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

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Lessons in Grace and Courtesy

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

Rm. 104-105

Learn and put into practice some tried and true grace and courtesy lessons that are given in a Montessori environment. Play games that you can take to your classroom and walk away with tools on hand to help foster a more respectful, peaceful environment.

Speakers

Melissa Evans

Owner, The Cottage School

Saturday February 8, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Child Guidance

Audience PreK, 5K, Admin., Faith Based

7:00am EST

Early Care and Education; Environments that Can Work for You

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

Ballroom D

Are you passionate about working with young children and shaping their early years of development? If so, "Early Care and Education Environments that Can Work for You" is the perfect training program for you! This comprehensive course equates aspiring child care professionals with the knowledge and skills to create nurturing and effective early care and education environments.

Speakers

Manija Torian

Quality Coach

My name is Manija Torian and I have worked and served South Carolina Children and families for over twenty years. I have my Associate Degree in Early Childhood and my Bachelors in Social Welfare. I have worked as a preschool infant teacher all the way up to after schoolers. I have... Read More →

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

Curriculum

Audience IT, PreK

7:00am EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Play Interactions with Infants and Toddlers

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

Rm. 106-107

To equip child-care teachers with the knowledge and skills to engage infants and toddlers in meaningful play interactions effectively. Play is a critical component of early childhood development, contributing to cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Through this training, participants will learn the importance of play, explore different types of play, and acquire practical strategies to facilitate and enhance play experiences in their classrooms.

Speakers

Nastassie Pickett

Latisha Wright

Saturday February 8, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Rm. 106-107 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience IT

7:00am EST

There is Power in Numbers

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

Ballroom A

It is never too early to start teaching number concepts. This workshop will focus on ways to build children's developing math skills and ways to incorporate math into everyday life activities and events.

Speakers

Anita "Lynn" Singleton

Educational Consultant, Forward Learning Consulting, LLC

I am a retired educator with over 30 years of experience as an elementary school principal, teacher, and parenting coordinator. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to collaborating with teachers and administrators to achieve outstanding academic outcomes... Read More →

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

Curriculum

Audience PreK, 5K

7:00am EST

Los Mejores Procedimientos para el Lavado de Manos y Cambio de Pañales (Best Practices in Diapering and Hand Washing)

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

Rm. 101

El contenido de esta capacitación ayudará a los cuidadores a implementar los mejores
procedimientos relacionados con el cambio de pañales y el lavado de manos; también
para crear un ambiente de aprendizaje que es saludable y seguro para los niños y los
cuidadores.

The content of this training will help caregivers implement best practice procedures for diapering and hand washing; to create a healthy and safe learning environment for children and caregivers.

Speakers

Joy Huyck-Oswald

DLL Quality Coach, SC CCR&R

Joy Huyck Oswald holds a BS in Christian Education from Columbia International University and 21 hours of Graduate courses in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina. She studied Spanish abroad in Costa Rica and Colombia. In 2010, after eight years as an... Read More →

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

Health & Safety

Audience IT, PreK, Admin.

7:00am EST

NUTRITION: Leading Little Learners to be WELL: Learning About Healthy Food & Leading by Example

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

Ballroom E

Attendees will:
-Identify healthy, whole foods, as well as unhealthy, ultra-processed foods using the Traffic Light Eating Concept.
-Identify where to find healthy, local, and seasonal foods on a budget
-Use their senses to grow, harvest, taste, and learn about healthy food
-Learn about mindful eating, including creative food art skills
-Use the skills they have learned with modifications to lead little learners to be well in the classroom.

Speakers

Sara Stewart

Sara serves as the Well-Being Coach/Program Coordinator for the Grand Strand area with the Be Well Care Well Project.This program is under the University of South Carolina and the South Carolina Program for Infant/Toddler Care. Her goal is to support and empower teachers on their... Read More →

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

Nutrition

Audience All

7:00am EST

Conscious Discipline Power of Acceptance: The Skills of Empathy

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

Rm. 202-204

Moments come and go in our lives, learning to accept each moment and learn from it is powerful. This session will focus on building the power of acceptance and skill of empathy for participants. The Conscious Discipline Sophie Books will be utilized to support throughout this session.

