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The University of Montana 3rd Annual ECE Summit
For those traveling from outside Missoula, book your hotel early. A limited number of discounted hotel rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown. Please use the code ECE or call the hotel and mention the code and conference. You can use this link to book your rooms. 
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Saturday, April 5
 

7:30am MDT

Breakfast and Registration
Saturday April 5, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am MDT
Saturday April 5, 2025 7:30am - 8:00am MDT
ALI Auditorium, PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

8:15am MDT

Developmentally Appropriate Assessment Practices for Early Childhood PBL
Saturday April 5, 2025 8:15am - 9:45am MDT
**ECP Credit Available** https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525423


Session Description
In this session, we will explore the three types of assessment (of, for, as learning) in an early childhood context. We will discuss ways to assess four key aspects of learning in a PBL classroom - content, product development, final products, and learning processes.. Throughout the session, we will create a toolbox of developmentally appropriate assessment strategies. We will practice identifying formative assessment opportunities in a sample project and offer tips for intentionally adding ideas when developing an initial project outline.

Attend this session to:
  • gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept of assessments of learning, assessments for learning, and assessments as learning
  • create a toolbox of developmentally appropriate assessment strategies, inclusive of self-assessments and reflection
  • discuss how to use assessment information to guide instruction and enhance student learning outcomes with young children
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark

Early Childhood Project Based Learning
Amanda Clark, Ph.D., has been an educator for over 20 years, beginning her career as an elementary teacher where she designed engaging, inquiry-based projects that encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. She has also served as a building literacy leader and... Read More →
Saturday April 5, 2025 8:15am - 9:45am MDT
classroom 241

8:15am MDT

Embedding SEL and Anti Bias Education into PBL
Saturday April 5, 2025 8:15am - 9:45am MDT
**ECP Credit Available**  https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525311

Session Overview:

In this session, we will delve into the four core goals of anti-bias education—identity, diversity, justice, and action—along with essential social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies that promote collaboration, independence, and emotional well-being in young children.
Through the examination of thoughtfully designed early childhood projects, you will see how these learning goals can be effectively integrated into meaningful, learner-centered experiences. The session will emphasize practical strategies for embedding anti-bias education goals and SEL competencies, giving you the tools you need for current projects and future planning.
This session is designed to be inclusive and relevant for all educators, offering actionable insights to create supportive learning environments that celebrate the uniqueness of every child.

Attend this session to:
  • Develop an understanding of the four goals of anti-bias education and their significance in early childhood settings.
  • Identify and understand key social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies that promote collaboration, independence, and emotional well-being in young children.
  • Explore the connection between project-based learning (PBL) and SEL, recognizing how PBL naturally integrates SEL competencies through relevant problems and meaningful contexts.
  • Gain strategies for embedding anti-bias goals and SEL competencies into PBL units through relevant, learner-centered experiences, and refine an existing project by focusing on specific areas to incorporate these goals more intentionally.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Lev

Sara Lev

Early Childhood Project Based Learning
For two decades, Sara has been committed to cultivating learning environments that foster joy and independence for all, especially our youngest learners. As a long-time early childhood educator, she has worked as a classroom teacher, teacher-leader and instructional coach in a variety... Read More →
Saturday April 5, 2025 8:15am - 9:45am MDT
ALI Auditorium (A), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

8:15am MDT

Playful Learning by Design: Guided Play as a Foundation for Project Based Learning
Saturday April 5, 2025 8:15am - 9:45am MDT
**ECP Credit Available**https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525341

Session Description

In this interactive workshop, we will explore the authentic connection between guided play and Project Based Learning. The session will highlight the core 21st-century skills children develop through play, such as collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Participants will identify effective strategies to promote these skills through guided play experiences and have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a current project or one provided.

Attend this workshop to:
  • Identify the core 21st-century skills children develop through play and strategies for promoting these skills through guided play paired with Project Based Learning.
  • Participants will identify and apply strategies that make children’s thinking and learning visible during guided play: intentionally designing environments, offering supportive adult-child interactions, and recognizing behaviors that reflect understanding and problem-solving.
  • Articulate the relationship between guided play and project-based learning: how they complement and enhance each other in fostering engagement and learning.
  • Acquire and apply practical strategies and techniques for facilitating guided play within project-based learning contexts to promote core 21st-century skill development for early childhood visible learners.
Saturday April 5, 2025 8:15am - 9:45am MDT
ALI Auditorium (B), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

