Earlier this month, ECIC joined 2,000 early educators from across the state at the Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MI-AEYC) Annual Early Childhood Conference.
At the conference, the ECIC team learned from providers and educators, shared information and resources, and strengthened partnerships that support our collective goals for a stronger early care and education system so all children and families can thrive.
ECIC was also prominently featured at the conference, with CEO Alicia Guevara participating on the opening plenary panel titled “Innovating Pathways in Early Childhood Education: Practices that Move the Field Forward.”
The panel, moderated by Cheryl Priest, MI-AEYC governing board president, brought together national and state leaders to explore the evolving landscape of the early childhood workforce. Alicia and fellow panelists discussed innovative educator pathways and the strategic partnerships successfully shaping a sustainable future for the field.
Additionally, ECIC staff presented five different workshops on a range of topics, including:
- The Power of Everyday Moments: Enhancing Quality Interactions with Toddlers: Led by Charlotte Galgoci and Amber Vanderzalm, this session explored how everyday interactions between caregivers and toddlers shape early development. Participants left with practical strategies for strengthening responsive communication and building supportive learning environments for young children.
- Making CACFP Work: Provider Voices Leading Policy Solutions: In this session, ECIC’s Kelly Walden and Anna Fischer of Public Policy Associates, centered the experiences of providers navigating the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Participants explored how provider insights can inform policy solutions and strengthen the systems that support child nutrition and early learning programs.
- Nurturing Development: The Power of Authentic Assessment in Early Childhood: Amy Moore presented this workshop focused on how authentic assessment can help educators better understand children’s growth and development. Participants discussed ways to use observation and reflection to guide teaching practices that respond to children’s individual needs.
- Quality Interactions in Action: How to Promote Meaningful Engagements with School-aged Children: Facilitated by Charlotte Galcoci and Amber Vanderzalm, this session highlighted approaches for creating positive interactions with school aged children. Attendees explored strategies for fostering meaningful connections and encouraging active participation in learning environments.
- Everyday Advocacy: How Early Educators Can Shape Michigan’s Early Childhood Policies: In this session Amy Moore alongside Annette Sobocinski of Child Care Network and Trisha Dart from Little Ones Learning discussed how early educators can use their voice and experience to shape policy. Participants learned practical ways to engage in advocacy and communicate the needs of children, families, and providers.
The 2026 MI-AEYC Annual Early Childhood Conference was a fantastic opportunity for the ECIC team to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow early childhood professionals.
ECIC looks forward to continuing to connect with the field each and every day, as the work to continuously improve Michigan’s comprehensive early childhood system continues.