Chaos Child Care Conference
September 27–28, 2024

Chaos? Yes! We've experienced Chaos this year. We are sure you have, too. We're fighting our way through and FINDING THE JOY in it, and we want to SPREAD THE JOY with you!

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Our Keynote Presenter, Renae Boehmer

Presenting Finding Joy in Chaos and Spreading Joy in Chaos on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

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Let's Go Outside

Studies show the benefits of children being out in nature. However, many children don't get to experience being outside. This class is a hands-on class on what to do when we finally get outside. You don't need fancy commercial equipment and toys. We will explore an outdoor space and how to educate the parents on the benefits of Vitamin "N". 

Susan Dotson is our presenter for this class

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Digital Connections: Navigating Social Media Marketing in Early Childhood Education

Unlock the potential of social media marketing in Early Childhood Education with our interactive workshop. Gain practical insights and techniques to enhance your marketing efforts to build a strong online community, increase engagement, and connect with parents, caregivers, and educators. Discover how social media can drive growth, innovation, and community building in the early childhood sector.

Jennifer Baumann is our presenter for this class

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Talking About the Tough Stuff: Strategies for Communicating Behavior Concerns with Parents and Caregivers

The childcare profession has many joyful and pleasant moments. For many childcare professionals, the idea of spending your days caring for and connecting with young children as they learn and grow each day feels like the gift of a lifetime…until those challenging behaviors show up!

Dealing with challenging behaviors can be the most difficult part of the early care and education profession. In fact, in recent studies, challenging behaviors have been listed as the primary reason that early childhood and elementary teachers are leaving the field. Providers can find themselves blamed for behaviors by parents and caregivers, and feeling frustrated when attempted solutions do not improve the behaviors, which impacts both the provider and all of the children in care.

Challenging behaviors are in fact challenging, but they are not impossible. And there are strategies that early care and education professionals can use to help reduce burnout related to challenging behaviors and facilitate change through communication with parents and caregivers.

Emily Learing will be our presenter during this session.

 

Managing Big Emotions with Calm Spaces and Calm Kits

Managing emotions in childcare settings is such an important skill for caregivers, children and parents. This session is a primer for using Calm Spaces and Calm Kits as part of a systemic, trauma-informed approach to dealing with dysregulation (big emotions) in classrooms and childcare settings. Attendees will also consider the importance of this information and these strategies getting to the family level. Ultimately, the family level is where the most potential lies for developing emotional regulation skills in children. Attendees will also learn how to earn their own Calm Kit for free through the South Dakota Statewide Family Engagement Center.

Julie King is the presenter.

 

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Little Chefs: Wholesome Snacks and Learning Fun

Providers get into a rut of coming up with meal and snack ideas the children will actually eat and enjoy. Snack time is the best time to experiment with different foods and start teaching family style dining. In this class, we will make snacks. We will also learn fun ways to serve the children their meals along with the learning that happens during mealtime.

Jennifer Baumann and Susan Dotson will present this class.

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