The Annual KAECE Conference at Bluegrass Community and Technical College was held on September 24, 2022.
Professional Development Manager, KT, AECN trainers, and one of Pulaski County’s new family child care home providers, Katie Doaner, were in attendance. Sessions were impactful and thought provoking, addressing the tough topic of social emotional needs of children and staff. Dr. Roffi Akakpo, President of Bluegrass Community and Technical College, was the opening speaker and he truly motivated all in the room with his knowledge of what early childhood educators do. He used humor to demonstrate how he came to understand our dedication and hard work, and shared that his church had one time asked him to fill in with their children’s ministry and he did!
Later sessions included how to make IEPs inclusive of all who can impact the child’s growth and development and the importance of advocacy for parents and educators; another addressed taking care of you so you are able to give to others from your overflow. Another was a session talking about the challenges that early childhood educators face, and how recognizing why you do what you do while encouraging others can make a huge impact on you, your program and your family. The KAECE Board of Directors and Dr. Maria Rutherford were the hosts of this day of fulfilling content and rejuvenation.