Out of School Time Conference 2024
November 12-15, 2024
In-person | Chula Vista Resort & Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells
Educators, See Marshfield Offerings, See Stevens Point Offerings, See Wausau Offerings
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November 12-13, 2024 | ​Chula Vista Resort & Conference Center, Wisconsin Dells 

November 15, 2024 | Virtual​

Description​


Join us for an opportunity for out of school time professionals to gain information, education, and resources which will support their programs, staff, and participants.

Offered in partnership with Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance, Department of Children and Families, Department of Public Instruction, Department of Administration, Continuing Education: University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, YMCA of Wisconsin State Alliance, Boys and Girls Club of Wisconsin State Alliance, Wisconsin Childcare Administrators Association, Northwest Connection, Milwaukee Public Schools, and Whitehall School District.

In-Person: November 12-13, 2024 

The in-Person Out of School Time Conference is intended to reach program coordinators, directors, and administrators. Individuals will walk away with ideas and inspiration to design and lead programs that offer a quality experience for their frontline staff and program participants. The in-person conference will take place at Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

Virtual: November 15, 2024 

The Virtual Out of School Time Conference is intended to reach frontline staff who work day-to-day to offer a quality experiences for youth and their families. The staff who attend the virtual sessions will walk away with ideas and inspiration to help them be successful in their onsite, day-to-day program interactions with youth and coworkers. The virtual conference will take place via Zoom in partnership with UW-Stevens Point department of Continuing Education and Outreach.​

Registration​ Information

Only Virtual Conference is available online at this time!

​​Full C​​onference Attendee (inclusive of Virtual day and pre-conference) | $99.00

Virtual Conference Only Attendee - November 15, 2024 | $35.00

Exhibitor - In-person | $110.00

Booth Electricity | $50.00​


Online regsitration is credit card only. We accept Discover, MasterCard, and VISA.

If you need to pay by check contact uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu​​​

​Scholarships​

​​Criter​​ia

  1. Only individuals, not organizations, are eligible for scholarship.
  2. Applicants must submit a letter of support from their employer.
  3. Applicants must agree to attend the full in person portion of the conference; in addition, they may also attend the virtual portion.​

​​Any questions please contact Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance ​(WOSTA) at wosta@marshfieldclinic.org ​​​

​Conference Information​


Exhibitor Opportunities

The 2024 Out of School Time Conference will feature an Exhibit Hall available at the in-person conference on Wednesday, November 13. We encourage all vendors to get creative. Helpful information, self-care ideas, promotional offers, etc., are welcome!

Exhibitor Fee ($110) includes the following:

  • One complimentary registration, including conference content and meals
  • One 4'x8' skirted table designed for table-top exhibits
  • Access to more than 400 out of school time professionals, including administrators, front-line workers, and community professionals.

*Please register by Monday​, October 28, 2024.

Contact uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu for more information. 

The Out of School Time Conference and UWSP Continuing Education are not responsible for damages or loss by a vendor during the conference.

Lodging

 
1000 CHULA VISTA PARKWAY
WISCONSIN DELLS, WI 53965

A block of rooms is available at the Chula Vista Resort and Conference Center. Reservations can be made by calling 1-844​-280-2407 and reference leader K47402 "Out of School Time"

Rates for 11/11/​2024 & 11/12/2024 are Single Occupancy $98.00 per night and​ Double Occupancy $129.00 per night.​

‭(Hidden)‬ 2024 Workshop Proposal Submission

​Proposal submission is closed ​

​​Workshop proposals are currently being reviewed. Selected workshop presenters will be notified by email by September 2nd, 2024.​

Minimum Computer Standards

Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the minimum computer standards for participating in the virtual conference via Zoom.  Zoom works best with Chrome or Firefox. WI DPI, Marshfield Clinic, and/or UWSP are not responsible for participant technological issues, including, but not limited to, inadequate bandwidth and/or registrant equipment malfunction. 

