2025 Promoting Early Childhood (PEC) Conference
Oshkosh Waterfront Hotel
Oshkosh, WI
April 7-9, 2025
Detailed Conference Program (Google Site)
Agenda Summary (pdf)
PEC 2025: Cultivating Wonder & Resilience
Wonder and resilience nurture children's development and academic success throughout the early years.
Join us to explore how the science of learning informs age-appropriate educational approaches across early childhood and elementary settings.
PEC is an early childhood collaborative event sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) in partnership with the Wisconsin Early Childhood Collaborating Partners (WECCP).
Conference goals include the following:
* Promote Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP)
* Strengthen the age 3-3rd grade continuum of learning and development
* Provide networking opportunities
Keynote Presenters
Ryan Rydzweski
April 8, 2025
As co-author of When You Wonder, You’re Learning, Ryan Rydzewski knows there’s more to Mister Rogers than his trademark cardigan sweaters. To him, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood isn’t just a children’s program — it’s a proven blueprint for raising happier, healthier kids and building a more just and loving world. An award-winning author and speaker, Ryan brings Mister Rogers’ message to parents and educators across the country, empowering today’s adult’s to build Neighborhoods of their own: places that equip every child to become the best of whoever they are.
Amanda Johnson
April 9, 2025
Amanda Johnson is a dedicated professional with over a decade of experience in trauma-informed care and nonprofit leadership. Amanda recently left the Howe Community Resource Center, where she led programs that strengthen families, support children, and promote resilience.
A passionate advocate for mental health, Amanda specializes in addressing Secondary Trauma, drawing from her extensive work with children, families, and professionals in high-stress environments. Her presentations provide actionable strategies to mitigate the effects of secondary trauma, fostering resilience and well-being in both personal and professional settings.
Pre-Conference- April 7, 2025
Special Education Exploring Possibilities: Promoting Engagement and Belonging for Preschoolers with Disabilities Through STEM
Join this interactive full day workshop, beginning with a keynote by Megan Vinh from STEMIE, to wonder, play, discover, and explore how to expand your knowledge base on STEM learning opportunities for students. Come learn developmentally appropriate and evidence-based STEM teaching practices, strategies, and concepts. Walk away with new instructional materials, games, and learning trajectories so you can create high quality inclusive learning experiences and environments to support preschoolers with disabilities.
Nature-Based Early Childhood Education
Learning in and with nature can help young children to be healthier, happier, and smarter, according to a growing body of research documented by the Children andNature Network. Explore how to bring these benefits to your early childhood setting to support mental health and well-being for learners of all ages. Educators from across the state will share practical activities, resources, and ideas to connect, explore, and engage with nearby nature while also supporting early childhood standards and YoungStar wellness criteria. Participants should be prepared to spend time outdoors.
Conference Information
Featured Book:
When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids
* Included in Registration Costs
