7:30-8:15 am Continental Breakfast & Conference Registration - across from Glen Carlson Room (first floor)
8:20-8:30 am Conference Welcome & Announcements - Glen Carlson Room (first floor)
8:30-9:45 am Keynote Speaker - Glen Carlson Room (first floor)
9:45-10 am Break & Exhibits - Terry Haws Center C (first floor)
10-11:30 am Workshop Session A
11:45 am-12:45 pm Lunch - Glen Carlson Room (first floor)
Thank you to our 2025 MNAFEE Annual Conference Lunch Sponsor - Teaching Strategies!
1-2:30 pm Workshop Session B
2:30-2:45 pm Break & Exhibits - Terry Haws Center C (first floor)
2:45-4:15 pm Workshop Sessions
4:30-5:30 pm Connect, Ponder & Learn (formerly Eat, Ponder & Learn) - Terry Haws Center C (first floor)
8:20-8:30 am Conference Welcome & Announcements - Glen Carlson Room (first floor)
8:30-9:45 am Keynote Speaker - Glen Carlson Room (first floor)
9:45-10 am Break & Exhibits - Terry Haws Center C (first floor)
10-11:30 am Workshop Session A
11:45 am-12:45 pm Lunch - Glen Carlson Room (first floor)
Thank you to our 2025 MNAFEE Annual Conference Lunch Sponsor - Teaching Strategies!
1-2:30 pm Workshop Session B
2:30-2:45 pm Break & Exhibits - Terry Haws Center C (first floor)
2:45-4:15 pm Workshop Sessions
4:30-5:30 pm Connect, Ponder & Learn (formerly Eat, Ponder & Learn) - Terry Haws Center C (first floor)
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Executive function (EF) refers to the mental skills that help us control our thoughts, actions, and emotions. These include cognitive flexibility (the ability to switch between tasks or thoughts), working memory (holding and manipulating information in mind), and inhibitory control (resisting impulses). These skills develop quickly during early childhood and are crucial for school readiness and social-emotional development. Essentially, it's not just what you know, but how well you can use these EF skills to apply your knowledge. This presentation will cover what we know about EF and its development in children, discuss ways to measure EF accurately, and suggest effective methods for parents, teachers, and others to support healthy EF growth. The main point is that early support for developing EF skills in schools can enhance all children's learning and development, giving every child a fair chance to succeed in school and beyond. |
About the Speaker:
Dr. Zelazo’s research on the development and neural bases of reflection and executive function has resulted in over 150 publications that have been cited more than 10,000 times by other scholars. His research has been honored by numerous awards, including a Boyd McCandless Young Scientist Award from the American Psychological Association (APA), and a Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, and he has given over 85 invited talks and keynote addresses (nationally and internationally) during the past 10 years.
Dr. Zelazo’s research on the development and neural bases of reflection and executive function has resulted in over 150 publications that have been cited more than 10,000 times by other scholars. His research has been honored by numerous awards, including a Boyd McCandless Young Scientist Award from the American Psychological Association (APA), and a Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 Award, and he has given over 85 invited talks and keynote addresses (nationally and internationally) during the past 10 years.
Workshop Session A | 10-11:30 a.m.
A-1 ECFE Outreach and Partnerships
A-2 Wellbeing for Early Childhood: Strategies to support adult wellbeing and emotional regulation to facilitate co-regulation with young children
A-3 Supporting Healthy Relationships: Building a Secure Foundation for Families in ECFE
A-4 Understanding AI: Practical Teaching Tools for Early Childhood Educators (repeat D-4)
A-5 ECFE Enhancement Plan 2025-2030
A-6 Challenging Behaviors in Daycare Centers: An Inclusive Approach to Supporting Daycare Staff
A-7 Supporting Teachers in Implementing PreK Early Literacy Instruction
A-8 Artful Parenting
A-9 Connecting With Hard to Reach Families Through Home-Visits (PART 1)
A-10 Tackling Tough Topics with Diverse Parent Groups (repeat E-10)
A-11 Decoding the READ Act: Implementation tools for Educators (repeat B-11)
A-12 Circle Time for Parent Educators
A-13 Gender Identity - A Parent's Journey
A-14 Building ILPs in Community
A-1 ECFE Outreach and Partnerships
A-2 Wellbeing for Early Childhood: Strategies to support adult wellbeing and emotional regulation to facilitate co-regulation with young children
A-3 Supporting Healthy Relationships: Building a Secure Foundation for Families in ECFE
A-4 Understanding AI: Practical Teaching Tools for Early Childhood Educators (repeat D-4)
A-5 ECFE Enhancement Plan 2025-2030
A-6 Challenging Behaviors in Daycare Centers: An Inclusive Approach to Supporting Daycare Staff
A-7 Supporting Teachers in Implementing PreK Early Literacy Instruction
A-8 Artful Parenting
A-9 Connecting With Hard to Reach Families Through Home-Visits (PART 1)
A-10 Tackling Tough Topics with Diverse Parent Groups (repeat E-10)
A-11 Decoding the READ Act: Implementation tools for Educators (repeat B-11)
A-12 Circle Time for Parent Educators
A-13 Gender Identity - A Parent's Journey
A-14 Building ILPs in Community
A-1 ECFE Outreach and Partnerships
Beka Swisher, MS, LAMFT, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
Jennifer Sadlovsky, MA, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
This session will equip your team with many ideas about outreach and creating partnerships in your community. You will leave with practical ideas for providing inclusive, welcoming and equitable programming for parents/caregivers. The presentation will include time for you to share your ideas and wisdom to others in the field.