Cancellation Policy

The registration fee is completely refundable through Tuesday, October 30, 2024. Refunds requested between October 31-November 5, 2024 will be charged a $50/registrant administrative fee. No refunds will be granted on or after Wednesday, November 6, 2024. Substitutions may be made at any time, but no-shows will be responsible for the full registration fee. Please contact UWSP Continuing Education (uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu) if you have not received confirmation of your registration.​​
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​​Conference Schedule

Click on the grey drop-down menu ​below for more schedule details. 

​Tuesday, November 12, 2024​

3-7 p.m. | Pre-Conference

3-4:30 p.m Pre-conference Networking Event


5:30 - 7 p.m. Social​

 

Sponsored by Wisconsin Youth Company and Madison Out-of-School Time (MOST).​
                                    ​                   ​  

​Wednesday, November 13, 2024​ In-Person Conference

8:30 - 10 a.m.| Welcome & Opening Keynote

8: 30 - 9 a.m. | Welcome & Opening Remarks​

9 - 10 a.m. |​ Keynote - Cultivating Connections: The C.A.R.E. Model for Sustainable Impact​

Presenter: Chardé Hollins​, LCSW-S

In a world where the pressures of daily work can lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness, it's crucial to find sustainable ways to maintain our passion and impact. This keynote presentation introduces the C.A.R.E. Model—Connect, Affirm, Recharge, Empower—a holistic approach designed to help you reignite your passion and enhance your effectiveness in working with youth and staff.
Through a blend of personal stories, practical tips, and interactive elements, this keynote will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to implement the C.A.R.E. Model in your work. You'll leave feeling inspired, equipped, and ready to continue creating a positive, connected, and empowered environment for both youth and staff
​
This presentation will focus on four key pillars:

  1.  Connect: Strategies for building strong, trusting relationships with youth and staff.

  2.  Affirm: Techniques for recognizing and celebrating contributions to foster a culture of appreciation.

  3.  Recharge: Practical self-care methods to sustain passion and effectiveness.

  4. Empower: Approaches to supporting growth and development, ensuring true empowerment.​

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify key components necessary for building strong, trusting relationships with youth and staff.

  2. Apply practical self-care strategies to maintain their passion and effectiveness in their roles.

  3. Develop innovative strategies to support the personal and professional growth of their staff and youth participants.

10:15-11:15 a.m. | Sessions 1-5

​1: Building Resiliency in Educators​​​

Presenter: Nick Harnish, Director of Education-Badgerland Girl Scouts​

Everyone faces challenges and hardship at times. Resilience is your ability to cope with and bounce back from stress and adversity, and hopefully even grow through the experience. It is sometimes referred to as “thriving” … and not just surviving. in this session we will explore definitions, core competencies, and skills to build a resilient educator.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to define resilience.

  2. Participants will be able to understand how to build resilience.

  3. Participants will be able to understand the qualities of resilience.​​

2:  Engaging With the 21st CCLC National Technical Assistance Center​

​Presenter: Brittney Stanton, 21st CCLC NTAC

Spark curiosity and inspire growth! Join members of the U.S. Department of Education’s 21st CCLC National Technical Assistance Center (21st CCLC NTAC) team to learn about all the Center has to offer. Learn how to access free training and technical assistance to meet your program's specific needs, the range of relevant supports the center provides, what the experience was like for participating programs, and how to get started.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Learn more about the 21st CCLC NTAC and how it can support you and your programs.

  2. Explore the variety of resources available through NTAC.

  3. Understand the process for requesting support from the NTAC.

3: KEEP 'em Energized with Hands-On Energy Activities! ​

Presenter: Laureanna Raymond-Duvernell, MS, Educator Outreach Specialist

Life is more fun and enriching when we are actively participating in it! Empower your students to explore energy in the world, both indoors and outdoors, with free hands-on tools and activities provided by KEEP – Wisconsin’s K-12 Energy Education Program.

