information.

Friday Poster Session

4:30 - 6:00 PM |

444 | NAEYC’s Poster session

NAEYC EXPO, HALL B

Visit NAEYC Poster session for poster displays where you can meet and exchange ideas with presenters and attendees. The Poster session will have simultaneous presentations on various topics inside NAEYC's Expo.

P1 | How to help children in foster care develop communication skills to improve self-advocacy and emotional regulation

Fiona Herman, Berea College

Advocacy/Public Policy

P2 | How to be more assertive: A program for students with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders

F. Kivanc Erdogan, University of Massachusetts Boston

Necdet Karasu, Gazi University

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

P3 | The role of technology in the crisis in childhood reading: Education apps aren’t entertaining, and entertaining apps aren’t educating; this suite does both

Robert Schau, Benji and Co

Cognitive Development

P4 | Farm to preschool: How a partnership with a nonprofit community working farm expands preschool children’s worldview of healthy eating and promotes optimal development

Patrice Farquharson, West Haven Child Development Center, Inc. | Post University

Michelle Beauchesne, West Haven Child Development Center, Inc. | Northeastern University

Community Partnerships

P5 | Unveiling the magic of light in preschool learning: Two shining approaches to Reggio-inspired light ateliers

Erika Yocom, Northwest Missouri State University

Julie Michaelsen, Northwest Missouri State University

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

P6 | “Color-conscious” or “colorblind”: Unpacking mothers’ racial socialization practices in mixed families

Kwangjong Park, New Mexico Highlands University

Seonsook Park, New Mexico Highlands University

Diversity and Equity

P7 | Lessons learned from a Native American preschool language revitalization program

John Machado, Pala Band of Mission Indians

Kimberly Bruch, Pala Band of Mission Indians

Diversity and Equity

P8 | “I don’t really see any Asian culture around me”: Exploring prospective early education professionals’ cultural competence in Asian/Asian American communities

Su-Jeong Wee, California State University Los Angeles

Sophia Han, University of South Florida

Educator/Teacher Preparation

P9 | Activating student engagement during a faculty-led study abroad experience through open-ended and guided inquirybased learning

Cheryl Priest, Central Michigan University | Cozy & Flourish LLC

Alex Henry, Cozy & Flourish LLC | Ferris State University

Educator/Teacher Preparation

P10 | Advancing equity and inclusion: An integrative approach to ECE and EI/ECSE personnel preparation standards

Kyunghwa Kay Park, California State University Channel Islands

Chavis Lickvar-Armstrong, University of Kansas

Educator/Teacher Preparation

P11 | Challenging the norm: “I am a math person”

Bilge Cerezci, National Louis University

Educator/Teacher Preparation

P12 | Empowering early childhood advocates: Cultivating collaborative partnerships in higher education

Lisa Wright, Purdue University Global

Educator/Teacher Preparation

P13 | Using professional preparation standards to support teacher candidates’ field experiences in a blended ECE/ ECSE program

Megan Purcell, Purdue University

Educator/Teacher Preparation

P14 | Family engagement to support an Individualized Education Plan through virtual tutoring: A case study

Carmen Sherry Brown, Hunter College, City University of New York

Family Engagement and Support

P15 | Hispanic immigrant fathers’ involvement and children’s selfcompetence: A new approach of developmentally appropriate Hispanic paternal practice (DAHPP) in the US

Keun Kim, Delaware State University

Kyung Ick Park, Delaware State University

Family Engagement and Support

P16 | Parental involvement and early childhood outcomes: A comparative study among Asian immigrant, US-born Asian, and USborn White parents

Hae Min Yu, Lewis University Jin Kim, Northeastern Illinois University

Family Engagement and Support

P17 | Making early mathematics meaningful and playful

Bilge Cerezci, National Louis University

Mathematics

P18 | Nature as coteacher: How to use nature-based teaching practices to highlight young children’s growth and development

Molly Gerrish, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Nature/Outdoor Education

P19 | Play is curriculum for infants and toddlers

Joellen Lewsader, Central Michigan University

Play

P20 | Ka‘aikuahiwi ‘Ōiwi leadership and innovation: Professional development through the pedagogy of Hawaiian leadership

Ku‘uleinani Laumauna, Kamehameha Schools

‘I‘ini Kihe McDonald, Kamehameha Schools

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

P21 | Exploring Head Start teachers’ perceptions of science in preschool education

Taylor Brown, East Carolina University Archana Hegde, East Carolina University

Research

P22 | Exploring Indigenous teaching perspectives: Weaving pedagogy and ways of knowing in early childhood classrooms

Liza Xet Smith, Loyola Marymount University

Research

P23 | Exploring the parenting social media landscape for children’s social and emotional health: An environmental scan

Jessie-Lee McIsaac, Mount Saint Vincent University

Research

P24 | Homeschooling as a useful method of early childhood education: A review of the literature

Lauretta Osho, Clemson University, Clemson SC

Research

P25 | Using the eDECA-P2 to examine the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on preschoolers

Mawule Sevon, Devereux Advance Behavioral Health

Susan Damico, Devereux Advance Behavioral Health

Research

P26 | What features of high-quality prekindergarten matter? A 10-year evaluation study in North Carolina

Ximena Franco-Jenkins, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Jill Claxton, HighScope Educational Research Foundation

Research

P27 | Social skill development in preschool children: Research and classroom application

Lindsay Barnhart, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Social and Emotional Development

P28 | The influence of children’s storybook characters and their effects on children’s behavior

Shaun Kaulukou-Zsolt, Berea College

Danielle Korsah-Brown, Berea College

Social and Emotional Development

P29 | Enhancing kindergarten learning through virtual reality: A developmentally appropriate approach

Mona Alzahrani, King Khalid University

Technology and Digital Media

Featured Session

445 | To protect and nurture: (Re)imagining mentoring for Black boys in the early grades

In public discourse, deficit-oriented rhetoric associated with Black males often adultifies, criminalizes, and dehumanizes Black boys, thus making it difficult for our society to view them as children worthy of a childhood. Critical scholars have called for a (re)imagining of Black boyhood, whereby educational and community spaces become caring and equitable contexts that allow for a robust childhood to be experienced by Black boys to cultivate such a (re)imagining deeply rooted in their abundant gifts and talents. Mentoring programs embedded within learning environments have become increasingly popular to ameliorate the risks and harms associated with racism and poverty for Black boys in the United States and aid school professionals with seeing Black boys as children with all the potential, promise, and possibilities afforded to other children. This presentation will engage participants in examining a set of principles used in mentoring programs for Black boys in the early grades (pre-K–3) to assess in what ways they either protect and nurture Black boys in caring and equitable ways or further adultify them within schools and communities. The proposed session aims to explain how (re)imagining of Black boyhood can be taken up with mentoring programs for young Black boys in caring and equitable ways.

Brian L. Wright, The University of Memphis, College of Education

BALLROOM A

Adults

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

446 | Strategies to foster integration in early childhood education

Sara Plasencia, Learning Policy Institute

Hanna Melnick, Learning Policy Institute

253B

All Children

Advocacy/Public Policy

447 | Weighing in on revisions to the Code of Ethics

Meghan Salas Atwell, NAEYC (facilitator)

Toni Sturdivant, NAEYC Governing Board Member & Mid-America Regional Council

Reginald Williams, South Carolina State University

Heidi Friedel, Early Childhood Consultant

255A

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

448 | Advocating for early childhood in a conservative state: Maintaining momentum when things feel impossible

Julie Stoffel, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

Dana Schmock, Wisconsin Early Childhood Association

255C

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

449 | Music matters! Sharing together the many ways to use music with young children

Holly Moore, Salve Regina University

262C

Preschoolers

Arts and Music

450 | Early and efficient vision screening: Identifying vision problems when treatment and prevention are still feasible

Jami Cortez, Plusoptix, Inc.

