Early Childhood Education Conference
February 1, 2025
Central Community College
3134 W Highway 34, Grand Island, Nebraska
Cost: $40, which includes lunch
Conference Schedule
7:30 - 8:15 a.m. Check-in is located inside the main entrance. Entrances are available from the north and south parking lots. Vendors will be in the hallways and refreshments in the 500 Heath/Science wing
8:15 a.m. - 4 p.m. Presentations. All participants will attend the keynote and closing sessions plus select three breakout sessions. The breakout sessions will run from 10:55 - 11::55 a.m., 1 - 2 p.m., and 2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Lunch will be provided by Chartwells.
General Conference Information
All sessions are approved for licensing in-service requirements (all day = 6 hours). Every effort is made to provide programs as listed. On occasion some presenters cancel and cannot be replaced. We apologize for any inconvenience this may create.
Emergency phone number available the day of the conference is 308-398-7447. Out of consideration for all participants, no children are allowed at the conference. A lactation room is available on campus if needed.
Please dress in layers. Room temperatures my vary, and as personal preferences differ, it may be very difficult to keep everyone comfortable in a large group.
Cancellations: No refund after January 24, 2025. Refunds will be given if the event is cancelled by the college. No alternate conference date is scheduled. For more information about the conference, please call 308-398-7447 or toll-free 1-877-222-0780, ext. 7447.
Sessions
Keynote Session
Mondo Method: Coping with Stress and Transforming Behavior in Early Childhood
Presenter: Dr. Alexa Yunes Koch, Executive Director, Mondo Method Stress and Behavior Specialist
Dr. Yunes-Koch will introduce early childhood professionals to the Mondo Method, featured by Disney Learning. This method offers practical solutions to real-world problems for both adults and children. The session will cover the science behind stress and behavior challenges, providing simple, realistic strategies to address these challenges. Participants will gain new knowledge and strategies specific to early childhood development and stressors in the early childhood field.
Breakout Sessions
(A) Of Sound-Mind and Body
Presenter: Marie de Martinez, MA,CPC, VSTRT
Vibrationally directed sound assists the mind and body to relax and heal themselves. Participants will learn techniques to share with children and to use for themselves to create open, calming atmospheres.
(B) Sensory and Learning Tools for Young Children-Hands-on Creation
Presenters: Taylor Brase, April Sundberg, Jo Smith and Tammy Kresser, Early Childhood Educators
Join our dynamic ‘make and take’ session to explore sensory tools, calming strategies, and interactive activities for young children. You’ll learn to meet sensory needs, promote emotional regulation, and enhance engagement. Create items to take back and use immediately with children.
(C) Overcoming Burnout: The Working Genius Model
Presenter: Elijah Landell, MA Psychology, Certified Working Genius Facilitator
Today’s childcare workforce faces high burnout, often misunderstood as a result of overwork and staff shortages. New research shows it’s due to unfulfilling work that drains energy and leaves us pouring from an empty cup. This session will explore the Working Genius model to reduce burnout, increase job fulfillment, and lower staff turnover.
(D) 50 Strategies for Engaging with Parents in Early Childhood Education
Presenter: Keynote speaker Dr. Alexa Yunes Koch
Join this fast-paced session to explore 50 ideas for building positive relationships with parents, balancing authority with compassion, managing conflict and stress that arise from difficult situations. Whether you’re an experienced provider or a new educator, Dr. Yunes-Koch will share practical strategies from her 13 years of experience and the neuroscience of the Mondo Method.
Closing Session
The Inner Wellness
Presenter: Dr. Shannon Muhlearn, Center for Teaching Excellence Director, UNK Assistant Professor
Caregivers and educators need sustained energy and compassion to support young children. To meet these demands, they must also care for their own physical and emotional well-being. This presentation will discuss ways to stay present and practice self-care daily, sharing simple strategies for personal wellness.
Exhibitors
These and other exhibitors will be available the day of the conference.
- Central Community College
- Child Development Associate
- Early Development Network
- Epicure-Carissa's Cooking Club
- Learning Connections
- Nebraska Resource Project of Vulnerable Young Children
- PaperPie
- Prairie Equine Experience
- Provider's Network Inc.
- Tastefully Simple/Stoddard Family Crafts
- T.E.A.C.H. & WAGES-NeAEYC
The conference is sponsored by: Central Community College‐Grand Island in collaboration with:
- Central Region Early Learning Connection ESU 10
- Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- Nebraska Association for the Education of Young Children
- Step up to Quality
- UNL in Hall, Hamilton and Merrick Counties
For questions regarding online registration, please call 308‐398‐7447.