Learning Objectives:​

  1. Participants will be able to try hands-on energy activities that engage students in exploring energy concepts both indoors and outdoors, while fostering collaboration and social interactions.

  2. Participants will be able to utilize KEEP's tools and resources to implement interactive and dynamic energy activities for out-of-school-time students.

  3. Participants will be able to foster an introduction to energy and sustainability among students through experiential learning opportunities.​ 

​​4: Digital Design for Afterschool Advocacy​​

 Presenter: Daniel Gage, Master of Arts in Educational Leadership​

Unlock the power of digital design to showcase the amazing things happening in your afterschool program! You will learn how to create engaging and informative materials using tools like Canva, even if you have limited computer experience. Discover the basics of digital design, get hands-on practice, and walk away with the skills to produce graphics that resonate with parents and the community. Attendees must bring a computer.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to identify the importance of using advocacy to gain support for their program.

  2. Participants will be able to create engaging and informative materials using digital tools.

  3. Participants will be able to identify ways in which engaging material can be utilized to gain support for their program.

​5: Youth-Driven Recommendations On How To Be A Supportive Adult​​

Presenter: Rachel Lefebvre​, BA
                    
                   Kayla Winston, Senior at Case High School, Youth Apprenticeship with Racine Unified School District​

Young adult co-presenters will share the latest research on supportive adult relationships and will provide their insights on how leaders and direct service staff can prioritize social connectedness in their work.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will able to describe how to share power with young people in relationships and why it is important.

  2. Participants will be able articulate how to challenge growth in young people and why it is important to supportive adult relationships.

  3. Participants will be able to understand why it is important to expand possibilities when forming strong relationships with youth. ​

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Sessions 6-10

6: Inspire Your Staff to Stay and Thrive

​Presenter: Allyson Cummings, Reedsburg Community Learning Center Director

Learn ways to engage and lead your staff to increase staff retention. Many examples of ways to motivate and train your staff to be their best will be given. Also, learn how to make Champions of your staff and others to promote your program for you. I spend much of my free time reading management, self care, and communication books. I have tested theories through my position during the past fifteen years.

Learning Objectives:​

  1. Take ideas for immediate action.

  2. Know what Champions are and the need for them.

  3. Know how to put HEART into their work as a supervisor.​

7: So, You Need to Have a Parent Meeting?

Presenter: Michelle Doughty, MaEd, School Age Director

Have you been faced with needing to meet with a family to discuss their child's challenging behaviors but are not quite sure what to do after setting it up? You meet, you talk to the family, and then what? How do we take this information and make a plan to help the child? Many times, a necessary step when working with children with challenging behaviors is meeting with the family to discuss those behaviors and create a plan of action to address the behaviors. This workshop will give you the tools necessary to meet with families and create a behavior support plan together.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will learn when to hold parent meetings to discuss behaviors.

  2. Participants will learn how to take the information learned and make a plan for the child to be successful in program.

  3. Participants will get the tools necessary to meet with families and create a behavior support plan together.

8​: Linking OST and Mental Health: Community-Based Approaches to Promoting Youth Mental Health

Presenters: Karen Friedman, Director, Strategy and Quality Practice, Mental Health

The youth mental crisis calls for intentional ways to meet the varying needs of today’s youth. We will discuss how out of school programming is an opportune space to advance youth’s mental health and well-being, particularly for youth from marginalized communities. By elevating Trauma-Informed approaches and findings from CDC grants lead by Y-USA and in partnership with Child Trends and the PTA, we will discuss community-based approaches and key recommendations on how to center mental health in OST programming from both research and practice perspectives.

​​​Learning Objectives: 

  1. ​Participants will be able to identify how out-of-school time (OST) programs can effectively support and enhance the mental health and well-being of youth, especially those from marginalized communities.

