ONSITE CCAL Fall Education Conference
Friday, September 26, 2025
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Hotel Bentley
200 Desoto Street
Alexandria, Louisiana
On Friday, Registration Check-In starts at 7:55 AM
On Saturday, Registration Check-In Starts at 8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast Will Be Served
Virtual registration option available at
https://childcarelouisiana.org/event-6224232
Click the link below to download
CCAL 2025 Fall Conference Schedule and Speakers - REV June 24 2025.pdf
8:55 AM Welcoming Remarks – Tara Emery, President and Mayor Jacques Roy
9:00 AM Keynote Speaker Dr. Teri DeLucca
10:00 – 11:00 AM Skills Lab
11:00 AM till 12 PM LDOE Regulatory Panel
- Moderator - Karen Powell, Deputy Assistant Superintendent, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Barry Carter, Assistant Superintendent, Early Childhood Care and Education
- Shelia Campbell – Executive Director, Early Childhood Education Operations
- Edlink Update - Robert Klein
- Licensing Updates – Andrea Burl
- Child Care Criminal Background Checks – Kayla Batiste
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Lunch and Corporate Sponsor Recognition - Tara Emery and Cindy Bishop
Door Prize Giveaways
1:30 – 3:00 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Session A - The Mirror Doesn’t Lie: Radical Personal Leadership - Dr. Teri DeLucca
Before you can manage a classroom or lead a team well, you have to lead yourself with honesty and intention. In this raw and empowering session, you are invited to look in the mirror—not with judgment, but with curiosity and courage. This workshop is about radical self-leadership, the kind that gets real about your habits, your mindset, your blind spots, and how those internal patterns are shaping your external results. Because your personal leadership & how you hold yourself accountable sets the tone, the temperature, and the ceiling for your work and personal life. And the mirror? It doesn’t lie.
You’ll explore:
· Why self-leadership is the root of classroom experiences, child behaviors, team culture, trust, and performance
· How burnout, stress, and mental autopilot hijack your influence
· The subtle (and not-so-subtle) stories we tell ourselves that block growth
· How to take bold ownership of your impact and start leading yourself well- from the inside out
This isn’t about perfection, it’s about personal power. When you lead yourself well, everything around you shifts. Participants will leave with: 2–3 personal areas identified for greater ownership and growth, a clearer understanding of how their thoughts and mindset influence their outcomes, a renewed commitment to show up stronger—for themselves and for their team.
Session B - What Not to Wear: Finding the Right Fit in Instructional Support - Kelisha Washington
As educators, we’re all trying to find the “right outfit”—the right language, the right instructional strategies, and activities that help students not only learn but truly understand. Instructional support is about more than just delivering content; it’s about crafting experiences that connect learning to students’ everyday lives and stretch their thinking in meaningful ways. Just like finding the perfect pair of pants that fit just right, instructional strategies must be tailored—not off the rack. It’s about layering language, feedback, and thought-provoking conversation in a way that makes every child feel like learning was made to fit them. Because when it comes to cognitive and language development, one size doesn’t fit all.
Session C Ready Set Go: Setting the Foundation for School Readiness from the Infant Room and Beyond - Ginger Hisaw, MA, LMFT, LPC-S and Kirsten Long, LMSW
As early childhood professionals and educators, we strive every day to help our youngest students get prepared for what comes next. In this session, you will learn more about how every part of your day matters, from rocking babies in the infant room to exploring new ideas and concepts in Pre-K. You will learn about crucial milestones in infancy and early childhood and strategies you can integrate to promote skills that lead to school success!
Session D Toys, Trikes and Tantrums - Dianna Constant, Agenda for Children
This workshop provides educators with a blueprint for success with young children in the early learning classroom. Participants will learn an underlying cause of preschool behaviors and learn effective techniques to prevent problem behaviors that sometimes occur in the preschool classroom.
Session E ACES Training (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Part I - Dr. Ranyel Trent
This professional development is designed to address all things BEHAVIOR! You heard that right. From building relationships to documenting behavior and creating behavior plans, this PD is every early childhood teacher dream wrapped up in a pink and blue bow.
Session F
The Rules Behind the Rules: Navigating BESE Licensing Bulletin 137 - Tara Emery and Jonathan Pearce
Join Tara and Jonathan for an engaging 1.5-hour session designed for teachers and directors to deepen their understanding of BESE Licensing Bulletin 137. This training will explore the foundational principles and specific regulations that underpin licensing standards, empowering early childhood professionals to confidently interpret and implement these rules in their daily practice. Through practical insights and interactive discussion, participants will gain clarity on compliance requirements and learn how to foster a high-quality, compliant childcare environment.
