Ell Conference Brochure

31 st ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE
HOW SUCCESSFUL DIRECTORS LEAD!

DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS, BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS.
CONFERENCE BROCHURE
APRIL 16 18, 2015
PRECONFERENCE APRIL 15
H ya tt Re g e n c y S t . L o u i s a t t h e A rc h S t . L o u i s , M O
Our national conference, How Successful Directors Lead!, is the ONE conference devoted to serving
directors, owners and administrators dedicated to the early care and education field. Sessions by
experts focus on leadership, administration, business practices, legal issues and program quality.
The Association for Early Learning Leaders is a professional organization committed to strengthening
the skill level of leaders in the field of early child care and education. We believe that leadership
excellence is the critical link to superior programs.
Cutting-Edge Industry Topics

Unparalleled Networking Opportunities
and Social Events
Special thanks to our Diamond Sponsor:
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) granted!
Featuring:
Alan Fine
Valora Washington
Maurice Sykes
2015 31st ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE

HOW SUCCESSFUL DIRECTORS LEAD!
St. Louis, MO | April 16-18, 2015
KEYNOTES:
ALAN FINE
Opening KeynoteLeading from the Inside Out

We are all capable of achieving everyday greatnessbecoming our best self. However, many times we do not
achieve our greatness because we cannot break through our own personal interference (fears, uncertainty,
doubts and the voice in our head). In this aspirational and engaging keynote, Alan Fine shares a powerful
approach for overcoming personal interference and achieving a higher level of performance using a simple
process, Alan shows audiences how to redirect focus and discover how to unlock existing knowledge, talents,
and skills, and take action to accomplish their goals and become their best self.
Alan Fine is considered the pioneer of the modern day coaching movement and is the co-creator of the widely
recognized GROW Model. Alan is a New York Times Bestselling Author, international performance expert,
national Speakers Association (NSA) member, sought-after keynote speaker and well-respected business
executive and professional athlete coach. He has dedicated the past 35 years to helping people from all walks
of life elevate their performance and unlock potential. From the golf course to the boardroom, Alan has worked
with many of the worlds most respected athletes and organizations.
VALORA WASHINGTON
KeynoteLeadership Lessons: Supporting Staff with Your Head, Heart and Hand
Dr. Valora Washington will discuss successful strategies used to develop the early childhood workforce. Each
strategy welcomes a renewed commitment to professional development and support for continuous quality
improvement. Participants will identify new ways to integrate successful strategies into career development
plans.
Dr. Valora Washington is the CEO of the Council for Professional Recognition. Throughout her career Dr.
Washington has co-created several institutions, such as Michigans Children, a statewide advocacy group,
the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, and The CAYL Institute. Frequently tapped for senior-level
service, she has been Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Governors School Readiness Commission; Board Chair
for Voices for Americas Children; Secretary of NAEYC; chair of the Black Caucus of the Society for Research
in Child Development; Co-Chair of the National Head Start Association Commission on 2010; and a member
numerous task forces and boards including of the Boston Childrens Museum and Wheelock College.
MAURICE SYKES
Closing KeynoteDoing the Right Thing for Children: Who are we as Leaders?
Based on his recently published book: Doing the Right Thing for Children: Eight Qualities of Leadership, Maurice
will inspire you to rethink your leadership trajectory by challenging you to discover and actualize the leader
that is within you in order to give voice to your vision and vitality to your vigorous leadership agenda for young
children.
Maurice Sykes, director of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbias
National Center for Urban Education, has spent his career advancing high-quality early childhood education
and advocating for educational reform and teacher professional development. Maurice formerly served in the
District of Columbia Public School System as deputy superintendent for the Center for Systemic Educational
Change and director of Early Childhood Programs. Maurice has written for numerous publications and has
traveled nationwide inspiring and challenging schools and communities to do the right thing for children.
2015 Director of the Year Award Gala Luncheon - Friday, April 17, 2015
The Director of the Year Award is given by the Association for Early Learning Leaders to honor a director who has made a positive impact on the
early care and education field through their work, quality and contributions.
Thank you to our 2015 Director of the Year Award sponsors:
Association for Early Learning Leaders 31st Annual National Conference How Successful Directors Lead!
ACCOMODATIONS
Stay with Us! Networking is a key goal of our conference! By staying at the conference hotel
you will have additional opportunities to build lasting relationships with early learning leaders
from around the country.
Check out the exciting and beautiful location at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.
You can book online or call the group reservations office at (314) 655-1234 and let them
know you are with the How Successful Directors Lead conference for your $169 group rate.
Hotel registration ends March 17, 2015.
Dont forget to book early!
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch

315 Chestnut St., St. Louis, MO 63102
ST. LOUIS VIP EVENT PACKAGE
FULL CONFERENCE
Join fellow early learning leaders at our City Museum VIP

Event, for a memorable evening of celebration. Attendees
will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with other
professionals, while venturing through the museum. This
event will sell out quickly, so make your reservations
today!
Your full conference registration includes:
Package Includes:
Museum admission
One VIP Reception ticket
Group transportation, 3-course meal and open bar
VIP commemorative pin
$100 Member, $150 Nonmember
All keynote and concurrent sessions

from Thursday Saturday
CEU certificate for each completed session
Breakfast served daily in Exhibit Hall
Opening Reception in Exhibit Hall
Wednesday, 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Munch and Mingle Luncheon with Exhibitors
Thursday, 12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
Presidents Reception *Members Only
Denim to Diamonds Karaoke
Gala Luncheon
Friday, 12:15 p.m. 1:45 p.m.
For additional details and updated information, visit earlylearningleaders.org
CONFERENCE-AT-A-GLANCE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15: PRECONFERENCE EVENTS
7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Registration/Conference Services Open
8:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Optional Child Care Center Tour
9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Preconference Workshop AM 1
Supporting CDA Credentialing
Candidates: The Role of PD SpecialistQualls
12:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m.
Lunch on Your Own
1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
Preconference Workshop PM 1 Eight Steps to
Supervision SuccessSchweikert
5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Opening Reception and Exhibitor Expo|
Get Connected! First Time Attendee/
Ambassadors Meet-Up
THURSDAY, APRIL 16 : CONFERENCE BEGINS

7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Registration/Conference
Services Open
7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
in Exhibit Hall
7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Opens
8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
OPENING KEYNOTE - Unlock Your Potential
Alan Fine
10:00 a.m. 10:15 p.m. Break
10:15 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSION ONE
101 Essential Behaviors for Manager/

Employee ConversationsFine
102 Marketing Your Child Care in Your Local
CommunityWilliams
103 Effective Not So Evil EvaluationsGalante
104 Social Networking Legal and

Professional ConsiderationsMartini
105 Empowering People, Inspiring
ChangeHarris
106 How Family-Friendly is Your Early

Childhood Program?Moenster & Rumph
107 Biblical Conflict Management

Thornton-Roberts t
12:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
Munch & Mingle with Exhibitors
1:30 p.m. 3:15 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS TWO
201 Marketing and Recruiting: Two Birds

with One Stone!Smith
202 Delegation of Responsibility in the ECE

SettingBess
203 The Six Key Steps to Win and Keep New

EnrollmentsGibbs
204 Interactive Curriculum Planning - Using

Childrens Voices and Documentation

Waite
205 The Way of the Shepherd: Leading with a

Servants Heart Buxton t
206 Guiding Administration Through the

CDA ProcessQualls
207 ABCs of AccreditationSchmidt
3:15 p.m. 3:30 p.m. Break
3:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS THREE
301 Problem Employees: A Management

PerspectiveSiegel
302 Yes, Its a Mission, But Its Also An
InvestmentLigon
303 Managing Money Right!Thornton Roberts
304 Workplace Coaching and Staff
DevelopmentAbel
305 Strategies for Ensuring Quality

Interaction with Children
Hechst & Suria
306 Are Your Classrooms Safe?Paul
307 The Validation VisitKeeth
6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Presidents Reception
*Members Only
7:00 p.m. 10:30 p.m.
Denim to Diamonds Karaoke
FRIDAY, APRIL 17: CONFERENCE EVENTS

7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Registration/Conference Services Open
7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m.
Continental Breakfast in Exhibit Hall
7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
Exhibit Hall Opens
8:00 a.m. 9:15 a.m.
KEYNOTE - Leadership Lessons: Supporting
Staff with Your Head, Heart and HandValora
Washington
9:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Break
9:30 a.m. 11:15 a.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOUR
401 All Families Are Special: Understanding

And Supporting Families With Special Needs
Qualls
402 Winning Over Problem PeopleAnderson
403 Working with Parents to Improve

Childrens SleepSchwarzbach
404 Service with a SmileHornbeck
405 Key Risk Management Practices Every

Program Needs to AddressSwain
406 Harness the Power of Music to Enhance
LearningWoda
407 Biblical LeadershipThornton Roberts t
11:15 a.m. 12:15 p.m
Last Chance for Exhibitors/Exhibit
Presentations
12:15 p.m. 1:45 p.m.

