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LAUREL — The CECO Early Childhood Conference at the Laurel Community Center held March 8 in Laurel was a huge success, bringing together over 60 participants from seven counties across northeast Nebraska. With the support of 36 business sponsors, the event offered an incredible opportunity for early childhood professionals to learn, network, and engage with experts in the field.
The conference featured highenergy presentations.
Hayley Jackson Perez from Nebraska Extension provided strategies on how relationships and engagement can help prevent challenging behaviors in children.
JR Giron from First Five Nebraska reminded us that sometimes, advocacy chooses us and shared important insights on the power of advocacy for young children, families, and the early childhood profession.
Jill Brown from Collisions of Awesomeness brought a thought-provoking message on the importance of choosing what spills out of our cups, encouraging everyone to choose kindness, joy, and gratitude in both our personal and professional lives.
The day concluded with a tour of the newly opened Building Blocks Early Childhood and Family Development Center in Laurel. Staff members from the center guided attendees through the facility, showcasing the space and answering questions.
The feedback from participants was positive. Many noted how the conference celebrated local providers and provided them with practical steps to create more positive environments. Attendees appreciated the chance to reconnect with coworkers, reflect on their practices, and discover new ways to better serve children and families.
“So much energy. I loved each one of the presentations. I drove 45 miles for this and don’t regret it for a
moment,” said one CECO Conference participant.
This marks the second year that Cedar County Communities for Kids (C4K) has hosted this local conference, with one of their primary goals being to elevate and support early childhood professionals in Cedar County. C4K remains committed to empowering these professionals, and this event served as a powerful reminder of the crucial role they play. Our early childhood professionals are truly the workforce behind the workforce in our rural communities.