Speakers

Amy Brakenhoff

Saturday February 8, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Rm. 202-204

Professional Development

Audience IT, PreK, 5K

7:00am EST

THE INVALUABLE YOU!

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

Rm. 206-208

A Make and Take Session. Participants will be able to learn about the attributes of being an “Invaluable You!” They will be able to apply the learning in their workplace while correlating the information with growing habits of children.

Speakers

Jasmine Scott

Speakers

Dr. Angie Scott

President, SCECA

Dr. Angelia (Angie) Scott has been an educator for over 35 years. Presently she works in Berkeley County as an Assistant Principal and Head Start Site Supervisor at her school. She has worked not only as a classroom teacher but also a Title I Facilitator for BCSD Office of Federal... Read More →

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

Professional Development

Audience IT, PreK, 5K, Primary

7:00am EST

“I’m Just the Assistant!”

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

Ballroom BC

During this session, learners will learn the importance of being an assistant teacher and the duties that help foster student development and workplace morale.

Speakers

Ella Sumter

PK Teacher, Richland County School District One

Greetings!My name is Ella M. Sumter. I'm a 16-year Early Childhood Educator with Richland County School District One. I currently teach PK-3 as well as own a company entitled "Pretty Poodle Educational Services," where I provide tutoring and CERDEP/DSS training across the great State... Read More →

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

Professional Development

Audience All

7:00am EST

The Heart of a Childcare Leader

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

Rm. 205

In this session leaders will learn what it means to have a leadership that displays the core of being a Childcare leader, which is one of service.

Speakers

Sylvia White

Owner, The Petra Agency

The Petra Agency is located in North Charleston, SC and we help individuals and organizations who desires to open a quality Child Development Center. We provide training, leadership development, and mentorship through the entire process of opening a licensed center.

Saturday February 8, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Rm. 205 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

7:30am EST

2025 District Officer Training

Saturday February 8, 2025 7:30am - 9:30am EST

Rm. 203

All newly elected District Officers will take part in an informational training geared toward learning their duties as an officer at the district level. The officers will participate with all district officers to begin planning activities and trainings to be held in their districts for the coming year. Officers will work with the State Leadership Team and network with the new officers to project how to effectively lead their district in the coming year.

Speakers

Stephanie Barton

Chief Financial Officer, SCECA

Dona Pitts

Becky Wardlaw

Executive Director, SCECA

Welcome to South Carolina! We are glad that you are here and hope you will follow the health and safety guidelines from SC DHEC. WE appreciate that you WEAR A MASK to keep you and those around you safe and healthy. You can contact me with questions about SCECA, the conference or anything... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 7:30am - 9:30am EST
Rm. 203 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience Newly Elected District Officers

8:20am EST

Beyond Behavior

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Rm. 104-105

Take a deeper look into how we can help our children before expulsion occurs. South Carolina has the highest preschool suspension and expulsion rate in the United States - we need to make a change. I want to help educators think about what student behavior may be telling them instead of reacting to it. Gain an understanding of how trauma and stress can impact learning, behavior, and the development of the brain. The capacity to love cannot be built in isolation. The key characteristic in a relationship that buffers stress is that it is lasting - this cannot and should not be built in a day. Learn how to give children the time and skills they need to keep them in a safe, structured, and loving environment before sending them off to the next place that may continue to break them or may even send them down the preschool to prison pipeline.

Speakers

Chelsea Adamson

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Child Guidance

Audience All

8:20am EST

Problem-solving with Positive Intent

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Rm. 202-204

This session will focus on how the power of love and choosing to see the best in our students and co-workers can help us effectively move from problems to solutions. Using the book, Shubert Sees the Best, we will work through understanding behavior through a perspective of positive intent, utilize A.C.T. process ( acknowledge desires, clarify skills to use, take time to practice) in problem-solving, look at structures such as Celebration Center and Wishing Well to support empathy. Additionally, we will learn to make perspective changing "glasses" and have examples from the classroom of integrating positive intent with academic opportunities.

Speakers

Katie Spearman

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Rm. 202-204

Child Guidance

Audience All

8:20am EST

Pyramid Model: Teaching Expectations and Rules

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Ballroom D

Participants will be able to:
1. Explain the difference between behavior expectations and rules.
2. Develop classroom rules and describe effective ways to teach rules to children.
3. List three ways to positively acknowledge children’s behavior.

