1A  A Joyous Way to Learn

presented by Jim Gill      (COK Curriculum)

Music Play to Promote Readiness, Literacy, Math Development and Inclusion

This lively session incorporates Jim’s most recent songs as well as in-depth discussion connecting music play with school readiness, literacy development and early math development.

Early childhood professionals will leave the session inspired to share a new repertoire of songs and playful literacy activities with the children they care for. Even more, they will leave the session understanding that what is most challenging about working in early childhood is also what makes the profession so exciting. When we define our teaching as helping children learn, we not only provide joyous challenges for the children. We also keep ourselves engaged and rejuvenated by watching their excitement as they learn.

1B  Recognizing Autism in Non-Stereotypical Presentation

presented by Mrs. Speechie P. (Andi Putt)      (COK Special Needs)

Join Andi Putt, AKA Mrs. Speechie P, for an enlightening workshop focused on recognizing autism in non-stereotypical presentations. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often associated with specific behavioral traits, but many individuals exhibit characteristics that diverge from these common stereotypes. Participants will learn about subtle and atypical signs of autism, including less recognized social, communication, and behavioral patterns. Mrs. Speechie P will share insights from the latest research, real-life case studies, and practical strategies for identification and support.

1C  Easy Ways to Improve Social Media Presence for Marketing Purposes

presented by Dr. Amanda Holliday-Bembridge     (COK Professionalism)

In this breakout session, participants will develop and understanding of the impact social media can have on their business and learn easy ways to leverage social media for marketing purposes. Participants will reflect on their current understanding and usage of social media platforms specific to the intended outcomes/audiences, develop strategies to make managing and implementing social media easier, and create an implementation plan to use going forward.

1D  Supporting with Song: How to Integrate Accessible Musical Strategies with Intention

presented by Zoe Simon-Levin      (COK Curriculum)

This interactive and flexible workshop will explore the ways in which music can be intentionally integrated into early childhood spaces for growth, play, and rest. Whether you’re an experienced musician in your free time or can’t carry a tune, this workshop will explore strategies that align with your comfort level and the kiddos with whom you work. We’ll apply multiple critical lenses to traditionally used children’s tunes, explore contemporary children’s artists, and learn about how simple musicking can foster community and support child development in multiple domains. Zoe’s work experience is largely in collaboration with disabled folks, so attention will be given to inclusion and access for all students. This workshop will include multiple opportunities to actively music together- no solo singing required!

1E  Practice to Evidence: Strengthening the Workforce and Families in Developing a Roadmap to Culturally Sensitive Assessment and Evaluation

presented by Dr. Aimée Drouin Duncan      (COK Curriculum)

Participants will define and discuss culturally sensitive assessment in the context of early childhood practice, with an emphasis on education and behavioral health settings. Experiences will be mapped to implementation science definitions of cost, usability, technical merit and cultural relevance across an array of developmental and environmental assessments. Participants will be able to translate definitions of family-centered and relationship-based practice for practice and systems level change. .

1F  Leveraging Non-Formal Education Partners to Empower Hands-On Science Learning

presented by Dr Lisa Moyer      (COK Curriculum)

We’ll discuss how to discover and leverage non-profit educational partners to create fun, real-world, active science learning experiences for your students. From Journey North and Project Wild, to edible soil profiles (don’t forget the worm!), we’ll share stories, lessons, and resources from non-formal educators that you can implement in your own classroom

1G  Mirrors and Windows: Reflecting the Diversity of Children, Families and Communities Through Children’s Literature and Storytelling

presented by Dr. Janet A. Mattern & Dr. Sarah M. O’Neal       (COK Curriculum)

Early childhood curriculum should provide mirrors so that children see themselves, their families, and their communities reflected in the learning environment, materials, and activities. The curriculum should also provide windows on the world so that children learn about peoples, places, arts, sciences, and so on that they would otherwise not encounter. In diverse and inclusive learning communities, one child’s mirrors are another child’s windows, making for wonderful opportunities for collaborative learning (NAEYC DAP; Sims Bishop, 1990).This interactive workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to see how children’s literature and storytelling provide mirrors and windows in the classroom. Participants will get to will get to share their stories and learn someone else’s through the art of storytelling. Throughout the workshop participants will be crafting an action plan to put into place in their own teaching environments. 

