Loading…
This event has ended. Visit the official site or create your own event on Sched.
Welcome to the 2024 Early Childhood Conference site!  Sign-up for either or both days: click on Reserve A Seat to get your ticket(s) and complete the registration form.  If you have questions or require assistance please call Kaui at (808) 305-9770 or via email at kauinohea.correa@k12.hi.us. 
arrow_back View All Dates
Friday, October 11
 

8:00am HST

Welcome & Keynote
Friday October 11, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am HST
Presenters
avatar for Sally Haughey

Sally Haughey

Founder & CEO, Fairy Dust Teaching
Sally Haughey is the CEO and Founder of Fairy Dust Teaching, now known asWunderled. She started her teaching journey in 1996, and her experience nowextends over two decades. In 2010, Sally launched Fairy Dust Teaching,driven by her passion for early childhood wonder and magic.Wunderled... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 8:00am - 8:50am HST
Performing Arts Center

9:05am HST

Transdisciplinary Play-Based Assessments
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
In this session participants will learn about TPBA2 as an assessment system that can be used as a comprehensive tool for a variety of needs for our youngest learners. Hence, TPBA2, when used to fidelity, is so much more than single measure. Therefore, through learning about all facets of TPBA2, participants will know how to build a deep and rich background description of the child and family; how to utilize that information as a team to plan for an authentic play session experience; how to effectively include the family as part of the observations in the play session; and ultimately how this comprehensive body of evidence leads to effective decisions about eligibility and the IEP.
Presenters
avatar for Chris Miller, EdD

Chris Miller, EdD

Chris Miller is an educational consultant who has presented across the country about best practices for special education and early childhood education. He has held positions with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and several school districts as a district administrator... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
G 202

9:05am HST

Beyond Words: Inspiring Communication
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
This seminar will delve into the importance of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Core vocabulary, especially for nonverbal students and/or students with limited verbal abilities. Participants will discover a range of tools, strategies, and supports designed to foster independent and effective communication, and build meaningful connections. Whether you are new to AAC or looking to deepen your understanding, this seminar aims to equip participants with practical knowledge and confidence to inspire communication.
Presenters
avatar for Joseph Ahuna

Joseph Ahuna

SLP, KKPCA
Joseph Ahuna is a speech language pathologist working in the KKP complex area. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a master's degree in communication sciences and disorders. He recently attended the Closing the Gap Assistive Technology conference in Minneapolis Minnesota... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
G 103

9:05am HST

Helping Preschool Children Develop Executive Functions to Improve Behavior
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
This session will describe the role of executive functions in children's self-regulation of behavior
and discuss evidence-based strategies that facilitate the development of these executive
functions.
Expected Learner Outcomes
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Define executive functions and explain their roles in the self-regulation of behavior
during early childhood.
2. Identify specific behaviors that signal executive function difficulties with self-regulation.
3. Apply evidence-based strategies to help young children improve their self-regulation of
behavior.
4. Identify sources of information about how to foster the growth of self-regulation
executive functions during early childhood.
Presenters
avatar for George McCloskey, Ph.D.

George McCloskey, Ph.D.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
Library

9:05am HST

Hawai'i Early Literacy Guide
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
Join us for an introduction to the recently released Hawaiʻi Early Literacy Guide (2024). This session affords an opportunity for participants to familiarize themselves with the purpose, context, content, and uses of the guide.
Presenters
CM

Coleen Momohara

Coleen Momohara is currently retired and has a long career in Hawaiʻi as an early childhood educator. She has worked in community preschools, family-child interaction programs, the Department of Education, and the Executive Office on Learning. She continues to provide professional... Read More →
avatar for Germaine Kaleilehua Tauati

Germaine Kaleilehua Tauati

Early Literacy Program Director, INPEACE
Germaine Tauati's role as the Program Director of the Early Literacy Institute at INPEACE is focused on fostering literacy development in Native Hawaiian communities. She contributes to programs that ensure children from birth to age five have access to quality education. Tauati's... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
H 101

