2025 SCECA Conference: Full Schedule

We’re excited to see that you’re planning to attend the 2025 SCECA Conference in Myrtle Beach, SC on February 6-8, 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel and Myrtle Beach Convention Center. We look forward to seeing you there!

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7:00am EST

Handle With Care SC

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST

Ballroom D

Handle with Care, a notification system that connects law enforcement, schools, and mental health providers, is now in South Carolina. Through this presentation, participants will understand the goals and objectives of the P4 project that brought HWC to SC, and learn how Handle With Care can be the model to help mitigate the effects of trauma on our littlest learners. The presentation will be provided through a lecture that will include interactive conversation and question and answer opportunities for participants.

Speakers

Nicole Hamm

Rebecca Williams-Agee

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Ballroom D 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

7:00am EST

Praise, Positivity, Passion, Perseverance, Progress

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST

Rm. 101

The attendees will be provided with "key take-aways" to keep them motivated within their current role or steps to strategically map out a path to achieving their next personal or professional goal(s). Attendees will be encouraged to participate in singing and celebrating their current success via inspirational praise music and providing reflections of overcoming obstacles and challenges with other attendees in the session.

Speakers

Tricia Delice

Instructional Coach, Dorchester 4 School District - Clay Hill Elementary

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

7:00am EST

What Pushed Your Buttons?

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST

Ballroom A

This session will invite participants to identify social-emotional triggers in themselves which impact their own development and the development of those they teach or supervise. A variety of interactive and hands-on activities will be used to personalize the experience for each participant and to help them realize "what pushes their buttons".

Speakers

Cindy Galloway

4K Coach, SC First Steps

After years in public school kindergarten and higher education, I am currently a 4K Coach in SC. I am a long-time member and presenter for SECA and SCECA.

Amanda Bailey

4K Coach, SC First Steps

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Ballroom A 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

7:00am EST

Navigating Special Education with Latino Families

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST

Rm. 206-208

Navigating special education services can be particularly challenging for Latino families due to language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of familiarity with the resources available. This session is designed to equip early education professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support Latino families as they access service for their child, including Baby Net and Child Find. By focusing on culturally responsive practices and practical strategies, participants will learn how to bridge gaps and develop collaborative relationships with families to ensure young children receive the support they need.

Speakers

Anna Knight

Director of Latino Services

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Rm. 206-208 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All

8:20am EST

Building brains: Every move matters!

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Ballroom E

The science of learning indicates that children’s brains are changing every second of every day, but which teacher moves matter most? Research indicates that EVERY move matters! Explore how brains change moment-by-moment and what barriers can interfere. Take away neuroscience-informed strategies that welcome, engage, nurture, and challenge every little learner every day.

Speakers

Dr. Tammy Pawloski

Professor of Education Director, Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty, Francis Marion University

Tammy Pawloski is Professor of Education and Director of the Center of Excellence to Prepare Teachers of Children of Poverty at Francis Marion University. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of South Carolina, and prior to joining the faculty of FMU, she served on the faculties... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Ballroom E 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Growth and Development

Audience All

8:20am EST

Technology and Young Children

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Ballroom BC

This session will provide educators with information about screen use in the educational setting and how screens may support or diminish the development of critical skills.

Speakers

Angie Neal

Policy Advisor for Speech-Language Pathology and Early Literacy, SC Dept of Education

Angie Neal is the SLP Contact and Program Analyst for Academics at the South Carolina State Department of Education and the Education Associate for Early Language and Literacy. She stays busy as a LETRS Facilitator, a board member of the State Education Agency Communication Disability... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Ballroom BC 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Growth and Development

Audience All

8:20am EST

NUTRITION: Superfoods-Super Nutrition

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Ballroom D

Hoping to supercharge your program’s meals with nutrient-dense foods? Adding superfoods may be the answer. Come learn how adding them to children's diets can benefit their health and nutrition. Explore how to add these foods into your program’s menus. Support nutrition education and early literacy development by incorporating superfood-theme children’s books into your program.