Jennifer Sadlovsky, MA, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
This session will equip your team with many ideas about outreach and creating partnerships in your community. You will leave with practical ideas for providing inclusive, welcoming and equitable programming for parents/caregivers. The presentation will include time for you to share your ideas and wisdom to others in the field.
A-2 Wellbeing for Early Childhood: Strategies to Support Adult Wellbeing and Emotional Regulation to Facilitate Co-regulation with Young Children
Sara Daniel, LCSW
Young children often struggle to manage their emotions, leading to challenging behaviors for educators and caregivers. This becomes even harder when adults face their own personal or work-related stress. In this session, we'll explore how the brain processes stress and learn practical strategies to support emotional regulation in both children and adults. These techniques include sensory activities, building strong relationships, and cognitive approaches targeting different brain areas needing regulation. By applying these methods, adults can better manage their own emotions and help children develop self-regulation skills. The session features hands-on activities and provides resources to use in classrooms and at home.
Young children often struggle to manage their emotions, leading to challenging behaviors for educators and caregivers. This becomes even harder when adults face their own personal or work-related stress. In this session, we'll explore how the brain processes stress and learn practical strategies to support emotional regulation in both children and adults. These techniques include sensory activities, building strong relationships, and cognitive approaches targeting different brain areas needing regulation. By applying these methods, adults can better manage their own emotions and help children develop self-regulation skills. The session features hands-on activities and provides resources to use in classrooms and at home.
A-3 Supporting Healthy Relationships: Building a Secure Foundation for Families in ECFE
Laura Goodman, M.A. Parent Educator, Duluth Public Schools ISD 709
Lynn Henderson, M.A. Parent Educator, Early Childhood Educator, Duluth Public Schools ISD 709
Jen Jaros, ECFE Coordinator, Parent Educator, Early Childhood Educator - Duluth Public Schools ISD 709
Join us for a discussion on how Duluth Public Schools structure our ECFE classes to minimize transitions, facilitate healthy parent-child separations and reunions, and provide a supportive presence for families. Guided by Circle of Security attachment research and developmentally appropriate practices, we will explain our rationale and share the valuable insights we have gained by implementing this approach in our classes. We will also share the work we are doing to create partnerships with local community agencies.
Lynn Henderson, M.A. Parent Educator, Early Childhood Educator, Duluth Public Schools ISD 709
Jen Jaros, ECFE Coordinator, Parent Educator, Early Childhood Educator - Duluth Public Schools ISD 709
Join us for a discussion on how Duluth Public Schools structure our ECFE classes to minimize transitions, facilitate healthy parent-child separations and reunions, and provide a supportive presence for families. Guided by Circle of Security attachment research and developmentally appropriate practices, we will explain our rationale and share the valuable insights we have gained by implementing this approach in our classes. We will also share the work we are doing to create partnerships with local community agencies.
A-4 Understanding AI: Practical Teaching Tools for Early Childhood Educators (repeat D-4)
Kyle Turck, Innovation Coach, Minnesota School District 742
Discover how AI can transform your teaching with "Magic School AI." You’ll be introduced to the basics of AI, its functionality, and practical applications in the classroom. Learn how AI can streamline planning, communication, and personalized learning, empowering you to focus more on what you love—teaching.
Discover how AI can transform your teaching with "Magic School AI." You’ll be introduced to the basics of AI, its functionality, and practical applications in the classroom. Learn how AI can streamline planning, communication, and personalized learning, empowering you to focus more on what you love—teaching.
A-5 ECFE Enhancement Plan 2025-2030
Darcy Rodriguez, Education Specialist DCYF
Mi Yang, Education Specialist DCYF
Mike Brown, Education Specialist DCYF
The Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Enhancement Plan for 2025-2030 serves as our strategic roadmap for statewide program development. This session will outline its key focus areas, objectives, strategies, and action steps. Attendees are invited to provide feedback, assist in prioritizing initiatives, and consider local implementation strategies.
Mi Yang, Education Specialist DCYF
Mike Brown, Education Specialist DCYF
The Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) Enhancement Plan for 2025-2030 serves as our strategic roadmap for statewide program development. This session will outline its key focus areas, objectives, strategies, and action steps. Attendees are invited to provide feedback, assist in prioritizing initiatives, and consider local implementation strategies.
A-6 Challenging Behaviors in Daycare Centers: An Inclusive Approach to Supporting Daycare Staff
Mary Croteau, M.A. Elementary Education, ECFE Anoka-Hennepin Schools
Janey Shampine, M.A. ECSE, B-3 Early Childhood Special Education, Anoka-Hennepin Schools
As the needs of children get more complex, is your district drowning in requests for support from daycare centers? Our framework seeks to support centers in meeting the needs to every child regardless of needs or diagnoses.
Janey Shampine, M.A. ECSE, B-3 Early Childhood Special Education, Anoka-Hennepin Schools
As the needs of children get more complex, is your district drowning in requests for support from daycare centers? Our framework seeks to support centers in meeting the needs to every child regardless of needs or diagnoses.
A-7 Supporting Teachers in Implementing PreK Early Literacy Instruction
Kelly Kazeck, Early Childhood Workforce Collaboration Specialist, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Lucy Arias, Early Education Language and Literacy Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education
Delve into practical strategies for early literacy instruction and explore the critical role of leadership in supporting classroom teachers. Gain valuable insights into effective techniques for fostering a love of reading in young children, while also understanding how school leaders can create a supportive environment that empowers teachers to implement these strategies successfully.
Lucy Arias, Early Education Language and Literacy Specialist, Minnesota Department of Education
Delve into practical strategies for early literacy instruction and explore the critical role of leadership in supporting classroom teachers. Gain valuable insights into effective techniques for fostering a love of reading in young children, while also understanding how school leaders can create a supportive environment that empowers teachers to implement these strategies successfully.
