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July 2026 Early Childhood Days of Play
Monday, July 20
 

8:30am PDT

If I'm Not Playing, I'm NOT Learning!
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Engage A/B
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session, we unpack how movement, imagination, and hands-on exploration wire executive functions, language, and self-regulation in real time. You’ll see why the brain craves play, how it builds attention and problem-solving, and how to design classrooms where learning sticks because it’s lived, not just taught. Expect practical strategies, brain-based insights, and a few...
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Speakers
avatar for Layne Pethick

Layne Pethick

Consultant, Region 10 ESC
Hi, I’m Layne Pethick, a Brain Nerd with a Passport, decoding why humans do what they do. Texas-based behavior and autism consultant, educator, and speaker with 30+ years’ experience. I translate neuroscience into practical, human-centered strategies for learning, behavior, and... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT
Engage A/B
  Keynote

10:15am PDT

Tracy Gunn
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Innovate B
Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers
avatar for Tracy Gunn

Tracy Gunn

Early Childhood Specialist, ESC Region 11
Tracy Gunn is an Early Childhood Instructional Content Coach for ESC Region 11. She has served the needs of students for over 30 years as a kindergarten teacher, instructional coach, curriculum writer, and coordinator. Her passion is working with teachers new to the profession. She... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Innovate B

10:15am PDT

Exercising Experience Based Learning: Centers Circuit
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Innovate A
Limited Capacity seats available
Get ready to stretch your teaching muscles as you explore how to design intentional, hands-on, experience-based learning rotations that keep minds energized and bodies moving. You will discover how to connect academic skill-building and engagement through centers that start with the Pre-K standards first. Learn how to embed purposeful play by layering in sensory, fine motor, dramatic play, stem...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Ashton Oliver

Ashton Oliver

Ashton Oliver, an innovative educator passionate in transforming early learning within and beyond Mansfield ISD. As the former Principal of the Dr. Sarah K. Jandrucko Academy and part of the team who designed and developed the prek public school campus and curriculum, Ashton leads... Read More →
JM
JF
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Innovate A
  Curriculum Chat

10:15am PDT

Let Them Play
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Connect A
Limited Capacity seats available
Play is work! Refresh and reframe the way you view play. Learn how child-led play can help students better access grade-level content, gain autonomy and independence, communicate, meet sensory and motor needs, improve emotional regulation, and make progress toward IEP goals. Discussion and brainstorming sessions will equip participants with ideas for breaking educational boundaries in a more...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Barker

Jennifer Barker

ECSE Teacher, Arlington ISD
Jennifer Barker is an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in Arlington ISD. She's a mother, an educator, and a passionate advocate for the children she serves. Ms. Barker enjoys studying and sharing ways to improve neurodiversity-affirming classroom practices and teach more... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Connect A
  Playground

10:15am PDT

Play Without Barriers: Scaffolding Literacy and Joy for Every Learner
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Create B
Limited Capacity seats available
How do we ensure play for 'all' actually includes everyone? This session is a direct response to SPED educators seeking practical ways to adapt play-based literacy for students with diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. We will move past the one-size-fits-all approach to explore the ‘Ms. Mary Method’ of scaffolding: adapting environments, modifying materials, and using visual...
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Speakers
avatar for Mary Eldredge

Mary Eldredge

Early Childhood Librarian, Kooken Education Center | Arlington ISD
Mary Eldredge is a passionate, magical mix of joyful librarian, early-childhood educator, & clever creator — all rolled into one glitter-glue-splattered champion of children. After years of teaching, she followed her heart and became a librarian. Now, her days are filled with reading... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Create B
  Playground

10:15am PDT

Science of Reading Begins Before Kindergarten
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Connect B
Limited Capacity seats available
Grounded in the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and early literacy expectations, this session explores how Texas educators can intentionally connect developmentally appropriate PreK instruction to the Science of Reading. Participants will examine how rich language experiences, structured play, and purposeful pre-writing experiences support later decoding,...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Sloper

Tracy Sloper

Territory Manager in Texas, Learning Without Tears
Tracy is a Territory Manager with Learning Without Tears.  Having been a Preschool Director, she loves to share her experience and passion with other early education educators. 
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Connect B
  Playground

10:15am PDT

Supporting Play Skills in Early Childhood
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Create A
Limited Capacity seats available
In this session, participants will explore best practices in early childhood education, learn how play-based learning aligns with content standards, and discover five essential skills that foster meaningful friendships and successful play experiences for young children.
Speakers
avatar for Kalah Thorson

