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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Join me as we explore what true art is really about. Participants will engage in creative thinking and process skills to think differently and creatively about how art is used in the classroom. We will also explore tangible ideas on how to foster art in the early childhood classroom
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 →
Thursday February 6, 2025 9:00am - 11:00am EST
Rm 106-1072101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
This session will focus on how educators can enhance children’s development and learning through play. Using equitable implementation of developmentally appropriate practices educators can observe, document and assess children's development and learning though play. Come join the fun!
Bilingual District Literacy Coach, Professional Reading Specialist, Aldine Independent School District
Gloria Guerrero is a native of South Texas. She is certified in bilingual education and early childhood and was a teacher in Houston, Texas for 23 years. She then worked as a Dyslexia interventionist in Conroe, Texas. Gloria is currently a District Literacy Coach in Aldine ISD in... Read More →
Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Ballroom D2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
Join us to increase your confidence and competence in working with children who have epilepsy or a seizure disorder. In this two-hour session, participants will participate in a learning module to build knowledge about epilepsy and seizure disorders, followed by a skills session led by a Nurse Practitioner. This training was specifically designed to meet the needs of early childhood professionals in childcare settings to recognize and respond to seizures.
Do you have little learners who exhibit challenging behaviors? Using hands-on, interactive techniques, we will explore tools to use in the classroom with children who need additional support. We will investigate tips, techniques, and materials to reach ALL children compassionately.
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.
Thursday February 6, 2025 2:00pm - 4:00pm EST
Ballroom A2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
Learn how to access free early childhood resources available through Discus! Access thousands of e-books, games, educator resources and more. We will walk through how educators can improve instruction and increase student engagement with our online tools. Discus - South Carolina's Virtual Library is provided as a service of the South Carolina State library for all South Carolinians.
Learn the ins and outs of attending a SCECA Conference. What are training verification forms? What am I expected to attend? What do the codes mean? Help with planning your schedule! We will answer your questions and assist you in having a successful conference experience!
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 →
In this session educators will know the relationship between early phonological and phonemic awareness with later reading success. These skills are a priority in improving early reading instruction. Participants will learn activities that support phonological and phonemic awareness that can be incorporated into any curriculum.
Bilingual District Literacy Coach, Professional Reading Specialist, Aldine Independent School District
Gloria Guerrero is a native of South Texas. She is certified in bilingual education and early childhood and was a teacher in Houston, Texas for 23 years. She then worked as a Dyslexia interventionist in Conroe, Texas. Gloria is currently a District Literacy Coach in Aldine ISD in... Read More →
Thursday February 6, 2025 6:15pm - 7:15pm EST
Rm. 106-1072101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
Participants will explore the bloodborne pathogens jungle and identify how and when to care for yourself to avoid engagement with a potentially dangerous pathogen!!
Have you ever wondered if the Mediterranean diet is healthy for children? Come to this session to learn about the Mediterranean diet and how to adapt it for children. You will learn strategies and tips, along with a list of food staples and recipe ideas.
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 →
Thursday February 6, 2025 6:15pm - 7:15pm EST
Ballroom BC2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
High-quality, informative, and educational materials are crucial for literacy education and fostering a genuine love for reading. By ensuring diversity and representation in literature, children can better connect with the materials presented, enhancing their overall reading and learning experience. The question remains: Can everybody truly see themselves in the books on the shelves?
This workshop helps teacher leaders, trainers, and directors enhance professional development on a tight budget. Attendees will learn cost-effective strategies for engaging staff training, using existing resources, technology, and community partnerships. The session includes hands-on activities and discussions, focusing on tailoring training for diverse staff needs, retaining new teachers, and meeting the needs of experienced ones. Participants will leave with practical tools and over 50 creative staff development ideas. Additionally, the book "Training Design, Delivery, and Diplomacy" will be raffled.
Music has the power to inspire and motivate us like nothing else. It is an essential part of our lives, and for young learners, it is an essential part of their development. This workshop is your opportunity to discover how you can harness the power of music to inspire your students and transform your teaching. You will learn various techniques for introducing music and movement themes that will not only inspire young learners but also build excitement for school and boost their confidence through positive affirmations. Frank Coates, aka Mister Boom Boom, will lead you through an engaging presentation featuring a wide variety of songs, activities, and musical stories that you can confidently incorporate into your classroom. What's more, you won't need a single classroom instrument! Join us and discover how music can help your students reach new heights and transform your classroom into a place of inspiration and creativity!
Meet Frank Coates, the dynamic founder and CEO of Play Patrol Company. With nearly two decades of experience as a music educator, professional pianist, and composer, Frank is a revered figure in the world of children's music education. Globally recognized as Mister Boom Boom, his... Read More →
Thursday February 6, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm EST
Ballroom DE2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
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.
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 E2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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 BC2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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 D2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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!
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. 102-1032101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.”
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.
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 →
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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 youriPad or laptop to experience it for yourself!
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.
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.
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.
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 E2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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. 2052101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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 D2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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 E2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
During this session, learners will learn the importance of being an assistant teacher and the duties that help foster student development and workplace morale.
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 BC2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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.
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.
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 D2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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 E2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 206-2082101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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
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.
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.
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. 102-1032101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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!
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
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.
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 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Ballroom E2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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 D2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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. 1012101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC
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.
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!
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
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.
