Early Childhood Conference

Jim Gill

Jim Gill is a musician and author with singular credentials among children’s artists. Jim spent twenty years directing programs in music play for families with children with special needs in the Chicago area. His particular writing style—combining wordplay and movement opportunities into songs—was developed through this work. Jim completed his graduate studies in child development at the Erikson Institute of Chicago with a special emphasis on the study of play. His work experience and studies have led Jim to create each of his recordings and books as an opportunity for playful interactions between a child and a caring adult.

Jim has released ten award-winning recordings of music play for young children. The songs are now available on all streaming platforms so that EVERYONE can have access to his ACTIVE musical games! Jim is also the author of two children’s books. Over the years, he has received five awards from the American Library Association for his releases.

Jim’s most recent project involves the creation of a series of VIDEO books based on his book May There Always Be Sunshine, with words and illustrations contributed by children from across the country. Thousands of children have shared their heartfelt wishes and inspiring illustrations in these projects created for schools, libraries, and other community organizations.

Dr. Amanda Kloo

Phuong Lien Palafox

Phuong Lien Palafox, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Vietnamese-Chinese bilingual speech-language scientist, author and advocate. Currently, her time is spent empowering clients and their families, speech-language pathologists and educators across the United States. Her work has been featured in various publications including the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology and content for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. With a foundation of evidence-based and human-centered practices, she is continually invested in Cultural Responsiveness, Advocacy, Narrative-Based Interventions and the Mental Health of Educators. She is the author of The Heartbeat of Speech-Language Pathology. Attendees leave her presentations and storytelling feeling validated, refueled and re-engaged in their meaningful work. You can find more information at www.phuonglienpalafox.com.

Circle Time Modifications & Schedule

Katlyn Wilkerson

Teachers will be able to understand how to set up their circle time with visuals and modifications for their classroom to ensure all students needs are met simultaneously. Circle time can be challenging for kids to sit through, let alone understand what is being taught. We get students on different instructional levels, so how do you teach everyone at once? This class will show you how to provide a circle time visual schedule and modified materials to ensure all students stay engaged. Look forward to tips & tricks, videos, and pictures of ideas to implement in your classroom.

Building Language - Building Brains

Schedules, Routines, and Transitions

Positive Behavior Intervention: Collaborative Support Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers and Parents

Jennifer Krawczyk and Samantha Shields

Early Childhood Teachers and Parents will explore tier 1 and tier 2 positive intervention strategies to help support self-regulation, socialization, resilience, and executive functioning in the early childhood classroom and at home. Research-based interventions from the Pyramid Model, TBRI, and NME have shown a significant reduction in challenging behaviors and increased opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in inclusive settings. In this hands-on workshop, teachers and parents will leave with tools and materials to utilize across multiple environments.

2022 Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines-Strategies for High-Quality Instruction and Implementation

ECSE and PreK Collaboration

Julie Schwarz and Charlotte Zemo

Early childhood special education and general education prekindergarten have a lot in common, mainly that both are early childhood education. In Pflugerville ISD the PreK Coordinator and ECSE Coordinator have collaborated on many projects that include both programs and are leading to great success. Come learn strategies of how to work together and the importance to see how you can collaborate in your district.

Morning Messages in the PK Classroom

Betsy Herrington

Let's get the morning started right! In this session, participants will explore ways to incorporate morning messages into their daily routine. Whether you start with a morning meeting or calendar time, you will leave with an extra tool that both teachers and students can participate in. You will also have time during the session to brainstorm thematic morning messages that are ready to go when school begins!

Create Your Calm

Paula Freeman, Ph.D.

Join Dr. Paula to experience evidence-based strategies proven to enhance emotional regulation, positive outlook, and life satisfaction. In this workshop, we will allow creativity to blossom with activities designed to engage young children in mindful awareness.

Growing Communication for Emergent Bilingual Students with Disabilities

Lisa Rukovena

Bilingual development is appropriate for all students, including students with communication needs. Join us to learn to: - Identify the unique linguistic features of each student's language background and how those features compare to English - Explain how, although distinct from monolingual development, bilingual development supports positive communication outcomes - List at least three strategies for support communication development across students' settings even if you do not speak students' other languages

All write, all write, all write! Supporting emergent writing in Early Childhood

Kristen Hazard and Laura Dimmitt

We know children develop writing skills through multiple opportunities throughout the day and by using a variety of writing tools. In this session, we will explore ways to support developmentally appropriate writing in both large group and center time activities.

