This session is designed for paraprofessionals and teachers committed to fostering supportive, collaborative classrooms. We will explore clearly defined roles and responsibilities, legal and ethical considerations, and evidence-based instructional strategies to meet each student’s unique needs.
Leadership/Special Education Support, Region 18 ESC
My background includes special education, campus/district administration, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). I enjoy sports, theatre, volunteer work, and having fun. Talk to me about any of this and more!
Thursday July 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am CDT Suite 9
Using the ESC-20 ECSE Framework as our guide, we will explore key strategies to elevate your program's effectiveness. The goal is to empower leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to better support teachers and paraprofessionals. By equipping leadership with a deep understanding of best practices, you can foster a culture of excellence that ultimately leads to improved outcomes for all students with disabilities.
ECSE Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 20
Sarah Cave is an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) consultant at Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio, Texas. For over 40 years, she has served the early childhood community as a passionate advocate for all young children and their families, with a focus on inclusive... Read More →
ECSE Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 20
Diana Glass is an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) consultant at Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio, Texas. Diana's career began as a classroom teacher, where she taught Pre-K to 1st grade, as well as 3rd grade, and developed a deep passion for supporting... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am CDT Room 347/348
When behavior becomes challenging, we often find ourselves asking, “Why?” Behaviors are what we see on the outside to alert us that something is happening inside. Gaining insight into what motivates each person is the key to developing meaningful relationships that help us decode behavior and create positive, impactful learning environments.
In this session, participants will explore methods of using the Enneagram personality model as a tool for self-awareness, connection, and interpersonal growth. By recognizing individual dynamics, participants will develop strategies to respond to challenging behaviors, improve communication, strengthen connections, and create a more supportive and connected classroom community.
Please note: You will need a device for an activity in this session!
Writing is so much more than handwriting, and yes--your students CAN write! Come learn strategies to increase vocabulary, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge as well as fine motor skills too!
In 2026 almost every classroom encounters children who may have difficult or unorthodox behaviors that can be difficult to manage, including biting or spitting. These situations can be difficult to deal with and even have you questioning your ability as a teacher. It’s hard to maintain your sense of calmness in situations like these. There is absolutely a difference between difficult behavior and age-appropriate behaviors, and understanding the difference is imperative. With the number of children, we are seeing with undiagnosed disabilities it is important for us all to have a working understanding of how-to setup a LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) setting for a child who may have some sort of special needs. The goal of a LRE environment is to allow a child with a disability to receive an appropriate education designed to meet his or her educational needs, alongside peers without disabilities. We will show practical ways to diffuse these behaviors and prevent them from happening in the future. Positive reinforcement is a must. A happy and successful child makes for a happy and successful classroom.
Developing bodies need movement while learning! Explore intentional, developmentally appropriate movement that supports brain development, self-regulation, attention, and engagement. Experience simple, cross-curricular gross and fine motor activities that provide classroom-ready strategies you can embed throughout the day. Perfect for Pre-K teachers seeking playful, purposeful, usable ideas.
I am the Early Childhood Specialist for ESC Region 15, and I have been in education for 26 years. ALL of my educational career has been in early childhood. I have been on the ATYC Committee for 8 years, and I love it! We have such a passion for early childhood educators, and... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am CDT Suite 1/4
Young children learn best when instruction meets them where they are. This professional development session focuses on differentiating content, process, materials, and learning environments for 3- and 4-year-old special education Pre-K students. Educators will explore practical strategies such as visual supports, hands-on learning centers, flexible grouping, skill scaffolding, and offering multiple ways for children to show what they know—making learning concrete, engaging, and accessible for all learners.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Executive functions like working memory, impulse control, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility don’t emerge through compliance, they grow through safe relationships, movement, play, and repetition. In the early years, the brain’s “control center” is under construction, and every game of freeze dance, pretend play, turn-taking, and silly problem-solving is literally building the neural pathways for learning and self-regulation. This session will connect the brain science behind executive function growth with practical, joyful activities educators can use immediately, because for young children, play isn’t a break from learning… it’s how the brain actually learns!
Hi, I’m Layne Pethick, a Brain Nerd with a Passport, decoding why humans do what they do. Texas-based behavior and autism consultant, educator, and speaker with 30+ years’ experience. I translate neuroscience into practical, human-centered strategies for learning, behavior, and... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 9:00am - 10:15am CDT Worship Center
This session is designed for paraprofessionals and teachers committed to fostering supportive, collaborative classrooms. We will explore clearly defined roles and responsibilities, legal and ethical considerations, and evidence-based instructional strategies to meet each student’s unique needs.
Leadership/Special Education Support, Region 18 ESC
My background includes special education, campus/district administration, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). I enjoy sports, theatre, volunteer work, and having fun. Talk to me about any of this and more!
Thursday July 9, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT Suite 9
Using the ESC-20 ECSE Framework as our guide, we will explore key strategies to elevate your program's effectiveness. The goal is to empower leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to better support teachers and paraprofessionals. By equipping leadership with a deep understanding of best practices, you can foster a culture of excellence that ultimately leads to improved outcomes for all students with disabilities.
ECSE Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 20
Sarah Cave is an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) consultant at Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio, Texas. For over 40 years, she has served the early childhood community as a passionate advocate for all young children and their families, with a focus on inclusive... Read More →
ECSE Consultant, Education Service Center, Region 20
Diana Glass is an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) consultant at Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio, Texas. Diana's career began as a classroom teacher, where she taught Pre-K to 1st grade, as well as 3rd grade, and developed a deep passion for supporting... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT Room 347/348
When behavior becomes challenging, we often find ourselves asking, “Why?” Behaviors are what we see on the outside to alert us that something is happening inside. Gaining insight into what motivates each person is the key to developing meaningful relationships that help us decode behavior and create positive, impactful learning environments.
In this session, participants will explore methods of using the Enneagram personality model as a tool for self-awareness, connection, and interpersonal growth. By recognizing individual dynamics, participants will develop strategies to respond to challenging behaviors, improve communication, strengthen connections, and create a more supportive and connected classroom community.
Please note: You will need a device for an activity in this session!
Writing is so much more than handwriting, and yes--your students CAN write! Come learn strategies to increase vocabulary, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge as well as fine motor skills too!
In 2026 almost every classroom encounters children who may have difficult or unorthodox behaviors that can be difficult to manage, including biting or spitting. These situations can be difficult to deal with and even have you questioning your ability as a teacher. It’s hard to maintain your sense of calmness in situations like these. There is absolutely a difference between difficult behavior and age-appropriate behaviors, and understanding the difference is imperative. With the number of children, we are seeing with undiagnosed disabilities it is important for us all to have a working understanding of how-to setup a LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) setting for a child who may have some sort of special needs. The goal of a LRE environment is to allow a child with a disability to receive an appropriate education designed to meet his or her educational needs, alongside peers without disabilities. We will show practical ways to diffuse these behaviors and prevent them from happening in the future. Positive reinforcement is a must. A happy and successful child makes for a happy and successful classroom.
Developing bodies need movement while learning! Explore intentional, developmentally appropriate movement that supports brain development, self-regulation, attention, and engagement. Experience simple, cross-curricular gross and fine motor activities that provide classroom-ready strategies you can embed throughout the day. Perfect for Pre-K teachers seeking playful, purposeful, usable ideas.
