March 21, 2026 at the Lynnwood Event Center
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About the Conference
Join our free 1-day conference to strengthen, inspire and grow a strong foundation of early literacy in Snohomish and Island Counties.
What to expect:
- A full day of free professional development focused on early literacy (9:00 am–4:30 pm)
- Workshops and interactive learning experiences designed for early childhood educators, parents/caregivers, community partners, and early learning leaders
- REJUVENATE keynote co-sponsored by PNW-WAEYC, opens a new window
- Earn up to 6 STARS credits for attending
- Breakfast and lunch provided at no cost to participants
Please note, this event is for adults only. Childcare will not be offered.
Registration is required and space will be limited. To receive updates about registration, sign up for the Sno-Isle STARS Training Newsletter here, opens a new window. For questions about the conference, please contact sno-isle@shworldwide.com.
Schedule At A Glance
- 8:00 am - Sign-in/registration table
- 9:00 am - Keynote and Breakfast
- Stories that Stick presented by Laura Shea,, opens a new window MEd
- 10:30 am Morning Sessions - Choose one (1) of four (4) 90-minute sessions:
- Storytelling & Storyacting presented by Laura Shea
- Supporting Language Learning, Multilingualism, and Early Literacy presented by Amelia R. Bachleda, opens a new window, PhD
- Using Children’s Literature to Celebrate Belonging presented by Michelle H. Martin,, opens a new window PhD
- Movement to Grow and Learn presented by Kat Combs, Librarian, Edmonds Library
- 12:15 pm - Lunch + Strategic Visioning with Eric Howard
- 1:30 pm Afternoon sessions - Choose one (1) of four (4) 90-minute sessions for attendees:
- Movement Matters: Dance in Early Childhood presented by Terry Goetz, opens a new window
- One Book, Many Stories presented by Kendra Wight, Librarian, Library on Wheels
- Rhythm and Rhyme: Poetry and Phonological Awareness for Young Children presented by Jayanne Bixby, Librarian, Freeland Library
- From Good Intentions to Daily Practice: Building Culturally Responsive Relationships in Early Learning presented by CiKeithia Pugh, opens a new window
- 3:30 pm - Early Literacy Panel Discussion moderated by J. Elizabeth Mills, opens a new window, PhD.
Building and growing a culture of reading in our community and moving beyond the reading readiness years. Panelists include:- Michelle H. Martin, PhD - Camp Read-a-Rama, opens a new window
- Mary Cline-Stively - ChildStrive, opens a new window
- Elee Wood, PhD - Imagine Children’s Museum, opens a new window
- Violeta Martin - Prime Time Family Reading, opens a new window
- 4:30 pm - Closing remarks with Eric Howard
Breakout Sessions
REJUVENATE Keynote Co-sponsored by PN-WAEYC
Stories that Stick presented by Laura Shea,, opens a new window MEd - This keynote explores how early experiences shape the stories children carry about themselves as learners. We’ll examine the long-term impact of pressure-driven literacy practices and contrast them with environments rooted in play, trust, and responsive teaching. Through research, storytelling, and real-world examples, this keynote reframes early literacy as something that grows through play, oral language, storytelling, executive functioning, and emotional safety. Leave with a deeper understanding of how honoring child development prepares children for the cognitively demanding work of reading and writing—without sacrificing joy, curiosity, or confidence.
Morning Sessions
Storytelling & Storyacting presented by Laura Shea - This interactive session introduces the storytelling and storyacting approach, rooted in the work of Vivian Gussin Paley. We’ll further explore how child-led storytelling supports oral language, narrative skills, self regulation, and emergent literacy. Learn the core components of storytelling and storyacting. Observe examples of children and educators engaging in the process and how to implement the approach in a learning environment.
- Download the Beginning Stories handout
- Download the Storytelling Resources handout
- Take the survey, opens a new window
Supporting Language Learning, Multilingualism, and Early Literacy presented by Amelia R. Bachleda, opens a new window, PhD - Children are born with an incredible capacity to learn language—even multiple languages at a time! Learn about the latest research on language learning and the brain. We will discuss research-based strategies to support children’s early language development. This session will also cover how children learn more than one language, address misconceptions, and explore the many benefits of multilingualism.
Using Children’s Literature to Celebrate Belonging presented by Michelle H. Martin,, opens a new window PhD - What do Your Name is a Song by Jamila Thompkins-Bigelow, The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson, Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard, and Where Are you From? by Yamile Saied Méndez have in common? They all focus on belonging. When we celebrate the importance of representation in books, we can use them in more culturally responsive and inclusive ways with young children. We’ll explore ideas for hands-on activities to help children feel they belong, and practice lots of ways to include friends and those who aren’t yet friends in your classrooms. In this interactive session, participants should also come prepared to sing and enjoy exploring books of belonging together.
Movement to Grow and Learn presented by Kat Combs - Young children learn through movement! We will explore ways to offer appropriate movement for young children. From fingerplays to transitions to interactive picture books, you’ll learn and practice some new movement activities and discover new picture books that will support growth and development for toddlers and preschoolers.