202B

All Children

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

451 | Early childhood STEAM and inclusion: How to provide high-quality experiences for children with disabilities through integrating the arts

Yvette Mere-Cook, Samuel Merritt University

212A

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

Saturday Sessions

8:00 - 9:15 AM

452 | Health care and education partnerships for whole-family health and wellbeing

Natasha Hall-Sevilla, The Primary School

Paul Espinas, The Primary School; Northern California Kaiser Permanente

261A

Preschoolers

Community Partnerships

453 | Fine dining and deep learning at “The Dream Crown Table”: Employing the project approach to engage children and demonstrate developmentally appropriate practice in a diverse community program in Alabama

Sean Durham, Auburn University

Ashton Bridges, Auburn University

Travis Morgan, Athens State University

213A

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

454 | Using a cycle of inquiry to create documentation panels: Making learning and thinking visible

Jane Broderick, East Tennessee State University

Seong Bock Hong, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Jennifer Streagle, Miracosta College

Maria Lopez, Miracosta College

251B

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

455 | Inclusivity in child care: More than just a buzzword

Keana Baylis, Know To Grow Consulting

202A

All Children

Diversity and Equity

456 | The culture of math

Angelique Thompson, Coaches Corner EY

Kenisha Bynoe, Coaches Corner EY

251C

All Children

Diversity and Equity

457 | Leaps of faith: Technology supporting student voice and choice in real-world contexts

Julie Ricks-Doneen, Oakland University

213B

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

458 | Meeting the needs of the community: How to develop and implement an ECE college program in Spanish

Hope Doerner, Minneapolis Community and Technical College

Carolina DuFault, Minneapolis Community and Technical College

263C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

459 | Cultivating positive relationships in the early childhood education setting

Jennifer Davis, Clark County School District

Mary Regan, Las Vegas Urban League - Early Childhood Connection

253A

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

460 | Family and community soaring for literacy success

Sheila Halpin, School District of Manatee County

Luanne Howe, School District of Manatee County

Angela Knapek, School District of Manatee County

255B

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

461 | Does it have to be so scary? Communicating with families

Katy New, Bloomington Developmental Learning Center

260A

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

GC

462 | Navegando el proceso de acreditación de NAEYC en español

Maria Beteta, LEARN Regional Educational Services

Alison Zanardi, LEARN Regional Educational Services

204C

Adults

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

463 | Using the Pyramid Model Framework to create a behavior intervention plan: How the BIRS and PTR-YC can be used to create a datadriven response to challenging behavior across all tiers

Michelle Farrell, Super Start Colorado

Jana Hoover, Super Start Colorado

260B

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

464 | Through the minds and hearts of children: A conversation with children’s book creators

Deidra Purvis, Teacher Created Materials

Anna Housley Juster, Teacher Created Materials

Dan McCauley, Teacher Created Materials

Julia Pierre Hammond, Teacher Created Materials

252A

All Children

Language and Literacy

465 | Affiliate Presidents Circle

Gwen Simmons, NAEYC

Jordan Christian, NAEYC

256A

Adults

Leadership

466 | Empowering inclusive and equitable leaders with embedded learning routines

Jessica Haremza Diop, Educare Network, Start Early

Tatjyana Elmore, Educare Atlanta, Sheltering Arms

262AB

Adults

Leadership

467 | Reimagining the infant classroom: Using current research to inform practice toward better outcomes for our youngest learners

Herbert Hickey, Horizons for Homeless Children

252B

Infant

Learning Environment

468 | Designing the learning environment to align with the needs of the brain and reduce trauma triggers in the early learning classroom

Kathryn Murray, Future Strong Education, Australia

260C

Kindergartners

Learning Environment

469 | Story roots: Blending environmental education and literary learning

Zuleika Hines, Beyond Basic Learning

205AB

Preschoolers

Nature/Outdoor Education

470 | A blueprint: Foundations for building communities of practice among your staff and teachers

Rosalyn Washington, University of Delaware

Jessica Slade, University of Delaware

253C

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

471 | Creating an engaging professional development workshop

Leyna Madison, Imogen Foundation

256B

Adults

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

472 | Self-compassion is a skill and a superpower: Learning to be more self-compassionate to support educator well-being and reduce burnout

Alison Hooper, The University of Alabama

Summer Braun, The University of Alabama

207B

Adults

Professionalism and Ethics

473 | Moving forward: Building towards an equitable future for the ECE profession

Calvin Moore, Jr., Council for Professional Recognition

Tessie Ragan, Perfect Start Learning

Pam Evanshen, East Tennessee State University

Michelle Kang, NAEYC

Casey Lafferty, New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department

258A

Adults

Professionalism and Ethics

Saturday Sessions

8:00 - 9:15 AM |

474 | Bookworms and belly laughs: Navigating childhood with bibliotherapy and bedtime chuckles!

Marla Pankratz, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Dawn Keller, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Robyn Randol, Southwestern Oklahoma State University

203AB

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

475 | Giving children a stronger start in life: A transformational behavior change campaign

Brandon Tate, Rescue Agency

Jackie Thu-Huong Wong, First 5 California

Allison Parsons, Rescue Agency

207A

Infants & Toddlers

Social and Emotional Development

476 | Increasing attention and self-control by engaging young children in mindfulness practices

Cassandra Keller, Tree Top Academy

Sara Malvasia, Tree Top Academy

Jennifer Matthews, Tree Top Academy

264C

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

477 | Maximizing the impact of paraprofessionals: Unleashing the power of kindergarten letter name and sound data

Brandi Massey, Greenville County School District

Tawanda Bowie, Greenville County School District

201C

Kindergartners

Teaching and Instructional Practices

478 | The immersive classroom: Creating classrooms and lessons that evoke wonder and inquiry while being culturally responsive

Shayna Ross, Quality Care for Children

211B

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

From some of the foremost early literacy development experts in the field comes this practical resource that is a must-have for all educators of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.

Item 1161

Conference Price $24 | List: $30

CEUs

NAEYC is offering IACET CEUs for a limited number of 2024 Annual Conference sessions.

Look for the CEUs icon which indicates if a session is offering CEUs.

See page 12 for more information on CEUs.

Saturday Food Concessions

ANAHEIM FRESH GO!

LOBBY B/C | 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Grab & Go items such as salads, sandwiches/wraps, coffee, and snacks

Featured Session

479 | Being a director is easy (except the bike is on fire; you are on fire; everything is on fire): Tips for new and not-so-new directors

Being a center director can be isolating and stressful. You are not alone. Our practical tips come from the wisdom of new and experienced directors who have shared their struggles and victories. We provide opportunities for participants to learn from each other as we address the challenges faced each day by amazing directors. We will discuss building a relationship-based team, setting program standards, communication strategies, managing the big picture while stomping on fires, hiring and maintaining staff, handling tough conversations, and program funding. During the presentation, we will share links to additional resources to support your work when you return to your program. We will also talk about the importance of self-care and building a support network with other directors. After all, you spend your days taking care of others. Someone needs to take care of you!

Jill Jacobi-Vessels, University of Louisville

Amy Kay, University of Georgia

BALLROOM A Adults

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

SPONSORED BY

480 | Beyond welcoming a baby: Paid family medical leave as an economic support in the early childhood education field

Lydia Waligorski, Clayton Early Learning

Sonia Semana, Clayton Early Learning

255C

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

481 | “Let’s explore that all together!” Intentionally planning for project-based learning within inclusive early childhood programs

Amber Friesen, San Francisco State University

Maryssa Mitsch, San Francisco State University

211A

Preschoolers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

482 | Not “just a teacher”: Early childhood educators are brain engineers!

Jared Lisonbee, Utah State Board of Education

Cristina Barrera, Utah State Board of Education

Katrina Herd, Utah State Board of Education

262AB

Preschoolers

Cognitive Development

483 | Harmonizing early education: Integrating musical play with core curriculum subjects for holistic development

Marsha Smith, Minibop Music

259AB

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

484 | Partnering with families in supporting children’s healthy racial identity development

Kirsten Cole, Borough of Manhattan Community College-CUNY

Diandra Verwayne, New York City Department of Education, Division of Early Childhood Education

207D

Kindergartners

Diversity and Equity

485 | Beyond representation: Taking your culturally responsive classroom library to the next level

Audrey Floyd, Saint Louis University

253B

All Children

Diversity and Equity

9:30 - 10:45 AM

486 | “Until we get equality in education, we won’t have an equal society”: Promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in ECE using data

Demi Siskind, Start Early

Felicia Williams, Educare Kansas City

255B

Adults

Diversity and Equity

487 | Future educators in action: Blending classroom theory with real-world impact in early childhood education preparation programs

Hilary McDaniel, Palo Alto Unified School District

Chris Owens, Palo Alto Unified School District

Sarina Shaw, Palo Alto Unified School District

Jennifer Pierson, Palo Alto Unified School District

213B

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

488 | Getting real: Using instructional practices and materials that engage and inspire diverse adult learners

Camille Catlett, Frank Porter Graham Institute

Danielle Savory Seggerson, Lansing Community College

262C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

489 | California Curriculum Alignment Project. Credit for prior learning pathways: Resources to translate non-unit trainings and prior experiences into college units

June Millovich, California Early Childhood Curriculum Alignment Project

MaryBeth Miller, California Early Childhood Curriculum Alignment Project

Christina Smith, California Early Childhood Curriculum Alignment Project

Edna Rodriggs, California Early Childhood Curriculum Alignment Project

263C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

490 | Making your classroom a home for preschool dual language learners: Fostering an ecosystem that leverages the gifts of culture and first language

Maggie Deaton, Atlanta Speech School

Terry Fisher-Ari, Atlanta Speech School

Diana Bacon, Atlanta Speech School

251B

Preschoolers

Emerging Bilingual/Multilingual

491 | Learn and grow with public media: Executive function, social and emotional learning, and the world of work

Sandra Cruz, PBS SoCal

Holly Ackerman, Kentucky Educational Television Ambria King, Georgia Public Broadcasting

