ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
Bridging Gaps, Building Futures: Strengthening Early Childhood Education in Southern Colorado
Join us at Colorado State University Pueblo for a free pivotal conference focused on the transformative role of early childhood education (ECE). Our theme, "Bridging Gaps, Building Futures" centers on the impact ECE has on lifelong learning with an emphasis on collaboration, equity and inclusion.
We will explore effective strategies to foster curiosity and a passion for learning in young children, understanding that these early experiences significantly shape their future educational journeys. Through gathering with diverse ECE professionals, educators, and leaders, this free day of learning is designed to prepare educators and impact-makers in guiding young minds in a way that fosters resilience and well-being in both learners and leaders of the classroom.
With support from Children First, this conference is a call to action for early childhood professionals across sectors. By joining us in Southern Colorado, you will reflect the mosaic of our region, one that leads the way in inclusive and innovative education. Register for FREE by Friday, March 22nd to secure your spot and be a part of building a future where every child’s education opens doors to a world of possibilities.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Opportunities for everyone
Diverse Professional Roles Across Disciplines
Wherever you are in your Career or Education
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
8:00 AM
Check-in, Breakfast, Explore Resource Fair
8:30 AM
Welcome & Spotlight Speaker (Dr. Lisa Roy)
9:25 AM
Break and Transition to Sessions
9:35 AM
Session Block 1
10:20 AM
Break and Transition to Sessions
10:30 AM
Session Block 2
11:15 AM
Break, Explore Resource Fair, Transition to Lunch
11:30 AM
Lunch, Mingle, Explore Resource Fair
12:00 PM
Keynote Speaker (Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford)
12:55 PM
Break and Transition to Sessions
1:10 PM
Session Block 3
1:55 PM
Break and Transition to Panel Discussion
2:05 PM
Panel Discussion
2:50 PM
Closing Remarks
SPONSORED BY THE BUELL FOUNDATION
YES, WE MEAN FREE
Thanks to the impactful support from the Buell Foundation, we are offering free registration to this new ECE Summit. The Buell Foundation is committed to supporting the positive development of children and has partnered with CSU Pueblo to strengthen accessible pathways for ECE leaders to learn and for families with young children to thrive.
The ECE Summit is committed to fostering accessible opportunities for early childhood education (ECE) professionals to further their learning and enhance their ability to provide top-quality education and care to young learners. By offering free attendance, we aim to break down financial barriers and ensure that dedicated educators from all income levels and backgrounds can participate. We believe that by supporting the ongoing development of ECE professionals, we ultimately empower families in Southern Colorado and beyond to have committed and supported leaders in the classroom and the broader ECE community.
Your free registration includes complimentary breakfast, lunch, and classroom giveaways. We encourage you to share this opportunity with your broader ECE networks!
REGISTRATION IS AT CAPACITY
Join the waitlist and you will be notified if a space becomes available.
EXPLORE THE COMMUNITY
RESOURCE FAIR
During check-in, breaks, and lunch time, please be sure to visit the ECE Summit Resource Fair, with representation from the following organizations and more!
EXTENDED STUDIES
THE LOCATION
SETTING THE
STAGE.
Get ready to be inspired at Colorado State University Pueblo, the perfect setting for our upcoming Early Childhood Education conference! Nestled in the culturally vibrant city of Pueblo, CSU Pueblo is not just a hub of academic excellence, but a beacon of diversity and innovation.
With its commitment to small class sizes and personalized learning, CSU Pueblo sets the stage for engaging and meaningful discussions — exactly what you’d hope for in a conference focused on the foundational years of education. You will explore the latest in ECE on a campus where every corner is designed for discovery and collaboration.
Being a Hispanic Serving Institution, CSU Pueblo embodies the spirit of inclusivity and multicultural understanding, echoing the summit’s ethos of embracing diversity in education. Plus, Pueblo’s rich history and gorgeous springtime weather add an extra layer of excitement to your conference experience.
At CSU Pueblo, it's not just about the learning; it's about building a community that cares, shares, and dares to transform the future of early childhood education.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
CERTIFICATE & CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES
The Summit will offer two professional development opportunities.
CERTIFICATE
Attendance and participation will grant you a certificate to use for CEUs in the PDIS system. To gain the certificate, you must:
1 CREDIT
Graduate Credit through CSU Pueblo’s School of Education