Call for Presenters!

This year’s theme, Hearts and Minds: Building Strong Foundations with Literacy and Social-Emotional Learning draws our attention to the development of early literacy and its connection to children’s broader social and emotional learning needs. Join us on April 24th and 25th!

The COC-ORAEYC Early Learning Conference is Going Digital!

This exciting new tool will elevate your conference experience! Get Ready to Connect, Learn, and Grow!

About the Early Learning Conference

The annual Early Learning Conference is hosted by the Central Oregon Chapter of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children. This conference centers on the contributions of leaders from diverse areas of expertise who work together with families, communities, and educational partners to make positive, meaningful, and transformative differences in the lives of children.

The 2026 Early Learning Conference will be hosted on April 24-25th at COCC in Bend, Oregon!

Conference Reminder:
We’re excited to share that the 2026 Early Learning Conference will continue to use the Whova app! Please take a moment to get acquainted with this tool, it’s your go-to hub for class schedules, maps, peer connection tools, and real-time announcements throughout the day. Get started with the Whova user tutorial here: https://whova.com/resources/how-to-guide/user-tutorial/
    Get our official event app,
    For Blackberry or Windows Phone, Click here
    For feature details, visit Whova

    PRESENT

    ATTEND

    VOLUNTEER

    PARTNER

    What People Are Saying About the Conference

    “Every year staff members from MountainStar Family Relief Nursery participate in the COC-OrAEYC conference in April. This gathering is a key part of our annual professional development, and we look forward to it as a time to connect with others in the field and learn together about best practices.”

    Kara Tachikawa

    Executive Director, MountainStar Relief Nursery

    “The Early Learning Conference is my favorite professional development event of the year! It’s a time for students, colleagues, and advocates to connect and learn together. Early learning educators are critical to a healthy and resilient community. This conference is a time to celebrate that shared commitment and to feel inspired, rejuvenated, and supported by our professional community.”

    Amy Howell

    Program Director, Professor Early Childhood Education, COCC

    “The annual Early Learning Conference is a premier opportunity for early childhood professionals and aspiring students to access high-quality, innovative workshops and to network with resources across the region.  The Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon is honored to support  CO-COrAEYC and COCC in promoting the Early Learning Conference!”

    Brenda Comini

    Regional Early Learning Hub Director, Early Learning Hub of Central Oregon

    Endorsement Disclaimer

    COC-ORAEYC is proud to offer a diverse range of learning and informational opportunities at this conference. However, we do not endorse any products or services promoted in the sessions or exhibits. The views and opinions expressed by presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of COC-ORAEYC.

    Additionally, COC-ORAEYC is not responsible for any loss or injury resulting from the purchase or use of goods and services offered at the conference.

    IMPORTANT DATES

    April 24-25, 2026: Early Learning Conference at COCC, Bend, Oregon

    2026 Early Learning Conference Countdown

    Day(s)

    :

    Hour(s)

    :

    Minute(s)

    :

    Second(s)