Play is the basis of all early childhood learning and development! Join board-certified music therapist, Alyssa Stone in a hands-on exploration of musical play for child wellbeing and social development. Participants will explore social dynamics and diverse strategies to support development Participants will explore social dynamics and diverse strategies to support development through music, movement, and play!

Children who exhibit chronically challenging behaviors can frustrate and exhaust teachers, who often feel like the child is unfairly taking their attention away from the rest of the group. Learn how to meet individual needs by developing intervention plans that include exceptions to group norms, allowing the child to succeed in the group and the teacher to prevent the behavior rather than reacting to it.

This interactive training session is designed to enhance educators' ability to increase communication-rich classroom environments. We will work in small groups to develop classroom activity maps' and 'speech act bubbles', fostering practical application of concepts. The culmination involves crafting a lesson plan that incorporates these tools while using read, play and learn techniques. The session emphasizes active participation through discussions and hands-on group work, ensuring participants leave with actionable strategies for fostering communication skills in their classrooms.

Risky and challenging play provides children the opportunity to develop social skills, emotional regulation, and healthy self-esteem. In this workshop, participants will explore ways to incorporate risky play into their classrooms and care settings. Participants will also reflect on their own feelings about children's risk taking and discuss ways to balance safety with opportunities for open-ended exploration.

Elevating equity requires educators to be mindful of how to include children, families, and colleagues in all parts of early childhood programming. Elevating equity is all about creating systems that celebrate everyone! Elevating Equity: Advice for Navigating Challenging Conversations in Early Childhood Programs takes a positive approach by embracing differences and meeting participants where they are. With practical examples, research, tips, advice, self-reflections, and real stories--shared with Angela Searcy's warm humor--you'll discover how to find common ground and truly elevate educational access for the children and families you serve.

Some of the key concepts we are going to explore during this session are: To become culturally sensitive/responsive we must understand culture and its impact on all of us. The development of cultural awareness/sensitivity/responsiveness is a lifelong process. Being empathetic and understanding the family's perspective is imperative.

As educators our students come from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and countries. Habeeb, an national award winning educator and first generation Indian American Muslim gives a glimpse of the cultural experiences and perspectives minority and immigrant children face in their K-12 school career. Habeeb uses his own life experience, storytelling, and humor to effectively relate and communicate with his diverse audiences.

Come join us in learning the Self Regulation practices that bring relaxation, co- regulation and optimal learning to the children in your care.

Today's educators are witnessing how digital devices are negatively impacting children's posture, breathing, circulation and the development of their social engagement and learning systems. The Self Regulation for Early Learners practices counterbalance these unhealthy habits while enhancing co- regulation and establishing a strong foundation for two generational wellbeing, relaxation and restoration.