AELL 35th Anniversary National Conference-How Successful Directors Lead: Full Schedule

Come celebrate 35 amazing years with us!

8:00am CDT

Child Care Center Tour

Limited Capacity full

This popular pre-conference event takes you on a tour of local child care centers noted for excellence and innovation in early care and education.

Wednesday April 10, 2019 8:00am - 12:00pm CDT
Off-Site

Pre-Conference, Fee-Based

1:00pm CDT

Pre-Conference: Keys to Successfully Marketing Your Business with the Deluxe Team

Limited Capacity filling up

Join marketing and finance experts from Deluxe Corporation at our pre-conference event on Wednesday, April 10 from 1-5 pm. As the champions of the Small Business Revolution, Deluxe experts will provide tools, tips and insights on how to:

build your marketing strategy
develop a digital presence to get your learning center found online
leverage social media and email marketing to attract and stay connected with customers
manage your budget and cash flow.

See how Deluxe helped Discover, Learn & Grow turn their early childcare learning center around.

Register today.

Cost: $99 per person

Wednesday April 10, 2019 1:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Rhapsody

Pre-Conference, Fee-Based

Experience Level All Levels

5:30pm CDT

Conference Kick-Off Party!

Limited Capacity seats available

Grab your "Howdy!" and "Yee Haw!" and join us in the Exhibitor Hall for a Texas-sized "Welcome to Conference" Party! We'll have door prizes, snacks, cash bar, music, and tons of fun on hand as we launch an amazing week together!

Wednesday April 10, 2019 5:30pm - 7:00pm CDT
Exhibit Hall-Mandalay Ballroom

Networking, Included in Conference Registration

7:30pm CDT

Leader's Night Out!

Limited Capacity filling up

Experience 360 degree views of Dallas from the top of Reunion Tower as you dine on mouth-watering offerings from Wolfgang Puck's world renowned restaurant and complimentary wine, beer, and soda. This will be a night to remember as you mingle with friends, new and old! Your Leader's Night Out experience also includes transportation and a complimentary ticket for the GeO Deck.

The cost for this event is $139 per person. Space is limited so reserve your place early!

Wednesday April 10, 2019 7:30pm - 10:30pm CDT
Off-Site

Social Event, Fee-Based

8:30am CDT

Keynote: The Game Winning 3 with Dave Davlin

Limited Capacity seats available

Thursday April 11, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Las Colinas Ballroom: Salons D-F

Keynote: General Session, Included in Conference Registration

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

101-How Ready Are You for the Real Thing? - Planning and Preparing for Emergencies

Limited Capacity seats available

Children rely on us to make sense of the world around them, especially when that world erupts with chaos from an emergency situation. They need us to be ready, willing, and able to guide and protect them! Join safety and insurance expert, Michael Swain, for this important discussion and emergency planning session!

2019 Conference Presenters

Michael Swain

Sr. Loss Control Specialist, Markel Insurance Company

Michael is Sr. Loss Control Specialist for Markel Insurance Company. Michael is responsible for creating and implementing risk management programs in support of child care, social service, youth camp and recreation programs, non-profit organizations, youth clubs, martial arts, dance... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Martaban

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

102-Being an Intentional Leader

Limited Capacity filling up

The complexity of our work requires competence and confidence in management and leadership. This workshop will explore a new tool developed for administrators/directors to assess their knowledge, skills, and dispositions as related to your work. This tool lays the groundwork for you to design and build a bridge connecting where you are, to where you want to be.

2019 Conference Presenters

Angel Stoddard

Professor, University of Wisconsin: Milwaukee

Educator, trainer, author, coach, innovator, leader, learner. These are a few roles Angel has played in her 25-year career. Angel’s mission each day is to show up (stand up, step in, sit down, lean in) with passion and purpose, with curiosity and courage. She is driven to elevate... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Rangoon

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

103-Cultivating Community and Collaboration Among Teachers

Limited Capacity filling up

When you talk about your tribe, you are talking about people that you generally spend the most time with. These are the people that your soul connects to, and you share your joys and fears with. It is crucial to your success and sanity to find your tribe. We need to feel a sense of belonging and accomplishment in order to make epic stuff happen, and also on some days, just to survive.

Session goals include equipping and empowering participants to:
1. Create a plan to focus on creating a culture of community by using collaboration as the key to better communication.
2. Demonstrate specific barriers to the current culture at their centers and target ways to combat those barriers.
3. Explore different ways to collaborate together within teaching tribes, and develop an action plan.

2019 Conference Presenters

Rachel Supalla

Owner/Executive Director, Kidzone Montesorri

Rachel began her career in Early Childhood 20 years ago as teenage teacher assistant in San Diego. After moving to Montana, she started a part time preschool in her home with 5 children. Rachel was Montessori certified in 2010. Shortly after, added full day care and moved the center... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Nepal

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

104-Empower Others Through Delegation and Motivation

Limited Capacity filling up

A leader isn’t’ great because they have power. A leader's greatness is found in how effectively they empower others. Investigate the ways delegating and motivating daily tasks within the classroom can motivate and empower others, making each day within the classroom one of engagement, teamwork, and joy.

