THIS IS AN IN-PERSON ONLY EVENT

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
https://forms.gle/SZybyz3jghZ1BvXJA

The tables are turning once again as early childhood educators in Kansas come together not just to teach, but to learn, connect, and celebrate the power of play, regulation, and purposeful instruction.

Keynote speakers Janea Gray (ESSDACK & Greenbush) and Dr. Gayla Lohfink (Southwest Plains) will dive into the heart of the Science of Reading with a special focus on oral language development in Early Childhood through 1st grade.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Kansas Authors Book Stations – Explore books and activities from beloved authors like Julie Moisman, Grant Snider, Bridget Heos, and more.

Reimagined Kansas Day Play-Area – Led by Ginger Lewman (Project-Based Learning) and Dr. Gayla Lohfink (Early Childhood), this space invites educators to spark new ways of celebrating state pride with students.

Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson – Returning to engage personally with educators at every site, championing the work of Kansas’ early learning community.

SCHEDULE FOR THE DAY:

8:30 Opening Connection

8:50 There's No Place Like Kansas: Fostering Young Children's Oral Language and Learning through Authentic Play of Kansas by Dr. Gayla Lohfink

9:50 Break Time

10:00 Break Out Session Selection #1

More Bang for Your Book: Making Literacy Hands-On and Engaging! with Shelli Locke

The Science of Joy: Building Brains Through Play with Megan Yoder

Turn Your Words into Gold with Sherry Pinkley

11:00 Fireside Chat with Dr. Randy Watson, KSDE Commissioner

11:45 Lunch Break (catered onsite)

12:30 Let's Play! Celebrating Books and Play

1:10 Break Out Session Selection #2

Heavy Work, Big Feelings: How Proprioception Supports Regulation with Carmen Zeisler

More Bang for Your Book: Making Literacy Hands-On and Engaging! with Shelli Locke

The Ps of Small Group Instruction with Dr. Gayla Lohfink

Tools for Strong Starts: Exploring KSDE's Early Childhood Resources with Natalie McClane & Amanda Peterson

2:10 Break Time

2:20 Break Out Session Selection #3

Let's Take Care of You: Guided Meditation with Megan Yoder

Let's Take Care of You: Guided Journaling with Carmen Zeisler

Let's Take Care of You with Shelli Locke

2:40 Closing Speaker

KindersCan continues to be a platform for meaningful dialogue, purposeful play, and innovative strategies - helping Kansas educators build a brighter future for our youngest learners.

THIS EVENT IS APPROPRIATE FOR PRE-K, KINDER AND 1ST GRADE EDUCATORS.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
https://forms.gle/SZybyz3jghZ1BvXJA

REGISTRATION FEES: *

$200/person for SWPRSC members

$300/person for non members

*includes refreshments, lunch & swag bag

COLLEGE CREDIT:
Optional 0.5 graduate-level credit available from MNU for $45. Requires assignment completion.

Southwest Plains Regional Service Center