2026 ECEA Leadership Conference
A full day built for the owners and directors leading Colorado's private early childhood programs: practical strategies, real connection, and a room full of people in your corner.
Together We Are Stronger
Inspired: Motivated from the Inside Out
The day opens with a keynote built for the heart and the hard days, because leading a program takes both.
Inspired: Motivated from the Inside Out
Strengthening the internal motivation that sustains great leaders
Early childhood leadership is complex, dynamic, and deeply meaningful. It requires vision, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead with both heart and intention. This keynote focuses on strengthening the internal motivation that helps leaders navigate complexity with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Kari offers practical strategies for navigating self-doubt, challenging limiting beliefs, and aligning daily actions with personal priorities. Participants explore what sustains motivation over time and how internal drivers (values, strengths, and purpose) influence leadership decisions.
You'll leave re-energized, with practical tools to lead yourself and your team with greater intention, confidence, and alignment.
A day that works as hard as you do
Every session is chosen to save you money, earn you money, save you time, or give you a stronger voice. That's the whole point: ECEA in your corner, all day.
Run a stronger business
Hiring, retention, operations, insurance, and compliance sessions from experts who know Colorado child care, the practical moves that protect your bottom line.
You're not alone
Spend the day with owners and directors who get it, plus direct time with the ECEA board on how the association can help your program thrive.
Stay ahead of policy
Hear straight from a CDEC (Colorado Department of Early Childhood) panel and a policy update, so you walk in knowing what's changing and what it means for you.
Conference Agenda
8:30 a.m. check-in to 4:00 p.m., with a raffle in every block. For Sessions 1, 2, and 3, pick the breakout that fits your program.
Check-in & Welcome
Grab your badge and coffee, and settle in.
Keynote: Inspired: Motivated from the Inside Out
Kari Knutson opens the day. Followed by a raffle.
Industry Panel: Legal Compliance & Insurance
Laura Hazen: legal compliance, the questions every owner should be asking to keep your program protected and on solid ground.
Maria Aucoin: insurance, the coverage questions every owner should be asking, and how the right protection guards your bottom line.
Communication for Staff Retention
D'Arla Mezzacapo, Take a Break: keep relationships with your staff healthy and strong. Practical communication that helps you hold on to your best people.
CDEC Panel
A panel with leaders from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC): Mary Alice Cohen, Carin Rosa (Licensing), Dawn Odean (Universal Preschool / UPK), Sarah Dawson (Colorado Child Care Assistance Program / CCCAP), and Rebecca Vlasin (Quality). Followed by a raffle.
Social Lunch: Gourmet for Good Taco Bar
A build-your-own taco bar (open from both sides, so no long lines) and time to connect. Followed by a raffle.
Operational Frameworks That Build Success
Genevieve Bonsall: the systems and structures that turn a busy program into a well-run business.
Master Hiring Strategies for Today's Workforce
Steve Lloyd, Rocky Mountain Preschools: from funnel to final interview, unlock the secrets to hiring top-notch teachers for your childcare center.
Crisis Communication
Gil Rudawsky: how to protect your program's reputation and communicate with confidence when the tough moments hit.
Policy Update
Scott Bright (by video), with Dawn on hand to supplement the conversation: what's changing in policy and what it means for your program.
Meet the Board
Close the day with the full ECEA board on how the association can help your program: save money, earn money, and gain a stronger voice. Four final raffle items to send you off.
Raffles throughout the day. Enter to win in the blocks all day long, plus a final round of raffle prizes at the end of the day.
Register for the 2026 Leadership Conference
Reserve your spot for the full day: keynote, breakouts, the CDEC panel, lunch, and direct time with the ECEA board. Bring your whole leadership team.
Register to Attend
Friday, September 25, 2026, at Lowry Conference Center in Denver. A full day built to save you money, earn you money, save you time, and give you a stronger voice.
Members: Register NowQuestions about registration or membership? Get in touch with ECEA; don't do it alone.
The Early Childhood Education Association of Colorado (ECEA) has advocated for Colorado's licensed private child care and early education programs since 1985. Through legislative representation, administrative advocacy, education, and money-saving partnerships, ECEA helps program owners thrive, so they can focus on the children and families they serve. Together we are stronger.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