2019 Conference Presenters

Jennifer Romanoff

V.P. Education and Training, Lightbridge Academy

Love being a dance mom to my soon-to-be college freshman, however, the baby in the house is my German Shepherd, Scarlett. NJ Devils and New Orleans Saints. Enjoy creating and carrying out trainings for ECE teachers and administrators! "If you can be anything, choose to be kind... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Salon B-C

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

105-Managing Millennials

Limited Capacity filling up

There are four generations at work today. Managers of different generations often express frustration with the next generation's work ethic, commitment, methods, and perspective. Participants will be given key strategies for effectively leading the millennial generation and beyond. Strategies include problem-solving, and examining the limitations of our own expectations and how they impact our leadership of other generations.

2019 Conference Presenters

Dawn Martini

Child Care Specialist, McGuckin & Associates

Dawn is a Child Care Specialist with Ronald V. McGuckin & Associates. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and has worked in a variety of early learning environments beginning as teacher. As a behavior therapist, Dawn worked with disabled children... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Enjolie

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

106-Biggest Legal Mistakes Directors Make!

Limited Capacity full

What you don't know can hurt you! Nationally recognized (and appreciated) child care legal expert Ron McGuckin will share the most common and costly mistakes directors and leaders make! Let these cautionary tales prevent you from making decisions that result in your mistake being his next object lesson!

2019 Conference Presenters

Ron McGuckin, J.D.

Attorney, McGuckin & Associates

Ron is a practicing attorney in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with years of experience in child care law. He is a lecturer and consultant, training child care professionals on a variety of management and legal issues. He has co-authored a variety of publications, including "Current... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Rhapsody

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

107-So You Want to Own a Child Care Center?

Limited Capacity seats available

Are you ready for the next step in your career of caring? Are you ready to start your own child care center or purchase an existing one?

In this session, you will discover what it takes to be a child care owner. You’ll begin by taking a quick assessment to determine if you’re ready for that big step.

You will examine the risks and the rewards of being self-employed. You will gain a framework of the 5 Core Competencies you’ll need to know before you take the leap!

Child care is the only human service early education business that sees it customers everyday twice a day! That requires a vast amount of skill, cash, and resilience to be a successful owner.

This session offers a unique look into the nuts and bolts of being an entrepreneur from an experienced owner with 42 years of experience in multi-site ownership. The goal of this session is to set new owners up for success.

2019 Conference Presenters

Donna Thornton-Roberts

Donna has more than 35 years of experience leading people, and developing child care programs with a solid record of accomplishments. Donna holds a MBA and undergraduate degree in Management of Human Resources and has developed over 40 child care programs employing thousands of employees... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Andaman

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

108-Recruitment and Retention of Quality Volunteers

Limited Capacity seats available

Volunteers are a resource that programs can use to enrich curriculum and aide teachers. This workshop will show you where to find eager, qualified volunteers beyond your parent population and how to engage them to provide a valuable source of enrichment that benefits every aspect of your program as well as the volunteers themselves.

2019 Conference Presenters

Danielle Waite

Director, University of California Merced

Dr. Danielle Waite is the founding director at UC Merced's program since 2008. Her program serves a diverse population of campus and community families. The program provides an innovative early care and education program for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Over the course... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Salon A

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

12:30pm CDT

Munch & Mingle Lunch Event

Limited Capacity seats available

This popular lunch event is created to be your time to connect with people, and gain resources that support your program goals and leadership! Bring your appetite, your business cards, and get your munch and mingle on!

Thursday April 11, 2019 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Exhibit Hall-Mandalay Ballroom

Networking, Included in Conference Registration

2:00pm CDT

201-If You Aren't Cultivating Your Staff, You Are Losing Your Staff

Limited Capacity full

By using the creativity we spark in the children in our care, we can develop a work culture that is rich in purpose-driven appreciation. No matter our budget, we must take time to affirm our staff in new and creative ways each and every day, and create a culture where they appreciate each other. A work culture with a foundation in genuine appreciation fosters staff investment and tenure.

2019 Conference Presenters

Heather Torres

Executive Director, Hope Lutheran Learning Center

Heather started in early childhood education as a teacher's assistant in 2003. She taught for four years in ages up to pre-kindergarten. In 2006 she became an assistant director where she helped open and run a brand new center. In 2009 she became the Executive Director of a... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Nepal

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

202-Show Me the Money: Empowering Management to Lead Their Schools to Financial Success

Limited Capacity full

Having a passion for childcare is key as the Owner or Director of a school, but are you truly dialed into your school's financial health? Join Mike Pepper of HINGE Brokers as he walks through the five financial factors of successful leadership. Passion alone won't be enough! Don't miss this insightful workshop that will give you innovative financial strategies to put into place when you return.

