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Wednesday, February 26
 

8:30am CST

Checking your Blind Spot: How Classroom Staff Can Move Forward with a Coach in the Passenger Seat
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
A coach plays a crucial role in helping classroom staff recognize what they may have been missing or overlooking—often referred to as blind spots. These are areas where a person may be unaware of certain behaviors, patterns, or opportunities that could enhance their professional practice in the classroom. This session will cover ways teachers can benefit from a coaching experience related to fostering the classroom environment, behavior planning and support, social and emotional practices, accountability partnerships, and co-teaching.

Teaching staff will learn how partnering with coaches can lead to meaningful improvement, increased engagement, and better outcomes for both teachers and students. Kickstart your coaching cycle with two coaches checking your blind spot, and move forward with an action plan ready to implement into your classroom when you return.

Presentation Slides: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGeP02q-JE/1uHKWATyZEZnPiCVBr1Bfw/edit

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G2KGVGV
Speakers
avatar for Meghan Klegin

Meghan Klegin

Educational Services Coach, Green Bay Area Public School District
Meghan Klegin is an Educational Services Coach at Head Start Learning Center in the Green Bay Area School District where she Coaches classroom staff, leads professional development, and trains in the Pyramid Model. She has been supporting Head Start Staff in the coaching role for... Read More →
avatar for Christa Keller

Christa Keller

Educational Services Coach, Green Bay Area Public School District
Christa works as an Educational Services Coach at Jefferson Head Start in the Green Bay Area Public School District where she coaches classroom staff, leads professional development, and trains in the Pyramid Model. Christa is passionate about the Head Start program. She has been... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Guava

8:30am CST

El Enfoque de 4 Pasos para Manejar Conversaciones Difíciles
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
El enfoque de 4 pasos para manejar conversaciones difíciles
Fecha: 26 de febrero
Hora: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Descripción del entrenamiento:

Manejar conversaciones difíciles puede ser un desafío. El enfoque de cuatro pasos ofrece estrategias para promover interacciones positivas con familias que son colaborativas, solidarias y se centran en la resolución de problemas. Los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de practicar estas estrategias y salir con habilidades de comunicación fortalecidas que pueden utilizar tanto a nivel personal como profesional.

¡Aproveche esta oportunidad única para mejorar su comunicación y enfrentar con confianza cualquier conversación difícil! Aprenda a resolver conflictos de manera efectiva y fortalezca sus relaciones con las familias. Este entrenamiento le brindará herramientas prácticas para fomentar un ambiente colaborativo y centrado en soluciones.
¡No se pierda esta oportunidad de mejorar sus habilidades de comunicación y fortalecer sus interacciones con las familias!

This presentation will be in Spanish

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XJ3BXVN
Speakers
MM

Maria Matrak

Multilingual Specialst, YoungStar Connect
Maria Matrak is a Multilingual Specialist and has worked in the education field for more than 10 years, always providing resources and experiences that foster growth socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically in children. She holds a Master’s Degree in Spanish Language Education... Read More →
PN

Paola Nunez-Garcia

Multilingual Specialst, YoungStar Connect
Paola Núñez García has 16 years of experience in the field of early education. She is bilingual and has worked in different positions, including as a teacher assistant, teacher, coach and trainer, and has taught entry-level classes, the Pyramid Model and WMELS, among others. Paola... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Portia

8:30am CST

Harnessing the Power of Exploration, Play and Wonder: Conducting Hands on Investigations with Preschoolers
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Three and Four-Year-Old children are natural investigators. They explore their surroundings as they play with materials, wonder and ask why, and investigate their surroundings to learn more. This session will explore how using developmentally appropriate, hands-on explorations in the preschool classroom helps children experience the excitement of discovery and develop their scientific thinking as they engage with the physical and natural worlds around them.

-Attendees will describe and share developmentally appropriate strategies for encouraging scientific inquiry and joyful discovery that can be implemented in classrooms
-Attendees will identify topics of interest for three and four-year-olds that lend themselves to in-depth investigation and hands-on exploration
- Attendees will demonstrate ways to leverage the natural inquisitiveness of preschool age children through the use of a project based whole child approach to learning

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G226DQ7
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Sturgeon

Jennifer Sturgeon

Educational Consultant, Teaching Strategies
Dr. Jennifer Sturgeon has dedicated her professional career to the field of early childhood education. She started out as a kindergarten teacher and later transitioned into a role as an early childhood special education teacher. Her career path then led her into leadership positions... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Wisteria

