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!

8:00am EST

PRECON: Administrator’s Seminar: Leading with Joy and Intention

Thursday February 6, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am EST

Rm. 202-204

During this session participants will gain knowledge on key strategies for leading their teams and the organizations with joy and intention.
After this session, participants will have lunch and then move to either the Director's Seminar or the Principal's Seminar from 11:30-1:30 for the second portion.

Speakers

Jared Totsch

Thursday February 6, 2025 8:00am - 11:00am EST
Rm. 202-204

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

2:00pm EST

PRECON: From Bites to Solutions

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Rm. 205

We will explore effective strategies for understanding and addressing biting behavior in child care settings. Participants will learn about the developmental reasons behind biting, preventive measures, and appropriate responses to incidents. Key takeaways include practical approaches for creating a safe and supportive environment, communication techniques for working with families, and strategies for long-term behavior management. Attendees will leave equipped with actionable insights to manage and reduce biting incidents effectively in their classrooms.

Speakers

Tammy Compton

Program Director, SC First Steps

Teresa Phillips

Technical Assistance Provider, SC First Steps

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Rm. 205 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Child Guidance

Audience IT, Admin.

2:00pm EST

PRECON: Adults Are Active Learners Too!

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Rm. 106-107

Just as we understand the needs of children to be active learners, we also need to understand that adults need active learning experiences also. Active learning experiences are designed to increase participation, enliven learning, deepen retention, and encourage application and reflection as we meet the needs of our participants. Explore the principles of adult learning and experience strategies to keep participants actively engaged as you deliver effective professional development opportunities.

Speakers

Debbie Silver

Speakers

Dr. Kit SaizdeLaMora

Assistant Professor of Education, Coordinator of Early Childhood Education Program, Coordinator of Montessori Education Graduate Programs, Francis Marion University

Dr. SaizdeLaMora has been an educator for over 35 years. She earned her Ph.D. in Teacher Education and Teacher Development from Montclair State University. Her professional background includes early childhood special education classroom teacher, parent educator, provider of professional... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Rm. 106-107 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience Admin.

2:00pm EST

PRECON: Let’s Huddle Up and Breakdown Teamwork!

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST

Rm. 102-103

Teamwork is a key component of any childcare community because it helps create a positive environment for staff, children and their families. As the leader, you have an important role in encouraging teamwork and cultivating a strong childcare team. In this interactive workshop, we will explore the key characteristics of teamwork. We will also share several strategies that are fun, challenging and have the “side effect” of building a strong, successful childcare team!

Speakers

Vaudrien Ray

CEO and Founder, Ruby's Academy

Hello all, I am the proud founder and director of Ruby’s Academy Child Care &Preschool located in Mount Pleasant, SC. I have one husband, three young adult children, and an annoying dog. I also am humbled to serve as SECA representative. My involvement with SCECA began as a district... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

5:00pm EST

The Infant Room: It's not just rocking babies!

Thursday February 6, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST

Rm. 206-208

This presentation is to inform new and seasoned teachers and caregivers of the importance of supporting our little learners with the growth and developmental skills that will prove beneficial as they get older. The session is developed around connecting the early learning standards to the learning opportunities and activities within the classroom setting.

Speakers

Jacinta Moultrie-Barr

Specialist, SC PITC

I have approximately 15 years of experience in Early Childhood Education, Adult Education/Training and Certified Training with SC Endeavors (formerly CCCCD). As a PITC Specialist with South Carolina Program for Infant Toddler Care, I work to provide specialized trainings and support... Read More →

Thursday February 6, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm EST
Rm. 206-208 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Growth and Development

Audience Admin., Infant and Toddler

6:15pm EST

PHYSICAL: Groove and Grow: Music for Learning

Thursday February 6, 2025 6:15pm - 7:15pm EST

Ballroom E

Get ready to Groove and Grow! Explore innovative ways to incorporate music into movement-based activities, promoting physical fitness, coordination, and cognitive development in young learners.

Speakers

Audrey Selby

Regional Coordinator, Miss Tammy's Little Learning Center

Speakers

Thomas Compton

Regional Director, Miss Tammy’s Little Learning Center

Thursday February 6, 2025 6:15pm - 7:15pm EST
Ballroom E 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience Infant and Toddler, PreK, 5K, Admin.

