1st Annual Early Education Technical Symposium
Sept. 13 or 14, 2024
Handlery Hotel San Diego
950 Hotel Circle N, San Diego, CA 92108
About the Conference
Join us for the 1st Annual Early Education Technical Symposium hosted by the San Diego County Office of Education. This symposium aims to support early education administrators and leaders by focusing on systems and best practices that enhance program implementation. Topic strands will include:
- Interpersonal Relationships: This strand focuses on the significance of building strong, positive relationships within early education settings. Sessions will explore strategies for fostering effective communication, collaboration, and trust among staff, families, and children.
- Technical Assistance: This strand aims to provide administrators with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively implement and sustain high-quality early education programs. Participants will gain insights into best practices for providing and receiving technical assistance to enhance program outcomes.
- Early Education Systems: This strand addresses the broader systems that impact early education programs. Participants will explore how to navigate and influence the early education landscape to ensure the sustainability and growth of their programs.
Registration: $25 per person/day and includes catered breakfast, lunch, and gift tote with valuable resources.
Registration Now Open
See below for intended audience for each day then choose the best day for you.
Intended Audiences
Administrators of early education programs serving children ages birth through 5 years old. Administrators and leaders include leaders of:
- Family child care programs
- Agency/site directors of state-funded and federally funded programs
- Site leaders at private community-based programs.
Friday, Sept. 13 (limited to 150 participants)
8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Intended Audience:
- Agency/site directors of state-funded and federally funded center programs
- Site leaders at private community-based center programs
Code: Tech Admin
Saturday, Sept. 14 (limited to 100 participants)
8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Intended Audience:
- Leaders and administrators of family child care programs
Register for Saturday, Sept. 14
Code: Tech FCC
Keynote Speakers
Friday, Sept. 13
Dr. Ernie Mendes
Dr. Ernie Mendes is an executive coach, trainer, and keynote presenter. His background in organizational psychology, education, and psychotherapy provides a unique foundation for his training, coaching, and consulting for more than 30 years. He has presented nationally, internationally, and regionally.
He currently works with school districts, government agencies, and corporations, providing trainings, keynotes, and executive coaching. He has worked with early education leaders for more than 15 years, providing leadership development, coaching strategies and self-care tools.
Dr. Mendes is a top-rated executive trainer at UCSD’s Rady School of Management where he trains leaders across industries. He had a private counseling practice for 11 years counseling adolescents, adults, and couples. He has taught at the high school, college, and university levels. Dr. Mendes was one of the first researchers to study the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Occupational Burnout in Educators. For more information visit erniemendes.com.
Saturday, Sept. 14
Gris Alves
Gris Alves is a distinguished mindfulness teacher, integrated recovery and healing guide, earth-based ceremonialist, and trauma-informed yoga teacher, certified in Gabor Mate's Compassionate Inquiry Therapy Process. As a revolutionary Mexican immigrant woman, she epitomizes the spirit of resilience and empowerment. For over 27 years, Ms. Alves has embraced and mastered various healing modalities, guiding her journey towards love. She shares her profound experience, rigorous training, teachings, and wisdom through her podcast, courses, retreats, and community-building efforts.
Ms. Alves is dedicated to helping individuals compassionately rediscover their voice, heal and nurture their bodies, rekindle self-love, rediscover inner strength, cultivate self-compassion, and expand their capacity to self-heal, thrive, and feel present and alive.
Her volunteer work with The Prison Yoga Project in San Diego, CA, is a testament to her commitment to bringing healing practices to those in need. As a founding member of the San Diego Resistance Revival Chorus, featured in the TRIBECA film festival film RESIST, and a member of the Medicine Wom@n Musical Ensemble "The Amanitas del Norte," she actively contributes to creative and healing arts. Additionally, she is the visionary behind AWARE, a mindfulness teaching organization, and the host of the Tales of Recovery Podcast, where she fosters conscious conversations and challenges societal constraints, inviting others to share their stories of resilience and hope.
Ms. Alves radiates positive energy and has an exceptional ability to communicate the necessity for change with humor and vulnerability, making her a beacon of hope and empowerment in the healing community.
Thank you to all of our generous sponsors!
Diamond Level Sponsors:
Gold Level Sponsors:
Star Partners: