Another reason why you won't want to miss the

Many Colors, One Canvas: MD ECE Conference

August 20 / 21 at the Delaplaine Arts Center in Frederick, MD

We are excited to announce that representatives from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) will be joining us for this year's conference!

Attendees will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with:

• Regional Manager, Montgomery County Office of Child Care
• Director of Licensing, Office of Child Care, Division of Early Childhood
• Program Manager, Division of Early Childhood

As Maryland early childhood educators continue navigating regulations, credential updates, inclusion practices, staffing challenges, and licensing expectations, this is a valuable opportunity to connect directly with state leaders and gain insights into the future of early childhood education in Maryland.

For many educators, directors, and family child care providers, licensing and state regulations can sometimes feel overwhelming, unclear, or constantly evolving. Many Colors, One Canvas is designed not only to inspire creativity and inclusion in early childhood classrooms, but also to help providers feel more informed, confident, and connected to the larger early childhood community across Maryland.

At the heart of this year’s conference is a simple but powerful idea:

Art is for everyone.

Through our featured sessions — Cultures in the Classroom, Color Outside the Lines: Art for All Abilities, and The Language of Art — educators will explore how art can become a bridge for communication, inclusion, cultural connection, and self-expression for every child.

In addition to our inspiring keynote speaker, Arianna Ross of Story Tapestries, trainer Hwaida Hassanein of ChildCareEd, and guest trainer Amina Jones Law of Childcare Management Solutions LLC, conference participants will have the chance to engage in meaningful conversations around topics that matter most to programs today, including:

• Inclusive classroom practices and adaptive materials
• Supporting children of diverse abilities and cultural backgrounds
• Developmentally appropriate learning environments
• Classroom setup ideas that make art accessible for all learners

Whether you are a classroom educator, center director, owner, support staff member, or family child care provider, this conference offers something incredibly valuable: a chance to step away from the daily rush, connect with fellow professionals, ask important questions, gather fresh ideas, and return to your program feeling energized and supported.

Participants will also have the opportunity to:

• Earn annual training hours
• Receive Professional Activity Units (PAUs)
• Explore practical classroom strategies
• Discover inclusive materials and adaptive tools
• Network with professionals and organizations serving Maryland’s early childhood community

At a time when early childhood educators are being asked to do more than ever before, Many Colors, One Canvas is about more than just professional development.

It is about building classrooms — and communities — where every child’s voice, culture, creativity, and abilities are recognized, celebrated, and supported.

We hope you will join us for a meaningful day of learning, connection, creativity, and conversation as we work together to support Maryland's youngest learners.