June 18 2026
Summer Leadership Institute
Minneapolis College
We’re already looking ahead to our next professional learning opportunity and invite you to save the date for the MnAEYC Summer Leadership Institute.
Keynote Speaker: Dan Wuori
We are excited to welcome Dan Wuori, author of The Daycare Myth, as the keynote speaker for the MnAEYC Summer Leadership Institute.
Dan Wuori is a nationally recognized early childhood policy expert, former kindergarten teacher, and senior leader in early learning advocacy. In The Daycare Myth, Wuori challenges persistent misconceptions about early childhood education and care, offering a research-informed, developmentally grounded perspective on what young children truly need to thrive — and what leaders, policymakers, and systems must do to support them.
Drawing on decades of experience across classrooms, policy spaces, and public discourse, Dan brings a compelling, accessible voice to conversations about child development, workforce conditions, family needs, and the structural realities facing early learning systems today. His keynote will invite participants to critically examine dominant narratives about child care, reflect on the implications for leadership and decision-making, and consider how evidence, equity, and compassion can guide more effective early childhood systems.
This keynote will be especially meaningful for administrators, directors, and leaders seeking to align practice, policy, and advocacy with what we know about early development — and to lead with clarity, courage, and purpose in a complex and often misunderstood field.
The Summer Leadership Institute is a premier professional development experience designed to support leaders across the early childhood career continuum—from those just beginning their leadership journey to those with long-standing experience in the field. This year’s theme, “Beyond the Myth: Leading with Evidence, Care and Courage,” invites participants to challenge assumptions, ground leadership decisions in research and lived experience, and lead with intention in complex and evolving systems.
This one-day institute will bring together early childhood leaders, administrators, and emerging leaders for focused learning, reflection, and connection. More details — including session topics, registration information, and speakers — will be shared soon. We look forward to continuing the conversation and building leadership capacity together.
Target Audiences
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Aspiring / Emerging Leaders
Educators exploring leadership roles or beginning to see themselves as leaders. -
Beginning / Early Career Leaders
Individuals new to leadership positions who are building confidence, skills, and professional identity. -
Established Leaders
Experienced leaders seeking to deepen practice, mentor others, influence systems, or lead change.
Scheduled Breakout Sessions
Sessions are as follows:
Embracing Hope: Elevating Positive Relationships & Cultural Resilience Across ECE Networks
Jamesetta Diggs
This workshop examines positive experiences and meaningful connections as critical pathways to the health and well-being of children, caregivers, and educators. It explores the principles of early relational health, including the impact of adverse and positive childhood experiences, and emphasizes how awareness of cultural shifts and collective care practices can strengthen relationships across early care and education settings.
Enduring Commitment: Lessons Learned While Researching Retention Amongst Early Childhood Educators
Dr. Erin Wirtz
Why do some early childhood educators stay while others leave? Follow along with Dr. Erin Wirtz’s research journey exploring why licensed educators stay — or leave — in rural Minnesota. While rooted in rural contexts, the insights and strategies she uncovered have relevance for programs and leaders everywhere.
Understanding NEAR Science: Building Self-Healing Communities
Meera Kannan & Lisa Mills
Children who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at an increased risk of negative health, mental health, and social outcomes. During this session, participants learn about key findings from the fields of neurobiology, epigenetics, ACEs, and resilience research (NEAR science), which outlines the impacts of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on health and well-being, and offers strategies to prevent and mitigate the harm of childhood trauma and build resilience.
Building the Future of ECE: A New Pathway to Fair Pay and Professional Careers
Candace Yates & Jessica Rogers
This session explores Minnesota’s direct participation in a multi-state Action Research Partnership. The session translates how structured systems-change processes were used to examine workforce compensation and career pathway alignment, and what this work reveals for policy, governance, and implementation efforts tied to legislative expectations and future legislative opportunities.
Beyond the Myth: Courageous Leadership in a Broken Child Care Business Model
Courtney Greiner
Early childhood leaders are told to “work harder” inside a system that is structurally unsustainable. This session names the myths shaping child care, examines the economic realities behind workforce instability, and equips leaders to courageously shift narratives, culture, and systems, grounded in evidence, equity, and care.
Tenacious Leadership without Apology
Dr. Brittany Clausell
In this session, theory will meet practice! You will learn how to craft your very own "Leader of My Own Area" statement (mission and vision) that will serve as a working-document, guiding your leadership journey in Early Childhood Education experiences. From novice to seasoned leaders looking to develop a solid, leadership foundation while navigating the challenges of 21st Century education, this workshop is for you!
Imagining NeuroInclusivity: Nurturing Neurodivergent Talent
Natalie Beazer & Carrie Zelin Johnson
Top 5 strengths of neurodivergent people are: Hyperfocus, Creativity, Innovation, Detail-Processing & Authenticity! While educators work to ensure a sense of belonging for children & families, are leaders equitably ensuring their staff feel that they belong too? Participants will build awareness & learn strategies that nurture and retain neurodivergent talent.
Literacy Begins at Birth: Engaging Families, Communities, and Educators for Children
Dr. Lucy Arias
Early literacy starts long before a child enters school. This interactive workshop explores how families, communities, and educators can work together to build strong literacy foundations from birth through early childhood. Participants will learn how everyday routines, conversations, play, and culturally rooted storytelling all contribute to language development and a lifelong love of reading.
Together, we will examine practical strategies for partnering with families, creating literacy‑rich environments, and strengthening community connections that support children’s growth. Through hands‑on activities, discussion, and real-world examples, attendees will leave with tools to empower caregivers, engage communities, and nurture early literacy skills in meaningful and culturally responsive ways.
This workshop is ideal for early childhood educators, family support staff, community partners, and anyone committed to helping every child begin their literacy journey with confidence.
Building a Resilient Workforce: Retaining Educators Through Financial Empowerment & Professional Development Gabby Stroad & Jamesetta Diggs
This engaging session highlights how meaningful access to resources fuels educator confidence, retention, and long-term success. Participants will explore impactful Child Care Aware of Minnesota resources, TEACH supports for Spanish-speaking providers, and gain practical strategies for navigating the professional development system to strengthen program quality and build a more supported, thriving workforce.