Roots Rising - Building Strong Foundations for Lifelong Learning
This theme focuses on the critical early years of a child's life, where parents, caregivers, and guardians play a key role in laying the groundwork for future success. It suggests nurturing growth, emotional stability, and education, emphasizing the connection between strong family support and a child’s development.
Chris Peterson
The Parenting Professor
Friday, April 25 at 9:00 am in the Great Hall
Chris Peterson, an educator and two-time graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, has worked with diverse students and educators across the country, from teaching in Portland, Oregon, to leading workshops on classroom management, anti-bullying, and refusal skills. Recently, he stepped away from teaching in Holmen, WI, to pursue an administrative license and spend more time with his family. A certified facilitator for "Becoming a Love and Logic Parent," Chris shares his expertise at conferences and school districts, living by his motto: "Health isn't everything, but everything is nothing without it."
For his keynote, Chris will discuss how strong connections between kids and their guardians can provide a foundation of safety, trust, and encouragement. By fostering open communication, mutual respect, and consistent support, these relationships can inspire hope, helping children navigate challenges and grow into confident, resilient individuals
Samantha Moe
Certified Parent Coach
Saturday, April 26 at 9:00 am in the Great Hall
Certified parent coach and international keynote speaker Samantha Moe has coached parents on how to help their children calm, connect, and cooperate since 2004. She now provides continuing education, advanced training, and parent coach certification for family service professionals who support intense kids and their families, including Fraser and the MN Association for Children’s Mental Health. Samantha is the creator of the Mad to Glad Blueprint, a revolutionary brain-and-nervous-system-based approach to positive communication and parenting that soothes and even prevents intense kids’ most challenging behaviors. She holds a master’s degree in communication Disorders from the University of Minnesota and has interdisciplinary training in sensory integration, play therapy, and emotional integration. Find out more at: www.samanthamoe.com.
In her keynote Samantha will address Working with young children who have big emotions and challenging behaviors can feel overwhelming. You may find yourself managing outbursts, calming tears, and trying to create a peaceful classroom—all while meeting the needs of other children. If you’re looking for simple tools to make this easier, this keynote is for you!
Rooted in the Mad to Glad Blueprint™, you’ll learn why big feelings and behaviors happen by exploring the brain-based root causes. Discover easy-to-use strategies to help children calm their emotions and build self-control. These practical tools will reduce challenging behaviors and strengthen your connection with your students. You’ll leave feeling confident and ready to create a calm and supportive space where children can grow and thrive.
Attendee Hotel Accommodations:
Hampton Inn & Suites Menomonie
We have a room block set here for your convenience.
2017 Stout Street
Menomonie, Wisconsin 54751
Explore More at Hampton Inn & Suites
- Rate: $110 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 8 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715) 231-3030 and mention "UW-Stout ECE Conference" to secure this rate when booking.
To book this rate online click below.
Cobblestone Inn & Suites Menomonie
We have a room block set here for your convenience.
149 Main Street E.
Menomonie, WI 54751
Explore More at Cobblestone Inn & Suites
- Rate: $159 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax
- Distance to UW-Stout: 2 min. walk
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715)-233-0211 to book your room, mentioning the ECE conference.
Best Western Plus Inn & Suites Menomonie
We do not have a room block set here.
320 Oak Avenue
Menomonie, WI 54751
Explore More at Best Western
- Rate: $96 - $135 per night + 8% sales and occupancy tax (price variability depending on weekday vs. weekend)
- Distance to UW-Stout: 6 min. drive
- Parking: Free onsite parking at the hotel for the duration of your stay
Call (715) 235-5664 to book your room.
1. How Young is too Young? Social Justice in Early Childhood
Randi Albert, Early Childhood Education Specialist
Innovations in Education, LLC
Friday 4/25/25 Session 4, 2:45 pm-4:00 pm, MSC Oakwood
This workshop will explore racial identity development and how to support all children in building positive, inclusive world views. We will share hands-on materials available for children and resources available for the adults who care for them. Join us to learn strategies to help ease the way for hard conversations and sensitive topics that help build bridges and community for our youngest learners.
