Thank You for Attending
VTAEYC welcomed more than 350 early childhood education professionals to Burlington for the 2025 Annual Conference. With over 40 workshops, four keynotes, and multiple networking opportunities, participants connected with peers, accessed new resources, and engaged in meaningful learning.
This year’s theme, Rhythms of Learning: Unlocking the Power of Creativity, highlighted how creative practices enrich children’s development and inspire innovative teaching.
Session Evaluations & Proof of Attendance
Session Evaluations
Your feedback matters. Please take a moment to complete the evaluations for the sessions you attended. The same link is used for each session and can be submitted more than once.
Documentation of PD
We are processing each session’s documentation of professional development forms (DPD Form) one at a time, in chronological order. If you don’t receive all of yours by November 30, please contact us. If you know you forgot to scan into a session, or if you have a time-sensitive reason to receive your documentation early, let us know.
The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) will host early childhood educators from across Vermont at the 2026 Early Childhood Education Annual Conference, taking place October 21 to 23 at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel.
This event offers engaging breakout sessions, inspiring keynote presentations, and meaningful networking opportunities that give participants the opportunity to deepen their practice, strengthen their leadership, and connect with resources, peers, and community partners.
This year’s conference theme, Connected Minds, Connected Hearts: Where Relationships, Care, and Learning Meet, boldly centers the power of connection in early childhood education. Sessions will explore social emotional learning and behavior, neurodiversity affirming practice, developmentally appropriate environments and curriculum, and connected leadership, equipping educators with practical strategies to build inclusive, responsive spaces where every child and every educator can thrive.
Social Emotional Development
Neurodiversity, Inclusion & Belonging
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Connected
Leadership
Venue
Killington Grand Resort Hotel
228 E Mountain Rd, Killington, VT 05751
Unwind and reconnect in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains. Nestled slopeside at Killington Resort, the Killington Grand Resort Hotel blends mountain adventure with warm, welcoming comfort. Step outside into crisp alpine air, scenic trails, and breathtaking fall foliage, then return to a space designed for relaxation and connection. Whether you’re gathering with colleagues, reflecting on new ideas, or simply taking in the view, this is where inspiration meets elevation.
Conference Details​
Selecting your Workshop Sessions
If you have purchased a ticket for the Annual Conference, you will need to RSVP for the Plenary on the day(s) you’ll be attending and the individual workshop sessions you wish to select. Workshop sessions are first come, first served, but waitlists for each session are available.
Please note, you must use the email address you entered at registration in order to login. It should NOT ask for a verification code.
Frequently Asked Questions
We want your conference experience to be smooth from start to finish. The FAQ covers common ticket questions like how to secure your spot early, become a VTAEYC member, transfer your registration, and make the most of your day. Still need help? Contact us at conference@vtaeyc.org.
Submit a Nomination
Do you know someone who’s making a big impact in early childhood education? VTAEYC’s Annual Awards celebrate the passion, dedication, and leadership of early childhood educators.
We’re now accepting nominations for our Annual Awards.
Help us shine a light on the incredible individuals who help Vermont’s children grow and thrive.
Keynote Speakers
Erin Ramsey​
Leadership Day Keynote Presenter
Erin has worked in the early childhood field for over thirty years as a family child care provider, teacher, executive, trainer, and community organizer. She is the author of Be Amazing: Tools for Living Inspired and Inspired Work: Showing Up & Shining Bright, and speaks nationally and internationally to inspire service and leadership. Known for her contagious laugh and powerful presence, Erin captivates audiences with authentic, story-driven messages that blend professionalism, vision, and practical strategies. She lives with her family on Big Roots, their lavender farm in Kentucky, where they aim to GROW PEACE and offer a space for inspiration and renewal.
Beth Cannon
Leadership Day Keynote Presenter
Beth Cannon is a dynamic keynote speaker, coach, and leadership strategist known for empowering early education leaders with systems that create freedom in their work and life. She’s the creator of The Leader’s Lounge, an online PD platform, and a sought-after presenter at top industry conferences. As founder of Stretch-n-Grow, an international children’s fitness franchise, Beth developed global training systems and led operations as the #1 franchise owner. A certified teacher and registered trainer, she holds a degree in Communications/Education from UT Arlington—and still teaches hot yoga on weekends!
Traci Molloy
Thursday Keynote Presenter
Traci Molloy, originally from Shaftsbury, Vermont, is a Brooklyn-based artist, educator, and public speaker known for her large-scale, multimedia collaborations with young adults who have experienced trauma. Her work has been featured in over 175 exhibitions and showcased in venues like the United Nations, Pentagon, and National September 11th Memorial and Museum, which holds five of her pieces in its permanent collection. Traci’s projects have appeared in books, national media, and art publications, and she has spent over 25 years leading arts-based outreach in underserved communities. Her teaching centers on using art to foster healing, social justice, and collective empowerment.
Preston Blackburn
Friday Keynote Presenter
Preston Blackburn, founder of Pop, Hop & Rock™ and Pivot to Play®, has spent over 25 years helping educators use movement to create more focused, engaged classrooms. Her programs, rooted in brain science and tested in schools, help children build critical motor skills for academic success. Through fun, purposeful play, Preston empowers teachers to transform classrooms from chaos to calm. Her greatest pride is her two daughters, who now contribute their talents to the growth of her initiatives.
Sponsorship​
Sponsorships are accepted year-round—please reach out if you’re interested in supporting the 2026 Annual Conference.
This event is Vermont’s largest gathering of early childhood educators and consistently sells out. Your support helps more than 425 educators and program leaders access high-quality learning and connection.
Scholarships Available
We believe every early childhood educator deserves access to high-quality professional development. To help make the Conference more accessible, VTAEYC is offering a limited number of scholarships covering 50% of a one-day or full conference ticket. If cost is a barrier, we encourage you to apply and share your story. While we can’t guarantee all requests will be granted, each one will be thoughtfully considered.
Volunteers Needed
Interested in getting more involved in the VTAEYC Annual Early Childhood Education Conference? Sign up to volunteer! Volunteers play an essential role in creating a welcoming, organized experience for attendees by supporting registration, room hosting, presenter assistance, and general event logistics. It’s a great way to connect with fellow early childhood professionals, gain behind-the-scenes experience, and contribute to the success of this inspiring event. Whether you’re available for one day or two, we’d love to have your support
Past Annual Conferences
VTAEYC has been hosting our Annual Conference for over 50 years. You can view our previous Annual Conference Brochures and detailed information from each year by clicking the buttons below.
