BECOME THE CONFIDENT, CONNECTED EARLY EDUCATOR
EVERY CHILD DESERVES
Join hundreds of early childhood professionals for three days of inspiring learning, practical strategies, and meaningful connection—so you leave refreshed, confident, and ready for Monday morning.
THE POWER OF PLAY
Get Early Bird Pricing!
Imagine. Explore. Discover
October 16-18, 2026
Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSIONALS
DESERVE BETTER SUPPORT
Being an early childhood educator is one of the most important jobs in the world
—yet many professionals feel overwhelmed, under-supported, and isolated in their work.
You want professional development that actually helps you in your classroom…
You want ideas you can implement immediately…
And you want to connect with others who understand the challenges and joys of this work.
That’s exactly why the FLAEYC Annual Conference exists.
LEAVE INSPIRED, CONNECTED,
AND READY TO LEAD
At the FLAEYC Annual Conference, you won’t just attend sessions—you’ll experience a community that understands the impact of early childhood education.
You’ll leave with:
✔ Practical strategies you can use in your classroom immediately
✔ Fresh inspiration and renewed passion for your work
✔ Connections with educators who share your mission
✔ New ideas for creating play-based learning environments
✔ Confidence to lead and advocate for young children
WHAT OUR ATTENDEES ARE SAYING...
“All of the sessions I attended I felt I connected with the topics and gained valuable information to bring back to my school.”
-Rhonda S.
“As a first time attendee I would say that the conference was a great experience weather you are new to teaching or seasoned teacher I believe all teachers took something from this conference.”
-Danikka O.
“I truly enjoyed this year’s conference. The agenda was well organized, and each session offered valuable insights and practical ideas that I can apply in my work with children. ... Overall, the program was high quality, the schedule flowed smoothly, and the environment felt welcoming and well coordinated.”
-Johanna R.
MEET THE VOICES INSPIRING THIS YEAR'S CONFERENCE
Carly Bedard
Preston Blackburn
Ron Mohl
Master Play Coach with the Institute for Self Active Education. Carly serves on the board of the International Play Association (IPA), and is a lead facilitator for the NAEYC Play Policy and Practice Interest Forum.
For over 25 years, Preston Blackburn has been inspiring educators with the brain science and logic of increased physical play during the school day — because when kids move more, they learn more.
FLAEYC’s favorite closing keynote presenter! Ron Mohl brings over 20 years of experience in the education industry to his position of Lead Educational Presenter for Lakeshore Learning Materials.
The Power of Play:
Imagine ~ Explore ~ Discover
Wed. Oct. 14 ~ Pre Conference Sessions
9:00 am - 4:00 pm NAEYC Accreditation Symposium
Thu. Oct. 15 ~ Pre Conference Sessions
9:00 am - 3:30 pm Leadership Symposium
8:00 am - 3:00 pm Play Symposium
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
"FUN HUB" Grand Opening
Fri. Oct. 16 ~ Day 1 of Conference
8:00 am - 9:00 am Breakfast Reception in the "Fun Hub"
9:15 am - 10:30 am Breakout Session #1
11:00 am - 12:15 am Keynote Session
12:15 pm - 1:45 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:45 pm - 3:00 pm Breakout Session #2
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm Breakout Session #3
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm FLAEYC Awards
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Trivia with Budds!
Sat. Oct. 17 ~ Day 2 of Conference
9:00 am - 10:15 am Breakout Session #4
10:15 am - 11:00 am Coffee Break in the "Fun Hub"
11:00 am - 12:15 pm Keynote Session
12:15 pm - 1:45 pm Lunch (on your own)
1:45 pm - 3:00 pm Breakout Session #5
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm Breakout Session #6
7:00 pm - 10:00 pm Dance Party "Team Spirit"
Sun. Oct. 18 ~ Last Day of Conference
9:15 am - 10:00 am FLAEYC Annual Meeting
10:00 am - 11:30 am Closing Keynote
SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE