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• Registration

• Arriving for the Conference

• Keynote Speakers

• Daily Schedule

• Friday Morning Sessions

• Friday Afternoon Sessions

On behalf of Concordia University, the Minnesota South District of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod and the Early Childhood Planning Committee, we welcome you to the Minnesota Early Childhood Educator’s Conference!

Our conference strives to provide spiritual enrichment and continuing education for early childhood educators. We believe that early childhood educators must be affirmed, valued and challenged in their work with young children. We are a Christian conference that strives to help teachers grow professionally but also recognizes that spiritual growth is an area of development as well. To support this mission, we will provide worship, motivational keynotes and sectionals for the unique needs of program directors and teachers of children from birth to kindergarten. Early childhood education is as diverse as the children we teach. We hope to expand your horizons and help you gather information for the best developmentally informed appropriate practices.

All registration is online. Click the “Register Online” button below to take you to the registration form. Payment for the conference will also be taken when you register.

All of the brochure information can be found below: cost, directions to Concordia University, keynote speakers, daily schedule, and session descriptions. For your convenience, there are links to each section of the brochure at the top of this web page and buttons below. If you would like a hard copy of the brochure, please click the “Download Brochure” button below. The form in the brochure is for planning purposes for you or for programs where your center director may ask you to provide this information.

Cost

Registration is $100 for one day or $175 for both days.

Registration fee includes all sessions for that day, keynote, light breakfast and lunch. Registrations must be received by February 14, 2025. After February 14, registration will increase $20 for one day or $25 for both.

cancellation policy

~ A full refund will be granted with a written request sent to mnecec@gmail.com if the request is received by February 13. 
~ Cancellations received between February 14 - 21 will be assessed a $25 processing fee.
~ Cancellations will not be accepted after February 21. Registrants may transfer their registration to another Early Childhood professional.  Please email registration transfers to mnecec@gmail.com. 

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide refunds for illness.

weather cancellation

If weather conditions are severe enough to warrant cancellation on one or both days of the conference, an announcement will be posted to the MN Early Childhood Educator's Facebook Group and the Minnesota South District LCMS website.  We will also do our best to notify conference participants via email of the cancellation.  In the event of a cancellation, due to our fixed cost of preparing the conference, there is no guarantee of a full refund.

Questions?

General conference questions may be sent to mnecec@gmail.com

For registration/payment questions, please contact Christina Krentz

The conference admits participants without regard to age, sex, creed, race, color, national or ethnic origin or disability.

Understand the difference between praise trust and adversity trust. Provide practical ways to overcome both unfair blessings and adversity with Christ. You will never look at the word "trust" the same again! This talk is an emotional roller coaster. It may involve audience participation, tears and lots of laughter. Get ready to push beyond your spiritual comfort zone and TRUST. Based on Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 23, Romans 8:28, and 1 Peter 5:7.

Dr. Parker is the founder of Trust Guy Ministries. He has led over 450 events and has presented over 700 time since 2007; with audiences up to 30,000 people across 30 different states as well as Canada. His unique blend of humor and Biblical truth will push you out of your spiritual comfort zone. In addition, he has been a featured speaker at 8 LCMS National Youth Gatherings. Currently, Dr. Parker serves as the Vice President for Athletics at California Baptist. He has been married to his wife, Amy for 26 years. They are the proud parents of Emma, Jonah and Gracie Joy.

School administrators, K-8 and High School, as well as parish professionals can come to his keynote presentation and break-out session AND have lunch for only $45! Plus, you will receive 3.5 Continuing Ed hours! Register here for this special opportunity!

It’s easy to lose sight of our work as early educators amidst the paperwork, rating system requirements, and daily struggles in our programs. Come join us for an interactive, grounding session where we focus on the WHY of our work, how we can actively use our own personal “why” daily to guide our decision making and build an incredible program culture.

Kelly Matthews, owner of A Place For You Early Childhood Consulting in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, joyfully explores engaged learning with people of all ages. Over the last 20 years, she has worked in both center- and home-based care, as well as having been a director, nanny, mentor, teacher, and professional development facilitator. Kelly earned her MA (Human Development) at Pacific Oaks College, with dual specializations in Leadership in Education and Human Services [sub-specialization: Teaching Adults] and Early Childhood Education. She is exceptionally proud of this learning, grounded in social justice and meaningful, contextualized practice. Her passion is bringing relevant, thought-provoking professional development to educators and caregivers around the country. It is clear that Kelly’s strength lies in creating engaging professional development that invites educators to fully bring their voices and experiences to the learning.