Coding Creatures for Primary Students

Amber Reinecke and Adrienne Arroyo

Can small children code? Of course, they can! Learn how to introduce the ideas of basic block coding in a friendly, hands-on way. This session will give you tips and tricks for lessons and challenges to keep kids engaged. We will also give you an opportunity to try out various coding creatures to see the benefits and drawbacks of different robots in action.

Universal Design for Learning: Proactive and Purposeful Planning in PreK

Kim West

Are you searching for a way to meet the needs of your diverse learners? We will explore the Universal Design for Learning framework, which you can use to create accessible curriculum and environments for ALL of your students. This proactive approach removes learning barriers by considering the natural variability of how students learn and supports all students in accessing the general education curriculum.

STEAM and Stories

Kristina Parr

Imagine if the Three Billy Goats built a taller bridge or the Three Little Pigs reinforced their houses to protect themselves from the Big Bad Wolf. Explore how STEAM can ignite creativity and inspire imagination in young children.

Books, Songs, and Fingerplays: Circle Time the Preschool Way!

Kristina Parr

Throw out the playlist and explore Circle Time as it was meant to be! Learn to create fun, cognitively challenging mini-lessons while embracing developmentally appropriate practices. Participants will explore how to embed IEP goals and Pre-kindergarten Guidelines into Circle Time in ways that engage all learners.

Using NAEYC Curriculum Standards to Inform our Teaching Practice with Toddlers

Lara Pauley

Have you ever wondered how you could incorporate the NAEYC Accreditation Curriculum Standard into your teaching practice with toddlers? Come and learn about the standard and how it looks in practice for each of the four developmental domains. Participants will leave the training with an understanding of the Curriculum standard and practical ideas they can use in their classrooms.

Where It All Starts: Math for Early Childhood

Emily Johnson and Erin Masek

How do educators provide a pathway for young learners to develop mathematical ideas and numeracy concepts? Many mathematical concepts and skills begin with the cluster of activities that are referred to as mathematical processes. In this session, participants will explore five beginning processes that are at the core of early childhood mathematics. They will participate in activities to engage young children of many different developmental levels in the five processes.

Embracing the Abilities in “Disability”: Utilizing Cultural Awareness to Eliminate Disparate Treatment of Young Children with Disabilities in ECE.

Flora Harmon

In education, research has shown that a teacher’s perspective and attitude about a child with a disability can positively or negatively impact that child’s academic experiences and outcomes (Longley & Craigo, 2023). It’s important that teachers of young children have positive perceptions of children with disabilities. In this presentation, we will discuss and complete activities that will bring awareness to the cultural origins of our perceptions of children with disabilities. Using that knowledge, we will discuss strategies on how to reframe negative perceptions of children with disabilities into positive and affirming attitudes that will support children of all abilities.

Become a Changemaker to Improve Early Childhood Systems & Services

Cathy McHorse and Madison Mattise

This session will inform and inspire participants as changemakers for a stronger, more coordinated and equitable early care and education system in Texas. We will provide an overview of the state of early childhood system including a recap of the 88th Legislative Session. This will include information about how policy and funding at the federal and state level influence the experience of children, families and service providers in local communities. We will share examples of how local Central Texas communities are collaborating through early childhood coalitions to improve access to quality early childhood services and programs for all children. Participants will engage in group activities to articulate goals and strategies for children, families and programs, and leave with tools and resources to take action.

Speech and Language Development and Strategies for our Early Learners

Katie Adams, M.S., CCC-SLP

Communication development is vital in the early years. It sets the foundation for how our students talk, express ideas, and interact socially! In this session, we will outline how communication develops and strategies that could be used to improve the speech and language skills of our littlest learners.

Trauma and the Very Young Child

Monica Kurtz

This session is designed to help early childhood educators understand the risk that trauma poses to young children. Participants will be able to identify possible causes of trauma, signs to watch for, and ways to help promote resiliency.

No Longer Siloed: EC and ECSE Collaboration

Julie Schwarz and Charlotte Zemo

Early childhood special education and general education prekindergarten have a lot in common, mainly that both are early childhood education. In Pflugerville ISD the PreK Coordinator and ECSE Coordinator have collaborated on many projects that include both programs and are leading to great success. Come learn strategies of how to work together and the importance to see how you can collaborate in your district.