Gala Luncheon
1:45 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS FIVE
501 Latest Trends in Personnel Policy Writing

McGuckin
502 Mentoring So-So Employees into Excellent
EmployeesTruelove Walker
503 Is He Going to Be in MY Classroom?

INCLUSION in ECERice
504 Performance Begins With Selection
Scheig
505 Exploring Technology and Innovative Ways

to Create Meaningful Family Partnerships:

Smart Phones Welcome!Troutman and

Beabout
506 Good Leadership: Being What You
BelieveMcRee
507 Out of the BoxPoppendorf
3:30 p.m. 3:45 p.m. Break
3:45 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS SIX
601 Managing a Multi-Generational Team

Dressler
602 Is Your Company Branded?Henris
603 The Fiscal-Minded Leader
Azoy & Renteria
604 Showing Appreciation in the Workplace
Hendricks
605 Still Riding the Crazy Train?Perkins
606 Building Time Management Techniques

into Your DayBoe
607 Always Reaching for the StarsBanks
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Owners Only Happy Hour--RED Bar
7:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
VIP Reception - City Museum VIP Event
SATURDAY, APRIL 18: CONFERENCE EVENTS

7:30 a.m. 11 :00 a.m.
Registration
7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS SEVEN
701 Leadership for the 21st CenturySykes

702 Instructional LeadershipSorrels
703 Bridging the Gap Between Teachers

Training & PracticeDressler
704 Positively Professional LeadersThompson
705 Simplify: Clearing Out the ClutterBuxton t
706 Leading Your Team to QualityHaddad
10:45 a.m. 11:15 a.m. Break
11:15a.m. 12:30 p.m.
CLOSING KEYNOTE - Doing the Right Thing for
ChildrenMaurice Sykes
FB: Faith-based session t
Acc: Accreditation session
PRECONFERENCEWEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015
PRECONFERENCE EVENTS
Optional Tour: Explore Local Child Care Centers
8:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Board the bus for our popular child care center tour. Tour participants will visit local, nationally accredited programs that exemplify
excellence in the care and education of young children. These tours sell out quickly, so make your reservation today!
Cost (includes transportation): $50 Per Person
Get Connected! First-Time Attendee/Ambassador Meet-Up

5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.
Is this your first time at Conference? Are you attending the Conference on your own? Meet with Association Ambassadors to connect
and get oriented.
For preconference tours, visit page 13.
Cost: FREE
PRECONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
AM 1
Supporting CDA Credentialing Candidates: The Role of PD Specialist
9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
The Council for Professional Recognition has streamlined the CDA Assessment process and has added a totally new component,
the role of a Professional Development (PD) Specialist. The CDA PD Specialist role brings the mentoring/coaching skills and ECE
expertise needed to assess the Candidates competencies and facilitate the Candidates self-reflection during the Verification Visit.
The role of the PD Specialist maximizes the skills, knowledge and experience of advanced early childhood professionals around the
nation. Through this Preconference session you will gain all the tools needed to become a PD Specialist and serve CDA Candidates in
your region. If you are an experienced early childhood professional who has worked in preschool, family child care or infant/toddler
settings the Council for Professional Recognition wants YOU!
Presented by The Council for Professional Recognition
PM 1
Eight Steps to Supervision Success
1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.
Explore eight ways to become a more successful supervisor. Discover how to delegate with confidence, guide employees to positions
of strength, and address marginal performers. When someone on your team isnt succeeding, the first question you should ask
yourself is, What can I do better? Ready to be a better supervisor? Join us for a must-see session where you will laugh and learn
that leadership begins with you.
Presented by Gigi Schweikert, author of Winning Ways for Early Childhood Professionals book series.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
SPECIAL CDA SESSIONS PRESENTED BY:
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

101 Essential Behaviors for Manager/
Employee Conversations
In best-in-class organizations, improving
performance begins with the quality of
conversations between managers and
employees. However, many leaders enter
their role unprepared to initiate dialogue
that elicits not just better performance,
but individual greatness from members of
their team. This session teaches a sample
set of actions and a powerful process that
leaders can use in conversations to bring
focus, build trust, and ultimately drive better
results. Presented by Alan Fine, pioneer of
the modern day coaching movement and
author of the New York Times bestselling
book, You Already Know How to be Great.
102 Marketing Your Child Care in Your
Local Community
This session will help you learn the value
of marketing your child care business
to neighbors, businesses, schools, and
other child care providers ALL in your local
community to gain more clientsPutting a
face with a name REALLY makes a difference!
We will teach you how to use the right types
of marketing materials to get the maximum
benefit, more clients and income for your
child care business. Liz has applied and been
extremely successful (in her own child care
business) with what she will be teaching.
This session is for New & Emerging Directors.
Presented by Liz Williams, founder of
Childhood Resource.
103 Effective Not So Evil Evaluations
Do you dread evaluating your staff? Are the
job descriptions for your program presenting
an administrative challenge to you? Do
you struggle with classroom observations
and transferring them to a staff evaluation
tool? Join me and together we will begin
the journey down an effective evaluation
path. Presented by Lynette Galante,
Executive Director of Future Generation
Early Learning Centers, and Association
Conference Chair and Board Member of the
Association for Early Learning Leaders.
104 Social Networking Legal and

Professional Considerations
Social networking allows people to
recreate themselves in what seems to be
a consequence-free medium. Many have
not considered the downside. This session
addresses potential liability for the program
and employees, what to include in personnel
policies and staff training, as well as how
employers can use the Internet in the hiring
process in a positive way to screen potential
employees. Presented by Dawn Martini,
Childcare Specialist, Ronald V. McGuckin &
Associates.
105 Empowering People, Inspiring Change
This workshop provides the tool
box needed to create quality in staff
and program climate by shattering
barriers and building a cohesive team.
Presented by Sally Harris, President of Circle
C Ranch Academy.
106 How Family-Friendly is Your Early
Childhood Program?
Transform your early childhood program from
good to great by considering the three Rs:
Relationships, Respect, and Responsiveness.
A family-friendly program is family-centric;
it operates on the premise that families
are the center of childrens lives and puts
family needs ahead of the convenience of
the early childhood program. How does
your program foster and support the three
Rs and create a true collaboration between
children, families and staff? Presented by
Janice Moenster, Race to the Top-Early
Learning Challenge Innovation Zone
Coordinator for Childrens Home + Aid &
Melissa Rumph, YWCA Head Start Metro
St. Louis Child Development Associate
Administrator.
107 Biblical Conflict Management
t
Want to increase harmony in your
Christian school? Tired of the stress that
accompanies confusion? Want to end the
drama? If the answer is YES -- you need to
attend this session. Participants will gain
insight into the core of conflict, methods to
bring a peaceful solution, and the strategies
of emphatic confrontation that will produce
a peaceful working environment. Presented
by Donna Thornton-Roberts, professional
consultant and author of Motivating Staff
Through Exceptional Personnel Policies.
Accreditation sessions are part of a
specially designed accreditation track that
provides guidance through the self-study
process and inspires programs to become
nationally accredited by the National
Accreditation Commission for Early Care
and EducationPrograms.
201 Marketing and Recruiting: Two Birds

with One Stone!
Participants will learn that recruiting and
marketing go hand in hand, and that while
doing one task, they can also include the
other. Presented by Tym Smith, trainer &
consultant and owner of Early Care and
Education private preschools.
202 Delegation of Responsibility in the ECE
Setting
In the Early Childhood Education setting, an
effective way to keep the classroom going
and growing is by delegation of responsibility
and effective team management. A director
is ultimately responsible for how a program
is administered and run. Head or lead
teachers are responsible for how the
classroom operates. Yet all must be invested
to make a program work and run effectively.
To be an effective manager, it is essential
that one identifies the skills and abilities
of the people who work for you. Join this
session to learn how! Presented by Cindy
Bess, Ph.D., Developmental Psychologist &
Education Consultant.
203 The Six Key Steps to Win and Keep
New Enrollments
During this interactive session directors and
owners will learn how to utilize multiple
marketing methods and relationship
building to build trust throughout the sales
cycle while conveying the unique value
of their program to potential parents.
Examples will be given for incorporating the
programs unique selling points into one-onone conversations, emails, texts and tours.
Participants will learn how to measure the
effectiveness of their enrollment strategies.
Presented by Chuck Gibbs, President &
Founder of CRM Web Solutions.
204 Interactive Curriculum Planning-Using
Childrens Voices and Documentation
This session is to fill in the gaps between
childrens interests, assessments and
documentation. Floorbooks are great tools
for children and teachers, providing an
interactive process using childrens and
teachers voices and reflections to plan
curriculum while documenting the learning
story. This session explores how to adapt
Claire Wardens Floorbooks into your
program with any type of curriculum for
children ages 0-5 and beyond. Presented
by Danielle Waite, Director of the Early
Childhood Education Center at UC Merced.
t Faith-based sessions are designed for child