8:15am MDT

Reflection, Feedback, and Revision: Taking an Active Role in the Learning Process
Saturday April 5, 2025 8:15am - 9:45am MDT
**ECP Credit Available** https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525307

Session Description

Join us as we explore a variety of strategies that can help young learners take an active role throughout a PBL unit through reflection, feedback, and revision. We will explore how to intentionally embed reflection practices throughout a unit in ways that support young children’s growing self-awareness and metacognition. We will also learn about and engage in critique protocols that can be utilized with young children in order to help them learn what it looks like, sounds like and feels like to give and receive feedback, and make revisions to their work. Together we will dispel the common misconception that children are too young to engage in these key elements of PBL, and are, in fact, capable and independent learners who can confidently participate in the learning process.

Attend this workshop to:
  • Deepen our understanding of why reflection, feedback and revision are essential to students’ learning process and engagement during PBL. 
  • Learn how to scaffold and develop students’ reflection, feedback and revision skills as you plan for a PBL unit, as well as outside of a PBL project. 
  • Learn key features of effective feedback in early childhood PBL. 
  • Engage with fellow educators to share best practices for early childhood PBL.
Speakers
avatar for Erin Starkey

Erin Starkey

Early Childhood Project Based Learning (ECPBL)
I cannot wait to meet you all and take a closer look at all of the ways we can engage the youngest learners in meaningful, authentic PBL experiences!Join me for:Reflection, Feedback, and Revision: Taking an Active Role in the Learning Process Coaching Corner: Bring Your Project to... Read More →
Saturday April 5, 2025 8:15am - 9:45am MDT
Classroom 352

10:00am MDT

LAB Tour (Group A)
Saturday April 5, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
Conference attendees will have the unique opportunity to visit the University of Montana LAB School (Learning and Belonging) classrooms, rotating through three distinct early childhood learning spaces. Each space will highlight a different aspect of creating thoughtful, engaging environments that foster deep learning and exploration in early childhood PBL. During the visits, participants will focus on the following key areas:
  • Environment as the Third Teacher
    Discover how intentional classroom design and layout can promote autonomy, curiosity, and collaborative learning among young children. Additionally, the LAB School considers the classroom environment an opportunity to uplift and celebrate the school family.
  • Projects in Process
    Observe ongoing projects and see how the physical environment supports children’s inquiry, critical thinking, and sustained engagement during a PBL unit. LAB School classrooms feature invitations to engage within and across learning centers, conversation starters, and dynamic PBL milestone displays for student interaction.
  • Materials and Resources that Inspire Inquiry or Playful Learning by Design 
    Explore how the thoughtful integration of play into the learning environment fosters not only intentional skill development but also a sense of joy, wonder, and meaningful engagement in young children. The LAB School engages in playful learning by design to create opportunities for every learner to meaningfully and joyfully learn through play. Our visible classrooms showcase vital principles: that play and learning are purposeful, social, emotional, empowering, reflective, and representational.
  • Pedagogical Documentation: View how the LAB School makes learning visible through pedagogical documentation as a tool for continuous learning and improvement for educators and students. Classroom displays shift the focus from static outcomes to the dynamic learning process, helping to promote deeper, more meaningful engagement.


The session will conclude with a panel discussion and debrief, featuring teachers, children, and families from the LAB School, offering their unique perspectives on the learning environments and the powerful connections between space, learning, and community.
Saturday April 5, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am MDT

10:00am MDT

Roundtable Discussions (Group B)
Saturday April 5, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am MDT

During the Roundtable Discussions, connect with educators in job-like roles or who teach students of a similar age to discuss various topics related to early childhood PBL. Discussion topics will be collected in advance through a google form sent as part of the “welcome” email.

Past Roundtable Topics:
Building a Classroom Culture for PBL: Supporting Independence and Collaboration
Creating inclusive PBL Classroom Environments
The Importance of Play in Early Childhood PBL





Saturday April 5, 2025 10:00am - 10:50am MDT
ALI Auditorium (A), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