2019 Conference Presenters

Mike Pepper

National Director of Real Estate, Hinge Brokers

Having built portfolios of early childhood education campuses in Colorado as well as sold portfolios in California, Minnesota, Washington, Illinois, Florida and Maryland, Mike is the go-to guy for early education financial and real estate needs. Mike is the National Director of... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Enjolie

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

203-Active Supervision: What Every Teacher Must Know and Be Able to Do

Limited Capacity seats available

Active supervision is an effective strategy used to intentionally observe and care for children at all times. One of our primary responsibilities as leaders is to ensure that our staff is trained and equipped to be successful in their role. This session will unpack what supervision really looks like, and equip leaders to support effective and consistent supervision of children in every classroom.

2019 Conference Presenters

Karina Soto

Teacher Specialist, Florida Atlantic University

Karina Soto is a Teacher Specialist for the School Board of Broward County. She received her B.S.Ed. in Exceptional Students Education K-12 from Broward College and her M.S.Ed. in Exceptional Early Childhood Education from the University of Miami. She is currently completing doctoral... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon B-C

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

204-Understanding Your Management Style and Using It

Limited Capacity filling up

Management ain't easy!!! If you are a manager of more than three people, you probably understand that each of those people will need something different from you to be effective and productive employees. In this workshop, we will look at situational management, and how to use that to support your management efforts with each staff member.

2019 Conference Presenters

Miriam Dressler

Director of Learning and Education, Bloom Early Education

Miriam is the owner at August Education, an Early Childhood Training & Consulting company, as well as the founder and co-owner of Bloom Early Education, a preschool located in Edmonds, WA. Miriam has been working, teaching, and training in the early education field for over 30 years... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Rhapsody

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

205-Managing Challenging Situations and People

Limited Capacity full

This session will focus on constructive ways of coping with challenging situations in both personal and professional settings. Discussion will include identifying the characteristics of challenging people, components of emotional intelligence, and exploring methods to the best approach for managing conflict.

2019 Conference Presenters

Cynthia Jauregui

Administrator, Bright Horizons Family Solutions

My name is Cynthia Jauregui. I have been in the Early Childhood field for 18 years now. My favorite age group to work with is Infants. I love to watch them grow and reach milestones. I love to be a part of that growth and development and to be able to share these experiences with... Read More →

Liz Matson

Administrator, Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Liz Matson has been working with students and teachers in the area of early care and education for over 30 years. Liz has given numerous presentations at the local, regional, state and national level. Liz has served as a board member of Easter Seals Early Childhood Intervention... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Rangoon

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

206-Be Your Best Self: 50 Ways to Stay Motivated

Limited Capacity full

What do you need to change to be your best self? What will it take to overcome the challenges? What strategies do you need to implement and ensure success? All great questions, and this session will explore the answers! This class will be inspirational, fun, and loaded with over 50 ideas for CHANGE and growth that inspire you to be YOUR BEST SELF!

2019 Conference Presenters

Lynnette McCarty

Owner, Serendipity Children's Center

Lynnette has been a small business owner for over 30 years. She owns and oversees currently Serendipity Children’s Center and PK Academy. Her center is licensed for 245 ages 6 week to age 12. She has a management team of 3 and 48 employees.Lynnette serves as Past President... Read More →

Thursday April 11, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Martaban

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

207-The "Who, What, When, and Where" of the National Accreditation Commission

Limited Capacity seats available

This informative session will provide an overview of the National Accreditation Commission, and how it can serve your program and families in meaningful ways. It is designed to ensure that all participants establish a core understanding of both process, and procedure. A brief history of the system, an overview of the accreditation process, a review of the self-study steps, and tips for using the Accreditation Manual for program improvement will be the basis for this workshop.

2019 Conference Presenters

Laura Genz

Validation Visit Coordinator, Association for Early Learning Leaders

Erin Schmidt

Director of Accreditation, Association for Early Learning Leaders

Thursday April 11, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Andaman

Breakout Session, Accreditation

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

208-Effects of Legalized Marijuana on Employer Policies

Limited Capacity seats available

Thirty-three states and counting have legalized marijuana for medicinal use, to treat anything from anxiety, to pain management. Ten states (including the District of Columbia) and counting have legalized the recreational use of marijuana for persons over the age of 21. Federally, marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, the most restrictive classification for drugs under the Controlled Substance Act. What does this mean for you, the employer, and your Substance Use/Abuse Policy? This session will examine the interaction between the state and federal laws, your license, your general liability insurance, and worker’s compensation insurance policies. We will analyze the complexities of an employee’s medicinal use of marijuana to treat a condition which qualifies under the Americans with Disabilities Act as a protected disability and your employment policy. We will work to create a comprehensive employment policy that protects the business, the license and administration, and explore ways to further the conversation with state licensing agencies to provide clear direction for your programs. Finally, we will discuss the interplay between Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect and parent’s use of marijuana to apply the regulations and laws to individual situations that may occur with parents in your center.

2019 Conference Presenters

Dawn Martini

Child Care Specialist, McGuckin & Associates

Thursday April 11, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon A

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

5:00pm CDT

Get Connected! First-Time Attendee Meet & Greet

Limited Capacity full

If this is your first time to participate in our conference or you are attending conference alone, please join the AELL Ambassadors for this fun, interactive "Get Connected" reception! This is the perfect place to make new friends, get to know more about the Association, and get tips on making the most of your conference experience!

