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2025 Fall Leadership Institute:
November 19-20, 2025
Fort Valley State University
C.W. Pettigrew Conference Center
1005 State University Drive
Fort Valley, GA
| Theme: "Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future- The Head Start Legacy Continues." | | 2025 Georgia Head Start Association Fall Leadership Institute | The Fall Leadership Institute is an annual professional development and networking event that brings together Head Start and Early Head Start leaders, consultants, trainers, and other early learning professionals.
The Conference Theme is: "Celebrating the Past, Embracing the Future- The Head Start Legacy Continues." | | | | | | |
November 19, 2025
8:00 A.m.- 12:00 Noon
Auditorium
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About Rebecca
Rebecca has over 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Education in a variety of roles, organizations, and settings. She is experienced in collaborating with leadership from community-based development organizations -- nationally to provide technical assistance and curriculum design to high-need early education centers -- and internationally in assisting schools with social-emotional curriculum development and innovation. Rebecca’s experience is based in Applied Behavior Analysis and includes supporting families and educators in promoting pro-social behaviors and having effective responses to challenging behavior.
rebecca.listfreedman@firstdaylearning.com
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Behavioral\Mental Health Keynote and Panel Discussion: November 19, 2025
8:30 a.m.- 10:00 a.m.
The 2025 Fall Leadership Institute at Fort Valley State University in Georgia includes a Behavioral Health Early Learning Track on November 19, featuring a 90-minute session from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. that begins with a short keynote focused on challenging behavior in early learning and classroom support. This learning track uses a four-tier format: keynote talks, panel discussions for deeper exploration with a Q&A session, and small group breakout sessions.
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Rebecca List Freedman, First Day Learning Company
Anatasia Newton, First Day Learning Company
Laura Lucas, Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL)
Consuella Carter, C.C. Educational Services, LLC- Circle of Security Trainer
Christina Hicks, C3 Therapeutic Solutions
Lada Hicks, YMCA Early Childhood Development Company (ECDC)
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Breakout Sessions November 19, 2025: 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Following the Q&A, attendees will have a 15-minute morning break. After the break, attendees will participate in breakout sessions organized by panel members. In these sessions, participants will join smaller group discussions focused on subject matter content, guided by panel members.
More About First Day Learning
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Panel Breakout Sessions
The Thomas and Barbara Turner Ball Room
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Behavioral\Mental Health Panel
Breakout Sessions: November 19, 2025
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
1.Session Title: The Magic of ABC-123 Behavior Change plans
Presenter: Anastasia Newton, First Day Learning Company
2.Session Title: Using Play Intentionally to Build Social Skills and Prevent Challenging Behaviors
Presenter: Rebecca List Freedman, First Day Learning
3.Session Title: An Overview of Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P)
Presenter: Consuella Carter, EdS, CC Educational Training Services, LLC
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Afternoon Session
Leadership in Early Learning Session
November 19, 2025
Auditorium
1:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Acelero\Shine Early Learning- Leadership Series
featuring: Dr. Ako Kambon, Visionary Leader's Institute
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LEADERSHIP, EARLY LEARNING FIELD RESEARCH KEYNOTE AND PANEL DISCUSSION
The 2025 Fall Leadership Institute at Fort Valley State University in Georgia includes a Leadership, Research and Field Early Learning Afternoon Session on November 19th, featuring a 90-minute session from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. that begins with a short keynote focused on Leadership and Research topics that shape our field and foster Leadership in early learning, and classroom support. This learning track uses a four-tier format: keynote talks, panel discussions for deeper exploration, and small group breakout sessions.
Panel Guests:
Kelvin Thomas, Acelero\Shine Early Learning
Ako Kambon, Visionary Leader's Institute
Sundjata Aya, Visionary Leader's Institute
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Breakout Sessions November 19, 2025
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Following the Q&A, attendees will have a 15-minute afternoon break. After the break, attendees will participate in breakout sessions organized by panel members. In these sessions, participants will join smaller group discussions focused on subject matter content, guided by panel members.
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Panel Breakout Sessions
The Thomas and Barbara Turner Ball Room
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Leadership\ Research in ECE Panel
Breakout Sessions: November 19, 2025
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
1.Session Title: Open Communication: Navigating Difficult Conversations
Presenter: Kelvin Thomas, Vice President: Acelero Learning
2.Session Title: Leadership Workshop Series: Follow-Through — Time & Task Management
Presenter: Maria Madigral, Director of Learning Engagement- Shine Early Learning
3.Session Title: Dads Can Make A Difference
Presenter: Ako Kambon, Sundjata Aya,Visionary Leader's Institute
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DAY TWO
MORNING SESSION
Technology, A.I., Innovation in Early Learning Session
November 20, 2025 Auditorium
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Sponsored by Insights by mYo
featuring: Mary Grace Romo, Early Ed.ai
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TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION EARLY LEARNING SESSION
The 2025 Fall Leadership Institute at Fort Valley State University in Georgia includes a Technology and Innovation Learning Track on November 20, featuring a 90-minute session from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. that begins with a short keynote focused on technology's role in early learning, data collection, analysis, reporting, and classroom support. This learning track uses a four-tier format: keynote talks, panel discussions for deeper exploration, and small group breakout sessions.