6:15pm EST

ABCQ Structural Quality Portfolio Child Well-Being

Thursday February 6, 2025 6:15pm - 7:15pm EST

Ballroom A

This session will focus on creating policies and procedures to support children's well-being, which are essential for healthy growth, learning, and development. Topics include mental, physical and nutritional health as well as partnering with families and professionals.

Speakers

Erin Perry

Program Coordinator II, ABC Quality Rating and Improvement System

Melissa Heston-Covert

Program Coordinator II, AABC Quality Rating and Improvement System

Thursday February 6, 2025 6:15pm - 7:15pm EST
Ballroom A 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

7:00am EST

PHYSICAL: Enhancing the Outdoor Play Space

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

Ballroom BC

Naturalized outdoor play and learning environments stimulate the diversity of children’s play experiences and contribute to healthy childhood development. A planned outdoor play and learning environment includes activity settings purposefully arranged to promote movement, play and learning. Activity settings add value by supporting specific play and learning activities. Discover the activity settings commonly implemented in the outdoor space and the opportunities these settings can provide children.

Speakers

Misty Pearson

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

Curriculum

Audience IT, PreK, 5K, Admin.

7:00am EST

Career Ladder-Take the Next Step!

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

Rm. 102-103

Take the next step – apply for your career ladder level today! The SC Endeavors Registry is ready to process applications for all! Obtaining your Career Ladder level allows you to showcase your educational level. The Career Ladder also provides you with a pathway to achieve even more. Take the Next Step - learn how to apply for Career Ladder placement, and learn all about other incentives that are tied to having a current Career Ladder placement.

Speakers

Rebecca Crenshaw

Department Head, Education Verification, SC Endeavors

Friday February 7, 2025 7:00am - 8:00am EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience IT, PreK, Admin.

7:00am EST

Building Value Through Strategic Growth Opportunities

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

Rm. 205

As a business owner, building value in both your business and real estate may not always be top of mind. Yet, strengthening your services to children and families also builds personal value. Join Nan Rikard, founder of Big Blue Marble Academy and Transaction Advisor for HINGE Advisors, and discover how to leverage the Five Pillars of Financial Health to create more resources for your early education center. In this session, you’ll explore practical strategies to grow your business and serve more families, all while boosting company value.

Speakers

Nan Rikard

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

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

7:00am EST

The Children Are Ready…Are We?

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

Rm. 104-105

We will focus on creating inclusive environments in early childhood programs by fostering a sense of belonging for all children. Through activities like "Circles of My Multicultural Self," we will explore the impact of identity and stereotypes on children and discuss strategies and policies to promote inclusivity. You will identify effective strategies, develop supportive policies, and determine necessary professional development to enhance practices in your program. By the end, directors/administrators will be equipped to ensure every child feels valued and included in their early childhood settings.

Speakers

Tammy Compton

Program Director, SC First Steps

Teresa Phillips

Technical Assistance Provider, SC First Steps

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

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

8:20am EST

Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow Environmental Curriculum

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

Rm. 205

"Action" is a SC curriculum that helps students explore their environment with hands-on activities. Participants will receive the 30th Anniversary edition correlated to the SC Science Standards. Lessons on Recycling, Composting, Energy, Litter Prevention and Battery Recycling are presented.

Speakers

Mary Margaret Mendenhall

Environmental Educator, SC DES

Mary Margaret Mendenhall works with DES’s Office of Recycling as the presenter for the curriculum, Action For A Cleaner Tomorrow. Her passion and enthusiasm for recycling is evident in the way she presents pertinent information to teachers. Mary Margaret graduated from Winthrop... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 8:20am - 9:20am EST
Rm. 205 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Curriculum

Audience 5K, Primary, Admin.

11:50am EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: ABCQ Intentional Teaching Practices Guidance

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:05pm EST

Rm. 104-105

This session will focus on how positive guidance promotes self-control, teaches responsibility and helps children learn to make thoughtful choices. Topics will include effective strategies that help children have a more pleasant, productive day by encouraging appropriate behavior while spending less time and effort correcting misbehavior.