Dagmar Morales, Kenton County Public Library

253A

Preschoolers

Family Engagement and Support

492 | We have the tools: Using NAEYC’s foundational documents to embrace family engagement and support child outcomes

Cheryl LaMothe, EASTCONN

258A

Adults

Family Engagement and Support

493 | Empathetic coaching: Addressing common causes for relational gaps in family engagement

Nicole Baker, Signal Centers, Inc./ Tennessee Childcare Resource and Referral Network

260A

Adults

Family Engagement and Support

494 | Estrategias bilingües en contexto cultural: Este taller se basa en el Programa para el cuidado de bebés y niños pequeños

Edilma Serna, WestEd The Program for Infant Toddler Care

Monica Hernandez, WestEd The Program for Infant Toddler Care

202B

Infants & Toddlers

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

495 | New perspectives on challenging behaviors: A mother-daughter story, expert advice, and the four Cs of emotional support

Diane Goyette, Early Childhood Specialties LLC

Corinne Goyette, Early Childhood Specialties LLC

201C

All Children

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

496 | “Not my child!” Having hard conversations with caregivers

Marianela Rodousakis, The Lourie Center for Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness

Michelle Brennan, The Lourie Center for Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness

Jasmyne Crow, The Lourie Center for Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness

Jasmine Boyd, The Lourie Center for Children’s Social and Emotional Wellness

256B

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

497 | Write on! Using guided writing to support early elementary writers

Lynne Kganetso, Brigham Young University

Meghan Block, Central Michigan University

202A

First-to-Third Graders

Language and Literacy

498 | Bringing children’s stories to life with story baskets and dramatizations

Amy Jones, Stanley Elementary

Jaymee Herrington, Cimarron Elementary

211B

Preschoolers

Language and Literacy

499 | Creating a culture of well-being in early childhood programs

Danielle Svantner, The Calm Corner

Wendy Turcott, The Calm Corner

205AB

Adults

Leadership

500 | Navigating leadership transitions

Gwen Simmons, NAEYC

261A

Adults

Leadership

501 | Men working in early childhood education (birth–pre-K): Addressing barriers and retention

Angela Malabet, Shell’s Early Learning Centers Inc.

Lichell Isaac, Shell’s Early Learning Centers Inc.

213A

Infants & Toddlers

Men in Early Childhood

502 | A safe place to explore: The healing power of nature

Rina Zampieron, Mass Audubon

252A

All Children

Nature/Outdoor Education

503 | Bridging the gap: Implementing early learning practices in school-age programs

Ryan Salazar, iKids U

260C

First-to-Third Graders

Play

504 | Growing teachers throughout the seasons: Connecting teachers, young children, and families to grow food from September through May

Carol Smathers, Ohio State University

Timothy McDermott, Ohio State University

Katie Young, Columbus City Schools

251C

All Children

Science

9:30 - 10:45 AM |

505 | SEL focus: Utilizing yoga, mindfulness, and breath work in the early childhood classroom

Mary Metzger, The Green Vale School

Cara Hershkowitz, The Green Vale School

April Yaffe, The Green Vale School

204C

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

506 | Rev it up, or calm it down: Trauma-informed regulation strategies for every body

Julia Sayles, Georgetown University

Kelli McDermott, Georgetown University

207C

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

507 | “Teacher, I need a break”: How to curate an inclusive classroom to meet the social and emotional needs of diverse young learners

Emerald Williams, Los Angeles Unified School District

252B

Preschoolers

Social and Emotional Development

508 | Blueprints for growth: Data insights for early childhood success

Elizabeth Fields, Learning Beyond Paper

Laura Lisa Delgado, Learning Beyond Paper

212A

Adults

Teaching and Instructional Practices

509 | Empowering early learners through project-based STEAM education

Britni Swann, Charles R. Drew Charter School

Jasper Bloomingdale, Charles R. Drew Charter School

Ashley Buchanan, Charles R. Drew Charter School

255A

Preschoolers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Trauma & Young Children

Learn the basics of what trauma is, targeted suggestions for creating trauma-informed classrooms and practices that support children and families, and more.

Item 1147

Conference Price $25.60 | List: $32

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Book Title Body Copy

Addressing Challenging Behavior in Young Children

Explore how to define your role as a leader, create a positive social climate, recognize the messages children are communicating with their behavior, and more.

Item XXXX

Item 1153

Conference Price $X | List: $X

Price $24 | List: $30

AVAILABLE AT THE NAEYC SHOP!

Exploring Math and Science in Preschool

Filled with practical strategies, useful information, and engaging learning experiences around math and science for preschoolers.

Item 7226

Conference Price $20 | List: $25

Featured Session

510 | Joy and equity in literacy: The intersection of access and opportunity

Kindergarten brings opportunities for marked development and growth in many areas, including cognition, language, and literacy. When students experience joy in their learning, the path to acquiring and storing new information is more effective and efficient. This session will provide educators with strategies that help support joyful and equitable language and literacy development in their students.

Ryan Lee James, The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy and Its Free Online Cox Campus

Stacey Wallen, The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy

BALLROOM A Kindergartners

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

SPONSORED BY

511 | Realistic expectations and partnering with family child care community educators

Deziree Mattocks, National Association for Family Child Care

Tessie Ragan, Perfect Start Learning

Yessika Magdaleno, Child Care Business Institute

202A

Adults

Advocacy/Public Policy

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

512 | Joyful engaged learning through play for children of differing abilities: How to incorporate play and therapeutic care in a toddler classroom

Belinda Peister, Ability KC

Lacy Butler, Mid America Regional Council Head Start

251C

Toddlers

Children with Disabilities/ Early Intervention

513 | From worksheets to wonder: A district’s journey to reimagine preschool

Elizabeth Gaffney, Wallingford Public Schools

Michele Genest, Wallingford Public Schools

Rachel Papa, Wallingford Public Schools

207B

Preschoolers

Curriculum – Theories and Approaches

514 | A journey toward inclusivity: One Affiliate’s story

Brandy Smith, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

Jillian Herink, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

Renee Hardman, Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children

202B

Adults

Diversity and Equity

515 | Using critical reflective practices in ECE: Peeling back the layers toward equity and liberatory practices

Cynthia Davis-Vanloo, Phoenix Consultants

253B

Adults

Diversity and Equity

516 | Early care and education leadership: Strengthening and growing the EC leadership workforce through apprenticeship

Brenda Hagan, Bluegrass Early Education Consulting

Jennifer Legere, A Place to Grow Devin Cole, Neighborhood Villages

211A

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

11:00 AM - 12:15

517 | Supporting access for all in early childhood education teacher preparation

Wendy Farr, Dallas College

Taylor Hernandez, Dallas College

Lauren Gonzalez, Dallas College

255C

Adults

Educator/Teacher Preparation

518 | Engaging families in early childhood education

Kathleen O’Dell, University of Hawaii

212A

All Children

Family Engagement and Support

GC

519 | Proyectando nuestras sombras lúdicas

Ricardo Ochoa, MNC Inspiring Success

Angelica Canchola, MNC Inspiring Success

260B

Preschoolers

Grandes Comienzos (Spanish)

520 | Healing connections: Building resilience by creating a school family with a comprehensive mental health approach

Christine Garza-Bell, Building Brilliant Beginnings

201C

All Children

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

521 | Ready, set, play! Utilizing trauma-informed strategies through play in early childhood settings: A toolbox for educators

Cathy Grist, Western Carolina University

Lori Caudle, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Hannah Thompson, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

256B

Preschoolers

Guidance/Challenging Behaviors

522 | Using an ecosystem framework to support the language and literacy needs of children in early childhood education

Jennifer Jones, The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy at the Atlanta Speech School

Nathan Thompson, The Rollins Center for Language and Literacy at the Atlanta Speech School

251B

All Children

Language and Literacy

523 | Thriving for professional impact: A workshop on selfexploration, growing mental fitness, and integrating strength into daily life

Martha Kesler, Congruism

203AB

Adults

Leadership

524 | Distributed leadership: Preparing your organization for a shift in culture and achievement

Sheila Olan-MacLean, Compass Early Learning and Care

Jenny Cullen, Compass Early Learning and Care

Jill Wickins, Compass Early Learning and Care

256A

Adults

Leadership

Participants can earn 0.1 CEUs for this session.

