2026 Virtual Young Child Conference

Where educators share, learn, and lead for young children in PreK through 2nd grade.

April 28, 2026 - July 28, 2026

NCATLL is bringing educators together to share learn and lead together for the benefit of the young child. Join educators from across the state and country to share best teaching practices, leadership development, program implementation and proven strategies for our youngest students, PreK - 2nd grade. 

Academic areas of interest include:

  • Arts Education
  • Computer Science & Digital Learning
  • Literacy (reading, writing, speaking)
  • Mathematics
  • Science
  • Social Studies
  • Physical Education

Developmental domains to be addressed include:

  • Approaches to play and learning
  • Emotional and social development
  • Health and physical development
  • Language development and communication
  • Cognitive development

Agenda

Tuesday, April 28
8:00 AM
8:00 AM
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
This session explores how intentional observation serves as a powerful, developmentally appropriate assessment practice for young learners.
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
In this 'tool-smashing' session, students transform from writers into digital engineers.
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
This professional development session is designed to equip school administrators with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support exceptional learners and special programs.
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
In low-income, historically low-performing schools, the urgency to improve early literacy outcomes is both critical and complex.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Many leaders feel like they’re "doing the data" for their teachers instead of with them. In this session, you’ll learn how to stop doing all the heavy lifting and help teachers take charge of their own data.
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Participants will learn about a comprehensive kindergarten transition model that supports educator capacity, strengthens community partnerships, and aligns school-based practices.
Wednesday, April 29
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
Predictability and structure are essential components of effective inclusive classrooms, especially for students with disabilities who rely on clear routines, visual cues, and manageable task expectations to engage successfully in learning.
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM
This session explores how purposeful play can be used as a powerful tool to support engagement, relationships, and learning in PreK–K classrooms.
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Only 35% of school counseling graduate programs include coursework pertaining to students with disabilities (Goodman-Scott et al., 2019).
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
This session outlines the implementation and benefits of on-site childcare programs within the Moore County school district.
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
This presentation explores the integration of aquaponics as a dynamic instructional tool that supports differentiated learning across diverse student needs.
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Tuesday, July 28
4:00 PM
4:00 PM

Speakers

Sara Nussman

Sara Nussman is a dedicated and innovative school counselor at Stoner Thomas School, a public separate school serving students with significant disabilities.

Chelsy Payne

Dr. Chelsy Payne is the principal of B.H. Tharrington Primary School in Mount Airy City Schools, serving students in PreK through second grade. A two-time Distr

Kailey Griggs

Kailey Griggs is an Exceptional Children’s teacher in Davidson County Schools, holding a Bachelor of Science in Special Education Degree from East Carolina University.

Mason Vaughan

Mason Vaughan is an Exceptional Children’s teacher in Davidson County Schools with extensive experience supporting students with disabilities in self-contained and inclusive community settings.

Cierra Gilbert

Ms. Cierra Gilbert is a Kindergarten teacher at Ferguson Easley Elementary School and has proudly served Cumberland County Schools for the past ten years.

Casey Watts

Clarity-driven coach and leader helping school teams get on the same page!

Dr. Shameka Joyner

Dr. Shameka Joyner is the Assisant Principal of Ferguson Easley Elementary. She was the 2024 NC State Assisant Principal of the Year. She has been in Education for 19 years.

Savannah Sperlazza

Savannah Sperlazza currently serves as the Principal at Stoner-Thomas School, a public-separate school serving students with significant disabilities ages 5-22 in Lexington, NC.

Lisa Sawyer

I am currently in my 22nd year of education and serve as a Digital Learning and Media Facilitator, a role I have held for the past two years.

Jennie Winters

Dr. Jennie Winters is a faculty member at McKendree University specializing in assessment, curriculum, and instruction. A national presenter and former state curriculum project lead, she focuses on bridging research and practice for future educators.

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