Spotlight Sessions
Spotlight Sessions are dynamic presentations where industry leaders share their knowledge, research findings, innovations, applications, products and services, with the conference attendee. A session is the work product and views of the presenter and the affiliated organization, and does not imply an endorsement by NAEYC.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 | ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
Using STEM with Infants and Toddlers: They Were Born for This!
This interactive session will explore the foundational principles of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics( STEM) learning for infants and toddlers. Young children are naturally curious, inquisitive, and eager to explore the world around them— qualities that make them ideal candidates for early STEM learning. We will discuss how everyday experiences, from sensory exploration to problem solving, support young children’ s development in these key areas. Participants will leave the session with practical tools( STEM ideas for experiences, vocabulary words, and materials) and a deeper understanding of how to nurture STEM skills in the youngest learners.
Superación de las Barreras de la Fuerza Laboral: Creación de Trayectorias Profesionales
¿ Desea aprovechar al máximo las alianzas, los recursos y el impacto que tiene su programa de preparación de educadores? Esta sesión explora soluciones para superar los desafíos existentes en la preparación docente y el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral, al tiempo que garantiza el acceso equitativo a las trayectorias profesionales en la educación infantil. Descubra los pasos para lanzar, fortalecer y ampliar los aprendizajes registrados de educación técnica y profesional( CTE) y mientras desarrolla las competencias básicas de la credencial de Asociado en Desarrollo Infantil( CDA). Aprovecha los valiosos recursos de los programas y professionals.
PRESENTED BY
Erica Hill, HighScope Educational Research Foundation
8:00 – 9:30 AM
W208AB
PRESENTED BY
Vilma Williams, Council for Professional Recognition
1:00 – 2:30 PM
W308A Designing Outdoor Classrooms for Learning: Tools and Strategies for Success
Successful outdoor play and learning settings do not happen on their own. This session will enable you to leverage the combined 50 plus years of early education experience of an outdoor educator and an architect as they present a framework for understanding, designing and building successful outdoor classrooms.
PRESENTED BY
Ellen Veselack, The Child Educational Center / The Outdoor Classroom Project
Mike Lindstrom, Ashley McGraw Architects
10:00 – 11:30 AM
W208AB
Designing for Growth: Cultivating Playful Possibilities Outdoors
Discover how intentional outdoor environments can nurture curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong connection to nature. Grounded in biophilia, permaculture, and the Ecology of Play™ framework, this session offers practical strategies for creating joyful, nature-rich spaces that support children’ s physical, social, and cognitive development— extending learning beyond the playground.
PRESENTED BY
Lukas Ritson, Wearthy Rebecca Berlin, Kaplan Early Learning Company
3:00 – 4:30 PM
W208AB 44 2025 NAEYC Annual Conference: In this Place, We Learn. For Every Child, We Lead.