525 | Creating and using third spaces: Fostering selfregulation and strengthening connection and community with intentional environments

Mike Huber, Rise Early Learning Center

Kylie Cooper, Rise Early Learning Center

213A

All Children

Learning Environment

526 | Math all day: Integrating mathematics into everyday classroom activities for preschoolers

Kehinde Helen Orimaye, East Tennessee State University

Jill Steffens, University of Missouri, Kansas City

205AB

Preschoolers

Mathematics

527 | Nature’s playground: Saying yes to tree climbing for children’s holistic development

Rachel Franz, Twig & Thread Consulting

255B

Preschoolers

Nature/Outdoor Education

528 | Building a culture of playbased learning: Pedagogy, philosophy, and practices

Kimberly Cellini, Area Cooperative Educational Services

Sheri Lambert, EASTCONN

260C

Preschoolers

Play

529 | Rethinking teacher training: A five-step professional development process to support curriculum fidelity

Jennifer Ramirez, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Rosalia Jimenez-Chavez, Los Angeles County Office of Education

Marissa Pacheco, Los Angeles County Office of Education

260A

Infants & Toddlers

Professional Development – Training and Technical Assistance

530 | Writing and implementing an effective policy

Erin Cofer, SPARK Learning Lab

Becky Grider, SPARK Learning Lab

207C

Adults

Program Administration, Evaluation, and Financial Management

531 | Perspectives on gender: The many ways gender norms impact social-emotional development and shape children’s lives

Jamie Solomon, Scuola Creativa

Nadia Jaboneta, Pacific Primary Encian Pastel, Children’s Community Center

206AB

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

532 | Empowering all young children to become problem solvers and compassionate friends

Eileen Cristobal-Rodriguez, Kimochis Plushy Feely Corporation

258A

All Children

Social and Emotional Development

533 | The two sides of the self-regulation coin: How understanding the development of executive function can promote children’s agency and selfcontrol

Elena Bodrova, Tools of the Mind

Angela Alvis, Tools of the Mind

207D

All Children

Teaching and Instructional Practices

534 | Nurturing musical minds: Building intentional sound- and music- learning environments

Sonia Yoshizawa, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

Ruth Facun-Granadozo, East Tennessee State University

Joanne Livingston, St. Margaret’s Episcopal School

255A

Infants & Toddlers

Teaching and Instructional Practices

535 | The power of podcasts: A screen-free alternative to enhance language development and learning in young children

Victoria Saylor, Common Sense Media

262AB

All Children

Technology and Digital Media

ClosingSession

537 |

“Library joy”: A conversation with Mychal Threets on cultivating a love of learning and a sense of belonging

Threets

12:30 - 1:45 PM

ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER

BALLROOM B-E

Bookending the 2024 Annual Conference is accomplished library professional, literacy advocate, and storyteller Mychal Threets, who spreads his love of libraries and learning to children, families, and communities in person and through social media. His journey and stories lift up the power of books, and his work showcases the transformative effects of “library joy” across domains, including social and emotional development. Threets’s message is clear: Libraries and literacy are for everyone.

Before reaching the “final page” of this year’s conference, join NAEYC Governing Board President Tonia Durden for a fireside chat with Mychal that is sure to be brimming with inspiration, joy, and strategies for fostering literacy and a sense of belonging in the children and families in your setting.

SPONSORED BY Mychal

Let the NAEYC Learning Lab provide you with the training your team needs.

Designed with busy educators in mind, NAEYC’s online professional development modules provide self-paced, interactive learning that connects professional knowledge to daily practice.

Based on NAEYC’s core values and ideas reflected in position statements, books, journals, and advocacy, you can rest assured that your team will receive the highest quality learning from the trusted leader in early childhood education content.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

› Research-based content that is aligned with NAEYC’s standards

› An interactive learning experience

› A self-paced format

› An affordable solution for individuals or groups

As an IACET Accredited Provider, NAEYC offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard.

Follow Your Policy Pathway!

Start with just a few of these sessions organized by NAEYC’s policy and professional advancement team:

Thursday

10:00-11:30 AM

ROOM 206AB

Re-Envisioning Early Learning Program Accreditation and Revising the “Early Childhood Program Standards” Position Statement: Next Steps

Prior to the launch of the new Accreditation system in March and the release of the revised position statement later in 2025, join NAEYC staff to review the planned changes and to share your feedback. (Repeating in room 209AB on Friday from 8:00-9:30AM)

1:00-2:30 PM

ROOM 213D

Federal Update

Get an inside perspective on what’s happening in federal ECE policy and what issues are shaping up to be major focus areas in the next Congress.

3:00-5:00 PM

BALLROOM B

MAKE A CIRCLE Film: A Love Letter to Early Educators and a Rally Cry for a Child Care System in Crisis

Watch a screening of the powerful new documentary that follows child care providers who are working to change how society views and values their work educating young children, followed by an interview between Daniel Hains, NAEYC Managing Director of Policy and Professional Advancement, and the filmmaker and educators who participated in the project.

Friday

8:00-9:30 AM

ROOM 201D

Credit Where Credit is Due: Implementing Credit for Prior Learning for Early Childhood Educators

Learn more about credit for prior learning (CPL) models and hear from higher education institutions/ systems that are implementing and expanding their ECE CPL pathways to increase educators’ access to postsecondary credentials.

1:00-2:30PM

ROOM 203AB

DEC and NAEYC - Partnerships for Inclusion and Equity in ECE/ECI/ECSE

Join NAEYC and DEC staff for an update on our efforts to support inclusion, including work to revise the 2009 DEC/NAEYC Joint Position Statement. And share with us your experiences in supporting young children with delays and disabilities in your programs and your ideas for how DEC and NAEYC can continue to work together to support you!

1:00-2:30 PM

ROOM 201D

Checking In on the ECE Field: Results from NAEYC’s Ongoing Surveys of Educators, Providers and ECE Higher Education Programs

Hear about findings from NAEYC’s most recent ECE workforce surveys of educators and higher education faculty, share your perspectives about what is happening on the ground, and let’s brainstorm together about what you’d like to see in future NAEYC surveys.

3:00-4:30PM

ROOM 260A

State of the States: Recent Trends and Key Wins in Early Childhood Policy & Advocacy at the State Level

Join us to hear about recent state legislative and budgetary actions, as we highlight both states taking promising steps to support and invest in early childhood professionals, as well as how advocates are navigating challenging policy trends in many states

Saturday

8:00-9:15AM

ROOM 255A

Weighing in on Revisions to the Code of Ethics

The public comment period for the revised Code of Ethics ended in November and resulted in a great deal of thoughtful engagement and feedback from the field. Join us to discuss the feedback received to-date, share your thoughts, and learn where things stand with the revision process.

8:00-9:15 AM

ROOM 258A

Moving Forward: Building Towards an Equitable Future for the ECE Profession

Hear from states, stakeholders, as well as the Commission on Professional Excellence in ECE about ways in which they are moving the needle on realizing the Unifying Framework’s vision for a well-prepared, effective, diverse, wellsupported and well-compensated ECE Profession.

Are you looking for high-quality publications to use in your early childhood courses? Look no further! NAEYC publishes well-respected books reflecting the latest research on a range of topics in early childhood education.

Available in Print & E-Book

NAEYC.org/shop

Index of Exhibitors

Abeka

310

Curriculum resources; Early literacy; Preschool www.abeka.com

Alive Studios Zoo

300

Early literacy; Mathematics; Teaching resources; Family engagement www.alivestudiosco.com

Alphabet U 1421

Preschool; Kindergarten; Child care center management; Technology/information www.alphabetu.com

Amazing Artists (Alexandra Adlawan)

747

Books; Family engagement; Early literacy; Equity & Diversity www.amazingartists.online

American College of Education

720

Higher education; Teaching resources; Administrative/Staff; Professional development ace.edu

American Hobbies & Merchandising/LAP 1449

American Jewish University 1526

Higher education; Preschool; Leadership Professional development aju.edu/masor

American Montessori Society 922

Professional development; Career Opportunities; Higher education; Teaching resources amshq.org

Angelcare Group 1547

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Playground equipment/supplies; Infants and toddlers; Kindergarten angelcaregroup.com

Authentic Institute of Montessori 538

Higher education; Teaching resources; Professional development; Infants and toddlers aimmontessoriteachertraining.org

Avaden LLC (Splash2o) 926

Playground equipment/supplies; Family engagement; Child care center management www.mysplash2o.com

Avela 1646

Bank Street College of Education 652

Higher education; Professional development; Leadership; Coach/trainer/consultant bankstreet.edu

Barefoot Books 1643

Books; Equity & Diversity; Literacy/ Language Arts; Dual Language Learning barefootbooks.com

BCI Burke Company 739

Playground equipment/supplies bciburke.com

Becker's School Supplies

433

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Educational toys/games; Professional development; Playground equipment/supplies shopbecker.com

BlackBack Writing 748

Curriculum resources; Early literacy; Teaching resources; Literacy/Language Arts www.blackbackhandwriting.com

BLICK Art Materials

419

Arts in education materials; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Schoolage care/after school; Multi-age www.dickblick.com

Artfelt Puppets, Pieces & Props 1043

Literacy/Language Arts; Curriculum resources; Bilingual education; Preschool www.artfelt.net

Arux 1052

School-age care/after school; Computer software; Child care center management; Technology/information arux.com

Book Vine for Children

512

Books; Early literacy; Infants and toddlers; Preschool www.bookvine.com

Boulder Journey School 1505

Professional development; Higher education; Infants and toddlers; Preschool boulderjourneyschool.com

Bouncyband LLC

443

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Equity & Diversity; Kindergarten; Learning Settings Bouncyband.com

