Early Childhood Education Conference
February 7, 2026
Central Community College
3134 W Highway 34, Grand Island, Nebraska
Cost: $50, which includes lunch
Conference Schedule
7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Check-in: located inside the main entrance.
8:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m. Presentations: All participants will attend the keynote and closing sessions plus select two breakout sessions. There are two possible registration options, one with the keynote in the morning, and the other with the keynote in the afternoon.
3:45 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.: Closing
Breakfast items and drinks will be available for purchase at the Grand Central Café and Starbucks from 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Southern Smokehouse lunch buffet is included with registration from 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
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.
Cancellations: No refund after January 30, 2026. 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
Early Childhood Literacy
Presenter: Dr. Amy Mancini
Examine how early literacy develops through everyday interactions, such as talking, singing, reading, and playing. Participants will discover how responsive relationships, meaningful conversation, and language-rich environments promote brain development, social skills, and academic readiness. Whether you’re nurturing first words or guiding preschool storytelling, this session will inspire and equip you to make every moment into a literacy moment.
Breakout Sessions
(A) STEAM Imagination Guides Where Stories Spark
Presenters: Ingrid Lindal Chavarria and Lynn De Vries
This session introduces the STEAM Imagination Guides, which use art, creativity, nature, and STEAM to inspire exploration and wonder. Participants will discover how each guide pairs engaging books with hands-on activities aligned with the Nebraska Early Learning Guidelines to support literacy, spark interest in STEAM, and strengthen caregiver-child relationships.
(B) Restorative Yoga Pause. Permission. Presence
Presenter: Lori Mills
This gentle, fully-supported class invites you to pause, letting the body and mind slow down; give yourself permission to relax and honor your limits; and cultivate presence through mindful breath and awareness. Participants leave feeling calm, refreshed, and connected to their well-being.
(C) Milestones in Motion
Presenter: Kim Sanderson
Explore the essential developmental milestones for children from birth to age five. This training will provide you with valuable tools and resources to observe, assess and support children's development—especially those who may not be meeting expected milestones. Learn how to adapt your environment and activities to foster growth and success for every child in your care.
(D) Little Kids’ Brains and Screens
Presenter: Sarah Landell
This workshop mirrors Kids’ Brains and Screens with an emphasis on birth to five. In this workshop we give a basic overview of the science behind healthy brain development, effects of screens on the developing brain, symptoms of screen overuse and our solutions to prevent and reverse the effects of addictive screen habits with an emphasis on early childhood brain development.
(E) Navigating Childcare Insurance
Presenter: Sara Arnett
In this workshop you will gain an understanding of your risks, learn how to protect yourself and your business, avoid insurance tripwires, and keep insurance affordable.
(F) B.A.I.L.
Presenters: Panel Discussion with Local Professionals
Get answers straight from the experts! Join this open, interactive Q & A session featuring professionals from the banking, accounting, insurance, and legal fields. Ask those one-off business questions, gain practical insights, and strengthen your understanding of what it takes to protect and grow your business.
(G) Eatable Alphabet
Presenter: Becky Hutchings
Combine learning the alphabet with healthy foods from Nebraska and around the world. Materials will take children through a journey that explores letters and pairs them with delicious, healthy foods they can see, touch, smell, and taste. Through songs, movement games, and simple food-prep activities, children strengthen fine motor skills, practice turn-taking, and build confidence in trying new flavors. This curriculum weaves in early math concepts (counting slices, sorting colors) and sensory exploration, making learning both nutritious and fun!
Exhibitors
These and other exhibitors will be available the day of the conference.
Central Community College
Child Development Associate (CDA)
Learning Connections
Nebraska AEYCE
Nebraska Department of Education—Farm to School
Nebraska Resource Project for Vulnerable Young Children
Rooted Books & Gifts
Rooted in Relationships (CDHD)
Tastefully Simple-Stoddard Family Crafts
The Vintage Leaf Boutique
The Wildflower Alchemy