For the third consecutive year, Sanford High School and the Sanford Regional Technical Center opened their doors to welcome early childhood professionals from across Maine for the York County Early Childhood Coalition's (YCECC) Early Childhood Education Conference. On Saturday, April 4, more than 200 attendees gathered under one roof for a full day of professional growth, including registrants, presenters, vendors, and SRTC's own Early Childhood Education students.
Hosting the conference has become a point of pride for Sanford, and this year was no exception. The school's Performing Arts Center, classrooms, café, and Agora were all put to use throughout the day, giving the event a true sense of place and community.
Held under the theme "Seeds of Inspiration: Growing Educators and Young Children with Heart and Guidance," the conference offered seven hours of professional training for those who work directly or indirectly with children from birth through the third grade.
The day began in the Performing Arts Center with a welcome and an opening panel discussion titled "Mentorship, Compassion, and Growth," bringing together perspectives from both mentors and mentees and inviting questions from the audience. Attendees then had time to network and explore more than 20 vendor tables before the first of three breakout sessions. Topics across the day included Language and Literacy Strategies, Reframing Behavior as Communication, Universal Design for Learning, and the Regulated Classroom.
A catered lunch by local caterer Above and Beyond was served in the café, giving participants a chance to recharge and connect before the afternoon sessions. The day wrapped up in the Agora with door prize drawings featuring items generously donated by vendors and the distribution of certificates recognizing each attendee's seven hours of training.
The York County Early Childhood Coalition is dedicated to strengthening the network of professionals and services that support young children and families throughout the region.