The PD Exchange

77th Annual SECA Conference

1 March 2026 – 3 March 2026Huntsville, ALSouthern Early Childhood Association

Sweet Home Celebrations: Annual conference for early childhood educators featuring keynotes, workshops, and 17+ hours of training credit.

Sessions (92)

ADMINISTRATIONADVOCACY/LEADERSHIPBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOODCHILD DEVELOPMENTCURRICULUMDEIBFAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES (MAJORITY OF SESSIONS WILL BE ON SATURDAY)LEADERSHIPMENTAL HEALTHPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTPROFESSIONALISM/INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Improving Early Childhood Outdoor Learning Environments

Thu, 22 Jan · 2:00 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Early ChildhoodSTEM
Session

Creating Science Experiences for Little People: What Do I Do?

Thu, 22 Jan · 2:00 pmCURRICULUM
Early ChildhoodSTEM
Session

Look Who's Talking/ Focus on Communicating with Infants, Speech and Language Skills is Associated with Success in Developing Reading, Writing, and Interpersonal Skills.

Thu, 22 Jan · 2:00 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
WritingSTEM
Session

Pieces (Peace) to the Leadership Puzzle

Thu, 22 Jan · 2:00 pmPROFESSIONALISM/INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Leadership
Session

Stories of Play: Using Observation and Documentation to Assess Learning and Development

Thu, 22 Jan · 2:00 pmCURRICULUM
Assessment
Session

TEAMS: Creating A Team Environment Through Leadership

Thu, 22 Jan · 2:00 pmADMINISTRATION
LeadershipSTEM
Session

SECA Leadership Summit

Thu, 22 Jan · 3:00 pmLEADERSHIP
LeadershipEarly Childhood
Session

Creating a Breastfeeding Friendly Child Care Program

Thu, 22 Jan · 3:15 pmBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Session

FLIP IT: Strategies for Transforming Challenging Behaviors

Thu, 22 Jan · 3:15 pmMENTAL HEALTH
WellbeingEarly Childhood
Session

Foundations and Activities for Self-Regulation

Thu, 22 Jan · 3:15 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Session

How to Integrate Literacy & Math in your PreK Classroom

Thu, 22 Jan · 3:15 pmPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LiteracyMathematicsEAL/D
Session

The I Got this Mindset: From Daily Chaos to Confident Control

Thu, 22 Jan · 3:15 pmBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
LeadershipEarly Childhood
Session

Theory-Informed Practice: Understanding, Observing, and Designing Experiences for Young Learners

Thu, 22 Jan · 3:15 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Session

You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Understanding Emotional Literacy

Thu, 22 Jan · 3:15 pmMENTAL HEALTH
LiteracyEAL/DWellbeing
Session

Author Studies: Beyond Storytime

Thu, 22 Jan · 5:30 pmCURRICULUM
LiteracyArtsCurriculum
Session

Celebrating Childhood through Loose Parts Play

Thu, 22 Jan · 5:30 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Session

Elevating Leadership: Building Staff Success with Intention and Purpose

Thu, 22 Jan · 5:30 pmADMINISTRATION
LeadershipEarly ChildhoodEquity
Session

Empowering Young Minds: Advancing Early Childhood Development with Executive Function and Cutting-Edge Teacher Strategies

Thu, 22 Jan · 5:30 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
LiteracyEAL/DLeadership
Session

Family Engagement, a Love or Hate Relationship

Thu, 22 Jan · 5:30 pmPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
EAL/D
Session

Editorial Committee Meeting

Thu, 22 Jan · 6:00 pm
Session

Core Vocabulary: Supporting Functional Communication Skills for Young Children

Thu, 22 Jan · 7:30 pmCURRICULUM
Early Childhood
Session

Equity on the Down Low

Thu, 22 Jan · 7:30 pmPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
EAL/DLeadershipEarly Childhood
Session

Fun with Phonemes

Thu, 22 Jan · 7:30 pmCURRICULUM
PhonicsScience of ReadingEarly Childhood
Session

Inclusive Practices for Engaging Multilingual and Multicultural Families

Thu, 22 Jan · 7:30 pmPROFESSIONALISM/INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
EAL/DLeadershipEquity
Session

Coaching Infant and Toddler Educators to Support Children's Approaches to Play and Learning

Thu, 22 Jan · 8:45 pmPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
LeadershipSTEM
Session

Effective Social Media Marketing Strategies for the Child Care Industry

Thu, 22 Jan · 8:45 pmADMINISTRATION
EdTech
Session

Infant and Toddler Development: Magda Gerber’s Educaring Approach

Thu, 22 Jan · 8:45 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
EAL/DSTEM
Session

Little Chefs, Big Lessons: Cooking to Support Early Learning

Thu, 22 Jan · 8:45 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
LiteracyEquity
Session

Puppetry as Empowerment: Providing Opportunity for Every Child's Voice to Be Heard

