Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers

Conference for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers

Join Us for the 2026 Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers!

February 4 and 5, 2026

Futures First is excited to host the second Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers on February 4-5, 2026. This two-day event offers a unique opportunity for early care and education trainers and coaches to connect with peers from across the region and gain practical strategies from industry leaders.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsor the Event

Meet the 2026 Keynote Speaker

The driving force behind the Unstoppable Momentum™ Movement, Kim Becking is changing the way we think about change and resilience in a rapidly changing world that never slows down.

An engaging, high energy and impactful international keynote speaker, New York Times Bestselling Author, human behavior expert, cancer thriver, recovering attorney and change and resilience researcher, Kim’s strategic insights and practical solutions have been utilized by hundreds of organizations ranging from Fortune 50 companies to associations and organizations around the world. Kim’s expertise on reframing change and redefining resilience is regularly featured in media outlets such as the New York Times, People, Good Morning America, USA Today and Harvard Business Review.

Her mission is to empower leaders and teams with the mindset, tools and framework they need to be more adaptable, more resilient, and better equipped to own what’s now and embrace what’s next with a deep breath and a big cup of Bring It On. After hearing Kim, leaders leave with the framework, mindset, and tools to revolutionize their approach to change, challenges, and obstacles, embrace the power of possibility, and use any change or challenge as rocket fuel for forward growth, transforming their lives, leadership, and your organization.

Day 1: Session 1

From Playdough to Plato: Coaching and Training with the Science of Learning in Early Childhood
Do You Appreciate or Just Recognize
Re-centering Teachers as Reflective Learners in ECE Environments
Strengthening School-Community Partnerships to Support Early Learning

Day 1: Session 2

Social Thinking Concepts and Vocabulary: The Basics
The Joy Factor: Helping Adults Connect, Engage, and Sustain Growth
Coaching for Early Literacy Success: Applying the Science of Reading in Early Childhood Classrooms
Andragogy in Action: Engaging Adult Learners

Day 2: Session 1

Individual Growth for Collective Gains
Beyond Feedback: Building Reflective Coaching Conversations that Stick
Coaches, Supervisors, and Trainers: The Impact of Smalltalk on Relationships!
Learning from Each Other: Building Stronger Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers

Day 2: Session 2

From Insight to Impact: Designing Better Prompts with Copilot, AI
Strategies for Teaching Business to Childcare Providers
Coaching Strategies to Honor Every Child's Best First Teacher
Coaches, Supervisors, and Trainers: The Impact of Smalltalk on Relationships! (All Day)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers

    1. Who is the conference for? The Midwest Summit is for all professionals that provide professional development. Some of the sessions, including the opening and closing keynotes, are geared toward the idea of quality adult-learning, which is essential for trainers, coaches, parent educators, and more.
    2. What sessions are best for parent educators?
      As a parent educator, we have several sessions that may best fit your unique needs. A few examples of these sessions include, “ Do You Appreciate or Just Recognize,” “ Social Thinking Concepts and Vocabulary: The Basics ,” and “Coaches, Supervisors, and Trainers: The Impact of Smalltalk on Relationships!.” Check out this list of session descriptions for more information.
    3. What if I’m a trainer and a coach? How do I decide what classes? Coaches should attend any session with a focus area of “Adult Learning” or “Coaches”; Trainers should attend any session with a focus area of “Adult Learning” or “Trainers.” Check out the session descriptions for more information.
    4. What if I want to be a trainer or a coach? If you are someone who is just stepping into this next phase of your early childhood education profession, this event will help you heighten your knowledge of training delivery, adult-learning techniques, and coaching skills.
    5. Are CEUs or clock hours available? Yes, these all sessions are approved in both Kansas and Missouri.
    6. Are there any scholarships available? KCCTO currently has conference scholarships available for Kansas providers who currently work in a licensed, non-Head Start, child care facility. See this page for more information.
    7. Are meals included? Lunch will be included each day, as well as late-afternoon appetizers on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2. Some GF offerings will be available at each meal.
    8. Where can I find lodging? There are several hotels located near the JCCC campus. See this list for just a few of the options.
    9. What parking is available? Parking is free for this event, with both covered and non-covered lots.
    10. What is the dress code? Dress code for this event is business casual.