Making Connections Mini-Conference Deb Norris October 9, 2025

Sponsor: Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC)

Instructor: Jeanine Fitzgerald, Carrie Becker, Scott Noyes, April Brown, Melissa Davis, Morgan Leichter-Saxby

Educators know that the heart of early childhood education is connection - connection with children, families, and one another. This regional mini conference is designed to bring our community together for a day of inspiration and learning that spans specialized care, social-emotional development, and creative teaching practices. Each session is rooted in building meaningful relationships and fostering environments where both educators and children can thrive. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Every participant will leave with practical materials and resources to help implement the learning directly into their own practice.

Schedule of Events Breakfast | 8:00–8:45 AM

Keynote: Their Future is in Our Hands | 9:00–9:45 AM Jeanine Fitzgerald

Breakout Sessions | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

(1) Jeanine Fitzgerald – Behaviors that Challenge

(2) Scott Noyes – Brain Development & Technology

(3) Carrie Becker – Mini Makers Collaborative Sculptures (Process Art)

Lunch | 12:00–1:00 PM

Breakout Sessions | 1:00–3:00 PM

(1) April Brown – Compassion in Conflict: Caring for Self and Others in Challenging Times

(2) Melissa Davis - Stop Behaviors Before They Start: Inclusive Strategies for Neurodiverse Learners

(3) Morgan Leichter Saxby – Adventure Playgrounds: Building Spaces for Early Childhood Growth

Core Knowledge Area

Child Development & Learning
Developmentally Appropriate & Inclusive Practices
Curriculum & Learning Environments

Focus

Infant/Toddler
Preschool/PreK

Session Dates

Session Times

November 15, 2025

8:45 am - 3:00 pm

Additional Information

Hosted by the Vermont Early Childhood Networks: Windham Early Childhood Educators Co-op and Bennington Region Starting Points

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Time: 8:45 AM-3:00 PM

Location: Mount Snow Resort, 39 Mount Snow Road, West Dover, VT 05356

To view the Conference Brochure that includes session descriptions and additional information about our trainers, click here.