9:05am HST

Wordless Wonders - Practical Tips to Build Language & Literacy Skills
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
Participants will discover the importance of the BIG 6 and how to apply their knowledge using picture books throughout the daily routine. They will understand how these six literacy skills impact reading and spelling proficiency. This workshop will demonstrate a picture book and thematic unit to integrate the BIG 6 literacy skills with explicit instruction and multisensory activities. During the session, participants will use the framework to create an additional thematic unit in a small group activity.
Presenters
avatar for Hanna Stroud

Hanna Stroud

Literacy Tutor & Consultant, My Literacy Space
My Literacy Space
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
H 102

9:05am HST

Laying the CVI Foundation: Brain Basics
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
This session will explore the foundational concepts of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), focusing on how visual processing in the brain impacts a learner’s ability to access information. Through interactive exercises, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of visual behavior, the anatomy of the brain related to vision, and how these elements shape the experiences of individuals with CVI. Using engaging metaphors and real-life examples, we will examine the development of vision, the brain’s visual pathways, and the common causes and characteristics of CVI. Educators and professionals will leave with practical strategies to assess and support learners, ensuring visually accessible environments tailored to individual needs.
Objective(s):
  • Understand what cortical/cerebral visual impairment is, including the key factors associated with each visual behavior and their impact on a learner’s ability to access information.
Presenters
avatar for Saaron Putnam-Almaguer

Saaron Putnam-Almaguer

Saaron Putnam-Almaguer is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) at Northwest Regional Education Service District in Hillsboro, Oregon. Holding teaching licenses in both visual impairments and early childhood special education... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie Steffer

Stephanie Steffer

Business Director, CViConnect
Stephanie Steffer is the Business Director at CViConnect and a founding educator for the platform. As a certified teacher of children with visual impairments, specializing in early childhood education, and a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsed professional, Stephanie has dedicated her... Read More →
avatar for Dawn Anderson

Dawn Anderson

Dawn Anderson is the Chair of the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies at Western Michigan University.  She has coordinated the Teacher of Children with Visual Impaired and Orientation and Mobility with Children graduate programs. She holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
F 101

9:05am HST

Joy Through Movement
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
In this interactive session, participants will learn about various age-appropriate equipment, skills, activities, and strategies to increase physical activity, joy, and play in their early childhood classrooms. Dress comfortably, have an open mind, and be ready to move and have fun!
Presenters
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
Student Services Building

9:05am HST

Empowering Educators for Impactful Family Conversations and Meetings
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
In this interactive session, participants will engage in strategies to support highly effective conversations with families, learning how to foster meaningful dialogue that strengthens relationships and enhances student success. The session will also delve into research-based approaches that promote impactful meetings, ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge to lead productive, goal-oriented discussions. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with unique tools and strategies ready for immediate implementation within their systems, empowering them to build stronger, more engaged family-school partnerships.

Session Outcomes: 
  • Engage in strategies to support highly effective conversations with families. 
  • Dig into research that supports impactful meetings
  • Leave session with unique tools and strategies to implement within their support systems.
Presenters
avatar for Kapeka Salter

Kapeka Salter

Instructional and Leadership Coach, The Institute for Excellence in Education
Committed to the core mission of ensuring students are prepared for success in K-12, college, work, and life, Kapeka Salter has dedicated her career to strengthening leaders, building capacity, growing minds, and impacting students. Kapeka joined the Institute team in 2022 as an Instructional... Read More →
avatar for Molly Sholten

Molly Sholten

Executive Director & Coach Specialist, The Institute for Excellence in Education
Blazing a trail toward collaborative educational environments for all, Molly Sholten has focused her career around inspiring teachers to build collaborative classroom and school learning cultures that reach the academic and social emotional goals necessary for students to succeed... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
H 203

9:05am HST

Singing to the Choir: Support for Young Families of Children with Disabilities
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
SPIN - the Special Parent Information Network, has been supporting families, and the professionals who work with them, for 40 years, but many in Hawaii still don't know about us. We'll cover the basics of what SPIN does in our community, provide insights on what families need during transition to special education and how to support them, and where to access resources, information and support systems in our state.
Participants will:
  • learn where to find tools, resources and information, that are useful to both families, teachers and community providers
  • recognize the importance of parent-to-parent support and connections
  • understand the importance of preparing early intervention families for the shift from a family-centered program in natural environments to an educational system with a student focus.  