Thursday April 11, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Rangoon

Networking, Included in Conference Registration

5:00pm CDT

Owners Only Happy Hour

Limited Capacity filling up

Calling all Owners! Join us for networking and all the latest and greatest information about upcoming Owners Only activities and resources! Cash bar and light snacks will be available.

This event is being sponsored by our friends at InspireCare 360!

Thursday April 11, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm CDT
Enjolie

Networking, Owners Only

8:00pm CDT

35th Anniversary 80s Dance Party!

Limited Capacity filling up

Join us as we celebrate 35 years of sharing this amazing journey! We will have great music, dancing, karaoke, door prizes, snacks, cash bar, and Texas-sized FUN! #celebratingourlegacy #AELL35years

Thursday April 11, 2019 8:00pm - 11:30pm CDT
Rhapsody

Social Event, Included in Conference Registration

Experience Level All Levels

8:30am CDT

301-"OZ"ome Family Partnership

Limited Capacity seats available

In addition to all the other things we do to manage our programs, leaders have to consider how they will work with parents and families, as well as with children. Families make critical decisions about early childhood care and education programs for their children. Successful programs recognize that they need to build a trusting partnership between families and programs just like Dorothy, the Tinman, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion had to trust each other. Come discover how the Wizard of Oz can help you build a “OZ”ome Family Partnership.

2019 Conference Presenters

Dawn Brown

Program Director, Christ the King Early Education Center

Dawn holds a B.A. in Early Childhood Education from Washburn University. She has worked in the field of early care and education for over 30 years in all aspects (family child care, preschool, school-age, and center). For the past six years she has been the director at Christ the... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Salon A

Breakout Session, General Audience

8:30am CDT

302-Putting the Right People in the Right Places

Limited Capacity filling up

Putting the right people in the right places is a leader's version of the shape matching ball we use to play with young children. Trying to force that square peg into a round hole is exhausting and non-productive. This session will focus on understanding who the people on your team are--their skills, talents, experiences, and passions, and identifying how and where they will fit most successfully in your program.

2019 Conference Presenters

Shannon Hendricks

Director of Children's Programs, Bryan's House

Shannon is Director of Children's Care and Programs at Bryan's House in Dallas, Texas. In her role, Shannon administers the Early Childhood Education, after-school care, and Respite Care Programs. Bryan's House is a unique program that provides care for families dealing with HIV or... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Salon B-C

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

8:30am CDT

303-Making the Transition from Classroom to Management

Limited Capacity filling up

"All you do is sit in the office, paint your fingernails and answer the phone. I want that job!" This is a common statement made by people who want to work in management and then we they land in that seat, reality hits and they find out there is so much more to the job than they imagined. This session is imperative for emerging leaders looking to move into management and/or leaders and owners considering promotion from classroom roles into management in the near future. Proven skills and techniques will be shared to set future leaders up for success.

2019 Conference Presenters

Tymothy Smith

Owner, Early Care and Education Training & Consulting

Tym has been in the Early Care and Education profession for over 20 years. His career has included positions as an After-School teacher, as well as Pre-K and private Kindergarten. In the Administration arena, Tym has served as Director of a large program, and then multi-unit management... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Andaman

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

8:30am CDT

304-The Basics of Giving Feedback

Limited Capacity filling up

In this session we will define what the goals and outcomes are of an effective feedback session. We will look at communication and leadership styles and their effect on feedback. We will determine how and when to give feedback and how to give difficult feedback effectively.

2019 Conference Presenters

Caterina Pannarale

Program Director, Bright Horizons

Katia has a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and brings more than 25 years of field experience as teacher, program coordinator, assistant director and program director.

Friday April 12, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Rhapsody

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

8:30am CDT

305-The Near Death Experience of a Child Care Business: The Value of Values

Limited Capacity seats available

Owners and Executive Operators will learn the fundamental elements of building their organization and organization's culture on values, and how to develop those values based on their staff, parent, and community needs. Once developed, strategies will be shared in how to train, develop, and engage staff in those values to reduce turnover, and build a highly sustainable culture.

2019 Conference Presenters

Anthony D'Agostino

Founder/CEO, Inspire Care 360

Tony has extensive experience in early childhood as an owner and operator and also led the development of over 6900 hours of early learning curriculum, the 9 Key Development Areas. Prior to the early learning space, Tony lead practices in Human Resources (Recruiting, Onboarding... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Enjolie

Breakout Session, Owners/Executive/Advanced Leaders

8:30am CDT

306-Top 5 Tips for Social Media Success

Limited Capacity full

Social media is here to stay, and it is in our best interest as leaders and business operators to know how to use this tool effectively. This session will explore the various social media platforms, and how to use them to best grow our business, communicate our messages, and expand our influence in the community.

