2024 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

9:00am CDT

Breakfast

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Registration Area - Lower Level

Feedback Survey

Enjoy the breakfast buffet that includes: Assorted Muffins, Assorted Doughnuts, Chocolate Croissants and coffee.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Registration Area - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

9:00am CDT

Registration

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Registration Area - Lower Level

Registration - Stop by the registration table to get your conference materials.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Registration Area - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

9:45am CDT

Welcome

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:45am - 10:00am CDT

Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level

Make sure you have your seat in the ballroom for our conference kickoff.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 9:45am - 10:00am CDT
Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

10:00am CDT

Keynote Speaker - Ted Schick

Wednesday October 23, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CDT

Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level

Ted Schick, a Minnesota native, resides in Fredenberg Township near Duluth on Island Lake Reservoir. A retired naval officer with over 30 years of leadership and 26 years of teaching experience, Ted has worked as a U.S. Navy instructor, high school teacher, corporate trainer, and owner of Schick Corporate Learning. An avid outdoorsman, Ted enjoys biking, skiing, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. As a dedicated community servant, he volunteers with Spirit Mountain Ski Patrol, local humane societies, Mentor Duluth, Second Harvest Foodbank, and Meals-on-Wheels. Ted will discuss The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make and How to Avoid Them. A fun, engaging look at the mistakes leaders too often make and more importantly, how to avoid them and sidestep these common pitfalls.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CDT
Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:15am CDT

School Age Care Professionals

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

French River 1 - Upper Level

Join us for an engaging opportunity to meet fellow community educators who specialize in your program field. These sessions are designed for you to connect, share insights, and learn from one another through lively round table discussions. Whether you're seeking new ideas, looking to solve common challenges, or simply wanting to make new friends, this is the perfect time to strengthen your professional network. Come prepared to collaborate, discuss, and walk away with fresh perspectives and connections that will enhance your work in community education.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
French River 1 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

11:15am CDT

Early Learning Professionals

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Room O - Upper Level

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Room O - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

11:15am CDT

Adult Basic Education Professionals

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

French River 2 - Upper Level

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
French River 2 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:15am CDT

Adults With Disabilities Professionals

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Room M/N - Upper Level

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Room M/N - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:15am CDT

MCEA Region 1 & 2 Meeting

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Split Rock 1 - Lower Level

Join your fellow community education professionals for a dynamic and interactive MCEA Regional Meeting! This session offers an invaluable opportunity to receive important updates from MCEA, engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues from your region, and share your thoughts on how MCEA can better support your work. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this is your chance to have your voice heard and contribute to shaping the future of community education in Minnesota. Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and make a difference!
Key Takeaways:

Receive the latest MCEA updates.
Connect and network with fellow members from your region.
Participate in open discussions on how MCEA can better serve you.

Looking forward to your input and engagement!

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Split Rock 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:15am CDT

MCEA Region 3 & 9 Meeting

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level

Receive the latest MCEA updates.
Connect and network with fellow members from your region.
Participate in open discussions on how MCEA can better serve you.

Looking forward to your input and engagement!

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:15am CDT

MCEA Region 4,5,6 Meeting

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level

J Join your fellow community education professionals for a dynamic and interactive MCEA Regional Meeting! This session offers an invaluable opportunity to receive important updates from MCEA, engage in meaningful discussions with colleagues from your region, and share your thoughts on how MCEA can better support your work. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this is your chance to have your voice heard and contribute to shaping the future of community education in Minnesota. Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and make a difference!
Key Takeaways:

Receive the latest MCEA updates.
Connect and network with fellow members from your region.
Participate in open discussions on how MCEA can better serve you.

Looking forward to your input and engagement!

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:15am CDT

MCEA Region 7&8 Meeting

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level

Receive the latest MCEA updates.
Connect and network with fellow members from your region.
Participate in open discussions on how MCEA can better serve you.

Looking forward to your input and engagement!

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:15am CDT

Eleyo Connect

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level

Meet with an Eleyo team member to ask a question or brainstorm ideas and solutions. This is your opportunity to receive expert advice and support.

Speakers

Eleyo Team

Eleyo

Each day, we work to increase the accessibility of child care and after school programs. Our mission is to help school districts and communities increase the reach of their programs using innovative technology. To achieve this, we provide robust and user-friendly software and world-class... Read More →

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Technology

11:15am CDT

Enrichment & Recreation Professionals

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Split Rock 2 - Lower Level

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Split Rock 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

11:15am CDT

Facilities & Aquatics Professionals

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

St. Louis River Room - Upper Level

Wednesday October 23, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
St. Louis River Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

12:30pm CDT

Lunch

Wednesday October 23, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT

Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level

Fajita Bar:
Soft Shell Tortilla, Shredded Lettuce, Strips of Fajita Beef and Chicken, Vegan Black Beans, Sautéed Onions and Peppers, Shredded Cheddar, Diced Tomatoes,
Black Olives, Jalapeño Peppers,
Fire Roasted Salsa, Salsa Verde and Sour Cream
DECC House-Made Tortilla Chips

Wednesday October 23, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm CDT
Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

1:30pm CDT

Optimizing Your Eleyo Welcome Page

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level

Take your Welcome Page from drab to fab! Join us for a session led by the Eleyo Team to optimize your district’s Welcome Page. Walk away with tools and frameworks you can leverage for the upcoming registration season!

Speakers

Eleyo Team

Eleyo

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

1:30pm CDT

How to SQUAWK OUT your message

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

St. Louis River Room - Upper Level

Walk away with inventive how-tos to implement when getting the word out about your event. Leverage class names, emails and even your local media to fill seats at your classes.

Speakers

Lucie Amundsen

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
St. Louis River Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing

1:30pm CDT

Marketing Your Programs

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level

Learn about AI and the different tools available to help marketing your education programs. Outlines for a basic marketing plan.

Speakers

Molly Solberg

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing

1:30pm CDT

Building Blocks for Life: Nurturing Social-Emotional Development in Young Children

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level

Fostering social-emotional development lays the foundation for lifelong success. This session will explore social emotional development, adverse childhood experiences, and the impact of trauma on social emotional development. Effective strategies for supporting social-emotional growth, enhancing self-regulation, nurturing self-esteem, teaching empathy and friendship skills, and mitigating challenging behaviors in young children will be discussed. Participants will gain insights and practical tools to create nurturing environments that promote social-emotional development and empower young children to thrive emotionally and socially.

Speakers

Melisa Brever

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

1:30pm CDT

Help Me Grow, Help Me Connect, and Early Childhood Screening

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Split Rock 1 - Lower Level

As part of the new Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), the Help Me Grow (referral connection system), Help Me Connect (resource navigation system), and Early Childhood Screening Programs strive to support healthy development, early supports when there are worries, and family well-being with an equity lens. Join us as we explore how these systems and programs differ, as well as how they complement each other at the local and state levels. We will share referral trends, screening reporting, training and collaborative opportunities.