care professionals whose programs are
located in faith-based environments.
205 The Way of the Shepherd: Leading

with a Servants Heart
t So often, leadership is really about being
the boss, being in charge, wearing the big
kahuna hat. Real and lasting leadership is
much more than that. Its about equipping
and empowering others to step into their
roles with confidence and be successful and
making sure that their needs are met so that
they can meet the needs of others. In our
time together, we will look at how we choose
our team, how we lead them and how we
set them up to be productive in their roles.
This session will include faith perspectives.
Presented by Lori Buxton, Regional Director
of Lionheart Childrens Academy and Board
Member and Ambassador Chair of the
206 Guiding Administration Through the
CDA Process
This workshop provides tools to assist
administrators
with
assessing
and
credentialing candidates in early childhood
settings. Administrators will learn how
to navigate the CDA assessment and
credentialing process. Presented by The
Council for Professional Recognition.
207 ABCs of Accreditation
This session is designed for directors
interested in exploring the option of using
the National Accreditation Commission as
their accreditation vehicle. Our accreditation
system has clearly defined expectations and
instructions, comprehensive leadership/
management standards, and standards that
reflect current evidence- based practices
in early care and education. This session
includes tips for using the Accreditation
Manual for program improvement, and
an overview of the self-study procedures.
Presented by Erin Schmidt, Director of
Accreditation,
National
Accreditation
Commission.
301 Problem Employees: A Management
Perspective
This interactive session explores different
types of challenging employees. Learn
how to help them start to succeed, and
conversely, to recognize when to let go.
Walk away and back to work with fewer
ulcers and headaches, remembering our
programs are only as good as the weakest
(classroom) link. Presented by Bob Siegel,
President of Leadership Reigns, LLC, and
Board Member of the Association for Early
Learning Leaders.
302 Yes, Its a Mission, But Its Also An

Investment
Owners Session: How to maximize the value
of your educational company--both business
and real estate. This session will cover what
is happening in the world of investment in
educational companies and where to find
buying and selling opportunities. Attendees
will learn strategies for building maximum
cash flow for the present and a retirement
asset for the future and new opportunities
in the industry to get there! Presented
by Kathy Ligon, Managing Partner
Strategic Solutions Group Advisors, LLC
303 Managing Money Right!
Early Learning Leaders often struggle in
how to manage centers income to ensure
quality child care is extended to parents.
In this session, directors will review and
discover the fiscal ratios that ensure success
and quality. Presented by Donna ThorntonRoberts, professional consultant and author
of Motivating Staff Through Exceptional
Personnel Policies.
304 Workplace Coaching and Staff
Development
Coaching is about building on potential.
Coaching is about having a vision for how you
want things to be. Coaching is about working
out what you want and then systematically
achieving that through creating new goals.
Coaching is asking questions rather than
telling. Coaching is a conversation with
a purpose resulting in the staff member
setting goals to develop skills, enhance
performance and/or develop personally and
professionally. Coaching looks to the future.
Coaching embraces change and allows
individuals to grow through it. Coaching
facilitates a shift in attitude and perspective
and enhances emotional intelligence.
Coaching can become a positive culture in an
organization simply the way we do things
around here. Presented by Diana Abel,
Ed.D, Faculty Chair and Program Director,
Early Childhood and Human Development,
Rio Salado College.
305 Strategies for Ensuring Quality
Interaction with Children
This session focuses on quality interaction
between teachers and children, infants
through 5 year olds. According to the
recent QRS, programs have been rated low
in this area. Teachers communicate, but the
quality is missing. Topics will include diaper
changes, meal times and learning centers.
Presented by Suzette Hechst, Child Care
Director at Southwestern Illinois College
and Laura Suria, Director of The Early Years,
Inc.
306 Are Your Classrooms Safe?

Creating safe, healthy environments for
young children is critical in shaping their
future health. Research links common
chemicals to health concerns, ranging from
asthma to learning disabilities. Participants
will learn simple and effective techniques
to reduce toxins. It is imperative that every
early childhood learning environment
is environmentally healthy. Eco-Healthy
Child Care helps child care settings be
healthy, safe and green, by providing
training, technical assistance and resources
to providers as they make simple choices
that benefit all the children in their care.
Presented by Hester Paul, National Director
for Eco-Healthy Child Care.
307 The Validation Visit
Preparing for your validation visit does
not need to be frightening. This presentation
will give pointers on preparing for your visit
to ensure the day goes smoothly. Part of
feeling prepared is knowing what to expect;
each part of the visit will be reviewed in
detail. Bring your questions. Presented by
Sarah Keeth, Validation Visits Coordinator
for the National Accreditation Commission.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

401 All Families Are Special: Understanding
And Supporting Families With Special Needs
The purpose of this session is to strengthen
family engagement plans to include
families raising children with special
needs. Participation will understand how
to successfully enroll and support inclusive
center based practices. This interactive
session will provide opportunities for
questions and answers.
Presented by
Brocklin Qualls, Manager, Domestic
and
International
Partnerships
Council for Professional Recognition.
402 Winning Over Problem People
Whether it is a demanding parent, a clueless
assistant or a challenging licensor, dealing
with problem people is part of your business
day. How can you work through troublesome
encounters in a way that leaves everyone
feeling more cooperative with you? Well
talk about general strategies and specific
situations, to build your confidence and
enhance your negotiation skills. Presented
by Patricia Nan Anderson, Managing
Director of the Certified Trainer of Early
Childhood Educators credential program
between people of all ages.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
t Faith-based sessions are designed for
child care professionals whose programs

are located in faith-based environments.
Accreditation sessions are part of a
specially designed accreditation track
that provides guidance through the selfstudy process and inspires programs to
become nationally accredited by the
National Accreditation Commission for
Early Care and EducationPrograms.
403 Working with Parents to Improve

Childrens Sleep
Does your program have nap time
challenges?
There
can
often
be
miscommunication between providers and
parents in understanding and meeting the
sleep needs of children. By establishing
a collaborative model of partnership to
achieve optimal rest for infants and toddlers,
together they can establish a synergistic
effort to fulfill the mutual goal of adequate
sleep for children. Presented by Karen
Schwarzbach, Certified Sleep Consultant,
Founder/Managing Principal for Babies to
Sleep and Double Talk LLC.
404 Service with a Smile
This interactive session is designed to
give directors the tools to have a standout
program by learning innovative ways to
provide superior customer service to
families already enrolled in their programs
as well as prospective families. Participants
will leave with a customer service action plan
to train staff and implement immediately.
The results--a competitive edge and full
enrollment for years to come! Presented
by Mary Hornbeck, Executive Director/
Owner of Special Beginnings Early Learning
Centers and President of the Association for
Early Learning Leaders.
405 Key Risk Management Practices Every
Program Needs to Address
Managing risk in an early care and
education program can be a challenging
task; particularly those risks that are
unknown and unpredictable. There are
fundamental risk management practices
that when managed effectively can
support a positive environment for owners,
directors, staff and the clients you serve.
This workshop will offer insight on those key
risk management practices, in addition to
strategies and tools you can use to support
their effective management. Presented by
Michael Swain, Sr. Loss Control Specialist
for Markel and Board Member of the
8
406 Harness the Power of Music to Enhance