7:45 - 8:30 Registration, Vendors & Continental Breakfast

8:30 - 10:30 Session

10:45 - 12:15 Announcements, Worship and Keynote

12:15 - 1:30 Lunch

1:30 - 3:30 Session

PLEASE INDICATE YOUR SESSION CHOICE BY NUMBER 10 - 18

10. Anti-Bias Language and Inclusive Teaching Practices: Practical Strategies for Early Childhood Educators
Marie Lister, Preschool Teacher, Director of Teaching & Research, Child Development Lab School, University of Minnesota
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Cultural Competency Training

In this interactive workshop participants will explore anti-bias language and inclusive teaching strategies that early childhood educators can implement in their own classrooms. Educators will have hands-on opportunities to explore curriculum materials and ideas, engage in discussion, and share strategies they have implemented in their own practice. Participants will leave equipped with anti-bias language, curriculum ideas, and strategies that they can immediately embed in their own teaching practices.

11. Brain Development: Seeing and Supporting Children’s Active Bodies (and Minds)
Melissa Donovan, TARSS Training Specialist, Center for Early Education & Development, University of Minnesota
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IID Promoting Physical Development

This course invites teachers to explore how to create dynamic learning environments that nurture children’s large motor skill development. Designed with adult learners in mind, it delivers engaging, high-quality training built on three key principles: relevance, responsiveness, and reflection. Participants will enjoy content tailored to their professional goals, opportunities for active participation, and thoughtful self-reflection—ensuring the learning experience is meaningful, memorable, and ready to apply in their work with children.

12. Biting: Why it Happens and What to Do About It
Kasey Wade, Speech and Language Pathologist, Family Chatterbox
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIC Promoting Social & Emotional Development
Beneficial to those working with older infants and toddlers

Learn why children in your classroom may be biting from a communication, behavior, and sensory standpoint. This class was developed by Speech-Language Pathologist and Spanish Educator Kasey Wade and is offered in person under KCF area: II.C. Learn how to determine why a child is biting, how to address the challenges, and receive practical handouts and classroom materials that you can use right away to help reduce biting.

13. Connecting with Families in Grace and Truth
Tom Pfotenhauer, Senior Pastor, Woodbury Lutheran Church

Doing ministry in a world with diverse values and opinions is not getting any simpler. As those who are seeking to minister to families, how can we do so in a way that honors both the Grace and Truth that Jesus embodied and calls us as His ambassadors to reflect?

14. Discipline that Connects in the Classroom
Pam Thompson, Certified Parent Coach and Licensed EC & Family Educator
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Positive Behavior Intervention

Teaching often feels like a juggling act—building relationships, fostering learning, and managing behavior all at once. This session introduces a simple framework with four key messages to create a peaceful, connected, and engaging classroom. Leave equipped with practical strategies you can implement immediately!

15. Supporting Educators for Success Indoors and Outdoors
Shelia Williams Ridge, Director, University of MN Child Development Laboratory School
Beneficial to directors or program leaders

This session will discuss staff development, observation, and coaching tools and methods for supporting teachers in the early childhood learning environment. We will share ways to support children’s learning indoors and outdoors, observation and assessment tools for children and programs, and tools to help programs meet children’s needs throughout the year.

16. Supporting Executive Function Development
Bobbie Bigwood, Parent Educator, South Washington County Schools Early Learning
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area I Child Development and Learning

Executive Functions are a set of skills we use every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. These skills are vital to academic success. We will discuss how to help children develop these important skills. Participants will:

* understand what executive function is and how it develops
* increase knowledge about adverse experiences that can impair executive function development
* plan activities that encourage the development of executive function in their practice.

17. Teach Social Skills to Prevent or Replace Unwanted Behavior in the Group Setting
Jamie Waldvogel, Founder/Owner, Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Behave Your Best LLC
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Positive Behavior Intervention
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIC Promoting Social and Emotional Development

Inability to use appropriate social skills is a common reason why toddlers and preschoolers display challenging behaviors in the group setting. Our changing world, as well as other factors, provides less opportunities for children to be taught the necessary social-emotional skills for success; which results in unwanted behaviors in the group setting. Learn which skills are the most pivotal for children and how and when to effectively teach those skills to children aged 18 month to 5 year.