Speakers

Cat Tamminga Flores

Part C Coordinator, Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Margo Chresand, Early Childhood Screening Specialist with Department of Children, Youth and Families/Early Learning Serv

Early Childhood Screening Coordinator, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Margo Chresand, RN, MPH, MS, has worked with early childhood health and developmental screening for the past dozen years both in a large urban district and at the Department of Education. Prior experience includes school nursing, public health research, public health home visiting... Read More →

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Split Rock 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

1:30pm CDT

CEND-Adults with Disabilities Connect, Learn and Grow our programs

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Room M/N - Upper Level

An opportunity to get together with the CEND leaders that provide AWD programs. Go over the new legislation passed last year about approval of AWD programs through Advisory Councils, what it means, how to proceed and examples. We will also have time to ask questions, give feedback and connect more within the AWD world. Don't have to be a member of CEND to come.

Speakers

Lindsay Richins

Project SOAR Program Manager, Minnetonka Community Education

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room M/N - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

1:30pm CDT

Creating (or enhancing) your program's equity plan

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Room O - Upper Level

Come hear about the Anoka-Hennepin Adventures Plus program's equity work. Learn how they formed their equity committees, created an equity commitment statement, engaged stakeholders, built equity connections into all activities, created department wide training, dedicated budget resources, examined demographics, adjusted staff recruitment strategies, and secured grant funding for special projects. Whether you are just starting equity work or well on your way, this session will give you additional ideas for implementation.

Speakers

Tiffany Weeks

Adventures Plus Program Supervisor, Anoka-Hennepin

Creating (or enhancing) your program’s equity plan pptx

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room O - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

1:30pm CDT

Building Resiliency: Learning To Cope With Failure, Disappointment, and Life’s Difficulties

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level

Resiliency is a skill that can be taught and learned. This session will focus on proven strategies for improving this valuable tool, something that is vital for our mental and emotional well-being!

Speakers

Amy Fullerton

Director Of Mental Health, Lake Superior College

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

1:30pm CDT

Grow Your Own Swim Program

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

French River 1 - Upper Level

In this session, we will walk through the process we have used to move away from a prescribed swim lesson curriculum, to developing our own swim curriculum & Swim Academy. We will discuss key aquatics stroke development techniques that aquatics personnel must be familiar with when exploring growing your own swim program.

Speakers

Tricia Lilleberg

Community Education Director, New London-Spicer/ ISD 345

Hi! I am the CE Director at New London-Spicer schools. I oversee all facility scheduling, youth sports, recreation and enrichment programming, am the building administrator for our preschool and all of it's programs, oversee all SAC for our elementary and PreK and the Performing Arts... Read More →

Scott Lhotka, Ed.S. Director of Community Education & Services Westonka Public Schools

Director of Community Education & Services, Westonka - ISD 277

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
French River 1 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

1:30pm CDT

Middle School Sports- What's it all about?

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Split Rock 2 - Lower Level

Join us in having a discussion around the value of middle school sports and how to navigate hiring and training coaches, building a program, incorporating an intramural concept, and how to collaborate with the community and deal with transportation issues for competitions.

Speakers

Stefanie Nelson, Anoka Hennepin Schools

YSC- CRHS/ CE Coordinator AMSA, Anoka Hennepin Schools

Tyler Hank, Community Education Coordinator for Anoka-Hennepin

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Split Rock 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

1:30pm CDT

Unlock Creativity with Makerspaces in Youth Programs!

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

French River 2 - Upper Level

Discover the power of makerspaces in education with our hands-on workshop designed for educators and youth program leaders. Join us for an immersive session where you'll delve into collaborative learning and innovation. Learn how makerspaces foster creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork while exploring practical applications in school-age care settings. From building simple circuits to designing imaginative projects, this workshop empowers you to transform ideas into tangible creations. Take advantage of this opportunity to ignite curiosity and inspire young minds through dynamic, experiential learning experiences.

Speakers

Laura Greenlee-Karp

Youth Programs Coordinator, ISD 622 North St Paul - Maplewood - Oakdale Community Education

Wednesday October 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
French River 2 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

2:45pm CDT

Elevating Continuous Improvement in School Age Care Programs: A dive into I-SAC CPI and Accreditation

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

French River 1 - Upper Level

Join us for an inspiring session on " Elevating Continuous Improvement in School Age Care Programs: A dive into I-SAC CPI and Accreditation" This presentation focuses on the I-SAC (Ignite School Age Care) Accreditation process, developed and facilitated by Ignite Afterschool, which ensures high levels of quality, safety, and professionalism in school-age care programs.

Discover how authentic leadership and discovering your true north can transform your approach to continuous improvement. I-SAC Accreditation goes beyond traditional accreditation by embedding Continuous Program Improvements (CPI) into its core, ensuring that programs are not only proving their current capabilities but are also committed to ongoing enhancement and achieving better long-term outcomes for young people.

DCYF (formerly DHS) Certified programs that achieve I-SAC Accreditation are eligible for higher Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) reimbursements, making it a valuable investment. Research consistently shows that high-quality programming positively impacts young people's school attendance, behavior, academics, and critical life skills such as communication, teamwork, resilience, and self-esteem.

In this session, you'll learn how programs engaged in the I-SAC Accreditation process benefit from personalized coaching, participation in a shared learning cohort, and access to the latest research and best practices in the field. Embrace the principles of authentic leadership and continuous improvement to elevate your school-age care program and make a lasting difference in the lives of the children you serve.

Speakers

Devin Hanson

Program Specialist - School Age Care Accreditation, Ignite Afterschool (MN)

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
French River 1 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing

2:45pm CDT

Updates on Early Learning Programs Transition to DCYF and Early Learning Legislation

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Split Rock 1 - Lower Level

In July 2024, many Early Learning Programs, previously housed at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), moved to the newly established, Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Nikki Kovan, Director of Early Learning Services at DCYF will provide updates on the transition of these programs and share how Early Learning services and programs at DCYF will remain in partnership with MDE's new division of Early Education. Nikki will also provide implementation updates on 2023 legislation that impacted MN public PreK programs and end the session by addressing questions from attendees

Speakers

Bobbi Burnham

Nikki Kovan, Director of Early Learning Services

Director of Early Learning Services, Minnesota Department of Education

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Split Rock 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

2:45pm CDT

Process Docs Made Easy: Your Path to Productivity

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level

In this session we'll review the "To-Dos" of "How-Tos." Documenting your team's core processes can boost productivity and consistency for your program. Bonus: You'll leave this session with an Eleyo Process Manual template to help kick start your process documentation journey

Speakers

Eleyo Team

Eleyo

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning Leadership Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich Technology

2:45pm CDT

Regional Networks: Building Resilient and Connected Communities

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Room O - Upper Level

In an era of rapid change and growing interconnectedness, the ability to foster resilient and connected communities is more crucial than ever. This session is designed to provide participants with the firsthand knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to develop and strengthen regional networks that support sustainable growth, mutual support, and shared success. Local community education coordinators/directors will share their stories and insights from successful partnerships focused on early childhood, youth development, and intergenerational programming with the foundation.

Community Education Team Includes:
Cheryl Meld - McGregor
Kristal Berg - Proctor/Hermantown
Lara Parkin - Aitkin
Vicki Radzak - Moose Lake

Speakers

Cheryl Meld

ISD 4

Jan Amys

Senior Program Officer, Northland Foundation

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Room O - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

2:45pm CDT

Integrating Therapeutic Horticulture into Family Education

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level

Research supports dozens of benefits from spending time in nature. Specifically, therapeutic horticulture can reduce cortisol levels, improve attention, decrease depression, and increase social integration - among many others. The transition to parenthood can be an exciting, but stressful time for new parents. Integrating nature-based interventions, including horticulture, into family education can strengthen and support parents as they begin this new chapter in their lives. My presentation will focus on the research and therapeutic methods I have used with families and how it can be integrated into your own programming.

Speakers

Tina Cross

Founder, GoodRoots Family Education

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

2:45pm CDT

Planning for Retirement (TRA Members ONLY)

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Room M/N - Upper Level

This presentation is tailored for TRA members who are 2 - 5 years from retirement to provide information about the retirement process. The presentation explains how your benefit is calculated, the choices you make about your benefit and the steps you take to retire.

Speakers

Kay Norris

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Room M/N - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

2:45pm CDT

All Kids Bike

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

French River 2 - Upper Level

Join in the mission of "All Kids Bike" and how we were able to implement this in our district. Ideas for teaching all Kindergarten children how to ride a bike in Physical Education class and offering classes through Community Education. Bike riding is a key developmental milestone for children, let's work together so "ALL KIDS BIKE"

Speakers

Melanie DeBay

Itasca Area Community Education Director, ISD 318 Grand Rapids

Anne Campbell

ALL KIDS BIKE pdf

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
French River 2 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

2:45pm CDT

Outdoor Education Programming

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level

How to plan an outdoor education program with an active, hands-on, learning style.

Speakers

Cassie Janke

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

2:45pm CDT

Youth on Trails: Addressing Barriers to Youth Participation in Mountain Biking

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level

The Duluth Traverse is a 100+ mile trail system that links neighborhoods across the entire city. Due to structural and social barriers, local youth often miss out on mountain biking the DT. We'll discuss funding, planning, and how we’re removing barriers and increasing access to mountain biking activities in Duluth.

Speakers

Adam Fornear

Alicia Watts, Assistant Manager Parks and Recreation

Sam Werle, Recreation Specialist

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

2:45pm CDT

What To Do When People Are Rude: Learning The Art of Mindful Authentic Communication

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT

St. Louis River Room - Upper Level

According to Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg, author and creator of the internationally recognized Nonviolent Compassionate Communication(NVC) process, learning NVC is a way of interacting (via both expressing our own feelings AND receiving the feelings of others through listening= Empathy. This way of communicating helps us to exchange information in a way that helps resolve differences peacefully with mutual respect.

Most of us have been educated from birth to compete, judge, demand, diagnose--to think and communicate in ways of what is “right” and “wrong” with people. At best, the habitual ways we think and speak hinder communication, and create misunderstanding and frustration in others and in ourselves. Still worse, they cause anger and pain, and may lead to violence. Without wanting to, even people with the best of intentions generate needless conflict.

The goal of Nonviolent Compassionate Communication(NVC), is about learning to reach beneath the surface and discover what is really “alive” within us, and how all actions (thoughts, words, deeds) are based on human needs that all of us are seeking to meet. When we understand and acknowledge our needs we create a shared basis for a more satisfying relationship --- a deeper connection with others and ourselves as well.

Speakers

Ann Wallin Harrington

President/Owner, Ann Harrington Training & Consulting

Please see my website... and/or ask me anything about the NVC (Compassionate Nonviolent Communication) work I am currently doing and am passionate about sharing in our current polarized culture!

Wednesday October 23, 2024 2:45pm - 4:15pm CDT
St. Louis River Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership Customer Service/Marketing

4:00pm CDT

MCEA Equity Committee Meeting

Wednesday October 23, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Board Room - Upper Level

MCEA Equity Committee Meeting

Wednesday October 23, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Board Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

6:00pm CDT

Conference Social Event - Lincoln Park Craft District

Wednesday October 23, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm CDT

TBA

This event has reached capacity.
Registration Form

Buses leave from in front of the DECC at 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM: Time: 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Pick-Up Location: DECC (Duluth Entertainment Convention Center)
Buses will pick up participants at 6:00 PM.
50 participants per bus. (100 maximum participants)
No Cost for Conference participants thanks to our Sponsor Eleyo. Maximum 100 and pre-registration is required.

Wednesday October 23, 2024 6:00pm - 9:30pm CDT
TBA 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

8:00am CDT

Breakfast

Thursday October 24, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Registration Area - Lower Level

Enjoy the breakfast buffet that includes: Assorted Muffins, Assorted Doughnuts, Chocolate Croissants and coffee.

Thursday October 24, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Registration Area - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

8:00am CDT

Vendor Visit

Thursday October 24, 2024 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT

Upper & Lower Levels

Visit the vendors, complete your vendor passport, and turn it in at the registration desk for a chance to win fabulous prizes!

Thursday October 24, 2024 8:00am - 4:00pm CDT
Upper & Lower Levels 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

9:00am CDT

Conference Welcome

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:00am - 9:15am CDT

Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level

Please head to the Lake Superior Ballroom for today's conference welcome and announcements. Feel free to bring your coffee and lite breakfast items to the Ballroom.

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:00am - 9:15am CDT
Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

9:15am CDT

Keynote Speaker - Kao Kalia Yang

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT

Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level

Kalia was born in a Thai refugee camp to a family escaping the Secret War in Laos. She moved to America at age six. Her first book, The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir, praised by Publishers Weekly for its graceful storytelling and Hmong cultural insights, won two Minnesota Book Awards, was a PEN USA finalist, and earned an NEA Big Read title as the first nationally distributed Hmong-authored book. Her other memoirs include The Song Poet, which won the 2016 Minnesota Book Award and was a finalist for several prestigious awards, Somewhere in the Unknown World, and her latest, Where Rivers Part: A Story of My Mother’s Life. Kalia has also authored children's books centered on Hmong children's experiences, including A Map Into the World, The Most Beautiful Thing, The Shared Room, Yang Warriors, From the Tops of the Trees, and The Rock in My Throat. She co-edited What God is Honored Here?, a collection on miscarriage and infant loss by Native women and women of color. Her work has earned McKnight, Soros, and Guggenheim Fellowships. When not inspiring social change, Kalia lives in Minneapolis with her husband and twin sons.

Thursday October 24, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

10:30am CDT

Eleyo Game Break

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level

It’s trivia with a twist as Jeopardy meets Survivor during Eleyo Game Break! In teams, 20 lucky contestants will compete in CEREAL-sly fun trivia and mini challenges. The winners will take home bragging rights (and a prize, of course). Even if you aren't on a team, you might still be a winner - audience members will have chances to win prizes, too! Whether you come to join a team or cheer one on, you’re guaranteed to have a good time!

Speakers

Eleyo Team

Eleyo

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

10:30am CDT

MCEA Alumni Committee Meeting

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Board Room - Upper Level

MCEA Alumni Committee Meeting

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Board Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

10:30am CDT

Public Relations - Between the Public and Local Government

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level

Explore how residents and cities can best work together on communication.

Speakers

Joe Wicklund

Assistant City Administrator, City of Hermantown

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing Leadership

10:30am CDT

Game On: Setting you up for success during gym games!

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Room M/N - Upper Level

Are you or your staff facing challenges with implementing gym and outdoor games? Are you seeking fresh ideas and resources for gym and outdoor games? During this session, we will share tips on how to provide structure, along with ideas for managing large groups. Take home some strategies that will set you and your staff up for success within your after school or recreation program. Come join us for this interactive session - fun games will be played!

