2026 Missouri District Spring Early Childhood Conference
Jesus Is Here!

Trinity Lutheran School
812 Stadium Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 65109
Saturday, March 7, 2026

Rooted in Jesus’ promise in Matt. 28:20, this theme reminds us that Christ is present as we are called to be faithful stewards of the children entrusted to our care. Through teaching, nurturing, and protecting, we serve in our vocations with confidence, knowing the Lord goes with us in every classroom and every calling. This conference is designed for those serving as early childhood educators with children from infant/toddlers to second grade. Directors, teachers, and classroom assistants will especially benefit from this professional development event.

Registration fee and deadline:

Registration is $75 per person, and includes program, lunch and refreshments. Deadline to register is Monday, Feb. 23.  Please contact Events Assistant Sue Thompson at sue.thompson@mo.lcms.org for the registration link.

Schedule:

9–9:30 a.m.       
Registration/Continental breakfast/Exhibitors and vendors

9:30–10:10 a.m. 
Welcome and Opening — Jennie Williamson

10:15–11:15 a.m.         
Keynote: Dr. Julian Petzold, Lion Safety Consulting
Practical safety guidance focused on awareness, response, and proactive protection

11:15–11:20 a.m.       
Break: transition

11:20 a.m.–12:20 p.m.         
Breakout Sectional A
Mathematizing Our Early Childhood Classrooms — Cheryl Haun
Serve and Return Communication — Jessica Bangert
Ten Easy Ways to Encourage Speech & Language Through Play — Dr. Dawn Callahan
Lutheran Association of Special Education (LASE) Session — Dr. BJ Wiemer
Director Q&A: Safety, Policy, Leadership — Dr. Julian Petzold
Music in the Classroom — Jennie Williamson

12:20 – 1 p.m.           
Lunch

1 – 2 p.m.     
Breakout Sectional B
Mathematizing Our Early Childhood Classrooms — Cheryl Haun
Serve and Return Communication — Jessica Bangert
Ten Easy Ways to Encourage Speech & Language Through Play — Dr. Dawn Callahan
Lutheran Association of Special Education (LASE) Session — Dr. BJ Wiemer
Age-Level Safety Tips and Practical Strategies — Dr. Julian Petzold

2:05 – 2:35 p.m.   
Round Table Discussions by Age Level (Connect, Share)

2:40 p.m.   
Sending and Closing — Jennie Williamson