1A  The Stress in Relationships Goes Round and Round:  Taking a Closer Look at the Reciprocal Effects Stress and Trauma Have on Infant/Toddler Interactions with Caregivers

presented by Dr. Amanda Holliday-Bembridge     (COK Child Development)  Audience:  B-3, Leadership

Come learn the science behind why stress is the gift that keeps on giving—how stress affects us mentally and physically, how it affects our interactions and relationships with infants and toddlers, and what we can do to combat stress proactively. This session will break down evidence-based brain research into easy-to-understand and apply bite-sized information.

1B  Math Talk: Teach Early Math in the Moments You Have

presented by Kelly Goldberg, M.S., CCC-SLP     (COK Curriculum)  Audience: B-3, PreK/K

Forget the worksheets. Early math happens in the everyday moments you already have with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. In the training, a pediatric speech therapist breaks down the 5 foundational early math concepts: numbers and their operations, geometry, patterns, measurement, and data and shows you exactly how to weave these concepts into the moments you already have using more math talk. Diaper changes, snack time, transitions, and play all become opportunities to build early math skills without adding anything extra to your plate. No worksheets. No prep. Just simple, practical language strategies you can use the very next day that support learning math concepts. Leave with lots of new math ideas and confidence you can teach it!

1C  Effective Leadership in ECE – Understanding Readiness – Increasing Retention 

presented by Dr. Lynn M. Lubecki    (COK Professionalism)  Audience: Leadership

If we want educators to stay, we have to better understand what readiness actually means. This session challenges the idea that retention is simply a pipeline problem and instead focuses on how leaders interpret, support, and respond to educator readiness once individuals enter the field. Grounded in dissertation research, this session explores how leadership practices shape whether educators feel capable, supported, and able to continue in their roles. Participants will examine how common structures—onboarding, supervision, and professional development—often assume readiness rather than seek to understand it. When leaders take the time to recognize where educators are in their development, they can respond with greater clarity and intention. Understanding readiness becomes the foundation for stronger leadership decisions, more responsive support, and ultimately, increased retention. This session is for leaders ready to move beyond assumptions and lead with insight.

1D   Literacy for ALL: Identifying Dyslexia in Early Learners

presented by Heather Sites, M.A. & Brandi Troutman     (COK Special Needs)  Audience:  PreK/K, 1st/2nd grade, Leadership

Dyslexia. What is it? Although often not diagnosed until primary grades, even the littlest learners can exhibit the signs of future reading struggles. Learn how to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and flags of dyslexic learners while they are young, as well as what to do if you see them.

1E  Picture Books with Purpose: Connecting Social Studies and Social Justice

presented by Dr. Kris McGee & Dr. Jodi Welsch     (COK Curriculum)  Audience: PreK/K, 1st/2nd grade, Leadership

Picture books are powerful tools for integrating literacy, social studies content, and social justice learning. In this session, participants will explore how a single picture book can address the themes of the National Council for Social Studies (NCSS), support the Social Justice standards and invite children to engage in critical thinking through rich discussions. There are so many possible connections. The goal is meaning-making, not finding one “right” answer.

1F  Managing Media Impact on Young Children’s Learning, Development and Well-being

presented by Krista Repass & Karla Thompson     (COK Curriculum)  Audience:  PreK/K, 1st/2nd grade, Leadership

Come learn the science behind why stress is the gift that keeps on giving—how stress affects us mentally and physically, how it affects our interactions and relationships with infants and toddlers, and what we can do to combat stress proactively. This session will break down evidence-based brain research into easy-to-understand and apply bite-sized information.

1G  Effectively Including Children with Disabilities

presented by Laura Hutton, M.S.      (COK Special Needs)  Audience: B-3, PreK/K, 1st/2nd grade, Leadership

This engaging workshop, Effectively Including Children with Disabilities, equips early childhood professionals with practical tools and fresh perspectives for creating inclusive learning environments. Participants will explore how various disabilities can influence a child’s behavior and daily functioning, gaining a deeper understanding of individual needs. The session also highlights strategies for designing supportive, accessible environments that promote meaningful participation for all children. Through interactive discussion and real-world examples, attendees will build a flexible, problem-solving mindset—empowering them to think creatively and develop effective, out-of-the-box solutions to support every child’s success.

1H  Change through Connection: Strategies for Communicating Concerns with Caregivers and Addressing Common Childhood Behavioral Challenges

presented by Dr. Amie Bettencourt, PhD & Savannah Martinez, LCSSW-C     (COK Community)  Audience: B-3, PreK/K

Caregivers come in different forms. Caregivers are parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, pediatricians – anyone who is invited to take part in helping a child grow. This workshop aims to highlight the role of caregivers in managing disruptive behaviors. Participants will learn about the reasons for common behavioral challenges ad the roles of caregivers in addressing undesired behaviors. Participants will be asked to reflect on wins and challenges in collaborating with other caregivers on a child’s care team to address behavioral concerns. Participants will learn about and have opportunities to practice strategies to communicate concerns with other caregivers, facilitate behavior change and improve relational and mental well-being of children and their caregivers.

1I  The Science and Application of Playful Learning

presented by Shelby Hicken, M.Ed. & Jane Lichter, M.Ed.      (COK Child Development)  Audience: B-3, PreK/K

In this dynamic workshop, we’ll explore the what, why, and how of playful learning—diving into both the research and real-world benefits of play as a powerful driver of child development. You’ll walk away with practical, ready-to-use strategies to spark engagement, fuel learning, and bring joy into your classroom.