Learning
Come learn how simple music activities
can support childrens focus and
language learning, transitions, classroom
management, and the daily routine, in both
the school and care settings. Music can be
an incredible and enjoyable tool to use with
children of all ages, however, many early
childhood professionals dont realize that
the means to do this are very accessible
for any educator regardless of music
talent or experience. In this interactive
session, we will explore how easy it is to
create a musically rich environment that
promotes a positive learning atmosphere,
engaging children, supporting their early
learning, and enhancing your classroom.
Presented by Jennifer Woda, Music
Together, LLC.
407 Biblical Leadership
t John Maxwell says that everything rises
on leadership. Are you having difficulty in
leading your team? Do you experience
rebellion when implementing a change?
In this session, participants will review
leadership characteristics, take a selfassessment rating test, examine the types
and styles of leadership that are essential
in various management seniors all from a
Biblical perspective. Presented by Donna
Thornton-Roberts, author of Motivating
Staff Through Exceptional Personnel
Policies and professional consultant.
501 Latest Trends in Personnel Policy
Writing
Legal Session: Child care programs, large
or small, need effective personnel policies
in place. Ron McGuckin, the Child Care
Lawyer, will guide participants through the
development and revision of a personnel
policy manual with focus on the legal
impact of recruitment and hiring, at-will
employment status, performance appraisal,
hours of work, hiring, termination and
disciplinary policies. Participants will attain
an understanding of the role of the board of
directors, parent policy council and staff in
the development and implementation of the
policy manual. Presented by Ron McGuckin,
attorney with Ronald V. McGuckin &
Associates, and Board Member of the
CEUs offered for every

conference session.
No additional fees.
502 Mentoring So-So Employees into

Excellent Employees
Have you ever walked through the doors
of your program and wished you could
fire everybody and start all over again?
Or maybe just the one or two apples who
seem intent on destroying the whole barrel?
This session will discuss strategies for
developing the staff you HAVE into the staff
you WANT! Presented by Pamela TrueloveWalker, D.Ed., Director of First Presbyterian
PreschoolSolutions Group Advisors, LLC.
503 Is He Going to Be in MY Classroom?
INCLUSION in ECE
Fear and misconceptions about disabilities
often prevent teachers from developing
positive attitudes about children with
disabilities. This session will focus on the
natural process of inclusion and how all
children benefit. Participants will leave with
strategies for helping their teachers feel
more comfortable with inclusion. Presented
by Marilyn Rice, M.Ed., Early Childhood
Program Specialist for the Training &
Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC) at
Virginia Commonwealth Universitys School
of Education.
504 Performance Begins with Selection
The session will address how to identify,
select and develop Child Care Professionals
so that the quality of child care is maximized.
We will explore what behaviors differentiate
superior performers from their barely
acceptable counterparts, how to identify
those in applicants and how to promote
them with existing staff. Presented by
Richard F. Scheig, Ph.D., President and CEO
of Scheig Associates.
505 Creating Meaningful Family
Partnerships
This session includes information on the
impact of current family engagement,
a hands-on experience with different
strategies, and a recent study on the
impact of a family engagement system
on parent perception of partnership and
communication with their childs school.
Presented by Amelia Troutman, Early
Education Specialist for MyChild & Cindy
Beabout, Director of Lighthouse Learning
Center.
506 Good Leadership: Being What You
Believe
The directors beliefs about themselves,
the children, proven practices and how
we integrate those to increase quality
make up the heart of the child care
program. Join us as we evaluate our core
values and how they directly impact
how we lead and serve to make quality
child care happen. Presented by Beckie
McRee, Child Development Consultant.
507 Out of the Box

This session clarifies the instructions
for completing a useful and wellorganized Document Organization Box
for Accreditation through the National
Accreditation Commission. Attendees will
receive pre-made file folder labels and
exclusive checklists used by actual validators
to verify documentation at the time of
the validation visit. Presented by Chris
Poppendorf, VP of Operations for Active
Learning Center.
601 Managing a Multi-Generational Team
Generation X, Y, Millennials, Baby Boomers,
and everyone elsehow is a manager
supposed to keep up? Join us for a fascinating
look at the challenges and joys of managing
multi-generational staff. Well investigate
best practices for communicating, motivating
and rewarding different generations to
create a professional and successful team.
Presented by Miriam Dressler, Founder and
Owner of Bloom Training & Consulting.
602 Is Your Company Branded?
This session will focus on how to develop
your own brand identity; allowing you
to define your business for yourself,
your team and your external audiences.
Presented by Cathy Henris, President/
CEO of Active Learning Centers, Inc. and
Vice President of the Association for Early
Learning Leaders.
603 The Fiscal-Minded Leader
Great leaders lead with a fiscal mind.
Budget planning and forecasting can seem
like overwhelming, but necessary, tasks
for a director. This workshop focuses on
the fiscal management of a program using
industry-relevant practices and experiences.
Interactive exercises simulating effective
fiscal planning techniques within an
organization will help participants see the
big picture in terms of fiscal management
and planning. With limited resources,
effective fiscal planning practices are a
priority for programs. Presented by Lara
Azoy, Director of Fiscal Provider Services
& Danna Renteria, Lead Financial Analyst
Interim, Los Angeles Universal Preschool.
604 Showing Appreciation in the Workplace
Learn practical steps to make any workplace
environment more encouraging and
productive by understanding the 5 Languages
of Appreciation in the Workplace. Presented
by Shannon Hendricks, Director of Strategic
Initiatives, Educational First Steps.
605 Still Riding the Crazy Train?

Directors wear many hats and often become
overworked and overwhelmed. Develop
strategies and skills for finding peaceful
work family balance. Cindy Perkins, Owner
and Operator of Little Peoples Country
Academy of Arts & Education.
606 Building Time Management
Techniques into Your Day
Managing a center can be overwhelming,
resulting in chaotic days. This session
presents techniques for working smarter,
rather than harder. By planning how to take
control of your time, you will experience
more productive days and better outcomes
for everyone, including staff, families,
and you! Presented by Kathie Boe, Vice
President of Quality and Accreditation for
Knowledge Universe and Board Member of
the Association for Early Learning Leaders.
607 Always Reaching for the Stars
As a Director, it is important to continue to
reach for measurable program objectives for
quality improvement. During this session,
directors and other educational leaders will
learn practical strategies to enhance their
mindset of constant program improvement.
Presented by Katherine Banks, Executive
Director of Falls Church-McLean Childrens
Center.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015

701 Leadership for the 21st Century
The challenges and issues that you face as
a leader are constantly changing at a rapid
pace. What worked in the past may not work
today. In this hands-on session, you will have
an opportunity to assess your 21st Century
leadership skills as well as gain insight on
how to thrive in the new millennium using
the head, heart and hands of leadership.
Presented by Maurice Sykes, Director of
the Early Childhood Leadership Institute at
the University of the District of Columbias
National Center for Urban Education.
702 Instructional Leadership
A childcare director wears many hats but
the most important and often overlooked
role is that of an instructional leader. The
quality of a childcare center will never be
greater than the quality of the instructional
leadership. This session will focus on how
to develop and implement an instructional
leadership plan that will lead your staff to
excellence; strategies for staff accountability
in implementation of personal goals will be
addressed. Presented by Barbara Sorrels,
Executive Director of The Institute for
Childhood Education.
703 Bridging the Gap Between Teacher

Training & Practice
You invest time and money in training your
teachers, and then wait for results... that
dont appear. What could be going wrong?
This session looks at strategies and techniques
for managers to help and support teachers
connect what they learn in the training room
to what they are doing in the classroom.
Presented by Miriam Dressler, Founder/
Owner of Bloom Training & Consulting.
704 Positively Professional Leaders
Directing a program is difficult. In addition
to tours, staff schedules, payroll, and bills
to pay, you must be the role model for your
staff. Do you lead with a positive, professional
presence? Are you mentoring your staff to
be positive professionals too? This session
explores a myriad of ways to affect the
atmosphere and attitudes in our schools
and classrooms. Presented by Bobette
Thompson, President/CEO of Child Care
Systems of America, Inc. and Board Member
of the Association for Early Learning Leaders.
705 Simplify: Clearing out the Clutter
t Overwhelmed, stressed out, and ready
to run away from home? It doesnt have
to be that way. We can live wonderful
lives that are anchored in right priorities,
filled with purpose and passion that lift us
up instead of tearing us down. Simplify,
based on the book by Bill Hybels is about
anchoring ourselves to things that really
matter. Its time to sweep out the clutter,
dust off distractions and lock into our calling.
This session will include faith perspectives.
Presented by Lori Buxton, Regional Director
of Lionheart Childrens Academy and Board
Member and Ambassador Chair of the
706 Leading Your Team to Quality
In this session, youll learn to prepare
for and lead your team on the journey to
excellence through participation in the
National Accreditation Commission for Early
Care and Education Programs. Planning
for success and being aware of potential
potholes will help you stay on your path.
Specific strategies for implementing
the National Accreditation Commission
standards regarding teacher engagement,
classroom practices, policies and procedures
will be emphasized. Presented by Colleen
Tracy Haddad, Executive Director of
CEUs offered for every

conference session.
No additional fees.
PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES
Dr. Diana L. Abel is recognized as a leader in
expanding and building higher education early

childhood and human development programs.
She brings to the field a combination of years
of experience in managing and directing early
childhood programs and teaching in higher
education. Dr. Abel holds a Masters in Human
Development/Early Childhood Leadership and a
Doctorate in Curriculum & Instruction in Adult
Education.
dr. Patricia Anderson is an expert in child
development and learning with over 30 years

experience in innovative programming and public
speaking. She is author of numerous books and
articles for parents and teachers, including
Parenting: A Field Guide and Developmentally
Appropriate Parenting. Dr. Anderson is the
Managing Director of the Certified Trainer of Early
Childhood Educators credential program. She is a
member of the Early Childhood Education faculty
at Walden University and offers online training
for teachers at her site TheSkillfulTeacher.org and
for trainers at TheSkillfulTrainer.org.
Lara Azoy is a Certified Public Accountant
working with LAUP, a non-profit organization

that provides funding for over 10,000 preschool
spaces throughout Los Angeles County. She leads
the Fiscal Provider Services department that
works closely with LAUP providers to help them
improve their business and fiscal practices. Her
department is also charged with monitoring
fiscal grant compliance for the funds distributed
on an annual basis. Prior to LAUP, Lara worked
with Ernst & Young, LLP, providing assurance and
advisory services.
Katherine Banks is the Executive Director of Falls
Church-McLean Childrens Center. She has a