Speakers

Phines Black

Inclusion Specialist, South Carolina Inclusion Collaborative

Phines J. Black is a native of Florence, South Carolina. She joined the SC Inclusion Collaborative in January 2018 as an Inclusion Specialist. Prior to joining the Inclusion Collaborative, she worked as a 4K Preschool Lead Teacher for three years with South Carolina First Steps. In... Read More →

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

Child Guidance

Audience All

8:20am EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Intentionally Leading Little Learners

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Ballroom E

This workshop will explore strategies for intentionally cultivating leadership skills in young children, starting as early as preschool. Participants will learn how to create environments that foster decision-making, problem-solving, and social responsibility among young learners. Using developmentally appropriate practices, we will discuss how to encourage autonomy, collaboration, and resilience in the classroom. The session will also address how to embed leadership opportunities into everyday learning activities, ensuring all children feel empowered. Attendees will leave with practical tools to nurture emerging leaders while respecting individual development and diversity.

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 →

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

Child Guidance

Audience All

8:20am EST

Full STEAM Ahead Into the Bible

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Rm 106-107

Having difficulty finding ways to teach Biblical concepts in the STEAM areas of the curriculum? This session will not only provide you with ideas for hands-on, active learning in the area of STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art and math). We will help you make the connections in a developmentally appropriate way while also giving guidance to what early learning standards these activities connect to. You will be introduced to curriculum supports, resources and "where to find" inexpensive materials.

Speakers

Nicole Beattie

Heidi Friedel

Consultant, Consultant

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Rm 106-107 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience All, Faith Based

8:20am EST

Turn Your Classroom Inside Out

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Ballroom A

Expand children's learning by turning your preschool classroom inside out! Find inexpensive inspiration to bring key elements of the preschool classroom environment, into your outdoor play space, PLUS bringing natural elements into the classroom!

Speakers

Kristine Jenkins

4K Manager, SC First Steps

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Ballroom A 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience PreK, Admin.

8:20am EST

I’m Just 3 years old!

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Ballroom BC

Learners will explore 3-year-olds attending Public School Environments compared to Child Care. This session will discuss ages & stages such as toileting (potty training @ 3), language skills and cognitive skills to look for.

Speakers

Ella Sumter

PK Teacher, Richland County School District One

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

Growth and Development

Audience PreK

8:20am EST

Early Literacy 101

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Rm. 101

Early literacy skills are pivotal in the development of young children, and public libraries are here to help you provide opportunities for growth. Discover how your local library can be a one-stop shop for all your early literacy needs, ranging from staff trainings to story time visits to specific library cards and collections, that are available to you for little to no charge!

Speakers

Cassie Welch

Charleston County Public Library

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience IT, PreK, 5K, Primary

8:20am EST

Is Bias Impacting Your Progress?

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Rm. 206-208

Have you considered how bias impacts relationships? Are you curious and willing to explore your bias? If so, this session is for you. In a dynamic world where diversity thrives, understanding bias is not just an intellectual exercise; it’s a crucial step towards fostering inclusivity and equity. This is an interactive presentation designed to empower participants to uncover, reflect on, and address bias in their practices.

Speakers

Wauchilue Adams

CEO, Adams Educational and Leadership Consulting

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Rm. 206-208 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

8:20am EST

Supporting Your Program’s Vision of Quality Care

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST

Rm. 102-103

Your role as Director of your child care program presents you with many responsibilities. During this session, we will explore how to use your ABC Quality assessment, resources and supports to improve your program's quality. Discover techniques, resources and strategies to support your program's pursuit of continuous quality improvement.

Speakers

Cathy Kovacks

ABC Quality Program Manager, SCDSS-Division of Early Care and Education

I am a Program Manager for ABC Quality. ABC Quality is SC's quality rating and improvement system. ABC Quality provides the foundation for early care and education through a framework to assess, improve, promote and communicate the quality of early learning and development. I have... Read More →

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

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

8:20am EST

Pueblos Embodying Cultural Boarders

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 10:20am EST

Rm. 205

This program will help educators to:
Increase the awareness of authentic Latino poetry, folklore, music and storytelling among the Latin X community as whole, connecting diverse communities culturally through the performing arts.
Increases the availability of cultural experiences for Hispanic families by sharing authentic music and storytelling from Latinamerica.
Teachers who work with Latino parents will also gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for their own heritage and what it means to their children, in addition to increasing their exposure to and appreciation of the performing arts at an early age.

