What Your Day with PRO and Kristen will look like
break
10:30-12
LUNCH
1-4 PM
Doors open
Pick up registration packets
Check out our vendors
Grab some refreshments and get ready for an inspiring day!
KEYNOTE
I’m Not Getting Them Ready For Kindergarten
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I’m Not Getting Them Ready for Kindergarten is a bold reframe of what it really means to prepare children for school. Rather than rushing into academics, I believe in getting children ready for kindergarten by letting them fully experience being 3, 4, and 5 years old.
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In this keynote, we’ll explore the critical role that play, wonder and child-led exploration have in building the foundation for future learning. I’ll share how this approach not only aligns with children’s developmental needs but actually sets them up for greater success in school by fostering creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. Because the best way to prepare for kindergarten is to allow children TO BE CHILDREN
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check out our vendors
The Yes Approach:Nurturing Creativity by Meeting Children’s Needs
In this training, we explore the transformative power of saying yes and meeting children's basic needs to unlock their full potential for learning. You'll discover how flipping a"no" into a meaningful "yes"can spark creativity, encourage problem-solving, and open the door to rich learning experiences. By saying yes, you create a supportive environment that empowers children to explore, experiment, and take risks, all while feeling safe and cared for. We’ll also dive into Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs to understand how unmet needs—like the discomfort of an itchy butt or the absence of a nurturing relationship—can block learning. This session helps you embrace your role as a caregiver first, teacher second, with practical strategies to foster both children's well-being and their creativity.
Lunch on your own. Check out our vendors!
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Just as people once marveled at traveling shows filled with rare and curious treasures, Kristen has created her own magical Cabinet—brimming with open-ended materials designed to ignite creativity and curiosity in the hearts of both children and adult learners.
Inside the Cabinet, you’ll find materials that will make you think,“Why didn’t I try this before?”—simple and interesting loose parts that spark endless possibilities for play. In this hands-on experience, Kristen begins by unveiling the treasures within her Cabinet, showcasing the kind of creativity that will leave you inspired. Then, it’s your turn to dive in! You’ll have the chance to explore, play, and create with thesecurious materials, unlocking fresh ideas and perspectives on how to engage young learners.
Step into a World of Wonder and Imagination with
Kristen’s Cabinet of Curiosity.
Throughout the workshop, you ll discover how these open-ended materials fuel curiosity, creativity, and exploration. You ’ll also learn how understanding play schemas can help explain children’s behaviors and guidemore meaningful learning experiences. By the end, you’ll walk away with a treasure trove of new ideas and practical strategies to bring curiosity-driven play into your classroom or caregiving space.
8:15 AM
9:00 AM