8:30am CST

Introduction to Healthy Media Habits: A Video Series and Resources for Families and Child Care Providers of Children Ages 0-5
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Media increasingly dominates and influences young children's lives. This video curriculum provides caregivers with the latest research and guidelines for managing media use. The videos offer strategies to support caregivers in maintaining a balanced and beneficial media environment for children. Developed by child media experts, Drs. Roxy Etta and Liz Horgan, this free video curriculum is distributed by the WI Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board and Supporting Families Together Association.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQKBDT2
Speakers
RM

Rebecca Mather

Prevention Education Specialist, Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
Rebecca (Becky) Mather serves as the Prevention Education Specialist for the Wisconsin Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board. She is responsible for overseeing the Prevention Board’s professional development activities, identifying new programmatic initiatives, provision of technical... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Banyan

8:30am CST

Nourish to Flourish
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
NOURISH TO FLOURISH
Tend and Befriend Your Nervous System
In the demanding field of education, where the well-being of teachers is paramount, cultivating a holistic approach to wellness is essential.  Nourish to Flourish is a transformative masterclass designed for educators, as an introduction to the practical applications of neuroscience and mindfulness that will ultimately lead to a calm and regulated nervous system. Learning to tend and befriend one’s nervous system, prioritizing mental hygiene, and reducing reactivity are all foundational skills that are woven throughout Nourish to Flourish. 
In this workshop, participants will explore a variety of practices such as mindfulness, movement-based, self-awareness, and stress reset. Activities will focus on personal well-being and include strategies to support the social-emotional needs of others.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQ72XTZ
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Patricia Caspary

Dr. Patricia Caspary

Consultant, Breathe and Be LLC
Dr. Patricia Caspary is an Educator and Consultant whose professional journey and accomplishments have been marked by both passion and dedication.  Patricia has over 30 years of classroom experience teaching elementary and middle school students. Her involvement with students, parents... Read More →
avatar for Mary Costello

Mary Costello

Consultant, Know Brains, LLC
Mary Costello is an accomplished educator with a lifelong dedication to fostering learning in a developmentally and respectful manner. Beginning with a Bachelor of Science in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish, she went on to obtain a Master’s... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Suite E

8:30am CST

Ohana Means Family! Supporting Child-Family Relationships Both Inside and Outside of The Classroom
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
“Family is not an important thing. It's everything.” – Michael J. Fox.  Children are members of diverse family structures. It is important that teachers are inclusive to ALL families. When children’s families are accepted, it positively supports a child’s social and emotional wellbeing as well as their academic achievement.

I.    Participants will reflect on ways to support diverse families.
II.    Participants will learn how their assumptions about their definition of what constitutes a family.
III. Participants will have an opportunity to brainstorm ways to promote a sense of belonging for both the child and their family.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G2FGC6P
Speakers
avatar for Delechia Johnson

Delechia Johnson

Pyramid Model Training Lead, WIAIMH
Delechia has 30+ years of extensive training and professional experience in the field of early care and education as a tier 3 trainer in the state. She has worked in the field in various roles from a volunteer, director, educational coordinator, mentor, instructional coach, Professional... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Suite D

8:30am CST

Portage Guide 3 A Relational Perspective on Developmental Assessment and Intervention Planning for Young Children
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
This session will focus on the core principles of quality child assessment through a relationship based lens. The Portage Guide 3 Assessment tool highlights the parent/child relationship as the core context for child assessment and planning. This session will provide participants a base understand of the tool, and it’s use, how it can support ongoing assessment practices as well as how the tool can serve as a source for curriculum and activity planning across multiple settings.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQJDVKS
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Velez

Melissa Velez

PG 3 Master Trainer, CESA 5 Portage Project
Melissa has been in the field of Early Childhood for over 30 years serving in a variety of roles aimed at supporting children & families. She has been a Training and Technical Assistance provider for a variety of Early Childhood Programs including the Portage Project's Family Service... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Cypress

8:30am CST

Using Early Literacy to Support Young Children with IEPs.
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Have you ever wondered how to address your Early Childhood special education students' unique early literacy skills? If so, this session is for you! Come join us and take part in this interactive learning session where you will learn some evidence-based teaching strategies designed to meet your students’ unique early literacy needs. This session will also introduce you to a variety of adaptations you can easily make and activities you can plan to increase participation and engagement.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQR8WS6
Speakers
avatar for Sandy Miller