Presenters
avatar for Amanda Kaahanui

Amanda Kaahanui

Program Specialist, SPIN- Special Parent Information Network
Amanda loves being a parent, advocate and care coordinator for her handsome 20-year-old son Ikaika.  She is the Program Specialist at SPIN, the Special Parent Information Network, and helps families find information, resources and support for their children with special needs. In... Read More →
avatar for Susan Rocco

Susan Rocco

Coordinator, Special Parent Information Network
Susan found her true calling in 1985 as the coordinator of SPIN--a new parent information and referral program formed within the Disability and Communication Access Board and in partnership with the Department of Education. She likes to say that her son Jason, now 43, “got her the... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
G 204

9:05am HST

Sensory Strategies in Early Childhood
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
Discover how sensory processing abilities support the executive functioning of our youngest learners. In this session, we will learn the theory and development of sensory processing skills; how sensory processing abilities and preferences affect children’s functioning and learning capacities across all settings; and then we will have fun as we put theory into practice and imbed sensory strategies into the learning environment.
Presenters
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
F 102 (Dance Studio)

9:05am HST

How Kimochis Addresses Challenging Behaviors
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
One of the biggest dilemmas that educators face in the classroom is how to address challenging behaviors in students. Challenging behaviors can disrupt classroom instruction, distract other learners and can be highly anxiety-inducing for all learners in the classroom. In this session, learners will acquire practical strategies to proactively manage challenging behaviors in students, thereby promoting a more conducive learning environment. We aim to prevent disruptions to classroom instruction and reduce anxiety among all learners. This approach not only helps educators understand and apply Kimochis effectively but also provides practical tools to address challenging behaviors before they escalate, promoting a more positive and supportive classroom environment.
Presenters
avatar for Eileen Cristobal-Rodriguez

Eileen Cristobal-Rodriguez

Education Director, Kimochis Plushy Feely Corp.
Eileen Cristobal-Rodriguez is the Education Director at Kimochis, where "Kimochi," meaning "feeling" in Japanese, represents our school-wide initiative designed to enhance students' emotional communication, build interpersonal skills, and foster a culture of kindness. With 20 years... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
H 202

9:05am HST

Transition to Kindergarten
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
This joint session between the Department of Education, the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL), and Hawaiʻi P-20 will explore transitions to kindergarten, with special emphasis on the specific transition from EOEL prekindergarten to kindergarten. Participants will discuss the importance of positive family engagement, inter-agency collaboration, and collective data-sharing in order to ensure keiki have nurturing transitions in the kindergarten experience.
Presenters
avatar for Lauren Padesky

Lauren Padesky

Educational Specialist, Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design
Dr. Lauren Padesky is the Early Childhood Education Specialist at HIDOE. She holds a PhD in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in early literacy. She is also a former kindergarten teacher, literacy professor, and clinical literacy interventionist/coach.
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
H 103

9:05am HST

What Is The Concern? Transitioning from Part C to Part B
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
This will be a joint session with community partners (EI, PATCH) to discuss transition from EI into early childhood programs
Presenters
avatar for Stacy Kong

Stacy Kong

EIS Supervisor/Part C Coordinator, Dept. of Health, Early Intervention Section
avatar for Verna Chinen M.S. CCC-SLP

Verna Chinen M.S. CCC-SLP

Administrator- Exceptional Support Branch, OSSS-ESB-Special Education Section
Verna Chinen, M.S. CCC-SLP,  has more than 40 years of experiencing working with children with communication disorders as a speech-language pathologist, related services coordinator and Educational Specialist in the areas of related services, evaluation and eligibility and preschool... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 10:35am HST
G 101

9:05am HST

Unpacking and Using the AEPS3 Curriculum to Achieve Child Progress
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 12:15pm HST
Conference attendees will use session handouts to practice applying  completed assessment results of a 3 year old child in planning and choosing appropriate tier level support in selected AEPS3 activities and routines that are focused on child's goals/objectives for skills improvement and mastery.
Presenters
Friday October 11, 2024 9:05am - 12:15pm HST
H 201