I am the Early Childhood Specialist for ESC Region 15, and I have been in education for 26 years. ALL of my educational career has been in early childhood. I have been on the ATYC Committee for 8 years, and I love it! We have such a passion for early childhood educators, and... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT Suite 1/4
Young children learn best when instruction meets them where they are. This professional development session focuses on differentiating content, process, materials, and learning environments for 3- and 4-year-old special education Pre-K students. Educators will explore practical strategies such as visual supports, hands-on learning centers, flexible grouping, skill scaffolding, and offering multiple ways for children to show what they know—making learning concrete, engaging, and accessible for all learners.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
Executive functions like working memory, impulse control, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility don’t emerge through compliance, they grow through safe relationships, movement, play, and repetition. In the early years, the brain’s “control center” is under construction, and every game of freeze dance, pretend play, turn-taking, and silly problem-solving is literally building the neural pathways for learning and self-regulation. This session will connect the brain science behind executive function growth with practical, joyful activities educators can use immediately, because for young children, play isn’t a break from learning… it’s how the brain actually learns!
Hi, I’m Layne Pethick, a Brain Nerd with a Passport, decoding why humans do what they do. Texas-based behavior and autism consultant, educator, and speaker with 30+ years’ experience. I translate neuroscience into practical, human-centered strategies for learning, behavior, and... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT Worship Center
Learn intentional classroom strategies to support young children to manage emotions, solve conflicts, and work together. This session shares practical tools including social stories, puppets, and literacy that can be implemented immediately.
Early Learning Specialist, Education Service Center Region 9
Christi Luig is an Early Learning Specialist at Region 9 Education Service Center, where she supports Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Special Education programs across 37 districts. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Christi has served as a Head Start... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT Kids Zone
The Childcare industry changes every day. As the laws change regarding the governing of your facility and the classroom, we will look at ways to evaluate and implement these changes into your facility. Change is hard, but it is extremely necessary. Sometimes staff does not respond well to change, but we can help give your staff the tools to learn how to embrace change.
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
We will learn strategies and explore the use of manipulatives to make math concepts visible and engaging for young learners. We will focus on the importance of a playful and engaging approach to foster a love for math in early learners.
Behavior issues in the classroom can feel like a never-ending cycle that frustrates teachers and overwhelms school resources. This powerful breakout session is designed to help educators break free from the cycle of conflict and stress. By understanding how the brain’s natural protective powers shape both student and staff interaction, participants will learn how to spot potential reactions, apply strengths-based strategies, and leave with concrete tools to boost regulation and respond to student needs. Engaging stories, perspective-shifting visuals, and active problem-solving make this PD a lasting change-maker!
This session introduces trauma-informed practices tailored for early childhood settings. Educators will learn how trauma can affect young children’s brains, behavior, and learning—and explore practical strategies to create safe, supportive classrooms that foster healing, connection, and resilience in early learners.
Sherri Heiting has been in the field of education for 20 years and currently serves as Educational Consultant for Counseling Services and T4 Mental/Behavior Health. Before joining Region 18, she served as an elementary teacher, elementary counselor, and her last assignment with MISD... Read More →
Unlock the power of play to support meaningful communication! In this session, special educators will explore fun and practical ways to engage students using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in play centers. Participants will learn how to create play environments that encourage all students to express themselves, build social connections, and develop language skills. Whether you're new to AAC or looking to enhance your current practices, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to make playtime a powerful communication experience for every student!
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session concept is basically professional development meets playground neuroscience! You’ll jump into playful games, movement challenges, and simple activities designed to do what young brains need most: build executive function, regulation, attention, flexibility, and social problem-solving. Every game we play connects directly to the developing young brain, showing how play isn’t “extra,” it’s neurodevelopment in action. You’ll leave with a toolbox of easy, research-aligned recess activities that strengthen working memory, impulse control, emotional regulation, and learning readiness, because the truth is simple: you can’t grow a child’s brain through compliance and control…you grow it through play!!
Hi, I’m Layne Pethick, a Brain Nerd with a Passport, decoding why humans do what they do. Texas-based behavior and autism consultant, educator, and speaker with 30+ years’ experience. I translate neuroscience into practical, human-centered strategies for learning, behavior, and... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT Worship Center
Early learners thrive when instruction is clear, visual, engaging, and individualized— but creating those materials can feel overwhelming and time-consuming! In this session, educators will explore how digital tools (like Canva, ChatGPT, Adobe Firefly, and Gemini) can simplify the process of designing visuals, presentations, and learning supports for early learners. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, special educator, or paraprofessional, you’ll gain confidence and leave with inspiration to create resources that support accessibility and student success.
Learn intentional classroom strategies to support young children to manage emotions, solve conflicts, and work together. This session shares practical tools including social stories, puppets, and literacy that can be implemented immediately.
Early Learning Specialist, Education Service Center Region 9
Christi Luig is an Early Learning Specialist at Region 9 Education Service Center, where she supports Prekindergarten and Early Childhood Special Education programs across 37 districts. With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Christi has served as a Head Start... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT Kids Zone
The Childcare industry changes every day. As the laws change regarding the governing of your facility and the classroom, we will look at ways to evaluate and implement these changes into your facility. Change is hard, but it is extremely necessary. Sometimes staff does not respond well to change, but we can help give your staff the tools to learn how to embrace change.
We will learn strategies and explore the use of manipulatives to make math concepts visible and engaging for young learners. We will focus on the importance of a playful and engaging approach to foster a love for math in early learners.
Behavior issues in the classroom can feel like a never-ending cycle that frustrates teachers and overwhelms school resources. This powerful breakout session is designed to help educators break free from the cycle of conflict and stress. By understanding how the brain’s natural protective powers shape both student and staff interaction, participants will learn how to spot potential reactions, apply strengths-based strategies, and leave with concrete tools to boost regulation and respond to student needs. Engaging stories, perspective-shifting visuals, and active problem-solving make this PD a lasting change-maker!
This session introduces trauma-informed practices tailored for early childhood settings. Educators will learn how trauma can affect young children’s brains, behavior, and learning—and explore practical strategies to create safe, supportive classrooms that foster healing, connection, and resilience in early learners.
Sherri Heiting has been in the field of education for 20 years and currently serves as Educational Consultant for Counseling Services and T4 Mental/Behavior Health. Before joining Region 18, she served as an elementary teacher, elementary counselor, and her last assignment with MISD... Read More →
Unlock the power of play to support meaningful communication! In this session, special educators will explore fun and practical ways to engage students using augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in play centers. Participants will learn how to create play environments that encourage all students to express themselves, build social connections, and develop language skills. Whether you're new to AAC or looking to enhance your current practices, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to make playtime a powerful communication experience for every student!
Limited Capacityfull Adding this to your schedule will put you on the waitlist.
This session concept is basically professional development meets playground neuroscience! You’ll jump into playful games, movement challenges, and simple activities designed to do what young brains need most: build executive function, regulation, attention, flexibility, and social problem-solving. Every game we play connects directly to the developing young brain, showing how play isn’t “extra,” it’s neurodevelopment in action. You’ll leave with a toolbox of easy, research-aligned recess activities that strengthen working memory, impulse control, emotional regulation, and learning readiness, because the truth is simple: you can’t grow a child’s brain through compliance and control…you grow it through play!!
Hi, I’m Layne Pethick, a Brain Nerd with a Passport, decoding why humans do what they do. Texas-based behavior and autism consultant, educator, and speaker with 30+ years’ experience. I translate neuroscience into practical, human-centered strategies for learning, behavior, and... Read More →
Thursday July 9, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT Worship Center
Early learners thrive when instruction is clear, visual, engaging, and individualized— but creating those materials can feel overwhelming and time-consuming! In this session, educators will explore how digital tools (like Canva, ChatGPT, Adobe Firefly, and Gemini) can simplify the process of designing visuals, presentations, and learning supports for early learners. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, special educator, or paraprofessional, you’ll gain confidence and leave with inspiration to create resources that support accessibility and student success.