Speakers

Leslie Beckstrom

Health Educator III - ABCQ, Division of Early Care & Education -SC DSS

I lead efforts to strengthen nutrition and physical activity policies and practices in child care centers and family daycare homes in the Upstate Region by providing technical assistance, training, and support to childcare providers. I am passionate about healthy eating, active... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Ballroom D 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Nutrition

Audience All

8:20am EST

Teachers Playground with PBS KIDS

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Rm. 102-103

Integrate media and playful learning into your teaching with PBS KIDS. Did you know that SCETV is a Ready To Learn station? Ready To Learn is a grant given by the US Department of Education to CPB, to PBS KIDS, and then shared with a handful of stations across the U.S. to pilot new content and programs within our local communities. Come see how PBS KIDS and Ready to Learn content can support your learning environment and engage parents and the community!

Speakers

Caitlin Woodard

Early Learning and Outreach Coordinator, South Carolina ETV

Caitlin Woodard is the Early Learning and Outreach Coordinator at South Carolina ETV. She is responsible for developing highly engaging and meaningful learning opportunities for the early learning community. Certified in both Early Childhood and Elementary Education, she creates and... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

8:20am EST

Disability, ACEs, and Protective Factors

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Rm. 203

In this session participants will learn about the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in the disability population, unique needs facing children and families dealing with disabilities, and supports to help families in times of needs. Speakers will explore resources and planning tools to prepare for children with specific health needs in preschool settings, including SC-based tailored training and discuss strategies and tools that can help support staff feeling prepared and ready to respond while supporting positive preschool experiences for all children. Come learn about resources to support safe and inclusive environments for children with disabilities.

Speakers

Kate Chappel, PhD

College of Nursing, USC

Amy Shapley-Farrell

Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, BabyCoach and CRAwl Programs

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Rm. 203 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All

9:50am EST

KEYNOTE: An Authorator’s Story with David Biedrzycki

Friday February 7, 2025 9:50am - 10:10am EST

Ballroom ABCDE

After visiting hundreds of elementary schools over the past decade, David started to understand the importance of sharing with students how a story is taken from an idea seed to a finished book. We all get ideas for stories, but the process sometimes gets in the way of writing them. David plans to show the attendees how, with videos and music, ideas that start with a simple drawing morph into a story. David’s stories start that way. However, each idea’s challenge is finding the best way to share it in a story.

Speakers

David Biedrzycki

Author & Illustrator

Biedrzycki was born in 1955 in Taylor, Pennsylvania. He attended Kutztown University and began work as an illustrator in 1980 after graduating. Before beginning children's book illustration, Biedrzycki worked in advertising and designed many food product labels.He lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Kathy and their children. David illustrated a number of books for Jerry Palotta before b... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 9:50am - 10:10am EST
Ballroom ABCDE

Curriculum

Audience All

11:10am EST

Advocacy Luncheon: Building Futures: The Impact of Committed Teachers

Friday February 7, 2025 11:10am - 12:40pm EST

Rm. 106-107

This session will explore one educator’s journey into the field of education, reflecting on the influence of past mentors and experiences. It will highlight the vital role teachers play in shaping the lives of students and giving back to the community through education. Through stories and reflections, the session emphasizes the importance of commitment, building trust, and creating nurturing environments that foster growth and success in future generations.

Speakers

Dr. Reggie Wicker

Director of Human Resources, Lexington Richland School Dist. 5

Friday February 7, 2025 11:10am - 12:40pm EST
Rm. 106-107 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

11:50am EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Teaching Little Learners About Their Big Voice

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST

Rm. 202-204

Speakers

Susan Kirby

Conscious Discipline Certified Instructor, Loving Guidance,LLC

Susan Kirby is a Conscious Discipline® Certified Instructor, one of two in the state of SouthCarolina.. Previously she was a Certified Parent Educator (PAT) working with at-risk childrenand their families. Susan’s first opportunity to use Conscious Discipline® was at the Center... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST
Rm. 202-204

Child Guidance

Audience All

11:50am EST

NUTRITION: Get Them Moving!