3:00 - 4:30 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Session G
Behavior Analytic Approaches to Classroom Management & Community Partnerships - Dr. Rosie Cooper and Dr. Margaret Gifford
During this presentation, Dr. Rosie Cooper and Dr. Margaret will discuss behavior analytic approaches to classroom management at the PreK early learning level. They will also discuss their training and support partnership with The Arc Caddo-Bossier Goldman School conducted throughout the 2024-2025 school year. This partnership includes employee training in the behavior analytic techniques, as well as classroom observation visits throughout the school year.
Sessions H
Motivation and Mindset - Kayli Coleman
Children can be motivated by many factors from their environment and within themselves. However, some motivators may provide more and longer lasting benefits than others. The Motivation and Mindset course reviews the differences between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, the childhood and adulthood outcomes of each type, and how to foster motivation in young children. Additionally, the course will compare how types of motivation are associated with developing mindsets: growth mindset and fixed mindset. In this class, we will discuss techniques to foster a growth mindset in children.
Session I
Advocacy 101: Why It is Essential to Advocate for Early Childhood Education – Cindy Bishop and Jennifer Stevenson
In this session, we will break down the Who, What, When, How and Why of Advocacy. When childcare business owners and early childhood educators speak up for the importance of early childhood education, state and federal policymakers pay attention. From the halls of the Louisiana State Capitol to the halls of the United States Capitol, childcare professionals are uniquely poised to make a tremendous difference when using their collective voices to speak loudly! Participants will walk away from this session with a renewed sense of their ability to use the voices to advocate for early childhood education and how to be impactful in the public policy arena of state government.
Session J
The “Dirty Dozen” - 12 Most Common Playground Safety Hazards – Lauren Knight
In this breakout session, participants will learn to
- Understand the difference between “risky play” and “hazards”
- Use a trained eye to identify common playground hazards on their own center’s equipment and execute a plan to remedy
- Utilize tangible resources for self-checking play areas
Session K
ACES Training (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Part II - Dr. Ranyel Trent
This professional development is designed to address all things BEHAVIOR! You heard that right. From building relationships to documenting behavior and creating behavior plans, this PD is every early childhood teacher dream wrapped up in a pink and blue bow. Dr. Ranyel L. Trent has always had a deep passion for serving others which can be seen through her vibrant personality and practical application of knowledge.
Session L
What Had Happened Was…” When Leaders Are the Excuse-Makers, Not the Change-Makers – Stacey Byes-Byarse
This truth-telling training is for the leaders and managers who find themselves constantly explaining, justifying, or passing the buck when things go wrong. From missed deadlines to team breakdowns, too many leaders fall into the trap of “what had happened was…” blaming circumstances, staff, or higher-ups instead of stepping up. This session exposes how excuse-making at the leadership level chips away at credibility, damages team trust, and creates a culture of avoidance. Leaders will learn how to own their role, repair accountability gaps, and model the transparency and consistency they expect from their teams. Because leadership isn’t about always having the right answers. It’s about having the courage to own up to the wrong answers.
Join Us for CCAL's Social Event on Friday 9/26
This event is included in the cost of registration.
Please RSVP on the registration form
Saturday September 27, 2025
Onsite Registration Starts at 8:00 AM
Continental Breakfast Will Be Served
Saturday Breakout Sessions 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Session M
Say What You Need to Say: How to Have Hard Conversations with Skill - Dr. Teri DeLucca
Some conversations are uncomfortable. Others are unavoidable. And the ones we avoid? They tend to get louder—in stress, conflict, and disconnection. In this engaging workshop, you will learn the mindset and skillset needed to navigate tough conversations with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence. Whether it’s navigating conflict with a coworker, a boundary crossed with a loved one, or how to handle finding yourself in an unexpected disagreement- giving direct feedback without damaging the relationship is critical. This session is your roadmap to courageous communication. You’ll learn how to: stay grounded and clear-headed in emotionally charged moments. This isn’t just about having hard conversations. It’s about becoming the kind of person who can—and does. This skill will change how you interact in all relationships going forward. You will learn how to:
- Say hard things with empathy, honesty, and purpose
- Avoid common traps like over-explaining, shutting down, or sugarcoating
- Use a simple framework to structure difficult conversations and reduce anxiety
- Transform discomfort into connection—and accountability into growth
Session N
What Not to Wear: Finding the Right Fit in Instructional Support - Kelisha Washington
As educators, we’re all trying to find the “right outfit”—the right language, the right instructional strategies, and activities that help students not only learn but truly understand. Instructional support is about more than just delivering content; it’s about crafting experiences that connect learning to students’ everyday lives and stretch their thinking in meaningful ways. Just like finding the perfect pair of pants that fit just right, instructional strategies must be tailored—not off the rack. It’s about layering language, feedback, and thought-provoking conversation in a way that makes every child feel like learning was made to fit them. Because when it comes to cognitive and language development, one size doesn’t fit all.