Speakers

Gregg Lauderdale

Founder, GL Consulting

For more than twenty years, I’ve been dedicated to delivering high-quality and engaging sports, recreation and enrichment programs for children. I’ve successfully trained thousands of coaches and managers, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in youth... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room M/N - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

10:30am CDT

Mixed Delivery Partners and Partnerships Make a Difference- Where Do We Start?

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Split Rock 1 - Lower Level

Families and their children thrive when they have access to high-quality early childhood programs and resources. "Mixed delivery” partnerships make a difference for children and their families when professionals work together to maximize their program and staff resources. We will present strategies for building "mixed delivery" partnerships by providing examples highlighting the work being done by communities throughout Minnesota. You will leave this presentation ready to hurdle challenges and build relationships that strengthen mixed delivery partnership in your community.

Speakers

Jeanne Dickhausen

Head Start Collaboration Director, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families

The purpose of the Head Start State Collaboration Office (HSCO), is to facilitate collaboration and partnerships among Head Start agencies and entities that carry out activities designed to benefit low-income children from birth to school entry and their families. As Minnesota's... Read More →

June Reineke, Early Learning Program and Collaboration Specialist

MCEA Mixed Delivery Partners and Partnerships Session Handout 1 2024 pdf

MCEA Mixed Delivery Intro to Partners and Partnerships Final Submitted pdf

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Split Rock 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

10:30am CDT

Kao Kalia Yang - keynote Breakout

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

St. Louis River Room - Upper Level

Book signing and Q & A with Keynote Speaker Kao Kalia Yang.

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
St. Louis River Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

10:30am CDT

Recruit, Reach, Retain and the Rewards

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level

Join this interactive discussion on the impacts of part-time and seasonal staff on your departments and organizations. Highlight priorities and strategies for recruiting and retaining staff along with identifying opportunities and challenges.

Speakers

Joey Schugel

Park and Recreation Director, City of New Ulm Park and Recreation

Passionate public servant with 17 years experience in both parks and recreation and community education services.

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

10:30am CDT

SOAR Education: Lessons to believe in yourself and make your dreams come true

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

French River 2 - Upper Level

SOAR Education is a 16 Lesson Program that teaches, encourages and inspires students (people of all ages) to believe in themselves and make their dreams come true. Learn how the SOAR Education Program can positively impact your School Age Care and Youth Enrichment Programs.

Speakers

Hank Longo

Exedutive Director, SOAR Education

I am the Executive Director of SOAR Education. SOAR Education,teaches, encourages and inspires students to believe in themselves, to never give up, and make their dreams come true and SOAR!I am the "Evel Knievel" of Water Ski Jumping, setting a World Stunt Record water ski jumping... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
French River 2 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

10:30am CDT

Using the Equity Magnifier to Guide Community Programming

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Split Rock 2 - Lower Level

The equity magnifier is a resource from MDE that is intended to center equity in the decision making process. This resource is designed to be used throughout action-planning, decision making and implementation process. This could occur with a team or one-on-one during formal or informal conversations (anyone, anytime, anywhere).
These questions are designed to keep equity as the focal point of discussion when engaging in any action planning, decision-making and implementation process. The purpose of the questions is to illuminate blind spots, perspectives that are represented, perspectives that are absent or silenced, and awareness of unintended consequences. The use of these questions is to help elevate the absent narrative and highlight groups who have
been the most historically underserved and negatively impacted by policies, programs, or decisions.

Speakers

Gina Cole

Sarah Klyve

Equitable Access Specialist- Special Education, Northeast Service Cooperative

Tool Equity Magnifier MDE pdf

Equity Magnifier Practice pdf

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Split Rock 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

10:30am CDT

Chair Yoga

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Room O - Upper Level

Chair Yoga is a gentle class adapting yoga poses with a chair. This class cultivates awareness and

deep relaxation through meditation, breath work, and gentle stretches all without the stress of getting up and down off the floor. The chair is used as a prop for both seated and standing poses.

Speakers

Katrina Lund

Yoga instructor, Proctor community education

Teaching all sorts of yoga for 24 years!

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room O - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

10:30am CDT

Improving Your Memory

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

French River 1 - Upper Level

It might be to remember a name, license plate number or a phone number. Memory can be a powerful gift. Maybe your memory skills are struggling. You wish you could remember things better. In this interactive workshop, learn ways to help improve your memory. Pick up a few tips to remember that name. Other techniques will be discussed to help improve your memory skills.

Speakers

Conrad Feldt

Owner / IT Consultant, Itasca Computer Resources

Conrad has had much success in his life. He owns and operates his own consulting company in northern Minnesota where he readily enjoys his love for the great outdoors. Conrad believes that everyone should define success for him or herself and then go in pursuit of their own dreams... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
French River 1 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

10:30am CDT

Live This Life On Purpose

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level

In this session, we'll explore the journey from simply talking about values to truly living them out in our daily actions. Many organizations and individuals proudly display their values, but often, these values remain as mere words on paper, disconnected from actual behavior. We'll dive into practical strategies and real-life examples of how to bridge this gap, ensuring that values are not just spoken, but fully integrated into our life. Join us to learn how to turn your values from buzzwords into behavior.

Speakers

Paula Williams

Life Coach, Self Employed

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

10:30am CDT

Engaging Minds: Open Table Discussions

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Room L - Upper Level

roundtable offers a supportive environment to network, problem-solve, and collaborate, exchange ideas.

Speakers

Natascha Ellis, Adult Coordinator in Proctor/Hermantown

Brooke Staskivige, Program Coordinator for Proctor/Hermantown

Community Ed Programmer, ISD 318/ Grand Rapids

Thursday October 24, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room L - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

11:30am CDT

Awards Luncheon/Silent Auction/Vendor Visit

Thursday October 24, 2024 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT

Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level

Beef Pot Roast: Slow Roasted Choice Pot Roast in Burgundy Wine Sauce with Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes,served with salad and chef's choice of vegetable, rolls & butter OR Vegan Salad: (Vegan/G.F. option)-Edamame and Cashews with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Vegetable Power Blend and Vegan Cheese over Mixed Greens and served with Red Wine Vinaigrette Dressing

Thursday October 24, 2024 11:30am - 1:00pm CDT
Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

1:00pm CDT

The Customer Experience; Making a Difference

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level

Customer Service has taken a back seat in most businesses these days and it’s time we all get back on track. Don’t settle for less – do something about it! Your staff need to know that making connections will make or break your success. As soon as you learn that we are all in the “People” business, you will start to mold your niche into something that will make a difference and an extraordinary experience your customers won’t want to live without.

Speakers

Holly Johnson

Executive Director, NIHCA

Executive Director at NIHCA; Passionate about the Customer Experience!

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing

1:00pm CDT

Back to the Future with ECFE: Celebrating 50 Years

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

St. Louis River Room - Upper Level

Join us as we look back where ECFE has been for the past 50 year, and where we are heading in the future for the next 50! Betty Cooke will share her personal experience in launching ECFE and how that has brought us to where we are today. We would also love to hear how school districts are celebrating 50 years of ECFE in their community!

Speakers

Jenifer Johnson

Early Learning Coordinator, Monticello School District 882

Betty Cooke

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
St. Louis River Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

1:00pm CDT

Using SLEDS to Inform Work in Early Childhood

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Split Rock 1 - Lower Level

Minnesota has developed the Minnesota Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS) matching student data from pre-kindergarten through completion of postsecondary education and into the workforce. By bridging existing data with other incoming data a range of education programmatic and delivery questions can be answered to gauge the effectiveness of current programs and design targeted improvement strategies to help students.