2. Culturally Responsive Practices in the Early Childhood Classroom
Amina Aleyideino Teacher, Child Development Laboratory School
3. Managing the Acting Out Cycle
Grant Allen. Teacher, Assistant Professor, Special Education / Autism Certificate Advisor
4. Using AI in your Early Childhood Classroom
Dr. Lindsay Barnhart. Instructor / Program Director
Early Childhood educators wear many hats, having responsibilities beyond teaching children during the day. Learn how AI can support you in a variety of ways, saving you time. During this session you will be provided a short overview of what AI is and then dive into examples and time exploring in different AI tools. A computer or tablet would be an asset so you can work alongside the presenter.
5. Stress and Resilience: Strengthening Well-Being for Early Childhood Professionals
Anna Barthen, Inclusion Content Specialist
Nicole Cusimano, Social and Emotional Content Specialist
This course provides early childhood educators with strategies to identify stressors and explore ways to build resilience in both their personal and professional lives. Participants will reflect on techniques to enhance their emotional well-being and consider practical approaches to achieving balance and maintaining a positive outlook in their work. The training aims to support educators in navigating challenges more easily and promoting a healthier, more resilient mindset.
6. You CAN Write That Children's Book!
Heidi Braun. Author
Beverly Cleary said, "If you don't see the book you want on the shelves, write it." Learn the basics of writing a children's book from the first words to promoting your published book, and everything in between.
7. Arts Integration Fruit Plate or Smoothie? Creating an Arts Integrated Lesson
Nicole Cook, Arts Integration Coordinator
What is Arts Integration and how does it work within the framework of a traditional classroom? Let's walk step by step through the process of creating a blended art and content based lesson. We will explore some simple projects and identify how these standard based lessons can excite students and teachers for more engaging classroom moments.
8. Circle Time: Creating Calm in the Chaos
Jennie Costello, Childcare Provider/Preschool Teacher/Owner of Little Hearts, Big Smarts Curriculum
Is your circle time like trying to catch oily pigs running out of a pig pen? Are the kids looking at everyone but you, talking over instructions, bugging their friends, and getting up to pick loose Cheerios off the floor? Do you struggle to dream up fun, engaging activities that will not only keep the kids’ attention but teach them new skills daily? If this sounds like your classroom, look no further! This course was created just for you! “Circle Time: Creating Calm in the Chaos” will be similar in content to my previous class called “Breathing New Life into Circle Time”; overviewing the original material, but as requested by my previous attendees, I have included fun, engaging science, math, nature, large motor, language activities, and so much more. These activities are simple to implement into quick, easy lessons to keep the kids excited, learning, and interested! My goal is for you to walk away from my class inspired and ready for Monday, to have ideas at your fingertips, and with a new perspective to make your future circle times as calm and sweet as an—oily pig-less—summer breeze!
9. The Power of Positivity and Art of Time Management
Jennie Costello, Childcare Provider/Preschool Teacher/Owner of Little Hearts, Big Smarts Curriculum
Do you struggle with self-defeating thoughts? Do you sometimes dread the day ahead due to feeling behind? Do you have a difficult child you are trying to help and you wake up anxious, wondering how your day will be? Is the day over before you even had the chance to do that one thing you wanted to do? These are just a few of the million things you pull around like a ball and chain. We all have been there, feeling discouraged, disheartened, and defeated. I would love to help you! I am a mom of 8 kids, have run a home daycare/preschool for 34 years serving countless children, own a curriculum business, am an avid runner, and am a regular volunteer in my community. Over the years (and through much trial and error), I have learned how to remain positive in times of difficulty and how to better manage the 24 hours in my day, and I would love to teach you, too! By the end of my class, my goal is that you come away feeling inspired, with a spring in your step, and a full heart ready to take a tiny step each day towards finding the silver lining, even in the hard stuff. You will also gain tools to help make better use of your time, which will not only benefit you but the children you are teaching. Let’s learn so that we may teach by example!