Session O
Maintaining a Commitment of Professionalism - Krystal Ferrier
This presentation will focus on the crucial elements of professional conduct and behavior when working with children. Emphasizing the significance of maintaining clear professional boundaries, fostering respect and ethical conduct, promoting effective collaboration and communication among colleagues, and continually striving for competence in the field. Acknowledging the essential involvement of all children, the presentation aims to equip educators with the essential tools and mindset needed to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for every child in their care.
Session P Behavior Analytic Approaches to Classroom Management & Community Partnerships - Dr. Rosie Cooper and Dr. Margaret Gifford
During this presentation, Dr. Rosie Cooper and Dr. Margaret will discuss behavior analytic approaches to classroom management at the PreK early learning level. They will also discuss their training and support partnership with The Arc Caddo-Bossier Goldman School conducted throughout the 2024-2025 school year. This partnership includes employee training in the behavior analytic techniques, as well as classroom observation visits throughout the school year.
Session Q
The Rules Behind the Rules: Navigating BESE Licensing Bulletin 137 - Tara Emery and Jonathan Pearce
Join Tara and Jonathan for an engaging 1.5-hour session designed for teachers and directors to deepen their understanding of BESE Licensing Bulletin 137. This training will explore the foundational principles and specific regulations that underpin licensing standards, empowering early childhood professionals to confidently interpret and implement these rules in their daily practice. Through practical insights and interactive discussion, participants will gain clarity on compliance requirements and learn how to foster a high-quality, compliant childcare environment.
Session R - Toys, Trikes and Tantrums - Dianna Constant, Agenda for Children
This workshop provides educators with a blueprint for success with young children in the early learning classroom. Participants will learn an underlying cause of preschool behaviors and learn effective techniques to prevent problem behaviors that sometimes occur in the preschool classroom. Dianna Constant has been part of the Agenda for Children team since 1990.
10:45 AM - 12:15 PM SATURDAY BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Session S M-I-C-E!! MOTIVATE –INSPIRE – CULTIVATE – EMPOWER! - Danielle Credeur
Motivation is the driving force behind any action. By setting clear goals, fostering a positive mindset, and creating an environment of encouragement, we can ignite the passion to move forward. Inspiration is so important as a leader. Helping you to remember that leadership, and leading by example, we spark creativity and enthusiasm in ourselves and others. Growth requires nurturing which is where my Cultivate portion comes in. By fostering skills, encouraging learning, and providing continuous support, we can create a foundation for sustainable success. And finally, to Empower! True transformation happens when employees and fellow leaders are given the confidence and tools to take charge. Empowerment comes from trust, responsibility, and the freedom to make decisions. Empowerment takes away the second-guessing nature that is natural in all of us. By embracing these four principles, we can all create a CULTURE of resilience, ambition, and continuous improvement, helping you and your staff reach their full potential. Danielle Credeur is from Lafayette and resides in Scott, Louisiana.
Session T Motivation and Mindset - Kayli Coleman
Children can be motivated by many factors from their environment and within themselves. However, some motivators may provide more and longer lasting benefits than others. The Motivation and Mindset course reviews the differences between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, the childhood and adulthood outcomes of each type, and how to foster motivation in young children. Additionally, the course will compare how types of motivation are associated with developing mindsets: growth mindset and fixed mindset. In this class, we will discuss techniques to foster a growth mindset in children.
Session U Maintaining a Commitment of Professionalism - Krystal Ferrier
This presentation will focus on the crucial elements of professional conduct and behavior when working with children. Emphasizing the significance of maintaining clear professional boundaries, fostering respect and ethical conduct, promoting effective collaboration and communication among colleagues, and continually striving for competence in the field. Acknowledging the essential involvement of all children, the presentation aims to equip educators with the essential tools and mindset needed to provide a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for every child in their care.
Session V Ready Set Go: Setting the Foundation for School Readiness from the Infant Room and Beyond - Ginger Hisaw, MA, LMFT, LPC-S and Kirsten Long, LMSW
As early childhood professionals and educators, we strive every day to help our youngest students get prepared for what comes next. In this session, you will learn more about how every part of your day matters, from rocking babies in the infant room to exploring new ideas and concepts in Pre-K. You will learn about crucial milestones in infancy and early childhood and strategies you can integrate to promote skills that lead to school success!