A-8 Artful Parenting
Barbara J. Burkhardt, M.A. Parent Educator, St Paul Public Schools
Parenting, like making art, is a process, which can be both profound and frustrating. It’s never perfect, there are so many different materials and methods you can use, and the mess can be really wonderful. Through this art-making process, parents develop an awareness and trust in themselves.
Parenting, like making art, is a process, which can be both profound and frustrating. It’s never perfect, there are so many different materials and methods you can use, and the mess can be really wonderful. Through this art-making process, parents develop an awareness and trust in themselves.
A-9 Connecting With Hard to Reach Families Through Home-Visits (PART 1) (PART 2 - B9)
Julie Koritz, M.Ed, Early Childhood Trainer/Consultant
Explore ways to connect and build relationships with families. Topics that will be covered are: strategies to use during initial visits with families and red flags to be aware of, including how trauma and toxic stress impact the parent/child relationship. This class will also discuss difficult scenarios we may encounter. When this course is complete, home visiting professionals will have developed additional skills to help make a positive impact on the families they provide services to.
Explore ways to connect and build relationships with families. Topics that will be covered are: strategies to use during initial visits with families and red flags to be aware of, including how trauma and toxic stress impact the parent/child relationship. This class will also discuss difficult scenarios we may encounter. When this course is complete, home visiting professionals will have developed additional skills to help make a positive impact on the families they provide services to.
A-10 Tackling Tough Topics with Diverse Parent Groups (repeat E-10)
Danny O'Brien, M.Ed. Parent Educator, ISD 191
Cynthia Sampers, Early Learning Coordinator, ISD 191
Talking about sensitive topics in parenting groups is difficult no matter what. Mix in multiple languages, belief systems, and ethos and well...it gets even more difficult. Our presentation will offer some insights, strategies, and real life experience into discussing sensitive topics with a diverse group of parents.
Cynthia Sampers, Early Learning Coordinator, ISD 191
Talking about sensitive topics in parenting groups is difficult no matter what. Mix in multiple languages, belief systems, and ethos and well...it gets even more difficult. Our presentation will offer some insights, strategies, and real life experience into discussing sensitive topics with a diverse group of parents.
A-11 Decoding the READ Act: Implementation Tools for Educators (repeat B-11)
Justin Killian, PhD Education Issues Specialist, Education Minnesota
Matt Ryg, PhD Education Issues Specialist, Education Minnesota
Participants will review the requirements of the READ Act and what the law means for literacy instruction for students and training for staff. Participants will also discuss implementation plans and pitfalls. The session leaders will supply examples of labor-management agreements, training plans and materials, research documents, bill language, and more.
Matt Ryg, PhD Education Issues Specialist, Education Minnesota
Participants will review the requirements of the READ Act and what the law means for literacy instruction for students and training for staff. Participants will also discuss implementation plans and pitfalls. The session leaders will supply examples of labor-management agreements, training plans and materials, research documents, bill language, and more.
A-12 Circle Time for Parent Educators
Penny Walsh, M.A. Parent and Family Educator, Anoka Hennepin Schools
Many Parent Educators teach non-separating classes, where they are leading circle time.
In this session, we will discuss:
Many Parent Educators teach non-separating classes, where they are leading circle time.
In this session, we will discuss:
- Why we do circle time?
- Elements of circle time.
- Special considerations including families who need extra support, language and cultural needs and staff support.
- There will be time for sharing favorite circle time resources.
A-13 Gender Identity - A Parent's Journey
Dawn Puroway, Parent, Minnesota School District 45
Leah Dunbar, M.Ed. (She/Her) Parent Educator, St. Paul Public Schools
Dawn will share her journey as a parent of a gender expansive child, along with children's book recommendations with gender diverse characters, and advice about some changes in language about gender that all people can use.
Leah Dunbar, M.Ed. (She/Her) Parent Educator, St. Paul Public Schools
Dawn will share her journey as a parent of a gender expansive child, along with children's book recommendations with gender diverse characters, and advice about some changes in language about gender that all people can use.
A-14 Building ILPs in Community
Nicki Murphy, M.Ed., Parent and Family Educator & Home Visitor, Robbinsdale Area Schools
Melissa Denning, M.Ed., ECFE, Parent Education, Outreach & Early Childhood Screening, St. Francis Public Schools
Do integrated lesson plans (ILPs) scare the daylight out of you? Are you lacking prep time to work on lesson planning in general let alone the ILP format? Are ILPs your jam? Are you able to support others in the first steps of creating an ILP?
Join us in a work session regarding creating ILPs. See a demonstration on how to take a lesson plan and change it into the ILP format and then work with those around you to take one of your very own lessons and turn it into an ILP. Already have lessons in the ILP format? Bring them along, share them with colleagues, help a colleague out and brainstorm together how to move the field of parent and family education to the next level.
Please bring a fully charged electronic device to work with, one or several lesson plans, and your thinking caps. Copies of the PECCF book and ECIPS available for your use during this work session. Use the new ILP Planning Rubric as a guide in creating your new content.
Melissa Denning, M.Ed., ECFE, Parent Education, Outreach & Early Childhood Screening, St. Francis Public Schools
Do integrated lesson plans (ILPs) scare the daylight out of you? Are you lacking prep time to work on lesson planning in general let alone the ILP format? Are ILPs your jam? Are you able to support others in the first steps of creating an ILP?
Join us in a work session regarding creating ILPs. See a demonstration on how to take a lesson plan and change it into the ILP format and then work with those around you to take one of your very own lessons and turn it into an ILP. Already have lessons in the ILP format? Bring them along, share them with colleagues, help a colleague out and brainstorm together how to move the field of parent and family education to the next level.
