Welcome to the Arapahoe County Early Childhood Council’s Relationships Matter Spring Conference.
Join us for a day filled with insightful sessions, engaging speakers, and networking opportunities as we explore the empathy building power of relationships, with our keynote speaker from the Denver Zoo, and learn the importance of relationship-based care in early childhood education with our keynote speaker from Lakeshore.
This event will be held at the Sheraton Denver Tech Center Hotel in Greenwood Village.
Don't miss out on this chance to connect with like-minded individuals and learn valuable relationship-building skills. See you there!
Relationships with Nature: Helping People, Animals, and the Places We Live and Thrive Together
Keynote
The Denver Zoo has been a place of exploration and family bonding for generations. It is also home to passionate people making a difference for wildlife, and our love for animals drives everything we do. Our animal care team is committed to connecting communities with nature in a way that builds empathy, self-discovery, and lifelong learning. Meet some of the inspiring animals that make Denver Zoo home and explore ways you can connect the learners in your communities to nature in a way that fosters self-confidence, science identity, and a desire to be a part of the ecosystems that surround them.
Building Positive Relationships with Colleagues, Children, and their Families
Keynote
Open two-way communication between families and educators is necessary for a child’s success. Research shows that the more families and educators share relevant information with each other about a child, the better equipped both will be to help the child achieve academically. Therefore, it is imperative that we gain the trust of families, so that we can be a partner with them to support their child’s learning and growth. But it does not stop there. We must also build positive relationships with each child as well as our colleagues. We will explore effective communication strategies to build positive relationships with colleagues, children, and their families to promote the success of each child.
Love, Teaching, Care: You Make a Difference in Each Child’s Life
Breakout Session
Research confirms the first five years of life are the most important for brain development. A child's brain is at its most flexible, making this a critical period for learning and growth. As early educators, we are in a unique position to make a profound impact on the lives of all the children in our care. What a wonderful opportunity, but also a great responsibility! We will learn the importance of developing nurturing and responsive relationships with each child, because safe, secure relationships are the foundation to learning.
Monster, Monster, Munch, Munch, Munch: I'd Like to Build a Relationship for my Lunch!
Breakout Session
Designed as an interactive session, we will trace, cut, and sew a pattern, to bring your friendly monster puppet to life. Join us as we discover the remarkable relationships that can be developed through hand puppets and simple storytelling.
Trauma Responsive Care and the Power of Protective Factors
Breakout Session
The presence of protective factors, particularly safe, stable, and nurturing relationships, can mitigate the consequences of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Learn how protective factors can help a child feel safe more quickly after experiencing the toxic stress of ACEs and help to neutralize the physical changes that naturally occur during and after trauma.
A Taste of Conscious Discipline
Breakout Session
An exploration of the many ways Conscious Discipline gives educators the tools to see children in a positive light, be present with them, find common ground and build a relationship that jumpstarts learning both academic and social-emotional skills.
The Balancing Act: How Childcare Impacts the Colorado Workforce
Arapahoe/Douglas Works! Workforce Center
Breakout Session
To support a community culture that fosters healthy relationships between working parents, their children, and the workforce. We will present data that addresses barriers encountered in this relational dynamic within early childhood education, including parental leave, employment, healthcare, income, and housing.
Social Emotional Development and Addressing Challenging Behavior
All Health Network
Breakout Session
Let us discuss social emotional development and behaviors that feel challenging to us. And, building positive relationships in the classroom, with parents and caregivers to bolster stronger social-emotional development.
Sensory-Informed Environments: Cultivating Regulation and Relationships
Star Institute
Breakout Session
Embark on a transformative workshop tailored for early childhood educators eager to explore practical strategies for crafting inclusive and supportive classroom environments. Led by an experienced occupational therapist specialized in sensory processing, this session unveils connections between sensory-informed spaces and the regulation and relationship crucial for optimal learning. We will look at evidence-based strategies and actionable tips that foster engagement and well-being for neurodivergent students and benefit the entire learning community.