Friday Morning Sessions
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 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.
Friday Afternoon Sessions
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.engage young learners.
With more than half of U.S. children experiencing trauma, early childhood educators often face intense stress in their daily roles. Educators frequently work with children who have experienced maltreatment, with approximately 50% of victims being under the age of 3. This challenging environment contributes to what researchers call “triple jeopardy”—the combined effects of poor well-being, difficult working conditions, and the emotional toll of supporting traumatized children. A national survey shows 45% of early childhood educators struggle with mental health, many experiencing compassion fatigue—a form of secondary trauma from supporting those in distress. Studies also report high levels of stress, depression, and physical health issues, often with few opportunities for rest and recovery (Kwon, Ford, Salvatore, et al., 2020). This workshop provides a supportive space for educators to explore trauma through the ACEs framework, recognize compassion fatigue, and use mindfulness to build resilience. Through hands-on activities, group discussions, and reflective exercises, educators will gain simple, effective strategies to manage stress, improve well-being, and foster compassionate, stable environments that benefit both themselves and the children and families they serve.
Our goal is to create opportunities for early childhood professionals to network with one another, gain new knowledge and skills, and provide recognition for their valuable work with children and families.
Please include details about how you will deliver these components in your workshop:
- Use an active learning approach
- Create interactive learning opportunities
- Generate brainstorming opportunities
The UPECC is requesting approval for SCECHs (State Continuing Education Clock Hours) for the conference. The conference will also be listed on MIRegistry.
We cannot consider incomplete workshop proposals.
For questions, contact Gwenn Elmblad, (in our Contact Form, Attn: Gwenn Elmblad).
Expectations and Requirements
After submitting this application, we may request a resume or CV for the presenter before approval.
Amenities
Presenters will be responsible for bringing their own laptop. Each room will have an overhead projector with screen to hook up to.
Additional Presenters
Co-presenters are welcome. However, only one presenter per workshop session will receive a free registration.
Co-presenters information must be submitted along with the primary presenter’s information.
Please complete an additional form for each co-presenter.
All presenters must register for the conference.
Workshop handouts
Once we receive your application, Gwenn Elmblad will be in contact with you via email if you indicate having presentation handouts. Presenters are responsible for printing handouts for participants.