Please bring a fully charged electronic device to work with, one or several lesson plans, and your thinking caps. Copies of the PECCF book and ECIPS available for your use during this work session. Use the new ILP Planning Rubric as a guide in creating your new content.
Workshop Session B | 1-2:30 p.m.
B-1 Parent Group Facilitation - Supporting All Parenting Personalities Through Reflective Questioning
B-2 Unlocking the Power of Canva
B-3 Sing Today, Read Forever! How to Prepare Young Brains for Reading
B-4 Maternal Mental Health: An Investment in the Family (repeat C-4)
B-5 ECFE Needs Assessment: Regrounding for Program Improvement
B-6 Bridging the Gaps: Leadership for Aligning Early Childhood and K-12 Systems
B-7 MTSS in EC using the EDECA
B-8 INNOVATIVE ECFE: How To Be An ECFE Podcaster!
B-9 Connecting With Hard to Reach Families Through Home-Visits (PART 2)
B-10 "You Just Follow Your Heart": The Perspectives of Foster Parents of Unaccompanied Minors (UAM)
B-11 Decoding the READ Act: Implementation tools for Educators (repeat A-11)
B-12 Supporting the ECFE LGBTQ+ community
B-13 Parent Educators: Is our Title still Relevant?
B-14 Defining Screening, Assessment, and Evaluation for ECE Professionals
B-1 Parent Group Facilitation - Supporting All Parenting Personalities Through Reflective Questioning
B-2 Unlocking the Power of Canva
B-3 Sing Today, Read Forever! How to Prepare Young Brains for Reading
B-4 Maternal Mental Health: An Investment in the Family (repeat C-4)
B-5 ECFE Needs Assessment: Regrounding for Program Improvement
B-6 Bridging the Gaps: Leadership for Aligning Early Childhood and K-12 Systems
B-7 MTSS in EC using the EDECA
B-8 INNOVATIVE ECFE: How To Be An ECFE Podcaster!
B-9 Connecting With Hard to Reach Families Through Home-Visits (PART 2)
B-10 "You Just Follow Your Heart": The Perspectives of Foster Parents of Unaccompanied Minors (UAM)
B-11 Decoding the READ Act: Implementation tools for Educators (repeat A-11)
B-12 Supporting the ECFE LGBTQ+ community
B-13 Parent Educators: Is our Title still Relevant?
B-14 Defining Screening, Assessment, and Evaluation for ECE Professionals
B-1 Parent Group Facilitation - Supporting All Parenting Personalities
Through Reflective Questioning
Through Reflective Questioning
Beka Swisher, MS, LAMFT, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
Jennifer Sadlovsky, MA, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
Crafting questions that engage and inspire parents is an art and a science! Open-ended questioning is essential for facilitating engaging parent ed discussions. Join Beka and Jen to learn techniques, strategies, and patterns for creating questions that support parents in increasing their ability to be reflective of their parenting.
Jennifer Sadlovsky, MA, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
Crafting questions that engage and inspire parents is an art and a science! Open-ended questioning is essential for facilitating engaging parent ed discussions. Join Beka and Jen to learn techniques, strategies, and patterns for creating questions that support parents in increasing their ability to be reflective of their parenting.
B-2 Unlocking the Power of Canva
Paula Poaletti, Early Childhood Educator, Lake Superior School District
Mischelle Squire, Marketing & Outreach Specialist, Osseo Area Schools
Canva, the free online design tool for non-designers, makes creativity easy! Learn to create stunning flyers, social media posts, and classroom visuals with templates and tools tailored for early childhood professionals. Perfect for all skill levels - whether you're new to Canva or a seasoned pro! BYOD – Bring your own device for hands-on work.
Mischelle Squire, Marketing & Outreach Specialist, Osseo Area Schools
Canva, the free online design tool for non-designers, makes creativity easy! Learn to create stunning flyers, social media posts, and classroom visuals with templates and tools tailored for early childhood professionals. Perfect for all skill levels - whether you're new to Canva or a seasoned pro! BYOD – Bring your own device for hands-on work.
B-3 Sing Today, Read Forever! How to Prepare Young Brains for Reading
Ann Kay, Co-founder & Ed. Director, Rock 'n' Read Project
Ron Gustafson, ECFE teacher/administrator (retired), musician, Teddy Bear Band
Richard Erickson, musician, manager of Teddy Bear Band
Come participate in fun, evidence-based singing activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers…and their parents, of course! Learn results of brain research that has revealed that auditory processing is the key to language and literacy, and singing and practicing basic music skills is a primary way of developing it.
Ron Gustafson, ECFE teacher/administrator (retired), musician, Teddy Bear Band
Richard Erickson, musician, manager of Teddy Bear Band
Come participate in fun, evidence-based singing activities for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers…and their parents, of course! Learn results of brain research that has revealed that auditory processing is the key to language and literacy, and singing and practicing basic music skills is a primary way of developing it.
B-4 Maternal Mental Health: An Investment in the Family (repeat C-4)
Katie Fleuriet, LICSW, PMH-C, Therapist & IOP Social Worker, PrairieCare
Research has shown that early detection and intervention are essential for the prevention of adverse outcomes for individuals and their families. This session explores the mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals, by identifying symptomatology, risk factors, and cultural considerations in the perinatal period. Participants will learn about brief interventions, referral options, and other best practices in maternal mental health.
Research has shown that early detection and intervention are essential for the prevention of adverse outcomes for individuals and their families. This session explores the mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals, by identifying symptomatology, risk factors, and cultural considerations in the perinatal period. Participants will learn about brief interventions, referral options, and other best practices in maternal mental health.
