School Age Conference – Making Teaching Easier Through Connection, Regulation and Structure

• Saturday, May 9, 2026
• 9 am- 3:00pm
• 6 hours of training credit
• Chamber of Commerce – Genecov room
• $60
• Hot lunch

Come join Champions staff for a fun-filled day exploring activities to help School Age children work together well and school-age Minimum Standards. For early educators of School-age children only.

Sessions for the day:

Session 1: Heather Wilson, Behavioral Strategist (9:00-10:30)

Positive Guidance in Action: Managing Challenging Behaviors Through Engaging Activities

Description:
This dynamic session focuses on effective strategies for handling challenging behaviors in school-age children while keeping them actively engaged in meaningful learning experiences. Participants will explore the root causes of behavior, learn positive guidance techniques, and discover how to turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth. The session also highlights a variety of fun, age-appropriate activities designed to reduce disruptions, build social-emotional skills, and promote cooperation. Attendees will leave with practical tools and creative ideas to foster a supportive, structured, and engaging environment for school-age children.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify common causes and triggers of challenging behaviors in school-age children.
2. Demonstrate positive guidance strategies to effectively manage and redirect behaviors.
3. Design and implement engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote positive behavior and participation.
4. Apply practical techniques to create a structured, supportive environment that encourages social-emotional development and cooperation.

Core Competencies for Practitioners:

• 1: Child Growth and Development
• 2: Responsive Interactions and Guidance
• 3: Learning Environment, Planning, and Curriculum
• 4: Supporting Skill Development (Social-Emotional)

Session #2: Becky Swindall, Early Learning Specialist

Mastering Minimum Standards: Essential Guidelines for School-Age Success

Description:
This session is designed to equip early childhood professionals with a clear understanding of the essential minimum standards for school-age children. Participants will explore key regulations, best practices, and practical strategies to ensure compliance while fostering safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate environments. Through real-world examples and collaborative discussion, attendees will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to implement standards effectively within their programs and support positive outcomes for school-age children.

Learning Objectives: 

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify and describe the key minimum standards for school-age programs.
2. Apply minimum standards to real-world classroom and program scenarios.
3. Evaluate current practices to determine compliance with licensing requirements.
4. Implement practical strategies to maintain compliance while creating engaging, age-appropriate environments.

Core Competencies for Practitioners:

• 1: Child Growth and Development
• 2: Responsive Interactions and Guidance
• 3: Learning Environment, Planning, Curriculum, and Standards
• 4: Healthy, Safety, and Nutrition

Session #3- Casey Muze, “The Author of Rhythm and Restoration” (1:15-2:45)

Feel the Beat: “Using Rhythm to Build Focus, Connection, and Calm in Young Learners”

Description:

This experience invites educators into the power of rhythm as a tool for regulation, connection, and early cognitive development. Through interactive, hands-on engagement, participants will explore how simple rhythmic practices can support focus, behavior, and social-emotional growth in young children. Attendees will leave with practical strategies they can immediately implement in their classrooms.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Explain the role of rhythm in supporting self-regulation, attention, and early cognitive development in young children.
2. Demonstrate at least two simple rhythmic strategies that can be used to support transitions, focus, and positive behavior in the classroom.
3. Identify ways to use rhythm and movement to strengthen social-emotional connections and responsive interactions with children.
4. Apply practical, developmentally appropriate rhythmic activities to enhance classroom routines and learning environments.

Core Competencies for Practitioners:

• 1: Child Growth and Development
• 2: Responsive Interactions and Guidance
• 3: Learning Environments, Planning, and Curriculum
• 4: Supporting Skill Development (Social-Emotional)