11:00am MDT

LAB Tour (Group B)
Saturday April 5, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
Conference attendees will have the unique opportunity to visit the University of Montana LAB School (Learning and Belonging) classrooms, rotating through three distinct early childhood learning spaces. Each space will highlight a different aspect of creating thoughtful, engaging environments that foster deep learning and exploration in early childhood PBL. During the visits, participants will focus on the following key areas:
  • Environment as the Third Teacher
    Discover how intentional classroom design and layout can promote autonomy, curiosity, and collaborative learning among young children. Additionally, the LAB School considers the classroom environment an opportunity to uplift and celebrate the school family.
  • Projects in Process
    Observe ongoing projects and see how the physical environment supports children’s inquiry, critical thinking, and sustained engagement during a PBL unit. LAB School classrooms feature invitations to engage within and across learning centers, conversation starters, and dynamic PBL milestone displays for student interaction.
  • Materials and Resources that Inspire Inquiry or Playful Learning by Design 
    Explore how the thoughtful integration of play into the learning environment fosters not only intentional skill development but also a sense of joy, wonder, and meaningful engagement in young children. The LAB School engages in playful learning by design to create opportunities for every learner to meaningfully and joyfully learn through play. Our visible classrooms showcase vital principles: that play and learning are purposeful, social, emotional, empowering, reflective, and representational.
  • Pedagogical Documentation: View how the LAB School makes learning visible through pedagogical documentation as a tool for continuous learning and improvement for educators and students. Classroom displays shift the focus from static outcomes to the dynamic learning process, helping to promote deeper, more meaningful engagement.


The session will conclude with a panel discussion and debrief, featuring teachers, children, and families from the LAB School, offering their unique perspectives on the learning environments and the powerful connections between space, learning, and community.
Saturday April 5, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT

11:00am MDT

Roundtable Discussions (Group A)
Saturday April 5, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
During the Roundtable Discussions, connect with educators in job-like roles or who teach students of a similar age to discuss various topics related to early childhood PBL. Discussion topics will be collected in advance through a google form sent as part of the “welcome” email.

Past Roundtable Topics:
Building a Classroom Culture for PBL: Supporting Independence and Collaboration
Creating inclusive PBL Classroom Environments
The Importance of Play in Early Childhood PBL
Saturday April 5, 2025 11:00am - 11:50am MDT
ALI Auditorium (A), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

12:00pm MDT

Lunch
Saturday April 5, 2025 12:00pm - 12:45pm MDT
Saturday April 5, 2025 12:00pm - 12:45pm MDT
ALI Auditorium (A), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

12:45pm MDT

Classroom Tour Debrief (Panel and Q and A)
Saturday April 5, 2025 12:45pm - 1:20pm MDT
Classroom tour debrief and panel discussion, featuring teachers, children, and families from the LAB School sharing their perspectives on the learning environments and their connection to PBL.
Saturday April 5, 2025 12:45pm - 1:20pm MDT
ALI Auditorium (B), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

1:30pm MDT

Coaching Corner: Bring Your Project to Life with Personalized ECPBL Coaching
Saturday April 5, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
** ECP Credit Available **  https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525305

Session Description
In this session, we will engage in a high-impact protocol to strengthen a project planning outline through feedback. As a community of educators, we will support each other in project revisions so that participants leave with project planning outlines that are ready for implementation with students.

Attend this session to:
  • Utilize expert coaching to refine your ECPBL project planning outline.
  • Develop your ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
  • Foster a supportive network for ongoing coaching and future collaboration.
  • Receive just in time support for a project and leave the session with a project planning outline that is ready to move from planning to implementation.
Speakers
avatar for Erin Starkey

Erin Starkey

Early Childhood Project Based Learning (ECPBL)
I cannot wait to meet you all and take a closer look at all of the ways we can engage the youngest learners in meaningful, authentic PBL experiences!Join me for:Reflection, Feedback, and Revision: Taking an Active Role in the Learning Process Coaching Corner: Bring Your Project to... Read More →
Saturday April 5, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
Classroom 352

1:30pm MDT

Embedding SEL and Anti Bias Education into PBL
Saturday April 5, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
**ECP Credit Available**https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525312

Session Description

In this session, we will delve into the four core goals of anti-bias education—identity, diversity, justice, and action—along with essential social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies that promote collaboration, independence, and emotional well-being in young children.
Through the examination of thoughtfully designed early childhood projects, you will see how these learning goals can be effectively integrated into meaningful, learner-centered experiences. The session will emphasize practical strategies for embedding anti-bias education goals and SEL competencies, giving you the tools you need for current projects and future planning. 
This session is designed to be inclusive and relevant for all educators, offering actionable insights to create supportive learning environments that celebrate the uniqueness of every child.