Growing Up Wild

Texas Parks and Wildlife Facilitator

From buzzing bees to fluffy-tailed squirrels, teaching is more fun and effective with wildlife. Growing Up WILD builds upon children's natural curiosity to set them on the path to literacy, math, and science. Each activity is interdisciplinary and developmentally appropriate for 3-7 year olds. Come and experience the discovery yourself!

Adding Depth to Play Opportunities in Three Year Old Classrooms

Stephanie Negrete

Elevating classroom centers to promote student independence, learning, and curiosity. This session will invite teachers to see how thematic centers can connect conceptual learning, build vocabulary, and activate our students imaginations.

Building Executive Function Through Play

Amber L. Brown, Ed.D. and Amna Khalid

Executive functions are mental skills that include cognitive flexibility, working memory, and inhibitory control. Executive functions enable children to organize their thinking and behavior with increasing intentionality and flexibility. Early learning programs that intentionally support the development of executive functions skills, in addition to supporting cognitive development, provide the best environment for children's long-term success. This session will familiarize teachers, staff, directors, and parents with the importance of executive functions and the role of play in the development of executive function skills. Participants will also explore targeted play-based activities that support executive function development through hands-on experiences.

Tips and Tricks for the Preschool Classroom

Katelyn Spencer and Carly Ferrill

Come along with us as we explore the topic of classroom management through the lens of practical tips and tricks you can take back and implement with your students. We will explore Jacob Kounin's theory of classroom management and how it supports ALL learners - both with and without disabilities.

Get Up & Move! Building Momentum for Play in Inclusive Early Childhood Classrooms

Dr. Amanda Kloo

Exploring practical, easy-to-implement, evidence-based strategies for integrating creative movement & meaningful play into inclusive early childhood interactions

Music Play With Purpose

Jim Gill

In this lively session, Jim Gill shares additional musical games and explains, in greater detail, the purpose behind his play. His active music play provides a context for children to develop abilities, such as self-regulation, essential to school success. Jim’s clever word play and rhymes in the context of active movement games also provide broad opportunities for literacy development. You’ll bring some inspiration, useful in the morning and afternoon, back to your work with young children!

Strategies for Successful Inclusion in Early Childhood

Maryteresa Tracy MS Ed.

Participants will learn how effectively using evidence based practices such as visual supports, both in the classroom environment and during instruction, creates a learning environment that supports all learners, including those with learning differences.

Emergent Literacy Strategies in Early Childhood

Jennifer Russell

In this session, participants will learn about the foundational skills young children need to become successful readers and how they can organically embed those elements in the daily read aloud using the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Before, During and After Read Aloud Routine. This routine is a game changer for teachers who want instruction during read aloud time to become more intentional!

Leveraging Teacher Talk to Support All Learners' Success

Laura Dimmitt

My name is Laura Dimmitt, and I received my undergrad degree in Human Resources and Education from the University of West Virginia, and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Texas State University. I have been an bilingual early childhood teacher in Del Valle ISD for 24 years, and have served as a grade level leader, mentor, and cooperating teacher during that time. I have helped create and implement curriculum for Pre-K and dual language teachers in DVISD through professional development. I am passionate about building relationships and creating a positive, culturally responsive community in my classroom and school!

Katie Adams

Kristina Parr

Katlyn Wilkerson

Katlyn Wilkerson, ECSE teacher of Bastrop ISD. I am a graduate of Texas State University with 9 years of teaching experience and 8 years teaching in ECSE.

Denisse Baldwin and Elisabeth Thomison

Denisse Baldwin and Elisabeth Thomison serve as early childhood administrators in Georgetown ISD. Together they have 34 years of experience in public education. Their focus has been on alignment and implementation of authentic experiences across all early childhood classrooms.

Heather Cassity and Elizabeth Scogland

Heather Cassity and Elizabeth Scogland have over 30 years of experience in public education. Heather has spent most of her career in kindergarten and second grade. She was an instructional coach at a prek-5th campus for 6 years before coming to Austin ISD to be an early learning specialist for their Head Start program. Elizabeth spent most of her career as an early childhood teacher in various school districts and currently works as an early learning specialist in the Austin ISD Early Learning Department. Heather and Elizabeth support pre-k teachers, ECSE teachers, administrators, and pre-k parents through in-class support, instructional coaching, professional development, and parent-family engagement sessions. Together, they are dedicated to creating nurturing, inclusive learning environments where all students can be successful.

