SC Summit on Early Childhood

Breakout Session -
Option #1

Presenter: Carol Lapin, Nurturing Parenting & Gene Blair, Blair Properties LLC

Empowering Fathers: Connecting the Dots

Newberry Room

Many studies are showing that children benefit from engaged fathers. A father who is both involved in the daily activities of his children and who spends time playing with them are linked to increased cognitive development, more positive peer interaction, high levels of school readiness, and better problem-solving skills. Fathers have a unique opportunity to shape the lives of their children. This workshop will focus on ways to help fathers understand their value and empower them to be the father their children need.

Breakout Session -
Option #2

Presenter: Cathy Moore, ThinkShops and smartEDGE at Clemson University Learning Institute

Navigating Conflict and Difficult Conversations

Richland Room

This session aims to equip participants with skills and strategies for effectively managing conflict, engaging in difficult conversations, and leading with dignity. Together, we will reframe the common negative view of conflict into one that focuses on the opportunities for productive, creative, and effective solutions that healthy conflict provides.

Participants will establish a culture that promotes the following outcomes: Reframe the Perception of Conflict; Engage in Productive Struggle; Develop Compassionate Feedback

Breakout Session -
Option #3

Presenter: Darneshia Allen, ZERO TO THREE

The Power of Place - Building Relationships to Harness Cross-Systems Collaboration

Saluda Room

This session will capture the value of shared knowledge and experience in cross-sector work with young children and their families with an emphasis on collaborations and strategic considerations for building relationships that increase access to quality across the spectrum of care to improve outcomes for families.

Breakout Session -
Option #4

Presenters: Kate K. Chappell & Victoria H. Davis, University of South Carolina College of Nursing, & Amy Shapley-Farrell, Childcare Ready for All (CRAwl) and BabyCoach

We recognize, we respond! Preparing to support children with developmental and health needs

Capital Room

Early childhood professionals often identify signs of developmental delays or other health conditions through screenings or time spent working with a child. In this scenario-based session, participants will navigate acute response, referral and follow up care for developmental and health concerns including autism spectrum disorder, seizures, and muscle weakness or motor delays. This session, led by nurse practitioners and an experienced disability advocate, will offer strategies for communication with children’s caregivers in both acute and non-emergent health and developmental concerns. The presenters will also share local, state, and national resources to support working with children with specific healthcare needs.

Breakout Session -
Option #1

Panelists: Kimberly Isaac-House, Homeless No More, Harriette Jenerette, SC Department of Education, Crystal Ratliff, SC Technical College System Office
Moderator: Doug Taylor, Fact Forward

Community Development: Expanding Opportunities for Families (part 1)

Newberry Room

In this panel session, moderated by Doug Taylor, Dr. Crystal Ratliff, Mike King, and Kimberly House will discuss programs and strategies that help parents achieve success for their families, as well as the importance of creating supports for families: housing, literacy, and educational pathways.

Breakout Session -
Option #2

Panelists:
Karen Coltrane, Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, Sarah Lewis, Main Street Children's Museum, Lauren Luneckas, The Children's Museum of the Upstate, & Andy Marquart, EdVenture Children's Museum
Moderator: Laura Baker, ECAC at SC First Steps

For the Love of Children's Museums

Capital Room

Join a panel of leaders from the state's children's museums as they share how they are creating a sense of community by bringing children and families together to explore shared experiences. These museums offer unique and impactful opportunities for children to make sense of the world through interactive, hands-on, and multisensory learning that encourages critical thinking and strengthens community bonds. 

Breakout Session -
Option #3

Presenter: Cathy Moore, ThinkShops and smartEDGE at Clemson University Learning Institute

Navigating Conflict and Difficult Conversations (repeat)

Richland Room

This session aims to equip participants with skills and strategies for effectively managing conflict, engaging in difficult conversations, and leading with dignity. Together, we will reframe the common negative view of conflict into one that focuses on the opportunities for productive, creative, and effective solutions that healthy conflict provides.

Participants will establish a culture that promotes the following outcomes: Reframe the Perception of Conflict; Engage in Productive Struggle; Develop Compassionate Feedback

Breakout Session -
Option #4

Presenter: Darneshia Allen, ZERO TO THREE

The Power of Place - Building Relationships to Harness Cross-Systems Collaboration (repeat)

Saluda Room

This session will capture the value of shared knowledge and experience in cross-sector work with young children and their families with an emphasis on collaborations and strategic considerations for building relationships that increase access to quality across the spectrum of care to improve outcomes for families.

Breakout Session -
Option #1

Presenter: Kenna Hoover, SC First Steps

Building a Strong Foundation: The Five Pillars of Early Literacy

Saluda Room

Would you want to live in a structure with a poor foundation? Just as a sturdy home requires a solid base, our youngest learners need a strong foundation in early literacy to ensure lifelong success. This session will highlight the critical importance of early literacy as we explore the five key pillars: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Join us as we dive into the latest research and uncover practical tips and strategies for incorporating these pillars into our daily practices. Together, educators, parents, researchers, and policymakers can lay the groundwork that empowers children with the skills they need to thrive both academically and personally. Let’s work together to build a robust foundation for the future of our learners!

Breakout Session -
Option #2

Facilitator
Doug Taylor, Fact Forward

Community Development : Build your Two-Gen Plan (part 2)

Newberry Room

This interactive and hands-on work session will equip family serving professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to support both parents and their children together, enhancing family stability and economic mobility. Participants will focus on developing strategies to implement, add or enhance 2Gen approaches in their work. Led by Doug Taylor, this session covers key aspects of the 2Gen Approach: early childhood education, health, including mental health, postsecondary & employment pathways, economic assets, K-12, and social capital to help families make powerful changes in their lives and communities.

Breakout Session -
Option #3

Tyshica McConner, SC First Steps & Charlie Wider, Chick-Fil-A

Empowering Service: Amplifying Your AmeriCorps Impact through Engagement and Participation

Capital Room

MEMBERS ONLY: First Steps AmeriCorps members are invited for an inspiring and interactive session designed to encourage members to take their service to the next level. In this workshop, we will explore the transformative power of active participation and engagement in your service projects and communities. Learn how your involvement can not only deepen your personal growth but also magnify the positive outcomes of the communities you serve.

Breakout Session -
Option #4

Presenter: Caitlin Woodard, SCETV

Thoughtful Media Integration to Learn & Grow Together

Richland Room

Get ready for a fun and interactive workshop where learning meets play! Discover how to boost children's character development and executive function skills using the magic of creative play and exploration. We’ll show you how to use both digital and hands-on tools featuring your favorite PBS KIDS characters to make learning exciting for kids and grown-ups alike. Spark curiosity with engaging media clips, then dive into collaborative, hands-on activities like storytelling, dramatic play, and arts and crafts. Our Family & Community Learning model brings families together for multi-generational fun while building essential life skills for young children. Come play, learn, and grow with us!