10. Budgeting at its Best: When Your Heart and Head Meet Head-On
Jamie Culbert, WEESSN Finance Specialist
Holly Hale, WEESSN Business Coach
Budgeting is both a science and an art. Come and investigate some of the technical aspects of budgets, like computing your cost-per-child, while also exploring how your budget is a document of your program’s values. By having a balanced view of your budget and its purpose, you’ll be ready to implement financial decisions from a meaningful foundation.
11. Using Your Program's Protective Gear: Policies, Contracts, and Risk Management
Jamie Culbert, WEESSN Finance Specialist
Child care programs can be put in difficult situations if they don’t have some of the proper tools in place to proactively attend to those situations before they become problems. Join us for this interactive session where we will examine important questions including What makes a contract legally binding? How does being a Mandatory Reporter reduce my risk for doing business? and why do handbooks need to have policies and procedures? Learn more about risk management and the tools you have at hand to protect your program!
12. Understanding Behavior in Early Childhood: Developmental Insights and Practical Applications
Debbie Davis, Early Childhood Educator
Patti Dykstra, Early Childhood Educator
This session explores the critical link between early childhood development and the behaviors that emerge during these formative years. This session delves into the latest research and comprehensive understanding of how child development in young children shapes behavior. Attendees will gain practical tools for identifying developmental milestones, recognizing typical versus atypical behavior, and applying evidence-based strategies to foster positive outcomes in diverse learning and caregiving environments. By connecting theory with practice, this topic aims to empower educators, caregivers, and professionals with the knowledge needed to support healthy development, address behavioral challenges, and promote an inclusive approach to early childhood education.
13. Connect: Self-Love
Michelle Endvick, Owner, Childcare Provider
Friday 4/25/25 Session 4 2:45-4:00 p.m., Heritage Hall 153
Saturday 4/26/25 Session 4,2:45-4:00 p.m. MSC Ballroom C
Take time for YOU! Time to slow down and connect to your body through breath and movement. Time to consider and connect to your values and growth. Time to ponder and connect to your future dreams and how to make them happen. Time to explore and connect it all to your business or work life. In this reflective training, you will take time to fill your cup with self-love.
14. Hands-on Learning and Everyday Adventures
Michelle Espelien, Preschool Director
Friday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., MSC, Oakwood
Saturday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC White Pine
Children need to be able to touch, smell, hear, and experience every activity in their world. This class will show many activities for children ages 2-5 years old in all the areas of development in an early childhood classroom. Activities in art, math, science, and cooking, children’s books, and social-emotional development will be presented and shared. New ideas are always welcome as we all learn so much from each other.
15. UW-Stout Child and Family Study Center Lab Tours
Allison Feller, Director of the UW-Stout Child & Family Studies Center
Tour the Infant/Toddler and Child and Family Study Centers (Preschool) labs at UW-Stout. There will be a short informational session and the rooms will be open so you can explore and take pictures. The head teachers will be available to answer any questions. (Infants to Four-year-olds)
16. Ditch the Worksheet! Turning Worksheets into Play-Based Learning Experiences for Young Children
Dawnita Gallo, Assistant Professor
Ann Sandee
The NAEYC publication, Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Early Childhood Programs, Fourth Edition, identifies nine Principles of Child Development and Learning and Implications that Inform Practice to guide the work of early childhood education professionals. The third principle states, “Play promotes joyful learning that fosters self-regulation, language, cognitive, and social competencies as well as content knowledge across disciplines. Play is essential for all children, birth through age 8.” During this workshop, participants will discuss and brainstorm ways to turn a worksheet into a play-based learning experience.
