Hundreds Expected for 53rd Annual Early Childhood Education Conference, Aug. 5-7
JONESBORO – Hundreds of professionals are expected to gather Tuesday through Thursday, Aug. 5-7, for the 53rd annual Early Childhood Education Conference at Red Wolf Convention Center, adjacent to Embassy Suites by Hilton on the Arkansas State University campus.
Now a longtime tradition, the annual conference has been led by Jo Ann Nalley, director of A-State Childhood Services, from its beginning in 1973. Nalley is looking forward to reconnecting and interacting once again with fellow educators during the three-day event.
“Early childhood and out-of-school time educators give their best for children all across our state each and every day, and we want to give our best to them at this conference, as we have for 53 years,” Nalley said. “Our theme for 2025 will focus on collaborative partnerships, which are so important to the work they do.”
Nalley added, “Our keynote speaker Kelly Matthews comes to us from Wisconsin, and her sessions reflect her passion and joy for the work of early childhood. Her professional development centers on ‘learning with’ educators and not ‘telling to.’ “
Libby James, conference coordinator and staff member in Childhood Services, which is operated as part of the College of Education and Behavioral Science, emphasized the range of opportunities available to those who attend.
“The conference will feature interest sessions, vendor booths, pop-up experiences, and culminate with a ‘fun fair’ where participants see and do engaging activities that they can take back to their programs,” she said.
Credit for Professional Development Registry (PDR) hours and Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available to those attending. Registration is available online.
Participants at a previous Early Childhood Education Conference
