Symposium

A signature event of the Collaboration, each February our annual Symposium provides an arena for more than 300 educators, caregivers, parents, and anyone who works with young children to gain knowledge, perspective and practical skills in promoting positive learning experiences. Designed to be interactive and to promote networking amongst attendees, the Symposium includes a keynote address by a noted authority on the Symposium’s theme and offers a wide range of workshops. Participants will walk away with many hands-on activities and ideas to use immediately with the children in your classes and homes.

Reflection, Representation, Resilience (2024)

Reflection, Representation, and Resilience are integral to inclusive and dynamic early learning experiences for our little ones.

Creativity, Curiosity, Caring (2023)

We are thrilled to return to an in-person format this year so that our early childhood community can connect around the three C’s: Creativity, Curiosity, Caring.

Moving from Surviving to Thriving (2022)

After all that the early childhood community has been through and all the exciting changes that lie ahead, this year’s theme will focus on the transition from surviving to thriving.

ComPASSION Matters! (2021)

This year’s theme will focus on the role of empathy and compassion in early childhood. Workshops and keynote addresses will explore why compassion is important in the classroom, and how to nurture self-care in yourself to be the best early childhood educator you can be.

Embrace the Mess! (2020)

The 2020 Symposium’s theme was “Embrace the Mess! The Complexities of Early Childhood.” It focused on the many sticky situations we find ourselves in when working with young children, their families and our colleagues.

Full STEAM Ahead! (2019)

The 2019 Symposium examined how to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Technology in Early Childhood Education cirriculum.

Growing Together (2018)

With more than 30 workshops, an energizing and inspiring keynote from Angela Searcy, and ample time to spend exploring “play stations” and resource tables, our 15th annual Symposium was top-notch!

Here & Now: Respecting Childhood (2017)

The Collaboration for Early Childhood is delighted to present its 14th annual Symposium, an annual conference for parents, educators, caregivers, and anyone who works with young children to gain knowledge, perspective, practical skills, and tools.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities (2016)

The Collaboration for Early Childhood is delighted to present its 13th annual Symposium. This gathering provides an opportunity for parents, educators, caregivers and anyone who works with young children to gain knowledge, perspective, practical skills and tools for supporting all young children.

The Dance of Diversity (2015)

Diversity is much more than a discussion of race and ethnicity. It includes everything from special needs, learning styles, family structures and so much more.

Play is FUNdamental (2014)

Realizing that play is not always about the end product, activities focused on the process of play and on getting all involved in play: parents, teachers, caregivers, providers and children.

Community: Building Relationships in EC (2013)

Nurturing all types of relationships (among staff, among children, among families and more) is an important step in building a foundation for success of young children and their families.

Wild About Wellness (2012)

This theme underscores the importance of building our children’s capacity to learn how to live and grow mentally, physically, and emotionally as they incorporate a spirit of wellness by making wise choices with food, physical and mental fitness, and lifestyles.

We Can Work it Out (2011)

The ability to develop positive relationships with others, identify, express and manage emotions, and develop a positive self-concept, enables children to learn and experience success in school and in life.