Panel Guests:
Maya Mcelrath, Insights by mYo
Diane Binda, Dicabi Solutions
Carolyn Heyliger-Graham, Learning Genie
Mary Grace Romo, Early Ed.ai
Melissa Skrbic-Huss, ChildPlus
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Breakout Session November 20, 2025
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Following the Q&A, attendees will have a 15-minute morning break. After the break, attendees will participate in breakout sessions organized by panel members. In these sessions, participants will join smaller group discussions focused on subject matter content, guided by panel members.
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Panel Breakout Sessions
The Thomas and Barbara Turner Ball Room
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Technology\A.I. & Innovation Panel
Breakout Sessions: November 20, 2025
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon
1.Session Title: Smarter, Faster Data: How to Halve Your Research Time and Double Your Strategic Impact
Presenter: Maya Mcelrath, Insights by mYo
2.Session Title : Harnessing AI for Early Learning Success
Presenter: Carolyn Heyliger-Graham, Learning Genie
3.Session Title: Innovation in Action: Bridging Technology and Compliance with SafeFacility
Presenter: Diane Binda, Dicabi Solutions, LLC
4.Session Title: Leading AI Adoption and Policy
Presenter: Mary Romo,
EarlyEd.ai
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Special Guest: Debra Kibbe, Georgia SPAN/ PEACH Collaborative
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Afternoon Session
HOT TOPICS
November 20, 2025
Auditorium
1:30 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
featuring: Allison Setterlind, Georgia Head Start Collaboration Director
The landscape of Early Learning is dynamic and ever-evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities for growth and improvement. Head Start, as a vital component of this landscape, is no exception. In this enlightening session, you will have the unique opportunity to gain insights from experts well-versed in the priorities of The Administration for Children and Families, Make America Healthy Again, Parent Choice, as well as other critical Federal and State issues that are currently shaping the future of Head Start and childcare. This knowledge is not only essential for understanding the present context but also for empowering you to navigate and contribute positively to the ongoing dialogue surrounding early childhood education. Together, we can embrace these changes and work towards a brighter future for our youngest learners.
Learn More About DECAL
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Courtney Nicole Howard,
FVSU Project Manager,
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Courtney.Howard@fvsu.edu
Keynote Speaker
| Courtney Nicole Howard is a visionary leader, educator, and innovator with a passion for leveraging technology to empower communities. At FVSU, Courtney leads large-scale initiatives including the Cultivate AI Conference—positioning the University as the first HBCU in Georgia to host a conference dedicated to AI in education, entrepreneurship, and agriculture. She also manages multiple digital literacy hubs, directs a team of student workers, and partners with community organizations to close the digital divide. | |
CLOSING SESSION
November 20, 2025 3:15 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Auditorium
Fort Valley State University is part of the University of Georgia System, one of two Georgia's 1890 land grant universities and one of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Located in the heart of Georgia, FVSU combines the personal attention and family feel of a small, private college with the resources and research found at large public universities. With a directive to use knowledge to improve the lives of students and non-students alike, the university is preparing students to embrace their genius as future global leaders and enabling discovery that will make real that is only now imagined (source: fvsu.edu). FVSU is the only grant recipient in the state of Georgia with a Head Start program in a University setting.
The Fall Leadership Institute's closing session promises to be an inspiring gathering of faculty and staff from Fort Valley State University, uniting passionate individuals who are dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation across various fields. This dynamic event will serve as a platform for sharing groundbreaking University projects, showcasing the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in Early Learning, and exploring vital topics such as Health, Foods & Nutrition, and the Head Start program. As participants come together, they will not only celebrate their collective achievements but also foster collaboration and ignite new ideas that can positively impact the community and beyond. This session embodies the spirit of teamwork and forward-thinking, paving the way for a brighter future through education and research.
Panel Guests:
Courtney Nicole Howard, FVSU
Dr. Christopher Ekpo, FVSU
Nikkia Mosley, FVSU
Columbus Alderman, FVSU
More About FVSU
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Georgia Head Start Association, Inc.
GHSA's mission is to provide education, leadership, and advocacy to support Head Start programs' efforts in providing high quality, comprehensive services to children and families.
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Tajuannya McBride
GHSA President
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Juanita Yancey
GHSA Executive Officer & Organizer
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Yolanda Daniels
GHSA
Training & Technical Assistance Chair
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Sherree Dean
GHSA
Training & Technical Assistance Co-Chair
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| Georgia Head Start Association, Inc. | One West Court Square Suite 750 NA | Decatur, GA 30030 US |
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