Sandy Miller

EL-TAI Specialist, CESA 6
Sandy is a former EC:SE, EBD, 4K, and Title One preschool teacher who is passionate about inclusive education opportunities. Sandy is currently a statewide Early Learning Technical Assistance and Implementation Specialist as well as a Pyramid Model trainer. She holds a master’s... Read More →
avatar for Cindy Prendergast

Cindy Prendergast

EL-TAI Specialist, CESA 1
Cindy Prendergast has a bachelor's degree in early childhood/early childhood special education and a master's degree in curriculum and leadership. She has been in the field of early education throughout her career, and is passionate about play-based learning, inclusion, and  social... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Tamarind

10:00am CST

Break
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am CST
Visit Exhibitors and Grab a Snack!
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am CST
ABC/FGH

10:30am CST

Challenging Assumptions: Enhancing Your Work with Children and Families
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
In this session you will have an opportunity to explore how life experiences, values, and biases ‘come along’ in your interactions with others. We will consider how this impacts your relationships with the children and families you serve. We will dig into the concepts of Ladder of Inference and Ecological Perspective as a way to be more thoughtful and intentional in connecting with and supporting others.  Come learn how the Portage Project Family Service Credential can enhance your work.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GCV6YY3
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Velez

Melissa Velez

PG 3 Master Trainer, CESA 5 Portage Project
Melissa has been in the field of Early Childhood for over 30 years serving in a variety of roles aimed at supporting children & families. She has been a Training and Technical Assistance provider for a variety of Early Childhood Programs including the Portage Project's Family Service... Read More →
avatar for Rene Forsythe

Rene Forsythe

PD Specialist, CESA 5 Portage Project
René has been with Portage Project for over 28 years, serving in a variety of roles that focus on building the capacity of families and organizations. Currently, René is the coordinator of the Family Service Credential and supports early intervention programs in Wisconsin as a professional... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Cypress

10:30am CST

Creating Inclusive Environments
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Celebrate the diverse abilities of all children by learning the benefits of inclusive learning environments. Dive into Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and uncover its three principles: representation, engagement, and action and expression. Explore fun and creative ways to implement UDL, enhancing your program environments to be more inclusive and effective for children with disabilities and delays.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XQBRSM3
Speakers
avatar for Mary Niec

Mary Niec

Inclusion and Exceptionalities Specialist, Youngstar Connect
Mary Niec is a passionate advocate for quality early care and education. Her career began at Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, WI, where she immersed herself in outdoor education youth programs from 2006 to 2009. Following Olbrich, Mary served as a Lead Teacher and Program Director... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Wisteria

10:30am CST

Ditch the Screen! Revitalizing Creativity Through Play
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Be present with children as they play! A child's living space is full of novel items that can be used creatively when the screens are put away.  Screens can limit a child's development, but a parent being present during play time can encourage language growth, social-emotional skills, and problem-solving abilities. Join us as we ditch the screens and revitalize old-fashioned, creative play!

We will discuss the ramifications of our society's reliance on screens.
Participants will learn about the impact of screentime on language learning, social-emotional development, problem solving skills, and more!

Participants will gain ideas and activities that encourage creative play through using household items.
We will collaborate with participants to empower parents to teach their child though play.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GCW8C6G

Speakers
TH

Terri Hafenbreadl

Home Based Programs Manager, Renewal Unlimited/Head Start
Terri Hafenbreadl is the Manager of Home-Based Programs at Renewal Unlimited, Inc. She was a classroom teacher for many years, most of which were spent in Preschool and Kindergarten. She has worked in Head Start Programs as a Parent Educator, a Classroom Teacher, Site Supervisor... Read More →
MV

Melissa Vanecek

Parent Educator Supervisor, Renewal Unlimited/Head Start
Melissa R. Vanecek has been a Parent Educator supervisor for 3 years for Head Start/Early Head Start under the agency Renewal Unlimited.  She started out as a Parent Educator and became supervisor so is very familiar with the role and importance of home visiting.  Melissa enjoys... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Tamarind

10:30am CST

First Breath: Enhancing Maternal and Child Health Outcomes by Reducing Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Substance Use During Pregnancy and Beyond
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
First Breath is a free program unique to Wisconsin that supports pregnant and parenting individuals to reduce tobacco, alcohol and other substance use during pregnancy and beyond.  In this presentation you will learn about the need for First Breath; the impact of substances on the pregnant person and the developing child; the evidence-based foundation of the First Breath program model; hear about First Breath program impact from participant voices; and learn how to access training and resources.