B-5 ECFE Needs Assessment: Regrounding for Program Improvement
Darcy Rodriguez, Education Specialist DCYF
We will review the history of the ECFE Needs Assessment, the statutory requirement, and the purpose behind it. Then, we will have a conversation about how to think about community needs; how we determine them, how we capture them, and how we use those needs to drive programming and think about change.
We will review the history of the ECFE Needs Assessment, the statutory requirement, and the purpose behind it. Then, we will have a conversation about how to think about community needs; how we determine them, how we capture them, and how we use those needs to drive programming and think about change.
B-6 Bridging the Gaps: Leadership for Aligning Early Childhood and K-12 Systems
Dr. Mike Brown, Education Specialist, DCYF
Dr. Lisa Willman, Principal, Zimmerman Elementary, Elk River
Dr. June Reineke, Education Specialist, DCYF
In this session, Dr. Willman will present findings from her dissertation on early childhood leader’s work to align their early childhood and K-12 systems. DCYF staff will facilitate a discussion on key findings and strategies education leaders can use to help support prenatal to grade 3 (P3) systems work.
Dr. Lisa Willman, Principal, Zimmerman Elementary, Elk River
Dr. June Reineke, Education Specialist, DCYF
In this session, Dr. Willman will present findings from her dissertation on early childhood leader’s work to align their early childhood and K-12 systems. DCYF staff will facilitate a discussion on key findings and strategies education leaders can use to help support prenatal to grade 3 (P3) systems work.
B-7 MTSS in Early Childhood using the EDECA
Erin Metoxen, Assistant Director of Early Learning
Jess Turek, Early Childhood Teacher
Amanda McNearny, Early Childhood Nature Teacher
Learn how the eDECA supports social-emotional development within an MTSS framework. This session explores strategies for universal screening, targeted interventions, and progress monitoring while fostering family engagement. Participants will gain practical tools to enhance early childhood programming and promote collaboration between educators and families.
Jess Turek, Early Childhood Teacher
Amanda McNearny, Early Childhood Nature Teacher
Learn how the eDECA supports social-emotional development within an MTSS framework. This session explores strategies for universal screening, targeted interventions, and progress monitoring while fostering family engagement. Participants will gain practical tools to enhance early childhood programming and promote collaboration between educators and families.
B-8 INNOVATIVE ECFE: How to be an ECFE Podcaster!
Lisa Weir, M.Ed. Parent & Family Educator, Eastern Carver County Schools
Busy Parents LOVE podcasts! Podcasts are a great way to share important ECFE content. Imagine parents on their way to work listening to a podcast about emotional regulation, limit setting or any number of topics from you, their beloved parent educator. You can enrich your community with ECFE content without adding to parents already busy load. In this session we will go through the basics of starting a Parenting Podcast in your ECFE program. We will cover the technical aspects as well as style and content approaches. Lisa began her parenting podcast, Mom Psych in 2019. Mom Psych has received approx. 5,000 downloads.
Busy Parents LOVE podcasts! Podcasts are a great way to share important ECFE content. Imagine parents on their way to work listening to a podcast about emotional regulation, limit setting or any number of topics from you, their beloved parent educator. You can enrich your community with ECFE content without adding to parents already busy load. In this session we will go through the basics of starting a Parenting Podcast in your ECFE program. We will cover the technical aspects as well as style and content approaches. Lisa began her parenting podcast, Mom Psych in 2019. Mom Psych has received approx. 5,000 downloads.
B-9 Connecting With Hard to Reach Families Through Home-Visits (PART 2) (PART 1 A-9)
Julie Koritz, M.Ed, Early Childhood Trainer/Consultant
Explore ways to connect and build relationships with families. Topics that will be covered are: strategies to use during initial visits with families and red flags to be aware of, including how trauma and toxic stress impact the parent/child relationship. This class will also discuss difficult scenarios we may encounter. When this course is complete, home visiting professionals will have developed additional skills to help make a positive impact on the families they provide services to.
Explore ways to connect and build relationships with families. Topics that will be covered are: strategies to use during initial visits with families and red flags to be aware of, including how trauma and toxic stress impact the parent/child relationship. This class will also discuss difficult scenarios we may encounter. When this course is complete, home visiting professionals will have developed additional skills to help make a positive impact on the families they provide services to.
B-10 "You Just Follow Your Heart": The Perspectives of Foster Parents of Unaccompanied Minors (UAM)
Dr. Hrund Ingudóttir PhD, Assistant Professor Parent Education, University of Iceland
Dr. Brynja Halldórsdóttir, PhD, Associate Professor Critical Theories in Education, University of Iceland
Foster care for unaccompanied minors requires intercultural awareness and sensitivity. Our research indicates that adequate preparation and continued support for parents is vital to successful foster relationships. Our workshop focuses on developing parent educator support tools for these families especially regarding: diverse understandings of trauma, language, cultural and religious experiences.
Dr. Brynja Halldórsdóttir, PhD, Associate Professor Critical Theories in Education, University of Iceland
Foster care for unaccompanied minors requires intercultural awareness and sensitivity. Our research indicates that adequate preparation and continued support for parents is vital to successful foster relationships. Our workshop focuses on developing parent educator support tools for these families especially regarding: diverse understandings of trauma, language, cultural and religious experiences.
B-11 Decoding the READ Act: Implementation Tools for Educators (repeat A-11)
Justin Killian, PhD Education Issues Specialist, Education Minnesota
Matt Ryg, PhD Education Issues Specialist, Education Minnesota
Participants will review the requirements of the READ Act and what the law means for literacy instruction for students and training for staff. Participants will also discuss implementation plans and pitfalls. The session leaders will supply examples of labor-management agreements, training plans and materials, research documents, bill language, and more.