10:45am HST

Transdisciplinary Play-Based Assessments
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
In this session participants will learn about TPBA2 as an assessment system that can be used as a comprehensive tool for a variety of needs for our youngest learners. Hence, TPBA2, when used to fidelity, is so much more than single measure. Therefore, through learning about all facets of TPBA2, participants will know how to build a deep and rich background description of the child and family; how to utilize that information as a team to plan for an authentic play session experience; how to effectively include the family as part of the observations in the play session; and ultimately how this comprehensive body of evidence leads to effective decisions about eligibility and the IEP.
Presenters
avatar for Chris Miller, EdD

Chris Miller, EdD

Chris Miller is an educational consultant who has presented across the country about best practices for special education and early childhood education. He has held positions with the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) and several school districts as a district administrator... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
G 202

10:45am HST

Beyond Words: Inspiring Communication
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
This seminar will delve into the importance of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Core vocabulary, especially for nonverbal students and/or students with limited verbal abilities. Participants will discover a range of tools, strategies, and supports designed to foster independent and effective communication, and build meaningful connections. Whether you are new to AAC or looking to deepen your understanding, this seminar aims to equip participants with practical knowledge and confidence to inspire communication.
Presenters
avatar for Joseph Ahuna

Joseph Ahuna

SLP, KKPCA
Joseph Ahuna is a speech language pathologist working in the KKP complex area. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a master's degree in communication sciences and disorders. He recently attended the Closing the Gap Assistive Technology conference in Minneapolis Minnesota... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
G 103

10:45am HST

Preschool Environments: Making Informed Decisions About the Provision of Services
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
Presenters
avatar for Stacy Kong

Stacy Kong

EIS Supervisor/Part C Coordinator, Dept. of Health, Early Intervention Section
avatar for Verna Chinen M.S. CCC-SLP

Verna Chinen M.S. CCC-SLP

Administrator- Exceptional Support Branch, OSSS-ESB-Special Education Section
Verna Chinen, M.S. CCC-SLP,  has more than 40 years of experiencing working with children with communication disorders as a speech-language pathologist, related services coordinator and Educational Specialist in the areas of related services, evaluation and eligibility and preschool... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
G 101

10:45am HST

Laying the CVI Foundation: Identifying CVI; The Characteristics and Manifestation Areas, Ensuring Meaningful Access for learners with CVI
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
This workshop will guide participants through the fundamental characteristics of Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), a leading cause of pediatric visual impairment. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of CVI's impact on visual processing and how to identify the characteristics/visual manifestations associated with CVI. Through this session, attendees will explore visual behaviors like color preference, difficulty with visual complexity, and the need for light, gaining practical insights into supporting individuals with CVI. By the end, participants will be equipped to recognize and respond to these characteristics in learners with CVI. Additionally, participants will explore how to use baseline data to analyze pre-made CVI activities, review student profiles, and determine which activities best meet learners’ needs, and learn how to modify or create new activities when pre-made options are unavailable, equipping them with practical tools to support individuals with CVI.
Objective(s):
  • Participants will be able to identify the characteristics of CVI.
  • When given an activity, participants will identify what CVI Phase it is most appropriate for. 
  • When given an activity within each CVI phase and a student profile, participants will identify which activities are most appropriate for a warm-up and for access to the curriculum.
  • When given an IEP goal, with a visual learning modality, participants identify factors to consider when creating visual targets.
Presenters
avatar for Saaron Putnam-Almaguer

Saaron Putnam-Almaguer

Saaron Putnam-Almaguer is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) at Northwest Regional Education Service District in Hillsboro, Oregon. Holding teaching licenses in both visual impairments and early childhood special education... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie Steffer

Stephanie Steffer

Business Director, CViConnect
Stephanie Steffer is the Business Director at CViConnect and a founding educator for the platform. As a certified teacher of children with visual impairments, specializing in early childhood education, and a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsed professional, Stephanie has dedicated her... Read More →
avatar for Dawn Anderson