Attend this session to:
  • Develop an understanding of the four goals of anti-bias education and their significance in early childhood settings.
  • Identify and understand key social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies that promote collaboration, independence, and emotional well-being in young children.
  • Explore the connection between project-based learning (PBL) and SEL, recognizing how PBL naturally integrates SEL competencies through relevant problems and meaningful contexts.
  • Gain strategies for embedding anti-bias goals and SEL competencies into PBL units through relevant, learner-centered experiences, and refine an existing project by focusing on specific areas to incorporate these goals more intentionally.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Lev

Sara Lev

Early Childhood Project Based Learning
For two decades, Sara has been committed to cultivating learning environments that foster joy and independence for all, especially our youngest learners. As a long-time early childhood educator, she has worked as a classroom teacher, teacher-leader and instructional coach in a variety... Read More →
Saturday April 5, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
ALI Auditorium (A), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

1:30pm MDT

Playful Learning by Design: Guided Play as a Foundation for Project Based Learning
Saturday April 5, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
**ECP Credit Available**https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525339

Session Description

In this interactive workshop, we will explore the authentic connection between guided play and Project Based Learning. The session will highlight the core 21st-century skills children develop through play, such as collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. Participants will identify effective strategies to promote these skills through guided play experiences and have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to a current project or one provided.  

Attend this workshop to: 
  • Discuss the continuum of play and describe how the varying play stages support children’s developmental and learning needs.
  • Identify the core 21st-century skills children develop through play and strategies for promoting these skills through guided play paired with Project Based Learning.
  • Articulate the relationship between guided play and project-based learning, recognizing how they complement and enhance each other in fostering engagement and learning.
  • Acquire and apply practical strategies and techniques for facilitating guided play within project-based learning contexts to promote core 21st-century skill development.
Saturday April 5, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
ALI Auditorium (B), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812

1:30pm MDT

Purposeful Literacy Instruction: Leveraging Early Literacy Structures Within the Context of a Project
Saturday April 5, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
**ECP Credit Available**https://www.mtecpregistry.mtecp.org/register.aspx?evid=525310

Session Description
In this session, we will dispel the common misconception that young children must be fluent readers and writers to fully participate in Project Based Learning. We will broaden our definition of literacy, to include meaning making and inquiry alongside reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language development. As a community of learners, we will identify purposeful literacy structures that are crucial for emergent and early literacy instruction as we build a holistic view of literacy that can be developed through Project Based Learning. We will use collaboration and critical thinking to identify opportunities for utilizing purposeful literacy structures, stand alone lessons, and skill development activities in early childhood project plans. 


Session Outcomes
Workshop Outcomes/Attend this workshop to: 
  • Embrace a more holistic definition of literacy, integrating meaning-making with reading, writing, speaking, listening, inquiry, and language development in the context of PBL.
  • Collaboratively identify purposeful literacy structures crucial for emergent and early literacy.
  • Learn how to intentionally plan meaningful, comprehensive literacy-rich learning experiences within a PBL unit.
  • Engage with fellow educators to share best practices for early childhood PBL.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark

Early Childhood Project Based Learning
Amanda Clark, Ph.D., has been an educator for over 20 years, beginning her career as an elementary teacher where she designed engaging, inquiry-based projects that encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. She has also served as a building literacy leader and... Read More →
Saturday April 5, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm MDT
classroom 241

3:15pm MDT

Project Share and Closing Session
Saturday April 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
Join us for a dynamic Project Share session, where collaboration meets inspiration. This interactive gathering invites participants to join focused reflection groups, diving into key takeaways from the conference or sharing insights on their own evolving projects. Engage in meaningful dialogue, exchange ideas, and leave with fresh perspectives to enrich your practice.
Speakers
avatar for Sara Lev

Sara Lev

Early Childhood Project Based Learning
For two decades, Sara has been committed to cultivating learning environments that foster joy and independence for all, especially our youngest learners. As a long-time early childhood educator, she has worked as a classroom teacher, teacher-leader and instructional coach in a variety... Read More →
avatar for Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark

Early Childhood Project Based Learning
Amanda Clark, Ph.D., has been an educator for over 20 years, beginning her career as an elementary teacher where she designed engaging, inquiry-based projects that encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. She has also served as a building literacy leader and... Read More →
avatar for Erin Starkey

Erin Starkey

Early Childhood Project Based Learning (ECPBL)
I cannot wait to meet you all and take a closer look at all of the ways we can engage the youngest learners in meaningful, authentic PBL experiences!Join me for:Reflection, Feedback, and Revision: Taking an Active Role in the Learning Process Coaching Corner: Bring Your Project to... Read More →
Saturday April 5, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm MDT
ALI Auditorium (A), PJW College of Education The University of Montana, 32 Campus Drive, Missoula, MT 59812
 
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