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 |