WELCOME!
Space to Thrive, formerly Windham/Raymond School Age Child Care welcomes you to a conference for child care providers.
Creating Space to Thrive: Current Topics in Child Care
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This conference is organized by the board of directors of Space to Thrive program with all proceeds benefiting the program's general fund. We hope you enjoy your day!
This year there will be coffee, tea and water on site all day. Lunch will be platters of sandwiches, chips and cookies. If you have dietary restrictions please feel free to bring your own food.
April 5, 2025
Location: Windham High School
406 Gray Road
Windham, Maine
Registration fee - $65.00
Registration and Breakfast: 7:00-8:00 A.M.
Deadline for Registration: March 20, 2025
Please do not call the schools for information.
Registration information: Donna Cobb – (207) 831-7047
Email for inquiries: windhamconference@gmail.com
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SCHEDULE
7:00 AM-8:00AM - Registration & check in
7:50 AM-8:00AM - Announcements
8:00AM -8:30AM - Keynote: Haleigh Rice & Holly Benson
8:45AM-10:30AM - Session I Workshops
10:45 AM-12:30PM - Session II Workshops
12:30 PM-1:30PM - Lunch
1:30 PM-3:30PM - Session III Workshops
Keynote: You Support our State. How does our State Support you?
Haleigh Rice & Holly Benson
A detailed overview of supports, resources, programs and people across the State dedicated to supporting the childcare industry and its people.
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Session I 8:45-10:45
A. Music for Early Childhood - Patricia Gordon
Come prepared to sing, move and play in the preschool/primary school world of music. Learn how to give the gift of music to three through six year olds, so that they grow up to be music participants as well as consumers!
B. Insurance - Derek Stevenson - Commercial Insurance
Learn about the current state of affairs as it pertains to insuring childcare facilities. Discussion around challenges unique to child care, options, and how they can stand out amongst their peers.
C. Sew Fun - Heather Marden, Co-Executive Director of MaineAEYC
This workshop is designed for educators to learn effective methods for teaching preschool through school aged children how to sew through a structured, scaffolding approach. Teachers will explore how to introduce basic sewing concepts starting with simple activities like weaving and hand stitching, which lay the foundation for more complex skills. Participants will gain practical strategies for guiding children step-by-step, ensuring they build confidence and fine motor skills along the way. As children progress, teachers will learn how to support them in using a sewing machine, fostering independence and creativity. This workshop equips educators with the tools to cultivate patience, problem-solving, and artistic expression in young learners while creating a fun and engaging classroom environment.
D. Proactive Leadership Strategies - Haleigh Rice & Holly Benson
Leading through Change: For the better part of the last five years, childcare owners have been operating in a space of reactive business management. Constantly playing fire-fighter instead of program administrator; jumping from one challenging situation to the next. Never feeling as if progress is being made to get ahead of the cyclone that was fueled by global pandemic and “unprecedented times”. Well, it’s time to set the precedent, take charge of ECE as a successful business, and lead with confidence. This session will inspire you to look at your vision and mission through a new lens of proactive and positive strategies, to switch the narrative and bring joy back into the business of children and families. Participants will not only leave with tangible plans for positive change, but a connection made with OCFS program and workforce navigators dedicated to continuing to support childcare programs statewide, long after the session is over.
E. Positive Discipline, Peace Education, and a Practice in Mindfulness - Rosemary B. Jordan, Owner/Director Little Log Cabin Montessori School
This workshop is geared toward preschoolers, but aspects may be used with toddlers. Join me on a journey of peaceful reflection and mindfulness. Learn ways to teach preschoolers peaceful conflict resolution skills and how to be mindful citizens in the classroom, home, and world. We'll also take a look at our own inner peace and mindfulness.
F. Protective Factors - Imogene Altznauer, BA. – Director Kid Free to Grow, Sandra Jose, Community Coordinator Cumberland County
This program supports childcare providers to help parents enhance their strengths as parents. Childcare providers learn to approach parents as the expert on their own children, to listen openly to their ideas and concerns, to work together with parents to find answers to questions and concerns regarding child development. This approach fosters more trusting relationships between providers and parents.