Matt Ryg, PhD Education Issues Specialist, Education Minnesota
Participants will review the requirements of the READ Act and what the law means for literacy instruction for students and training for staff. Participants will also discuss implementation plans and pitfalls. The session leaders will supply examples of labor-management agreements, training plans and materials, research documents, bill language, and more.
B-12 Supporting the ECFE LGBTQ+ Community
Leah Dunbar, M.Ed. (She/Her) Parent Educator, St. Paul Public Schools
Shawna Bork (They/Them) Parent Educator, Hopkins
Dawn Puroway, Parent, Minnesota School District 45
Queer communities offer a place where individuals can be themselves without fear of discrimination, allowing them to express their identities openly and authentically. Have you wanted to start an LGBTQ+ class in your program? Our focus will be on supporting Educators who wish to create or continue a LGBTQ+ Affinity Group in their district.
Shawna Bork (They/Them) Parent Educator, Hopkins
Dawn Puroway, Parent, Minnesota School District 45
Queer communities offer a place where individuals can be themselves without fear of discrimination, allowing them to express their identities openly and authentically. Have you wanted to start an LGBTQ+ class in your program? Our focus will be on supporting Educators who wish to create or continue a LGBTQ+ Affinity Group in their district.
B-13 Parent Educators: Is our Title Still Relevant?
Shannon Rader, Ph.D., Program Director and License Program Lead, Parent and Family Education Program, University of MN
Parent Educators do so much more than educate. We connect, navigate, support, refer, facilitate, coach…the list goes on. We are what makes ECFE different from any other early childhood program in the nation. So is the title parent educator/parent education still appropriate for what we do or is it limiting how others perceive our work? A short presentation about the national/international landscape of parenting education will inform a highly interactive conversation.
Parent Educators do so much more than educate. We connect, navigate, support, refer, facilitate, coach…the list goes on. We are what makes ECFE different from any other early childhood program in the nation. So is the title parent educator/parent education still appropriate for what we do or is it limiting how others perceive our work? A short presentation about the national/international landscape of parenting education will inform a highly interactive conversation.
B-14 Defining Screening, Assessment, and Evaluation for ECE Professionals
Karen Satre, M.Ed., Early Childhood Standards and Assessment Coordinator, Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Margo Chresand, Early Childhood Screening Specialist at the Department of Children, Youth and Families
Jon Vaupel, Kindergarten Fall Assessment – Coordinator at the Department of Education
This session clarifies the differences between screening, assessment, and evaluation, which are often misunderstood in early childhood education. By establishing a shared language, professionals can improve collaboration, support children effectively, and engage families as informed partners. Aligned with state guidelines and best practices, the session will address misconceptions, when and how each process is used, and culturally responsive approaches. Participants will gain practical strategies to apply in daily practice.
Margo Chresand, Early Childhood Screening Specialist at the Department of Children, Youth and Families
Jon Vaupel, Kindergarten Fall Assessment – Coordinator at the Department of Education
This session clarifies the differences between screening, assessment, and evaluation, which are often misunderstood in early childhood education. By establishing a shared language, professionals can improve collaboration, support children effectively, and engage families as informed partners. Aligned with state guidelines and best practices, the session will address misconceptions, when and how each process is used, and culturally responsive approaches. Participants will gain practical strategies to apply in daily practice.
Workshop Session C | 2:45-4:15 p.m.
C-1 Technologies and Families
C-2 Gender assignment, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation—What does it all mean?
C-3 Mixed Delivery Partners and Partnerships Make a Difference- Where Do We Start
C-4 Maternal Mental Health: An Investment in the Family (repeat B-4)
C-5 DCYF ECFE Marketing and Outreach Efforts
C-6 Building Foundations: How the Revised Minnesota ECIPs Support Lifelong Success for Young Learners (repeat D-6)
C-7 A Moral Development Solution to Motherhood Penalty: Mother-Child Mutual Development
C-8 Grow Your Program with Creative Outreach - CANCELLED
C-9 Identifying Dyslexia in Early Childhood - Parent Educator Video and Classroom Resources
C-10 Self-Care and Community Care for Early Education Professionals - CANCELLED
C-11 Partnerships for Success: EC and ECSE Working Together
C-12 Group Facilitation Skill Building
C-14 Empowering Generational Greatness for Parent Groups (repeat D-13)
C-14 Minnesota's Rally to Read's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
C-1 Technologies and Families
C-2 Gender assignment, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation—What does it all mean?
C-3 Mixed Delivery Partners and Partnerships Make a Difference- Where Do We Start
C-4 Maternal Mental Health: An Investment in the Family (repeat B-4)
C-5 DCYF ECFE Marketing and Outreach Efforts
C-6 Building Foundations: How the Revised Minnesota ECIPs Support Lifelong Success for Young Learners (repeat D-6)
C-7 A Moral Development Solution to Motherhood Penalty: Mother-Child Mutual Development
C-8 Grow Your Program with Creative Outreach - CANCELLED
C-9 Identifying Dyslexia in Early Childhood - Parent Educator Video and Classroom Resources
C-10 Self-Care and Community Care for Early Education Professionals - CANCELLED
C-11 Partnerships for Success: EC and ECSE Working Together
C-12 Group Facilitation Skill Building
C-14 Empowering Generational Greatness for Parent Groups (repeat D-13)
C-14 Minnesota's Rally to Read's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
C-1 Technologies and Families
Jennifer Sadlovsky, MA, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
Beka Swisher, MA, LAMFT, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
Come and learn some of the newest research on screens and children. You’ll leave this session with resources and strategies to use in the classroom and with caregivers as we all continue to navigate this ever changing landscape of screens. Much of the research from this session will be sourced from the books Anxious Generation, Glow Kids, and Dopamine Nation.
