The Best Early Childhood Conferences of 2024-2025
Professionals dedicated to early childhood development, education, and mental health can choose from a robust lineup of conferences and events to further their professional development.
Attending early childhood conferences is important for staying updated with research, methods, policies, and networking with peers.
Early childhood conferences unite educators, clinicians, researchers, and policymakers aiming to enhance early child development.
October 8-9, 2025 - Baltimore, MD
The ZERO TO THREE LEARN Conference is renowned for its focus on the comprehensive development of infants and toddlers. This early childhood development conference brings together professionals from various disciplines to share knowledge, research and best practices in early childhood mental health, development and learning.
ZERO TO THREE’s conference boasts dozens of sessions on early childhood topics you won’t find anywhere else. Early bird pricing enables attendees to save hundreds by registering in advance.
Woodberry Kitchen: Enjoy farm-to-table American cuisine in a rustic, restored foundry. Their wood-fired flatbreads and sustainable seafood dishes are a must-try.
The Food Market: Savor innovative comfort food in a chic, industrial space. Their “Duck Fat Fries” and “Short Rib Grilled Cheese” are crowd favorites.
Thames Street Oyster House: Indulge in fresh seafood with a focus on New England and Chesapeake Bay classics, all in a charming, historic rowhouse setting.
Miss Shirley’s Café: Delight in Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch fare, renowned for their “Crab Cake & Fried Green Tomato Eggs Benedict” in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
Ekiben: Experience Asian fusion street food, famous for their “Neighborhood Bird” (a Taiwanese curry fried chicken sandwich) served in a trendy, casual environment.
Inner Harbor: Explore the bustling waterfront, featuring the National Aquarium, historic ships, and vibrant shops and restaurants, perfect for a day of family fun and adventure.
Fell’s Point: Wander through this charming, cobblestone neighborhood, known for its lively pubs, eclectic boutiques, and scenic waterfront views.
Fort McHenry: Step back in time at this historic site where the Star-Spangled Banner was born, complete with reenactments, scenic walking trails, and a museum.
Baltimore Museum of Art: Immerse yourself in a world-class collection of art, from ancient to contemporary, including an impressive selection of works by Matisse, all within a beautiful Beaux-Arts building.
Maryland Science Center: Engage in hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and an IMAX theater, making it a perfect destination for curious minds of all ages looking for educational fun.
September 17-20, 2024 – New Orleans, LA
The DEC Conference is a key gathering for professionals in early childhood special education and early intervention. This early childhood conference an opportunity to discuss the latest research, policies, and practices that support the optimal development of young children with special needs.
- French Quarter: Wander through the historic heart of New Orleans, famous for its vibrant music scene, iconic architecture, and lively Bourbon Street.
- Garden District: Marvel at the opulent antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in this picturesque neighborhood.
- National WWII Museum: Explore America’s involvement in WWII through immersive exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts in this world-class museum.
- Steamboat Natchez River Cruise: Experience the Mississippi River on a historic steamboat, offering jazz music, dining, and stunning views of the city skyline.
- Café du Monde: Indulge in a New Orleans tradition by enjoying beignets and café au lait at this famous open-air café in the French Market.
October 18-20, 2024 - Atlanta, GA
This conference brings together a vibrant community of educators, advocates, policymakers and parents to elevate the awareness of the unique needs and strengths of Black children and families and disseminate culturally relevant research and practices.
- Georgia Aquarium: Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums, home to thousands of species including whale sharks and beluga whales in massive, immersive exhibits.
- Atlanta Botanical Garden: Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, including the Canopy Walk, Japanese Garden, and seasonal displays in the heart of Midtown.
- Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park: Pay homage to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at his childhood home, church, and the King Center.
- Ponce City Market: Dive into Atlanta’s culinary and shopping scene in this historic building, featuring a rooftop amusement park and a wide array of eateries and shops.
- The BeltLine: Experience Atlanta’s urban revitalization on foot or by bike along this multi-use trail, connecting parks and neighborhoods with art installations and green spaces.
October 23-25, 2024 - Las Vegas, NV
For over 25 years, Conscious Discipline has been equipping education professionals with tried-and-tested tools for transforming these struggles into opportunities for growth. Elevate Conscious Discipline: Embrace Possibilities is designed to help attendees harness their own self-regulation and compassion to bring positive, lasting change to their schools and classroom.
Fremont Street Experience: Soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Las Vegas with free nightly light shows, live music, street performers, and a variety of unique shops and eateries.
The Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens: Wander through this beautiful, free attraction that features stunning seasonal displays of flowers, plants, and artful arrangements.
The Arts District: Explore the lively 18b Arts District, home to galleries, vintage shops, street art, and affordable dining options.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory & Cactus Garden: Visit this unique attraction where you can take a free self-guided tour of the chocolate factory, followed by a stroll through the beautiful cactus garden.
November 6-9, 2024 – Anaheim, CA, USA
The NAEYC Annual Conference offers attendees a comprehensive program of research-based and practical sessions focused on early learning practices, innovations and research. ZERO TO THREE has been a long-time partner of NAEYC and we enjoy presenting, exhibiting and networking at this early childhood education conference.
- The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon: Indulge in upscale American cuisine with a focus on farm-to-table ingredients, complemented by live country music and dancing.
- Anaheim Packing House: Sample a diverse array of culinary delights in this historic 1919 citrus packing house turned into a trendy food hall with something for everyone.
- Napa Rose: Experience fine dining with a menu inspired by California’s wine country, located within Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: Enjoy a feast fit for royalty while watching knights joust and display their horsemanship in a themed, immersive experience.
- Umami Burger: Savor gourmet burgers that highlight the fifth taste, umami, in a chic, contemporary setting within the Anaheim Packing District.
