Pre-registration for the 2026 Early Childhood BRIDGE Conference is now closed. We will be accepting walk-ins and on-site registrations. If you would like to attend and have not registered, please email the conference support team at tdoeevents@utk.edu for instructions.

SUMMARY

The Tennessee Department of Education, Early Learning Division* is excited to announce the 2026 Early Childhood BRIDGE Conference.

The 2026 Early Childhood BRIDGE Conference will be held at the Chattanooga Convention Center, June 16-18, 2026.

This conference brings together Tennessee early childhood educators and leaders to engage in informative, hands-on learning sessions led by experts in early childhood compliance, quality, and teaching and learning, equipping participants with practical tools that enhance quality outcomes.

Tennessee early childhood leaders, educators, and educational assistants are welcome to attend this conference for free.

Sessions will highlight several inspiring and practical topics designed to strengthen our early learning programs statewide. Participants will have the opportunity to explore high-quality instructional practices, effective behavior supports, and strategies that build strong early literacy skills. We will also focus on health and safety, coaching and educator development, and other essential components that create joyful, well supported learning environments for every child. Click here to view the list of conference sessions.

Agenda
Click here to see the Conference Agenda At-A-Glance. Please note that all event programming, session times, and communications for this event are scheduled in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). Attendees joining from other time zones should plan accordingly to ensure they do not miss any sessions or activities.

Tennessee Department of Education logo

"I look forward to learning alongside you this summer as we continue our shared commitment to providing high‑quality early education across Tennessee."

-Misty Moody, Ed.S.
Assistant Commissioner,
Early Learning Division

Register By
June 17, 2026 3:30 PM

Pre-registration for the 2026 Early Childhood BRIDGE Conference is now closed. We will be accepting walk-ins and on-site registrations. If you would like to attend and have not registered, please email the conference support team at tdoeevents@utk.edu for instructions.

woman, toddler, and infant using fingerpaint and smiling at the camera with their hands up
preschool boy in striped shirt coloring with blue marker
group of preschool children playing with red, yellow, blue, and green blocks
female child smiling at the camera with arms outstretched

SNAPSHOT OF SUCCESS - EARLY LEARNING TESTIMONIALS FROM TENNESSEE FAMILIES 

*Building a Foundation for Academic Success - The Tennessee Department of Education, Early Learning Division works to prepare young children for lifelong learning by offering various initiatives at the preschool level including Voluntary Pre-K, Private School Preschool, Head Start, and Early Childhood Special Education. Click here to learn more.

We know that while she is at school she is being cared for and taught so much. -Quote from TN family
My child learned the independence he needs for Kindergarten and developed a love for learning!-quote
Our son has excelled and learned far more than I would have imagined. -Quote from TN family