Kalah Thorson

ECSE Specialist, ESC Region 11
Kalah Thorson brings 20 years of experience in education, beginning as a paraeducator in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) and later serving as an inclusion/resource teacher in elementary and an assistant principal in middle school. She currently works as an ECSE Specialist... Read More →
Peer Mediated Posters pdf
Monday July 20, 2026 10:15am - 11:30am PDT
Create A
  Playground

12:45pm PDT

Layne
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Engage A/B

Speakers
avatar for Layne Pethick

Layne Pethick

Consultant, Region 10 ESC
Hi, I’m Layne Pethick, a Brain Nerd with a Passport, decoding why humans do what they do. Texas-based behavior and autism consultant, educator, and speaker with 30+ years’ experience. I translate neuroscience into practical, human-centered strategies for learning, behavior, and... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Engage A/B

12:45pm PDT

Beyond the Last Page: Launching Literacy Through Intentional Play
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Create B
Limited Capacity seats available
Don't just close the book when the story ends! Transform your read-alouds into dynamic springboards for foundational literacy. This session moves beyond passive listening, demonstrating how to pair high-quality picture books with playful extensions targeting phonological awareness, oral language, and early writing. We'll explore a curated list of titles and the specific movement, sensory, and...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Mary Eldredge

Mary Eldredge

Early Childhood Librarian, Kooken Education Center | Arlington ISD
Mary Eldredge is a passionate, magical mix of joyful librarian, early-childhood educator, & clever creator — all rolled into one glitter-glue-splattered champion of children. After years of teaching, she followed her heart and became a librarian. Now, her days are filled with reading... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Create B
  Book Talk

12:45pm PDT

Where do Shapes Fit in the World of Geometry and Alphabet Knowledge?
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Connect A
Limited Capacity seats available
Building awareness and knowledge of the attributes of shapes are strong predictors of future mathematical achievement. Engaging with 2 dimensional shapes also provides building blocks for initial alphabet recognition focusing on line and shape of letters. This session will feature music, recognizing shapes in the environment, and integration of alphabet recognition.
Speakers
avatar for Dianne Patterson

Dianne Patterson

Literacy Consultant, CELEBRATE Successful Early Learning
Dianne Patterson is a national literacy consultant. Her classroom experience spans early childhood special needs, Prekindergarten, primary grades, and adult education. Dianne shares interactive presentations focusing on intentional teaching and literacy acquisition. She authored science... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Connect A
  Book Talk

12:45pm PDT

Exercising Experience Based Learning: Centers Circuit
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Innovate A
Limited Capacity seats available
Get ready to stretch your teaching muscles as you explore how to design intentional, hands-on, experience-based learning rotations that keep minds energized and bodies moving. You will discover how to connect academic skill-building and engagement through centers that start with the Pre-K standards first. Learn how to embed purposeful play by layering in sensory, fine motor, dramatic play, stem...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Ashton Oliver

Ashton Oliver

Ashton Oliver, an innovative educator passionate in transforming early learning within and beyond Mansfield ISD. As the former Principal of the Dr. Sarah K. Jandrucko Academy and part of the team who designed and developed the prek public school campus and curriculum, Ashton leads... Read More →
JM
JF
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Innovate A
  Curriculum Chat

12:45pm PDT

Tiempo Tranquilo Podcast: Mindful Moments for Bilingual Classrooms and School Communities
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Create A
Limited Capacity seats available
In today’s busy classrooms, creating calm moments matters more than ever. Discover KERA’s bilingual mindfulness podcast for kids and leave with ready-to-use activities and resources to support students’ emotional wellbeing in classrooms and at home.
Speakers
MB

Meagan Bolton

Family Engagement Specialist, KERA
Meagan Bolton is a Family Engagement Specialist at KERA in Dallas, TX, where she facilitates family and educator workshops using PBS KIDS resources across the North Texas community. As a former Fort Worth ISD bilingual educator, she has a passion for supporting families in learning... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Create A
  Curriculum Chat

12:45pm PDT

Science of Reading Begins Before Kindergarten
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Connect B
Limited Capacity seats available
Grounded in the Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and early literacy expectations, this session explores how Texas educators can intentionally connect developmentally appropriate PreK instruction to the Science of Reading. Participants will examine how rich language experiences, structured play, and purposeful pre-writing experiences support later decoding,...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Tracy Sloper

Tracy Sloper

Territory Manager in Texas, Learning Without Tears
Tracy is a Territory Manager with Learning Without Tears.  Having been a Preschool Director, she loves to share her experience and passion with other early education educators. 
Monday July 20, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm PDT
Connect B
  Playground

