The 2023 event has concluded. The following information is provided for your reference. Check back later for information about next year's event!

Pre-Institute Workshops 

Saturday, June 3, 2023 

Higher Education Faculty Workshop: Completing the NAEYC Higher Education Accreditation Process 

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
Fee: $250 for standard/premium members; $275 for entry level members/nonmembers  

This full-day workshop is designed for higher education faculty who are engaged in NAEYC Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs. This workshop will focus on the new NAEYC higher education accreditation standards and the Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators; creating key assessments that align with the standards; and using candidate performance data to improve programs. It will be helpful for those who are preparing to submit first-time or renewal self-study reports, meeting interim reporting requirements, or responding to conditions. 

Early Learning Program Accreditation: Managing Your Accreditation Journey 

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 
Fee: $250 for standard/premium members; $275 for entry level members/nonmembers  

Join NAEYC Early Learning Program Accreditation staff in this interactive session to learn how program leaders can best support the accreditation process.  This session will include content on managing change, setting up systems to support the accreditation process and insights into commonly missed items. 

Education for a Civil Society: Teaching for Five Democratic Life Skills  

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.  
Fee: $250 for standard/premium members; $275 for entry level members/nonmembers  

Join Dan Gartrell in this interactive and engaging session about his new book, Education for a Civil Society: Teaching for Five Democratic Life Skills. Learn about the Five Democratic Life Skills, how they connect to Developmentally Appropriate Practice, and how secure relationships and guidance leadership are key. Educators will explore the importance of their role in inclusively engaging children in “encouraging early learning communities,” the first communities young children experience outside of their families. 

In new ways, the session presents concepts including childhood trauma, unmanageable stress, mistaken behavior, resilience, and the emergence of creative, socially responsive thinking.  It is in early childhood settings that young children take their first steps toward becoming engaged, thoughtful members of their communities. Highlights of Dan Gartrell's sessions are his friendly humor and the many classroom examples, vignettes, and video clips he weaves into his discussions of guidance and educational practices.