Annual Conference Agenda
Conference Agenda
Friday, August 28: Leadership Day
Friday will focus on the realities of leading child care programs in a rapidly changing environment. Sessions and discussions will address timely challenges facing programs, leadership needs, business sustainability, and opportunities for growth.
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Start Leadership Day with a full breakfast and time to connect with early childhood leaders from across New Mexico. Please check in when you arrive to receive your attendee name badge and conference bag before settling in for breakfast, networking, and the day’s sessions.
Menu
Scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, danish & croissants
Chilled orange juice, freshly brewed coffee and international herbal teas
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Presenter: Barbara Tedrow, President of NMECA
Kick off Leadership Day by coming together with early childhood leaders from across New Mexico for a day focused on learning, growth, and connection. This opening session will set the tone for the day while sharing NMECA’s role in supporting, strengthening, and advocating for the early childhood field.
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Presenter: Regina Miller
Location: Conference Lobby
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Presenter: Jennifer McCarville
Location: Conference Lobby
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Menu
Chicken Piccata; chefs' selection of starch, seasonal vegetables
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Facilitator: Barbara Tedrow, President of NMECA
A facilitated Q&A session where early childhood leaders can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from one another around regulations, licensing, operations, and the real challenges facing programs across New Mexico.
Location: Conference Lobby
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Saturday, August 29: Professional Development Day
Saturday will offer practical sessions for educators and early childhood professionals who want fresh ideas, useful strategies, and inspiration they can bring back to their classrooms and programs.
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Begin Professional Development Day by checking in to receive your attendee name badge and conference bag before heading into the day’s sessions.
Please note that a full breakfast will not be served on Saturday, so we encourage attendees to eat before arriving at the conference.
Freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas will be available in the morning as you settle in and connect with fellow early childhood professionals from across New Mexico.
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Presenter: Barbara Tedrow, President of NMECA
Begin Professional Development Day with a warm welcome as we gather early childhood professionals from across New Mexico for a day of learning, connection, and practical inspiration.
This opening session will set the tone for the day and celebrate the important work happening across New Mexico’s early childhood field. We will also present the Early Childhood Legacy Award and Champion for Early Childhood Award, recognizing individuals whose leadership, dedication, and lasting contributions have strengthened early childhood programs, supported families, and helped elevate the professionals who serve young children every day.
Join us as we honor excellence in the field and begin a day focused on growth, support, and the future of early childhood in New Mexico.
Location: Conference Lobby
To Be Announced
Location: Sandia 6-8
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Reigniting the Joy of Teaching
Location: Ocotillo Ballroom
Presenter: Regina Miller
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Taking Learning Outdoors: Thoughtful Design and Meaningful Practice Outdoors (sponsored by Community Playthings)
Location: Sierra Ballroom
Presenters: Sondra Carpenter, Christina Kent Early Childhood Center & Dylan Meier, Community Playthings
Explore how outdoor learning can support children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development while creating new opportunities for deeper engagement, problem-solving, and self-directed play. This session will highlight practical design principles for outdoor classrooms, including space planning, sensory-rich environments, materials, supervision, weather considerations, and how outdoor spaces can evolve over time. Participants will also learn from a real-life case study and leave with ideas for creating outdoor learning environments that are intentional, flexible, and meaningful for children and educators.
Location: Conference Lobby
Loose Parts Session
Location: Sandia 6-8
Presenter: Paige Abrams
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How to Trust the Child – A Lesson from the Bluey Episode “Space”
Location: Ocotillo Ballroom
Presenter: Sam Hufnangel
Join to watch an episode of Bluey together and reflect on what it can teach us about how to get out of children’s way, follow their lead, and trust their ‘inner healing intelligence.’ We will explore concepts of CPP/play therapy, home visiting, and Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health to enhance the learning from the episode. Then participants will have time to reflect on what they saw, as well as discuss how they can apply what they’ve learned to their practice.
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To Be Announced
Location: Sierra Ballroom
Presenters: Jennifer McCarville
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Menu
Green chile chicken enchiladas paired with borracho beans and spanish rice
Location: Sandia Ballroom 1-5
Presenter: Sharron Krull
Ready, Set, Go! Jump start your body and brain as we get moving.
Participate in cooperative group games, dance to the music, and use simple equipment to promote
motor skill development, increase physical activity and boost cognition.
Discover how the brain works, what affects brain development, and how children learn best.
Location: Conference Lobby
Aprendizaje Activo en la Primera Infancia
Location: Sandia 6-8
Presenter: Yolanda Borrás
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Outdoor Equity Through Community, Collaboration & Social-Emotional Learning
Location: Ocotillo Ballroom
Presenter: Sarah Candelaria
Discover how early childhood educators, home visitors, and early interventionists can use the outdoors as a powerful setting for social-emotional learning, child development, and connection. This session will offer practical, adaptable strategies for bringing nature into everyday practice, supporting children’s emotional regulation, relationships, curiosity, and confidence while creating inclusive outdoor experiences for children and families.
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BAG OF TRICKS! Transition Tools & Tips
Location: Sierra Ballroom
Presenters: Sharron Krull
You don’t have to be a magician to create transitions that help young children move smoothly and joyfully from one activity to the next. Add to your collection of quick and amusing learning activities to facilitate transitions with children. These “in-between-
activity” times are valuable teachable moments.