Speakers

Irania Macias

Saturday February 8, 2025 8:20am - 10:20am EST
Rm. 205 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

9:20am EST

Empowering Educators: Teacher Motivation’s Impact

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:20am - 10:40am EST

Rm. 206-208

Learn how teacher motivation not only affects teachers’ well-being and work relationships but also the educational outcomes of their students. Attendees will identify and understand their motivation style and learn how to nurture low motivation with actionable, research-based tools and insights. This interactive session will explore what drives teacher motivation, including the impact of workplace culture. Attendees can also expect to leave with practical strategies for cultivating a motivating teaching environment that enhances teacher well-being and effectiveness. Discover how a motivated teacher can foster teacher-child relationships, enhance their personal well-being, and improve the dynamics of work relationships.

Speakers

Tiffany Gibby

State-approved trainer, Education PhD Candidate

Mrs. Gibby is a Ga state-approved trainer and has presented at state and regional conferences which have received excellent feedback. She is currently a doctoral candidate in education and has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in early childhood education. As a previous early childhood... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:20am - 10:40am EST
Rm. 206-208 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

9:40am EST

Changing Your Approach to Discipline

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Rm. 101

Attendees will take away helpful strategies on how to decrease challenging behaviors in the classroom and the key to getting to the root of the behavior.

Speakers

Simon Keays

Cindy Young

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Child Guidance

Audience PreK, 5K, Admin., Primary

9:40am EST

Consequences = Opportunities

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Rm. 202-204

What are the realities of delivering effective consequences and changing behaviors? Mistakes are opportunities to learn skills and every conflict is an opportunity to teach. Participants will learn the difference in the types of consequences along with the language to effectively deliver each type of consequences. The importance of the adult’s intention when delivering effective consequences will be discussed and practiced

Speakers

Jen Skrivanek

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Rm. 202-204

Child Guidance

Audience All

9:40am EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: FLIP-IIT Transforming Challenging Behavior

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Ballroom D

FLIP IT® training offers a simple four-step approach to managing children's challenging behaviors: Feelings, Limits, Inquiries, and Prompts. Attendees will learn to help children identify emotions, set clear expectations, and build problem-solving skills. This research-backed method fosters emotional resilience and better behavior outcomes. It’s perfect for educators, parents, and professionals looking to create supportive environments.

Speakers

Tonya Lambert

Appalachian Early Childhood Network

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Ballroom D 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Child Guidance

Audience PreK, 5K

9:40am EST

A Few of My Favorite Stories

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Rm. 104-105

Participants will come away with ways to help students become life-long readers. Participants will learn practical ways to help students retell stories. Participants will learn how to make stories come alive for students. Participants will learn how to make stories more interactive. Participants will learn story patterns to help students write their own stories.

Speakers

Beverly Oglesby

Retired Primary Educator, None

I taught for 38 years, at the same school in Orange Park, Florida teaching grades Kindergarten through Third grade. I have been a member and involved in the EarlyChildhood field for more than twenty years. I have held office from President to Committee/ Commission Chairman at the... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience PreK, 5K, Primary

9:40am EST

Creative and Collaborative Storytelling

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Ballroom A

Get creative with storytelling by learning how to use wordless picture books, music, puppets, story cards, and other activities in your classroom! Tired of doing the same read aloud books and want to mix things up and keep it fresh and fun for children (and YOU)? We’ll look at several wordless picture books and imagine different opportunities for sharing these books with young children. Learn how to use puppets with books to keep kids engaged. Discover some fun activities you can purchase or create to bring a collaborative storytelling experience to students.