2:15pm PDT

Beyond the Last Page: Launching Literacy Through Intentional Play
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Create B
Limited Capacity seats available
Don't just close the book when the story ends! Transform your read-alouds into dynamic springboards for foundational literacy. This session moves beyond passive listening, demonstrating how to pair high-quality picture books with playful extensions targeting phonological awareness, oral language, and early writing. We'll explore a curated list of titles and the specific movement, sensory, and...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Mary Eldredge

Mary Eldredge

Early Childhood Librarian, Kooken Education Center | Arlington ISD
Mary Eldredge is a passionate, magical mix of joyful librarian, early-childhood educator, & clever creator — all rolled into one glitter-glue-splattered champion of children. After years of teaching, she followed her heart and became a librarian. Now, her days are filled with reading... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Create B
  Book Talk

2:15pm PDT

Layne
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Engage A/B

Speakers
avatar for Layne Pethick

Layne Pethick

Consultant, Region 10 ESC
Hi, I’m Layne Pethick, a Brain Nerd with a Passport, decoding why humans do what they do. Texas-based behavior and autism consultant, educator, and speaker with 30+ years’ experience. I translate neuroscience into practical, human-centered strategies for learning, behavior, and... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Engage A/B

2:15pm PDT

Dulce aprendizaje: Language, Literacy, and Play with a paleta
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Connect B
Limited Capacity seats available
In this interactive session, early childhood educators will explore how to use What Can You Do with a Paleta? / ¿Qué Puedes Hacer con una Paleta? to build crosslinguistic connections and strengthen language and vocabulary. Participants will learn to leverage English and Spanish during read-alouds and play, highlighting cognates and meaning across languages. The session models how to teach...
See More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Connect B
  Book Talk

2:15pm PDT

Exercising Experience Based Learning: Centers Circuit
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Innovate A
Limited Capacity seats available
Get ready to stretch your teaching muscles as you explore how to design intentional, hands-on, experience-based learning rotations that keep minds energized and bodies moving. You will discover how to connect academic skill-building and engagement through centers that start with the Pre-K standards first. Learn how to embed purposeful play by layering in sensory, fine motor, dramatic play, stem...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Ashton Oliver

Ashton Oliver

Ashton Oliver, an innovative educator passionate in transforming early learning within and beyond Mansfield ISD. As the former Principal of the Dr. Sarah K. Jandrucko Academy and part of the team who designed and developed the prek public school campus and curriculum, Ashton leads... Read More →
JM
JF
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Innovate A
  Curriculum Chat

2:15pm PDT

Tiempo Tranquilo Podcast: Mindful Moments for Bilingual Classrooms and School Communities
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Create A
Limited Capacity seats available
In today’s busy classrooms, creating calm moments matters more than ever. Discover KERA’s bilingual mindfulness podcast for kids and leave with ready-to-use activities and resources to support students’ emotional wellbeing in classrooms and at home.
Speakers
MB

Meagan Bolton

Family Engagement Specialist, KERA
Meagan Bolton is a Family Engagement Specialist at KERA in Dallas, TX, where she facilitates family and educator workshops using PBS KIDS resources across the North Texas community. As a former Fort Worth ISD bilingual educator, she has a passion for supporting families in learning... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Create A
  Curriculum Chat

2:15pm PDT

Let Them Play
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Connect A
Limited Capacity seats available
Play is work! Refresh and reframe the way you view play. Learn how child-led play can help students better access grade-level content, gain autonomy and independence, communicate, meet sensory and motor needs, improve emotional regulation, and make progress toward IEP goals. Discussion and brainstorming sessions will equip participants with ideas for breaking educational boundaries in a more...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Barker

Jennifer Barker

ECSE Teacher, Arlington ISD
Jennifer Barker is an Early Childhood Special Education teacher in Arlington ISD. She's a mother, an educator, and a passionate advocate for the children she serves. Ms. Barker enjoys studying and sharing ways to improve neurodiversity-affirming classroom practices and teach more... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Connect A
  Playground

2:15pm PDT

Play with Purpose: Teaching Functional Play Skills to Students with Autism
LIMITED
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Innovate B
Limited Capacity seats available
Play is a critical foundation for communication, social interaction, learning, and independence. In this session, participants will explore the importance of functional play for students with autism and learn practical strategies for assessing, teaching, and expanding play skills. Through examples and interactive activities, participants will gain tools for using modeling, prompting,...
See More →
Speakers
avatar for Michael Tucker

Michael Tucker

Team Lead - Autism Specialist, Education Service Center Region 11
Michael Tucker is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has been working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) for over 25 years. He began working with children with autism in a private setting and then at the Autism Treatment Center. His teaching career has included... Read More →
Monday July 20, 2026 2:15pm - 3:30pm PDT
Innovate B
  Playground
 

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