17. Teaching Through Transitions: How to use engagement cues and hook techniques to effectively help Toddlers and Preschoolers transition from one activity to another
Dawnita Gallo, Assistant Professor
Gail Maahs, University Supervisor
Jill Mayer, MSUM Early Education Center
18. Childhood Sexual Abuse PREVENTION
Janet Govin, Early Childhood Professional
Rhondalyn Whitman, Retired Elementary School Teacher
19. Transition Songs, Moving Your Day Along
Colleen Hannafin, Early Childhood Music
20. Circle of Friends: Songs and Movement Activities
Colleen Hannafin, Early Childhood Music
21. Mind in the Making - Promoting Life Skills in Young Children
Amelia Gruber, Early Childhood Specialist
22. Book Talking the Best: Early Childhood Literature
Jenny Hill, Associate Professor
Deborah Wheeler, Associate Professor
St. Cloud State University
Friday Session 3, 1:15-2:30 p.m., MSC Badger
Are you interested in discovering what the 2024 award-winning books are about before diving into them? Do you want to enhance your collection with award-winning titles while spending your money wisely? Do you enjoy discussing books and sharing your ideas? If so, this session is for you! Join us as we explore the award winners and notable mentions of 2024, including prestigious awards such as the Newbery, Caldecott, Theodore Seuss Geisel, Sibert, Coretta Scott King/John Steptoe, Odyssey, Pura Belpré, Sydney Taylor Asian/Pacific American, Printz, YALSA Non-Fiction, Edwards Award, Stonewall, Maud Hart Lovelace, and Star of the North. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their favorite award-winning books from 2024 and beyond. We’ll place special emphasis on resources for the early childhood audience and discuss how to incorporate these books into the classroom with fellow attendees.
23. The Power of Play
TaylorMae Ippolito , Early Childhood Specialist
University of Minnesota Child Development Laboratory School
Erin Gorski, Teacher
Saturday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC Badger
Play is an integral part of day-to-day life, the source of so many people's joy. Play is a learning tool for children that leads and guides young people through a better understanding of the world around them. Children use play to develop their knowledge of their world, as children play through experiences they have day to day. Children may also use play to build their understanding of topics of interest, such as dreams and interests they may already have in life. Not only does play develop children's understanding of the world around them, but this model of learning allows children to better understand new topics more efficiently. We send children a powerful message when we join them on their level and engage in play they are interested in. When we plan to play around topics of interest for the child we say, you matter, what you care about is important to me. Not only can play be used as a teaching tool, it empowers the development of strong relationships and fosters a positive bond between friends or caregivers and children. In this discussion, we will consider how we can make play more meaningful and what we as caregivers can do to foster learning and relationship-building when playing with children. We will consider how we as educators can shift our intentionality to make learning experiences through play a part of our day-to-day lives. Finally, we will consider the impact that play-based learning has on children and caregivers, and reflect on how we can shift our behaviors to best support our children.
24. Math Intervention and Game Play
Victoria Johansen , Early Math Interventionist
River Heights Elementary, School District of the Menomonie Area
Saturday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC Cedar/Maple
This session will provide an overview of my journey from hating math to loving it, and from being a classroom teacher to becoming a math interventionist. We will also explore various games that can help students learn and enjoy math!
25. Behavior Interventions in the Classroom
Maggie Keenan, 4K/Early Childhood Educator
Allison Feller, Director, UW-Stout Child & Family Studies Center
University of Wisconsin-Stout Child & Family Study Center
Friday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., Heritage Hall 333
Join us for an insightful session that explores behavior interventions in a preschool setting. Learn and discuss how teacher’s responses to behaviors can play a crucial role in fostering a positive learning environment. This session will explore a range of strategies and techniques, including check-in, check-out programs, reward systems, parent communication, natural consequences, limit setting, and emotional regulation, all designed to cultivate executive functioning skills in young learners.
26. Social Emotional Development During Infancy and Toddlerhood
Julie Koritz, Early Childhood Speaker/Trainer
Independent Consultant
Friday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC White Pine
This class will examine some of the different stages of social and emotional development during infancy and toddlerhood. Some of the topics that will be covered are: trust vs. mistrust, autonomy and independence vs. shame and doubt, communication with the baby, serve and return, smiling, stranger anxiety, social referencing, attachment, and peer relations. The class will also cover various ways to enhance infant's and toddler’s social-emotional development through a variety of activities including books and songs.