Speakers

Leigh Ramey

Youth Services Consultant, South Carolina State Library

Hi! I'm Leigh, the Youth Services Consultant for the South Carolina State Library and a part-time adjunct professor with the University of Denver's online MLIS program. My job is connecting our state's public library staff to resources to support them as they provide amazing services... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Ballroom A 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience PreK, 5K, Primary

9:40am EST

Encouraging Language Development Through Play

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Rm 106-107

Is there a connection between play and behavior? Can behavior in the classroom be improved with fun and interactive activities? In this session, participants will make the connection between age-appropriate play and successful learning. Participants will also apply techniques to support frustrated language learners during engaging times of play. Attendees will leave this session with a plethora of fun and frugal ideas to encourage language learning through play!

Speakers

Brooke Bunger

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Rm 106-107 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience IT, PreK, 5K

9:40am EST

ABC We Are Family: The Recipe for Happiness

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Ballroom E

What does it really take to be happy? We’ll explore common misconceptions about happiness. This session will delve into the psychology and research behind happiness.
By the end of this session, you’ll be equipped with insights to transform your mindset and integrate a powerful wellness activity into your daily life.

Speakers

Beverly Hunter

Beverly Hunter has worked in South Carolina state government for 40+ years and has been Quality Rating Improvement System (QRIS) director since 2006. She has led the creation of the statewide Program for Infant Toddler Care in partnership with the University of South Carolina College... Read More →

Speakers

Sherrie Dueno

Project Manager, ABC Quality

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Ballroom E 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience ABCQ Scholarship Winners

9:40am EST

Changes, Changes

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Rm. 203

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is going through many changes - membership changes, changes to accreditation for early learning programs and a new edition of the Code of Ethical Conduct position statement. Learn about these important changes to NAEYC and be reminded of the recent new edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practices.

Speakers

Dr. Sally McClellan

Executive Director, SCAEYC

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Rm. 203 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience All

9:40am EST

Dads In The Class

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Ballroom BC

This workshop provides practical, research-backed strategies for boosting father involvement in education, especially in underserved schools. The session empowers educators with actionable methods to engage fathers and improve student outcomes by creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for dads.

Speakers

Dion Chavis

Media Professional, Radio Personality, Author, Philanthropist, The Glad Dad, LLC

As a media professional Dion Chavis has become an essential voice that listeners and readers have come to recognize as their own. An accomplished radio professional, author, and trainer who uses his voice to help guide the lives of today’s youth while also promoting the importance... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Ballroom BC 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience 5K, PreK, Primary

9:40am EST

Strengthening Our Families

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST

Rm. 102-103

Strengthening Families presentation is designed to help families become creative in positive discipline practices, reduce tension and conflict, learn different parenting skills, strategies and improve children social skills, build relationships, and performance in school. Participants will understand emotional disability and how to help families become stronger together through a variety of tactics.
This session is intended to increase participants’ ability to develop strategies and effective communication between educators and parents for the benefit of the children.

Speakers

Dr. Stephanie Ganaway-Pasley

Chief Operations Officer, Pasley & Associates

Honorable Dr. Stephanie L.W. Ganaway-Pasley, PhD; Honorable Dr. Stephanie L.W. Ganaway-Pasley is the Chief Operations Officer of Pasley & Associates. She is currently a qualified Civil Mediator in North Carolina and South Carolina, Professor of Psychology. She has served on the... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 9:40am - 10:40am EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All

11:10am EST

Keynote: Educators as Every Day C.O.A.C.H.E.S.

Saturday February 8, 2025 11:10am - 12:30pm EST

Ballroom ABCDE

The more we can connect and become aware of our own strengths and abilities – the more we can truly enrich the lives of the families we are blessed to serve. Dr. Kimberly Johnson will share her experiences and encourage you to take the time to get to know your families and your co-workers. This session will present common sense ways to increase
leadership, creativity, and resiliency among our learners. Participants will leave this motivating and invigorating session ready to increase family interactions, positive behavior, self-efficacy, and teamwork. For some of our families YOU are their everyday COACHES!

Speakers

Dr. Kimberly Johnson

Simply Creative Works

Kimberly is a creative thinker and has a passion for teaching and helping others. She serves as a contracted course facilitator at Harvard University, has taught doctoral classes at Northeastern University, and currently teaches at Clemson University and Clinton College. She also... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 11:10am - 12:30pm EST
Ballroom ABCDE

Professional Development

Audience All

12:30pm EST

LUNCH BREAK and Visit with the Exhibitors

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm EST

Exhibit Hall

There will be concessions available as well as the Sheraton hotel restaurant. If you would prefer, you may bring your lunch from home.