BridgeCare 1819

Computer software; Preschool; Technology/information getbridgecare.com

Bright Horizons® 1932

Multi-age; Career opportunities; Professional development; Teaching resources www.brighthorizons.com

brightwheel 1627

Child care center management; Computer software; Curriculum resources; Administrative/Staff mybrightwheel.com

Brookes Publishing 823

Books; Professional development; Teaching resources; Assessment/portfolios/observation brookespublishing.com

Busy One Books 848

Teaching resources; Preschool; Challenging behaviors; Books www.busyonebooks.com

California Association for the Education of Young Children 1742

Professional development; Preschool; Infant and toddlers; Kindergarten caeyc.org

California State University, Fresno 1744

Higher education; Professional development; Career Opportunities; Multi-age cge.fresnostate.edu/academics/ earlychildhood.html

CareConnect 315

Technology/information; Assessment/ portfolios/observation; Management; Computer software www.mcttechnology.com

Carpets for Kids 1312

Early literacy; Dual Language Learning; Classroom equipment/ furniture/supplies; Preschool CarpetsforKids.com

Carriage House Promotions 439

Administrative/Staff carriagehousepromos.com

CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. Program 524

CELEBRATE Successful Early Learning

1419

Curriculum resources; Early literacy; Bilingual education; Family engagement www.celebratesel.com

Chancy and Bruce 1843

Educational toys/games; Books; Curriculum resources; Teaching resources www.chancyandbruce-ra.com

Child Behavior and Classroom Management

510

Coach/trainer/consultant; Challenging behaviors; Professional development; Child care center management www.cbcm.us

Child Source

1911

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Educational toys/games; Health and safety; Infants and toddlers childsource.com

ChildCare Careers

1923

Administrative/Staff; Preschool; Teaching resources; Child care center management childcarecareers.com

ChildCare Education Institute, a StraighterLine Company 611

Professional development; Administrative/ Staff; School-age care/after school; Child care center management www.cceionline.com

Childcare Management Solutions

853

Child care center management; Administrative/ Staff; Career Opportunities; Management www.cms.help

CM School Supply

646

Educational toys/games; Infants and toddlers; School-age care/after school; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies cmschoolsupply.com

Collaborative Classroom

447

Coach/trainer/consultant; Early literacy; Literacy/Language Arts; Professional development www.collaborativeclassroom.org

Communakit

522

Teaching resources; Educational toys/ games; Early literacy; Kindergarten communakit.com

Community Playthings

909

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Playground equipment/supplies; Preschool; Infants and toddlers communityplaythings.com

Connect4Learning-

Curriculum, Assessment, and Professional Learning 709

Curriculum resources; Assessment/ portfolios/observation; Professional development; Teaching resources kaplanco.com/C4L/

Conscious Discipline

812

Coach/trainer/consultant; Challenging behaviors; Leadership; Professional development consciousdiscipline.com

Constructive Playthings

1001

Educational toys/games; Preschool; Playground equipment/supplies; Infants and toddlers constructiveplaythings.com

Constructivist Childhood Materials

526

ChildCareEd 1600

Bilingual education; Professional development; Coach/trainer/consultant; Administrative/Staff www.childcareed.com

ChildPilot 604

Child care center management; Computer software; Technology/ information; Administrative/Staff childpilot.com

ChildPlus Software 1213

Mathematics; Multi-age; Curriculum resources; Higher education www.patternblockpuzzles.com

Copernicus Educational Products

409

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Preschool; Primary Grade; Educational toys/games www.copernicused.com

Cosy Direct 1743

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Preschool; Curriculum resources; Kindergarten www.cosydirect.com

Council for Professional Recognition

319

Professional development; Assessment/ portfolios/observation; Equity & Diversity; Career Opportunities www.cdacouncil.org

CreativePlayLA with Anna Reyner 1522

Coach/trainer/consultant Professional development; Arts in education materials; Administrative/Staff creativeplayla.com

Cultural Connections Center 751

Dual Language Learning; Anti-Bias education; Bilingual education; Equity & Diversity culturesconnectcenter.com

Curriculum Associates 647

Assessment/portfolios/observation; Early literacy; Curriculum resources; Multi-age www.curriculumassociates.com

Daily Connect

424

Child care center management; Family engagement; Computer software; Assessment/portfolios/observation dailyconnect.com

Discount School Supply 1601

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Arts in education materials; Curriculum resources; Early literacy www.discountschoolsupply.com

Dongtai Yongfu Wood Products Factory 1723

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies Educational toys/games www.yongfuwooden.com

Doodle Diaries Pawductions 1626

Dr. Yum Project 1545

Curriculum resources; Preschool; Professional development; Infants and toddlers www.doctoryum.org

Early Childhood Specialties LLC

313

Professional development; Challenging behaviors; Books; Educational toys/games www.earlychildhoodspecialties.com

Index of Exhibitors

East West Discovery Press LLC

651

Bilingual education; Books; Equity & Diversity; Dual Language Learning www.eastwestdiscovery.com

ECR4Kids

1807

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies www.ecr4kids.com

Elevate at Clayton Early Learning 1602

Professional development; Assessment/ portfolios/observation; Coach/ trainer/consultant; Preschool www.claytonearlylearning.org

ESGI Software

547

Kindergarten; Preschool; Assessment/ portfolios/observation; Computer software esgisoftware.com

ETC Montessori 815

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Infants and toddlers; Learning Settings; Teaching resources etcmontessorionline.com

Everlast Climbing

2003

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Curriculum resources; Educational toys/games; Health and safety everlastclimbing.com

Extraordinary Lives Foundation (ELF)

551

Curriculum resources; Kindergarten; Preschool; Teaching resources www.elfempowers.org

Feel Your Best Self

851

Books; Family engagement; Challenging behaviors; Teaching resources feelyourbestself.org

Flash Furniture

1311

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Educational toys/games; Administrative/Staff; Kindergarten www.flashfurniture.com

Food and Supply Source

1550

Technology/information; Child care center management; Administrative/Staff foodandsupplysource.com

Force of Nature Pro 649

Health and safety; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Preschool; Infants and toddlers www.forceofnaturepro.com

Forrest T Jones & Co.

714

Insurance/financial services www.ftj.com/NAEYC

Foundations

1801

Child care center management; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Infants and toddlers; Management www.foundations.com

Funphix Corp 928

Educational toys/games; Playground equipment/ supplies; School-age care/after school; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies www.funphix.com

Gaggle

1901

Child care center management; Family engagement; School-age care/ after school; Infants and toddlers gagglestrollers.com

GameTime

413

Playground equipment/supplies www.gametime.com

Gender Diversity 1444

Equity & Diversity; Anti-Bias education Leadership; Family engagement www.genderdiversity.org

Gryphon House Publishing

701

Books; Teaching resources; Curriculum resources; Professional development www.gryphonhouse.com

Guangzhou Cowboy Water Park Equipment Co.,Ltd 846

Child care center management; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Kindergarten; Playground equipment/supplies www.cowboywaterpark.com

G-W Publisher 2001

Teaching resources; Books; Curriculum resources; Professional development www.g-w.com

hand2mind

432

Curriculum resources; Early literacy; Mathematics; Preschool www.hand2mind.com

Hatch Early Learning

412

Early literacy; Computer software; Kindergarten; Preschool www.hatchearlylearning.com

Heutink USA, Inc dba Tout About Toys 818

Educational toys/games; Preschool; Infants and toddlers; Science www.ToutAboutToys.com

Highlights Early Learning 1919

Preschool; Curriculum resources; Teaching resources earlylearning.highlights.com

HighScope Educational Research Foundation 725

Infants and toddlers; Preschool; Curriculum resources; Professional development highscope.org

Honest Buck Accounting 1022

Insurance/financial services; Coach/trainer/consultant honestbuck.com

Hooray Books 312

Books; Early literacy; Preschool; Bilingual education www.hooraybooks.com

IDEO.org 1427

Coach/trainer/consultant; Equity & Diversity; Leadership www.reimaginechild.care

Imagination Playground 1212

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Arts in education materials; Educational toys/games; School-age care/after school imaginationplayground.com

Inspire Care 360 1912

Child care center management; Professional development; Leadership; Insurance/financial services www.inspirecare360.com

Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences (I-LABS) - Sparkling Project 1929

Early literacy; Dual Language Learning; Curriculum resources; Teaching resources sparklinglanguage.com

Institute of Child Nutrition 1622

Professional development; Child care center management; Administrative/Staff theicn.org

Jackrabbit Care

403

Child care center management; Computer software; Technology/information; Management www.jackrabbitcare.com

Joint Early Learning Ideas, LLC 1812

Professional development; Leadership; Coach/ trainer/consultant; Administrative/Staff www.jelideas.com

JollyHeap 1523

Educational toys/games; Preschool; Playground equipment/supplies; Kindergarten jollyheap.com

Jonti-Craft, Inc. 511

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Learning Settings; Preschool; Kindergarten www.jonti-craft.com

Jovial 1440

Administrative/Staff; Child care center management; Computer software; Management jovial.org

Jurassic Sands

426

Educational toys/games; Multi-age; Science; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies www.jurassicsand.com

Just Right Reader 1543

Literacy/Language Arts; Family engagement; Bilingual education; Curriculum resources justrightreader.com

Kangarootime 1528

Computer software; Technology/information; Teaching resources; Family engagement kangarootime.com

Kaplan Early Learning Company 501

Preschool; Educational toys/games; Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Curriculum resources www.kaplanco.com

Kaymbu 1431

Assessment/portfolios/observation; Family Engagement; Child care center management; Computer Software kaymbu.com

Kids for Culture 1028

Books; Educational toys/games www.kidsforculture.com

Kimochis 1548

Challenging behaviors; Educational toys/games; Learning Settings; Curriculum resources www.kimochis.com

KiwiCo Education 1810

Educational toys/games; School-age care/after school; Family engagement; Arts in education materials education.kiwico.com

Kodo Kids 919

Educational toys/games; Literacy/Language Arts; Science; Arts in education materials kodokids.com

Konnect Agency 314

Health and safety; Leadership; Management www.konnectagency.com

La Fuerza de Las Familias Latinas by Literacy Partners 1647

Early literacy; Family engagement; Books; Professional development www.LaFuerzadeFamilias.Org

Ladybug Music® 548

Music Curriculum; Infants and toddlers; Preschool; Kindergarten www.LadybugMusic.com

Lakeshore Learning 1101

Educational toys/games; Teaching resources; Classroom equipment/ furniture/supplies; Multi-age www.lakeshorelearning.com

Learning Advantage 1820

Educational toys/games; Infants and toddlers; Preschool; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies sparkandwow.com

Life Between Summers 1926

Books; Teaching resources; Equity & Diversity; Primary Grade lifebetweensummers.com

Lillio (formerly HiMama) 1407

Child care center management; Curriculum resources; Early literacy; Family engagement www.lillio.com

LocaliQ 1721

Technology/information; Computer software; Administrative/Staff localiq.com

Los Angeles Unified School District Early Childhood Education Division 1443

Career Opportunities; Infants and toddlers; Preschool; Kindergarten earlyedla.lausd.org

Mabel's Labels

448

Preschool; Classroom equipment/ furniture/supplies; Kindergarten; School-age care/after school mabelslabels.com

MAKINO Education & Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd

428

Curriculum resources; Music Curriculum; Kindergarten; Dual Language Learning www.musictree.net

MANGO Math Group 1542

Mathematics; Curriculum resources; Educational toys/games; School-age care/after school www.mangomath.com

Manta-Ray, Inc. 1823

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies www.childbrite.com

MarcoPolo Learning 722

Curriculum resources; Dual Language Learning; Teaching resources; Professional development marcopololearning.com

MEKA Sensory Play 1746

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Educational toys/games; Preschool; Kindergarten www.mekasensoryplay.com

Military Child Care 1942

militarychildcare.com

Minibop Music 1214

Preschool; Curriculum resources; Infants and toddlers; Arts in education materials minibopmusic.com

Mississippi State Univeristy 1446

Higher education; Career Opportunities; Leadership; Multi-age meridian.msstate.edu

Index of Exhibitors

Moore Well-Being 1429

Professional development; Coach/ trainer/consultant; Challenging behaviors; Administrative/Staff www.moorewellbeing.com

Music Together Worldwide 939

Music Curriculum; Curriculum resources; Teaching resources; Arts in education materials www.musictogether.com

National Program for Play Area Safety

450

Playground equipment/supplies; Professional development; Health and safety; Learning Settings nppas.org

National University

1943

Higher education; Professional development; Early literacy; Bilingual education www.nu.edu

National Center Early Childhood Development Teaching & Learning 849

Leadership; Preschool; Infants and toddlers eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov

Natural Pod 1448

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Infants and toddlers Kindergarten; School-age care/after school naturalpod.com

Nature Explore/Exchange 931

Professional development; Playground equipment/supplies; Leadership

Nature Of Art

2007

Arts in education materials; Books; Curriculum resources; Teaching resources montessori-art.com

Nature of Early Play (Play Mart) 1301

Playground equipment/supplies; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Infants and toddlers; Multi-age www.natureofearlyplay.com

Navajo Jewelry and Crafts 1519 navajojewelryandcraftsllc.com

Next Level Parks

656

Playground equipment/supplies; Infants and toddlers; Multi-age; Kindergarten www.nextlevelparks.com

Nienhuis Montessori 809

Educational toys/games; School-age care/ after school; Mathematics; Preschool www.nienhuis.com/us

Open the Joy 2014

Operation Transformation, P.C. 1525

Books; Bilingual education; Family engagement; Literacy/Language Arts www.cristalcook.com

Orange County Association for the Education of Young Children 1939 ocaeyc.com

Oriental Trading Company 1018

Teaching resources; Educational toys/ games; Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Literacy/Language Arts www.OrientalTrading.com

OWNA 1624

Administrative/Staff; Child care center management; Computer software; Family engagement owna.app

Parents as Teachers National Center

2012

Family engagement; Health and safety; Curriculum resources; Early literacy parentsasteachers.org

PDPlay

1933

Playground equipment/supplies pdplay.com

Peake Creative 2010

Coach/trainer/consultant; Leadership; Professional development; Child care center management www.peakecreative.com

Percussion Play 946

Arts in education materials; Educational toys/games; Music Curriculum; Playground equipment/supplies www.percussionplay.com

Perfect Day 1727

Family engagement; Child care center management; Computer software; Preschool www.perfectdaylive.com

Play to Learn Preschool

1922

Preschool; Curriculum resources; Literacy/ Language; Coach/trainer/consultant playtolearnpreschool.us

Play With a Purpose 613

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Playground equipment/ supplies; Educational toys/games pwap.com

Playaway Products LLC 1925

Books; Early literacy; Literacy/Language Arts; Mathematics; shop.playaway.com/splash/ www.playaway.com

Playful Learning 1815

Preschool; Teaching resources; Curriculum resources; Professional development www.playfullearning.com

Playground 308

Computer software; Administrative/Staff; Technology/information; Preschool tryplayground.com

Playscapes 425

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Educational toys/games; Playground equipment/supplies; Preschool www.playscapes.com

Playtag 753

Assessment/portfolios/observation; Technology/information; Challenging behaviors; Preschool www.playtag.ai

Pocket of Preschool 553

Curriculum resources; Assessment/ portfolios/observation; Teaching resources; Coach/trainer/consultant pocketofpreschool.com

Pretend City Children's Musuem 1845

Infants and toddlers; Equity & Diversity; Family engagement; Preschool www.pretendcity.org

Procare Solutions 901

Child care center management; Family engagement; Technology/information; Professional development www.procaresolutions.com

Program for Infant/Toddler Care at WestEd

827

Infants and toddlers; Coach/trainer/consultant; Curriculum resources; Teaching resources www.pitc.org

ProSolutions Training, a StraighterLine Company

401

Professional development; Administrative/ Staff; Child care center management; School-age care/after school www.prosolutionstraining.com

Publisher Spotlight 1113

Books; Early literacy; Infants and toddlers; Kindergarten www.publisherspotlight.com

Radius Childcare Solutions 2011

Rasmussen 1628

Higher Education; Leadership; Management; Professional Development www.rasmussen.edu/naeyc

Real OT Solutions 1441

Literacy/Language Arts; Curriculum resources; Kindergarten; Primary Grade www.realOTsolutions.com

Redleaf Press/Think Small Institute 1619

Child care center management; Curriculum resources; Assessment/portfolios/ observation; Anti-Bias education redleafpress.org

Renaissance 1813

Assessment/portfolios/observation; Computer software; Mathematics; Literacy/Language Arts www.renaissance.com

Ripple Effects 952

Computer software; Challenging behaviors; Multi-age; Technology/information rippleeffects.com

Rollins Center for Language and Literacy 653

Professional development; Early literacy; Coach/trainer/consultant coxcampus.org

S&S Worldwide 1413

Family engagement; Educational toys/ games; Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Literacy/Language Arts www.ssww.com

San Mateo-Foster City School District 1520

Career Opportunities; School-age care/ after school; Preschool; Early literacy www.smfcsd.net

Scholastic Education Solutions

508

Early literacy; Family engagement; Professional development; Teaching resources scholastic.com

School Specialty Childcraft

301

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Infants and toddlers; Educational toys/games www.schoolspecialty.com/childcraft

See Hear Do 1442

Early literacy; Preschool; Books; Curriculum resources seeheardocompany.com

Seed & Sew 1920

Professional development; Challenging behaviors; Family engagement; Coach/trainer/consultant www.seedandsew.org

Shaoxing Geili Sports & Leisure Goods Co., Ltd 1527

Educational toys/games www.geilisports.en.alibaba.com

Shifting The Lens, LLC.

