Conference training sessions are Missouri clock-hour-approved professional development hours for early childhood educators. The conference also is open to all community members interested in learning more about early childhood education’s key role in building a promising future for our community.

Here’s a sneak peek at the day’s schedule:

Doors open: 8 a.m.

Sign-in and continental breakfast: 8 – 9 a.m. 
Breakout session 1: 9-11 a.m. 
Breakout session 2: 11:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. 
Lunch and Keynote Address: 12:30 – 2 p.m. 
Breakout session 3A: 2:15 – 3:45 p.m.
Breakout session 3B: 2:15 – 4:15 p.m.
Happy hour, networking, and celebration to follow

Session 1: 9-11 a.m.

Session Title Presenter
Creating a Healthy School-Home Connection, for Everyone’s Sake Bolanle Ambonisye /Falomi Fitzgreald with U & I Rise
Self-Care and Resiliency LaDonna Ellis with Gateway Early Childhood Alliance
Family Data Leadership Amanda Linski with Missouri Parents Act
Connecting the Educational Dots- How quality preschool experiences impact success in kindergarten and beyond Jacquelyn Randel with The Leadership School
Behaviors are a Message Britt Velasquez- Kelly Hantak with United 4 Children

Session 2: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Session Title Presenter
PBS’s Promise to the Pipeline Gina Watkins with Nine PBS
The Importance of Nutrition Ann Cunningham with United 4 Children
Getting A Grasp On Fine Motor Skills Tina Closson/ Alisa Walker with St Louis ARC-Belle Center

Lunch + Keynote Address: 12:30-2 p.m.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Our keynote address will begin at 1 p.m. with Dr. Jonathan Spikes. Learn more about our keynote speaker here.

Session 3A: 2:15-3:45 p.m.

Session Title Presenter
Tools that Challenge the School to Prison Pipeline Nakatia Clay with Missouri Parents Act
Science- Full of Surprises Becky Strickfaden with United 4 Children
A Bright Future Begins with Early Literacy Sheila C. Oliveri with Ready Readers

Session 3B: 2:15-4:15 p.m.

Session Title Presenter
Movin and Groovin Adrienne Humphries with United 4 Children
Reflective Thinking Marcia Hayse-Harris with Beyond Housing