The Heart to Shape a Mind Early Childhood Education Conference 2.0 was recently hosted at Mid Michigan College’s Mt. Pleasant Campus by Mid’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program Coordinator, Julie Ehle.
“The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for early childhood educators and professionals in the Great Lakes Bay Region to enhance their skills and knowledge,” shared Ehle. “And it was great to see some of our recent graduates who are now working in the field attend.”
The conference offered affordable access to high-quality professional development, featuring a range of insightful sessions and distinguished keynote speakers.
The keynote addresses were delivered by Dr. Larissa N. Niec, a Professor of Psychology at Central Michigan University and Director of the Center for Children, Families, and Communities; and Dr. Sarah Domoff, a Clinical Child Psychologist, an expert on children's media use, and Director of the Family Health Lab at the University at Albany, State University of New York.
In addition to the keynotes, attendees participated in 21 diverse breakout sessions covering various topics critical to early childhood education. Highlights included updates on Child Care Licensing by Mike Skonieczyn of the State of Michigan's LARA; Safeguarding Vulnerable Children from Active Violence with Chief Luke Sawyer of Shepherd Police; and the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Program led by Olivia Prichard from MIAEYC.
Other sessions focused on literacy, data-driven decision-making, math and tinkering, strengthening families, and much more.
“This conference successfully brought together a community of professionals committed to improving early childhood education,” noted Ehle. “Attendees walked away with fresh insights and practical tools to apply in their work.”
The next Heart to Shape a Mind Early Childhood Education Conference is scheduled for October 25, 2025, and will again be held at Mid Michigan College's Mt. Pleasant Campus.
“We plan to continue offering valuable professional development opportunities for early childhood educators and professionals in the region,” said Ehle. “This is especially impactful as an ongoing support for our students and recent graduates.”
Mid’s Early Childhood Education Program offers various options for those interested in an ECE career. Two career-ready pathways, an associate degree option and a training credential that can be completed in just two semesters, prepare students for entry-level careers. Mid’s ECE transfer-focused pathway is 100% online and prepares students to succeed in the pursuit of an advanced degree. The pathway is designed to transfer directly into Central Michigan University’s Early Childhood Development & Learning Program—saving students time and money.
“We’ve designed our pathways to align with student goals and employer needs,” said Ehle. “And with funding from the Community College Guarantee, Michigan Reconnect, and financial aid, students can attend and complete with little to no out-of-pocket costs.”
Learn more about Mid’s Early Childhood Education Program at midmich.edu/ece.