444

Equity & Diversity; Books; Professional development; Anti-Bias education Drlindseywilson.com

Smith System 945

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Preschool; Primary Grade; Learning Settings smithsystem.com

Sparking Creativity

549

Curriculum resources; Dual Language Learning; Early literacy; Kindergarten sparking-creativity.square.site

St Catherine University 924

Higher education; Anti-Bias education; Early literacy; Professional development www.stkate.edu

Starfall Education Foundation

320

Literacy/Language Arts; Early literacy; Mathematics; Curriculum resources www.starfall.com/h/

STEM in a Box® by TechTerra Education 1026

Equity & Diversity; Curriculum resources; Teaching resources; Multi-age www.techterraeducation.com

StoryBook Treasures 446

Literacy/Language Arts; Early literacy; Family engagement; Teaching resources www.storybooktreasures.org

Sub Start 1909

Technology/information; Child care center management; Computer software; Administrative/Staff www.substart.org

Superspace 1512

Educational toys/games; Kindergarten; Primary Grade; Preschool www.getsuperspace.com

Teacher Created Materials 1501

Curriculum resources; Books; Teaching resources; Multi-age www.tcmpub.com

Teacher Created Resources 750

Educational toys/games; Early literacy; Curriculum resources; Literacy/Language Arts www.teachercreated.com

Teachers College Press 1618

Preschool; Higher education; Kindergarten; Assessment/portfolios/observation www.tcpress.com

Teaching Strategies, LLC 519

Curriculum resources; Early literacy; Infants and toddlers; Professional development teachingstrategies.com

TeachTown 1928

Curriculum resources; Books; Early literacy; Preschool teachtown.com

Team Supercrew 1814

Books; Educational toys/games; Equity & Diversity; Kindergarten teamsupercrew.com

The Autism Project 1927

Equity & Diversity; Challenging behaviors; Health and safety; Teaching resources theautismproject.org

Index of Exhibitors

The Childcare CPA™ 1914

Insurance/financial services; Coach/ trainer/consultant; Child care center management; Management www.TheChildcareCPA.com

The Curiosity Approach 1040

Coach/trainer/consultant; Infants and toddlers; Kindergarten; Preschool www.thecuriosityapproach.com

The Imagine Institute 1645

Anti-Bias education; Bilingual education; Dual Language Learning; Equity & Diversity www.imaginewa.org

The International Baccalaureate 810

Curriculum resources; Preschool; Early literacy; Teaching resources www.ibo.org

The Math Learning Center 532

Mathematics; Kindergarten; Curriculum resources; Equity & Diversity www.mathlearningcenter.org

The Reading Game

650

Educational toys/games; Early literacy; Literacy/Language Arts; Kindergarten www.thereadinggame.com

The Rhythm Child Network 1935

Preschool; Coach/trainer/consultant; Family engagement; Music Curriculum www.rhythmchild.net

The Royal Conservatory of Music 1604

Arts in education materials; Professional development; Curriculum resources; Music Curriculum www.rcmusic.com

The Source for Learning ECE 719

Professional development; Teaching resources; Leadership; Management sflece.org

Time Timer 927

Classroom equipment/furniture/ supplies; Educational toys/games; Multi-age; Teaching resources www.timetimer.com

TOG 847

Educational toys/games www.togsh.com

tonies 1047

Educational toys/games; Preschool; Early literacy; Music Curriculum us.tonies.com

TPG Creations/The Pencil Grip 1445

Arts in education materials; Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Educational toys/games; Primary Grade www.tpgcreations.com

U.S. Air Force Child & Youth Programs 546

Career Opportunities www.dafchildandyouth.com

UCLA Extension 442

Ultraplay 1511

Playground equipment/supplies; Music Curriculum; Equity & Diversity; Multi-age www.ultraplay.com

University of La Verne 953

Professional development; Teaching resources; Higher education; Teaching resources pdc.laverne.edu

UpBup 712

Technology/information; Administrative/ Staff; Computer software; Child care center management UpBup.com

Urban Infant

808

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Preschool; Infants and toddlers www.urbaninfant.com

Vanguard University 1745

Higher education; Professional development explore.vanguard.edu

VeriCare 852

Administrative/Staff; Management; Technology/ information; Child care center management www.myvericare.com

Walden University

500

Higher education; Professional development www.waldenu.edu/NAEYC

WatchMeGrow 1719

Technology/information; Assessment/ portfolios/observation; Child care center management; Health and safety watchmegrow.com

Waterford.org 1038

Early literacy; Family engagement; Curriculum resources; Computer software www.waterford.org

Wayfair Professional 1642

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Playground equipment/supplies Wayfairprofessional.com

We Skoolhouse 749

Curriculum resources; Challenging behaviors; Professional development; Teaching resources weskoolhouse.com

Wellness Consultants 1918

Weplay/Kiddie's Paradise Inc. 1711

Educational toys/games; Infants and toddlers; Preschool; Teaching resources www.weplay.com.tw

WESCO N.A. 1827

Preschool; Infants and toddlers; Playground equipment/supplies; Educational toys/games wescona.com

Whitney Brothers® 307

Classroom equipment/furniture/supplies; Infants and toddlers; Kindergarten; Preschool www.whitneybros.com

Wilson Language Training 542

Curriculum resources; Professional development; Literacy/Language Arts; Early literacy www.wilsonlanguage.com

WPS

427

Assessment/portfolios/observation; Infants and toddlers; Preschool; Professional development www.wpspublish.com

Wisdom Playgrounds Inc. 1611

Playground equipment/supplies; Multi-age; School-age care/after school; Health and safety www.WisdomPlaygrounds.com

Worlds of Wow

423

Playground equipment/supplies; Learning Settings; Classroom equipment/ furniture/supplies; Multi-age worldsofwow.com

Same quality accreditation, a new simpler process!

Say goodbye to the enrollment, application, and candidacy process. Portfolios are now 100% digital and you can move through new Accreditation tiers at a pace that works for your program.

RECOGNITION

Program has demonstrated a foundation of policies and structures on which a quality care and learning environment can be built.

ACCREDITATION

Program continuously demonstrates the high-quality policies, structures, and practices necessary for a high-quality care and learning environment.

ACCREDITATION+

Program continuously demonstrates the high-quality policies, structures, and practices necessary for a high-quality care and learning environment AND adheres to increased accountability protocols.

And there's more!

New Online Portal

Programs can enjoy enhanced selfservice options, task reminders, and an easy-to-navigate interface, built on the powerful Salesforce platform.

Easy Application

Applying for each tier is a one step process: programs will submit a streamlined digital portfolio to NAEYC.

Learn more to begin your journey on

Site Visits

Portfolios will be submitted online and scored in advance of site visits. Site visits will focus on observation of classroom practices, not paperwork.

Help Shape the Future of the Early Childhood Profession

Looking for ways to strengthen your connection to NAEYC and the field? By adding your leadership to the programs below, you can shape NAEYC’s future, gain new insights, and expand your professional horizons. NAEYC is looking for members to get involved and volunteer their services in the following national leadership opportunities.

Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs

(Three-year term; selection approved by the Commission) The Commission oversees NAEYC’s higher education accreditation system and is responsible for setting the standards, recognizing programs for meeting the standards, and setting the policies and procedures that govern the system. The Commission seeks individuals who are passionate about supporting educator preparation program quality, have a deep understanding of accreditation and/or program evaluation, and value working closely with a group of colleagues committed to robust, collegial discussions about the finite details of accreditation cases and strategic issues facing the accreditation system and the ECE higher education landscape. To learn more about the Commission, visit https://www. naeyc.org/accreditation/higher-ed/ commission.

Conference Proposal Reviewers

(Ongoing acceptance of online applications; applicants approved by NAEYC staff) Members review proposal submissions online and make recommendations for potential sessions at NAEYC conferences.

Council for NAEYC

Accreditation of Early Learning Programs

(Four-year term; selection determined by the Council Nominating Committee and approved by the Governing Board) The Council for NAEYC Accreditation was established by the Governing Board to ensure quality, integrity, and accountability for NAEYC’s Accreditation system. We seek

individuals who are experienced with all aspects of NAEYC Accreditation, are strategic thinkers with strong interpersonal skills, and can commit significant time to supporting the continuous improvements of NAEYC’s Early Learning Program Accreditation system.

Early Childhood Higher Education Peer Reviewers

(Applications open January-February and August-September each year; applicants approved by NAEYC staff) Peer reviewers support the accreditation process for associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degree programs by participating in document reviews and site visits. To learn more about serving as a peer reviewer, visit https://www.naeyc.org/accreditation/ higher-ed/peer-reviewer

NAEYC Affiliates

NAEYC’s Affiliate Network offers multiple leadership opportunities: board service, committee work, and one-time volunteer activities. Find out more about your local Affiliate and how you can engage and contribute to important mission driven work by contacting the Affiliate in your area. Visit NAEYC.org/ get-involved/membership/affiliates

NAEYC’s Affiliate Advisory Council

(Three-year term; selection appointed by the Council’s Nominations Committee) Members advise national staff and the NAEYC Governing Board on all issues related to members and affiliates. The Council’s primary charge is to ensure diverse leadership pathways are embedded throughout the Association and aligned with NAEYC’s commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

NAEYC Governing Board

(Four-year term, two-year term for students; slate developed by the Governance Committee and approved by the Governing Board for election by the membership) Our Governing Board provides mission-based leadership and strategic governance for the association. Serving on the Board is an extraordinary opportunity for members who are passionate about NAEYC’s vision and mission, deeply committed to its values and beliefs, and skilled leaders with a track record of effective governance experience. Please take a moment to read our Strategic Direction to find out if this opportunity is right for you!

