Please join us for the first Early Childhood Conference sponsored by our new Johnson County child care coalition – Raising JoCo.  Come learn about the new coalition, hear from highly respected speakers in the Early Education field, earn 4 to 5 FREE KDHE approved clock hours, learn about provider resources, win door prizes and receive a self-care focused swag bag.

Light breakfast, lunch and light afternoon snacks provided.  End the day with a networking time with your peers.

Target audience – those considering getting into child care as well as existing child care providers in all licensing categories.   If you are not currently licensed but considering getting started – we will have a short orientation/Q & A session at end of conference.

 DCF will be on site to answer questions about and provide enrollment packets for childcare subsidy program.

KDHE is tenativly scheduled for doing fingerprints – ON SITE!  Only appliles to those that have their NEW OCA number.

Presenters and Presentations

Beth Reeder

Beth is the current Sr. Program Director, Early Learning for the Greater Wichita YMCA. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary and speech/communication education from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas. She has 35+ years’ experience as an early childhood professional. She is an experienced classroom teacher both in early childhood settings and as a college instructor. In addition, she has years of experience as a program administrator and is an advocate for children and their families. Beth is a skilled trainer that is passionate about developing and supporting the childcare workforce.

Attitude is Everything - 2 KDHE Hrs

Attitude is Everything 10 Rules for Staying Positive – In this session participants will learn how to build relationships, zap stress, and conquer change. After attending this session participants will have a set of tools to help modify and enhance their attitudes…they will feel uplifted and inspired.

Kim Specht

Kim is an early childhood behavior specialist with USD #305 Salina and the Central Kansas Cooperative In Education. In this role, Kim provides supports for both teachers and students struggling with challenging behaviors in the classroom. With 27 years of early childhood experience and a passion for the importance of early learning, Kim has continued her education to include a Master of Science in Elementary Education and has endorsements in the areas of Reading Specialist, Early Childhood, Early Childhood Unified and ESL. Kim is also a Certified Autism Specialist and has been part of the adjunct faculty at Barton Community College for 5 years.

Positive Supports for Challenging Behaviors - 2 KDHE Hrs

Positive Supports for Challenging Behaviors: In this session we will learn tips and tricks to promote a positive early childhood environment. Focusing on co-regulation, we will explore the importance of a regulated adult to help regulate children. Combining our years of early childhood experience, we will discover ways to support all children in our care.