2026 MCEA Fall Conference

Circle time is more than gathering children on a rug — it is where connection, learning, movement, and community come together. In ECFE, circle time creates opportunities for children and caregivers to sing, laugh, learn, and build relationships in a joyful and supportive environment.

This interactive presentation explores how to transform circle time into an engaging experience that supports language development, social-emotional growth, early literacy, movement, and family connection. Participants will leave with practical ideas, playful activities, and confidence to create circle times that are developmentally appropriate, flexible, and fun for both children and adults.

This session will feature a visit to Rochester Public Library, including a tour of the Youth Services area, demonstration of storytelling/read aloud techniques (flannelboards, Kamishibai, shadow stories), and highlighting some of our favorite read alouds and how best to use them with a preschool audience. The purpose of this session is to broaden the attendees' knowledge of storytime techniques and the larger role it serves to our youngest community members.

How can meaningful family engagement strengthen belonging for children and families? This session shares key lessons from Minnesota's Family Engagement Practices Project and introduces practical tools, resources, and strategies to help early childhood programs build trust, strengthen partnerships, elevate family voice, and support continuous improvement.

Participants will:
 • Learn key themes and insights from families, educators, and leaders about effective family engagement.
 • Explore practical tools and resources to support reflection, continuous improvement, and stronger family partnerships.
 • Identify actionable strategies to strengthen belonging and family engagement in their own programs and communities.