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:30pm - 1:00pm EST
Exhibit Hall

12:30pm EST

STUDENT EVENT: BIG Ideas to Lead Little Learners!

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm EST

Rm 106-107

**Ticketed Event for STUDENTS** IF you did not pre-purchase a ticket, there may be tickets available at registration.
Student learners will engage in hands-on activities that teach early learning skills. Each activity supports the SC Early Learning Standards. Students will complete tasks in the Literacy, Math, Science and Fine Motor Stations.

Speakers

Ashley Riddle

Director

Deni Titcomb

1st Grade, MGES

Dr. Mary Williams

Reading Coach, Brookdale Elementary - Orangeburg School District

Saturday February 8, 2025 12:30pm - 2:00pm EST
Rm 106-107 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience PreK, 5K

1:00pm EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Guide Us: Elevating Child Guidance

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Ballroom E

This workshop will focus on holistic child guidance techniques that help teachers guide children's behavior in a supportive and nurturing way. Participants will explore strategies that address the emotional, social, and cognitive aspects of child development to promote positive behavior. The session will cover proactive approaches to creating an inclusive classroom environment, using relationship-building and emotional regulation tools. Attendees will also learn how to foster self-discipline and problem-solving skills in young children, while respecting their individual needs. Practical techniques for promoting a sense of community and cooperation will be shared to support teachers in nurturing well-rounded, confident learners.

Speakers

Dr. Anthony Broughton aka Mister B

Inspirational Voyages with MISTER B, LLC

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Ballroom E 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Child Guidance

Audience All

1:00pm EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: The Three Tales of Tattling

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Rm. 202-204

In this session, educators will gain insights and practical techniques to guide young learners from a focus on blame and tattling toward fostering a culture of helpfulness and positive problem-solving. Participants will explore how to support students in developing skills that promote constructive behavior and empathy.

Speakers

Tabbi Price

Lead 4K Teacher, South Carolina First Steps 4K: Belvedere ELC

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Rm. 202-204

Child Guidance

Audience PreK, 5K

1:00pm EST

Using Therapy Dogs as Support for Children

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Rm. 101

This session will cover the process of getting a dog certified as a therapy animal, the logistical and legal considerations in a school or agency setting and the benefits of therapy dogs in working with children. I will give examples of specific ways that my therapy dog and I have worked with individual students, small groups and in classroom settings. Resources for training and connecting with therapy animal organizations will be shared with participants.

Speakers

Edie Burritt

School Counselor, Lexington School District One

I'll present on the process of certifying a therapy dog and the considerations to keep in mind while planning programs involving therapy dogs. I'll cover the various ways that therapy dogs can be used to enhance the learning environment in schools.

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Child Guidance

Audience PreK, 5K, Primary

1:00pm EST

Biblical Dramatic Play

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Rm. 205

In this session, participants will learn how to take the stories from the Bible and turn them into fun, engaging dramatic play. Participants will get ideas about how to both dramatize a story and how to add props and materials to their dramatic play area to extend the story in a developmentally appropriate way. We will provide connections to curriculum goals and early learning standards. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and engage with materials.

Speakers

Heidi Friedel

Consultant, Consultant

Nicole Beattie

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Rm. 205 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience All, Faith Based

1:00pm EST

S.T.R.E.A.M. and Outdoor Literacy Learning

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Rm. 102-103

This course will discuss the differences in the S.T.E.M., S.T.E.A.M., and S.T.R.E.A.M. approaches and how S.T.R.E.A.M. can be used in an outdoors environment to enhance learning for young children.

Speakers

Dr. Shannon Brooks

SC First Steps

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience IT, PreK, 5K, Primary

1:00pm EST

Blood Borne Pathogens

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Ballroom D

Participants will learn how blood borne pathogens are spread, how to avoid exposure and what to do if exposed to infectious material.

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 →

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Ballroom D 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Health & Safety

Audience All

1:00pm EST

Emergency Preparedness

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Ballroom BC

This emergency preparedness training will give you the skills to appropriately react to emergencies to protect yourself and your children better until first responders arrive. Life-threatening emergencies can happen fast, and you may be able to save a life by taking simple actions immediately.