Keynote Speaker
Laura Shea, M.Ed.
CEO of Stories That Stick
Presenters & Panelists
Amelia Bachleda, Ph.D.
Director of Outreach and Education at UW I-LABS
Jayanne Bixby
Librarian, Freeland & Langley Libraries
Katherine Combs
Librarian, Edmonds Library
Terry Goetz
Director of the Creative Dance Center
Eric Howard
Executive Director of Sno-Isle Libraries
Michelle H. Martin, Ph.D.
Beverly Cleary Professor for Children and Youth Services & Co-Founder of Read-a-Rama
Violeta Martin
Director of Programs for Humanities Washington
J. Elizabeth Mills, Ph.D.
Early Learning Advisory Council member & UW Guest Faculty
CiKeithia Pugh
Senior Associate at Equity Matters
Mary Cline-Stively
CEO of ChildStrive
Kendra Wight
Librarian, Library on Wheels
Elee Wood, M.Ed., Ph.D.
CEO of Imagine Children's Museum
Afternoon Sessions
Movement Matters: Dance in Early Childhood presented by Terry Goetz, opens a new window - Discover how creative dance supports young children’s confidence, curiosity, and sense of community. Creative Dance Center's BrainDance warm-up and Brain-Compatible Dance Education framework provide simple tools that offer structure while honoring children’s natural love of movement and play. We’ll explore developmentally appropriate, inclusive activities using the elements of dance and fundamental movement skills that strengthen bodies and brains, such as rolling, spinning, crawling, marching, and leaping, while balancing teacher-led guidance with child-centered discovery. Leave with practical, engaging ideas that build coordination, inspire creativity, deepen connection, and bring meaningful movement into any early childhood setting.
One Book, Many Stories presented by Kendra Wight - How many different stories can we tell with one book? There are lots of ways to support early literacy for all students that go beyond reading the words on the page. This session focuses on techniques for sharing wordless books and books in languages other than English. Learn how to adapt books to suit children of all ages, as well as tips and strategies for supporting parents or caregivers that don’t have access to books in languages they can read.
Rhythm and Rhyme: Poetry and Phonological Awareness for Young Children presented by Jayanne Bixby - Whether it's bouncing babies to nursery rhymes, playing rhyming games, or reading poems, we'll explore the value and joy of verse. Come and discover new and engaging books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers and share practical ideas for nurturing language, listening, and early reading skills through poetry and rhyme.
- Download the presentation slide deck, opens a new window
- Download the handout, opens a new window
- Take the survey, opens a new window
From Good Intentions to Daily Practice: Building Culturally Responsive Relationships in Early Learning presented by CiKeithia Pugh, opens a new window - Most early learning practitioners care deeply about serving all children and families well, but caring isn't the same as practice. This interactive session bridges that gap. We'll move through three stages: learning about culturally responsive practices with a focus on authentic community engagement, reflecting in small groups on where these practices show up in your daily work (and where they don't), and applying practical tools to identify specific transformations you can implement in your setting. Whether you're seeking inspiration, practical guidance, or innovative approaches, leave with a framework for examining daily practice and at least one concrete shift you can implement next week.
Facility
- Floor plan, and virtual tours of the venue are available here., opens a new window
- We will do our best to ensure there is ample space along aisles, exits, and entrances for mobility ease.
- Be aware that some people prefer to sit near exits/back of session rooms while others may need to sit in these areas for accessibility reasons
- Seating is provided throughout the venue so you can rest when and where needed
- There is elevator access to different floors
- Accessible parking
- All facility entrances are ADA compliant
- There is diffused soft lighting throughout venue
Assistive Technology and Communication
Audio Assisted Devices:
- The venue offers pre-paired audio devices with headpieces. These must be requested in your registration.
- Captions will be provided in all session rooms
- ASL interpreters will be provided upon request
Accessible Presentations
All presenters and speakers are asked to:
- Use microphones
- Use accessible imagery and fonts
- Use closed captions for any videos
- Use best practices for working with sign language interpreters
Food and Beverage
- We have worked with the venue to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergens and provide gluten free, nut free, dairy free, and vegan options.
- If you have special dietary needs that are not met with the provided meal and snacks there are other nearby food options Where to Eat - Lynnwood Event Center, opens a new window
- Water will be available throughout the day
Animals
- Only service animals as defined by Washington State Law, opens a new window are welcome at the Lynnwood Event Center premises. Pets are not allowed.
Transit
- Information on transit options can be found here Getting Here - Lynnwood Event Center, opens a new window
Personal Items and Comfort
- We welcome and encourage folks to bring anything that helps create a more comforting day for you!
- Please refrain from wearing fragrances
- We encourage you to wear any pins or accessories that support you and the expression of your personal needs. For example, Sunflower lanyards are welcome and encouraged. To learn more about sunflower lanyards visit HDS - Global, opens a new window
Mothers Room
The mother's space is located off the lower-level women’s restroom and includes:
- Seating and surface for pumping
- Sink access
- Outlet access
- Privacy Curtain
