This year’s conference took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 9am–3pm, in Westborough, Massachusetts. This year’s theme, Rise and Renew, honored the resilience, heart, and commitment you bring to your work every day. Early educators nurture the foundation of lifelong learning and well-being. Your wellness matters — not only for you, but for the children, families, and communities you serve. When educators feel supported, valued, and well, classrooms become calmer, relationships grow stronger, and children thrive. Research consistently shows that educator well-being is directly connected to positive child outcomes — including stronger social-emotional development, improved behavior, deeper engagement in learning, and a greater sense of safety and belonging. Your capacity to co-regulate, to respond with patience and empathy, and to create joyful learning environments begins with your own wellness and your own joy.
Our keynote speaker was Dr. Pooja Lakshmin MD. Dr Lakshmin is a psychiatrist, a best-selling author and a contributor to The New York Times. Pooja graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Pennsylvania with a BA in Women’s Studies and the Biological Basis of Behavior. She received her MD from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, and did her psychiatry residency training at Stanford University and George Washington University. She has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at George Washington University School of Medicine since 2016. Pooja has spent thousands of hours taking care of individuals struggling with burnout, despair, depression, and anxiety in her clinical practice. Dr. Lakshmin’s bestselling new book, REAL SELF-CARE: Crystals, Cleanses, and Bubble-Baths Not Included, was named as an NPR Best Book of 2023, and has been featured on Good Morning America, NPR’s Code Switch and 1A, Talks at Google, The Ezra Klein Show, The New York Times, Vox, The Guardian, and more. Having gone down the rabbit hole of extreme wellness herself, Real Self-Care is Pooja’s solution to the gratitude lists and essential oils.
The slides from the keynote are available here.
Session Materials
Morning Sessions:
Building Resilience through the Power of Awe English | Português | Español
The Science of Burnout & Wellbeing English | Português | Español
We’ve Got This: Building Adult Regulation Capacities English | Português | Español
Mid-day Sessions:
Adult Recess: Supporting Adult Wellness & Regulation
Brain-Based Practices for Educator Wellness English | Português | Español
Building a Mandala Together
Homegrown Wellness: Kitchen Window Microgreens English | Português | Español
Mindfulness for Wellness English | Português | Español
The Power of Rhythmic Joy in Your Wellness Journey
Rainbowdance®
Restorative Sound Bath: Rejuvenation for Early Childhood Professionals English | Português | Español
Yoga Asana for Every BODY!
Afternoon Sessions:
Breath Work English | Português | Español
Creating a Calm-Down Kit
Forest Bathing English | Português | Español
The Mindset Shift: Rethinking How We Support Young Children (Português)
Nurturing the Nurturers: Healing-Centered Care in Community
Polyvagal… Whaaaaat? Nervous System Hacks for Better Health & Wellness English | Português | Español
Progressive Relaxation Technique English | Português | Español
The Reflective Journal as a Well-being Tool (Español)
Stretch Session
Interactive Displays