  2. Participants will learn to apply trauma-informed strategies within OST programs to address and support the mental health needs of youth, drawing from research and practical examples.

  3. Participants will be equipped with key recommendations and best practices based on findings from CDC grants and collaborations with Y-USA, Child Trends, and the PTA to integrate mental health-focused initiatives into their OST programming.

9: There’s a Grant for That!​

Presenter: Chardé Hollins, Founder & Executive Director; LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; CCTP-II, Certified clinical Trauma Professional II

Securing financial resources for out-of-school time (OST) programs in today's competitive funding landscape can be challenging yet essential for sustained impact. In this stimulating session, participants will explore the core content areas and goals of OST programming, unlocking innovative approaches to increase funding and foster better community engagement. Through interactive discussions and practical examples, we will share creative strategies, exclusive tips, and insights often unshared or underutilized in the field to secure funding effectively.

Learning Objectives:​

  1. Review the fundamental principles and content areas of OST, including planning, implementation, and community engagement.

  2. Develop a keen eye for identifying funding opportunities that align with the goals and objectives of OST programs.

  3.  Discover strategies to foster collaboration, build partnerships with community stakeholders, and create a sense of shared responsibility.​

10: Creating Connected, Collaborative Learning Communities

Presenter: Asia Bronson, M.Ed, Account Manager, Harmony Academy, San Deigo, CA

Participants will learn, explore, and practice Harmony's strategic daily strategies for engaging students in relationship-building activities while creating a safe and caring out-of-school community. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources that will expand their toolkit to build authentic connections and empathy while empowering the student's voice. Many techniques can be adapted and modified for a variety of out-of-school environments and adult professional learning. 

​​​Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will be able to foster a passion within students for life-long learning and encourage meaningful relationships with peers, adults, and the community. 

  2. Participants will be able to support social and emotional development for youth to have a positive impact on their future academic and personal growth. 

  3. Participants will be able to create an out of school environment that is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive of everyone, helping them to become more resilient, empathetic, and socially competent individuals. ​

1:15 - 2:15 p.m. | Sessions 11 - 15

11: Strategic Planning for Building Community Engagement

Presenters: Mackenzi Schwarz, Director of Teaching, Learning, and Operations 

                     Dr. Brad Ebert, Superintendent Kiel Area School District, Kiel, WI 

This session will focus on the current strategic plan work at the Kiel Area School District. The session will highlight the building and implementation of a strategic plan, as well as emphasize social connectedness for students, staff, families, businesses, and community members as part of the plan. The session will overview current work on increased connectedness both in the school and in the local community as it relates to the plan, and allow for discussion and collaboration for other districts to share their community engagement experiences.  

​​​Learning Objectives: ​

  1. Participants will be able to understand the basics of strategic planning and how to connect a district plan to community engagement and connectedness.

  2. Participants will be able to discuss and collaborate ideas for connectedness and engagement for students, families, staff, businesses, and community members. 

12: Enhancing Staff Well-being: A Catalyst for Positive Outcomes

Presenter: Maxwell Roy, MPH, Doctoral Candidate - DrPH; Public Grant Writer, Sojourner Milwaukee, WI; Owner, Catalyst Consulting MKE

Join us for an engaging and interactive 60-minute workshop designed for youth-serving professionals at the 2024 Out of School Time Conference. This session will delve into the critical importance of staff psychological well-being and its far-reaching impact on youth outcomes, organizational culture, and community engagement.

Drawing from a comprehensive assessment and promising practices guide developed for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin, we will explore practical activities and strategies to support staff well-being. Participants will engage in discussions and group activities, sharing insights and generating ideas on how to implement effective well-being initiatives within their organizations. Learn how prioritizing staff well-being can lead to improved retention, enhanced productivity, and a positive work environment, ultimately benefiting the youth and communities you serve.

This workshop is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable tools, share best practices, and connect with peers committed to fostering supportive and healthy out-of-school time environments.
​

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Understand the Importance of Staff Psychological Well-being: Participants will be able to articulate the connection between staff well-being and positive youth outcomes, improved organizational culture, and enhanced community engagement.

  2. Identify Practical Strategies for Supporting Staff Well-being: Participants will be able to implement a variety of practical activities and strategies designed to support and enhance staff psychological well-being within their organizations.

  3. Engage in Collaborative Problem-Solving: Participants will be able to engage in discussions and group activities to share insights, generate new ideas, and collaboratively address challenges related to staff well-being, fostering a supportive network among peers.​

13: Moving from Behavior Management to Helping Children Manage Themselves​​ 

Presenter: Connie Williams, School-age coach for the Southern Region for Wisconsin Out of School Time Association (WOSTA) and Youngstar​

​We want the children/youth we work with to be self-sufficient problem solvers, that can manage their own behavior throughout the day.  Yet staff often find themselves in the role of "fixers" with many children relying heavily on adult intervention.  This session will focus on ways to support a shift toward greater "self managemen" in our programs, including a look at adult interaction styles and effective tools and program practices that foster thinking, independence and self-regulation in the children and youth they serve.   

Learning Objectives: ​

  1. Participants will be able to articulate goals they have for children in their programs, and tie them to SEL goals.

  2. Participants will be able to describe characteristics of 3 basic styles of staff interaction/guidance and how each can support or inhibit self management.

  3. Participants will gain an understanding of strategies to use with children in fostering self management, including scaffolding and problem-solving frameworks.

14: Beyond the Bell: Sowing Seeds of Food Security in After-School Programs

Presenter: Jill Niemczyk, Health Educator, MCHS, Marshfield, WI 

This presentation explores innovative ways to integrate food security initiatives into out-of-school time programs. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of food security's key components and their relevance to after-school environments. The session will showcase practical, implementable activities that can enhance existing programs.

Participants will analyze potential challenges in implementing these initiatives and discuss effective solutions. The presentation will guide attendees through developing a basic action plan for incorporating food security activities into their programs, including resource allocation and evaluation methods.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will be able to Identify key components of food security and their relevance to out-of-school time programs.

  2. Participants will be able to describe at least three practical food security activities that can be integrated into existing out-of-school time programs.

  3. Participants will be able to analyze potential challenges and solutions for implementing food security initiatives in out-of-school settings.

  4. Participants will be able to develop a basic action plan for incorporating food security activities into an out-of-school time program, including resource requirements and evaluation methods.​

15: Wisconsin Registry: Utilizing Resources to Support Program Staff

Presenters: Danielle​ Earley, Director of Operations, Wisconsin Registry, Fitchburg, WI

                     Devan Valona, Operations Coordinator, Wisconsin Registry, Fitchburg, WI

Wisconsin Registry staff will lead a discussion on how to support your program staff. This will include applying for Registry membership, determining position qualifications, using the Program Profile, and other Wisconsin Registry services. 

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will become more familiar with the Wisconsin Registry and the services we offer.

  2. Participants will navigate how to qualify for positions in a program or organization, along with ways to support their staff. 

  3. Participants will learn about opportunities currently available to the field. ​​​

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Sessions 16 - 20

16: Creating Meaningful Connections Utilizing Team Building & Leadership Activities

Presenters: Brian Kenney, Owner of Team Extreme LLC 

Developing meaningful and purposeful connections to others is crucial to being a good team player.  Learn to connect to others while working on critical thinking and problem-solving skill sets. Learning the value of connecting with others will increase your leadership skills and allow you to become career and life-ready.  This session will involve hands-on small and large group sessions to develop strong team-building and leadership skills.             

Learning Objectives

  1. Increase positive and meaningful human connections.

  2. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

  3. Learn how to become more self-aware and also gain awareness of how others think and feel.

17: DCF Updates

Presenter: Amanda St. Martin, MSW - Child Care Licensing Program Specialist

​​Come and hear what's new and exciting at the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families! In this presentation, we will discuss new and continuing DCF projects and initiatives and provide space for ECE professionals to ask questions and connect with colleagues.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify DCF initiatives and projects around the state.

  2. Conceptualize and understand administrative requirements.

  3. Support ECE staff and/or colleagues in the workplace through regulatory compliance.

18: What have I gotten myself into? A primer for new CLC leaders

Presenter: Patrick Barnett, Community Education Director, Spooner Area Schools, Former National Chair, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Association for Music Education, Former District 7 President, Illinois Music Education Association, ​

​This session will confront the challenges of becoming a CLC or OST program leader with ideas for how to reorganize, retool, and rethink program operations and management.  Session sections include:  What I didn't know when I said yes (what the school didn't tell me about leading 2 CLC programs), we did what? (quirky organizational things that needed to change), and I want to...(a list of program changes that Spooner High Five did to make itself better and look towards a bright future)

 Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to leave with 5 important roles of the Site Coordinator/leader.

  2. Participants will know why Cayen in a valuable tool.

  3. Participants will be able to identify ways to incorporate CCLC Guiding principles into daily club life.

19: Opportunities with AmeriCorps

Presenter: Jeanne Duffy, Executive Director

Learn how AmeriCorps funding and members can help provide quality out of school programming.

​Learning Objectives:

  1. What is AmeriCorps. 

  2. AmeriCorps Programs in Wisconsin and Examples of Out of School Time AmeriCorps Programs. 

  3. ​​How to Apply for AmeriCorps Funding.​

20: Leadership Strengths for Educators

Presenter: Nick Harnish, Director of Education-Badgerland Girl Scouts

By combining the teachings of Master Resilience Training, Predictive Index, DISC, and Four Lenses this session will provide you insight into how to utilize your own  as well as your team's strengths, communication styles, and default personality styles to develop a dynamic and effective team. Through hands on activities and discussion we will dive into different styles of leadership and how to utilize our character strengths in our communication. We will gain a greater understanding of how to navigate stressful and or difficult situations. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to identify their character strengths.

  2. Participants will be able to identify the 4 primary lenses of personalities.

  3. Participants will be able to identify their DISC communication style.​


21: Advocacy is for Everybody: Moving the Needle and Making an Impact

Presenter: Andrew Gussert

Every board member, staff, teacher or parent has the ability to meet with their own elected officials, from City Council up to U.S. Senator.  We will cover the who, what, why, when and how for making the case to support afterschool. 

It is not lobbying if you live in the district, (or) are not paid to do it, (or) are not discussing a specific law or budget item. Advocacy is for everybody.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Identify who their elected officials are, find out how to contact them, and the proper methods for having an impactful meeting as a constituent.

  2. Utilize different strategies and tactics for making the case to support out of school time, and how to have maximum results with minimal work.

  3. Employ online tools and resources to help make their case, and collaborate on what works, what doesn’t, and how to best follow up on policy.

  4. Collaborate, cooperate and discuss the appropriate legal guidelines and limits for advocacy, and assess a cost benefit analysis when taking action.​​

​Friday, November 15, 2024 - Virt​ual Conference​​​

10 - 10:15 a.m. | Welcome and Kick off

Welcome and Kick off​



10:15 - 11:15 a.m. | "A" Sessions

A1: The Stories We Share: Infusing Media in Experiences to Spark Social Connection

Presenters: Mia Forslund​, MA, Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin Education, Madison, WI​

​                     Mouna​ Algahaithi , Early Learning Education Engagement Specialist, PBS Wisconsin Education​

Stories connect us; they illuminate experiences, support sense-making, and guide us as we work together to solve problems. PBS Wisconsin Education gets that, and makes free-to-use multimedia collections that infuse the stories of people who have, and are continuing to change our state and our world. This session will shine a spotlight on those resources and the opportunities to bring them into program spaces and engage learners in making connections with the adults in their programs and communities and exploring new possibilities.

