Calendar
As a ECDA Member, you will have the opportunity to attend eight (8) talks on relevant early childhood education topics as well as network with your peers and be a part of the local early childhood community. Membership is required to attend. Newly interested programs may attend one meeting at no cost prior to enrolling as members.
NOTE: For all meetings, doors open at 11:15 a.m., lunch is served by 11:30 a.m. We will begin the presentation promptly at Noon. We start with announcements and news and then the speaker will present. Meetings end at 2:00 p.m. We meet at the Washtenaw Golf Club.
A MiRegistry link will be sent out monthly for each training. Membership is set up as an add-on to the training registration and payable with your first training registration. Questions? Contact Candy at cls@childcarenetwork.org or (734) 249-5108.
September 24, 2025
Leading with Heart: Positivity, Appreciation, and Conversations that Keep Your Team
Speaker: Amy Bond
In early childhood education, our teams are the heart of everything we do. Yet too often, great staff leave not because of the children or the work, but because they don't feel valued, heard, or supported. This interactive session will explore how leaders can foster a culture where educators want to stay, grow, and thrive. We'll dive into simple but powerful ways to show authentic appreciation, from noticing people's presence and contributions, to respecting their lives outside of work, to supporting their professional growth. You'll also learn how to use "stay conversations" intentional check-ins designed to help staff feel engaged and supported before challenges lead to burnout or turnover. Building on ideas from Industrial/Organizational psychology, we'll also introduce pulse surveys, quick feedback tools that help leaders understand staff well-being in real time, so they can act quickly and effectively. This session is designed to be upbeat, practical, and full of real-world strategies that early childhood leaders can put into action right away.
October 22, 2025
2025 New Center Rules Training for Providers
Speaker: Child Care Licensing Bureau
The Child Care Licensing Bureau will join us to go over the new center rules established in 2025.
November 12, 2025
Child Care Director's Panel – Leading with Vision and Heart
Speakers: Panel Discussion
Join us for an engaging session with other child care directors as they share real-world insights, innovative ideas, and lessons learned from leading their centers. This interactive discussion will spark fresh perspectives, practical strategies, and plenty of inspiration!
January 28, 2026
Common HR Pitfalls
Speakers: Etta Heisler & Paychex
Details available at a later date!
February 25, 2026 *VIRTUAL*
This session is via Zoom due to historically extreme weather.
Self Reflection and Perspective Taking for Leading Programs and Building Professional Relationships
Speaker: Christine Snyder
Through interactive activities and discussions, participants will articulate their professional values, recognize personal blind spots, and practice reimagining situations by considering multiple perspectives. The session emphasizes empathy and the significance of questioning assumptions, aiming to help educators build more understanding relationships with children, families, and colleagues. Attendees will leave with strategies for reflective practice and tools to foster open-mindedness and growth in their professional roles.
March 25, 2026
Creating Safety for All: Integrating Infant Mental Health Practices
Speakers: Morgan Peterson and Erica Sneller
Session participants will discuss the importance of fostering positive caregiver-child relationships with the young children in your classrooms, how attachment impacts early childhood mental health, and the fundamental role early childhood educators play through family engagement, support, and advocacy. Additionally, session participants will consider the differences and similarities between their role as an early childhood educator and that of an Infant Mental Health home visitor, as well as learn additional strategies that can be used to further support caregiver-child relationships for both the classroom and in the home.
April 22, 2026
Sensory Processing
Speaker: Corah Watson
Bring your teachers and join us for an introduction to sensory processing and what it means for the classroom setting. From sensory seeking to sensory avoidant and the in between, this will provide tools and tactics to utilize in the classroom as well as follow up steps.
May 20, 2026
Lead Like a TED: Using Powerful Talks to Inspire Early Childhood Leadership
Speaker: Heidi McFadden
Looking for fresh inspiration in your leadership journey? This interactive session introduces early childhood leaders to the power of TED Talks and podcasts as tools for growth and reflection. We'll explore thought-provoking talks that highlight resilience, emotional intelligence, and visionary leadership—connecting each theme to the real-world challenges of leading in early childhood settings.
Registration
Registration and Membership are now available on MiRegistry! Membership payment can be made via MiRegistry when you register for training, or a check can be made payable to "CCN" and brought to the September meeting, or mailed to:
Child Care Network
Attn: ECDA/ Candy Sorensen
3941 Research Park Dr., Suite C
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
Annual Membership Fee (September 2025 - May 2026): $75 *Multi-site programs pay $50 for each additional site. Monthly Training Fee: $30 (includes lunch, dessert, drink, and gratuity)
Meetings location:
Washtenaw Golf Club
2955 Packard Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The trainings are intended for Directors, Administrators and Leaders of Early Childhood Programs. Twice a year we offer a joint luncheon with WCAEYC that focuses more on teachers and day to day classroom support.
-
Out of respect for the speakers and participants, we strongly discourage you from bringing your child, the meetings are long and there are no "play areas" to help entertain them. Exceptions can be made for in arms infants only with permission. Please contact our current president Shannon Peitz, via email at shannon.peitz@gretchenshouse.com, if you have any further questions.
-
The training fee does include lunch, but you are welcome to come for just the training which begins at noon. If you do plan on eating please arrive at 11:15AM. There are gluten free and vegetarian options available. You can request 'special dietary requests' when registering for the training.
-
We understand that the kids come first and we cannot always get away from our programs. There is no need to contact anyone but unfortunately you are still required to pay for the training. You can mail your payment to the treasurer or bring it with you to the next meeting. If you chose to pay ahead for the whole year there will not be a refund if you stop attending the meetings. You also have the option of sending someone in your place if you can't make it.
-
Yes, each participant will receive a certificate that includes their name, the topic of discussion, hours of training and date.
-
Yes, once your organization is a member you're welcome to bring as many people from your program as you would like. Please register each person separately each month, the $20.00 fee applies to each person.
-
If you would like to join ECDA or become a part of the Steering Committee, please email us at contactus@wcecda.com. You are welcome to attend one meeting without becoming a member. The $30.00 training fee would still apply.
ECDA Steering Committee 2024-2025
Shannon Peitz
President
Gretchen's House • Dhu Varren
Tammie King
Vice President
WCSACCA Liaison
Bemis Farms Preschool & Childcare
Karin Nowak
Secretary & Public Policy
Gretchen's House • Oak Valley
Shannon Steinbach
Treasurer
Gretchen's House • School-Age Coordinator
Patty Sherwood
Venue & Events
Adventure Center
Laura Griswold
SBS/QPP Liaison
Gretchen's House • Administration
Candy Sorensen
Membership & Communications
Child Care Network
Carrie Anderson
Member at Large
Morning Star Child Care
Michelle Freund
Member at Large
UM North Campus
Chrissy McKiddie
Member at Large
Gretchen's House • Mt. Vernon
Angela Vogel
Member at Large
Alaina's Child Care
LEARN • GROW • ACHIEVE
Our goals are to support directors, to serve as advocates of children's issues, and to provide resource and networking opportunities for early childhood professionals.
Join us