WHSA 2025 Annual Conference

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.

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.

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.

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.