Jennifer Krawczyk and Samantha Shields

Jennifer Krawczyk and Samantha Shields have a combined experience of over 28 years in education. Jennifer spent most of her career as a special education teacher in ECSE and Elementary Life Skills classrooms. Samantha has spent most of her career as a primary teacher and instructional coach. She is an author and the owner of Your Coaches Corner.
Currently, Jennifer works as a behavior and disabilities specialist, and Samantha works as an early learning specialist in the Austin ISD Early Learning Department. Jennifer and Samantha support pre-k teachers, ECSE teachers, administrators, and pre-k parents through in-class support, instructional coaching, professional development, and parent-family engagement sessions. Together, they are dedicated to creating nurturing, inclusive learning environments where all students can be successful.

Lauren Gomez

Sylina Valdez

Coming Soon

Paula Freeman

Lisa Rukovena

Kristen Hazard

Amber Reinecke

Adrienne Arroyo

Coming Soon

Kim West

Kim West, Education Specialist for Inclusive Practices, is a special educator dedicated to supporting teachers and instructional leaders as they create inclusive environments and meaningful learning opportunities for students of all abilities. Within Region 13, Kim is a member of the MTSS Team, the Texas Instructional Leadership Team, and the Leader in Me initiative.

Emily Johnson

Erin Masek

Erin Masek is an Education Specialist for Low-Incidence Disabilities at Region 13. She was a teacher in a self-contained classroom for students with significant cognitive disabilities for 8 years. She received her master’s degree in Special Education with a concentration in Autism and Developmental Disabilities from Texas A&M. As part of Region 13’s Low Incidence Disabilities team, Erin’s work includes providing direct instructional support and coaching for educators who teach students with significant cognitive disabilities, facilitating workshops, and participating in Region 13’s AU/DD Specialist Network.

Stephanie Negrete

Flora Harmon

Cathy McHorse

Madison Mattisse

Coming Soon

Monica Kurtz

Lara Pauley

Lara Pauley has over 30 years of experience working with young children and families. She has worked as the director of NAEYC Accredited early learning programs, in toddler and preschool classrooms, in higher education, and as an early intervention specialist. Lara is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice at UT Austin where she is a Master Teacher at the Priscilla Pond Flawn Child and Family Laboratory School and an instructor in Human Development and Family Sciences. She has an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education and a B.S. in Child Development & Family Relationships.

Katelyn Spencer

Carly Ferrill

Carly Ferrill: This year was my 13th year as a Special Education Teacher. I started my teaching career in Florida in a K-5 Emotional / Behavioral Disorder classroom. After that, I found a position that fit my passion and my degree perfectly, Early Childhood Special Education! I taught Pre-K ESE for 5 years and was selected by the School District to serve as the model classroom for all of Palm Beach County. Through collaboration with the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD), we created a 4-part parent training series focused on Autism 101, Communication, Social/Emotional Skills, and Behavior. During the 2016 - 2017 school year, I served as a District Behavior Resource Teacher for Palm Beach County. I supported 17 schools in the South Region of Palm Beach County in the areas of special education and behavior. This was my 6th year in RRISD and my 5th year serving as an ECSE Coach for RRISD. I graduated from Florida State University with a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education and a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. I am a huge Seminoles Football fan! Go Noles!

Maryteresa Tracy

Jennifer Russell

Amber Brown

Amber L. Brown, Ed.D., is the Early Childhood Education Program Director and a professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Houston - Clear Lake. She is a former preschool and elementary teacher as well as a former preschool director. In addition to many years of private and public-school experience, she teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in early childhood on various topics, including preschool curriculum, playful pedagogy, and emergent literacy. Her research interests include family engagement, early childhood teacher preparation and efficacy, playful pedagogy, the promotion of executive functions, and early childhood home visiting programs - specifically the HIPPY program.

Amna Khalid

Coming Soon

Julie Schwarz

Julie Schwarz is an Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator in Pflugerville ISD. She has worked in the field of education for 20 years and has a heart for early childhood education.

Charlotte Zemo

Charlotte Zemo is a Prekindergarten Coordinator in Pflugerville ISD and has experience as a teacher, campus administrator, and district administrator. Her passion is early childhood education."

Betsy Herrington

Betsy Herrington has been an educator for 10 years. She has taught PreK-4th grade, and is currently teaching PreK with Dripping Springs ISD. She has a passion for incorporating play and creativity into the education setting, and loves to see her students let their uniqueness shine. Betsy currently lives in Austin with her husband, James, daughter, Chloe, and best dog ever, Cinnamon.

Katie Sieber