Early Efforts | Promoting Nature Based Learning in the Early Years
April 4, 2023
Webinar • 2pm EST
Nature based learning is growing in popularity. Join The Hunt Institute and Trust for Learning on April 4, 2023 as we explore the benefits of nature based learning environments in promoting ideal learning and the supports these programs need to thrive in the states.
Black Maternal Health Week
April 11-17, 2023
Held annually on April 11-17th, BMHW is a week-long campaign founded and led by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance to build awareness, activism, and community-building to amplify the voices, perspectives and lived experiences of Black Mamas and birthing people. The week is intentionally held during National Minority Health Month and begins on April 11th annually to join dozens of global organizations in marking this day as International Day for Maternal Health and Rights – an opportunity to advocate for the elimination of maternal mortality globally. The activities and conversations hosted throughout the week intentionally center the values and traditions of the reproductive and birth justice movements.
Let’s Play: Teaching Strategies for Playful Learning
April 17-May 14, 2023
Fee Based
Play is central to how children learn. Yet incorporating play into a formal school setting can be challenging because the nature of play and the nature of school are often at odds. This course, based on the frameworks developed in PZ’s “Pedagogy of Play” project, (funded by the Lego Foundation) introduces core principles and practices of playful learning and gives you the opportunity to design and try out a playful learning approach in your own context.
2023 NAEYC Professional Learning Institute
June 4-7, 2023
Fee Based
The 2023 NAEYC Professional Learning Institute is designed for early childhood professionals, including leaders who prepare, mentor, and support early childhood professionals, as well as program administrators and experienced practitioners.
The Science of Early Learning and Adversity
June 21-23, 2023
Fee Based
In this two-day on-campus program, thought leaders will share the latest science that sits at the intersection of child development, education policy, and early intervention for children experiencing adversity. In facilitated follow-up discussions, participants will explore how this science can inform the supports they provide for adults and children.
2023 NAEYC Annual Conference Expo
November 15-17, 2023
Fee Based
The 2023 NAEYC Annual Conference Expo is one of the world’s largest early childhood education show floors with over 275 exhibitors and three days of excitement. NAEYC’s Annual Conference is designed for all early childhood professionals, including classroom teachers, center directors, administrators, and leaders who prepare, mentor, and support early childhood professionals.
Certificate in Early Education Leadership
August 8-26
Fee based
The Certificate in Early Education Leadership (CEEL), offered through the Zaentz Professional Learning Academy, is a visionary, job-embedded, online certificate program that supports the learning and development of early education leaders and provides them with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to strengthen learning environments and foster quality improvement in all early education settings.
Special Series: Early Childhood Workforce |
Strengthening Systems: Embedding Equity when Defining Quality
Webinar • 2pm EST
Research has shown that high-quality experiences are essential to unlocking the short- and long-term benefits of early childhood. Many states establish quality standards and utilize assessment tools as a means to promote high quality care and education for all. Yet often these systems often do not recognize the diversity of needs in classrooms around the country. This panel will examine how quality is defined and measured and highlight effective strategies to build more equitable, inclusive systems.
Special Series: The Hunt Institute & National Parents Union | Changing the Narrative for Effective Parent and Family Engagement
Webinar • 2pm EST
As the pandemic continues to exacerbate and extend issues in education, topics such as critical race theory and masking have dominated headlines. Yet, polls have shown that issues such as unfinished learning and social and emotional wellbeing, among others, are primary concerns among parents.
Starting at Zero Film Screening and Panel Discussion
This will be a FREE in-person screening of Starting at Zero and will be a benefit for Save the Children. Event will be held at the Red River Theater. Film begins at 6pm; panel discussion commences at 7:40pm. Registration required.
Early Efforts | The Legacy of Latina Leadership in Early Childhood Policy, Practice, and Advocacy
Webinar • 2pm EST
To celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month the Hunt Institute will highlight the history and legacy of Latina leadership in early childhood. Recognizing that 20 percent of the field of early childhood education consists of Latina women, this webinar will host three influential Latina leaders advancing the field of early childhood through their work.