NAEYC Interest Forums

Follow your Interests! NAEYC provides an online community created by members for members. Choose from several early childhood topics that cover:

› Early Math, Science, and Technology

› Play and Policy

› Professional Development

› Culture

› Program Focus

› Spirituality

As a NAEYC Member, engage throughout the year in conversations, webinars, and networking, all housed right on our exclusive digital member platform, HELLO! (hello.naeyc.org).

Don’t overlook this NAEYC member benefit, JOIN the conversation!

NAEYC Governance Participants & Advisory Groups

NAEYC thanks these members for their service to our Association. For more information about leadership opportunities, please see page 143.

Advisory &

Review Panels

Affiliate Advisory Council

Helene Harte, Chair

Gina Forbes, Chair-Elect

Zaina Cahill, Past Chair

Amy McGinn

Bridgette Yount Willis

Crystal Abbe

Erin Ellis

Jamie Cho

John Cregg

Kelly Ramsey

Lara Kyriakou

Lucero Irizarry

Nancy Yee

Natalie Williams

Nefertiti Hunter-Holbeck

Victoria Long-Coleman

Annual Conference Proposal Reviewers

Marie Andrew

Julie Banfer

Christina Brayton

Julia Cuevas Guerra

Leanna Felipe

Pilar Fort

Melissa Gatlin

Irasema Gonzalez

Winifred Hagan

Brandy James

Seung Jung Jo

Tracy Keyes

Allison Kimble-Cusano

Jennifer Koel

Ju Lim

Patricia Massengale

Donna McCrary

Gemma Medina

Charlene Montano Nolan

Kristan Pearce

Sarah Ransom

Melissa Walter

Allison Wilson

Shannon Wood

Lisa Wright

Pei-Ying Wu

Lizelle Ann Wulff

Hongxia Zhao

NAEYC Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs

Tiffany Hunter, Chair

Nancy Beaver

Paige Bray

Rebecca Brinks

Eric Bucher

Erin Donovan

Benita Flores-Muñoz

Donna Gollnick

Jayme Hines

Elisa Huss-Hage

Elsa Jones

Travis Morgan-Chavers

Carrie Nepstad

Wei Qiu

Bweikia Steen

Mary Harrill, Ex Officio member

Council for NAEYC Accreditation of Early Learning Programs

Jeffrey Leffler, Chair

Vickie Calderon

Michael Gonzalez

Edward Manuszak

Sherron Murphy-Brown

Jason Sims

Amber Tankersley

Teri Windisch

Teaching Young Children

Editorial Advisory Board

Lisa Bresson

Anthony Broughton

Melissa Harmon

Donna Martin Hinkle

Megan King

Monica Lesperance

Kevin McGowan

Deanna Pecaski McLennan

Debra Murphy

Kristen E. Reed

Ajay Singh

Maryah Spahr

Janis Strasser

Gina Weekley

Jenna Weglarz-Ward

Jessica Mercer Young

Voices of Practitioners

Editorial Advisory Board

Angela Buenaseda Aquilizan, Executive Editor

Megina Baker, Executive Editor

Amanda Branscombe, Executive Editor

Robyn Brookshire, Executive Editor

Maleka Donaldson, Executive Editor

Isauro Escamilla Executive Editor

Ron Grady, Executive Editor

Barbara Henderson, Co-Editor

Debra Murphy, Executive Editor

Frances Rust, Executive Editor

Jamie Solomon, Executive Editor

Andrew J. Stremmel, Executive Editor

Stacey M. Alfonso

Georgina Ardalan

Cindy Ballenger

Nancy Barbour

Megan Blumenreich

Cheryl Bulat

Kathryn Castle

Lori Caudle

Sherry Cleary

Mary Cronin

Jerlean Daniel

Mary Garguile

Anna Golden

Beth Graue

Renata Love Jones

Martha Melgoza

Mary Jane Moran

Leah Muccio

Carrie Nepstad

Rebecca S. New

Gail Ritchie

Danielle Savory Seggerson

Stacia Stribling

Patricia Sullivan

Kaile Thomas

Nathaniel U. Weber

Ashley Williams

Young Children

Consulting Editors

Jessica Alvarado

Jolene Andriaschko

Lawrence Balter

Holland Banse

Bonnie Blagojevic

Meghan Block

Lorraine Breffni

Pam Brillante

Samuel Broaden

Amber Brown

Kutasha Bryan-Silva

Jennifer Buchter

Karen Burger Cairone

Lisa Castillo

Eun Kyeong Cho

Dong Hwa Choi

Rebecca Rohloff Clough

Michael Connor

Christan Coogle

Patricia Cooper

Tanya Cordoba

Shelly Counsell

Jennifer Crandell

Becky DelVecchio

Michelle Dent

Maleka Donaldson

Dede Dunst

Angela Eckhoff

Angela Elkins

Nagwa Elsamra

Andrea Emerson

Jeanne Galbraith

NAEYC Governance Participants & Advisory Groups

Keri Giordano

Ron Grady

Kathleen Harris

Dorian Harrison

Holly Hatton-Bowers

Jayme Hines

Emily Brown Hoffman

Cindy Hoisington

Sara Hooks

Tamar Jacobson

Rebecca Roji John

Courteney Johnson

Kristen Kemple

Jinhee Kim

Anita Kumar

Hannah Kye

Melanie Loewenstein

Julia Luckenbill

Christine Lux

Sue Mankiw

Bernice Mayfield

Kelly McCormick

Hannah Mills Mechler

Alison Mellott

Amanda Messer

Lori Erbrederis Meyer

Gayle Mindes

William Mosier

Meir Muller

Jodi Nerren

Neal Nghia Nguyen

Katherine Norris

Kaitlin Northey

Monica O’Gara

Conrad Oh-Young

Zazai Owens

Laura Paciorek

Soojin Park

Cheryl Paul

Margaret Quinn

Rekha Rajan

Gurupriya Ramanathan

Alissa Rausch

Nanci Red Bird

Laurie Lee Richter

Faith Rogow

Mollie Romano

Dawn Rouse

Angela K. Salmon

Katie Schrodt

Holly Seplocha

Christine Snyder

Susan Stacey

Robyn Stone

Stephanie Strachan

Gabrielle Strasfogel-Ryklin

Toni Sturdivant

Wenyang Sun

John Sutterby

Rebecca Swartz

Linda Taylor

Josh Thompson

Mary Trepanier-Street

Allison N. VanLoon

Christopher J. Wagner

Nicole Willard

Alyson Williams

Hillary Wolfe

Brian Wright

Hsiu-Wen Yang

Jennifer Zosh

A Closer Look at Important Topics

Spotlight on Young Children

Covering a broad range of subjects, this bestselling series includes articles carefully curated from NAEYC’s award-winning Young Children journal.

TITLES IN THIS SERIES

› Challenging Behavior

Item 1171

› Observation & Assessment, vol. 2

Item 1168

› Social & Emotional Development, rev. ed.

Item 1164

› And more!

The Essentials

These thoughtful, approachable resources introduce core concepts of early childhood education, making them meaningful to everyday practice for teachers.

TITLES IN THIS SERIES

› Supporting Dual Language Learners in Diverse Environments in Preschool and Kindergarten

Item 1151

› Providing High-Quality Family Child Care

Item 1135

› Supporting Young Children with Disabilities in the Classroom

Item 1131

in Print & E-Book

CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is pleased to present this Certifi cate to: for having participated in NAEYC’s 2024

National Association for the Education of Young Children

NOVEMBER 6–9, 2024 | ANAHEIM, CA

Michelle Kang NAEYC Chief Executive Offi cer

Tools to Support the Environment Rating Scales

• Provides a meaningful understanding of the ERS for state QRIS systems and TA organizations within a coaching framework

• Motivates educators to examine their practices and make changes that measurably improve quality

• Builds effective communities of practice

• An independent online study tool for providers, educators, and center directors that promotes a deeper understanding of the ERS

• Tailor your learning experience by choosing the modules that best support your professional growth

• Demonstrates quality with visual examples from programs

• Software to conduct and automatically score ERS assessments

• Includes data-driven analysis tools to identify trends across programs

• Utilizes CQI reporting to empower providers and directors

• Leverages assessments as learning tools to promote individualized professional development

Awards CEUs and CDA training hours