In this training, we explore the transformative power of saying yes and meeting children’s basic needs to unlock their full potential for learning. You’ll discover how flipping a “no” into a meaningful “yes” can spark creativity, encourage problem-solving, and open the
door to rich learning experiences. By saying yes, you create a supportive environment that empowers children to explore, experiment, and take risks, all
while feeling safe and cared for. We’ll also dive into Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to understand how unmet needs—like the discomfort of an itchy butt or the absence of a nurturing relationship—can block
learning. This session helps you embrace your role as a caregiver first, teacher second, with practical strategies to foster both children’s well-being and their creativity.

This training is designed to strengthen how teachers support and interact with children through risky play outdoors. It will look at how to support risk in playing and when to intervene in play. It will challenge teachers to look at their risk in play from childhood to adulthood and the rules they had and set for children in their programs.

This session will focus on the importance of creating joyful, engaging learning environments that support developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood classrooms. The presenter will share research-based strategies to foster a love of learning, emphasizing the role of play, exploration, and social interactions in promoting children’s cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Attendees will explore how to design learning experiences that are both fun and aligned with developmental milestones, ensuring that activities meet the needs of all children. Practical examples of integrating developmentally appropriate practices into daily routines, classroom settings, and curriculum planning will be provided. This session is ideal for early childhood educators, administrators, and caregivers who want to create vibrant, nurturing environments where young children thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning. Join us to discover how joy can be the foundation for meaningful learning experiences.

Join us as Sarah tells the story of Caden, her 4 year old son with Down Syndrome and their families experience with Early On and the transition to a Head Start classroom. Angela will be covering inclusion strategies and the importance of inclusion in Early Childhood.

This workshop empowers educators to create supportive, trauma-informed classrooms that prioritize student and teacher well-being. Participants will deepen their understanding of student and educator mental health, an introduction to trauma and its impact on learning and behavior. Practical, evidence-based strategies will be explored to foster a safe and inclusive classroom environment, promoting resilience and emotional regulation in all students. Additionally, the session highlights the importance of self-care for educators, offering tools to manage stress, prevent burnout, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Through interactive discussions and mindfulness exercises, educators will leave with actionable insights to nurture both their students’ growth and their own well-being.

Join MiRegistry staff in learning about new system updates and features for MiRegistry members, MiRegistry Approved Trainers and MiRegistry Organizations. We will walk attendees through updates, demo new and existing features on the website and answer questions participants may have about the system.

 

Kristen’s Cabinet of Curiosity and Creativity *Double Session

Step into a world of wonder and imagination with Kristen’s Cabinet of Curiosity. Just as people once marveled at traveling shows filled with rare and curious treasures, Kristen has created her own
magical Cabinet—brimming with open-ended materials designed to ignite creativity and curiosity in the hearts of both children and adult learners.
Inside the Cabinet, you’ll find materials that will make you think, “Why didn’t I try this before?”—simple and interesting loose parts that spark endless possibilities
for play. In this hands-on experience, Kristen begins by unveiling the treasures within her Cabinet, showcasing the kind of creativity that will leave you inspired. Then, it’s your turn to dive in! You’ll have
the chance to explore, play, and create with these curious materials, unlocking fresh ideas and perspectives on how to Throughout the workshop, you’ll discover how these open-ended materials fuel curiosity, creativity, and exploration. You’ll also learn how understanding play schemas can help explain children’s behaviors and guide more meaningful learning experiences. By the end, you’ll
walk away with a treasure trove of new ideas and practical strategies to bring curiosity-driven play into your classroom or caregiving space.

No one wants to see themselves in these recent headlines. Special Ed Shouldn’t Be Separate, Reasons Why More Students are in Special Education, Communicating is the First Step to a Solution, Family Talks Negative Effects of Restraint and Seclusion in School, and Special education clash: How one student’s Supreme Court case could make schools more accountable. The common theme in these headlines is conflict. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act identifies four options for resolving conflict over the provision of special education supports and services. In the most recently published report (2022), Michigan’s data shows that there were 16.5 dispute resolution events per 10,000 students compared to the National average of 50 events, as well as an agreement rate of 76% compared to the national average of 58%. How does Michigan continue to reach this level of success when it seems like discord is at an all-time high? Using the National Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Education as its program model, Michigan’s Special Education Mediation Services Program recognizes that: • Conflict is a natural part of any relationship. • Effective resolution at the lowest level appropriate can result in improved systems, relationships, and student outcomes. • A multifaceted, relationship-centric approach is necessary to systemically and individually prevent and resolve IDEA disputes. • Stakeholders are essential partners in developing dispute resolution capacity at all levels. Understanding their needs & context is critical to successful outcomes. Take a journey with SEMS to explore how these relationships begin from differing points of view and how those points of view, interests, priorities, and communication styles can impact relationships and the steps needed to prevent or resolve conflict. Participants will practice viewing situations from a team perspective, remaining focused on the student AND how to address concerns by reframing them.