M.Ed. in Early Childhood Teaching and Learning
from Liberty University. Working in Early Care
and Education for more than 26 years, Kathy is a
certified National Trainer, has worked as a Quality
Rater with the Virginia Star Quality Initiative and
has worked at a variety of non-profit centers
throughout Virginia. She has experience working
in the classroom as well as in administration and
is an experienced grant writer.
Cindy Beabout is the Director of Lighthouse
Learning Center and holds a M.Ed. in Early

Childhood Administration from National Louis
University. She has been in the field of early care
and education for over 30 years and a center
director for the past 12 years. During her graduate
studies, she focused her academic research on
parent/teacher partnerships, especially parent
engagement. Cindy serves as a mentor for
Illinois Statewide Accreditation Mentoring (SAM)
project.
10
Cindy Rzasa Bess is a Developmental Psychologist,
Education Consultant, Author and a recognized

National Professional Speaker. In addition to
being a College Instructor, an Early Child Educator,
an Infant and Toddler Caregiver, the Director of
a Nursery School, an ECERS-R Trainer and Rater,
Cindy has authored a book that synthesizes
her experience in all of these areas, entitled,
The View from the Little Chair in the Corner:
Improving Teacher Practice and Early Childhood
Learning. Cindy is writing a follow-up book on
observation and assessment, entitled Peeking
from behind the High Chairs: Enhancing the Role
of the Caregiver in the Infant Toddler Setting.
Kathie Boe is Vice President of quality and
accreditation for all Knowledge Universe brands.

In this capacity, she directs the quality initiatives
of the nations largest childcare provider. Kathie
and her team support over 2,000 centers/sites in
39 states, among over 700 of which are nationally
accredited. She has over 35 years experience
with programs for young children and holds a
bachelors degree in child development. She also
serves on the Associations Board of Directors.
Lori Buxton has been part of the early education
Lynette Galante is the Executive Director and Owner

of Future Generation Early Learning Centers.
She has been a part of the Future Generation
family for 17 years and has been in the early
learning industry for 23 years. Lynette received
her bachelors degree from Marist College.
Post-graduation, she has received her National
Administrators Credential. Lynette is a national
trainer and consultant for early learning programs
and serves as Secretary of the Associations Board
of Directors and is the 2015 National Conference
Chair.
Chuck Gibbs has been involved in the child care

industry for 22 years and is currently the President
and Founder of CRM Web Solutions. His company
has created the only Customer Relationship
Management and Marketing solution designed
specifically for the child care industry. Chuck
has been actively involved with developing and
marketing software systems for most of his
career as an owner or partner in several child
care management software companies. He has
extensive child care industry experience and a
vast knowledge of successful sales and marketing
systems, methods, strategies and techniques.
community since 1995. She has served children

and their families as a childrens pastor,
classroom teacher, program director and
child care administrator. Lori is a leader who
encourages and equips, challenges and inspires,
and is deeply committed to serving those who
in turn serve families in early education. She is
the Regional Director of Lionheart Childrens
Academy in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, the founder of
the Gulf Coast Directors Network, serves on the
Associations Board of Directors and is the chair
of the Ambassador Committee.
Colleen Tracy Haddad is Executive Director for the
Miriam Dressler is Founder and Owner of Bloom
Sally Harris began her career as an Occupational
Training & Consulting. Since 1992 she has been

teaching, training and developing both children
and adults. She co-wrote Prove It! Achieving
Quality Recognition for Your Early Childhood
Program and provides consulting services to
the early childhood education field for quality
improvement and teacher coaching. Miriam has
successfully guided many childcare programs
through the accreditation process and is currently
a Validator for the National Accreditation
Commission.
Alan Fine has dedicated the last 35 years to
helping individuals and organizations execute

on their goals...achieving dramatic performance
breakthroughs with a simple and practical
performance methodology. A New York Times
Bestselling Author, keynote speaker, and
performance coaching pioneer, Alan has a unique
ability to pair his charming Welsh wit with his
groundbreaking inside-out approach to impact
individuals, teams, and organizations around the
world. It is an approach to improvement that has
no equal.
Association of Early Learning Leaders. She began

her career in early childhood at Florida State
Universitys Lab School and holds a bachelors
degree in child development. While working with
the Florida State Center for Prevention and Early
Intervention Policy, she completed her masters
degree in early childhood education with a Pre-K
handicap endorsement. Colleen has been both
a teacher and director. Prior to her position as
Executive Director, she served as the Director for
the National Accreditation Commission.
Specialist/Career Counselor. Because of her
strong training in team building, motivation
and marketing, she utilized these skills to open
Circle C Ranch Academy in 1986. She has worked
at Megans Circle of Hope, a 501(c)3 were she
has served children with special needs. Sally is
an elected official for the Hillsborough County
School Board in Tampa Florida and sits on the
Early Childhood Coalition Board. Before joining
the Associations Board of Directors, Sally served
the organization as an Ambassador for Florida
and then Ambassador Chair.
Suzette Hechst has been an ECE college instructor
for 10 years. She has also been an ECE director

for 20 years, working with ages 12 weeks through
12 years of age. Additionally she has 15 years
experience as an accreditation validator. During
this time, she has developed college level courses
and childcare staff trainings. Suzette holds a
BS in Childcare Administration, MAT in Early
Childhood Education and is working on her Ph.D.
in Curriculum and Instruction.
Shannon Hendricks is Director of Strategic
Initiatives for Educational First Steps (EFS).

Shannon educates the community about the
importance of high-quality early education and
leads the expansion of EFS programs. Since
joining Educational First Steps in 2006, she has
spearheaded the development of the first two
generations of their signature program, Four
Steps to Excellence and Four Steps to Excellence
2.0, to better provide impoverished children
access to quality early education. Shannon also
serves as Treasurer for the Association Board of
Directors.
Catherine Reddick Henris is President/CEO of
Active Learning Centers, Inc., an early childhood

private preschool company. In her 27 years in the
industry, she has worked in all aspects of the child
care field as teacher, director, program specialist
at state level, owner and trainer. Catherine holds
a bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education/
Business. She has held offices in early childhood
organizations and serves as Vice President for the
Associations Board of Directors.
Mary Hornbeck is Executive Director and owner

of Special Beginnings Early Learning Centers and
President of the Association for Early Learning
Leaders. She holds a bachelors degree in human
development and family life and in 2007 was
honored as one of 25 Women Who Mean
Business by the Kansas City Business Journal.
Mary is a national trainer and consultant, having
written and implemented staff and parent policy
handbooks, developmental assessments for
young children and several leadership trainings.
Sarah Keeth has over 13 years experience
as an early childhood professional. Her time

management and organizational abilities fostered
a foundation for success, leading to a preschool
director position. Currently, she is Validation
Visit Coordinator and frequent validator for the
Association for Early Learning Leaders National
Accreditation Commission.
Kathy Ligon has 29 years of experience and
relationships in the education industry

nationwide. She has served as Financial Director
of a growing educational organization where
she developed financial systems that lead
to successful operational management. Her
background in accounting and educational
operations has led to the development of
pricing analysis and negotiation strategies that
successfully match buyers and sellers. Kathy has
also started several new companies, all focused
on the educational industry in varying arenas.
Dawn Martini is a Child Care Specialist with Ronald
V. McGuckin & Associates. She holds a bachelors

degree in Early Childhood and Elementary
Education and has worked in a variety of early
learning environments beginning as teacher. As
a behavior therapist, Dawn worked with disabled
children and played key roles in their integration
into the classroom environment. She has coauthored numerous books and is Editor and Chief
of The Child Care Professional Experience, a
free online journal for child care professionals.
Dawn is a Certified Trainer with Pennsylvania
Pathways.
Ronald V. McGuckin has gained a national
reputation as The Child Care Lawyer. He is a

practicing attorney in Bucks County, PA, with years
of experience in child care law. He is a lecturer
and consultant, training child care professionals
on a variety of management and legal issues.
Ron is co-author of a variety of publications
including Current Issues in Child Care. Ron has
volunteered on numerous boards including the
Beckie McRee has worked in the field of early
childhood education for over 30 years in a variety

of positions including consultant, director and
most recently as a Child Development Consultant
at Childcare Resources in Birmingham, Alabama.
Beckie holds a bachelors degree in Family Child
Development and provides coaching, training
and technical assistance for child care programs
with an emphasis in working with administration
and management of programs.
Janice Moenster is the Race to the Top-Early
Learning Challenge Innovation Zone Coordinator

for Childrens Home + Aid and holds a bachelors
in early childhood and an Illinois director
credential. For the past 22 years she has worked
for Childrens Home + Aid Child Care Resource
+ Referral Program and provided private
consultation and mentoring services. Janice
has extensive experience and knowledge on a
variety of programs and services that support
high quality programming for children, families
and educators.
Hester Paul, M.S. is the National Director of
Childrens Environmental Health Networks

