We invite you to submit presenter proposals for the 2026 Alabama Early Childhood Education Conference to be held in Mobile, Alabama October 27-29, 2026. We are expecting more than 3,500 attendees who include caregivers, educators, principals, directors and advocates.

The theme for the 2026 Alabama Early Childhood Education Conference is "Let Them Lead".

Let Them Lead  is an invitation to see children as capable, curious, and full of potential. When children are given the space to explore with wonder, make choices with intention, and take ownership of their learning, they build confidence and self-control. Through meaningful relationships, rich communication, and opportunities to cooperate with others, children develop the skills that allow leadership to emerge naturally. 

The conference will center on creating environments that honor children’s agency—where curiosity is valued, voices are heard, and autonomy is supported. When we let children lead, we are not stepping back; we are intentionally guiding, listening, and designing experiences that help them grow into engaged learners and thoughtful leaders, ready for school and for life. 

All conference sessions will be 75 minutes. Session proposals for all early childhood content areas will be accepted and considered. The request for proposals will be open until Friday, March 27, 2026.

Presentation Tracks

Let Them Communicate  (Language & Literacy):

Focused on nurturing children’s voices through rich language experiences, storytelling, early literacy, and meaningful conversations. Sessions highlight how honoring children’s ideas and questions builds communication skills, confidence, and leadership. 

Let Them Explore   (Play, STEAM, outdoor/indoor learning environment):

Centered on curiosity and inquiry, this track explores how science, technology, engineering, arts, and math come alive when children lead the investigation. Sessions emphasize problem-solving, creativity, and learning through wonder and experimentation.

 Let Them Feel   (Social Emotional Development):

Examining how children develop self-control, empathy, resilience, and confidence through relationships and choice. Sessions focus on environments where emotional expression is supported and leadership grows from self-awareness and connection. 

 Let Them Empower   (Leaders of Children & Advocacy, Research & evaluation):

 Designed for educators, administrators, and advocates, this track centers on adult leadership that empowers children. Sessions address advocacy, policy, equity, and systems that elevate children’s voices and protect their right to high-quality early learning. 

Let Them Belong   (Social Studies, Community, Parent & Family Engagement, Home Visiting)

Highlighting partnerships that honor families as children’s first teachers and leaders. Sessions focus on collaboration, cultural responsiveness, and creating inclusive communities where children and families are valued and heard. 

Let Them Be Well   (Mental Health & Wellness):

Centered on nurturing the mental and emotional well-being of children and the adults who support them. Sessions explore trauma-informed practices, stress regulation, resilience, and environments that promote healthy development and leadership.

Let Them Grow   (Physical Development & Health)

Focused on nurturing children's physical health and overall wellness through movement, play, and intentional daily routines.  Sessions will explore developmentally appropriate practices that support motor development, self-care skills, and healthy habits while honoring children's independence by using approaches that build strong bodies, confidence, and lifelong wellness.

Let Them Thrive   (Special Education & Early Intervention):

Centered on inclusive practices and early intervention strategies that support children with diverse learning and developmental needs. This track highlights strength-based approaches, collaboration with families and specialists, and intentional supports that promote access and meaningful participation for every child.  Sessions will focus on early identification, responsive environments, and practices that help children flourish.

Let Them Learn   (Approaches to learning, teaching, early childhood standards &child assessments):

Focused on intentional teaching practices that support how young children approach learning through curiosity, persistence, and engagement. This track connects developmentally appropriate teaching strategies, early childhood standards, and meaningful assessment practices that inform instruction without interrupting learning. Sessions will focus on observing, guiding, and responding to children’s curiosity to support growth and understanding.

Select the content level that best describes your proposed presentation.

• Introductory: Basic content for attendees who are new to the topic
• Intermediate: More detailed content that goes beyond the basics. This is intended for attendees with some experience on the topic.
• Advanced:  In-depth analysis and discussion.  This is intended for attendees with strong knowledge and experience in the presentation topic.

 

 

Presentation Title:

Your title should reflect your presentation content in an accurate and concise manner.  

The Alabama Early Childhood Education Conference reserves the right to edit titles for clarity, content and style.

Sample Title: Helping Those Who Hurt: Creating a Connected Culture

Description of Presentation

Write a brief (2-3 sentences) description of your session to include how your primary audience will benefit from attending.  If your proposal is accepted, this description will be used in the conference app and program.

The Alabama Early Childhood Education Conference reserves the right to edit description for clarity, content and style.

 

Sample Description: A positive school climate is a prerequisite for developmentally appropriate discipline strategies. Presenter will share how children are motivated to behave through healthy relationships. Learn how to teach children to be helpful, contributing members of a safe classroom. 

Learning Outcomes:

Learning outcomes are the result of the objective(s) identified for your session. List and describe up to 3 learning outcomes for this presentation.  Objectives should be measurable and achieveable in the timeframe of the session.  Use action words when writing your objectives such as, but not limited to; identify, describe, demonstrate, analyze, construct and evaluate.

Sample outcome:

• Attendees will learn strategies that support building phonological awareness for students at any ability level.

Priority Content Required by The Alabama Early Childhood Education Conference:

How will the message attendees take home from your session ensure equitable practices in their work with young children? 

How will the presentation content help the attendees increase effective interactions with children? 

How does your content match the Alabama Standards for Early Learning and Development?