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a vital component of early childhood education, shaping the way children understand and regulate their emotions while developing meaningful relationships. This presentation explores the “mirroring lens”—how adult behaviors and interactions significantly influence children’s SEL development. Educators will gain insights into goal setting, practical strategies, and relationship-building techniques to create a nurturing and emotionally supportive classroom environment. Through intentional modeling, mindful interactions, and structured SEL activities, both children and adults can thrive in a space where emotional intelligence is cultivated and celebrated. Join us in this journey toward fostering a more connected and emotionally resilient classroom.

What skills must children have to be a friend? How can we foster and encourage positive peer relationships in our classrooms? This interactive professional development looks at universal supports (tier one) that we can implement in our classroom to encourage peer collaboration and cooperation.

What’s new with Child Care Licensing? Join us to get an overview.  Consultants will share how to navigate CCHIRP system, as well as review the most cited licensing rules in 2024.

During this session participants will explore strength based practices in the context of nurturing family relationships and why they are important. We will discuss the intentional activities and routines within your setting and how you might authentically expand current practices. Participants will reflect on their personal “Why?”, and the impact it makes on family engagement and relationships. This workshop will encourage these ideas to be at the forefront of your daily interactions.

The Michigan Child Protection Law requires certain people to report their suspicions of child abuse or neglect to Children’s Protective Services. This session will help mandated reporters learn more about the requirements to report suspected child abuse and/or neglect as a mandated reporter.

This session will explore how the NAEYC Code of Ethics serves as a foundational tool for maintaining professionalism in Early Childhood Education. With over 45 years of experience in the field, the presenter will highlight the ethical principles that guide decision-making, foster respectful relationships, and ensure high standards of practice. Attendees will learn how to integrate the Code of Ethics into their daily work, from supporting children’s development to working collaboratively with families and colleagues. Practical strategies for addressing ethical dilemmas and fostering a culture of professionalism in diverse early childhood settings will be shared. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or college instructor, this session will provide valuable insights to enhance your professional journey and improve the quality of care and education in your community. Join us to ensure that ethics remains your guiding star in Early Childhood Education

HOPE is a new paradigm based on research on how positive childhood experiences (PCEs) drive healthy development and mitigate the effects of adverse childhood experience (ACEs). Positive experiences allow children to form strong relationships and meaningful connections, cultivate positive self-image and self-worth, experience a sense of belonging, and build skills to cope with stress in healthy ways. The shift in focus builds on previous understandings of the importance of experience in child development, including those ACEs associated with toxic stress.

Based off of research done through a Master’s program at NMU last year, this workshop would aim to answer the questions; What does research say about the impact of the teacher-child relationship in a child’s learning journey? What are some measurable ways I could track my own teacher-child relationships? How can I improve my own teacher-child relationships?

Join us for a hands-on exploration of how Michigan’s Literacy Essentials align with the Early Childhood Standards of Quality, focusing on practical strategies to support phonemic awareness in preschool classrooms. This session dives deep into Literacy Essential 4, providing actionable techniques to engage young learners in playful, purposeful activities that build foundational literacy skills. Participants will also view the award-winning Building the Reading Brain and reflect on thought-provoking instructional questions crafted by one of its authors. Leave with a toolkit of ideas to seamlessly integrate phonemic awareness into your curriculum, bridging key literacy practices and standards to set your students on a path to success!

A well-designed infant-toddler environment can have a major influence on children’s language, cognitive, physical, and social emotional development. During this session we will explore key environmental concepts to enhance relationships and learning. We will highlight the importance of intentionally including elements for choice and accessibility in the environment. Finally, we will compare a variety of environments and identify opportunities to promote engagement and social interaction.

The Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy: Prekindergarten and Essential Instructional Practices in Early Mathematics: Prekindergarten to Grade 5 identify a small set of research-supported instructional practices that improve literacy and math outcomes for young children. In this presentation, we will explore the relationship between Essential Practice 1 in both literacy and mathematics: “Intentional use of literacy artifacts in dramatic play and throughout the learning environment” and “Designing learning environments to encourage mathematical play and tinkering.” Creating a setting emphasizing play allows children to encounter words and mathematical concepts in an authentic context, building on a natural curiosity for learning. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how using the suite of Essential Practices can enhance learning experiences with their children. Attendees will walk away with resources, strategies, and artifacts that can be utilized immediately in their unique settings.