(CEHN) Eco-Healthy Child Care (EHCC)
program. She is responsible for expanding the
EHCC program so that children throughout the
nation benefit from the reduction of harmful
environmental toxics within and around child care
facilities. Ms. Paul work with the EHCC National
Advisory Committee to offer comprehensive
training, technical assistance and resources to
child care professionals.
Cindy Perkins has been teaching, training and
consultingin the early education field for almost

25 years. She is the founder of Little Peoples
Country Daycare Inc. and currently owns and
operatesLittle Peoples CountryAcademy of Arts
& Education in La Grange, IL. Cindy serves on a
number of local and regional boards supporting
business development.
Chris Poppendorf has been employed by Active
Learning Center since 1994, first as a teacher

and currently as Vice President of Operations.
She serves as an Ambassador for the Association,
a Validator for the National Accreditation
Commission, and was Director of the Year in
2012.
Brocklin Qualls i is a seasoned educational leader
with expertise in business development, strategic

planning, program design, management, sales
and professional development. As the Manager
of Domestic and International Partnerships, the
Council for Professional Recognition, he has
created and managed major local, state, national
and federal relationships with organizations
and individuals responsible for assessing
and credentialing early childhood teachers
domestically and internationally.
Danna Renteria is Lead Financial Analyst Interim

for Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP). She
is a certified Program Administration Assessment
assessor and holds a bachelor of science in
accounting. She was previously a senior financial
auditor for a global public accounting firm and
worked with publicly traded corporations and
local not-for-profit organizations.
Marilyn Rice M.Ed. is an early childhood program

specialist for the Training & Technical Assistance
Center (T/TAC) at Virginia Commonwealth
Universitys School of Education. She holds a
bachelor of science in speech pathology and a
masters degree in early childhood education.
She is a Master Star Quality Rater and Trainer
for the QRIS in Virginia. Marilyn serves on the
National Accreditation Commission Council and
trains on local, state and national levels.
Melissa Rumph has been active in the field of
training and education development for over

twenty years, with a primary focus of early
childhood development and children with
disabilities. She currently serves as the Child
Development Associate Administrator at YWCA
Head Start Metro St. Louis with the responsibility
of planning for and developing a coordinated
system of care for families with young children.
Dr. Richard F. Scheig has degrees in both Business
Administration and Sociology and is President and

CEO of Scheig Associates. Over the past 30 years
Scheig Associates has developed more than 70
job specific, behaviorally based pre-employment
assessments that have been used by Fortune 500
companies and hundreds of thousands of job
applicants all over the world. Dr. Scheigs basic
tenant that performance begins with selection
is the core of the Scheig System, which identifies
high performing employees.
Erin Schmidt is currently Accreditation Director

with the National Accreditation Commission.
She has worked in the early childhood education
field for over 15 years, giving her a wide range of
experience from having been a teacher, director
and early childhood education instructor.
11
PRESENTER BIOGRAPHIES
Karen Schwarzbach has been educating and
coaching child care professionals, medical

practitioners, and private clients for over 12
years. As founder of Babies to Sleep and Pivotal
Sleep, her focus on holistic and behavioral
solutions to sleep challenges for children and
adults has earned her a strong reputation as a
mentor and innovator in her field. Karen has
presented at conferences including the NTI Zero
to Three Annual Conference; CAEYC Regional
Conference; The Employer Healthcare and
Benefits Congress; The Frog Street Press Splash
Educational Conference, as well as to companies
including Facebook, ebay, Clorox, Workday, Kaiser
Permanente, Bright Horizons and Sandia National
Laboratories.
Gigi Schweikert is an international thought
leader expert in early childhood education and

author of eighteen books in three languages,
including the Winning Ways for Early Childhood
Professionals book series and Prime Times: A
Handbook for Excellence in Infant and Toddlers
Programs. During her 25 years of experience, Gigi
managed the Johnson & Johnson Early Education
Programs and directed the United Nations Child
Care Centre in New York City where she attended
Bank Street College of Education. Gigi is COO
of Lightbridge Academy. Gigi also hosted the
television show, Todays Family.
Bob Siegel is president of Leadership Reigns,

LLC and serves on the Associations Board of
Directors and as board president of the Early
Care and Education Consortium. He has worked
as a long-time child care director, early childhood
education
management
consultant/trainer
and national director of Easter Seals Childrens
Services. He provides training and consultation
in the areas of inclusion, staff development and
supervision and business aspects of the childcare
industry.
Tym Smith has been in the early care and
education profession for over 20 years. Tym has

been a teacher, director, and then operated multiunit programs across the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.
In 2006, Tym started Early Care and Education
Training and Consulting, a training company
dedicated to quality and diversity in all programs.
His training for staff and managers has a strong
focus on motivation and advocacy for young
children. Tym is the owner and operator of three
licensed child care facilities in Texas.
Dr. Barbara Sorrels is Executive Director of
The Institute for Childhood Education, a private

professional development and consulting firm
for early childhood professionals. She holds a
BA in early childhood education, a masters in
education and a doctorate in early childhood. She
has worked in the early childhood education field
for over 35 years and founded and directed two
early childhood centers in Washington, DC and
Fort Worth, TX.
12
Laura Suria holds a Masters degree in Education
and has worked in early childhood settings for 24

years, including teaching children with special
needs, directing a college child care program,
serving as an accreditation validator, and teaching
early childhood education at the college level.
Laura owns two child care programs.
Michael Swain is Senior Loss Control Specialist

for Markel Insurance Company, creating and
implementing risk management programs in
support of child care, social service, youth
recreation programs, nonprofit organizations,
youth clubs and other industry groups. With
30 years industry experience, he has a broad
background in risk management. Michael also
serves on the Associations Board of Directors.
Maurice Sykes is Director of the Early Childhood

Leadership Institute at the University of the
District of Columbias National Center for Urban
Education. He formerly served in the District
of Columbia Public School System as deputy
superintendent for the Center for Systemic
Educational Change and director of Early
Childhood Programs. Sykes has also advised the
US Department of Education on educational
policy and programs related to urban school
improvement. Sykes has served as teacher,
teacher trainer, and curriculum developer. He
has also directed the Education Policy Fellowship
Program at the Institute for Educational
Leadership where he trained mid-career leaders.
Bobette Thompson is President/CEO of Child Care
Systems of America, Inc., an early education

management and consulting company. All
company-owned sites are accredited by the
National Accreditation Commission. She has
participated in the opening of 25 centers and
consulted with numerous others. Bobette
serves on state child care committees, presents
at conferences and actively participates with
the Association. She was president of the
Associations Board of Directors from 2011-2012.
Donna Thornton-Roberts has more than 35 years
experience leading people and developing

child care programs with a solid record of
accomplishments. She holds a masters degree
in business administration, an undergraduate
degree in management of human resources
and has developed over 40 child care programs
employing thousands of employees over the
past three decades. The author of Motivating
Staff Through Exceptional Personnel Policies, she
has appeared on CBS News This Morning and
FamilyNet TV.
Danielle Waite has been working in early care

and education for over 25 years. She began
in the classroom and is currently the Director
of UC Merceds Early Childhood Education
Center. She has worked as an administrator in
programs serving children ages 6 weeks through
Kindergarten in Head Start, State Funded and
full-fee environments. Danielle serves as an
Ambassador for the Association.
Dr. Pamela Truelove Walker has served as the
Director of First Presbyterian Preschool (FPP) in

