2024 Great Ideas in Education Conference

Join us as we share how an early childhood system critically examined its STEM-focused, preschool curriculum for ways to intentionally embed literacy content in play domains. Guided by the KS Early Learning Standards and knowledge that children “show what they know” in play, educators, the instructional coach, and regional consultant considered how to intentionally plan for literacy in play as well as how to supplement and enhance the core curriculum with structured literacy supports. We invite others to engage with us as we share our building processes, like our examination of curricular read-alouds for purposeful planning of vocabulary and language comprehension teaching. Consider current research for preschoolers’ acquisition of phonemic awareness, the segmenting and blending of phonemes, and letter identification and association of letters and sounds to see if, and how, your curriculum is “framing” such explicit instruction: What literacy elements are visible in your young children’s play? Let’s collaboratively “light paths” together as we strive to build effective instruction!

This presentation focuses on behavioral and physical indicators of child abuse, how to respond to a child that discloses abuse and how to report. The Kansas mandated reporter laws will be covered. We will also discuss the process and local connections, resources and services, how to support local children and families, trauma informed response, indicators of trauma at different age levels and secondary trauma care.

This conference session aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) within the context of preschool education. By exploring MTSS through a preschool lens, educators will gain insights into how to effectively implement this framework to support the diverse needs of young learners.

This session will explore the multifaceted challenges and practicalities of implementing inclusive PreK environments in school districts. Everyone agrees inclusive environments are essential for learners. How that happens can often be left up to the interpretation. The realities of class size, waiting lists, funding, and workforce are something the district experiences, but it can feel overwhelming. Let's talk about it from a regular education, special education, and community perspective.

Review the recently updated Kansas Early Learning Standards (KELS) and resources that accompany them. Discover strategies to ensure lessons, instruction, and materials are aligned with the updated KELS.