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WHSA 2025 Annual Conference
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Monday, February 24
 

10:00am CST

Keynote: Dr. Kim Johnson
Monday February 24, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST
ABC/FGH
More information coming soon!
Monday February 24, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST
ABC/FGH
  Keynote

12:00pm CST

Lunch
Monday February 24, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
ABC/FGH
Have a great lunch! 
Monday February 24, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
ABC/FGH
  Meal

1:00pm CST

Breakout: Dr. Johnson
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Culturally Responsive Teaching
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Guava
Culturally Responsive Teaching: Creating a sense of belonging in the early childhood environment for each and every child is critical for their success. Teachers/caregivers can ensure a sense of belonging by being intentional in their relationships with each child. Being culturally responsive can help children feel seen and valued. In this session, we will discuss the importance of building relationships by gaining an understanding of what culturally responsive teaching is and is not.
Speakers
JW
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Guava
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Family Partnerships: Using the Youth Wellness Hub to Create an Individualized Resource Guide
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite 4
The Youth Wellness Hub (YWH) is an innovative new tool designed to help you create a customized resource guide to support youth with behavioral and mental health needs. The YWH assists in locating an individualized list of resources across the continuum of social, health, insurance and other community services. We’ll explore how to use the tool, complete a demonstration and discuss ways to use this innovative resource to empower families and staff in achieving family partnership goals.
Speakers
EO
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite 4
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Region 12 OHS TTA/ICF - Hold
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Region 5 OHS TTA/STGI - Hold
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Supporting Autism in Early Childhood Settings
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite D
"But I'm not a therapist!" This session will equip participants to support children with autism in early childhood settings. Using evidence-based strategies and practical tools, participants will address communication, sensory, and behavioral needs, and learn how to effectively collaborate with care teams. By course end, participants will feel more confident and prepared to work with children with autism.
Speakers
avatar for Anna Barthen

Anna Barthen

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 →
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite D
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Supporting Kids with Challenging Pasts (trauma)
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite 5
Let’s explore the monumental task of working with kids who have_x000D_
challenging pasts. We’ll balance theory, research and strategies to up the_x000D_
odds that we handle the toughest of situations without breaking a sweat._x000D_
You will learn powerful insights into:_x000D_
How trauma affects the brain._x000D_
Why the intense and extremely upsetting behaviors seen in some kids represent attempts to self-protect and survive._x000D_
The science behind healthy attachment relationships._x000D_
How to apply Love and Logic strategies
Speakers
CP
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite 5
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

The Four Step Approach to Difficult Conversations
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Tamerind
Managing difficult conversations can be challenging. The four-step approach offers strategies for promoting positive interactions with families that are collaborative, supportive, and focused on problem-solving. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these strategies and leave with strengthened communication skills that can be used personally and professionally.
Speakers
avatar for Nina Bottomley

Nina Bottomley

Social and Emotional Learning Content Development Specialist, Youngstar Connect
Nina Bottomley is a passionate, driven, and creative educator, coach, and facilitator. She has been inthe educational field for over 15 years teaching 4K, first grade, and second grade. In addition, she hasbeen an instructional coach and, most recently, an Intervention Specialist... Read More →
HO Managing Difficult Conversations with Families pdf
PG FourStepApproachDifficultConv pdf
Monday February 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Tamerind
  Breakout

2:30pm CST

Break
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST
ABC/FGH
Visit Exhibitors and Grab a Snack!
Monday February 24, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST
ABC/FGH
  Break

3:00pm CST

Connecting and Communicating with Compassion
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Suite E
Discover innovative, responsive resources to strengthen the connections with the families in your care. Gain an understanding of learning media and corresponding bilingual, printable materials for working in partnership with families around children’s learning and development. Explore practical strategies for integrating these resources into your daily routines to support whole-child learning and foster meaningful family engagement.
Speakers
JH
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Suite E
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Internal Tornados and Trauma: How to Help Calm The Storm
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Guava
Trauma creates an internal storm of emotions and chaos, typically resulting in significant behavioral dysfunction. This presentation will walk you through a story of experienced childhood trauma, the negative impacts on learning, interpersonal relationships and behaviors, during early childhood development years. Listeners will gain an understanding of how to help calm the storms of those struggling.
Speakers
TA
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Guava
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Nature Play for Every Child: Explore PLT’s “Trees & Me”
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Tamerind
Nature play doesn’t have to be limited to special outdoor schools. Every child deserves to have outdoor exploration in their day! We will get hands-on with Project Learning Tree’s “Trees & Me” curriculum, looking at fun and meaningful ways to bring little learners outside regardless of their location. We will also explore using natural materials for indoor learning. Participants (limit 25) will receive “Trees & Me” and will leave feeling prepared to add more nature play into their curriculum.
Speakers
NF
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Tamerind
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Region 12 OHS TTA/ICF - Hold
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Region 5 OHS TTA/STGI - Hold
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Taking the Stress out of Parent Conferences...even the contentious ones
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Suite 5
Have you ever dreaded a phone call or conference because you just weren’t sure how it would turn out? Today, we’ll build the skills and framework to handle the toughest of situations without breaking a sweat and building better relationships at the same time._x000D_
Explore some ideas and principles that can limit stressful interactions with parents._x000D_
Develop an understanding of why a parent might be upset._x000D_
Discover a 5 step generic plan that you can utilize with upset parents
Speakers
CP
Monday February 24, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Suite 5
  Breakout

5:00pm CST

WHSA Evening Social: Head Start Birthday Party!!!
Monday February 24, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm CST
ABC/FGH
Monday February 24, 2025 5:00pm - 6:30pm CST
ABC/FGH
  Special
 