2A  Secrets from the Field-Tips and Tricks to Boost Your ITERS Score From an ERSI-Trained Observer

presented by Dr. Amanda Holliday-Bembridge, Ph.D.      (COK Child Development)     Audience: B-3

In this session, participants will gain a better understanding of how the ITERS tool works, how to boost their scores by focusing on key developmentally appropriate expectations with a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens, and learn ways to maximize their interactions with children. These tips and tricks are designed to be easily understandable and applicable to working with children, everyday not just when an observer visits.

2B  From Book Eaters to Book Lovers: Storytime Strategies for Infants and Toddler Teachers 

presented by Kelly Goldberg, M.S., CCC-SLP  (COK Curriculum)   Audience:  B-3

Reading to babies and toddlers can feel chaotic, they’re squirming, grabbing pages, or seem completely uninterested. You’re not doing it wrong. Storytime with babies and toddlers requires a whole different approach. In this training, a pediatric speech therapist breaks down literacy milestones from birth to 3 so you know what to expect and when. You’ll get practical strategies you can use the very next day to support language and literacy development as well as tips for the book thrower, book eater, page ripper, or crawling-away moments that make storytime feel hard. Learn what to look for in books for this age (or how to adapt the books you already have) to keep them engaged and feel confident setting up a literacy-rich environment to get the most out of your space!

2C Developing Language-Rich Environments: Oral Language from Infancy to Age 8

presented by Dr. Lynn M. Lubecki     (COK Curriculum)      Audience:  B-3, PreK/K, 1st/2nd grade, Leadership

Before children ever read a word, they learn to understand language. Oral language is a critical, often overlooked, component of the Science of Reading, and it is foundational to all other literacy skills. Research reminds us that strong oral language supports phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension, making it a powerful predictor of later reading success. This session invites educators to think about intentionally designing environments where talk, thinking, and meaning-making are central, from the earliest moments of infancy through the primary grades. Participants will explore how language grows through relationships: babbling and serve-and-return with infants, rich conversation and play with toddlers and preschoolers, and increasingly complex discussion, reasoning, and expression with older children. And this is the shift, moving from talking at children to talking with them by slowing down, listening, waiting, and responding: letting children lead the conversation and trusting their ideas. When educators create space for real dialogue, back-and-forth, meaningful, connected, they are not just filling the room with words. They are building thinkers, communicators, and readers.

2D Cultivating Calm and Connection: Integrating Social Emotional Learning and Mindfulness in the Classroom

presented by Dr. Melissa Tamburrino  (COK Child Development)     Audience:  1st/2nd grade 

This interactive workshop explores how social emotional learning (SEL) and mindfulness practices can be integrated into classroom instruction to support student well-being, self-regulation, and academic engagement. Participants will examine research-based SEL competencies and experience mindfulness activities that can be easily implemented with K–12 students. The session will emphasize practical classroom strategies, including daily routines, breathing exercises, reflective practices, and community-building circles. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use tools to foster supportive learning environments that enhance student focus, resilience, and emotional awareness. The workshop is designed for educators seeking to strengthen classroom culture while addressing students’ social and emotional needs in meaningful, developmentally appropriate ways.

2E  Letting Children Lead: Playful Standards Aligned Practices That Strengthen Outcomes

presented by Juelie Perry-Schwartz, M.S.     (COK Child Development)   Audience: PreK/K

Teachers of young children know how important it is to make sure your students are engaged and learning in a way that works best for them.  One great way to do this is by incorporating fun, physical activities into your lessons.  But it’s not just about music and dance!  In this session, you’ll discover how to tailor your math and literacy exercises to kinesthetic learners.  You’ll love all of Marsha’s ideas for making your learning environment a welcoming space for movement.

IMPORTANT – 2F is a Double Session.  You will be in this session from 12:15pm – 2:30 pm

2F/3F  Need a Title

presented by Ty’Heim Clark      (COK Community)    Audience:  B-3. PreK/K, Leadership

Need the Description

3A  How Other People Do It:  Unlocking Our Implicit Bias Regarding Parenting Practices to Deepen Relationships With Families

presented by Dr. Amanda Holliday-Bembridge, Ph.D.      (COK Community)     Audience: B-3, PreK/K

In this session, participants will gain a better understanding of how the ITERS tool works, how to boost their scores by focusing on key developmentally appropriate expectations with a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens, and learn ways to maximize their interactions with children. These tips and tricks are designed to be easily understandable and applicable to working with children, everyday not just when an observer visits.

3B  Connecting Children to Nature…Indoors!

presented by Kayla Souza      (COK Curriculum)     Audience: B-3, PreK/K

There are incredible benefits to creating a learning space that integrates nature. If you’re interested in exposing the children in your care to more of our natural world, this session is for you! In this workshop, we will explore simple, inexpensive, and creative ways to bring more nature into your learning space. Attendees will create take away items and leave with a list of ideas to try at home.

3C  The “Why” Behind Behavior: Practical Strategies for Early Educators

presented by Lauren Naughton, BCBA & Rebekah Stewart, M.S., BCBA      (COK Special Needs)     Audience: B-3, PreK/K, 1st/2nd grade

This session provides early childhood educators with a practical understanding of the functions of behavior and effective behavior management strategies for young children. Participants will learn how to identify the purpose behind challenging behaviors, use the ABCs of behavior to guide responses, and implement proactive, positive strategies that support social-emotional development and create successful classroom environments.

3D  TBD

presented by       (COK )     Audience: 

Need Description

3E  Explore Literacy with Nature!

presented by Annie Young, M.Ed.      (COK Curriculum)     Audience: B-3, PreK/K, 1st/2nd grade

This session provides early childhood educators with a practical understanding of the functions of behavior and effective behavior management strategies for young children. Participants will learn how to identify the purpose behind challenging behaviors, use the ABCs of behavior to guide responses, and implement proactive, positive strategies that support social-emotional development and create successful classroom environments.