2019 Conference Presenters

Jessica Robinson

Founder, Anti-Social Media

Jessica is an accidental social media marketer with a degree in child development. In addition to her expertise in early childhood education, Jessica has served as social media manager and is the creator/founder of Anti-Social Media, which provides full-time professional social... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Martaban

Breakout Session, Owner/Executive/Advanced Leaders

8:30am CDT

307-Enrollments on Demand

Limited Capacity full

The number one challenge that child care centers are constantly trying to solve is enrollment. Enrollments create cash flow which make life a whole lot easier. What if there was a way to generate “enrollments on demand” and build a wait list outside the door and around the block? Thankfully, there is, and this presentation will provide you with all the tips, tools and tactics you need to grow your enrollments, fast!

2019 Conference Presenters

Michael Tasner

CEO, No Joke Marketing

Serial entrepreneur, speaker, five-time bestselling author and father. Michael Tasner has been in the game of marketing since he 14 years old starting a web site design agency from the public library. He coined the phrase web 3.0 marketing and marketing in the moment and has been... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Nepal

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

8:30am CDT

308-What Every Leader Needs to Know About Human Resources

Limited Capacity filling up

As a Director or Owner, we dive into early childhood education because of our love for children. However, one of the hats were must wear is Human Resource Director. This session will cover how to recruit, interview, and hire the right teachers, how to develop effective staff training plans and orientation, and how to avoid legal pitfalls to ensure human resource compliance with all labor practices.

2019 Conference Presenters

Shela Mobrak

Friday April 12, 2019 8:30am - 10:15am CDT
Rangoon

Breakout Session, Included in Conference Registration

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

401-Strength Based Communication to Support Positive Team Relationships

Limited Capacity full

Teachers in early childhood programs are often overwhelmed by negativity, drama, and high-stress relationships. A key to creating a more positive work environment is to support teachers in developing strength-based communication skills. This workshop will provide participants with impactful frameworks, protocols, empowering questions, reflective exercises, and a team assessment designed to help them build the skills that they need to communicate effectively with their colleagues, administrators, and parents.

2019 Conference Presenters

Susan MacDonald

Professional Speaker, Coach and Author, Inspiring New Perspectives

Susan MacDonald has been inspiring early childhood audiences as a leadership speaker for over 25 years, igniting passion in educators to create a new vision for themselves that aligns with their core beliefs and to bring renewed energy to all aspects of their programs. Susan’s customized... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Rhapsody

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

402-Connections: The Key to Family Engagement, Employee Satisfaction, and Increased Productivity

Limited Capacity full

During this workshop, participants will understand how being connected and connecting
others is significant to the success of their program. Research supports the importance of
connecting people to promote higher levels of engagement, employee satisfaction, and
productivity. Through hands-on activities and group discussions, participants will leave the
workshop with these 3 strategies to put into place; establishing and sustaining a parent group to empower and connect families to the center developing family and staff professional relationships to connect families to staff, and creating a culture of connection to support staff retention to connect staff to the center.

2019 Conference Presenters

Sandi Brooks

Regional Manager, Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Sandi Brooks is a Regional Manager with Bright Horizons Family Solutions, managing and supporting directors in all operational areas. Sandi graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She draws on over 20 years experience in... Read More →

Leann Hackler

Regional Manager, Bright Horizons Family Solutions

Friday April 12, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Nepal

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level New/Emerging Leaders

10:45am CDT

403-Using Observations, Assessment & Planning Cycle to Support Children's Learning

Limited Capacity filling up

Children learn quickly, and each child learns at his/her own rate. The completion of objective observations can assist teachers in learning more about each individual child, their developmental strengths, and needs. The connection of these observations with various assessments, including ones that are program specific, can provide necessary information to plan developmentally appropriate lessons to support each child's development.

2019 Conference Presenters

Dr. Joanne Baham

Department of Education Program Coordinator, Hill College

Dr. Lisa Taylor Cook

Assistant Professor, Tarleton State University

Dr. Lisa Taylor Cook has worked in child development programs, family child care and public schools. For the past 15 years, she has worked in the early childhood field in private, public, and military child care programs. As an assistant director and training and curriculum specialist... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Martaban

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

404-Getting Out of Overwhelmed: Tools to Work ON Your Business Instead of Working IN Your Business

Limited Capacity full

Do you walk into your program with a to-do list, but find yourself in a classroom for the majority of your day? Do you wish you could work a 9 - 5 versus an open to close schedule? Do you have dreams to pursue other ventures, but don't have enough time? Then this session is for you! This session will equip you with tools to put systems in place and minimize your daily workload. Gain strategies to delegate by ensuring your employees are clear on their roles and functions in the company. Learn about various technologies, and how to leverage them to manage your program effectively when you are off-site. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify their stressors, and map out an action plan to take them out of "overwhelmed."

2019 Conference Presenters

Tameenah Adams

Coach, Child Care Success for Child Care Marketing Solutions

Tameenah Adams is a Child Care Success Coach for Child Care Marketing Solutions. She holds her B.A. in Organizational Leadership and her A.A. in Business Management. Tameenah has over 18 years experience in personnel management. She own and manages multiple child care centers in the... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Andaman

Breakout Session, Owners/Executive/Advanced Leaders

Experience Level Executive/Advanced

10:45am CDT

405-Role of Telehealth in Diagnosing and Treating Children with Austism Spectrum Disorder

Limited Capacity seats available

Children with autism need consistent care and therapy with caregivers who understand their needs. Many families do not have access to specialized care —they may live too far away from care, or simply find it inaccessible based on their circumstances. Telehealth has many advantages, including its accessibility and flexibility. Telehealth can offer an alternative to services provided in-person that may increase access of individuals with ASD to experts (e.g., behavior analysts).

2019 Conference Presenters

Boyd Mark

Director of Telehealth, The Scott Center for Autism Treatment, Florida Tech

Boyd H. Mark is the Director of Telehealth at The Scott Center for Autism Treatment on the campus of the Florida Institute of Technology. The Scott Center is a world leader in evidencedbased autism treatment with a three-fold mission of clinical service, research and training. Mr... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Salon A

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

406-Best Meeting Ever! Creating Successful and Productive Staff Meetings

Limited Capacity filling up

Make your monthly staff meetings the highlight of the month for everyone! In this workshop we will look at ways to maximize the time, effort, and money spent on staff meetings. We'll offer strategies and ideas to re-engage your staff, provide relevant learning experiences, and increase the overall quality of your program. And, we'll take a look at how to handle any challenging behaviors of adults, too!

2019 Conference Presenters

Miriam Dressler

Director of Learning and Education, Bloom Early Education

Friday April 12, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Rangoon

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

407-Effects of Legalized Marijuana on Employer Policies

Limited Capacity seats available

2019 Conference Presenters

Dawn Martini

Child Care Specialist, McGuckin & Associates

Friday April 12, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Enjolie

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

10:45am CDT

408-What's New and Next for the National Accreditation Commission

Limited Capacity seats available

Big things will be ringing in with the new year and beyond! The 2019 standards and updates will be released, and this will be your opportunity to get the 411, the low-down, and the latest and greatest news and information from the National Accreditation Commission.

2019 Conference Presenters

Margaret Collins

National Accreditation Commission Chair, National Accreditation Commission

Margaret Collins was the Director of River Road Church Preschool for 25 years. A former Director of the Year, she has a Master's of Education in early childhood and has been a consultant for childcare centers and workshop presenter in the field of early childhood. Ms. Collins is founder... Read More →

Laura Genz

Validation Visit Coordinator, Association for Early Learning Leaders

Erin Schmidt

Director of Accreditation, Association for Early Learning Leaders

Friday April 12, 2019 10:45am - 12:30pm CDT
Salon B-C

Breakout Session, Accreditation

Experience Level All Levels

12:30pm CDT

Munch & Mingle Networking & Lunch Event

Friday April 12, 2019 12:30pm - 2:00pm CDT
Exhibit Hall-Mandalay Ballroom

Networking, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

501-Staff Shortage Survival Skills for Leaders

Limited Capacity full

Every leader, in nearly every field, is feeling the stress and strain from the chronic staffing shortage we have experienced in recent years. It can be challenging to administrate a program and lead a team from the two-year old room! In this timely session, Mary will share her stories and her strategies for surviving and thriving when the staffing is short, and the days are long!

2019 Conference Presenters

Mary Hornbeck

CEO/Executive Director, Special Beginnings

MARY HORNBECK began her career in early care and education in 1989 when she became the owner of Special Beginnings Early Learning Centers. Her company has grown through the years with 5 locations that serve over 275 families. As Executive Director, Mary leads a 10 member management... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Martaban

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

502-Organizational Health: A Requirement for Success

Limited Capacity seats available

What does a healthy organization look like, and why does it matter? Based on Patrick Lencioni's book "The Advantage," we'll discover how to create a healthy early care and education organization, which promotes the success of staff, children, and families.

2019 Conference Presenters

Robin Stephenson

Owner/CEO, Work & Play Ent

Robin’s professional experience includes serving as a teacher and administrator; executive program leader; vice president; college professor; entrepreneur and business owner. Her training and support of staff and specifically, women in leadership reaches throughout the United States... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon A

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

503-Staff Appreciation: Bring It On!

Limited Capacity filling up

Employees who feel they have a positive personal relationship with their supervisors are more likely to be engaged employees. Staff appreciation activities provide opportunities for employers to connect with their co-workers and their supervisor. We will discuss the importance of valuing employees and brainstorm some ideas on how to do this.

2019 Conference Presenters

Mollie Ipsen

Program Specialist, Arkansas State University Childhood Services

Mollie Ipsen has been in the early childhood ﬁeld for close to 20 years from being a teacher in the classroom to overseeing an after school program to working with administrators of child care facilities. Currently working at Arkansas State University Childhood Services, Mollie... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Salon B-C

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

504-Eat Cake for Breakfast! Picking the Right Battles with People

Limited Capacity filling up

There is no shortage of opportunities to engage in battles of wills and wits with the people we do life with, both at work, and at home. These battles have the ability to consume mass quantities of our time, patience, and sanity, so picking the right battles matters. How do we know when to engage and when to pass? Are the battles we are choosing based on our values or preferences, and what difference does it make anyway? If you find yourself battling more than leading, this session was created for you!