Tuesday, February 25
 

10:00am CST

Keynote: Mitch Factor
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 10:00am - 11:30am CST
TBA
  Keynote

12:00pm CST

Lunch
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
ABC/FGH
Have a great lunch! 
Tuesday February 25, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
ABC/FGH
  Meal

1:00pm CST

Breakout: Mitch Factor
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

DCF YoungStar Analysis and Update Project
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Tamerind
How can YoungStar, Wisconsin's child care quality rating and improvement system, evolve to better meet the needs of children and the adults who care for them in today's world? In this session we will share some of the early analysis from DCF's statewide campaign where we listened to the experiences, needs, and suggestions of providers, families, and early care and education partners. We will provide opportunity to expand on topics of interest, discuss next steps in the project, and share how to stay involved.
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Tamerind
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Little Connections: Building Relationships to Support Infant and Toddler Learning
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wisteria
Discover what relationship-based care entails and learn effective strategies for its implementation. We will become proficient in the Watch-Ask-Adapt responsive caregiving practice, a vital tool for enhancing relationships in caregiving. Join us on this journey to foster meaningful connections and provide the best care possible.
Speakers
LF
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wisteria
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Promoting Problem Solvers with Playful Resources from PBS KIDS
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite E
In a world where challenges can feel overwhelming, playful learning can be a powerful tool for building resilience. This session highlights PBS KIDS resources that inspire a sense of wonder, nurture creativity, and promote critical thinking. Explore responsive, skillfully designed tools from Daniel Tiger and Sesame Workshop that support children in developing the skills to face challenges with confidence through the process of playful problem solving.
Speakers
JH
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Suite E
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Region 12 OHS TTA/ICF - Hold
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Region 5 OHS TTA/STGI - Hold
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

Taking a Deep Dive Into Neurodiversity & Regulation: Where Do We Start?
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Banyan
Deep Dive: An introduction to skill-based approaches to challenging behaviors that will improve social understanding and self-management of neurodiverse students. Regulation: Regulation is the foundation upon which we are able to access our learning. When a regulation system that is in distress, it may result in a lack of access to learning as well as behavior that is challenging to adults. We will learn how the stress response system works within our brain and its role in regulation
Speakers
KK
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Banyan
  Breakout

1:00pm CST

WIPFLI - Hold
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

2:30pm CST

Break
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST
ABC/FGH
Visit Exhibitors and Grab a Snack!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:00pm CST
ABC/FGH
  Break

3:00pm CST

Are you where you want to be in the early childhood field?
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Guava
Come join me in my session & learn about my personal experiences in the early childhood field. I will be talking about how I chose early childhood education as my career, & how I became the teacher I am today. I will also touch base on where I would like my future to be in this field. Along the way we will talk about the positive impact of early childhood education & working in a head start & early head start setting.
Speakers
BP
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Guava
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Breakout: Mitch Factor
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Love and Logic 101: Taking the Stress out of Teaching
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Suite 5
Who should be tired at 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._x000D_
Love allows children to grow through their mistakes._x000D_
Logic allows children to live with the consequences of their choices._x000D_
Love and Logic is a way of working with children that puts 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
Speakers
CP
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Suite 5
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Partnering with Families Who Have Children with Special Needs – A Family Voices Learning Session
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Wisteria
Learn about programs and services for children with disabilities from two parents who have lived experiences, and how best to partner with families and communicate your concerns. We will explore the Birth to 3 Program, Children’s Long-Term Support Programs and important Medicaid benefits. Attendees will be encouraged to share their experiences caring for young child with developmental delays and challenges communicating with their parents.
Speakers
LR
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
Wisteria
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Region 12 OHS TTA/ICF - Hold
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

Region 5 OHS TTA/STGI - Hold
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

3:00pm CST

WIPFLI - Hold
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Tuesday February 25, 2025 3:00pm - 4:30pm CST
TBA
  Breakout
 
Wednesday, February 26
 

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
Banyan
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.
Speakers
RM
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Banyan
  Breakout

8:30am CST

Region 12 OHS TTA/ICF - Hold
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
TBA
  Breakout

8:30am CST

Region 5 OHS TTA/STGI - Hold
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
TBA
  Breakout

8:30am CST

Using Early Literacy to Support Young Children with IEPs.
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Tamerind
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.
Speakers
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 →
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 →
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
Tamerind
  Breakout

8:30am CST

WIPFLI - Hold
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Wednesday February 26, 2025 8:30am - 10:00am CST
TBA
  Breakout

10:00am CST

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

10:30am CST

Creating Inclusive Environments
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Wisteria
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.
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 →
11.19.24 YSC CG CreatingInclusiveLearningEnvironments (1) pdf
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Wisteria
  Breakout

10:30am CST

DCF Updates
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Guava
Come and hear what's new and exciting at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families! In this presentation, we will discuss new and continuing DCF projects and initiatives. We will also provide space for ECE professionals to ask questions and connect with colleagues.
Speakers
AS
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Guava
  Breakout

10:30am CST

Fostering reciprocal relationships between providers and families around social emotional teacher practices
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Banyan
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.
Speakers
AT
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
Banyan
  Breakout

10:30am CST

Region 12 OHS TTA/ICF - Hold
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

10:30am CST

Region 5 OHS TTA/STGI - Hold
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

10:30am CST

WIPFLI - Hold
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
TBA
More information coming soon!
Wednesday February 26, 2025 10:30am - 12:00pm CST
TBA
  Breakout

12:00pm CST

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