Speakers

Jenn Adams

Business Support Quality Coach Lead, SC CCR&R

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Ballroom BC 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Health & Safety

Audience All

1:00pm EST

SCECA Education Grant Winners Only

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Rm. 201

Winners of this grant will meet to discuss the best use of the award. Discussion will be centered on the merits of the use of quality equipment and supplies and ways to use the equipment/supplies to further the educational development of their students. Grant winners will find out about additional discounts from select vendors. Winners will be guided in using these discounts to gain more instructional materials /supplies and will be assisted in completing their orders.

Speakers

Becky Wardlaw

Executive Director, SCECA

Dona Pitts

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Rm. 201

Professional Development

1:00pm EST

Empowering Teachers: Supporting All Learners

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Rm. 104-105

Differentiated Instruction: Learn quick and effective ways to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all learners in a busy classroom.
Effective Classroom Management: Learn easy-to-implement classroom management strategies tailored for special needs settings.
Building Communication: Explore methods for supporting non-verbal students’ communication, using tools like picture exchange systems.
Sensory-Friendly Spaces: Learn how to create sensory-friendly areas in your classroom to support students with sensory processing issues.
Parent Engagement: Explore techniques for involving parents in their child’s learning process, including sharing strategies for home use.

Speakers

Jamila Phillips

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All

1:00pm EST

Signing with Children Birth-3 and Beyond

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST

Rm. 203

This is a fun, interactive introduction to sign language workshop. It covers 25+ single ASL signs and the manual alphabet. Participants will learn and practice the signs and learn tips for teaching signs to young children. It also covers how sign language can encourage speech and language development, enhance overall communication and reduce frustration for children who are not yet able to effectively communicate using speech. Attendees will leave ready to start using and teaching early signs.

Speakers

Jill Eversmann

Lecturer & Clinical Educator, Columbia College

Speakers

Brooke Bunger

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Rm. 203 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All

1:00pm EST

Orientación al Reglamento para Centros de Cuidado Infantil (Orientation to the Regulations for Child Care Centers)

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Rm. 206-208

Mejorar la seguridad es algo por lo que todos los centros de cuidado infantil trabajan constantemente. En esta capacitación, aprenderá sobre las regulaciones del departamento de licencias para centros de cuidado infantil y lo que significan para mantener seguros a los niños bajo su cuidado. Explorará las normas y desarrollará un manual para mantener las notas sobre las regulaciones. Esta sesión respaldará la meta del estándar de aprendizaje temprano de Carolina del Sur: HPD-8: Los niños desarrollan conciencia de las normas básicas de seguridad y comienzan a
seguirlas.

Improving safety is something every child care center business is always working towards. In this session, you will learn about key child care center licensing regulations and what they mean to keep children safe in your care. You will explore the regulations and develop a playbook to maintain child care regulations. This session will support SC Early Learning Standard Goal: HPD-8: Children develop awareness of basic safety rules and begin to follow them.

Speakers

Joy Huyck-Oswald

DLL Quality Coach, SC CCR&R

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Rm. 206-208 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Health & Safety

Audience IT, PreK, 5K, Admin.

1:00pm EST

Orientation to the Regulations for Child Care Centers

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm EST

Ballroom A

Improving safety is something every child care center business is always working towards. In this session, you will learn about key child care center licensing regulations and what they mean to keep children safe in your care. You will explore the regulations and develop a playbook to maintain child care regulations. This session will support SC Early Learning Standard Goal: HPD-8: Children develop awareness of basic safety rules and begin to follow them.

Speakers

Bonnye Hughes Peeples

Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm EST
Ballroom A 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Health & Safety

Audience IT, PreK, 5K, Admin.

2:15pm EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Help Please

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Rm. 102-103

From birth, children begin their journey of learning, but it is the intentional scaffolding of their development and self-help skills that truly fosters independence. Guiding children in areas such as feeding, dressing, toileting, cleaning, establishing routines, and encouraging peer support are essential strategies for helping them gain autonomy. This training will provide you with expert tips, practical strategies, and valuable insights on how to scaffold a child's learning to promote independence and self-sufficiency, empowering them with the self-help skills necessary for their growth and development.