Alabama Early Childcare Education Conference
Three-day event: October 19-21
Fee based
The COVID Constituency: Parent and Public Voice for Education Transformation
Webinar • 2pm EST
Join The Hunt Institute as we discuss the latest results of our COVID Constituency Voter and Parent Survey, how states are leveraging parent and family voices for change, and how these issues will impact upcoming elections.
A Virtual Convening for Principals: Early Learning and the Early Grades
November 2-5
Fee based
Join us for an engaging three-day (12 hour) virtual event open to practicing school leaders. Using NAESP’s publication, A Principal’s Guide to Early Learning and the Early Grades (Pre-K-3rd Grade), as a framework.
World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education
Two-day event: November 14-16
The World Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education will reaffirm the right of every young child to quality care and education from birth and urge Member States to renew and expand their commitment to and investment in ensuring that access of all girls and boys to quality early childhood development, care and pre-primary education so that they are ready for primary education.
Fee based.
NAEYC Annual Conference
November 16-19
Fee Based
The 2022 NAEYC Annual Conference will bring together early childhood educators from around the globe to connect, collaborate, and learn. Teachers, program administrators, students, and researchers can choose from sessions and exhibits to explore the latest trends and research in the early childhood field.
Let’s Play: Teaching Strategies for Playful Learning
April 17-May 14, 2023
Fee Based
Play is central to how children learn. Yet incorporating play into a formal school setting can be challenging because the nature of play and the nature of school are often at odds. This course, based on the frameworks developed in PZ’s “Pedagogy of Play” project, (funded by the Lego Foundation) introduces core principles and practices of playful learning and gives you the opportunity to design and try out a playful learning approach in your own context.
Early Efforts | 2022’s Big Wins for Little Kids
Webinar • 2:30pm EST
Across 2022, states enacted significant reforms in early childhood education, expanding access, reforming governance, and addressing workforce needs. Join us for a year-end review, spotlighting 2022’s biggest moves for little kids.
Early Efforts | The Case Against Preschool Suspension and Expulsion
Webinar • 2:00pm EST
Recent research shows that children in the early childhood years are more likely to be expelled or suspended than school-aged children, yet we know comparatively little about the precursors to and prevention of exclusion in early childhood settings. Join this panel for a compelling discussion on the latest research, child development, and strategies to prevent suspension and expulsion in the critical years of development.
Saul Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge Online Application Deadline
January 13: Online Application Deadline
March 13: Finalists Notified
Returning for the first time since 2019, the Innovation Challenge is calling for new ideas that have the potential to advance innovation, enhance equity, and drive transformative change in early education
Early Efforts | Promoting Equitable Birth Outcomes
February 7, 2023
Webinar • 2pm EST
The perinatal period is one of the most critical times for both mothers’ and infants’ health and wellbeing. Yet, disparities in health care have consistently put women of color and their newborns at higher risk for negative outcomes. Join us as this expert panel discusses barriers to equitable prenatal and maternal health care and innovative solutions to promote healthy birth outcomes for all.
NAEYC Public Policy Forum
February 26-28, 2023
Fee Based
This year, NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum is back in-person! Join us as we work together to strengthen our advocacy skills, expand our policy knowledge, deepen our relationships, and build our power across states and communities!
Early Efforts | Literacy from Day One
March 6, 2023
Webinar • 2pm EST
The origins of third grade reading proficiency are not found in elementary schools alone. Indeed, decades of research suggests that language and literacy develop on a continuum that begins prenatally. What should policymakers and program leaders know and do in response? Join an expert panel on the origins of early literacy and how states are taking action to promote literacy development from Day 1.
National Home Visiting Summit
March 14-16, 2023
Fee Based
Join us for the 12th annual National Home Visiting Summit! The 2023 conference will be held virtually, allowing us to connect a growing community of systems leaders, researchers, practitioners, policy advocates, families, key partners and decision makers in a collaborative pursuit to advance the home visiting field. Engage with peers and experts in live interactive sessions and at your own pace on-demand.
NAEYC Week of the Young Child®
April 1-7, 2023
Events Located Nationally
NAEYC’s annual event celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, and families.
First established in 1971, the purpose of the Week of the Young Child® is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs.