General Sessions
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Toys, Trikes and Tantrums
Dianna Constant, Agenda for Children
Target Audience: Early Childhood Educators and Support Staff
This workshop provides educators with a blueprint for success with young children in the early learning classroom. Participants will learn an underlying cause of preschool behaviors and learn effective techniques to prevent problem behaviors that sometimes occur in the preschool classroom.
10:35 AM - 12:05 PM Ruth Ann Rose
The Power of "So That" Statements to Increase Enrollment
Target Audience: Owners, Directors, Assistant Directors, Support Staff
So that" is such a powerful statement that can mean so much to families searching for an ELC for their children. Yet ELC leaders often forget to use "so that' statements consistently on all online platforms, tour scripts, emails, and phone conversations. Telling a mom of an infant that your ELC program includes sign language is nice BUT telling her that your program includes sign language SO THAT her child "can express themselves at an early age" is powerful! Now she can picture her child communicating and being more self-sufficient! Your school has extended hours just like the ELC down the street, but stating on your website, or in your tours, that you have extended hours "so that busy parents have more flexibility to get things done before or after work" helps parents imagine successful days! Use the power of "So That" across all your advertising platforms and online presence to stand out from competitors, be memorable, and to help prospects imagine how partnering with your school will make a difference in their family's lives!
LUNCH BREAK 12:05 - 1:00 PM
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Why We Teach / Why We Care – Dr. Marva Muhummad
Target Audience: Early Childhood Teachers, Directors and Administrators
This presentation highlights the profound purpose behind early childhood education and the influential role educators play in shaping young lives. Through relationship-building, playful learning, positive reinforcement, inclusive environments, real-world connections, joyful teaching, and partnership with families, teachers create nurturing foundations for lifelong success. Participants explore how aligning daily classroom practices with their personal “why” strengthens engagement and supports children’s growth. Ultimately, this experience reinforces the truth that we teach because we care—because every child deserves a champion who believes in their potential and helps guide them toward a bright and promising future.
2:35 - 4:05 PM Krystal Ferrier
Positive Ways to Support Children's Social and Emotional Development
Target Audience: Early Childhood Educators, Directors, Assistant Directors & Support Staff
This presentation explores evidence-based strategies that equip educators and early childhood professionals to foster resilience and emotional well-being in young learners. Grounded in research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), the session examines how intentional classroom practices can buffer the effects of stress and trauma while promoting secure relationships, empathy, and self-regulation. Participants will gain practical tools for integrating social–emotional learning into daily routines, modeling positive interactions, and creating environments that cultivate safety, belonging, and long-term developmental success.
About the Presenters
Dianna Constant has been part of the Agenda for Children team since 1990. She has over forty years of experience in early childhood education. She spent twenty years directing and operating her own childcare center and has more than two decades of experience as a trainer and technical assistance advisor for early childhood programs. She serves on the board of United Way of St. Charles and is actively involved with the Parish Networks in New Orleans and Houma supporting interaction improvements in Early Child Care Center and has served on the Child Care Health Care Consultant board since 2000. Dianna holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Youth and Family Services from Nichols State University.
Krystal Ferrier is an experienced professional in the field of early childhood education, currently serving as an assistant director at an early childhood center. With a degree in Early Childhood education from Baton Rouge Community College and 18 years of teaching experience with infants to 5-year-olds, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role. Holding credentials as an early childhood director in Louisiana, Krystal is dedicated to the well-being of all children, displaying a genuine passion for nurturing their growth and development. Her love for children, families, and the community is evident in her commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment that supports the development of young learners.
Dr. Marva Muhammad is a passionate educator, entrepreneur, and advocate for high-quality early childhood learning, with over 20 years of experience in education. She has dedicated her life’s work to empowering children, supporting families, and building strong educational communities. She is the founder and owner of Crescent Educational Service, LLC, and Crescent Academy Childcare Center in Monroe, Louisiana—organizations rooted in equity, excellence, and the belief that every child deserves the best start in life. Dr. Muhammad leads with vision and heart, championing programs that nurture curiosity, create safe and engaging learning environments, and inspire lifelong success. Through innovation, advocacy, and unwavering commitment, she continues to elevate opportunities for young learners and the educators who serve them.
Ruth Ann Rose With over 25 years of experience (yes since the days when flip phones were all the rage), Ruth Ann gives childcare business owners something elusive: peace of mind. Her fiery redhead determination certainly contributes to the average client relationship lastly 8 or more years. In marketing years, this is a lifetime! Ruth Ann’s goal is simple: let business owners focus on what they do best – run their business – while she takes care of creating, implementing and tracking Return on Investment (ROI) campaigns that work. Quote to Her Younger Self: “Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”
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