The University of West Florida’s Educational Research Center for Child Development (ERCCD) and the Early Learning Coalition of Escambia County have announced the “Empower Early Educators Conference: Passion, Purpose, and Practice” — a professional development initiative designed to address the current childcare workforce crisis while advancing educator competencies.
Conference Overview
Scheduled for Saturday, September 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the UWF Conference Center, Pensacola campus, this conference responds to industry challenges. The program delivers professional development opportunities designed to enhance educator effectiveness and organizational capacity within early childhood education settings.
Registration is priced at $35 per participant, inclusive of materials and catered lunch. Attendees will earn six (6) in-service hours and qualify for select continuing education credits applicable toward professional advancement and licensure requirements. This provides value for organizations investing in workforce development and individual professionals seeking career advancement.
Professional Development Framework
The conference employs a three-pronged approach to maximize learning outcomes and practical application:
Executive Keynote Sessions: Industry leaders will present current research, best practices, and insights relevant to early childhood education program management and implementation.
Skills-Based Workshop Sessions: Participants will engage in hands-on training modules designed to deliver applicable tools, methodologies, and intervention strategies for direct classroom and program implementation.
Professional Networking Opportunities: Networking sessions facilitate knowledge exchange, partnership development, and professional relationship building among industry stakeholders.
Target Audience and Professional Applications
The conference curriculum addresses the professional development needs of early childhood education stakeholders, including:
- Classroom educators and instructional staff
- Program administrators and directors
- Educational support personnel
- Policy advocates and system administrators
- Organizational development professionals
Registration opens immediately and closes September 5, or upon reaching maximum facility capacity. Given the pricing structure and professional development offering, early registration is recommended to secure participation. For more information about the conference and to register, visit the Early Learning Conference website.