2026 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

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11:15am CDT

Early Childhood Program Budgeting: From Aid to Accountability

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Whether one is a new or experienced administrator/coordinator, in a small or large district, the budgeting process in early childhood education programs can be challenging. This session will cover some basics, like calculating aid and following statutory requirements, as well as more complex topics, like braiding funds, managing reserve accounts, and ensuring accountability for both program performance and compliance.

Speakers

Mike Brown

Early Learning, MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Mike works at DCYF where he supports the administration of early childhood programs. Over 15 years of working at the Minnesota Department of Education and DCYF, Mike has worked with several early childhood programs (e.g., ECFE, Early Learning Scholarships, Head Start, and School Readiness... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 103 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Early Childhood

1:30pm CDT

Early Childhood Screening: Using local data and partnerships to reach all families

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Suite 110 - Lower Level

This session builds data literacy around Early Childhood Screening for Community Education and Screening leaders, using local demographics to improve access, expand partnerships, and reach unscreened children. Interactive activities explore screening data, discuss partnership strategies, and share storytelling approaches for communicating learning with district leadership.

Speakers

Margo Chresand

Early Childhood Screening Specialist, Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Margo Chresand, MPH, MS, RN, is the Early Childhood Health and Developmental Screening Specialist at the Department of Children, Youth, and Family. She also co-leads (with MDH), the Interagency Screening Task Force made of up Minnesota’s six developmental screening programs. Prior... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 110 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Early Childhood

2:45pm CDT

2028 Early Childhood Licensure: Statewide Updates, Deliverables, and Field Q&A

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 110 - Lower Level

As Minnesota prepares for the 2028 Early Childhood Licensure requirement, consistent and coordinated guidance is essential. This session shares statewide updates from the early childhood teacher licensure survey, STAR reporting improvements, and current licensure resources designed to support district and charter programs. Presenters will also provide time for Q&A, helping participants connect statewide efforts with their local program needs.

Outcomes

Participants will be able to:
• Describe key statewide updates and supports related to the 2028 licensure requirement.
• Locate current guidance, reporting tools, and available technical assistance.
• Discuss questions and local implications with state partners.

Speakers

Mike Brown

Early Learning, MN Department of Children, Youth, and Families

Kelly Kazeck

Early Childhood Workforce Collaboration Specialist, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)

Kelly is the Early Childhood Workforce Collaboration Specialist in the Early Learning Services division at the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Kelly works collaboratively with others across the state on projects, grants, and initiatives to support the early childhood... Read More →

December Lynch

Early Learning Services Supervisor, Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)

December Lynch, supervises the Early Learning Services team at the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), where she champions initiatives that strengthen systems for young children and their families. December is passionate about ensuring equitable access... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 110 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Early Childhood

4:00pm CDT

Early Childhood Screening To Go!

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Suite 111 - Lower Level

Could your program benefit from a mobile outreach vehicle? Rochester has a van that they have used for mobile Early Childhood Screenings, as well as at outreach events for promoting all Early Childhood Family Services programming. Come learn about the van and how we utilize it for early childhood screening and more!

Speakers

Early Learning Coordinator TBD

Early Learning Coordinator TBD, Rochester Public Schools

TBD

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Suite 111 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Early Childhood

2026 MCEA Fall Conference

11:15am CDT

Mike Brown

1:30pm CDT

Margo Chresand

2:45pm CDT

Mike Brown

Kelly Kazeck

December Lynch

4:00pm CDT

Early Learning Coordinator TBD

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