2026 ECE Leaders Summit

Registration, breakfast buffet, and networking will begin at 7:30 a.m.

Each session will be led by expert facilitators and provide opportunities for knowledge- and skill-building.

Participants can select one of the following sessions to attend:

• Trauma-informed care: Becoming a trauma-sensitive educator
  Facilitated by Jen Alexander, Jen Alexander Consulting
  From a better understanding of how dysregulation works to tracking your own amped-up or shut-down patterns to supporting young children’s behavioral needs, participants will learn ways to embed brain and body regulation into classroom routines and practices.
• Emotional agility: Managing stress, change, and uncertainty
  Facilitated by Jolene Pickens, Dame Leadership
  This interactive session on emotional agility is designed to equip participants with the tools not only to manage their own responses to stress and uncertainty but also to foster a resilient and empathetic team environment.
• Dads in action: Elevating father involvement for developmental and life success
  Facilitated by J. Michael Hall, Strong Fathers-Strong Families
  Father engagement matters, and this session shows how to make it happen. Participants will gain actionable strategies to meaningfully engage fathers across diverse communities by recognizing strengths and honoring “father-FULL-ness.” Grounded in research and real-world experience, this workshop offers practical outreach models and father-specific activities that strengthen family connections.
• Joy in the work
  Facilitated by Nefertiti Poyner, Mighty Works Education Group
  When the work feels heavy, joy can be a powerful guide. This reflective and restorative experience invites professionals to reconnect with their purpose and rediscover what fuels their passion.

Enjoy lunch and networking from 12:15–1:15 p.m. Connect with peers, reflect on morning takeaways, and gear up for the afternoon.

Participants can select two of the following sessions to attend:

• Challenging behavior: Setting limits through play
  Facilitated by Christian Bellissimo, Play Therapist
  Develop play-based strategies that support children’s social-emotional learning, including co-regulation, social-skill building, self-regulation, and managing challenging behavior.
• From wiggly to focused: Supporting children’s sensory needs
  Facilitated by Prerna Richards, Together We Grow
  Learn practical strategies and explore how sensory play, movement, and understanding children’s temperaments can transform power struggles into moments of connection and growth.
• Supporting parents and caregivers of neurodivergent children
  Facilitated by Dr. Katherine Endy, The Family Life Coach
  In this interactive workshop, participants will gain a deeper understanding of neurodivergence and explore practical strategies to uncover and respond to parents’ unique needs.
• Why attendance matters
  Facilitated by Dr. Emma Herdean, Attendance Works​
  Attendance is about more than showing up, it’s about belonging, wellbeing, and long-term success. This engaging session explores the root causes of chronic absence and practical strategies to address them. Participants will learn how early attendance habits impact social, emotional, and academic outcomes and how schools can partner with families to support consistent engagement.
• Heartset® education: A culture of caring
  Facilitated by Stu Semigran, Educare​ Foundation
  This dynamic, interactive session introduces the 8 Skills of Heartset® Education, helping educators develop a “growth heartset” that complements a growth mindset. Participants will explore mindfulness, self-care, and relationship-building strategies rooted in connection, empathy, and care, benefiting both children and adults.