Schedule at a Glance
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The 2023 Annual Conference has now concluded. The following information regarding the 2023 event is provided for your reference.
Check out the Event Program for the full schedule.
Preview the schedule for this year's Annual Conference! All 2023 Annual Conference events will take place at the Music City Center or Omni Nashville Hotel.
2023 Keynote Speaker: DJ Pryor
Wednesday, November 15, 2023; 3:30- 5:00 PM
With a career spanning two decades, DJ Pryor is a veteran stand-up comedian who has mastered the art of bringing joy to audiences around the world. His comedic genius has garnered not only laughter but also critical acclaim, resulting in an array of awards and recognitions. Beyond the stage, DJ's talents extend to acting, writing, motivational speaking, producing, and directing, showcasing his multifaceted abilities and his unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
Full Biography
DJ Pryor is more than just a name – it's a symbol of inspiration, laughter, and the power of giving back. With a heart full of love and a spirit dedicated to making a positive impact, DJ Pryor has become a renowned figure in the world of entertainment and philanthropy.
As a devoted husband of 8 years to his wife, Shanieke Pryor, and a proud father of three incredible children – Jabari (12), Kingston (5), and Zaria (2) – DJ's personal life serves as the foundation for his boundless creativity and determination.
With a career spanning two decades, DJ Pryor is a veteran stand-up comedian who has mastered the art of bringing joy to audiences around the world. His comedic genius has garnered not only laughter but also critical acclaim, resulting in an array of awards and recognitions. Beyond the stage, DJ's talents extend to acting, writing, motivational speaking, producing, and directing, showcasing his multifaceted abilities and his unwavering commitment to artistic excellence.
But DJ's impact reaches far beyond the entertainment industry. He is the visionary CEO of DJ Pryor Inc and Laughter Is Universal Productions, platforms that allow him to channel his energy and expertise into creating meaningful content that resonates with people of all walks of life.
However, what truly distinguishes DJ Pryor is his genuine heart and dedication to philanthropy. Fueled by his desire to uplift underserved communities like the one he grew up in, he founded the Pryor To Change Global nonprofit foundation. This foundation serves as a beacon of hope, aiming to provide overlooked communities with essential resources, knowledge, and inspiration. DJ's own journey of triumph over childhood trauma has transformed into a message of resilience and purpose that he shares wholeheartedly through his foundation's initiatives.
DJ's global impact recently soared to new heights with a heartwarming video that captured a candid moment between him and his youngest son. This touching video went viral, amassing an estimated half a billion views across various web and social media platforms. His story is a testament to his ability to turn personal challenges into opportunities for growth and change.
Above all, DJ Pryor's mantra is rooted in service, empathy, and love. He believes that his talents are gifts meant to be shared with others, and he strives to embody these principles in every aspect of his life. As he humbly states, "My job is to always show love & empathy through my abilities and talents, GOD lives in me."
In a world where laughter, love, and community are needed more than ever, DJ Pryor stands as a shining example of how one person's dedication can make a profound impact on the lives of many. His journey is a reminder that through compassion and creativity, we can all strive to create a brighter, more connected world.
Featured Sessions
Leading for equity and change in the here and now: Anti-bias/anti-racist education for our children, their families, and ourselves:
John Nimmo, Portland State University; Iheoma Iruka, Frank Porter Graham CDI, University of North Carolina/ Chapel Hill; Debbie LeeKeenan, AntiBiasLeadersECE.com; Rukia Monique Rogers, The Highlander School
A Both/And Proposition: Connecting and Investing in Quality ECE Systems from Birth to Postsecondary:
Alissa Mwenelupembe, NAEYC; Deborah Adams, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood; Deb Flis, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood; Beth Bye, Connecticut Office of Early Childhood
Book Bans in Early Childhood Education: Understanding and Navigating Their Impact in Early Learning Communities:
Michelle Kang, NAEYC
Responding to the “Culture Wars” with empowerment, hope, and action:
Barbara Cooper, Start Early; Alissa Mwenelupembe, NAEYC; Author, Stories of Resistance, Learning from Black Women in Early Care and Education; Debbie LeeKeenan, AntibiasLeadersECE. Moderated by: Maurice Sykes, Author, Child Care Justice: Transforming the System of Care for Young Children.
Black dads are welcome in the learning community of their children
Lindsey Wilson, Dr. Lindsey Equity Consultant: Shifting the Lens; Josh Thompson, Texas A&M University-Commerce
A Place I Belong, A Place to Learn: A Focus on DAP's Principle #6 through Selection of Children's Books
Susan Friedman, NAEYC; Lauren Olson, Turn the Page KC; Tymisha Sweet, Raising a Reader; Tonia Durden, Georgia State University
Creating connections: How to foster a sense of belonging and community post-pandemic
Gina Cook, California State University, Stanislaus; Danielle Turley, California State University, Stanislaus
Innovation Redefined: Unveiling a New Era of Excellence for Early Learning Program Accreditation:
Amanda Batts, NAEYC; Ben Perdue, NAEYC
Formación verde motriz: Desarrollo de la motricidad gruesa y de la apreciación de la naturaleza
Margarita Marichal, Puerto Rico Association for the Education of Young Children; Carmen Leonor Maldonado, Puerto Rico Association for the Education of Young Children
A world for everyone: How to create classrooms that support and welcome neurodiversity
Lissarette Nisnevich, Pequenines LLC
Telling their stories: Reading motivation in young Black boys
Natalie Griffin, Middle Tennessee State University
Schedule Preview
Preview the schedule at a glance and plan out your days.
Tuesday, November 14
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1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. |
Conference Registration |
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Full day |
Pre-Conference Workshops |
Wednesday, November 15
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7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. |
Conference Registration |
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8:30-11:00 a.m. |
Sessions |
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12:00 noon-2:30 p.m. |
Sessions |
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3:30-5:00 p.m. |
Opening Keynote Address |
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5:00-7:00 p.m. |
Expo Grand Opening |
Thursday, November 16
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7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |
Conference Registration |
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8:00-9:30 a.m. |
Sessions |
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10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. |
Expo |
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10:00-11:30 a.m. |
Sessions |
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11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. |
Lunch Options ($) in the Expo |
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1:00-2:30 p.m. |
Sessions |
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3:00-4:30 p.m. |
Sessions |
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4:30-6:00 p.m. |
Expo Networking and Research Poster Session |
Friday, November 17
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7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |
Conference Registration |
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8:00-9:30 a.m. |
Sessions |
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10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. |
Expo |
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10:00-11:30 a.m. |
Sessions |
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11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. |
Lunch Options ($) in the Expo |
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12:00 noon-12:45 p.m. |
NAEYC Meet the Candidates |
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1:00-2:00 p.m. |
NAEYC Annual Business Meeting and Town Hall |
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1:00-2:30 p.m. |
Sessions |
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3:00-4:30 p.m. |
Sessions |
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4:30-6:00 p.m. |
Expo Networking and Poster Session |
Saturday, November 18
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7:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. |
Conference Registration |
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8:00-9:15 a.m. |
Sessions |
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9:30-10:45 a.m. |
Sessions |
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11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. |
Sessions |
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12:30-1:45 p.m. |
Closing Session |
Schedule is subject to change.