Dawn Anderson

Dawn Anderson is the Chair of the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies at Western Michigan University.  She has coordinated the Teacher of Children with Visual Impaired and Orientation and Mobility with Children graduate programs. She holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
F 101

10:45am HST

Joy Through Movement
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
In this interactive session, participants will learn about various age-appropriate equipment, skills, activities, and strategies to increase physical activity, joy, and play in their early childhood classrooms. Dress comfortably, have an open mind, and be ready to move and have fun!
Presenters
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
Student Services Building

10:45am HST

Empowering Educators for Impactful Family Conversations and Meetings
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
In this interactive session, participants will engage in strategies to support highly effective conversations with families, learning how to foster meaningful dialogue that strengthens relationships and enhances student success. The session will also delve into research-based approaches that promote impactful meetings, ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge to lead productive, goal-oriented discussions. By the end of the session, attendees will leave with unique tools and strategies ready for immediate implementation within their systems, empowering them to build stronger, more engaged family-school partnerships.

Session Outcomes: 
  • Engage in strategies to support highly effective conversations with families. 
  • Dig into research that supports impactful meetings
  • Leave session with unique tools and strategies to implement within their support systems.
Presenters
avatar for Kapeka Salter

Kapeka Salter

Instructional and Leadership Coach, The Institute for Excellence in Education
Committed to the core mission of ensuring students are prepared for success in K-12, college, work, and life, Kapeka Salter has dedicated her career to strengthening leaders, building capacity, growing minds, and impacting students. Kapeka joined the Institute team in 2022 as an Instructional... Read More →
avatar for Molly Sholten

Molly Sholten

Executive Director & Coach Specialist, The Institute for Excellence in Education
Blazing a trail toward collaborative educational environments for all, Molly Sholten has focused her career around inspiring teachers to build collaborative classroom and school learning cultures that reach the academic and social emotional goals necessary for students to succeed... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
H 203

10:45am HST

Roots & Wings: Family Engagement for Early Childhood Success
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
This interactive workshop explores the crucial role of family involvement in early childhood education. Participants will examine strategies to engage families, create inclusive partnerships, and enhance children's learning experiences through collaborative efforts between educators and families.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
  • Explain the importance of family involvement in early childhood education
  • Identify barriers to family engagement and strategies to overcome them
  • Implement effective communication techniques to build strong educator-family relationships
  • Design inclusive family engagement activities that support diverse families
  • Develop a plan to integrate family knowledge and experiences into the curriculum
  • Evaluate and improve existing family involvement practices in their educational settings
Presenters
avatar for Sally Haughey

Sally Haughey

Founder & CEO, Fairy Dust Teaching
Sally Haughey is the CEO and Founder of Fairy Dust Teaching, now known asWunderled. She started her teaching journey in 1996, and her experience nowextends over two decades. In 2010, Sally launched Fairy Dust Teaching,driven by her passion for early childhood wonder and magic.Wunderled... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
H 204

10:45am HST

Importance of Self-Care for Adults and Children – Activities to Use Today
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
Come join our interactive session where you will learn about the importance of self-care and make and take activities for yourself and for children.  This session will be limited to 20 participants to make sure we have enough books and materials.


Presenters
KN

Keiko Nitta

Early Childhood Coordinator, Hawaii Department of Health
Project LAUNCH supporting young child wellness.
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
H 101

10:45am HST

Sensory Strategies in Early Childhood
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
Discover how sensory processing abilities support the executive functioning of our youngest learners. In this session, we will learn the theory and development of sensory processing skills; how sensory processing abilities and preferences affect children’s functioning and learning capacities across all settings; and then we will have fun as we put theory into practice and imbed sensory strategies into the learning environment.
Presenters
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
F 102 (Dance Studio)

10:45am HST

Bridging the Home & School Connection with Kimochis
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
Ensuring the successful implementation of Kimochis hinges on bridging the home and school connection. While it may not be realistic to expect families to fully adopt the Kimochis vocabulary at home, learners can enhance their understanding of Kimochis and facilitate manageable practices that can be applied at home. The interactive presentation session will be focused on providing more “do-able doses” of Kimochis when at home.
Presenters
avatar for Eileen Cristobal-Rodriguez

Eileen Cristobal-Rodriguez

Education Director, Kimochis Plushy Feely Corp.
Eileen Cristobal-Rodriguez is the Education Director at Kimochis, where "Kimochi," meaning "feeling" in Japanese, represents our school-wide initiative designed to enhance students' emotional communication, build interpersonal skills, and foster a culture of kindness. With 20 years... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
H 202

10:45am HST

Introduction to Infant Mental Health - Relationship Based Work
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
The first five years of life are critical for brain development - and for establishing safe, secure, nurturing relationships.  Learn how the relationships around young children last a lifetime and explore our role in being in the earliest part of a child's life.  Erika will share experiences from the field and how holding a relationship-based lens made all the difference in supporting the development of optimal mental health in infancy and early childhood.

Presenters
avatar for Erika Warner

Erika Warner

Erika Warner believes that Infant Mental Health practice is social justice work and is deeply committed to all families having access to relationship based, trauma informed and culturally sensitive care and attention. She has worked with families with young children for more than... Read More →

Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 12:15pm HST
H 103

10:45am HST

Embedding Picture Books Throughout Your Daily Routine
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 3:00pm HST
Participants will discover the importance of the BIG 6 and how to apply their knowledge using picture books throughout the daily routine. They will understand how these six literacy skills impact reading and spelling proficiency. This workshop will demonstrate a picture book and thematic unit to integrate the BIG 6 literacy skills with explicit instruction and multisensory activities. During the session, participants will use the framework to create an additional thematic unit in a small group activity.
Presenters
avatar for Hanna Stroud

Hanna Stroud

Literacy Tutor & Consultant, My Literacy Space
My Literacy Space
Friday October 11, 2024 10:45am - 3:00pm HST
H 102

12:15pm HST

LUNCH, October 11 @12:15 pm
Friday October 11, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm HST
Friday October 11, 2024 12:15pm - 1:00pm HST
Cafeteria

1:00pm HST

Child Find - A Partnership Project Between DOH and DOE
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
During this session participants will learn about the Child Find efforts that are being jointly addressed by the DOH and DOE.
Presenters
avatar for Luke Kusumoto

Luke Kusumoto

Child Find coordinator, Dept. of Health - Early Intervention Section
avatar for Jeremy Heyer

Jeremy Heyer

Supervisor, Hawaii State Department of Health
Jeremy Heyer serves as the Home Visiting Program Supervisor for the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, where he is responsible for hospital-based screening and evidence-based home visiting services. He has over a decade of experience in administering home visiting programs and Maternal... Read More →
avatar for Patricia Dong

Patricia Dong

Educational Specialist, HIDOE-Monitoring & Compliance Branch
Patricia Dong is the State Performance Plan (SPP)/Annual Performance Report (APR) Coordinator for the Hawaii Department of Education.  She has over 24 years of experience, from the classroom to the district, and at the state level in supporting students with disabilities.  She has... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
G 103

1:00pm HST

Helping Preschool Children Develop Executive Functions to Facilitate Pre-Academic Skill Development
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
This session will describe the crucial role of executive functions in learning and developing pre-
academic skills. It will discuss evidence-based strategies teachers, aides, and parents can use to
help children improve executive functions that facilitate pre-academic skill development.
Expected Learner Outcomes
At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Define executive functions and explain their role in pre-academic skill development
during early childhood.
2. Recognize specific behaviors indicating executive function difficulties that negatively
impact pre-academic skill development during early childhood.
3. Apply evidence-based strategies to help children improve self-regulation to facilitate
pre-academic skill development.
4. Identify sources of information about how to improve executive functions to facilitate
pre-academic skill development.
Presenters
avatar for George McCloskey, Ph.D.