March 3-6, 2025 - Austin, TX
For 15 years, the annual SXSW EDU Conference & Festival has been a hub of innovation and exploration in education. It offers a diverse array of sessions, workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to inspire and educate attendees. The event features mentorship opportunities, film screenings, forward-looking competitions, an expo, networking events, performances, and much more, making it a vibrant celebration of learning and creativity.
- Barton Springs Pool: Swim in this natural spring-fed pool located in Zilker Park, known for its crystal-clear water and year-round 68-70°F temperature.
- South Congress Avenue: Stroll down this iconic street lined with quirky shops, vibrant murals, and live music venues.
- Mount Bonnell: Hike up to one of Austin’s highest points for breathtaking views of the city and the Colorado River.
- Lady Bird Lake: Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore this serene urban lake, surrounded by scenic trails and downtown views.
- Cathedral of Junk: Visit this eclectic and whimsical art installation created entirely from recycled materials.
April 24-26, 2025 - Lake Buena Vista, FL
The AELL Annual National Conference, “How Successful Directors Lead,” is the premier event tailored for early learning administrators. It offers over 35 educational sessions on leadership, administration, finance, marketing, legal matters, and program quality, all presented by national experts.
Disney Springs: Explore this vibrant entertainment complex featuring shopping, dining, live entertainment, and unique attractions like the Coca-Cola Store and Aerophile, the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon.
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets: Shop till you drop at this upscale outlet mall, offering a wide range of designer and brand-name stores with fantastic deals and discounts.
Lake Buena Vista Watersports: Enjoy a day on the water with activities like jet skiing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and boat rentals on the beautiful Lake Bryan.
Airboat Rides at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures: Experience the thrill of gliding across the water on an airboat tour, exploring the natural beauty and wildlife of the Florida Everglades.
Hawks Landing Golf Club: Play a round of golf on this beautifully designed championship course, offering scenic views and a challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels.
May 19-22, 2025 | Columbus, OH
Organized by the National Head Start Association (NHSA), this event is a key platform for Head Start and Early Head Start communities to discuss innovations and challenges in early childhood education.
- The Thurman Cafe: Indulge in oversized, delicious burgers in a quirky, casual setting.
- Hot Chicken Takeover: Enjoy spicy, Nashville-style hot chicken served in a vibrant, fast-casual atmosphere.
- Melt Bar and Grilled: Savor creative, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches in a fun, eclectic environment.
- Mikey’s Late Night Slice: Relish inventive and delicious pizza in a laid-back, funky setting.
- Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace: Delight in unique and loaded hot dogs in a lively, retro-themed restaurant.
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Wander through lush indoor and outdoor gardens, showcasing exotic plants and seasonal exhibits.
- German Village: Explore this historic neighborhood with charming brick streets, unique shops, and delicious eateries.
- COSI (Center of Science and Industry): Engage with interactive science exhibits and educational displays suitable for all ages.
- North Market: Savor a diverse array of foods from local vendors in this bustling public market.
- Scioto Mile: Stroll along this scenic urban oasis featuring parks, fountains, and trails along the Scioto River.
2025 Date and Location TBD
This early childhood education conference brings together innovative thought leaders in child care to approach problems with exciting solutions.
Stay tuned for updates on the 2025 Symposium.
- Coming soon!
- Coming soon!
October 2-6, 2026 – Toronto, Canada
This important global conference is about the mental health and growth of babies and young children. Experts from all over the world will talk about the newest research, treatments, and policies in infant mental health.
Several of ZERO TO THREE’s staff have attended and presented with WAIMH and attest to the many benefits of networking and learning alongside global infant mental health colleagues.
The Rec Room: Enjoy a variety of comfort food options like burgers, poutine, and tacos in a vibrant entertainment complex that features arcade games, live music, and virtual reality experiences.
El Catrin: Savor modern Mexican cuisine in a lively, artsy setting with a stunning mural and heated patio. Don’t miss their “Tacos al Pastor” and extensive tequila selection.
Miku Toronto: Experience high-end Japanese cuisine with a focus on Aburi (sear-flamed) sushi, offering stunning waterfront views and a chic, contemporary ambiance.
Amsterdam BrewHouse: Feast on hearty pub fare like beer-battered fish and chips and house-smoked BBQ while enjoying craft beers brewed on-site and a scenic lakefront patio.
Rasta Pasta: Delight in a unique fusion of Italian and Jamaican flavors, featuring dishes like “Jerk Chicken Alfredo” and “Oxtail Ragu,” served in a cozy and colorful atmosphere.
CN Tower: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observation deck, or for the adventurous, try the EdgeWalk, a thrilling hands-free walk around the tower’s exterior ledge.
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM): Explore one of the largest museums in North America, featuring fascinating exhibits on natural history, world cultures, and art, including dinosaur skeletons and ancient artifacts.
St. Lawrence Market: Discover a food lover’s paradise with a variety of vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and international delicacies.
Toronto Islands: Take a ferry ride to these picturesque islands just off the city’s shore, offering beautiful beaches, bike rentals, picnic spots, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline.
Distillery District: Wander through this historic district known for its cobblestone streets, charming boutiques, art galleries, and an array of dining options.
It's time to make early childhood professional develoment a priority
Attending early childhood conferences is an investment in your future and the children and families you serve.
Each of these early childhood conferences offer opportunities for professional growth, networking, and access to the latest in the field of early childhood education, development, and mental health. These events not only help professionals earn continuing education credits (CEUs), they also highlight innovative research and practices and encourage collaboration among professionals.
Whether your focus is on classroom teaching, mental health, policy, or leveraging technology for learning, attending these conferences can significantly impact your professional development and the lives of the children you serve.