SLEDS brings together data from education and workforce to:
Identify the most viable pathways for individuals in achieving successful outcomes in education and work;
Inform decisions to support and improve education and workforce policy and practice, and
Assist in creating a more seamless education and workforce system for all Minnesotans.

Speakers

Gina Cole

Sarah Klyve

Equitable Access Specialist- Special Education, Northeast Service Cooperative

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Split Rock 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

1:00pm CDT

Demystifying Grant Writing: Transforming Fear into Confidence

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room L - Upper Level

Learn about the Northland Foundation’s unique grantmaking while gaining tips and tricks to alleviate apprehension surrounding grant writing by providing clarity and empowering participants with the knowledge and skills needed to approach the process confidently.

Speakers

Cayla Bellanger DeGroat

Jan Amys

Senior Program Officer, Northland Foundation

Michelle Ufford

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room L - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

1:00pm CDT

Engaging Your Community

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

French River 1 - Upper Level

Join us to discuss and discover ways to connect with your community to meet their needs and interests. From establishing a strong advisory council to making unique community connections, this session will help you examine whether you understand and are meeting the needs of your entire community demographics. This workshop will share many ideas and examples of how to be more active and progressive with your community. No matter how big or how small your district is, you will find this information valuable.

Speakers

Jackie Johnston, S Ed. licensed Parent Educator, Secondary teacher, K-12 principal, Superintendent and a licensed Commun

MSUM Adjunct Professor/Retired Director

Jackie holds a Specialist degree in School Administration and has been a Community Education Director and Area Learning Center Principal for over 30 years. She recently retired as the Director for Eastern Carver County Schools. Jackie is currently and has been an associate professor... Read More →

Marcia Provencher, MCEA Alumni Committee Member

Community Engagement and Advisory Councils 2024 (1) pdf

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
French River 1 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

1:00pm CDT

Learn How to Lead from Within. Values-based Leadership

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level

A leadership style that builds itself on the values of both the leader and their team.
Based on the philosophy that people motivate themselves through the implementation of their personal values in their daily lives.

Speakers

Julie Visger

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

1:00pm CDT

Gambling & Gaming: What are the Harms?

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room O - Upper Level

As gambling and gaming access increases, adolescents face choices that can be illegal or unhealthy. In 2022, 6-9% of Minnesota youth hid their gambling behavior, and 5-8% believed they might have a problem. These activities can harm their mental and physical health, education, and relationships. Risk factors include cultural background, family history of mental illness or substance use, and personal substance use. This presentation will explore current trends in youth gambling and gaming, their impacts, the connection to substance use, and prevention strategies. It will also discuss the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling's efforts to create prevention materials in response to requests from parents and community members.

Speakers

Sonja Mertz

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room O - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

1:00pm CDT

Eleyo 101

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level

New to Eleyo? Join us for Eleyo 101, where new users will jump into the fundamentals of the software and learn tips and tricks from our experts. This session is perfect for anyone just getting started and interested in meeting other new users.

Speakers

Eleyo Team

Eleyo

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Technology

1:00pm CDT

How Do We Recruit and Retain Quality People?

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level

We will discuss the current job market and how it affects our recruiting efforts for CE and what we can try differently. In the 2nd half of the presentation we will focus on what makes a person leave or stay in an. organization.

Speakers

Weston Wold

Anoka Hennepin Schools

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

1:00pm CDT

Nail String Art

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Room M/N - Upper Level

String art or pin and thread art, is characterized by stringing thread between nails to form a design of your choosing. Limited to 36 participants. Session full sign will be hung on door once 36 people are in the room.

Speakers

Ines Chandler, Proctor Kids' Zone, Youth, Driver Education Coordinator

Natascha Ellis, Adult Coordinator in Proctor/Hermantown

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Room M/N - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

1:00pm CDT

Recreation Programming for Adults and Youth within a Collegiate Setting

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

French River 2 - Upper Level

Professionals from the Recreational Sports Outdoor Program at the University of Minnesota Duluth will present on the various recreation programs that we provide to our university community, the greater Duluth community and surrounding community organizations. In this session we will share the various approaches that we take towards programming in a collegiate environment that reflect both the recreational and outdoor program aspects of our university community. We offer programs for youth, young adults and seniors, so there is bound to be program offerings of interest to all!

Speakers

Dr. Adam Burke

Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Life, University of Minnesota Duluth

Tim Bates

Tom White

Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
French River 2 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

2:30pm CDT

Eleyo Connect

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level

Meet with an Eleyo team member to ask a question or brainstorm ideas and solutions. This is your opportunity to receive expert advice and support.

Speakers

Eleyo Team

Eleyo

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

2:30pm CDT

Make and Take: How to Use the Here For You Toolkit!

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level

Do you have a flyer that you need to create for an upcoming class or event? Have you heard of the Here For You Toolkit but haven't had the chance to use it yet or don't know how? This session will provide participants the opportunity to explore the Here For You Toolkit and learn how to create a flyer that you can use when you go back to the office.

Please bring a laptop to this session. You must have access to a CANVA account for this session.

Speakers

Nicole Wojcik

ISD728 Elk River

Rachel Amdahl

Kayla Gruber

AnneMarie Lacher

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing

2:30pm CDT

Professional Playing Ground: Using Interactive Games to Connect and Reflect with Staff (and Kids)

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level

In this session, participants will participate in a variety of interactive games and activities that examine how we’ve consciously and subconsciously trained ourselves to approach our work. Using Games for Actors and Non-Actors as a guiding resource, the facilitator will provide a brief overview of the subject material and how it can be used among staff to examine structures of power, leadership, and other group dynamics. Then, it’s time to play! This is an interactive session where participants will be asked to actively participate in the discussion, action, and reflection of the exercises and will require people to be in their seat as well as on their feet, so please be prepared. These are activities that can be brought back and facilitated with other staff to assess, analyze, reflect, and connect about their work. Activities can also be done directly with children.

Speakers

Megan Hartman

Stillwater Area Public Schools/ #834

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing Leadership Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

2:30pm CDT

Multilingual Assessments in VPK: Challenges and Strategies

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Split Rock 2 - Lower Level

In this engaging session, Kaitlin and Allison will take you through their journey of assessing multilingual students in Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) programs. Discover how they made critical decisions, such as choosing the PreLas screening tool, hiring a dedicated assessment team, and integrating the results into their broader system to ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive. Gain insights into the challenges they faced and explore the strategies, tips, and tricks they learned along the way. This session is a must for anyone working with multilingual learners in early education!

Speakers

Kaitlin Cantolla

Early Learning Support Specialist, Burnsville Eagan Savage/ISD191

Allison Jordan

Supervisor of Community Education, Burnsville Eagan Savage/ISD191

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Split Rock 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

2:30pm CDT

Building Prenatal-Grade 3 (P3) Administration Effectiveness

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

St. Louis River Room - Upper Level

Improve quality and coherence of early learning programs across settings and through time through effective administrative and leadership practices! Join us as we examine and discuss effective governance structures that support program alignment, professional development, and data informed decision making for program improvement. We will share existing and future opportunities that support your work navigating systems as an administrator and community leader.