2019 Conference Presenters

Lori Buxton

Managing Director, Association for Early Learning Leaders

Lori Buxton has been involved in early care and education since 1995. She has served children and their families on many levels, including classroom teacher, program director, executive administrator and training consultant. Lori is a dynamic speaker who encourages and inspires... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Rhapsody

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

505-Owners Only Hot Topics Forum

Limited Capacity full

Join Ron McGuckin for this round table discussion on the latest business, legal, and HR issues facing early care and education program owners today!

2019 Conference Presenters

Ron McGuckin, J.D.

Attorney, McGuckin & Associates

Friday April 12, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Nepal

Breakout Session, Owners Only

Experience Level Owners

2:00pm CDT

506-Be Extraordinary: The Habits of High Achievers

Limited Capacity filling up

Based on the book “High Performance Habits” by Brendon Burchard, we will review the habits necessary to be a High Achiever. Good habits and high energy are needed for our work in early education. These habits transcend all types of businesses, and assist with increasing our passion and excellence! You will learn the skill-set necessary to be “extraordinary” in all areas of your business!

2019 Conference Presenters

Lynnette McCarty

Owner, Serendipity Children's Center

Friday April 12, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Enjolie

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

507- Tuition and Your Business

Limited Capacity seats available

Your passion for providing care and education to the kids in your care shows. We appreciate
everything you do to deliver an outstanding early learning environment.

What keeps your business going? Tuition from the parents who drop off their kids every day.
Tuition is essential to your success. How do you know what to charge? When to raise rates?
How to be competitive? How to charge for services at your center?
How do you collect and post your tuition? Do your current methods serve the needs of your
customers? Can it be easier?

Let us help you uncover all of the details about tuition at your child care center.

2019 Conference Presenters

Ryan Gwaltney

ProCare Software

Kassia A. Galloway

Marketing Programs Manager, ProCare Software

Kassia Galloway is Marketing Programs Manager for Procare Software. She had deep knowledge and experience in the digital marketing and customer engagement. Through her expertise in the childcare industry and understanding of the millennial parent, she presents the value of technology... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Andaman

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

2:00pm CDT

508-Managing Your Managers: Multi-Site Leadership

Limited Capacity seats available

Successful multi-site management doesn't happen by accident. It requires organization of time, priorities, and resources. It requires a mastery of relationship management as you work to meet the competing agendas and needs of the managers you lead. This session will be filled with insights and strategies to equip you to effectively lead and develop your leaders.

2019 Conference Presenters

Lynette Galante

Owner/Executive Director, Future Generations, Inc.

Lynette Galante is the Executive Director and Owner of Future Generation Early Learning Centers. She has been part of the Future Generation family for 17 years and has been in the early learning industry for 23 years. Lynette received her bachelor's degree from Marist College. Post-graduation... Read More →

Friday April 12, 2019 2:00pm - 3:45pm CDT
Rangoon

Breakout Session, Owner/Executive/Advanced Leaders

Experience Level Executive/Advanced Leaders

4:15pm CDT

Ambassador Informational Meeting

Limited Capacity seats available

The AELL Ambassador Team is the face our amazing Association! They are the hosts with the most and work very hard to make each of our events both memorable and meaningful! If you are interested in how you can be part of this amazing volunteer group of experts and leaders, join us!

Friday April 12, 2019 4:15pm - 4:45pm CDT
Rangoon

Networking, General Audience

6:00pm CDT

Dine Arounds with AELL Ambassadors!

Limited Capacity seats available

Our AH-Mazing AELL Ambassadors have a selection of restaurants for you to pick from and will lead groups on a scenic walk filled with photo ops to host a wonderful evening of connecting and hopefully, making lifelong friends!

Please use the following link to sign up for your restaurant group as soon as you are able:

https://form.jotform.us/91006438666157

We will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby! See you soon!

Friday April 12, 2019 6:00pm - 9:00pm CDT
Off-Site

Social Event

9:00am CDT

601-Inspiring Professional Growth: Practical Strategies for Creating a Growth Culture in Early Childhood Programs

Limited Capacity filling up

Inspiring Professional Growth presents the strategies that early childhood leaders need to create a school culture that is intentionally focused on the continuous professional growth of teachers. Leaders will be inspired to make concrete, sustainable changes to their systems for supporting every teacher's professional development. Participants will leave with new strategies, tools, and resources to guide them in effectively creating a Growth Culture in their programs.

2019 Conference Presenters

Susan MacDonald

Professional Speaker, Coach and Author, Inspiring New Perspectives

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 10:45am CDT
Nepal

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

9:00am CDT

602-Situational Leadership: A Strategy for Managing Staff

Limited Capacity filling up

High performing organizations are led by people who understand people, what motivates them, and how traditional motivation doesn't work. This session will help you understand your role in leading your team; from the beginning staff member through those that have become confident leaders in the organization.

2019 Conference Presenters

Robin Stephenson

Owner/CEO, Work & Play Ent

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 10:45am CDT
Rhapsody

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

9:00am CDT

603-Hiring Them for Keeps!