Speakers

Arielle Brown

Speakers

Erin Perry

Program Coordinator II, ABC Quality Rating and Improvement System

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:05pm EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Child Guidance

Audience IT, PreK, Admin.

11:50am EST

Above and Beyond the status quo

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

Rm. 101

ABOVE and BEYOND, is a Growth Mindset which INSPIRES Innovative, Progressive and Educational Leaders to provide More than Exposure but Access to Multiple Opportunities and Experiences for ALL. When we are ALL EQUIPPED with necessary Tools and Experiences, EVERYONE is EMPOWERED to SUCCEED; IT IS THEN, when we ALL have Voice, Visibility & are Valued - that Student Performance will be Enhanced, Student Achievement will be Increased & failure will Never be ... a final option!

Speakers

Dr. Maria Paradiso-Tetsta

Doctor of Educational Leadership, Monmouth University

Maria is a Doctor of Educational Leadership and an Adjunct Professor with Superintendent/CSA and Principal certifications. Having more than 25 years of educational experience, Maria is a Conference Host, a Grant Writer and a National & International Guest Speaker/Presenter. While... Read More →

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience PreK, 5K, Admin., Primary

11:50am EST

Building Better Compensation Strategies for Early Care Educators

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

Rm. 102-103

In this session we will describe the development and implementation of the statewide SC BOO$T Wage Enhancement Program, including a review of program participation data and preliminary outcomes. Participants will also be asked to provide feedback on the program and insights for potential future program development. Come explore with us how we can build better wages for the early childhood workforce!

Speakers

Nicole Shea

Registry Manager, SC Endeavors

Melissa Starker

Director, SC Endeavors

Friday February 7, 2025 11:50am - 12:50pm EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience PreK, Admin.

11:50am EST

Autism and School, Oh my!

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

Ballroom A

The focus of my presentation would be to show a broad overview of autism and how it may affect students in the classroom. I personally have an autistic child, therefore I like to bring both professional and personal experiences to the table.

Speakers

Jill Powell

I am a Parent Mentor with the Autism Society of South Carolina working with the Parent School Partnership Program. We work with families and schools to make sure kiddos diagnosed with Autism get adequate services and support. I am also mama to Drake. Drake is 13 years old and amazingly... Read More →

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

Special Needs

Audience 5K, Primary, Admin.

1:10pm EST

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship 101

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

Rm. 102-103

Participants will learn more about the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Scholarship and how the scholarship can help pay for college coursework in Early Childhood Education.

Speakers

Scott Busch

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST
Rm. 102-103 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Professional Development

Audience IT, PreK, Admin.

1:10pm EST

Effective Staff Meetings w/DSS Credit

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

Rm. 101

This session will include information on how directors can conduct staff meetings and on boarding for employees. We will explore how training credit hours can be given for these activities when becoming a trainer.

Speakers

Laura Shirley

Friday February 7, 2025 1:10pm - 2:10pm EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

2:40pm EST

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL: Storytelling, Music, and Movement for Young Leaders

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

Ballroom A

Participants will leave this session with strategies that can be used in the classroom to address Cultural, Cognitive, Emotional and Social development. Presenter will share how Music, Movement and Storytelling activities can excite and engage young children as they learn new skills in a developmentally appropriate manner. Participates should be ready to Rock and Roll!!!

Speakers

Dr. Marilyn Izzard

Vivian Moseley

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

Curriculum

Audience PreK, 5K, Admin.

2:40pm EST

Strategies for Effective Leadership

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

Rm. 104-105

Everyone wants to be an effective leader. Participants will take away a few strategies for leading. These strategies apply to all individuals, who view themselves as a leader, regardless of their title.

Speakers

Zack Goebel

Speakers

Jared Totsch

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST
Rm. 104-105 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

2:40pm EST

Strengthen Your Core 4, Strengthen Your Team

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

Rm. 101

Participants in this session will learn about the 4 main principles they should focus on to strengthen and build their leadership and ultimately, their team of early childhood professionals.

Speakers

Kristine Jenkins

4K Manager, SC First Steps

Friday February 7, 2025 2:40pm - 3:40pm EST
Rm. 101 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC

Program Administration

Audience Admin.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.