Thu, 22 Jan · 8:45 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Arts
Session

Tools & Trends: Exhibit Hall Spotlight

Thu, 22 Jan · 8:45 pmCURRICULUM
EAL/D
Session

A Case Study on the Role of Storytelling in Social-Emotional Learning: Insights from a Nigerian Early Childhood Classroom

Thu, 22 Jan · 10:00 pmBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
EAL/DWellbeingEarly Childhood
Session

Nutrition in Action: Tailoring and Evaluating Family-Centered Activities

Thu, 22 Jan · 10:00 pmCURRICULUM
Literacy
Session

United We Play and Learn

Thu, 22 Jan · 10:00 pmDEIB
WellbeingEarly Childhood
Session

Fossils Meeting

Thu, 22 Jan · 11:30 pm
Session

All Are Welcome: Tools to Foster a Sense of Belonging

Fri, 23 Jan · 1:30 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
LeadershipEquity
Session

Building Resilient Minds: Tools for Emotional Well-Being

Fri, 23 Jan · 1:30 pmMENTAL HEALTH
EAL/DWellbeingSTEM
Session

Conscious Discipline: Grab Your Shades

Fri, 23 Jan · 1:30 pmBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Session

Little Scientists, Big Imaginations: Exploring Science Through Creative Play

Fri, 23 Jan · 1:30 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Early ChildhoodSTEM
Session

SECA State Presidents Breakfast

Fri, 23 Jan · 1:30 pm
Session

Tiny Tummies, Big Impact: A Providers Guide to Healthy Eating

Fri, 23 Jan · 1:30 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Early Childhood
Session

Tools from the Toolbox- A Brain -Based Approach to Child Guidance

Fri, 23 Jan · 1:30 pmCURRICULUM
WellbeingEarly Childhood
Session

Celebrating Cultures and Families: Building Bridges for Young Learners

Fri, 23 Jan · 2:45 pmADVOCACY/LEADERSHIP
Early ChildhoodEquitySTEM
Session

Communicating and Correcting: Supporting Young Children with Challenging Behaviors

Fri, 23 Jan · 2:45 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
EAL/DWellbeingArts
Session

Effective Strategies for Staff Retention

Fri, 23 Jan · 2:45 pmPROFESSIONALISM/INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
EdTechSTEM
Session

The Intermingled Curriculum

Fri, 23 Jan · 2:45 pmCURRICULUM
LiteracyExplicit InstructionCurriculum
Session

Ways to Incorporate Engaging Math Activities in the Classroom

Fri, 23 Jan · 2:45 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
MathematicsEarly Childhood
Session

General Session with Beth Cannon

Fri, 23 Jan · 4:00 pm
Equity
Session

Just for Students: The Power of Once Upon a Time! With Lisa Maddox Vinson

Fri, 23 Jan · 6:00 pm
Early Childhood
Session

Your Voice Matters Luncheon with Audrey Rowland Sponsored by The Council for Professional Recognition

Fri, 23 Jan · 6:00 pm
Early ChildhoodSTEM
Session

Carpe Diem: Managing Time with Purpose

Fri, 23 Jan · 6:30 pmADMINISTRATION
Session

Cracking the Code: Identifying the Functions of Behavior

Fri, 23 Jan · 6:30 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
LeadershipEarly ChildhoodSTEM
Session

Reflections on Celebrations and Practices that Support Children’s Holistic Development

Fri, 23 Jan · 6:30 pm
Session

Songs & Rhymes for Little Minds

Fri, 23 Jan · 6:30 pmCURRICULUM
Early Childhood
Session

How to Get it All Done? Creating Systems that Work

Fri, 23 Jan · 7:45 pmADMINISTRATION
Early Childhood
Session

If the Earth Was a Cookie … Hands-on Environmental Education for Young Learners

Fri, 23 Jan · 7:45 pmCURRICULUM
LiteracyMathematicsSTEM
Session

Let's Celebrate!: Recognizing Children's Achievements in Early Childhood Education

Fri, 23 Jan · 7:45 pmDEIB
WritingEarly ChildhoodSTEM
Session

Nature-Based Preschools? Sharing Conclusions of a Visioning Process to Formalize the Status of Nature-Based Early Childhood Programs

Fri, 23 Jan · 7:45 pmADVOCACY/LEADERSHIP
Early ChildhoodSTEM
Session

Supporting Early Language and Brain Development in Young Children

Fri, 23 Jan · 7:45 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
LiteracyEAL/D
Session

My Feelings Toolbox: Tools to Empower Emotional Regulation in Little Learners

Fri, 23 Jan · 8:00 pmMENTAL HEALTH
STEM
Session

Nature Play for the W.H.O.L.E. Child: Outdoor Learning Across Domains

Fri, 23 Jan · 8:00 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
LiteracyEAL/DWellbeing
Session

Working Smarter, Not Harder!

