For the first time in three years, CCSA and its T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® National Center Division hosted an in-person conference at The Friday Center in Chapel Hill. Open to all states, the 2022 Early Childhood Education Workforce Convening welcomed 200+ participants from 32 states plus DC and Puerto Rico. It was small enough to engage with presenters and large enough to feel the energy from across the country focused on the early childhood workforce.
The Convening was a success with policy discussions about a range of early childhood educator workforce issues. It had been so long since most of us have been at large meetings or conferences, and a part of the joy was simply being in person with new and long-time colleagues. Attendees collaborated throughout the opening keynote, plenary panel, closing keynote and more than 40 workshops. One of the benefits of this convening was the networking that happens during sessions, at breaks and at lunch. As an example, two attendees discovered a mutual interest and are now planning to co-author a policy paper.
Thank you to our speakers, funders and all who attended to make the 2022 National Early Childhood Education Workforce Convening a success. We hope you will join us in Chapel Hill next year! Save the date now: April 26-28, 2023.