Speakers

Danille Tadlock

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience IT, PreK

2:15pm EST

Brain Smart Starts for Success

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Rm. 202-204

Want a recipe for success in the classroom for your children and for you? Conscious Discipline Brain Smart Start will provide your children and you with activities to wire the brain for success. Participants will experience Brain Smart Start and be provided with specific examples of each piece of Brain Smart Start ready to implement in the classroom. The research-based brain science supporting Brain Smart Start will be shared with participants.

Speakers

Jen Skrivanek

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Rm. 202-204

Growth and Development

Audience All

2:15pm EST

Exploring Inclusion in Early Childhood

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Rm. 101

According to the Policy statement on inclusion of children with disabilities in early childhood programs (DHHS/ED, 2015), inclusion in early childhood programs can set a trajectory for inclusion across the life course. Additional research suggests that high-quality inclusive early childhood programs within communities that work together to make the long-term commitment to support and make inclusive opportunities available for young children with disabilities will likely increase positive outcomes for all children and families (Cross, Traub, Hunter-Pishgahi, & Shelton, 2004; Diamond & Huang, 2005; Odom, Buysse, & Soukakou, 2011). Join us to learn more about early childhood inclusion, how you can promote inclusive practices for children birth through five, and local resources available to support you!

Speakers

Dana Bennett

Technical Assistance Coordinator, South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion at the University of South Carolina

Melissa Griffin serves as the Technical Assistance Coordinator with SCPI. In this role, she facilitates the implementation of a tiered framework of supports for early childhood specialists and coordinates service delivery for districts working with SCPI to improve early childhood... Read More →

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All

2:15pm EST

Promoting Inclusion Through Itinerate Service

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST

Rm. 104-105

The special education itinerant service delivery model is a researched-based service delivery approach that supports high-quality inclusion of young children with disabilities in early childhood programs. The itinerant model supports the premise of IDEA that states “first options considered for preschool children with disabilities are those that would be considered for children without disabilities”. This model gives related service providers and special education teachers the opportunity to work collaboratively with general education classroom teachers and families through consultation and coaching to embed interventions and instruction into everyday activities. This session will highlight topics of massed versus distributed instruction, triadic model of consultation, planning matrix, direct instruction, collaborative meetings and continuum of placement.

Speakers

Tanya Hutchinson

SEIT Coach, South Carolina Partnerships for Inclusion

Saturday February 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:15pm EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All

3:30pm EST

Leading Learners To Authentic Connections

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm EST

Rm. 202-204

How do you connect with the children in your care? Learn how to build true, long lasting connections built upon current brain research and fun! Attendees will experience what it looks like, sounds like and feels like to be in a room of strangers and then build connections. Equipped with this experience we are then able to transfer it to the classroom so that the children in our care can feel it too! The science tells us that connections on the outside build true neural connections on the inside!

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 →

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:30pm - 4:00pm EST
Rm. 202-204

Growth and Development

Audience All

3:30pm EST

Joyful, Child-led Learning

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Rm. 102-103

Learn the art of setting up a child friendly, safe, inviting space for your students and then stepping back and trusting the child. See how allowing for child-led learning can foster a peaceful environment and a truly engaging preschool experience.

Speakers

Tanya Hanchon

Speakers

Melissa Evans

Owner, The Cottage School

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience PreK

3:30pm EST

Finding the Leader in You

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Rm. 104-105

Do you consider yourself a leader? Leaders are not just our directors or our administrators. In this session we will look at ourselves to discover where we are in our leadership journey and learn about the 5 levels of leadership. We will collaboratively discuss what makes a good leader and will set goals to become great early childhood leaders. We will look at leadership levels from both a personal and professional perspective.

Speakers

Heidi Friedel

Consultant, Consultant

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

3:30pm EST

Resources to support Early Childhood Inclusion

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST

Rm. 101

Participants will learn about early childhood inclusion and why child care is a critical partner in increasing inclusive opportunities for young children with disabilities/developmental delays. Participants will learn how early care providers can be involved and support access to the general education curriculum for young children with disabilities/developmental delays. Resources will be shared to support the successful inclusion of children with
disabilities in early childhood classrooms.

Speakers

Joy Wallace

Saturday February 8, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Special Needs

Audience All