Limited Capacity seats available

How do we find and hire quality staff that not only have the experience and education we are looking for, but also the attitudes and work ethic? This session will provide strategies for successful interviewing and hiring practices, as well as keys to keeping those people invested and engaged in your vision and program!

2019 Conference Presenters

Linda Bardales

Director of Home Base Quality Programs, Educational First Steps

Linda has always had a love for children and has been in the "business of children" in different capacities for over 30 years. She firmly believes that all children deserve a chance to have a strong educational foundation which will enable them to have a love of learning and to... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 10:45am CDT
Enjolie

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

9:00am CDT

604-Leading from the Middle

Limited Capacity filling up

You were the best teacher in the center and now you have been promoted to Director! Now what?
How do you lead big people? How do you manage with more confidence? How do you face challenging situations and keep your composure?

Emerging Leaders -Leadership 101 is a session that will change the way you manage your center and give you solid - practical insight and tools from one of the leading HR experts in child care management.

If you are a new Director or an Assistant, this session is for you!

In Emerging Leaders will discover Leadership Fundamentals in how to inspire followers, how to utilize and leverage the new skills to lead with confidence.

2019 Conference Presenters

Donna Thornton-Roberts

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 10:45am CDT
Martaban

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level New Leaders/Middle Management

9:00am CDT

605-Serve and Return: Strengthening Connections

Limited Capacity seats available

Good staff communication is essential to business success. Attendance, morale, performance, and productivity can all be traced back to communication. Learn to communicate effectively with your staff by reducing tension, being clear on expectations, and recognizing not only the weaknesses, but also the strengths.

2019 Conference Presenters

JuNene K

Owner, Perpectual Motion Studios

JuNene K. has 15+ years of training in Early Childhood Development. She holds a B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Development and is currently working on her Doctorate in Applied Behavior Analysis. She is a Child Development Associate Credential Instructor... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon B-C

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

9:00am CDT

606-Authentic Family Engagement and Communication

Limited Capacity filling up

Early care and education is an industry of person to person interactions. We do not deal in widgets, we work and PLAY with people…therefore, strong interpersonal skills are crucial to our success.
Many of our parents and staff are from a generation that has known and utilized apps, social media, e-commerce and other forms of instant information their entire lives. Current trends lean towards this type of communication, as millennials typically prefer to get information this way. BUT, are electronics the best and most desirable means of communication for our field? In this session, we will explore the delicate balance between electronic and person to person communications.

2019 Conference Presenters

Alix Hall

Owner/Executive Director, Discovery Tree Schools

Alix is a teacher, small business owner, and educational consultant with over thirty years experience in the field of early childhood education. She holds a Masters Degree in Child Development and a minor in psychology. She has taught, directed, administrated and owned child development... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 10:45am CDT
Andaman

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All levels

9:00am CDT

607-Budgets and Profit/Loss Statements: Understanding the Numbers

Limited Capacity filling up

We can love our field and our mission with our whole heart and build a phenomenal program based on sound philosophy, but if we can't manage our resources successfully, all our plans will fail. This session will focus on a 3-part budget and how to make it work for you. We will discuss revenue line items, payroll management, payroll hours, and operating expenses.

2019 Conference Presenters

Tymothy Smith

Owner, Early Care and Education Training & Consulting

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 10:45am CDT
Rangoon

Breakout Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels

9:00am CDT

608-Leading Your Team Through Accreditation

Limited Capacity seats available

Put Me in Coach! So you are ready to begin the Accreditation process! How do you lead your team through the process in your already busy schedule? How do you gain buy-in from your teaching staff? Planning for success and being aware of potential hurdles will help you stay on your path. We will use the National Accreditation Commission Self-Study Timetable to develop a strategy for success. We can help you get your team fired up, engaged, and committed to this important journey! Let us show you how to replace intimidated with INSPIRED!

2019 Conference Presenters

Laura Genz

Validation Visit Coordinator, Association for Early Learning Leaders

Erin Schmidt

Director of Accreditation, Association for Early Learning Leaders

Saturday April 13, 2019 9:00am - 10:45am CDT
Salon A

Breakout Session, Accreditation

Experience Level Accreditation

11:15am CDT

Closing Keynote: The Promise of a Pencil with Adam Braun

Limited Capacity seats available

You won't want to miss the powerful and inspiring story of "The Promise of a Pencil." Best-selling author, Adam Braun, will share his heart and mission for children, and it will send you home with a renewed purpose and passion for your program, your team, and the children you serve!

2019 Conference Presenters

Adam Braun

Creator, Pencils of Promise

Adam Braun is a New York Times bestselling author and two-time education entrepreneur. He is the Chief Operating Officer of WeGrow, an education initiative by WeWork, and before this served as the Co-Founder & CEO of MissionU (acquired by WeWork in May 2018). He was previously Fo... Read More →

Saturday April 13, 2019 11:15am - 1:00pm CDT
Las Colinas Ballroom: Salons D-F

Keynote: General Session, General Audience

Experience Level All Levels