Session W Building Relationships with Children with Disabilities - Lauren Barrick
This engaging and reflective training helps educators shift from a compliance-based approach to one rooted in connection, with a special focus on supporting children with disabilities. Participants will explore the science behind relationships, learn how to co-regulate and teach emotional regulation, and discover practical strategies to build strong bonds with children and encourage positive peer interactions. Through videos, real-life examples, and strength-based reflection, teachers will leave with tools to create inclusive classrooms where all children feel seen, safe, and supported.
Session X - Guiding Children Through Challenging Behaviors - Shannon Johns with LeeAnn Price
Step right up to the Behavior Big Top – where outbursts, tantrums and tattling aren’t signs of misbehavior, but invitations to get curious. In this informative, strategy packed session inspired by Conscious Discipline, we will take a closer look at what’s really going on beneath the big behaviors. Instead of reacting with frustration, we will learn how to shift into curiosity.
- What is the child really trying to tell me?
- What brain state are they in and what state am I in?
- How can I connect first, then correct?
By the end of this session, you will leave with practical strategies and a renewed sense of confidence – ready to turn your classroom meltdowns into magical moments of growth and connection.
12:15 - 1:45 PM - Lunch Included with Registration
2:00 - 3:30 PM SATURDAY BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Session Y
Feedback without Fear: Coaching Teachers Through Challenging Behaviors and Personal Growth - Dr. Teri DeLucca
Session Z
What Not to Wear: Finding the Right Fit in Instructional Support - Kelisha Washington
As educators, we’re all trying to find the “right outfit”—the right language, the right instructional strategies, and activities that help students not only learn but truly understand. Instructional support is about more than just delivering content; it’s about crafting experiences that connect learning to students’ everyday lives and stretch their thinking in meaningful ways. Just like finding the perfect pair of pants that fit just right, instructional strategies must be tailored—not off the rack. It’s about layering language, feedback, and thought-provoking conversation in a way that makes every child feel like learning was made to fit them. Because when it comes to cognitive and language development, one size doesn’t fit all.
Session AA
Building Trusting Relationships with Families -
LaRonda Bowman
This presentation explores the importance of forming strong, respectful, and culturally responsive partnerships between educators and families. It emphasizes how trust serves as the foundation for positive communication, collaboration, and family engagement in a child's early learning journey. Through practical strategies, real-life scenarios, and reflective activities, participants learn how to connect authentically with all families, repair relationships when challenges arise, and create inclusive environments that honor each family's unique background and voice.
Session BB
Ready Set Go: Setting the Foundation for School Readiness from the Infant Room and Beyond - Ginger Hisaw, MA, LMFT, LPC-S and Kirsten Long, LMSW
As early childhood professionals and educators, we strive every day to help our youngest students get prepared for what comes next. In this session, you will learn more about how every part of your day matters, from rocking babies in the infant room to exploring new ideas and concepts in Pre-K. You will learn about crucial milestones in infancy and early childhood and strategies you can integrate to promote skills that lead to school success!
Session CC Building Relationships with Children with Disabilities - Lauren Barrick
This engaging and reflective training helps educators shift from a compliance-based approach to one rooted in connection, with a special focus on supporting children with disabilities. Participants will explore the science behind relationships, learn how to co-regulate and teach emotional regulation, and discover practical strategies to build strong bonds with children and encourage positive peer interactions. Through videos, real-life examples, and strength-based reflection, teachers will leave with tools to create inclusive classrooms where all children feel seen, safe, and supported.
Session DD - From Meltdowns to Magic:
Guiding Behavior Under the Big Top
- Shannon Johns with LeeAnn Price
Step right up to the Behavior Big Top – where outbursts, tantrums and tattling aren’t signs of misbehavior, but invitations to get curious. In this informative, strategy packed session inspired by Conscious Discipline, we will take a closer look at what’s really going on beneath the big behaviors. Instead of reacting with frustration, we will learn how to shift into curiosity.
- What is the child really trying to tell me?
- What brain state are they in and what state am I in?
- How can I connect first, then correct?
By the end of this session, you will leave with practical strategies and a renewed sense of confidence – ready to turn your classroom meltdowns into magical moments of growth and connection.
For registration assistance, call Cindy Bishop at 225 933 5435 or email cindy.bishop@checkmate-strategies.com and David.roberson@checkmate-strategies.com
CCAL DISCOUNT HOTEL ROOM BLOCK
CCAL has a discount room block secured with the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria.
The daily hotel rates are as follows: $112
There are two ways to book your hotel stay with the Hotel Bentley:
1) Call the Hotel Bentley directly at 318 442-2226
2) Book online by going to the following link
www.visithotelbentley.com and click the BOOK NOW tab, select the dates needed and enter the access code CCAL
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