Speakers

Darcy Rodriguez

Mike Brown

Early Learning Services, Minnesota Department of Education

June Reineke, Early Learning Program and Collaboration Specialist

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
St. Louis River Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning Leadership

2:30pm CDT

Outdoor and Nature-Based Learning, How it Checks All of the Boxes!

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level

Let's talk about how outdoor and nature-based learning opportunities can help support: learning and development outcomes, positive student behavior, attendance, and non-exclusionary discipline issues. Learn more about how outdoor and nature-based learning environments can support student and teacher health and wellness and actually help you retain and attract educators. Discover the power of outdoor and nature-based learning for developing community within your program and creating an inclusive space where children families, and staff feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated.

Speakers

Anna Dutke

Kelly Kazeck, Department of Children, Families, and Youth

Early Childhood Workforce Collaboration Specialist, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Suzanne Fuluvaka

Outdoor and Nature Based Learning MCEA 2024 pdf

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

2:30pm CDT

Bridging Partnerships to Enhance Safety: How to Partner with Department of Public Safety

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Split Rock 1 - Lower Level

In alignment with the conference theme "Discover Your True North," this session will focus on the importance of authentic leadership in fostering effective partnerships between community organizations and state government agencies to enhance public safety and/or community needs. The presentation will highlight the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Community Affairs initiatives aimed at building trust and collaboration with diverse communities across the state. By sharing real-life examples and strategies, participants will learn how to lead with empathy, recognize and seize courageous moments, and create a culture of collective strength through genuine engagement with state agencies. Learn about Driver’s License For All and resources that support newcomers, explore opportunities and alignment for partnering with DPS and Adult Basic Education (ABE), and explore opportunities and alignment for partnering with DPS and Community Educations Driver’s Education programming.

Speakers

Nicole Archbold

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Split Rock 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

2:30pm CDT

From search to Setup: ISD 191’s Story of Transitioning to Arux for Program Management Software

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room M/N - Upper Level

Last year, ISD 191 began searching for a new software platform to manage their community education programming and facilities. This session details their journey, starting with the search for a new platform, continuing through implementation, and finishing with how using Arux daily is helping them overcome program challenges.
This session will share why they selected Arux, the challenges and successes of implementation, and the exclusive Arux features that can help guide community education departments in Minnesota into the future.

Speakers

Steve Novotny

Co-Founder and President, Arux

Steve Novotny has been a pioneer in community education technology since 2006. He is a technical expert who creates reliable, secure, and scalable digital solutions for community education programs of all sizes. His experience has enabled him to develop a deep understanding of community... Read More →

Jason Sellars

Director of Community Education, Burnsville Eagan Savage/ISD191

Arux and One91 MCEA Presentation 2024 pdf

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room M/N - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership Customer Service/Marketing

2:30pm CDT

All Directions Point Towards Your Community Education Licensure!

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room L - Upper Level

St.Cloud State University Assistant Professor, Amy Christensen, and new Community Education Director, Brandii Thomas want to help you discover your true north in the Community Education field by obtaining your Community Education Director License! This session will include recent and relevant information, support, and opportunities for lifelong learning, ensuring that participants are well-prepared for licensure and professional success.

Speakers

Amy Christensen

Brandii Thomas

Director of Community Education, ROCORI Community Education

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room L - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

2:30pm CDT

5 Keys to Retiring Fearlessly

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

Room O - Upper Level

Do you know what next steps to take so you can retire? We can help. Join us for 5 Keys to Retiring Fearlessly, a free workshop with insights to help you achieve your retirement goals, by answering the following questions:
Will I have enough to retire?
Will my retirement income last?
Are my assets protected?
During this session, we’ll also examine why making the most of Social Security has a lot to do with when you apply for benefits.

Speakers

Kevin King

Jordan Fahlsing

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
Room O - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development

2:30pm CDT

Go Out On A Limb: Strengthening Community Through Unusual Partnerships

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

French River 1 - Upper Level

Sometimes a successful relationship makes you think, "How did they end up together?" Join this session to learn how Community Ed programs in Proctor and Moose Lake partnered with a local hospital (Essentia Health) to uplift programming, parks, and more in northern Minnesota.

Speakers

Russell Habermann

Community Health Program Manager, Essentia Health

Russell Habermann is the Community Health Program Manager at Essentia Health. He graduated from Proctor High School in 2011 and earned a degree in Urban and Regional Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2014. Russell's professional experience includes work at Minnesota... Read More →

MCEA Presentation 2024 rhabermann pdf

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
French River 1 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

2:30pm CDT

Open and free access for teens

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT

French River 2 - Upper Level

The teen room at the Cloquet Public Library is a place where teens can exist without any expectation. All programs are offered for free.

Speakers

Justin Dinger

Youth Services Librarian, Cloquet Public Library

Justin Dinger has served as the teen services librarian at the Cloquet Public Library since 2018. He and his wife, Beth, have four children. Dinger is a member of the Barnum City Council, the Cloquet Encore Performing Arts Center Board, the Cloquet Community Ed Advisory Board, and... Read More →

Thursday October 24, 2024 2:30pm - 3:30pm CDT
French River 2 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

4:00pm CDT

Happy Hour - Hoops Brewing

Thursday October 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT

Hoops Brewery

Registration Form

Join your fellow community educators for a relaxed and enjoyable gathering at Hoops Brewing Company on Canal Park. Enjoy a drink, snack and some casual conversation before heading out to explore the town. This is a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and unwind in a friendly atmosphere. Light Snacks will be provided. Drinks on your own. No per-registration is required.

Thursday October 24, 2024 4:00pm - 5:30pm CDT
Hoops Brewery 325 S. Lake Ave., Duluth, MN 55802

8:00am CDT

Breakfast

Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT

Registration Area

Fresh Cut Fruit, Hard-Boiled Eggs, Vanilla Yogurt with House-Made Granola, Hearty Breakfast Breads served with Peanut Butter, Local Honey and DECC Triple Berry Jam

Friday October 25, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Registration Area 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

8:45am CDT

Welcome

Friday October 25, 2024 8:45am - 9:00am CDT

Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level

Friday October 25, 2024 8:45am - 9:00am CDT
Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

9:00am CDT

Keynote Speaker - Kerry Juntunen

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT

Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level

Kerry Juntunen is the Superintendent of Schools in Proctor, Minnesota. Throughout his 41-year career, he has served in multiple educational roles, and he continues to carry a deep commitment to educational excellence. Kerry has been a staunch advocate for Community Education, recognizing its significant role in enhancing school districts, community organizations, and community connections, all while developing a supportive network for student growth. Under Kerry's leadership, Proctor schools have seen numerous initiatives to foster community engagement and support a culture of lifelong learning. Known for their dedication to creating inclusive and supportive educational environments, Kerry continues to champion Community Education programs that empower both students and the wider community, knowing that together, schools and communities can enhance educational outcomes, and contribute to a more engaged and informed public.

Friday October 25, 2024 9:00am - 10:00am CDT
Lake Superior Ballroom - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

10:15am CDT

Eleyo Deep Dive

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level

Join us for a deep dive into Eleyo’s advanced features. From maximizing list views, optimizing question templates, and utilizing surveys, you’ll take away knowledge to enhance your Eleyo workflows. Recommended for advanced Eleyo users.