27. Baby Love: Finding Joy in the Infant Classroom
Kristen Korkowski, Infant Teacher
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Friday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., Jarvis Hall Science Wing 156
Managing an infant classroom can be overwhelming! The constant overstimulation can start to wear you down if you don't have the supports you need to keep you afloat. Through empathy, co-regulation, and connection, we can help ourselves and others discover (or re-discover!) the joys of working with babies.
28. Supporting Young Children’s Emotional Regulation Through Responsive Interactions
Val Krage, Assistant Professor
University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse
Friday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC, Walnut/Willow
Social and emotional learning is a foundational component of the early childhood environment. Just like children learn cognitive skills, they must learn the skills of getting along, empathizing with others, and identifying and regulating strong emotions. Every interaction between caregiver and child provides an opportunity to learn these skills in a respectful and relationship-building manner. In this session, we will explore the connection between teacher–child relationships and learning, examine the role of the brain in a child's emotional regulation, identify strategies for supporting children in handling their emotions in a way that is respectful and beneficial to the child and that also promotes adult–child relationships, and examine the role of the teacher/caregiver as a stress regulator for the dysregulated child. Participants will leave this workshop with practical strategies to use in their own settings.
29. Amping Up Dramatic Play!
Becky Lee, ECE Educator
Jessica Jennings, ECE Educator
University of Wisconsin - Stout Child & Family Care Study Center
Friday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., Heritage Hall 333
Need new, fun, and exciting ways to spice up the dramatic play areas in your classroom? Look no further! Come join us to hear about some of the dramatic play setups we use in our toddler and preschool classrooms throughout the year. We'll also share some unique and creative ways to add to your lessons to help engage different age groups. We hope to see you there!
30. Foundations of Assessments in Early Childhood
Adam Moskowitz,Owner and CEO
Moskowitz Training Center, LLC
Friday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., MSC Birch
Saturday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., MSC Oakwood
This course is designed to provide educators with the foundational knowledge of assessment. Course topics covered are the purpose of assessment, identifying various types of assessment, choosing tools for assessment, and analyzing the assessment cycle into own practices. The goal is to know how to use data to drive instructional decisions. Aligned to D.A.P
31. Connection vs. Control - Reflecting on Power Dynamics in the Classroom
Elena Mueller, Lead Three-Year-Old Early Childhood Educator
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Saturday Session 3, 1:15-2:30 p.m., MSC Badger
As early childhood educators, we experience a variety of power dynamics when working with young children, both disempowering and empowering. We may feel overwhelmed when a child is expressing bigger emotions choosing unsafe things. In the same breath, we may feel empowered when a child accomplishes a skill that have been supporting them through. With both the negative and positive power dynamics, one thing stays consistent, and that is how we respond to our students’ needs, conflicts, and heightened emotions. This presentation is an invitation to reflect and shift our perspective on how we address power dynamics in the classroom.
32. Enhancing Hmong Culture in a Dual Language Classroom
Chau Nguyen, Director of Education
Brenda Sieh, Head Start Coordinator
La Lee, Teacher
PICA Head Start
Friday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC Ballroom C
Saturday Session 3, 1:15-2:30 p.m., MSC Oakwood
Growing up as first generation of immigrants have never been easy. Many had tremendous struggles and barriers that prevented them to fit into the society. It is an ongoing journey of adapting and adjusting while trying to maintain one’s cultural identity. They must find ways to balance their traditions and values of their ancestors and families while learning the expectations and norms of the new country. La Lee, a Hmong American woman living in Minnesota. She came to America in the 1990’s. Hurt. Pain. Lost. Confused. Hopeless. She fought through and now more than ever, she’s determined to preserve her Hmong culture and language. PICA Head Start is helping La Lee and many others to fulfill similar dreams. La Lee is a teacher in the Hmong Dual Language Program at PICA Head Start in Hennepin County, Minnesota. Follow the two incredible journeys 1) La Lee’s life experiences in American and 2) PICA Head Start successful development of the Dual Language program, which started over 15 years ago. PICA Head Start is a designated program of excellence and the largest diverse training program in the state of Minnesota. They have designed their curriculum to strengthen children’s language and literacy skills in both the home language and English. This presentation will also share the initial development, how they make decisions about language modeling, and how they support teachers and families with dual language and literacy development. Ideas. Strategies. Tips. Come to learn!