George McCloskey, Ph.D.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
Library

1:00pm HST

More About Public PreK & the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL)
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
Presenters
avatar for Ku'ulei Kaluhiokalani

Ku'ulei Kaluhiokalani

Educational Specialist, Executive Office on Early Learning
Ku'ulei is an Educational Specialist for EOEL and passionate about serving the young keiki of Hawai'i.  
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
G 101

1:00pm HST

Babies with CVI, CVI Deaf Blind and Concept Building
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
This session will explore approaches and research in supporting babies with Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI), focusing on early diagnosis, intervention strategies, and collaboration with medical professionals. Presenters will discuss the NAVEG Project, a European initiative used to screen premature infants for potential neurological visual impairments, and how it is being applied in the U.S. by programs like the Anchor Center. Participants will gain insights into the importance of early visual development, practical strategies for working with families, and the emotional challenges parents may face. Tools and resources will be shared, including CVI strategies, early intervention ideas, and ways to foster parent-baby connections. This session offers valuable information for educators and providers working with infants with CVI, highlighting actionable takeaways and resources that may not be widely known.
Objective(s):
  • Share information about ways babies with CVI are being served and information from resources you may not be aware of.
Presenters
avatar for Saaron Putnam-Almaguer

Saaron Putnam-Almaguer

Saaron Putnam-Almaguer is a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) and a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) at Northwest Regional Education Service District in Hillsboro, Oregon. Holding teaching licenses in both visual impairments and early childhood special education... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie Steffer

Stephanie Steffer

Business Director, CViConnect
Stephanie Steffer is the Business Director at CViConnect and a founding educator for the platform. As a certified teacher of children with visual impairments, specializing in early childhood education, and a Perkins-Roman CVI Range Endorsed professional, Stephanie has dedicated her... Read More →
avatar for Dawn Anderson

Dawn Anderson

Dawn Anderson is the Chair of the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies at Western Michigan University.  She has coordinated the Teacher of Children with Visual Impaired and Orientation and Mobility with Children graduate programs. She holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Health... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
F 101

1:00pm HST

Math Playground (Prek,K,1)
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
Participants will discover effective strategies for engaging students in building mathematical skills and enhancing number sense through the use of math games. These games will not only foster a playful approach to math but also promote fluency and problem-solving skills. Additionally, participants will have the chance to create and take home their own math games for use in their classrooms.


Presenters
avatar for Krysta Salon

Krysta Salon

State Educational Specialist, HIDOE ESB
Krysta Salon has worked within the field of education as a general education teacher, special education teacher, District Resource Teacher, and Hawai'i State Educational Specialist. Her work focuses on the improvement of inclusive practices for all learners including students with... Read More →
avatar for Stacie Kaichi Imamura

Stacie Kaichi Imamura

State Mathematics Resource Teacher, HIDOE: Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design
Stacie Kaichi-Imamura is an elementary mathematics resource teacher for the Office of Curriculum and Instructional Design. She has experiences in the classroom, as a math coach, and as a district and state mathematics resource teacher. Stacie is a National Board Certified Teacher... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
G 104

1:00pm HST

Let's Learn About Body Safety through Story
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
Starting with a Story. In this interactive session, participants will be guided through using books and incorporating drama, movement, and chants as a way to teach about body safety, personal boundaries, and child sexual abuse prevention.
Presenters
avatar for Danica Rosengren

Danica Rosengren

Danica (Nikki) Rosengren (she/her) is an artist integration consultant, trauma informed arts education specialist, theatre maker and activist. She dedicates herself to fostering communication and connection, and spreading adventure, love and joy.She moved to Hawai'i in February of... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
F 102

1:00pm HST

Enhancing Educational Meetings Through Identity and Best Practices (Administrator Session)
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
DescriptionThis interactive session will guide participants through key strategies designed to strengthen educational meetings. Attendees will explore high-quality meeting protocols that foster productive dialogue and collaboration within school communities. This session will also dive into tools to increase student-family engagement, offering practical techniques for creating stronger, more effective connections. A special focus will be placed on research surrounding parents' perspectives on educational meetings and how understanding identity can foster more impactful relationships.