Speakers

Eleyo Team

Eleyo

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

10:15am CDT

Help Me Grow

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Room M/N - Upper Level

Enhance Your Practice with Help Me Grow: Discover effective ways to support families by using the Help Me Grow framework. This session will provide tools and resources for professionals to guide families in recognizing developmental milestones, addressing concerns, and navigating referrals for comprehensive, confidential screenings. Learn how to empower parents as active participants in their child’s developmental journey, ensuring they have the support they need, when they need it.

Speakers

Kacy Jacobs

Help Me Grow Referral Intake Coordinator for Duluth, ISD 709, Help Me Grow

Help Me Grow provides resources for families to understand developmental milestones and learn if there are concerns. This helps families take the lead in seeking additional support or referring their child for a comprehensive, confidential screening or evaluation at no cost. Minnesota's... Read More →

Jenny Bouchie

Northern Lights Special Education Cooperative ECSE Coordinator

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Room M/N - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

10:15am CDT

High Quality Early Childhood Education: What is it and how to foster equitable access

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level

Participants will learn about what high quality early childhood education entails, including information regarding process versus structural quality. Information will be presented from a variety of sources to help participants understand: the history of early childhood programming, policy and spending; how access to programming is measured; the relationship between quality of programming and community characteristics; parent preference in care selection; and early childhood education affordability. This information will support a group discussion regarding what real work can be done to better foster equitable access to high quality early childhood education.

Speakers

Meghan Caine

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

10:15am CDT

How to Create and Sustain a Thriving Family Advisory Council

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Split Rock 1 - Lower Level

We will discuss the process of reviving our advisory council from no longer existing to having over 20 board members and providing meaningful and real-time feedback to the district while also putting on multiple events a year to grow parent community. The session will discuss steps taken, difficulties, and successes along the way. We'll cover how to form a council, how teachers and staff can support family led councils without running them, and different ways a council can serve both parents and your school.

Speakers

Dani Indovino Cawley

I'm pretty much generally awesome.

Allie Robey

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Split Rock 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

10:15am CDT

MInnesota's Rally to Read

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Room O - Upper Level

Minnesota's Rally to Read has a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): to transform Minnesota to the State with the highest reading proficiency with the fewest racial inequities in record breaking time. Our benchmarks of success: all children are "wired" to read by age 3 and read proficiency at grade level. Come share your insights on what can be done to accelerate the achievement of this goal. You'll learn about a Community Innovation Action Plan we are facilitating to tap Minnesota's social capital by launching grassroots community literacy coalitions. Monticello School District is the prototype site and will share their Community Innovation Action Planning.

Speakers

Jeremiah Mack

Director, Monticello #882

Tim Reardon, Ex. Director of Minnesota's Rally to Read

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Room O - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

10:15am CDT

Community Baby Baskets

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

St. Louis River Room - Upper Level

Baby baskets sponsored by our local community contributors to support. We welcome new babies in our local communities and provide valuable resources and information for families to help get them connected to other families with young children in the area.

Speakers

Caitlyn Wood

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
St. Louis River Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning Leadership

10:15am CDT

Bounce Back and Lead: Building Resilient Leadership in Community Education

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

French River 2 - Upper Level

Resilient leadership is essential for community education leaders facing constant change and challenges. This presentation explores key strategies to build resilience, emphasizing adaptability, emotional intelligence, and proactive problem-solving. We will discuss the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, fostering strong relationships, and encouraging a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Attendees will gain tools to strengthen their leadership capabilities, support their teams, and navigate adversity effectively. By cultivating resilience, community education leaders can inspire confidence, drive success, and create a sustainable impact in their communities.

Speakers

Julie Lucas

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
French River 2 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

10:15am CDT

Unconscious and Conscious Bias

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level

We will have you reflect on yourself and the people around you. Discovering how you perceive yourself and how you believe others perceive you. We think this is a crucial first step, getting people to recognize the judgments they place on others without even noticing they do. This session requires everyone to participate and look within.

Speakers

Carl Crawford

Keith Turner

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

10:15am CDT

Time Management Strategies for Effective Leadership: How to Hold Strong Boundaries While Learning to Say “No” So You Can Say “Yes” to Things That Matter Most

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Split Rock 2 - Lower Level

In a world that is constantly competing for our most valuable resource (time), managing our time effectively has become one of the biggest challenges for leaders today. Most people are searching for the best time management system to help them stay focused. The problem is most time management systems don't teach them how to think about time effectively, just manage it. Elsie has found that time management is more about priority management. And more importantly, around holding clear boundaries. It's about learning to effectively say "no", so you can say "yes" to things that matter most.

In this interactive session, we will look at the choices we all make that impact our time management, where we collapse into people-pleasing, and where we are sloppy with our boundaries.

Speakers

Elsie Storm

Professional Life and Leadership Coach, Turning Life Gold

Professional Life and Leadership Coach Elsie Storm is passionate about providing professional development for a new generation of leaders, helping them break through their fears and replace the limiting beliefs that hold them back. Her forward-thinking, heart-centered approach breaths... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Split Rock 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Wellness/Self Care/Personal Development Leadership

10:15am CDT

Debate & Community Education - Supercharging Academic Enrichment

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

French River 1 - Upper Level

Come learn about how academic competitive debate can supercharge your academic enrichment programming. Debate has been heavily researched and evaluated as an educational intervention, boasting substantially greater GPAs, attendance, reading scores, ACT scores, and more. But it operates as an enrichment program - strengthening Social Emotional Learning outcomes, inclusion, and relationships across school. The MN Urban Debate League provides debate programming for middle and high school students. Programs include: MSHSL debate, middle school policy debate, Spanish Debate, East African Debate, Financial Literacy Debate and summer programming.

Speakers

Jake Swede

Amy Cram Helwich

Executive Director, MNUDL, Program of Augsburg University

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
French River 1 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

10:15am CDT

Quality Basics for Youth Programs

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT

Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level

Participants of Quality Basics training will review the research supporting Weikart’s model of Youth Program Quality (YPQ), which recognizes the need to create a safe, supportive, and productive environment for youth to build positive interactions between youth and adults and ensure youth engagement. Building relationships with youth ensures youth are comfortable and engaged creating a rich learning environment.

Youth Development Professionals must ensure that out-of-school-time programs offer young people positive and meaningful development experiences. Investing in the design and delivery of high-quality youth programs is critical. Durlak & Weissberg state poor-quality programs can damage young people.

High quality learning environments require planning and preparation to engage youth in the experiential learning model of “doing” or “exploring” elements of a learning experience.
Well-designed learning environments offer youth ways to expand their leadership skills, build relationships, pursue areas of interest, and develop a positive outlook on learning. Program elements such as giving youth opportunities to share their learning, engaging youth in reflection following the exploration or project activity will be explored. When well-planned and facilitated, learning environments challenge youth to think about the next steps of their learning.

Speakers

Jan Derdowski

Extension Educator, Youth Development, University of MN Extension Regional Office

Friday October 25, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

10:30am CDT

MCEA Finance Committee Meeting

Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT

Board Room - Upper Level

MCEA Finance Committee Meeting

Friday October 25, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Board Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

11:30am CDT

Beyond the Queen's Gambit: Benefits of Chess

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level

Beyond the Queen’s Gambit is an enlightening, funny and entertaining presentation that will shed light on why incorporating chess into community education offerings can be easy and incredibly beneficial for everyone involved.