33. Making learning fun in 4K!
Amber Osterman, 4-Year-Old Kindergarten Teacher
LuAnn Neuenschwander, Retired Teacher
Osseo-Fairchild Elementary, Minnesota
Saturday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC Willow/Walnut
Let’s make learning exciting in 4K! Amber and LuAnn believe every single standard can be taught in a fun way. In fact, students won’t even realize how much they are learning. You’ll head back to the classroom with innovative ideas and new activities that will transform your teaching. Come join us to learn how to create classroom experiences that students will always remember!
34. Connections on the Outside Make Connections on the Inside
Jessica Taldone, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Deborah Johnson, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
ISD 917 Therapeutic Preschool Program
Friday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC Birch
Saturday Session 3, 1:15-2:30 p.m., MSC Birch
Using the Conscious Discipline framework, we will discuss the Brain State Model, creating the School Family, and helpful information about how to begin viewing attention-seeking behavior as connection-seeking behavior. Our presentation will provide information for educators to think differently about staff and student regulation and triggers, the why of behavior and provide strategies they can use in their classrooms to support students who are struggling with their social-emotional development the next time they step into their classroom.
35. Discipline that Connects in the Classroom
Pam Thompson, Parent and Teacher Coach
Cords of Hope Coaching
Friday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., MSC Willow/Walnut
Do you feel ready to handle classroom challenges and conflicts? Teaching is more demanding than ever, and balancing care for your students with maintaining order can feel overwhelming. In this workshop, you’ll learn a simple, four-part framework to guide your classroom interactions. This approach helps you build strong connections with your students while keeping a calm, structured environment. You’ll leave with practical tools and strategies you can use right away to create a classroom where both you and your students can flourish.
36. Beyond Sharing: Teaching Generosity and Kindness
Pam Thompson, Parent and Teacher Coach
Cords of Hope Coaching
Saturday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., MSC Willow/Walnut
Encouraging children to share is a common focus in early education, but traditional approaches often fall short. In this session, discover practical, engaging strategies to help your students develop genuine generosity and kindness—both within the classroom and beyond. You'll leave with creative ideas to inspire meaningful connections and a spirit of giving that goes far beyond simply teaching them to share.
37. Embracing Change: How One Minnesota Early Childhood Program Transitioned to Outdoor Learning
Alyssa Wilt, Early Childhood Specialist
Peter Locast, Early Childhood Specialist
University of Minnesota Child Development Lab School
Saturday Session 4, 2:45-4:00 p.m., MSC Birch
While Covid was the reason for our program moving outside, many of the classrooms still spend the majority of their time at school outdoors. Moving to an outdoor early childhood curriculum has required teachers to examine how they can best support student learning outcomes that would be traditionally used in an indoor setting. This presentation will highlight the logistics (and feelings!) involved with spending more time outside, ways in which they matched learning outcomes and competencies to an early childhood curriculum set in nature, and how they documented children's learning outside in various weather conditions.
38. Simple Science for Preschoolers
Marcia Wolf, Early Childhood Education Teacher
Matt Kuchta, Professor of Chemistry and Physics
University of Wisconsin - Stout
Friday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., Jarvis Hall Science Wing 105
This session will provide ideas for simple, hands-on, and interactive science activities for preschoolers. Additionally, it will include a hands-on activity for participants.
39. Kid's with Challenging Pasts (Trauma)
Chris Peterson, Owner
The Parenting Professor
Friday Session 3, 1:15-2:30 p.m., MSC Ballroom C
Let’s explore the monumental task of working with kids who have challenging pasts. We’ll balance theory, research, and strategies to up the odds that we handle the toughest of situations without breaking a sweat. You will learn powerful insights into how trauma affects the brain. Why do the intense and extremely upsetting behaviors seen in some kids represent attempts to self-protect and survive? The science behind healthy and attachment relationships. How to apply Love and Logic strategies so that adults can take good care of themselves while addressing root causes to teach their content (1-year olds to Secondary School).
40. Love and Logic 101: Taking the Stress out of Parent Conferences
Chris Peterson, Owner
The Parenting Professor
Saturday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m., MSC Ballroom C
Who should be tired and the end of the day? The kids! How can we alter our classrooms in a way that limits the stress for educators? Let’s start with the basics. Love allows children to grow through their mistakes. Logic allows children to live with the consequences of their choices. Love and Logic is a way of working with children that put teachers back in control, teaches children to be responsible, and prepares young people to live in the real world, with its many choices
and consequences. We will take teachers through an interactive and high-energy thrill ride through an
interactive high-energy thrill ride teaching about the techniques and importance of being an empathetic and effective teacher. (Infants to Middle School)
41. Early Childhood Conference: A Recipe for Success
Jody Shong, Lecturer, Teaching and Learning Leadership
The University of Wisconsin - Stout
Friday Session 3, 1:15-2:30 p.m., Heritage Hall 208
Closing the education gap—how do we level the playing field for our students? Why is learning so challenging for some children? We’ve all encountered these questions, and many of us have searched for ways to enhance academic outcomes and promote equity. Throughout my 35-year journey in education, I have identified four key practices that, when consistently applied, significantly enhance learning. Wanting to test this "recipe," I implemented these strategies with children, and the results were remarkable. By integrating an understanding of brain development and trauma with purposeful bilateral movement, social-emotional learning, and academics, we saw outstanding improvements in student outcomes. Join me as we explore how brain research, movement, emotional awareness, and academics can combine to create a powerful and effective learning tool.
42. Navigating Sensitive Conversations with Parents: Turning Tough Talks Into Partnership
Samantha Moe Lecturer, Certified Parent Coach, and International Keynote Speaker
Samantha Moe and Associates
Saturday Session 3, 1:15-2:30 p.m., MSC Ballroom C
Are you ready to get your hands wet and participate in bubble experiments? This is a hands-on, hands-wet, participatory session of fun and exploration as we conduct a plethora of bubble experiments (Four-year-olds to Elementary).
43. Director's Roundtable Discussion
Allison Feller, Director, UW-Stout Child & Family Studies Center
University of Wisconsin-Stout Child & Family Study Center
Saturday Session 2, 10:30-11:45 a.m, Jarvis Hall Science Wing 103
This roundtable discussion is offered for childcare program directors to address their issues and concerns with other administrative leaders and experts in the field. We’ll propose challenging topics to focus discussion on key developments in the field, operational concerns, questions regarding regulations, and practical solutions. We will hold space to provide the opportunity to learn from and network with peers in the field. With this information, directors can positively impact their roles and the programs they serve.
Click Beetle Books
Heidi Braun
Discovery Toys
Christina Thompson
EDVANTAGE
Stefanie Hacker
Honey Do Products
Kevin Rahn
Jennie's Lil Angels/Little Hearts Big Smarts
Jennie Costello
Katie & Company
Julie Torkelson
Learning4Life
Michelle Endvick
Market Haiti
Pam Thompson
North Side Music
Colleen Hannifan
PaperPie Learning
Liz Hawkinson
Serendipity Creations MN
Lynn Stone
Silkey Pets
Shelley Silkey
Tammy Jo's Shed
Tammy Erl
Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (WECA)
Jen Dittrich
Wisconsin Registry
Ashley Salzwedel
Western Dairyland - Child Care Partnership
Amelia Gruber
University of Wisconsin Stout - Online
Amy Gullixson
