At the heart of Kentucky’s future lies the power of connection—Head Start leaders, staff, parents, child care partners, community supporters, and governmental agencies working side by side to create opportunities for our children to thrive.
This year’s conference celebrates the collaborative spirit that unites communities across the Commonwealth, from the rolling hills of Appalachia and the vibrant fields of the Bluegrass to the lakes that bring us together. Through dynamic sessions, inspiring stories, and innovative strategies, we’ll explore how early childhood education is essential to nurturing the potential of every child and strengthening the bonds that shape Kentucky’s next generation.
Together, we’ll create a brighter future for children and families across the Commonwealth.
Understanding Session Tag: Sessions may include multiple tags to help attendees quickly identify relevant topics, audiences, and special designations.
🟢 Classroom & Curriculum: Teaching strategies, curriculum implementation, child development, and classroom practices.
🟠 Grant Management & Compliance: Program operations, fiscal management, regulations, monitoring, and compliance requirements.
🟣 Leadership: Management, supervision, staff development, and leadership development.
🔵 Specialist: Specialized content areas including family engagement, health, mental health, disabilities, and related services.
🔴 Policy Council: Governance, parent leadership, and Policy Council responsibilities.
🟢 ECE-TRIS Hours: Session qualifies for ECE-TRIS professional development credit hours.
🩷 Includes Early Head Start (0-3): Includes content relevant to infants, toddlers, and Early Head Start programs.
🟡 Section Meeting: Association section meetings, updates, and networking opportunities.
Agenda
Speakers
Charlene has been in the field of early childhood for more than 40 years. She spent 33 years of her career at a community action agency, where she held a variety of positions, including the Director of the Head Start program and CEO.
Chris Prichard serves as the Programs and Trainings Coordinator at Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, where he leads statewide training initiatives focused on child abuse prevention, family support, and trauma-informed care.
A licensed psychologist, author, speaker, and founder of Make Words Matter. She specializes in communication, behavior, leadership, and emotional development, with experience across clinical practice, higher education, and early childhood systems.
Dr. Dana Eckman has spent 28 years in Early Childhood, working as a teacher, coach and administrator.
Emily graduated from NKU with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.
Holly Ackerman is the Manager of Early Childhood Outreach at KET, a leader in digital education resources. She has been in the field of early childhood education for more than 20 years.
No records found.
Exhibitors
Code Ed by Joy Allcock strengthens literacy from Pre-K through Grade 12 with an evidence-based Speech-to-Sound-to-Print approach, building on students’ spoken language to support reading, writing, and successful access to core ELA instruction.
Music Programs for Early Learning Settings Serving Children Birth-3rd Grade
Pick up some materials explaining the opportunity for licensed child care programs that help to improve quality of care with free online developmental screening.
Early Learning is an essential element for improving education, workforce and life for Kentuckians. With a variety of resources for children, families and educators, KET helps prepare our youngest citizens to transition to kindergarten.
Our mission is, in collaboration with our Partners, to prevent the abuse and neglect of Kentucky's children through advocacy, awareness, education, and training.
No records found.