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST

Ballroom E

Participants will explore the importance of physical activity and healthy nutrition in early childhood development and learn effective strategies for implementing “I’m Moving and I’m Learning.”

Speakers

Veronica Reed

Founder, Training Made Simple, LLC

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST
Ballroom E 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Nutrition

Audience All

11:50am EST

Team Building Boosts Teacher Morale & Well Being

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST

Rm. 206-208

Effective team building activities can significantly impact teacher morale and overall wellbeing. When team members share common goals, know the relationship between team building, morale, and wellbeing, and practice strategies of team building, ultimately, they will succeed as a team and in wellbeing.

Speakers

De'Ja Black

Well-Being Coach, SCPITC:Be Well Care Well- Pee Dee Region

As a dedicated Well-Being Coach with the Be Well Care Well program, I am passionate about guiding individuals toward achieving their optimal health. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from the College of Charleston and am currently pursuing a Master of Health Education... Read More →

Shyrell Daniels

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST
Rm. 206-208 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

11:50am EST

Identifying and Supporting Homeless Children

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST

Rm. 203

Early childhood programs can lessen the impact of housing instability on child development and connect families to critical supports. Yet only 12% of infants and toddlers experiencing homeless in South Carolina are enrolled in a program, leaving 88% of young children unserved. Federal laws like the McKinney-Vento Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provide protections and resources to ensure families of young children experiencing homelessness can access early childhood programs. Join us for a session that will cover practical strategies, resource navigation, and inclusive practices to equip early childhood professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support families.

Speakers

Megan Branham

Amy Hobert

CEO, Family Connection of SC

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST
Rm. 203 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All

1:10pm EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Your Little Learners’ Helpful Day

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST

Rm. 202-204

Transform your classroom into an encouraging environment where children learn what helpfulness and kindness sound, feel and look like. The skill of noticing helps adults strengthen children’s pre-frontal lobes, bringing awareness to their actions and facilitating lasting change. Get rid of useless praise and build children’s brains for academic achievement with the Conscious Discipline skill of Encouragement.

Speakers

Jane Plum

Certified Instructor, Conscious Discipline

So excited to be back at the conference! I love gathering with colleagues for conference where we can share our successes, challenges and solutions.Conscious Discipline was the answer when I searched for a program to meet the classroom management and social/emotional curriculum needs... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST
Rm. 202-204

Child Guidance

Audience All

1:10pm EST

NUTRITION: Nourishing Growing Minds

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST

Ballroom E

This session explores the crucial role of nutrition in preschoolers’ development and learning. We’ll discuss how a balanced diet supports cognitive function, enhances attention span, and fosters emotional well-being. Attendees will learn about key nutrients essential for young children’s growth and how dietary choices can influence behavior and academic readiness. By understanding the connection between nutrition and learning, caregivers and educators can better support healthy habits in early childhood.

Speakers

Jamila Anderson

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST
Ballroom E 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience All

1:10pm EST

Quality Indoor Environment

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST

Ballroom D

Teachers provide experiences for exploration, build on children's interest and encourage curiosity of the world around them. Join, this interactive session on indoor design as we explore and develop strategies that will help you utilize the indoor environment to effectively support learning.

Speakers

Sherrie Dueno

Project Manager, ABC Quality

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST
Ballroom D 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience All

1:10pm EST

Sparking Imagination and Creativity Outdoors

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST

Ballroom A

Many providers, directors, staff and families have seen the shift to children becoming less creative and imaginative and more reliant on other things to occupy them such as iPads and other electronics. In this session we will discuss why the skills of creativity and imagination are so important and how we can provide learning opportunities and play experiences for kids to think beyond the world around them when they are outdoors.

