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.
If you are interested in membership please contact Candy at cls@childcarenetwork.org or (734) 249-5108.
September 23, 2026
Resource Fair, Licensing, and More!
Speaker: TBA
Kick off another wonderful year of ECDA with us! Join fellow early childhood professionals for an engaging afternoon of connection, learning, and community. Meet local community resource partners, discuss licensing updates and information, discover helpful resources, and take time to connect with others in the field. We're excited to start the year together and look forward to seeing you there!
October 28, 2026
Good Start, Early On, Build Up Michigan
Speaker: Michelle Pogliano
The Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) partners with local school districts, community programs, and families to support the development, learning, and well-being of young children from birth through age five. Join us to learn about these services that focus on early identification, early intervention, and inclusive learning opportunities so children can thrive at home, in childcare settings, and in preschool programs.
November 18, 2026
Creating A Space Where Everyone Belongs
Speakers: Holly Delgado and Kellie Chestler-Root
As directors, we often hear, "I don't know how to support all of the needs of children in my classroom!" This session will provide you with hands-on, immediately implementable resources you can share with your staff to best support the needs of children with disabilities in an inclusive environment.
January 27, 2027 *VIRTUAL*
This session will be held remotely due to historically extreme weather conditions.
MiRegistry Moxie
Speaker: Candy Sorensen
Join us to tackle all things MiRegistry! I will share about licensing compliance around MiRegistry, including Center Orientations as well as answer any questions that you may have. It is my goal that you will walk away feeling more courageous and confident about MiRegistry as well as have a few creative strategies and tips in your toolbox!
February 27, 2027 *VIRTUAL*
This session will be held remotely due to historically extreme weather conditions.
Employment Law Compliance - It's Actually Easy!
Speaker: Jacqui Schulte
Most of us have always assumed that being a good person is enough to stay out of legal trouble. But did you know that the rules at work are different than they are in our personal lives? And that being a good person is unfortunately not enough? In this session we will talk about leaders' legal risk in the workplace, some best practices for preventing risk, recognizing the red flags for risk, and addressing risk. And we will make it easy! When is the last time you heard that about legal compliance? Challenge accepted!
March 24, 2027
Mindfulness
Speakers: Karin Nowak
As early childhood educators and administrators it is easy to take care of others before taking care of ourselves. In this session we will talk about mindfulness and creating ways to practice it in the work environment. We will share valuable resources that you can use yourself, share with colleagues and even students.
April 21, 2027
Time to Rethink Boomers vs. Gen Z! Staff Motivation Through the Lens of Life Stage
Speaker: Beth MeLampy
Our brains are designed to generalize, so we often fall into the trap of describing staff motivation through generational stereotypes. “My millennial staff need constant feedback!” “My Gen Z staff never read the whole email!” In this workshop we will challenge some of our ideas around these generational differences and take a closer look at current research on motivation theory and how we can use it to support our teams.
May 26, 2027
Strengthening Families- Protective Factors: The Protection of Social Connection!
Speakers: Brooke Rains and Brittany Wright
Did you know that positive social connections are essential for our well-being? Come and learn about everyday actions that can lessen stress and isolation for families and be a powerful support in your early education work!
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)
Questions? Contact Candy at cls@childcarenetwork.org or (734)249-5108.
Meetings location:
Washtenaw Golf Club
2955 Packard Street
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Yes, each participant will receive a certificate that includes their name, the topic of discussion, hours of training and date.
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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.
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If you would like to join ECDA or become a part of the Steering Committee, please email us at cls@childcarenetwork.org. You are welcome to attend one meeting without becoming a member. The $30.00 training fee would still apply.
ECDA Steering Committee 2026-2027
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