Mike Longoria, a.k.a. Dr. Mike!, has a Ph.D. in early childhood education and has 25 years of early childhood experience in the capacity as a Pre-K, kindergarten, and special education teacher, Head Start administrator, University professor, independent consultant, curriculum developer, and recording artist. Dr. Mike has keynoted early childhood conferences nationally and has conducted staff development for child care providers, Head Start, PreK, and kindergarten teachers throughout the country.  His innovative and original approach to integrating music and movement in the classroom will allow you to experience the joy and excitement it brings to education, while developing “muscles in young brains”.  Furthermore, research supports that movement is the preferred style of learning for “fidgety”, “overactive”, “restless” and “troublesome” children.  This form of teaching not only makes learning fun and exciting, but more importantly, it meets the needs of ALL children.

Learn about wetlands, deserts, and woodlands through creative hands-on science! An alligator egg hunt, painting bug bait on trees, a crayfish molting relay, eating like armadillos, interactive songs and games, and seeing the sun’s effect on living things are some of the ideas that bring habitats to life for children.

Do you believe that all kids deserve to learn through play? Do you want to learn more about your role in facilitating that play and how a child's play is connected to learning? If so, then come and join this interactive session as we explore each topic. We will also discuss systems that can be implemented to ensure successful play time in the classroom. At the end of the session, you will leave with practical ideas that can be implemented in your room right away!

After learning strategies to build-up an emotionally competent child in today's complex society, teachers will be able to effectively shape their students' development of emotional intelligence, leading to an increase in their students' confidence, social skills, and academic achievement, and a decrease in anxiety.

Do you wonder what a child is thinking or feeling when he or she engages in a challenging behavior?  Here is your opportunity to ask one former challenging child for her answers.  You will hear a young adult with mental health special needs tell her story and come away with a framework of evidence-based strategies for supporting children like her.

Mike Longoria, a.k.a. Dr. Mike!, has a Ph.D. in early childhood education and has 25 years of early childhood experience in the capacity as a Pre-K, kindergarten, and special education teacher, Head Start administrator, University professor, independent consultant, curriculum developer, and recording artist. Dr. Mike has keynoted early childhood conferences nationally and has conducted staff development for child care providers, Head Start, PreK, and kindergarten teachers throughout the country.  His innovative and original approach to integrating music and movement in the classroom will allow you to experience the joy and excitement it brings to education, while developing “muscles in young brains”.  Furthermore, research supports that movement is the preferred style of learning for “fidgety”, “overactive”, “restless” and “troublesome” children.  This form of teaching not only makes learning fun and exciting, but more importantly, it meets the needs of ALL children.