
23rd Annual Early Years Conference
Supporting Young Children in a Changing World
April 10 and 11, 2026
Town and Country Resort
500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108
I look forward to this conference every year. It’s a good way to learn and feel I can learn with all different courses you offer. Please keep up with all the good work and effort you do!
– 2025 Conference Attendee
About the Conference

As the world around us shifts, early childhood education must remain grounded, yet responsive. This conference invites educators, administrators, caregivers, and community leaders to come together for a shared purpose: to reimagine how we support young children and the adults who care for them in today’s evolving landscape.
Rooted in developmentally appropriate practice and whole-child approaches, this conference explores evidence-based strategies that promote learning, resilience, and belonging in early childhood. Workshops will focus on core topics such as trauma-informed care, inclusive classroom environments, culturally and linguistically responsive practices, play-based learning, and early childhood mental health.
In addition to classroom practices, the conference will elevate leadership pathways and system-level approaches. Leadership strands will highlight strategies for advancing equity, supporting staff, navigating change, and building sustainable program models. Recognizing that adult well-being is essential to child well-being, we will also center caregiver and educator wellness through sessions on mindfulness, self-care practices and managing compassion fatigue.
Participants will leave with tools, inspiration, and a renewed commitment to cultivating learning environments—and systems—that are adaptive, nurturing, and rooted in care. Together, we are building a future where every child, every educator, and every caregiver feels supported, valued, and empowered.
Join us as we explore innovative strategies and responsive practices to support the development and well-being of every child in today’s rapidly evolving environment.
Conference sessions strands include:
- Early Education Best Practices - Inspiring sessions rooted in research and developmentally appropriate practices to strengthen best practices in early education.
- Leadership Pathways and System-Level Approaches - Learn strategies to advance equity, support staff, navigate change, and build sustainable program models.
- Caregiver and Educator Wellness - Because adult well-being is essential to child well-being—sessions include mindfulness, self-care practices, and managing compassion fatigue.
Registration
Register Early to Save Money
Early Bird pricing available until Nov. 30:
One-day pricing $215 | Friday or Saturday
Two-day pricing $300 | Friday and Saturday
To honor Early Bird pricing, all forms of payment, including POs, must be received by Dec. 5.
Standard pricing starts on Dec. 1:
One-day pricing $240 | Friday or Saturday
Two-day pricing $325 | Friday and Saturday
Call for Proposals - Deadline Extended to Nov. 7
Be a presenter at our 23rd Annual Early Years Conference and share your best practices to inspire and empower those who serve and care for young children. Take advantage of this opportunity to shine and share your unique voice, perspective and expertise. Enjoy one free registration to the conference on your presentation day.
Ninety-minute workshops will be offered in English and Spanish and highlight topics aligned to the following strands:
- Early Education Best Practices - Inspiring sessions rooted in research and developmentally appropriate practices to strengthen best practices in early education.
- Leadership Pathways and System - Level Approaches - Learn strategies to advance equity, support staff, navigate change, and build sustainable program models.
- Caregiver and Educator Wellness - Because adult well-being is essential to child well-being—sessions include mindfulness, self-care practices, and managing compassion fatigue.
Thank you for including self-love, healing, and behavior workshops/trainings. Amazing trainings this year. A lot of options English and Spanish.
– 2025 Conference Attendee
Guests
Of course we love kids, but please understand that no children or guests will be permitted.

Muy bonita experiencia que nos dan cada año en las conferencias. Gracias porque aprendemos algo nuevo.
– 2025 Conference Attendee

Accommodations
Hotel rooms at the San Diego Town and Country Resort are available at a discounted rate for conference attendees. You may book your room directly online with the hotel.
Town and Country Resort
500 Hotel Cir. N.
San Diego, CA 92108
Schedule
View the conference schedule.
Keynote speakers
Dr. Nermeen Dashoush

Dr. Nermeen Dashoush is a clinical associate professor of early childhood education and the program director for learning design and technology at Boston University, where she teaches courses in teacher education, child development, STEM education, and family and community engagement. She began her career as a classroom teacher and has since dedicated her work to improving access to high-quality learning experiences for young children.
As chief academic officer and a founding educator of MarcoPolo Learning, Dr. Dashoush has co-created innovative digital platforms that provide high-quality resources designed to support children and the educators and caregivers they interact with. She is also a lead advisor for PBS KIDS content and a two-time Emmy-nominated educator and content creator, recognized for her contributions to children’s educational media that promote curiosity and meaningful learning experiences.
Dr. Dashoush has served as a reviewer for the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), authored the National Science Teaching Association’s (NSTA) position statement on science learning for young children, and received multiple research grants, including from the NSF and the Caplan Foundation, to advance understanding of effective learning methods.
SPONSORsHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Join us for an inspiring two-day professional development event bringing together early childhood educators, administrators, family child care providers, and community leaders. This is your opportunity to showcase your products and services, connect with decision-makers, and expand your reach within the early learning community.
Exhibitor tables, tiered sponsorships, and inclusion in event promotions offer multiple ways to maximize your visibility.
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors


Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Partner Sponsors