Tuscaloosa, Alabama for 11 years. Additionally,
she is a Group Facilitator for Family Counseling
Services of West Alabama, providing intervention
services for adults with court-identified angermanagement and domestic violence issues. Prior
to her work with FPP, Pamela worked with Head
Start and Early Head Start Programs for 8 years
as a Transition/Training Coordinator and Program
Specialist. Pamela serves as an Ambassador for
the Association.
Dr. Valora Washington is the CEO of the Council
for Professional Recognition. Dr. Washington

has co-created several institutions, such as
Michigans Children, a statewide advocacy group,
the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative,
and The CAYL Institute. She has served as CoChair of the Massachusetts Governors School
Readiness Commission; Board Chair for Voices
for Americas Children; Secretary of NAEYC; chair
of the Black Caucus of the Society for Research
in Child Development; Co-Chair of the National
Head Start Association Commission on 2010; and
board member of the Boston Childrens Museum
and Wheelock College.
Liz Williams is an author, professional keynote
speaker, accountant, business coach, consultant

and early childhood expert. She offers training
and support to early childhood professionals to
improve quality, safety and the bottom line. Liz
is the founder of Childhood Resource, offering
continuing education for early childhood groups,
parent groups and nonprofit organizations.
Jennifer Woda has seven years experience

as an Early Childhood Music and Movement
Specialist working with children birth through
age seven and their parents and caregivers in
a developmentally appropriate and researchbased music and movement program. She has
been awarded Certificated Level II status from
Music Together, LLC and holds a B.A. (Music) from
Rutgers University and M.M. (Vocal Performance)
from the University of Akron.
Amelia Troutman is an Early Education Specialist
of a leading family engagement system. In her

current position, she has delivered trainings
to hundreds of Early Childhood teachers and
directors, as well as conducted studies on family
engagement. Previously, she taught as a lead
teacher in a Head Start classroom in Chicago.
Amelia holds a Master of Early Childhood
Education from Dominican University.
CONFERENCE TOURS
The Association for Early Learning Leaders encourages you to participate in our
conference tours. Relax and enjoy all that St. Louis has to offer by participating in
one or more of the following tours:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, TOURS:
Forest ParkMeet Me in St. Louis
This tour begins with an overview of Forest Park. Your motor coach will shuttle between
the St. Louis Science Center and Planetarium, the Missouri History Museum, the St.
Louis Zoo and the St. Louis Art Museum. Lunch is available on own at many fun eateries.
$45 per person
A Little Taste of St. Louis

This tour includes a driving overview of The Loop, The Hill, Soulart and Lafayette Square.
Views of other historic St. Louis neighborhoods--as time permits. Treats include Fitzs Root
Beer, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, Gus Pretzels and Gooey Butter Cake. $59 per person
Shop Til You Drop!

This tour includes time to shop at the St Louis Galleria, The Boulevard and The Vault by
WCE. The shuttle will run between all three shopping attractions. Lunch is available on
own at The Galleria or The Boulevard. $39 per person
FRIDAY, APRIL 17, TOURS:

Experience the Loop
Guests will have a chance to experience The Loop, a historic district on the National
Register of Historic Places. The Loop is a six-block area complete with restaurants,
shopping, art and entertainment. The motor coach will follow the old route down Delmar
Blvd., entering The Loop through the majestic Lions Gate. Dinner is available on own at
many fun eateries. $35 per person
SATURDAY, APRIL 18, TOURS:

Beautiful Blooms & Historic Homes
This itinerary includes a stop at the Missouri Botanical Garden with a private tram ride, as
well as a driving overview through Compton Heights, Soulard, the Brewery Complex and
Lafayette Square. $69 per person
Anheuser-Busch & Ted Drewes

During this tour, guests willsee the World Famous Clydesdales, the Beechwood Aging
Cellar and the Brew House. No visit would be complete without sampling the family
Anheuser-Busch products during the tour!
After leaving Anheuser-Busch, guests are in for one last sweet treat at Ted Drewes Frozen
custard. $45 per person
*Conference tours are available for purchase when you register online for conference.
13
AN INVITATION
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
It is an honor to invite you to take part in our
31st Annual National Conference, How Successful
Directors Lead! This premier event will be held at the
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch in St. Louis, MO
on April 16 18, 2015.
As a leader, you wear many hats each day. At
Conference, we invite you to remove those hats
and have your bucket filled! We have a slate of
extraordinary presenters and exhibitors from across
the country this year. Let us inspire you to be a
positive leader for your program. We want you to
leave Conference feeling recharged and ready to
share new ideas with your staff and families.
On behalf of the Association for Early Learning
Leaders, we look forward to meeting you at our 31st
Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency. Thank you
for your continued hard work and dedication to the
children and families of our country.
Our goal is to strengthen the knowledge, skills and

abilities of owners, directors, emerging leaders and
other early learning professionals to ensure quality
programs for young children.
ACCREDITATION
The Association for Early Learning Leaders National
Accreditation Commission offers early care and
education programs the opportunity to demonstrate
and document quality performance using researchbased criteria. Our accreditation system recognizes
the diversity of programs and the uniqueness of
each through the self-study and award process.
Association support and resources will guide you
to success.
You are valued and appreciated!

- Colleen Tracy Haddad
Executive Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Hornbeck
Cathy Henris
President
Vice President
Lynette Galante
Shannon Hendricks
Secretary Treasurer
Bobette Thompson
Past President
Kathie Boe
Bob Siegel
Lori Buxton
Michael Swain
Ron McGuckin, J.D.
Leighann Rinker, Ed.D.
14
The Association for Early Learning Leaders is a

501(c)(3) organization committed to excellence in
the field of early childhood care and education by
promoting leadership development and enhancing
program quality.
For more information on how you can get started with

the accreditation process, join us for a free introductory
webinar. Details at earlylearningleaders.org.
MEMBERSHIP
Join a professional organization committed to
leadership excellence.
Create collaborative connections with fellow
professionals through networking opportunities.
Strengthen your knowledge and skills through FREE
weekly educational training webinars and our quarterly
trade journal, Professional Connections.
Access to a variety of quality professional resources,
including legal insights, exclusive member discounts and
quality vendor services.
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION WORKSHEET
INSTRUCTIONS: Use this worksheet to plan your registration, then visit earlylearningleaders.org.
Early registration pricing ends March 20, 2015 and sessions fill up quickly, so register now!
1. REGISTRATION INFORMATION AND PAYMENT METHOD

Name______________________________________________________________________
Register
3 directors and the
Title_______________________________________________________________________
4th attends for only
Organization________________________________________________________________
$325 (members) or
$399 (nonmembers)!
Address____________________________________________________________________
Call for promo!
City ______________________________ State____________ ZIP ____________________
Phone____________________________ Cell Phone _______________________________
Fax_______________________________ Email ___________________________________
Referred by_________________________________________________________________
This is my first National Conference. I m an administrator of a program accredited
through the National Accreditation Commission.
Check
Visa
MasterCard
Discover
American Express
Name As It Appears on Card____________________________________________________
Card Number________________________________________________________________
Expiration Date _______________ Security Code___________ Billing Zip Code __________
Signature___________________________________________________________________
Check here if you have equal access requirements and list. _________________________
Check here if you have special dietary requirements and list. _______________________
Check here if you prefer vegetarian meals.
2. CONFERENCE AND PRECONFERENCE PRICING
Early: Until 3/20/2014
2015 Conference Pricing
Member
Full Conference
Nonmember
Regular: After 3/20/2014

Member
Nonmember
$425
$499
$525
$599
Thursday Only
$199
$249
$249
$299
Saturday Only
$99
$139
$149
$189
$50
$50
$70
$70
$100
$150
$115
$165
Preconference Workshops, Morning AND Afternoon $125
$175
$185
$225
Preconference Workshops, Morning OR Afternoon
$99
$115
$139
Preconference Events and Sessions

Child Care Center Tour
City Museum VIP Package
$75
3. CONFERENCE AND PRECONFERENCE EVENTS AND SESSIONS
Please support the Associations effort to go green by marking all events/meal functions you plan to
attend. This will ensure we have an accurate attendance count at each event and do not over-order
food and beverage. Many events are included in the conference registration cost; however, if you do not
select an event or meal function, you will not be registered for it. Unless noted otherwise, prices are listed above.
Wednesday Preconference Workshop: AM 1: Supporting CDA Credentialing Candidates: The Role
April 15 of PD Specialist............................................................................................$___________
Optional Tour: Explore Local Child Care Centers.........................................$___________

Preconference Workshop: PM 1: Eight Steps to Supervision Success........$___________
A Little Taste of St. Louis ($59 per person)...........................................................$___________
Forest Park-Meet Me in St. Louis ($45 per person). ............................................$___________
Shop Til You Drop! ($39 per person)...................................................................$___________

Thursday
Munch & Mingle with Exhibitors (FREE for conference registrants, $38/guest).........................$___________
April 16
Presidents Member Reception (Members only; FREE). .........................................$___________

Denim to Diamonds Karaoke (FREE for conference registrants, $25/guest) ................................$___________
Friday
Gala Luncheon (FREE for conference registrants, $49/guest).............................................$___________
April 17
Experience the Loop ($35 per person).................................................................$___________

Owners Only Happy Hour...........................................................................$___________

City Museum VIP Package ($100 Members, $150 Nonmembers). .................................$___________

Saturday
Anheuser-Busch Brewery & Ted Drewes ($45 per person)..................................$___________

April 18
Beautiful Blooms & Historic Homes ($69 per person).........................................$___________

REGISTRATION TOTAL............................................................................... $___________
List the names of any guests who will attend special events with you____________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