Leader Outcomes:
Participants will . . .
  • explore high-quality meeting protocols
  • explore tools to increase student-family engagement
  • dig into the research of effective educational meetings 
  • understand the meaning of identity and the leverage it provides to meet outcomes
Presenters
avatar for Kapeka Salter

Kapeka Salter

Instructional and Leadership Coach, The Institute for Excellence in Education
Committed to the core mission of ensuring students are prepared for success in K-12, college, work, and life, Kapeka Salter has dedicated her career to strengthening leaders, building capacity, growing minds, and impacting students. Kapeka joined the Institute team in 2022 as an Instructional... Read More →
avatar for Molly Sholten

Molly Sholten

Executive Director & Coach Specialist, The Institute for Excellence in Education
Blazing a trail toward collaborative educational environments for all, Molly Sholten has focused her career around inspiring teachers to build collaborative classroom and school learning cultures that reach the academic and social emotional goals necessary for students to succeed... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
H 203

1:00pm HST

Roots & Wings: Family Engagement for Early Childhood Success
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
This interactive workshop explores the crucial role of family involvement in early childhood education. Participants will examine strategies to engage families, create inclusive partnerships, and enhance children's learning experiences through collaborative efforts between educators and families.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
  • Explain the importance of family involvement in early childhood education
  • Identify barriers to family engagement and strategies to overcome them
  • Implement effective communication techniques to build strong educator-family relationships
  • Design inclusive family engagement activities that support diverse families
  • Develop a plan to integrate family knowledge and experiences into the curriculum
  • Evaluate and improve existing family involvement practices in their educational settings
Presenters
avatar for Sally Haughey

Sally Haughey

Founder & CEO, Fairy Dust Teaching
Sally Haughey is the CEO and Founder of Fairy Dust Teaching, now known asWunderled. She started her teaching journey in 1996, and her experience nowextends over two decades. In 2010, Sally launched Fairy Dust Teaching,driven by her passion for early childhood wonder and magic.Wunderled... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
H 204

1:00pm HST

Counseling the "littles" - SBBH Supports for Early Childhood Students and their Mental Health
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
This session will focus on understanding the social, emotional, and behavioral developmental needs of our pre-school to early elementary-age students and how we can best support their positive mental health development.
Presenters
avatar for Kimberly McDonald

Kimberly McDonald

Clinical Psychologist, OSSS
Dr. Kimberly McDonald obtained her Doctorate of Psychology degree from the Forest Institute of Professional Psychology in Springfield Missouri in August 2002. Prior to that, she completed her clinical internship at the Youth Opportunity Center in Muncie Indiana and moved to Hawaii... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
H 101

1:00pm HST

Early Learning Homeless Navigation
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
Babies and toddlers are disproportionately affected by homelessness, making assistance for expectant parents and families with young children a crucial priority. Early childhood development programs offer essential support for these families, helping to mitigate the traumatic effects of homelessness on young children. Unfortunately, less than 5% of homeless young children have access to these programs. School district homeless education liaisons must actively identify and connect families with young children to early childhood development programs.”

Outcomes:
1. Attendees will gain a foundational understanding of the McKinney-Vento Act and its implications for children and youth experiencing homelessness.
2. Participants will be familiar with the available resources and supports to assist young children and youth experiencing homelessness, including educational services.
3. Through interactive activities, attendees will develop a deeper empathy for the challenges faced by children and youth experiencing homelessness, as well as a better understanding of the long-term impacts of homelessness on their development.
Presenters
avatar for Lisa Martinez

Lisa Martinez

Early Learning Navigator, HIDOE - EHCY Program
Lisa Martinez is a dedicated advocate for homeless children and youth, with a strong background in social services and in early childhood education. As an Early Learning Navigator at the Hawaii Department of Education, she has been instrumental in increasing enrollment of homeless... Read More →
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
H 201

1:00pm HST

Emotions in Motion: Engaging SEL Activities for Mini Heart & Mind Explorers
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
In this interactive session, educators will participate in fun, hands-on social-emotional learning (SEL) activities for Mini Heart & Mind Explorers. These activities blend movement, play, and emotional exploration to help young children build critical SEL skills, such as emotional regulation, empathy, and teamwork.
Presenters
JC

Jaclyn Caffrey

Educational Specialist, Hawaii Department of Education
Friday October 11, 2024 1:00pm - 3:00pm HST
H 103
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -