Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers
Conference for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers
Join Us for the 2027 Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers!
February 10 and 11, 2027
Futures First is excited to host the third Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers on February 10-11. 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.
Meet the 2027 Keynote Speaker
Prerna Richards is a TEDx speaker, globally recognized thought leader, and transformational coach with over 40 years of experience in early childhood education and leadership. She has worked with thousands of educators and leaders across the globe, helping to transform the way adults understand behavior, relationships, and learning.
Her work integrates neuroscience, brain development, stress, trauma, and play, while championing what she calls “social-emotional development for the grown-ups.”
At the heart of her work is a powerful belief: when adults are regulated, self-aware, and emotionally supported, children naturally follow. Through her signature “Connect Before You Correct” approach, Prerna helps educators and leaders shift from reactive, compliance-driven practices to connection-centered environments rooted in resilience, belonging, and emotional intelligence.
Blending science, storytelling, and practical strategies, Prerna inspires lasting change—equipping audiences to lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
2026 Day 1: Session 1
2027 sessions will be released soon.
2026 Day 1: Session 2
2026 Day 2: Session 1
2026 Day 2: Session 2
Frequently Asked Questions about the Midwest Summit for Early Childhood Coaches and Trainers
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- 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.
- What sessions are best for parent educators?
Session descriptions and learning tracks for the 2027 Symposium will be available in Fall 2026. Please check back for additional details as they become available. - What if I’m a trainer and a coach? How do I decide what classes? Session descriptions and learning tracks for the 2027 Symposium will be available in Fall 2026. Additional information will be provided to help attendees select the sessions that best fit their roles and interests.
- 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.
- Are CEUs or clock hours available? Yes, these all sessions are approved in both Kansas and Missouri.
- 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.
- Are meals included? Breakfast will be included each day, as well as lunch on Day 1. Gluten free offerings will be available at each meal.
- Where can I find lodging? There are several hotels located near the JCCC campus. See this list for just a few of the options.
- What parking is available? Parking is free for this event, with both covered and non-covered lots.
- What is the dress code? Dress code for this event is business casual.