Speakers

Alyssa Willis

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST
Ballroom A 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience All

1:10pm EST

Canva Tips and Tricks

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST

Rm. 104-105

Do you see flyers or presentations and wonder how they look so professional? Learn more about Canva and how to incorporate all of the features! Bring your iPad or laptop to experience it for yourself!

Speakers

Jenna Carson

Librarian, Pelion High School

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

1:10pm EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: LEARNing to Regulate, Reflect, & Respond

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST

Rm. 206-208

In this session, participants will be introduced to the LEARN framework. Participants will be equipped with culturally responsive practices to teach self-regulation skills for our youngest learners. Participants will learn how to create equitable and culturally responsive early learning environments for children with diverse social and cultural identities. Participants will develop strategies that strongly emphasizes cultural sensitivity through anti-bias coregulation practices and research-based reflective procedures.

Speakers

Gloria Goodwin

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST
Rm. 206-208 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

2:40pm EST

Connecting Through Curriculum

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST

Rm. 206-208

After reviewing how to assess and score the assessment, participants will learn the science and background of multiple intelligences, learn attributes attributed to each, and practice utilizing tools to incorporate any curriculum to each intelligence.

Speakers

Clarissa Parizeau

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST
Rm. 206-208 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience All

2:40pm EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Amplifying Child Development with Excellence

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST

Ballroom E

This workshop, "Amplifying Child Development with Excellence," equips early childhood teachers with research-based strategies to foster optimal growth in young learners. Teachers will explore ways to create rich, stimulating environments that support cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Participants will engage with best practices for promoting critical thinking, creativity, and resilience while building strong relationships with children. The session will also focus on creating equitable learning experiences that cater to diverse learning styles and developmental needs. Attendees will leave with actionable techniques to elevate their teaching practices and amplify children’s potential for excellence.

Speakers

Dr. Anthony Broughton aka Mister B

Inspirational Voyages with MISTER B, LLC

Dr. Anthony “MiSTER B” Broughton is an energetic, inpsirational, teacher/learner at heart who aspires to foster learning in culturally relevant and meaningful ways!*MiSTER B is also a professor who enjoys sharing the craft of early childhood with others! He currently teachers... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST
Ballroom E 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Growth and Development

Audience All

2:40pm EST

Homelessness and its Impact on Early Childhood Education

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST

Rm. 205

The presentation focuses on early childhood homelessness and its impact on access to early childhood education. We’ll discuss the importance of early childhood education in the development of young children and how experiencing homelessness can disrupt their learning and overall well-being. The presentation will also highlight the challenges and barriers that families experiencing homelessness face in accessing early childhood education, such as a lack of transportation and stable housing. We’ll discuss practical ways to properly identify families experiencing homelessness and ways to support them to ensure that all young children have the opportunity to thrive.

Speakers

Aimee Dube'

Homeless Support and Parent Referral Specialist, SC Child Care Resource and Referral

Aimee Dubé is a Referral Specialist for Child Care Resource and Referral and works specifically to support families experiencing homelessness. She previously lived in Eureka, California, working as the Coordinator for the Fortuna Family Resource Center. There, she acted as a Foster... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST
Rm. 205 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

2:40pm EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Rise Up and Bounce Back

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST

Ballroom D

Participants will explore steps for dealing with trauma and negative events that happen in life. We will also explore ways to create a classroom environment to help children with silence as well. We will also discuss the Social Emotional Standards and how to support children and themselves in building social competencies.

Speakers

Dr. Crystal Campbell

Executive Director - Dorchester County, SC First Steps

Dr. Crystal Campbell is a retired educator from the State of South Carolina School System. She has held numerous teaching and supervisory positions within school districts all over the State, to include being a Teacher Specialist with the State Department of Education, Early Childhood... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST
Ballroom D 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All