Learning Objectives:

  1. ​Participants will be able to recognize how stories shared in media-infused activities and programs can spark ideas, feelings, and connections with adults in their lives and inspire ideas for the future.

  2. Participants will be able to access free online educational media resources they can use with learners in their program spaces to support connections to a range of topics, career and personal interests, and skills.

  3. Participants will be able to consult educator support materials for extension and project ideas they can readily implement in their programs and learning spaces.​​

A2: Wisconsin Registry: How to Maximize your Registry Membership

Presenters: Devan Valona, Operations Coordinator, Wisconsin Registry, Fitchburg, WI

                     Ashley Salzwedel

​Join us to discuss the Wisconsin Registry's role in the early childhood education and out of school time field. We will review the services offered by the Wisconsin Registry, pathways to position qualifications, how to utilize the training calendar, and reviewing the Registry Career Levels. 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will learn about the Wisconsin Registry and its role with partner agencies, along with the services offered.

  2. Participants will understand the benefits of submitting a complete Registry membership application.

  3. Participants will be able to find resources and opportunities currently available to the field. 

A3: Using Compassion and Empathy to Diffuse School-Age Bullying Behaviors 

Presenter: Ericka Gergely, School-Age Specialist, Shine Early Learning, SPARK Learning Lab

As school-age children go through their developmental stages, they should be learning how to read social situations, make friends, and understand their social environment. However, some school-age children will often use bullying behaviors to replace the social skills they're supposed to develop throughout their school years. This training will focus on supporting the child exhibiting bullying behaviors by identifying the reasons that drive the behaviors, modeling how children can make amends and reconnect with their peers, and demonstrate how empathy can be built and incorporated into peer relationships to help children make lasting, positive changes.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to identify reasons that drive bullying behaviors

  2. Participants will be able to model how to make amends and reconnect with peers

  3. Participants will be able to demonstrate how empathy can be built and incorporated into peer relationship.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | “B” Sessions

B1: LEGOs and Play Learning​

Presenter: Joanna Skluzacek, PhD. University of Wisconsin - Madison​

Research on play-therapy and play-learning techniques show that using these methods can help alleviate anxiety and create an inclusive environment. LEGOs are simple and cost-effective tools that can inspire youth of all ages to more fully engage in education.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to understand the basic research around play-learning methods.

  2. Participants will be introduced to LEGO Serious Play facilitation techniques.

  3. Participants will be able to discuss implementation with other educators​.

B2: Creating Inclusive Environments​

Presenter: Mary Niec, Inclusion and Exceptionalities Content Specialist for Shine Early Learning and YoungStar Connect

Celebrate the diverse abilities of all children by learning the benefits of inclusive learning environments. Dive into Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and uncover its three principles: representation, engagement, action, and expression. Explore fun and creative ways to implement UDL, enhancing your program environments to be more inclusive and effective for children with disabilities and delays. Gain practical strategies, such as adding visual tools, using objects to demonstrate interactions, and minimizing distractions with a sensory audit. Ensure every child thrives in your care environment.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to define inclusive learning environments.

  2. Participants will be able to explain the benefits of inclusive learning environments.

  3. Using the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), participants will be able to implement strategies that promote the inclusion of children with diverse abilities.

B3: The Stories We Tell: Integrating Language, Literacy, and Social Emotional Learning for Richer OST Experiences

Presenter: Samantha Newton, B.S in Education; English as a Second Language, Americorps Member serving with WOSTA, Marshfield, WI

As human beings, stories play a fundamental role in our lives. Stories are how we make sense of the world around us, how we pass intergenerational knowledge through time, and how we comfort and entertain ourselves. Language learning  and storytelling are organic and innate human skills. Despite this, reading, writing, and literacy are very much not so! Schools today are struggling to produce fully literate students while simultaneously facing the largest mental health crisis in generations. In this session, you will learn about how educators and adults in OST programs can build language-rich environments that support literacy development while also providing youth with the necessary social/emotional knowledge and skills they need. Join me to learn about creating an environment that fosters happy, healthy, well-adjusted readers and writers! 

Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to describe why integrating language, literacy, and SEL instruction is beneficial.  

  2. Participants will be able to identify examples of literacy knowledge and the components of the CASEL Wheel. 

  3. Participants will be able to identify and facilitate activities that support language and literacy  development in youth while also explicitly teaching components of CASEL wheel. ​​

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. | "C" Sessions

C1: ​ Fail Forward and Bounce Back: Cultivating Growth-Mindset and Resilience in School-Age Children​

Presenter: Ericka Gergely​, School-Age Specialist, Shine Early Learning, SPARK Learning Lab

Resilience is often referred to as a superpower because it is our ability to bounce back from adversity! In this training, we'll explore the essential role of Emotional Intelligence in nurturing resilience in school-age children and debunk the myth that failure means the end of the road. We will discuss growth-mindset vs. fixed mindset and learn strategies to empower school-age children to "fail forward" and harness the power of "yet!" 

​​​Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will be able to define emotional intelligence and its connection to help children reframe the perception of failure.

  2. Participants will be able to apply strategies to help school-age children develop a growth mindset.

  3. Participants will be able to apply strategies to help school-age children develop resilience.​

​C2: Deepening Nature Connection Through Storytelling 

Presenter: Coral Conant Gilles, Storytelling Naturalist, LLC Owner

Discover how to adapt a folktale for the science, ecosystem, social-emotional skills, and awarenesses you want to build. Explore incorporating storytelling into Land Acknowledgments (without appropriating stories from other cultures) and using story prompts to increase awareness and build curiosity. How do you inspire children who spend most of their outdoor time walking to the bus to find wonder and curiosity in nature? How do you encourage children who see woods as scary and dirty to get down on their hands and knees to explore? Storytelling is our oldest technology. It improves comprehension and content recall; it develops vocabulary and language fluency, but storytelling is so much more than its power to teach literacy and science. Storytelling builds imagination. Imagination is necessary for empathy and problem solving - be it empathy with ecosystems, trees, and spiders or other people; be it problem solving for climate crisis or on the playground.
 
In this interactive, hands-on workshop we will use storytelling to deepen our connection to Earth. We will build curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking. You will learn to tell a story, teach storytelling, and understand why it matters. 
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Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will be able to understand the value of storytelling for increasing comprehension, content recall, vocabulary, language fluency, empathy, curiosity, and problem solving.

  2. Participants will be able to tell a folktale and teach others to tell a folktale. 

  3. Participants will be able to use story to deepen Land Acknowledgements.

C3: ​Young Adult Panel: How To Be A Supportive Adult 

Presenters: Andrea Turtenwald, MA, Family Relations Coordinator, Wisconsin Office of Children's Mental Health

                     Aniah Gilbert, Senior at Ronald Reagan Highschool

                     Yash​ Patil 


​Young adult co-presenters will share the latest research on supportive adult relationships and will provide their insights on how leaders and direct service staff can prioritize social connectedness in their work.

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Participants will able to describe how to share power with young people in relationships and why it is important.

  2. Participants will be able articulate how to challenge growth in young people and why it is important to supportive adult relationships.

  3. Participants will be able to understand why it is important to expand possibilities when forming strong relationships with youth. ​

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‭(Hidden)‬ 2:45 p.m. | Closing

Closing Remarks 

Cathy Scheder, Randy Neve, & Jennie Neldie

​Sponsored by:

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​Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least four weeks in advance. Please contact UWSP Conferences at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu.

​Contact Information


Email UWSP Conferences at uwspce-conf@uwsp.edu if you need assistance with registration and/or have questions about the conference content.