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Save The Date
September 24. 25. 26.
2026
We are thrilled to officially introduce our Leadership Day Keynote
Speaker for the 2026 CTAEYC Annual Conference, Dr. Peg Oliveira!
Dr. Peg Oliveira is the Director of the Gesell Program in
Early Childhood at the Yale Child Study Center and
an Associate Research Scientist at Yale University.
A developmental psychologist and advocate, her work focuses
on child-centered approaches to teaching and parenting,
with a strong emphasis on developmentally appropriate practice
and play-based learning. Throughout her career, Peg has worked
closely with schools, districts, educators, families, and
policymakers to support young children and the adults who
care for them. Many in Connecticut’s early childhood
community may also recognize her contributions to the
development of Connecticut’s original Core Knowledge and
Competencies for early childhood educators.
In addition to presenting our Leadership Day keynote on Thursday,
September 24, Peg will also lead TWO workshops during the conference.
This is a day you will not want to miss!
We are excited to introduce Raelene Ostberg as our keynote speaker
for Infant/Toddler Day on Friday, September 25,
at the 2026 CTAEYC Annual Conference!
Known by many as “That Joy Lady,” Raelene Ostberg is a nationally
recognized speaker, toddler expert, and founder of Thriving Together.
With more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education,
including 15 years working directly with infants and toddlers,
Raelene is passionate about helping educators reduce stress,
increase joy, and build stronger, more connected caregiving environments.
Her keynote, Finding Joy! Reduce Stress, Break Through Barriers, and Make a Plan to Increase Your Joy Factor Today, will leave attendees feeling
inspired, energized, and supported with practical strategies they can use immediately in both their professional and personal lives.
In addition to the keynote, Raelene will also present a breakout session:
Inspiring Those Terrific Toddlers! Setting Effective Limits
and Getting Toddlers to Follow Them
If you work with infants and toddlers,
this is a day you will not want to miss!
We are thrilled to introduce Amanda Morgan as the keynote speaker for the Saturday Conference on September 26, at the 2026 CTAEYC Annual Conference!
Amanda Morgan is the creator of Not Just Cute, author of the newly released book Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood, and a passionate advocate for intentional, whole-child development.
For more than 15 years, Amanda has inspired early childhood educators
across the U.S. and Canada through her engaging presentations, podcast,
writing, and practical strategies grounded in child development research.
Her keynote, Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood, will remind educators why play is not just fun, it is essential for learning, growth, relationships, and healthy development.
Through brain science, storytelling, and real classroom insight, Amanda
will leave attendees feeling energized, affirmed, and empowered to protect
and advocate for play in early childhood settings.
Amanda will also present TWO breakout sessions during the conference:
• The Key Ingredient: Intentional Interactions
• Powerful Play Everyday
This is a day full of inspiration, practical strategies,
and meaningful learning that you will not want to miss!
Now more than ever, early childhood professionals need strong partners who believe in the vital work they do every day.
We are inviting organizations and businesses to stand alongside
our community by becoming sponsors or hosting a vendor/exhibitor table. Sponsorships play a critical role in making this conference accessible and impactful, helping provide high-quality professional development while fostering powerful connections across the field.
By partnering with CTAEYC, sponsors not only demonstrate their commitment to early childhood education, but also gain the opportunity to engage directly with a passionate network of educators, program administrators, and decision-makers. Your support helps lift up the early childhood community, strengthening those who nurture and educate our youngest learners.
We encourage you to share our vendor and sponsorship opportunities with your networks. Together, we can inspire,
engage, and connect ... and ensure the 2026 CTAEYC Annual Conference is an unforgettable experience for all!
CTAEYC 2025
Annual Conference
Take a look at some great moments
from the conference
Thank You To All Our Sponsors
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