Fri, 23 Jan · 8:00 pmADVOCACY/LEADERSHIP
LeadershipEarly Childhood
Session

Considering Environmental Design Based on a Knowledge of Child Development

Fri, 23 Jan · 9:00 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
STEM
Session

Mentoring for Mental Wellness and Professional Growth in Early Childhood Education

Fri, 23 Jan · 9:00 pmPROFESSIONALISM/INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
EAL/DWellbeingEarly Childhood
Session

More than a Title: Rethinking Leadership in Early Childhood

Fri, 23 Jan · 9:00 pmBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
EAL/DWellbeingLeadership
Session

Planting Seeds of Sustainability: Cultivating Life-Long Skills in Early Childhood Education

Fri, 23 Jan · 9:00 pmCURRICULUM
Early ChildhoodSTEMCurriculum
Session

SECA Conversations for Change

Fri, 23 Jan · 9:00 pmDEIB
Session

You're Invited! 2026 SECA Award Reception

Fri, 23 Jan · 11:30 pm
Arts
Session

AECA Line Dancing Fundraiser

Sat, 24 Jan · 1:00 am
Session

Building Strong Foundations: Mentoring Early Childhood Educators for Success

Sat, 24 Jan · 2:00 pmBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
LeadershipEarly ChildhoodCurriculum
Session

Context, Content, and Conversations with Read Alouds

Sat, 24 Jan · 2:00 pmCURRICULUM
Mathematics
Session

Critical Connections

Sat, 24 Jan · 2:00 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Session

Move, Play, Learn: Empowering Educators with Physical Activity

Sat, 24 Jan · 2:00 pmPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Early ChildhoodArts
Session

Penning Playfully: Sparking Literacy in Preschoolers Through Shared and Interactive Writing

Sat, 24 Jan · 2:00 pmCURRICULUM
PhonicsScience of ReadingScience of Learning
Session

The Gifts of Imperfection: A For Guide Childcare Provider

Sat, 24 Jan · 2:00 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
EAL/DWellbeingEarly Childhood
Session

Administrators, You are NOT in this Alone!

Sat, 24 Jan · 3:15 pmBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
LeadershipEquity
Session

Building a School Family

Sat, 24 Jan · 3:15 pmPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Session

ENGAGE Building a Mentorship Program for Family Child Care Providers

Sat, 24 Jan · 3:15 pmFAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES (MAJORITY OF SESSIONS WILL BE ON SATURDAY)
Early ChildhoodSTEM
Session

Purposeful Play: Selecting and Creating Materials with Skill-Building in Mind

Sat, 24 Jan · 3:15 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Session

Closing General Session - Be Well, Care Well: An Educator Wellness Symposium

Sat, 24 Jan · 4:30 pm
EAL/DWellbeingEarly Childhood
Session

#IGETTODOTHIS (The Proverbs 31 Professional)

Sat, 24 Jan · 6:15 pmBECOMING A LEADER IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Session

Beneath Your Scars, A Warrior Rises

Sat, 24 Jan · 6:15 pmMENTAL HEALTH
Assessment
Session

Brain Architecture Game: Nurturing Environments, Strong Foundations

Sat, 24 Jan · 6:15 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Early ChildhoodSTEM
Session

Emotion Monsters: Teaching Regulation Skills

Sat, 24 Jan · 6:15 pmDEIB
Session

Self Care: Prioritize Now or Burnout Tomorrow

Sat, 24 Jan · 6:15 pmFAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES (MAJORITY OF SESSIONS WILL BE ON SATURDAY)
Session

There is Power in Numbers

Sat, 24 Jan · 6:15 pmCURRICULUM
Mathematics
Session

"Crayons, Paper, and Beyond: Oh the Places We Can Go!" Planning Creative Learning Experiences in Early Childhood Education

Sat, 24 Jan · 7:15 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Early Childhood
Session

Active Play in Cold Weather: Supporting Outdoor Play in ECE Settings

Sat, 24 Jan · 8:30 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Session

Beyond Labels: Understanding and Affirming Neurodiversity in Young Children

Sat, 24 Jan · 8:30 pmCHILD DEVELOPMENT
Early ChildhoodEquity
Session

Intentional Wellness through Rest and Self Compassion

Sat, 24 Jan · 8:30 pmMENTAL HEALTH
EAL/D
Session

No More Quiet Corners: Reclaiming Your Voice in Early Childhood Spaces

Sat, 24 Jan · 8:30 pmADVOCACY/LEADERSHIP
Early Childhood
Session

Rediscover Your Spark: Play as a Tool for Teacher Renewal

Sat, 24 Jan · 8:30 pmPROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
EAL/DWellbeingEarly Childhood
Session

The Garden Club: Growing Together in Family Child Care

Sat, 24 Jan · 8:30 pmFAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES (MAJORITY OF SESSIONS WILL BE ON SATURDAY)
Session