Speakers

Pat LaVone

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Customer Service/Marketing Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich

11:30am CDT

Quality Improvement for Early Childhood Departments

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

French River 1 - Upper Level

Looking to evaluate the strengths and growth areas in your Early Childhood department? Legislative changes, shifts in the Early Childhood workforce and leadership alongside the demands of producing high quality early learning experiences for children and their families add complexities to the work of Early Childhood leaders. This session shares an overview of a program evaluation model that utilizes the Components of Exemplary Programs which identifies existing strengths, notices growth areas and needs and provides a framework to support changes that can enhance quality, build cohesion and maximize resources effectively.
Meet a team that has utilized this process and learn about its effectiveness!

Speakers

Steven Jensen

ISD 110 Waconia Public Schools

Cindy Check, Consultant at Creative Compass, LLC

Carmen Cook, Consultant at Creative Compass, LLC

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
French River 1 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

11:30am CDT

Ready Early Learning Programs: Spotlight ECFE

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Split Rock 2 - Lower Level

This session will be an overview of ECFE services and their potential to engage families. ECFE services can include: outreach, home visiting, building community partnerships, P-3 alignment, parent education, connections with elementary family supports, and strategies for supporting families during the transition to Kindergarten. ECFE programs are sometimes underutilized in districts. The resources within ECFE could be expanded to better support more families. Understanding the capacity of ECFE and how to leverage it can be a powerful vehicle for building community connections that create a greater sense of horizontal and vertical alignment in your system and positively impact your work.

Speakers

Darcy Rodriguez

Mi Yang

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Split Rock 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

11:30am CDT

Visual Schedules: FIRST Theory, THEN Make and Take. A Course About Using Visual Schedules with Less Verbal and Early Language Skill Individuals

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Split Rock 1 - Lower Level

Learn the current research about using visual schedules for our youngest people who benefit the most from visual pictures to support comprehension of language, specifically within their small or large group routines Considerations for how to select materials and create a visual schedule will be included. This course will provide you time and materials to make at least one physical visual schedule that can be implemented right away in an early learning environment to support language, organization and instruction. Scissors, laminating pages, and a trending new visual schedule device (EZ Slide Visual Schedule) will be available for you to create and keep! The presenter is not liable for irresponsible scissor use during this session. Choose wisely. Supplies are guaranteed for the first 40 participants. All individuals interested in the topic are invited to attend regardless of materials available.

Speakers

Jen Jaros

ECFE Coordinator, Duluth Public Schools

Laura Kleffman

Co-Owner, EZ Slide Visual Schedule

I am a home and community based occupational therapist working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I also have 20 years of experience working with families and teams in the school setting from early childhood to young adulthood. When I get involved with... Read More →

Visual Tools Presentation October 2024 pptx

Visual Tools Presentation October 2024 pdf

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Split Rock 1 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Early Learning

11:30am CDT

Behavioral Based Interviewing

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

St. Louis River Room - Upper Level

Behavioral-based interviewing is a technique that focuses on assessing a candidate's past experiences and behaviors as a predictor of future performance. By asking specific questions about how they’ve handled situations relevant to the job, you gain insights into their problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit. This method helps identify candidates who not only have the right skills but also align with your organization's values, leading to better hiring decisions and improved staff retention.

Speakers

Adam Rosen

CEO, Radar Talent Solutions

Adam Rosen is a local dad of two whose son was put on a waitlist for after school care in 2022. His son was coming home every day and watching TV. Using his 15+ years of corporate experience, Adam started a company to help Community Education departments with high volume recruiting... Read More →

Keri Gonzalez

Radar Talent Solutions

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
St. Louis River Room - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:30am CDT

Creating a Strategic Community Needs Assessment

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level

Are you looking to gain feedback about your Community Education programs, while harnessing suggestions from the community on how to support your district’s Strategic Plan? Join us to learn how we curated the questions based on our current programming and how CE could support the district's Strategic Plan. We will also spend time brainstorming opportunities on where to collect data and we will share an example of how we are using this data to move forward in our planning.

Speakers

Kate Andersen

CE Director, Mahtomedi 832

Alice Seuffert

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 3 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:30am CDT

Cultivating Self-Care: Enhancing Well-being for You and Your Team

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level

In today’s workplace and global environment, maintaining a sense of well-being is crucial for personal and professional success. Join us for an engaging and interactive workshop designed to help you and your team cultivate effective self-care practices that promote resilience, productivity, and overall health.
In this workshop, you will:
Understand the Importance of Self-Care: Wellness is not simply the absence of disease. Genetics, intentionality and life circumstances contribute to our well-being. Explore the benefits of self-care on mental, emotional, and physical health. Learn how investing in your wellness can lead to enhanced job satisfaction, improved performance and work-homelife balance.
Foster a Supportive Work Environment: Learn how to encourage and support self-care practices among your team. Explore ways to build a workplace culture that values and prioritizes well-being.
Who Should Attend:
This workshop is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their personal self-care practices as well as leaders and managers looking to foster a healthier and more supportive work environment for their teams.

Speakers

Donna Lekander

Director, Carlton County Community & Family Initiatives & Children’s Mental Health & Family Services Collaborative

Donna Lekander, is the Director for Carlton County Community & Family Initiatives Department and Children’s Mental Health & Family Services Collaborative. With over 30 years’ experience in social service and education fields and using the knowledge gained through direct service... Read More →

Christina Walther

Program Support Assistant, Carlton County Community & Family Initiatives & Children’s Mental Health & Family Services Collaborative

Hello! With over 20 years of experience working with children, youth, and families, I am excited to be serving as the Program Support Assistant for the Carlton County Community & Family Initiatives Department and the Children’s Mental Health & Family Services Collaborative. Drawing... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Gooseberry Falls 2 - Lower Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Leadership

11:30am CDT

Eleyo Connect

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level

Meet with an Eleyo team member to ask a question or brainstorm ideas and solutions. This is your opportunity to receive expert advice and support.

Speakers

Eleyo Team

Eleyo

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Edmund Fitzgerald Exhibit Hall - Main Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Technology

11:30am CDT

Growing the Strengths of Youth: A Trauma-Sensitive Strength-Based Approach to Youth Development

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT

French River 2 - Upper Level

Today’s youth report increasing levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to a crisis in well-being. Youth need opportunities to identify and develop their strengths and fill their toolboxes with skills to handle life stressors. Research has indicated that youth who can name their strengths and values and affirm their positive characteristics have reduced stress levels and an increased positive outlook on life. They can aspire to growth and well-being with positive experiences to develop these skills for resilience. In this session, adults working with youth will learn how stress affects learning and the importance of connecting with students using positive characteristics. Participants will actively participate in activities that they can take and use to teach youth the skills needed to lessen the stressors in their lives and identify their innate strengths.

Speakers

Kathryn Magnusson

Consultant, Wildewood Learning

Kathy Magnusson, M.Ed., speaker, trainer, consultant, and founding director of Wildewood Learning, has been in education for over twenty years. With a master's degree in education from the University of Minnesota, Kathy’s journey as a licensed public school teacher and SEL specialist... Read More →

Friday October 25, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
French River 2 - Upper Level 350 Harbor Drive, Duluth, MN 55802

Youth Enrichment/Youth Dev./Adult Rec./Sr. Enrich