Northern Illinois University Naperville Conference Center



Registration opens January 11, 2027
Building on the success of the inaugural 2025 conference, which attracted more than 300 attendees from across the state, the 2027 Little Minds, Big Feelings: Building Social-Emotional Success for ALL Children Conference will once again bring together early childhood professionals committed to supporting the social-emotional well-being of young children.
Join us for an enriching and transformative experience with more than 40 engaging sessions. This conference will explore the vital role social-emotional development plays in laying the foundation for lifelong learning, healthy relationships, resilience, and overall success.
At the heart of the conference is the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to develop strong emotional foundations, and that every caregiver, educator, and professional plays an essential role in supporting that growth. Through inspiring keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and practical learning opportunities, participants will gain evidence-based strategies, innovative approaches, and actionable tools that can be immediately applied in their work with young children and families.
Conference sessions will be led by experts in child development, mental health, family engagement, and early childhood education and will cover topics such as:
- The foundational role of social-emotional skills in early childhood development
- Strategies for promoting positive behavior and emotional regulation
- Supporting children experiencing trauma, stress, and adversity
- Building resilience, confidence, and self-esteem in diverse early childhood settings
- Partnering with families to strengthen emotional connections, belonging, and well-being
- Creating nurturing and inclusive environments that support social-emotional growth
- Implementing Pyramid Model practices and supports
- Promoting educator and caregiver wellness to strengthen outcomes for children
This conference offers a unique opportunity to connect with a growing community of early childhood professionals, share ideas and best practices, deepen your knowledge, and leave inspired with new resources and practical tools. Together, we can continue building a brighter future for all children by fostering the social and emotional skills they need to thrive from the very beginning.
Join us as we continue the momentum of Little Minds, Big Feelings and advance our shared commitment to supporting the emotional well-being of young children, families, and the professionals who serve them.
Countdown to the Event
- Days266
- Hours4
- Minutes5
- Seconds30