By the end of the presentation, you will have a better understanding of:
•    The need for First Breath and how it works to reduce tobacco, alcohol and other substance use during pregnancy and beyond.
•    The impact of tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and other substances on the pregnant person and developing child.
•    The First Breath service model.
• Training, resources and the next steps available to assist you to implement First Breath in your program to enhance maternal and child health outcomes.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GCMRM2G
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Olsen

Elizabeth Olsen

Outreach and Technical Assistance Coordinator, Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation
Elizabeth has worked supporting Head Start, Early Intervention and health and social service programs for over thirty years.  She is experienced in training, technical assistance and program development and administration.  Elizabeth is dedicated to assisting programs and providers... Read More →
KH

Kalin Hiess

First Breath Maternal and Child Health Educator, Wisconsin Womens Health Foundation
Kalin is a Health Educator for the First Breath Program through the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation. As a Health Educator, Kalin provides education for pregnant or recently postpartum women who are struggling with substance use. Additionally, Kain helps connect women to resources... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Suite D

10:30am CST

Fostering Reciprocal Relationships Between Providers and Families Around Social Emotional Teacher Practices
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Relationships with families are central to high-quality, social emotional (SE) teaching. This session reviews key practices for teaching social and emotional skills to young children in EC classrooms. We will address engaging families in reciprocal relationships in which providers can learn from and with families. Attendees will develop reflective strategies that can be used to foster belonging and cultural responsiveness in relation to developing connections with families.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XWYZ7G3
Speakers
avatar for Abby Taylor

Abby Taylor

Data Manager, Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health
Abby Taylor has been teaching and conducting research related to early childhood special education and the Pyramid Model over the last 15 years.  She has been a teacher in inclusive toddler and preschool early childhood settings and a coach to teachers and childcare programs supporting... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Banyan

10:30am CST

Pequeñas Conexiones: Construyendo Relaciones para Apoyar el Aprendizaje de Bebés y Niños Pequeños
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Pequeñas conexiones: construyendo relaciones para apoyar el aprendizaje de bebés y niños pequeños
Fecha: 26 de febrero
Hora: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Descripción del entrenamiento:

Aprenda cómo se construyen las relaciones entre los educadores y los infantes y niños pequeños. Explore ejemplos de interacciones diarias que apoyan el aprendizaje y la construcción de relaciones significativas.

En este entrenamiento, descubrirá cómo las interacciones positivas y el establecimiento de vínculos sólidos pueden fomentar el desarrollo emocional, social y cognitivo de los más pequeños. Aprenda estrategias prácticas para crear un ambiente de aprendizaje seguro, estimulante y enriquecedor desde los primeros años de vida.

¡No se pierda la oportunidad de fortalecer su enfoque educativo y hacer una diferencia en el desarrollo de los niños!

This presentation will be in Spanish

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XWJCY9X

Speakers
MM

Maria Matrak

Multilingual Specialst, YoungStar Connect
Maria Matrak is a Multilingual Specialist and has worked in the education field for more than 10 years, always providing resources and experiences that foster growth socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically in children. She holds a Master’s Degree in Spanish Language Education... Read More →
PN

Paola Nunez-Garcia

Multilingual Specialst, YoungStar Connect
Paola Núñez García has 16 years of experience in the field of early education. She is bilingual and has worked in different positions, including as a teacher assistant, teacher, coach and trainer, and has taught entry-level classes, the Pyramid Model and WMELS, among others. Paola... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Portia

10:30am CST

Wisconsin Registry: 5 Facts You Should Know
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
This session will discuss five facts you should know about the Wisconsin Registry. The presentation will
review the Registry application process, where to find useful resources on the Wisconsin Registry
website, and the importance of Registry communications. Those attending the session will get an in-depth
look at the membership application process and best practices when applying for membership.

Discover useful resources on the Wisconsin Registry website and how to utilize member reports.
Explore the Wisconsin Registry application process, including best practices when applying for
membership. Discuss Wisconsin Registry communications and their importance to membership.

Please evaluate this session: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GJ7CC6N
Speakers
avatar for Danielle Earley

Danielle Earley

Director of Operations, Wisconsin Registry
Danielle Earley is the Director of Operations for the Wisconsin Registry. She has a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin Madison. Danielle joined the Wisconsin Registry in October 2017 and has assisted in processing and finalizing member applications. Danielle... Read More →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Guava

12:00pm CST

Conference Ends - Thanks for Coming! - Travel Safely!
Wednesday February 26, 2025 12:00pm - 12:15pm CST
Wednesday February 26, 2025 12:00pm - 12:15pm CST
 
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