Beka Swisher, MA, LAMFT, Parent Educator, Midstate Education District
Come and learn some of the newest research on screens and children. You’ll leave this session with resources and strategies to use in the classroom and with caregivers as we all continue to navigate this ever changing landscape of screens. Much of the research from this session will be sourced from the books Anxious Generation, Glow Kids, and Dopamine Nation.
C-2 Gender Assignment, Gender Expression, Gender Identity, Sexual Orientation - What Does it all Mean?
Beth Magistad, Ph.D., CFLE, Licensed Parent Educator
This is a primer for folks who find themselves confused about LGBTQIA language, who are open to learning more, who want to understand why it is important, and who want to practice using they/them pronouns.
This is a primer for folks who find themselves confused about LGBTQIA language, who are open to learning more, who want to understand why it is important, and who want to practice using they/them pronouns.
C-3 Mixed Delivery Partners and Partnerships Make a Difference - Where Do We Start?
Jeanne Dickhausen, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Head Start Collaboration Director
June Reineke, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Program and Collaboration Specialist
Mixed Delivery focuses on strengthening the state’s early care and education (ECE) system to support children and families’ experience using early care and education across a variety of programs, providers, and settings. In this session, we will present strategies for building "mixed delivery" partnerships by providing examples highlighting the work being done by communities throughout Minnesota. You will leave this presentation ready to hurdle challenges and build relationships that strengthen mixed delivery partnership in your community.
June Reineke, Department of Children, Youth, and Families, Program and Collaboration Specialist
Mixed Delivery focuses on strengthening the state’s early care and education (ECE) system to support children and families’ experience using early care and education across a variety of programs, providers, and settings. In this session, we will present strategies for building "mixed delivery" partnerships by providing examples highlighting the work being done by communities throughout Minnesota. You will leave this presentation ready to hurdle challenges and build relationships that strengthen mixed delivery partnership in your community.
C-4 Maternal Mental Health: An Investment in the Family (repeat B-4)
Katie Fleuriet, LICSW, PMH-C, Therapist & IOP Social Worker, PrairieCare
Research has shown that early detection and intervention are essential for the prevention of adverse outcomes for individuals and their families. This session explores the mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals, by identifying symptomatology, risk factors, and cultural considerations in the perinatal period. Participants will learn about brief interventions, referral options, and other best practices in maternal mental health.
Research has shown that early detection and intervention are essential for the prevention of adverse outcomes for individuals and their families. This session explores the mental health needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals, by identifying symptomatology, risk factors, and cultural considerations in the perinatal period. Participants will learn about brief interventions, referral options, and other best practices in maternal mental health.
C-5 DCYF ECFE Marketing and Outreach Efforts
Mi Yang, Education Specialist DCYF
The 2025-2030 Enhancement Plan includes Family and Community Engagement. The DCYF ECFE team will be working closely with a couple of vendors to (1) identify family messages that resonate with the Spanish, Somali, Hmong, African American, and Indigenous communities and (2) create a marketing and outreach guidebook for ECFE programs. Attend the session to learn about the process and plans for the marketing and outreach guidebook that will be available to all ECFE programs in the fall
The 2025-2030 Enhancement Plan includes Family and Community Engagement. The DCYF ECFE team will be working closely with a couple of vendors to (1) identify family messages that resonate with the Spanish, Somali, Hmong, African American, and Indigenous communities and (2) create a marketing and outreach guidebook for ECFE programs. Attend the session to learn about the process and plans for the marketing and outreach guidebook that will be available to all ECFE programs in the fall
C-6 Building Foundations: How the Revised Minnesota ECIPs Support Lifelong Success for Young Learners (repeat D-6)
Karen Satre, M.Ed., Early Childhood Standards and Assessment Coordinator, Department of Children, Youth, and Families
This presentation covers the updated Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs), highlighting key changes. It provides insights into how these revisions support child growth, ensure equitable learning experiences, and align with current research to foster lifelong success for young learners.
This presentation covers the updated Minnesota Early Childhood Indicators of Progress (ECIPs), highlighting key changes. It provides insights into how these revisions support child growth, ensure equitable learning experiences, and align with current research to foster lifelong success for young learners.
C-7 A Moral Development Solution to Motherhood Penalty: Mother-Child Mutual Development
Jackie Liu, M. Ed Graduate Student, Parent and Family Education, University of Minnesota
Young mothers balancing career growth and child development often face a motherhood penalty, feeling pressured to choose between professional success and their child’s well-being. This session explores a moral development approach that supports mutual growth for both mother and child, helping mothers make informed decisions that foster their careers while nurturing their children. Through research insights and practical strategies, we’ll examine ways to navigate societal expectations and create sustainable solutions for long-term success and well-being for both mother and child.
Young mothers balancing career growth and child development often face a motherhood penalty, feeling pressured to choose between professional success and their child’s well-being. This session explores a moral development approach that supports mutual growth for both mother and child, helping mothers make informed decisions that foster their careers while nurturing their children. Through research insights and practical strategies, we’ll examine ways to navigate societal expectations and create sustainable solutions for long-term success and well-being for both mother and child.
C-8 CANCELLED
C-9 Identifying Dyslexia in Early Childhood - Parent Educator Video and Classroom Resources
Kimberly Carlsen, Decoding Dyslexia MN Board President, mother of two neurodivergent children
Laurie Berg, Decoding Dyslexia MN Co-V.P., mother of two neurodivergent children
M.J. Bauer, Decoding Dyslexia MN Executive Director, mother of two neurodivergent children
Parent Educators, come and experience a FREE dyslexia educational video and teacher discussion materials from Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota. Help parents understand dyslexia and its signs/symptoms at various ages and stages. The sooner a child with dyslexia is identified, the earlier a parent can begin advocating, and the better the outcome.