18. Understanding the Behaviors of Today: Unraveling Mysteries and Restoring Hope
Vicki Filteau, Trainer/Consultant with Copper Leaf Consulting, LLC
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Positive Behavior Intervention

In this session, we discuss why behaviors are different today and why traditional guidance approaches are not working. we explore four factors that affect behaviors of today that do not respond to the traditional guidance approaches: anxiety, sensory needs, attachment issues and neurodiversity. Each category is defined with reasoning about why it happens and how it presents in behavior for identification. Strategy ideas are discussed.

PLEASE INDICATE YOUR SESSION CHOICE BY NUMBER 20 - 28

20. 10 Practical Tips for Marketing Your School
Kendra Gilmore, Principal, St John’s Lutheran School, Chaska
Beneficial to directors or program leaders

This session provides actionable strategies to effectively promote your school and engage your target audience. Learn how to showcase your school’s unique strengths, build community relationships, and attract prospective families. These tips are designed to enhance your school’s visibility and reputation. Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for creating a compelling marketing plan tailored to their institution’s goals and values.

21. Anti-Bias Education, Cultural Awareness, and Advancing Equity in ECE
Dr. Kelly Sadlovsky, Chair, Dept of DGTE and Program Chair, MAED-ECE Concordia University, St. Paul
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Cultural Competency Training

The session will help participants explore shared terminology for added context and clarity in communications that support anti-bias education, cultural awareness, and ways to advance equity in education and social systems from various roles in the field of ECE. Both large group and small group activities will help participants self-reflect on current practices and gain new strategies for building culturally responsive practices that support the diverse needs of children and families.

22. Building Cultural Competency in Early Childhood: Teaching Empathy, Kindness & Generosity
Pam Thompson, Certified Parent Coach and Licensed EC & Family Educator
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Cultural Competency Training

How can we nurture children to understand, empathize with, and respect others from diverse cultures, races, and backgrounds? In this engaging session, we’ll go beyond simply teaching children to share. Instead, you’ll discover effective, fun, and meaningful strategies to cultivate generosity, kindness, and cultural understanding among your students. Learn how to create a classroom environment that not only fosters cooperation but also celebrates diversity and encourages children to extend these values beyond the classroom.

23. De-Escalation Techniques for Early Childhood and Beyond
Jamie Waldvogel, Founder/Owner, Board Certified Behavior Analyst with Behave Your Best LLC
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Positive Behavior Intervention
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIC Promoting Social and Emotional Development

Learn how to capitalize on the power of YOUR behavior when teaching behavior regulation to children. Use silent positive guidance strategies to teach and de-escalate situations. Monitor the early childhood environment to anticipate and redirect potential misbehavior using silent strategies.

24. Effective Leadership > Mighty Warrior
Dr. Micah Parker, Trust Guy Ministry

The difference between being an effective Christian leader vs. just being successful. The three steps presented in this talk will be easy for you to remember. Dr. Parker will "lead you home" and challenge you to "touch all the bases" in the game of life. An emphasis on servanthood, following, and a personal relationship with Christ is shared through humorous and thought- provoking stories. A unique review of Gideon and his great followers. Overcoming great odds is the emphasis. Dr. Parker will make you feel like you are with Gideon's men as they prepare to watch God fight for them. So many things in this life seem to be going against us and we can get overwhelmed with the huge odds we seemingly face. This talk empowers us to be a mighty warrior for Christ, despite being outnumbered.

Based on Luke 22:27, John 10:14 and Galatians 5:13-14, Judges 6-7 and Joshua 24:15.

25. Everyday Ideas for the Preschool Classroom
Michelle Espelien, Director, Kids of Peace Preschool

Everyday experiences that go along with many themes as well as math, science, art and more. Hands on activities and ideas presented and available to see and touch!

26. Music to the Max
Angela Naeve, Angela Naeve Music Ministry

Explore the power of music in helping a child learn and grow. Fun action songs plus memorizing scripture in songs will catch the attention of the visual, auditory and tactile learners and increase their ability to memorize and retain information. Music with movement engages students and helps them grow emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. These songs encourage proactive decisions of the students and help restore joy and enthusiasm to teaching. Be prepared to sing, move and have fun!

27. Supporting Autism in the Classroom
Kasey Wade, Speech and Language Pathologist, Family Chatterbox
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IVB Assessing and Using Information to Plan

Learn about Autism through the perspective of a Speech Language Pathologist and determine ways to adjust classroom activities to fit the individual needs of each child. Developed by Speech-Language Pathologist Kasey Wade, this course is offered in person under KCF area: IV.B. Identify unique characteristics of language development for children with Autism, and how to adapt your classroom to meet each child’s language abilities depending on their individual needs.

