Resilient Start: Emotions, Play, Connection is a two-day early childhood conference dedicated to nurturing emotional wellbeing, resilience, and positive experiences in the early years. Through hands-on workshops, creative exploration, and evidence-informed strategies, we empower educators and caregivers to support children’s emotional growth—one meaningful moment at a time. Join us for a heart-led, practice-rich gathering where connection comes first and every child’s potential is honoured.
Hearts in Bloom
2-Day Early Childhood Conference: Supporting Emotional Wellbeing, Resilience & Positive Childhood Experiences
Day 0: Welcome Cocktail Connection (Wednesday Evening)Theme: "Come As You Are – Connecting Our Hearts & Intentions"
TimeSession5:00 PM – 6:00 PMArrival & Registration – Welcome packs, name tags, affirmation cards.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PMCocktail Connection – Light food, gentle music, connect & chat stations, intention tree.
7:30 PM – 8:00 PMOpening Address – Set the tone: Why positive experiences matter in early childhood. Invite reflection: “What do you hope to carry home from this conference?”
🌿 Day 1: Emotional Foundations & Flourishing (Thursday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)Theme: "Understanding Emotions, Play, and Connection"
TimeSession8:30 AMMindful Arrival – Movement & gratitude circle.
9:00 AMKeynote: “The Heart of It All: Emotions & the Early Years”
Understanding brain development, attachment, emotional literacy, and positive psychology (PERMA).
10:00 AMWorkshop 1: Blob Tree, Emotion Cards & Feeling Wheels
Hands-on creation + how to use them in daily practice with children.
11:15 AMMini-Talks Panel (choose 1 of 2):
A) "Co-regulation in the Classroom"
B) "Inclusive Belonging & Cultural Identity in Emotional Development"
12:30 PMLunch + Optional Calm Station – Art journaling, music, mindfulness corner.
1:30 PMWorkshop 2: Positive Psychology in Practice
Explore the five PERMA themes: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—with real classroom strategies.
3:00 PMInteractive Session: Five-Minute Warnings & Gentle Transitions
Practice routines and visual tools to support self-regulation.
4:00 PMCreative Session: Art as Expression – Paint your emotion, community mural, or collaborative clay sculpture.
4:45 PMReflection Circle – “One feeling, one moment, one takeaway.”
Day 2: Expression, Resilience & Partnership (Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)Theme: "Tools, Therapies & Togetherness – Supporting the Whole Child"
TimeSession8:30 AMMorning Circle – Music-based welcome + gratitude warm-up.
9:00 AMKeynote: “Raising Resilient Children – What Erikson, Vygotsky & Play Teach Us”
Linking theory to resilience, with examples across developmental domains.
10:00 AMWorkshop 3: Play Therapy in Action
Role play, puppets, sand trays, and the therapeutic power of symbolic play.
11:15 AMWorkshop 4: Art Therapy Tools for Everyday Use
Create calm jars, feeling masks, drawing emotions, and story stones.
12:30 PMLunch + Mindfulness Drop-in – Breathwork, quiet space, journaling.
1:30 PMBreakout Stations: Positive Psychology in Action
Five stations for PERMA themes (choose 2 to attend):
A) Gratitude practices
B) Engagement through play
C) Relationship-building activities
D) Creating meaning & cultural identity
E) Accomplishment through goal setting & reflection
3:00 PMWorkshop 5: Partnering with Families for Emotional Wellness
Tools, communication templates, and take-home kits for family support.
4:00 PM Wellbeing for Educators & Leaders – Managing stress, nurturing your own emotional capacity, and embedding resilience into team culture.
4:45 PM Closing Circle – Certificates, gratitude wall, intention sharing: “What will you take back to your classroom, centre or home?”
🎁 In Every Welcome Pack:
2-Day Early Childhood Conference: Supporting Emotional Wellbeing, Resilience & Positive Childhood Experiences
Day 0: Welcome Cocktail Connection (Wednesday Evening)Theme: "Come As You Are – Connecting Our Hearts & Intentions"
TimeSession5:00 PM – 6:00 PMArrival & Registration – Welcome packs, name tags, affirmation cards.
6:00 PM – 7:30 PMCocktail Connection – Light food, gentle music, connect & chat stations, intention tree.
7:30 PM – 8:00 PMOpening Address – Set the tone: Why positive experiences matter in early childhood. Invite reflection: “What do you hope to carry home from this conference?”
🌿 Day 1: Emotional Foundations & Flourishing (Thursday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)Theme: "Understanding Emotions, Play, and Connection"
TimeSession8:30 AMMindful Arrival – Movement & gratitude circle.
9:00 AMKeynote: “The Heart of It All: Emotions & the Early Years”
Understanding brain development, attachment, emotional literacy, and positive psychology (PERMA).
10:00 AMWorkshop 1: Blob Tree, Emotion Cards & Feeling Wheels
Hands-on creation + how to use them in daily practice with children.
11:15 AMMini-Talks Panel (choose 1 of 2):
A) "Co-regulation in the Classroom"
B) "Inclusive Belonging & Cultural Identity in Emotional Development"
12:30 PMLunch + Optional Calm Station – Art journaling, music, mindfulness corner.
1:30 PMWorkshop 2: Positive Psychology in Practice
Explore the five PERMA themes: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment—with real classroom strategies.
3:00 PMInteractive Session: Five-Minute Warnings & Gentle Transitions
Practice routines and visual tools to support self-regulation.
4:00 PMCreative Session: Art as Expression – Paint your emotion, community mural, or collaborative clay sculpture.
4:45 PMReflection Circle – “One feeling, one moment, one takeaway.”
Day 2: Expression, Resilience & Partnership (Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM)Theme: "Tools, Therapies & Togetherness – Supporting the Whole Child"
TimeSession8:30 AMMorning Circle – Music-based welcome + gratitude warm-up.
9:00 AMKeynote: “Raising Resilient Children – What Erikson, Vygotsky & Play Teach Us”
Linking theory to resilience, with examples across developmental domains.
10:00 AMWorkshop 3: Play Therapy in Action
Role play, puppets, sand trays, and the therapeutic power of symbolic play.
11:15 AMWorkshop 4: Art Therapy Tools for Everyday Use
Create calm jars, feeling masks, drawing emotions, and story stones.
12:30 PMLunch + Mindfulness Drop-in – Breathwork, quiet space, journaling.
1:30 PMBreakout Stations: Positive Psychology in Action
Five stations for PERMA themes (choose 2 to attend):
A) Gratitude practices
B) Engagement through play
C) Relationship-building activities
D) Creating meaning & cultural identity
E) Accomplishment through goal setting & reflection
3:00 PMWorkshop 5: Partnering with Families for Emotional Wellness
Tools, communication templates, and take-home kits for family support.
4:00 PM Wellbeing for Educators & Leaders – Managing stress, nurturing your own emotional capacity, and embedding resilience into team culture.
4:45 PM Closing Circle – Certificates, gratitude wall, intention sharing: “What will you take back to your classroom, centre or home?”
🎁 In Every Welcome Pack:
- Affirmation cards
- Mini emotion wheel
- Feelings check-in chart
- Calm-down tool ideas
- PERMA cheat sheet
- Family handout templates
- Certificate of Attendance