Laurie Berg, Decoding Dyslexia MN Co-V.P., mother of two neurodivergent children
M.J. Bauer, Decoding Dyslexia MN Executive Director, mother of two neurodivergent children
Parent Educators, come and experience a FREE dyslexia educational video and teacher discussion materials from Decoding Dyslexia Minnesota. Help parents understand dyslexia and its signs/symptoms at various ages and stages. The sooner a child with dyslexia is identified, the earlier a parent can begin advocating, and the better the outcome.
C-10 CANCELLED
C-11 Partnerships for Success: EC and ECSE Working Together
Danielle Hayden, Early Education Director, Minnesota Department of Education
Nikki Kovan, Early Learning Services Director, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Emilie Levinson, Director of Early Learning & Sara Tinklenberg, Early Learning Supervisor, Robbinsdale Area Schools
Erin Metoxen, Assistant Director of Early Learning, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Lori Parker, Early Childhood Special Education Lead and Speech-Language Pathologist for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
This session will explore strategies for building strong and effective partnerships between early childhood special education (ECSE) and early childhood general education (ECE) professionals. We will delve into practical strategies for improving communication, coordination, and co-planning, fostering shared understanding, and creating a collaborative foundation for inclusive and high-quality early learning experiences for young children.
Nikki Kovan, Early Learning Services Director, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families
Emilie Levinson, Director of Early Learning & Sara Tinklenberg, Early Learning Supervisor, Robbinsdale Area Schools
Erin Metoxen, Assistant Director of Early Learning, Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
Lori Parker, Early Childhood Special Education Lead and Speech-Language Pathologist for Prior Lake-Savage Area Schools
This session will explore strategies for building strong and effective partnerships between early childhood special education (ECSE) and early childhood general education (ECE) professionals. We will delve into practical strategies for improving communication, coordination, and co-planning, fostering shared understanding, and creating a collaborative foundation for inclusive and high-quality early learning experiences for young children.
C-12 Group Facilitation Skill Building
Christy Kujawa, M.Ed, LPE Minneapolis Public Schools, Adjunct Teaching Specialist University of MN, CEHD PFE program
In this session we will explore some tools, strategies and discussion on Group Facilitation Skills. This will be a curated mini version of the course we offer in the Parent and Family Ed program at the University of MN. What makes for a positive group experience? How does the facilitator influence this? What tools help grow the skills needed to connect others? What are some strategies when the discussion goes off course? How do you create a feeling of safety among strangers? We will discuss all this and more.
In this session we will explore some tools, strategies and discussion on Group Facilitation Skills. This will be a curated mini version of the course we offer in the Parent and Family Ed program at the University of MN. What makes for a positive group experience? How does the facilitator influence this? What tools help grow the skills needed to connect others? What are some strategies when the discussion goes off course? How do you create a feeling of safety among strangers? We will discuss all this and more.
C-13 Empowering Generational Greatness for Parent Groups (repeat D-13)
Trinette Potts, EGG Project Manager, The Family Partnership
John Everett Till, Chief Strategy Officer, The Family Partnership
Christine Wing, CCC, SLP, Ph.D.
Empowering Generational Greatness is a program designed to support the development of executive functioning in parents and their young children. Come and learn the three key strategies that Empowering Generational Greatness employs to strengthen executive functioning in parents and support its development in young children.
John Everett Till, Chief Strategy Officer, The Family Partnership
Christine Wing, CCC, SLP, Ph.D.
Empowering Generational Greatness is a program designed to support the development of executive functioning in parents and their young children. Come and learn the three key strategies that Empowering Generational Greatness employs to strengthen executive functioning in parents and support its development in young children.
C-14 Minnesota's Rally to Read's BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal)
Tim Reardon, Executive Director and Ex Officio Board Member, Minnesota's Rally to Read
Jennefer Johnson, Early Learning Coordinator, Monticello School District
Laurie Ohmann, Nonprofit Strategist and Leader, and former leadership team member Minneapolis Public Schools
Minnesota's Rally to Read has a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): transform Minnesota into the state with the highest reading proficiency with the fewest inequities and accomplish it with "a fierce urgency of now." The benchmarks of success: every child is "wired" to read by age 3 and reads proficiently at grade level. We're launching community Rally to Read Coalitions statewide to mobilize support and establish grassroots innovations to achieve the BHAG. Our facilitated Community Innovation process is designed to deploy Minnesota’s abundant social capital by examining the need within the community, increasing collective understanding of the problem, generating ideas based on best practices, testing and implementing solutions, and monitoring progress to achieve results. Come learn about the launch prototype Rally to Read Coalitions in Monticello, Roseville and Golden Valley.
Jennefer Johnson, Early Learning Coordinator, Monticello School District
Laurie Ohmann, Nonprofit Strategist and Leader, and former leadership team member Minneapolis Public Schools
Minnesota's Rally to Read has a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): transform Minnesota into the state with the highest reading proficiency with the fewest inequities and accomplish it with "a fierce urgency of now." The benchmarks of success: every child is "wired" to read by age 3 and reads proficiently at grade level. We're launching community Rally to Read Coalitions statewide to mobilize support and establish grassroots innovations to achieve the BHAG. Our facilitated Community Innovation process is designed to deploy Minnesota’s abundant social capital by examining the need within the community, increasing collective understanding of the problem, generating ideas based on best practices, testing and implementing solutions, and monitoring progress to achieve results. Come learn about the launch prototype Rally to Read Coalitions in Monticello, Roseville and Golden Valley.