CANCELLATION POLICY : All cancellations must be made in writing. Cancellations received on or before March 2,
2015 are refundable minus a $40 processing fee. Cancellations received March 220, 2015 are refundable
minus a $125 processing fee. No refunds after March 20, 2015.
*If you are unable to register online, print and complete this form and send as follows with your payment:
Email:events@earlylearningleaders.org | Fax:512-301-5080 | Phone:512-301-5557
Mail: Association for Early Learning Leaders, 8000 Centre Park Dr., Ste. 170, Austin, TX 78754.
4. SESSION SELECTIONS
(Indicate an X for each preference and A for alternate. You

may attend only one session per session group per day. Mark
the box to the left of the session you are selecting.) Note:
Applications without indicated alternates will not be processed!
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

OPENING KEYNOTE
Unlock Your Potential
CONCURRENT SESSIONS ONE

101: Essential Behaviors for Manager/Employee
Conversations
102: Marketing Your Child Care in Your Local Community
103: Effective Not So Evil Evaluations
104: Social Networking Legal and Professional
Consideration
105: Empowering People, Inspiring Change
106: How Family-Friendly is Your Early Childhood
Program?
107: Biblical Conflict Management
CONCURRENT SESSIONS TWO

201: Marketing and Recruiting: Two Birds with One
Stone!
202: Delegation of Responsibility in the ECE Setting
203: The Six Key Steps to Win and Keep New
Enrollments
204: Interative Curriculum Planning - Using Childrens
Voices and Documentation
205: The Way of the Shepherd: Leading with a Servants
Heart
206: Guiding Administration Through the CDA Proces
207: ABCs of Accreditation
CONCURRENT SESSIONS THREE

301: Problem Employees: A Management Perspective
302: Yes, Its a Mission, But Its Also An Investment
303: Managing Money Right!
304: Workplace Coaching and Staff Development
305: Strategies for Ensuring Quality Interaction with
Children
306: Are Your Classrooms Safe?
307:The Validation Visit

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

KEYNOTE
Leadership Lessons
Continuing
Education
Units (CEUs)
Granted!
CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOUR
401: All Families Are Special

402: Winning Over Problem People
403: Working with Parents to Improve Childrens Sleep
404: Service with a Smile
405: Key Risk Management Practices Every Program
Needs to Address
406: Harness the Power of Music to Enhance Learning
407: Biblical Leadership

CONCURRENT SESSIONS FIVE

501: Latest Trends in Personnel Policy Writing
502: Mentoring So-So Employees into Excellent
Employees
503: Is He Going to Be in MY Classroom?
INCLUSION in ECE
504: Performance Begins With Selection
505: Create Meaningful Family Partnerships--Smart
Phones Welcome!
506: Good Leadership: Being What You Believe
507: Out of the Box
CONCURRENT SESSIONS SIX

601: Managing a Multi-Generational Team
602: Is Your Company Branded?
603: The Fiscal-Minded Leader
604: Showing Appreciation in the Workplace
605: Still Riding the Crazy Train?
606: Building Time Management Techniques into Your
Day
607: Always Reaching for the Stars

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015

CONCURRENT SESSIONS SEVEN
701 Leadership for the 21st Century
702 Instructional Leadership
703 Bridging the Gap Between Teacher Training &
Practice
704 Positively Professional Leaders
705 Simplify: Clearing out the Clutter
706 Leading Your Team to Quality
CLOSING KEYNOTE
Doing the Right Thing for Children
For details about these session types, see page 6-9:
FB: Faith-based session
Acc: Accreditation session
15
8000 Centre Park Drive, Suite 170, Austin, TX 78754
Limited number of hotel rooms

availableregister early!
Reserve your room early with our
group rate of $169. Make it a family
affairextend your stay at our
group rate!
Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch
315 Chestnut Street
St. Louis, MO 63102, US
https://aws.passkey.com/
event/11452299/owner/988/home
VENDOR MEMBERS
Thanks to our vendor members for their fine support.
Academic Property Group...................214-918-4440............................preschoolsales.com
Alliance Bus Group..............................972-221-4440........................alliancebusgroup.com
Anybody Can Play Soft Mozart............512-892-0640........anybodycanplaysoftmozart.com
Branagh Information Group................813-973-8855............................ branaghgroup.com
Child Care CRM....................................972-765-7475.............................. childcarecrm.com
Cirrus Group LLC..................................248-841-1940............................. daycareworks.com
Dexter Educational Toys......................305-931-7426..................................dexterplay.com
Discount School Supply.......................831-601-8033.................. discountschoolsupply.com
Ebeanstalk.com...................................203-301-4141................................. ebeanstalk.com
EZCARE2/SofterWare, Inc....................215-542-4388......................ezcare2.com/?id=2409
First Quality.........................................570-769-4987........................................cuties.com/
Fundation Group LLC...........................646-829-9494...................................fundation.com
Grow Right..........................................757-875-7748...................................grow-right.org
Happy Child.........................................800-854-6295 x3002........happychildproducts.com/
Health Consultants for Child Care........952-472-3915......................... healthconsultantsfor
childcare.com
Ident-A-Kid Services of America..........800-890-1000............................parentobserve.com
Kid Orange Tech..................................772-204-4568............................kidorangetech.com
16
Learning Genie Inc..............................800-510-4298........................... learning-genie.com

Ledger Software..................................888-311-1351................................ lgrsoftware.com
Markel.................................................678-290-2100..................... childcareinsurance.com
Minute Menu Systems.........................927-671-5211... minutemenu.com/web/index.html
Music Together LLC..............................800-728-2692............................musictogether.com
MyChild...............................................847-749-8646............................... mychildnow.com
Nasco..................................................920-568-5509................enasco.com/earlylearning/
Nationwide Insurance.........................800-633-7867 ............................... nationwide.com/
accident-medical-insurance-hi.jsp
PortraitEFX Photography.....................704-541-2807..................................portraitefx.com
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen.................303-940-9802.............................. rmsunscreen.com
Share Corporation...............................214-906-5476................................... sharecorp.com
The Institute for
Childhood Education...........................918-307-0544....................WeEducateTeachers.com
The Skillful Trainer...............................206-905-9343..........................theskillfultrainer.org
Tykester...............................................940-367-6181......................................Tykester.com
UltraPlay.............................................423-648-5596.....................................ultraplay.com

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31 st ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE

HOW SUCCESSFUL DIRECTORS LEAD!

Cutting-Edge Industry Topics

Special thanks to our Diamond Sponsor:

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) granted!

2015 31st ANNUAL NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Opening KeynoteLeading from the Inside Out

Thank you to our 2015 Director of the Year Award sponsors:

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch

ST. LOUIS VIP EVENT PACKAGE

Join fellow early learning leaders at our City Museum VIP

Your full conference registration includes:

All keynote and concurrent sessions

For additional details and updated information, visit earlylearningleaders.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 16 : CONFERENCE BEGINS

CONCURRENT SESSION ONE

101 Essential Behaviors for Manager/

CONCURRENT SESSIONS TWO

201 Marketing and Recruiting: Two Birds

203 The Six Key Steps to Win and Keep New

CONCURRENT SESSIONS THREE

301 Problem Employees: A Management

FRIDAY, APRIL 17: CONFERENCE EVENTS

CONCURRENT SESSIONS FOUR

401 All Families Are Special: Understanding

12:15 p.m. 1:45 p.m.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS FIVE

501 Latest Trends in Personnel Policy Writing

CONCURRENT SESSIONS SIX

601 Managing a Multi-Generational Team

SATURDAY, APRIL 18: CONFERENCE EVENTS

CONCURRENT SESSIONS SEVEN

701 Leadership for the 21st CenturySykes

PRECONFERENCEWEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

Get Connected! First-Time Attendee/Ambassador Meet-Up

For preconference tours, visit page 13.

For additional details and updated information, visit earlylearningleaders.org

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015

104 Social Networking Legal and

201 Marketing and Recruiting: Two Birds

t Faith-based sessions are designed for child

205 The Way of the Shepherd: Leading

302 Yes, Its a Mission, But Its Also An

306 Are Your Classrooms Safe?

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 2015

For additional details and updated information, visit earlylearningleaders.org

child care professionals whose programs

403 Working with Parents to Improve

406 Harness the Power of Music to Enhance

CEUs offered for every

502 Mentoring So-So Employees into

507 Out of the Box

605 Still Riding the Crazy Train?

SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015

703 Bridging the Gap Between Teacher

CEUs offered for every

For additional details and updated information, visit earlylearningleaders.org

expanding and building higher education early

dr. Patricia Anderson is an expert in child

development and learning with over 30 years

Lara Azoy is a Certified Public Accountant

working with LAUP, a non-profit organization

Katherine Banks is the Executive Director of Falls

Church-McLean Childrens Center. She has a