Session 2 10:45-12:30
G. Adult/Pedi CPR/AED/First Aid - Morgan Gregoire
Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED/First Aid - you will need to be physically hands on with the manikin
Additional fee for this workshop is $35.00. Please include with payment for conference
H. Introduction to Outdoor Learning: The What, Why and How - Anne Adams, Network Coordinator
Unlock the power of outdoor learning! This workshop explores what outdoor learning is, why it’s essential for child development, and how to implement it effectively. Identify the barriers in place and discover practical strategies to create engaging outdoor experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and resilience in young children. This session will include some time outdoors and time working in small groups. Perfect for educators looking to bring learning beyond the classroom!
I. Artificial Intelligence & Youth: Fear Less, Empower More! Jen Conley, Statewide Curriculum Coordinator, Diane Hancock, District Early Childhood and Youth Coordinator
Want to become an effective facilitator of digital learning and Artificial Intelligence? This workshop explores the fears and wonders of using AI with youth. Discover how AI can actively engage them in learning, preparing them for 21st-century careers and beyond. Teach youth to critically use digital content and empower them to navigate digital learning platforms safely. You will leave with practical tools and resources to implement in your programs. This session is your gateway to fostering a digitally savvy and empowered generation.
J. Emotional Regulation Practices - April Davis, LCPC-C, ECCP Consultant
In this workshop we will explore the importance of teaching and practicing emotional regulation in and outside of the classroom. This will involve reflection, discussion, and opportunities to participate in practices that promote regulation.
K. Infant Safe Sleep - Imogene Altznauer, BA. – Director Kid Free to Grow, Sandra Jose, Community Coordinator Cumberland County
This training provides information on creating a safe sleep environment for infants to help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. (SIDS)
L. Risky Play - Stacy Archibald
Interactive discussion around how to support children’s confidence building through taking healthy risks in Early Childhood Education settings.
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Session 3 1:30-3:30
M. Water Safety - Joe Seely
This course is designed for daycare providers or any individual taking care of persons in or around a body of water. Covers “throw don’t go method”, wading assists, pool safety and checklist, beach and lake safety. DHHS State of Maine approved, 3 year certificate.
Additional fee for this workshop is $35.00. Please include with payment for conference.
N. Fill Your Cup - April Davis, LCPC-C, ECCP Consultant
In this workshop there will be a variety of writing prompts, creative expression activities, and opportunities to engage in other practices that promote celebration of the important work you are doing every day and how you show up! This workshop is designed to refill your cup and remind you of your "why".
O. Moving Like A Scientist - Heather Marden, Co-Executive Director of MaineAEYC
In this hands-on workshop, educators will learn how to incorporate science concepts into movement activities for young learners (toddlers to third grade). Participants will explore how physical activities, such as kinesthetic exercises and guided body movements, can teach scientific ideas like forces, energy, and patterns found in nature. The workshop will provide strategies for using movement to reinforce key science concepts while engaging students in active learning. Join us to discover innovative ways to bring science to life and foster curiosity through motion!
P. Current Management of Acute and Chronic Health Conditions in Early Child Care & Education Settings - Deb Kramlich, Child Care Health Consultant
This workshop will provide an overview of the management of acute and chronic health conditions encountered in the early child care and education setting. Emphasis is placed on inclusion/exclusion criteria, reducing the risk of disease transmission, development of individual health plans for chronic conditions, and resources for management. .
Q. Embracing Outdoor Risky Play: Building Resilient and Confident Children - Anne Adams, Network Coordinator
Discover the benefits of nature-based risky play in early childhood! This interactive workshop explores how adventurous play—like climbing, stick play, rough-and-tumble activities, and exploring new environments—supports children's confidence, problem-solving skills, and resilience. Learn practical strategies to create safe yet stimulating play opportunities that encourage growth while managing risks effectively. Perfect for educators looking to balance safety with essential developmental challenges!
R. Period of Purple Crying - Imogene Altznauer, BA. – Director Kid Free to Grow, Sandra Jose, Community Coordinator Cumberland County
This is a new way to understand the period of crying. It explains what is normal. What parents and caregivers can expect and how to keep children safe
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