2A  Music Play for ALL Children: A Focus on Inclusion

presented by Jim Gill     (COK Special Needs)

Jim Gill shares a number of his music play creations and discusses how play provides an inclusive experience for children with special needs. He focuses on music as a context for active play and participation: the approach he developed over 20 years while leading weekly programming in music play for families with children with special needs.  The session is a perfect blend of active participation and useful information gathered from research and actual practice.

2B  Play-based Speech & Language Intervention 

presented by Mrs. Speechie P (Andi Putt)     (COK Special Needs)

Unlock the transformative power of play in enhancing speech and language development at this dynamic breakout session! Perfect for educators and caregivers, this workshop will revolutionize your approach by integrating playful techniques into your practice. Discover how to use games, toys, and imaginative activities to foster communication skills and boost engagement in children. Through interactive demonstrations and expert guidance, you’ll gain practical strategies for effective interventions. While this session focuses on autism and delays, the insights are universally applicable to support all children’s language development. Join us to make learning joyful and help every child reach their full potential through play!

2C  How Other People Do It: Unlocking Our Implicit Biases Regarding Parenting Practices to Deepen Relations With Families

presented by Dr. Amanda Holliday-Bembridge      (COK Community)

Explore parenting practices from cultures worldwide and which of these practices trigger our implicit biases. Develop a deeper understanding of the “why” behind various parenting practices and diverse families entering your program. Learn strategies to build relationships with families while embracing cultural differences and helping families better understand your program.

2D  Remembering the Joy: The Power of Arts Integrated Leadership

presented by Valerie Branch & Caroline Ferrante  (COK Curriculum)

Experiencing joy can be transformative and contagious. In this interactive workshop, Valerie Branch, Education Director, Early Childhood at Arts for Learning MD and Arts for Learning Resident Early Childhood Teaching Artist, Caroline Ferrante will guide participants in learning how the arts can be used as a vehicle to foster meaningful social-emotional connections and joyful early learning classrooms. We will move, sing, chant, practice dramatic play and engage in practical discussions to apply strategies in classroom communities.

2E  Make It and Play It: Propelling Make-believe Play and Self-regulation with Class Made Props

presented by Angela Alvis     (COK Curriculum)

Discover the power of supporting children in creating props! We will explore how this practice amplifies the impact of children’s make-believe play experiences, particularly by exercising executive function skills. Throughout our session, we’ll explore the how, why, and strategies from Tools of the Mind around scaffolding and differentiating prop-making for all children. Whether you’re new to prop-making or seeking to elevate your existing practices, this session promises valuable insights for educators at any stage of their prop-making journey. Come prepared to explore, create, play, and leave with actionable ideas on facilitating prop-making in your classroom!

2F  Learn Universal Strategies to Promote Prosocial Behavior and Regulation

presented by Amy Norris      (COK Child Development)

This breakout session will provide participants with user friendly strategies for building positive learner behaviors. Ten proactive strategies will be outlined for participants. These strategies work for all students..

2G  Recognizing, Building and Cultivating Mathematics Strengths in the Early Childhood Teaching and Learning Environment

presented by Dr. Beth McCord Kobett      (COK Curriculum)

Are you a Strength-Spotter?  We see what we expect to find. Most of us were educated to sniff out and stamp out students’ mathematical challenges, yet this approach may blind us to our students’ mathematical brilliance. Come explore the surprising ways they show how they know, think, and process their mathematics world in any setting.

2H  Books for Every Student: Ensuring Book Access in Early Childhood

presented by Dr. Jodi G. Welsch & Dr. Emily Milleson    (COK Curriculum)

Access to a variety of high-quality children’s literature has become an equity issue. Language comprehension is a critical component of the “Reading Rope”, providing an application for learners’ word knowledge and decoding skills. Authentic texts allow for engaging conversations, knowledge building and meaningful experiences that develop and strengthen overall literacy performance. This workshop will explore how we can get good books in children’s hands through interactive read alouds and effective design and use of the classroom library.