28. Trauma & Development
Emma Hansen, Develop Approved Trainer
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area I Child Development and Learning

Examine trauma and its effect on a child's development, interventions that might be used by providers, and how those affect development. Explore the developmental consequences of trauma and the chemical effects of stress on the brain.

PLEASE INDICATE YOUR SESSION CHOICE BY NUMBER 30 - 39

30. Back to the Basics: Reading, Writing, Arithmetic... and Relationships
Regina Kehl, Coach, Consultant, Speaker - upRouted Coaching & Consulting LLC
Beneficial to directors or program leaders

In this engaging and thought-provoking session, directors and administrators will explore the critical role of relationships in educational leadership. While academic skills remain central to the mission of schools, this talk highlights how fostering strong, intentional connections among staff, students, and families can transform outcomes.

31. Better Sleep, Better Behavior
Sarah Fritsch, Develop Approved Trainer
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIC Promoting Social and Emotional Development

Examine symptoms and behaviors children may exhibit from poor sleep. Learn how poor quality of sleep in children has an impact on their body, mind and emotions. Examine symptoms and behaviors children may exhibit from poor sleep. Gain practical tools and real-life examples to help children and parents get the sleep they so desperately deserve!

32. Effective Educators: Tinkering and STEAM
Hannah Riddle, Trainer, Semillitas Training
Develop Approved Training - KCF Area IIB Promoting Cognitive Development

Learn about the concept of tinkering. Tinkering is an activity that educators can use to engage children in the domains of science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM). Children get hands on opportunities to explore materials, test their properties, be creative and learn problem solving skills. This course reviews examples of tinkering projects, their connections to STEAM and the Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress.

33. Infants and Toddlers: A Relationship-based Approach to Challenging Behaviors - Examining Behaviors
Heather Chamoli, Charmoli Training and Consulting
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Positive Behavior Intervention
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIC Promoting Social and Emotional Development
Beneficial to those working with infants and toddlers

This 2-hour behavior guidance course allows participants the opportunity to: learn about the relationship between behavior and distress communication for infants and toddlers; identify characteristics of challenging behavior demonstrated by infants and toddlers; identify the difference between acting out and withdrawing behaviors seen in infants and toddlers; and discus best practice guidance strategies.

34. Interoception: The Hidden Sense and Foundation for Self-Regulation
Kiah Van Horne, Occupational Therapist, TBRI Practitioner, Rooted in Connection

You’ll learn about the interoception sense and its influence on body functions as well as how it influences self-regulation. Leave with activities for teaching interoceptive skills to young children and also more awareness of your own personal sense of interoception.

35. Life Skills 101
Dr. Sue Starks, Professor of Education, Concordia University

In the context of play, young children have opportunities to develop social emotional skills –life skills! We know the level of play skills varies from child to child, and that some kids really struggle and need a copilot to sit beside them as they maneuver through the challenges that can come along with play. Come engage in a conversation to identify and share strategies that ensure young children have the experiences and opportunities needed to build life skills needed in the present and for their future.

36. Moving and Grooving
Laura Lamb, Develop Approved Trainer
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IID Promoting Physical Development

Learn how movement affects children's growth across all domains of development and their learning readiness skills. Discuss and practice ways to intentionally integrate music and movement activities into daily routines.

37. Music to the Max
Angela Naeve, Angela Naeve Music Ministry

Explore the power of music in helping a child learn and grow. Fun action songs plus memorizing scripture in songs will catch the attention of the visual, auditory and tactile learners and increase their ability to memorize and retain information. Music with movement engages students and helps them grow emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. These songs encourage proactive decisions of the students and help restore joy and enthusiasm to teaching. Be prepared to sing, move and have fun!

38. Outdoor Play: Creating Engaging Environments
Michelle Norsten, Develop Approved Trainer
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIB Promoting Cognitive Development

Develop a deeper understanding of the importance of outdoor environments in young children’s development. Explore ways to create and implement more engaging outdoor play experiences for young children. Design a plan for enhancing your outdoor space.

39. Playful Beginning: Nurturing a Child’s Heart, Mind & Joy For Learning
Courtney Braatz, Parent Educator/ECFE SoWashCoSchools

In this session you will learn techniques for helping children manage big emotions and transitions for a successful school environment. Gain ideas to focus on supporting children’s social-emotional and intellectual development through a play-based approach and leave with practical strategies, language, and techniques to connect school and home for parents understanding of play-based learning.

