2026 Fall Conference Making a Difference One Child At A Time

Join us for our annual Early Childhood Educator's conference at Oakton College in Des Plaines, IL.
About this Event

Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026

Time: 07:30 AM- 12:30 PM (Central Daylight Time)

Location: Oakton College1600 Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Come join us at the ! This exciting event will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, starting at 07:30 AM (Central Daylight Time). We are thrilled to bring together professionals, educators, and enthusiasts in the field of Early Childhood Education to explore new ideas and foster collaboration. Visit our Vendors, hear about the collaborations in our community and do some exploring!

The conference will be held at the conveniently located Oakton College 1600 Golf Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016. Please park in LOT A! This venue offers a comfortable and conducive environment for learning and networking. Get ready to engage in thought-provoking discussions, attend informative workshops, and gain valuable insights from experienced speakers.

At the , we aim to create an inclusive and friendly atmosphere where participants can connect with like-minded individuals, exchange knowledge, and discover innovative approaches in Early Childhood Education. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a community that believes in the power of collaboration and shared learning. We're making a difference one child at a time! You will be able to pre-register for workshops when you register so that at the conference, you just need to find a seat, no rushing around. Enjoy some pre-packaged snacks*, visit vendors, and a chance to win raffle prizes.

We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and enriching experience at the 2026 Annual Conference! Mark your calendars and join us on October 3rd for a day filled with growth, inspiration, and connection.

Cost:

Early Bird discount if made prior to 9/15/2026:

• General Admission $40
• General Admission for groups of 5+ people $25 each
• GoAEYC's Standard/Premium members in good standing $20

After 9/15/26:

• General Admission $45
• General Admission for groups of 5+ people $30 each
• GoAEYC's Standard/Premium members in good standing $25

* Please note you may bring beverages and light snacks as GoAEYC is unable to meet all food sensitivities or allergies.

Please choose ONE workshop for each session, click here for detailed descriptions.

Please note that GoAEYC is an Authorized Entity of Gateways. This conference is worth 4 hours of Gateways approved hours and will appear after verification of attendance on your Professional Development Record.

Please note FULL sessions and choose a different workshop. You willl NOT be able to switch or walk into a FULL session! The workshops you register for are the only ones you may attend.

Session A

8-10 AM

1. Imagine a Classroom without Challenging Behaviors, Agnieszka Moroni
2. Be the Spark, Not the Script: The Superpower of Inspiring Imagination Through Play, Tracy Patton
3. Play, Read, Write: Nurturing Early Literacy Naturally, Sheila Kerwin
4. Tuneful Transitions: Songs for Routines, Relationships, and Readiness, Alyssa Stone
5. Desarrollo Motriz y su contribucion al Aprendizaje, Interaccion y Juego, Gilda Figueroa

Session B

10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

1. Where Did the Grit Go? Rebuilding Resilience and Courageous Learning in Boys in a Softer World, Allen Rosales
2. Water is a Language: Teaching Water Science with a Reggio Emilia Lens, Ann Gadzikowski
3. Beyond Translation: Building an Authentic Spanish-Bilingual Music Classroom Through Song, Dance, and Story, Sally Blandon
4. One Classroom, Many Cultures, Molly Baby
5. El poder de pertenecer: Crear entornos de aprendizaje emocional y psicologicamente seguros Dra. Norma A. Guzman

You may register on-line or via Post office, see registration booklet for more information and deadlines.

GoAEYC is thankful for our sponsors and supporters:
We couldn't do this without them!

Oakton College, Des Plaines: www.oakton.edu

Gateways to Opportunity: www.ilgateways.com

Please note a list of vendors will be emailed the week prior to the conference. Interested in being a vendor? Contact us at [email protected]
Agenda

🕑: 07:30 AM
Check-in Table open for you to pick up name tag, and room assignments
🕑: 08:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Session A Workshops
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break- check vendors, door prize winner list, and grab a snack.
🕑: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Session B Workshops
🕑: 12:30 PM - 12:30 PM
Conference ends, enjoy the rest of your day!