TFEC’s annual Virtual Learning Conference was held from March 10 – 14, with three added days for early bird registrants. The conference provided early learning partners with convenient, cost-effective training to keep them current on industry trends and standards. Attendees ranged from Early Learning Center Providers, Directors, Aides, Social Workers, Librarians, Grandparents, to High School and College Students. Having virtual access to the sessions helped to cover not just our 5-county service area, but also Pennsylvania and across state lines. One attendee shared that she appreciated the opportunity to expand her knowledge and receive validation that “we all are learning new things every day”.
This year the TFEC Early Education Initiative offered 12 sessions that included Reading and Math Literacy, Multilingual Instruction, STEEL Standards, Executive Function, Autism Awareness, the Arts Integration, Outdoor Learning, Family Engagement, and Mental Health. Sessions are intentionally aligned to support the Basics Learning Network and their five core BASICS Principles. The powerful keynote presentation by Adam Braun, author of The Promise of a Pencil detailed his journey through a philanthropic mindset to build schools and educate underprivileged youngsters throughout the world. He reminded viewers that we need to be more present when we are with others, as it makes a positive imprint. An attendee reflected that she was pleasantly reminded that “it doesn’t take much to make a difference in someone’s life.”
For more information about the TFEC Early Education Initiative please contact Michelle Schopf at mschopf@TFEC.org. To donate to the Early Education Fund or access their scholarship opportunities please visit Early Education Initiative at TFEC.org. Mark your calendars, as next year’s Virtual Early Learning Conference will be March 9-13, 2026.