PLEASE INDICATE YOUR SESSION CHOICE BY NUMBER 40 - 49

40. Building Relationships Right From the Start: Belonging and Learning in Times of Change
Kelly Matthews, Owner, A Place for You Early Childhood Consulting

As early educators, we work in a dynamic system that is always changing. New ideas can be a double-edged sword. New rules and regulations can create a sense of unease for providers while new research helps us improve our work with young children. And through all this, some things never change – helping children and families feel grounded and a part of our program. So, how do we balance navigating change, but ensuring that we are hanging. on to our vision and mission for our program? And through it all, how do we maintain our Rights and Responsibilities as professionals in our own learning? Join us for this interactive professional development session to help support you in this complex work. We will dig in with real examples and ensure we have time for your questions, comments, stories and insights.

41. Calm in the Crazy
Jessica Borkenhagen, MS, LPC; Daniel Borkenhagen, MDiv, MS, LPC
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Screaming, toys flying, clinging, boogers, hugs, parents demanding, stinky diapers, smiles, tattletales, working lunches, "I love you's," chasing, crying....and no adult-sized chairs in sight. The physical and emotional ups and downs of teaching preschool creates a truly unique and challenging profession. In this session, we will address the reality of stress in the classroom as well as specific strategies to create greater mental health, peace, and purpose both at work and home.

42. Connecting Discipline, Communication and Relationships
Michelle Norsten Develop Approved Trainer
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Positive Behavior Intervention
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIC Promoting Social and Emotional Development

Discover how to you can help children learn self- discipline as they journey through their early childhood years. Explore how your experiences affect your reactions to children’s behaviors, and how through nurturing and empathy you can support children’s growth.

43. Day By Day with Toddlers
Sarah Fritsch, Develop Approved Trainer
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area I Child Development and Learning
Beneficial to those working with older infants and toddlers

Enhance your understanding of toddler development and behavior by examining social development. Gain strategies for preventing and responding to tantrums, aggression and other common behaviors exhibited during toddlerhood. Explore songs, activities and ways to keep toddlers engaged throughout the day.

44. Effective Educators: Using Art Activities to Promote Cognitive Development
Hannah Riddle, Trainer, Semillitas Training
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIB Promoting Cognitive Development

Explore the connection between art and cognitive development. Art activities can help children develop thinking skills, explore cause and effect and support language development. In this class educators learn about the connection between art and cognitive development, then get a chance to practice their new knowledge with an art activity and make a plan for application to their teaching practice.

45. Faith in Action: What Can It Look Like
Allison VanLoon, Director, Acorn Academy Preschool

There are many ways to incorporate faith in our programs, from curriculum to prayers to seizing the moment. Come to this discussion-based session ready to share ideas of what works in your program. We will all leave equipped and inspired!

46. Meaningful Assessments
Laura Lamb, Develop Approved Trainer
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IVB Assessing and Using Information to Plan

Learn to use functional opportunities to complete observation and assessment of young children and develop lessons to further guide children’s learning based on these observations.

47. Navigating Conflict
Heather Chamoli, Charmoli Training and Consulting VI: Professionalism
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Positive Behavior Intervention
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area VI Professionalism

Explore conflict styles, when to use them and some step by step conflict resolution action plans. Learn how to redirect conversations that are not headed down a productive path to improve your communication skills. This class improves professionalism.

48. The Road to Reading
Gloria Deziel, Early Childhood Specialist, WOW! Training & Consulting
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Reading Preparation
Develop Approved Training – KCF Area IIB Promoting Cognitive Development

Learning is a complicated and exciting process that unfolds over the course of years. How do children learn to read? Define the basic principles of emergent literacy. Identify the skills needed to read and explore fun activities to promote emergent literacy. Learn to involve parents in their child's literacy development.

49. Sensory Processing and Self-Regulation Techniques for Young Children
Kiah Van Horne, Occupational Therapist, TBRI Practitioner, Rooted in Connection
This session fulfills MN Teacher License Renewal Requirement – Positive Behavior Intervention

In this session we will outline the role of the sensory systems of young children and how these systems influence self-regulation. You will learn how trauma impacts the sensory system and what are really signs of poor sensory processing skills. Time will be spent introducing sensory strategies that can be used to improve self-regulation for young children, and you’ll also understand the role of occupational therapy and when to seek professional services.